We all know that Chicago has an enormous Polish population. But where does someone go if they want to buy the smoked sausages, breads and soups that remind them of home? You could certainly walk up and down North Milwaukee Avenue or down South Archer, but for one-stop shopping, you need to travel to one of … Continued
By Kristine Sherred Mardi Gras, for some, is more of a Jeudi Gras. In densely populated Polish neighborhoods from Chicago to Milwaukee, Buffalo to Cleveland, and Grand Rapids to Detroit, the Thursday before Ash Wednesday welcomes the throes of thousands of pączki with open arms year after year. Oak Mill Bakery, one of many bakeries … Continued
By Kristine Sherred Though high-profile chefs earn plenty of accolades, there are many more folks – many of them first, second or third-generation immigrants – working hard behind the scenes. They are the ones who keep kitchens (and our bellies) full and dining rooms buzzing. North Pond Chef and Owner Bruce Sherman has spearheaded a soup … Continued
On this week’s show, we begin an occasional series on iconic dishes that define a particular place. We begin with a pair of meaty ones: tender barbacoa from Mexico City and meaty Italian beef sandwiches from Chicago. We were thinking about what constitutes an iconic dish, and decided we would take an occasional look at how … Continued
Cindy’s Rooftop Bar, which has one of the city’s best views, has undergone a pretty major change. Located atop the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel on Michigan Avenue, Cindy’s is popular in the summertime for its views of Millennium Park. However, a new year has brought a completely new menu, with a few tasty surprises that don’t … Continued
It’s the new year, and for a lot of us, that means an attempt to try to eat a little bit healthier. Remember Muskie’s? That little burger dive on N. Lincoln Avenue? It’s been re-born as a super healthy-yet-delicious option in Lakeview, where most of the menu is guilt-free.
As you may have noticed lately, if you’ve been following my Instagram, I’ve had a thing for pizza lately. There is a reason for this (which I’ll be able to reveal soon) but in the meantime, the fine folks at Eataly have asked me to help them out with testing their new doughs on February … Continued
There won’t be any ball-drops Friday night, but the Chinese New Year does begin at midnight. The “Year of the Rooster” will have just about every restaurant in Chinatown busy, of course, but you might want to seek out a new spot on South Wentworth where you’ll find hand-pulled and hand-shaved noodles exactly as they’re … Continued
When most new restaurants in Chicago tend to feature steaks, chops and other meat-heavy entrees, Bad Hunter is taking a very different approach. The Chef – a recent hire from Nico Osteria – has made grilling, roasting and transforming all manner of vegetables the stars of his menu. Bonus: this week’s Extra Course Video – … Continued
Since I’ve decided not to lead another trip to Cuba this year, I thought it was time to return to Spain. Barcelona is one of my favorite cities to eat and drink in, and on this trip – put together with the fine folks from Royal Travel here in Chicago – we’re also going to … Continued
As regular readers of my blog will surely know by now, there are plenty of options for great pho in Chicago. But few, if any top-line, classically-trained chefs in the city have devoted much time to perfecting the classic Vietnamese soup. Tomorrow night, however, one of my favorite Korean chefs in town is taking up … Continued