Strap on your bibs and don’t tell your kosher/Muslim friends. On April 26, Cochon 555 returns to Chicago to celebrate family farms, heritage pig breeds, and today’s emerging chefs. Five Chicago chefs will compete in a one-of-a-kind competition featuring dishes prepared from locally-raised whole heritage pigs. Each chef will prepare a maximum of six dishes … Continued
Attila Gyulai and Thai Dang in Embeya’s early days “I was taken advantage of,” says a quiet, almost despondent Thai Dang. Sitting in a Streeterville coffeeshop, looking off in the distance, the former Chef and Partner at Embeya recounted the mind-numbing last few days. Just a few weeks ago, he was leading a culinary … Continued
SANTIAGO, CHILE – I’m hungry, and I’m hunting for a hot dog. Not just any dog, mind you, but the famous Chilean versions, noted for their “kitchen sink” mentality. Think Chicago dogs that are “dragged through the garden” with a stoner’s propensity to add just one or two more ingredients for good measure. I ask … Continued
PUCÓN, CHILE – Like most Americans, I had no idea what “Chilean cuisine” meant. Wasn’t it just a mash-up of Argentinian beef and empanadas, combined with the ceviches of the Pacific Coast near Southern Peru? I knew, of course, there was great wine – carménère, merlot and syrah all grow exceedingly well in several of … Continued
Back when the Beard Foundation and the City of Chicago announced that this year’s Chef and Restaurant Awards were coming to Chicago for the first time, they also quietly added that the Book, Broadcast and Journalism Awards would be staying in New York City. They’ve typically been held at Gotham Hall (pictured, above) on the … Continued
Easter and Passover bring families together over epic meals. But if the thought of preparing these meals doesn’t rank high on your list of good ways to spend your time, these Lettuce Entertain You restaurants have you covered with a variety of Passover and Easter specials and events (and you’ll get Lettuce points credit too). … Continued
If any of this year’s Chicago-based James Beard Award nominees get the fancy medallion, it’s going to be extra sweet (unless you’re a journalist), since they’ll get to ascend the stage at the Civic Opera House on May 4 in front of a very home crowd. This year’s Chef and Restaurant Awards are being held … Continued
Cocktail enthusiasts won’t want to miss this month’s guest bartender at CH Distillery, as they welcome “Best Bartender in the World” and “Best American Bartender” winner Charles Joly. Next Tuesday, the 31st, from 8 p.m. – midnight, the former Beverage Director at The Aviary (and creator of Crafthouse Cocktails) will be serving up two unique … Continued
This delicious, high-calorie dish should come with a warning label. Consumed in only one Departamento (State) in Colombia, it is favored by coffee plantation workers who need to fuel up for a hardworking day ahead.
Chef Beverly Kim (Parachute) stops by to take on Rick Bayless in a friendly challenge using Brussels Sprouts + five ingredients, hoping to come up with something delicious in 15 min. or less. As usual, I’m trying to keep everyone on schedule. Both recipes are at the bottom of the page. Brussels Sprout Salad Tacos … Continued
1. Johnnie’s 7500 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park; 708-452-6000 $4.32 for sandwich + .37 for sweet peppers + .37 for hot peppers Total: $5.06 Bread: Gonnella Opened in 1961, the legendary store in Elmwood Park typically has a line snaking out the side, especially in the summertime. On a chilly weekday, I walked right in and … Continued