You have to hand it to the Illinois Restaurant Association. Not only do they take constructive criticism, they act upon it. A few years ago, I was fairly critical of Chicago Gourmet, after a weekend spent waiting in lines longer than an NFL rap sheet due in part, no doubt, to a Groupon that flooded … Continued
There are no vitamin C deficiencies this week, but a small, Lake Mills, Wisconsin brewery called Tyranena is using a little humor to create a slightly bitter IPA they’re calling scurvy. Since it contains orange peels – one of the remedies for said affliction – they’re hoping that if you have a pirate in the … Continued
How time flies, especially if you’re shucking. This Friday, Shaw’s Crab House kicks off it’s 30 year anniversary celebration with yet another Oyster Fest Block Party. As usual, there will be live music, Goose Island beers, a boat load of fresh seafood and tons of oysters (approx. 15,000) from both coasts. A lively Oyster Slurp Off … Continued
Despite the fact those relentless summer weekend festivals are pretty much over, there’s still plenty of eating, drinking and live music going on this weekend in Chicago. WXRT is teaming up with Goose Island tomorrow for the 312 Urban Block Party. The event happens at Fulton and Wood (main stage is on the corner of … Continued
LOS ANGELES – Damn that Jessica Koslow. The diminutive chef/owner of the quirky Sqirl in Silver Lake has officially made the process of ordering a simple breakfast fraught with potential heartache. No doubt, if you happen to scan the narrow, rectangular menu in her corner store/cafe/hipster hideout, you’ll be racked with such 1st World problems … Continued
Spending two years in oak, along with some Michigan cherries, Goose Island’s Madame Rose is truly a unique brew. This week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper urges you to go out and find some, before it’s all gone. Better yet, pick up a few extra bottles and cellar them for awhile; it will only improve with … Continued
Ever since I tweeted from Smalls about their brisket bibimbop, I’ve been having dreams about it (I know, I’m sick). It’s so obvious and yet, no one in Chicago has dared combine the rich, earthy, smokiness of slow-cooked brisket with the bold, assertive Korean chili paste (gojujang) and crisp, blanched vegetables and rice that are … Continued
It’s no secret food is the new rock, but the Food Network is taking things literally this Saturday, Sept. 20th. The all-food cable channel will join forces with musicians like John Mayer and American Idol season 11 winner Phillip Phillips – along with dozens of Chicago-area chefs – to create a unique, all-day concert filled … Continued
LIMA, Peru – The earthenware dish was set before us, samples of raw potatoes, sourced from more than 3900 meters above sea level, were pointed out by our server, who spoke in both halting English and fluid Spanish. On a stone in the center of the plate, three small discs, resembling grey skipping stones with … Continued
LIMA, Peru – The smell of smoked and roasted pig, or lechon, fills the air near an otherwise unremarkable stretch of the beach here along the Pacific Ocean. It’s not the result of some weekend warrior Food Network Star wannabe contest, but rather, a Super Bowl of sorts, at least among Peru’s highly competitive barbecue … Continued
We’re deviating a bit from the hops and barley theme this week, as we take a sip of a refreshing cider from the well-regarded Vandermill Brewery in Spring Lake, Michigan. This particular cider features both ginger and peach, for a light, refreshing, totally quaffable cider that is well suited to drinking with food or all by … Continued