Had a chance to pop into The Dawson on Friday, and since it was the first official night, I’m not about to get critical, but it’s amazing what energy the place has already. Remember that old Orange breakfast joint, on Grand Avenue, near Halsted? The one just a few steps from the Blue Line stop? … Continued
This Saturday, Chef Emma Hearst and Sarah Krathen, co-owners of the northern Italian-inspired New York City restaurant Sorella, will host a cooking demo and signing of their debut cookbook: Sorella: Recipes, Cocktails & True Stories from our New York Restaurant. The demo and signing takes place at Williams-Sonoma Lincoln Park (1550 N. Fremont St.) at 4 p.m. The … Continued
I love pumpkin pie, and the occasional soup or roasted pumpkin side dish is a welcome addition to my table. But beer? Maybe not so much. The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper says these seasonal brews are picking up steam, and while many are just artificially flavored or overwhelmed with spice, there are a couple that are … Continued
On the Lower East Side you live, where you’ve been since 1914, you’ve seen the city through highs and lows, from behind a façade shaded white & green. Unpretentious, never boastful, just a neon-lit fixture along Houston Street, Let the tourists go to Katz’s, when I’m in town, I know where to eat. I get … Continued
Having been a huge fan of Thai food for at least the past 15 years, I’ve been keenly aware of Andy Ricker’s influence here in America. His Portland restaurant – Pok Pok – is legendary (I’ve had those chicken wings) and his more recent addition in Brooklyn is trying to bring the same salty, sweet, … Continued
When Jamie Oliver first burst onto the U.S. food scene, most food writers thought the whole “naked” thing (“it’s food, stripped down to its essence”) was just a dumb marketing gimmick. But I could see right away, after having worked with him on a segment from the Chicago Tribune’s test kitchen, that the lad knew … Continued
You’d think this week’s pick would hail from Canada, but this autumnal red ale actually comes courtesy of San Francisco-based Anchor Brewing. It’s a wonderfully hoppy beer that has just a touch of California maple syrup to balance it out. It’s only available for a few more weeks, so get it now, and go rake … Continued
Before last week’s Nobu United Dinner, I got to sit down with Nobu Matsuhisa, which is kind of newsworthy in itself, considering the man is on the road 10 months per year. We talked about his upcoming hotel and restaurant in Chicago (slated for late 2014), what he likes about the city, and the state … Continued
LAS VEGAS, NV – It’s pretty rare when 28 chefs from the same company get together in one kitchen, but that was the case last week, as Nobu Matsuhisa gathered some of his top talent for one night inside the largest Nobu restaurant in the group’s portfolio, at Caesars Palace. Matsuhisa sat down with me … Continued
There are all kinds of charitable events going on this time of year in Chicago. I realize we just had Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation back in August, but the Big One is upon us: the 25th anniversary of the Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Ball happens on a Saturday this year for … Continued
To celebrate the close of patio season (geez, already?) Parson’s Chicken & Fish (2952 W. Armitage Ave) is having a party this Sunday (October 13th). Keeping things cheeky, the staff there is hosting the first annual Goat Beards & Oath Beers patio party. Chef Hunter Moore will be roasting goats on an outdoor spit, and beermakers Solemn Oath will be … Continued