One of the wonderful things about beer is that it can often be produced and bottled for a specific season. You don’t have to make thousands of cases, but instead, can offer a small batch of something really special for a limited time. Such is the case with most Oktoberfest beers, in demand right now, … Continued
I was so excited to check out Sala Bua on Saturday night, not only because the early word was that a real Thai woman was cooking down-home dishes here, but also because it was in Chinatown, thus becoming the only place to get a serious som tom fix south of 18th Street. It’s also BYO, … Continued
Chicago has always been the Candy Capital of the U.S., touting its Mars, Jelly Belly and Tootsie Roll roots, but the sweets industry – including some top talent from the pastry chef ranks – is coming together in two weeks, for the Chicago Fine Chocolate & Dessert Show, Oct. 18 – 20. Among the highlights at … Continued
You may have seen Bruce Cost’s name gracing a bottle or two of ginger ale over at Wow Bao, but long before he was bottling soda, he was helping Lettuce Entertain You figure out how to make Chinese and Thai-inspired street food for the masses by launching Big Bowl. I have to say, their chicken … Continued
I have to admit, of the creative projects inspired by Julia Child, TO MASTER THE ART, currently playing at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut) is among the best I’ve seen. The play recalls the adventure and romance of Julia and Paul Child’s journey of discovery to Paris during the 1950s. I’ve read stories … Continued
This week’s beer, from Germany, comes in a super cool bottle and has a bit of sea salt; it’s extremely refreshing, but a tad hard to find. Naturally, they do carry it at The Hopleaf, as well as a few other bars in town, but you’ll have to ask. Leipziger is the producer, and the … Continued
Images of rain-soaked, plywood-covered sod and cloudy skies seem like a distant memory. The Illinois Restaurant Association and Bon Appetit Magazine dialed up another stunning weekend for Chicago Gourmet, the two-day event held at Millennium Park that brings together the city’s top food, wine and spirits talent. After a Friday night Hamburger Hop competition, Saturday … Continued
A lot of chefs and educators talk about the need to educate kids and get them eating right. Pilot Light actually does something about it. The nonprofit organization empowers children to make healthy choices, by integrating culinary education with school standards, curriculum and culture. Now you can help too. They’re having a Back to School … Continued
Naturally, you think of mole, tamales and vegetables from the garden when you think of Rick Bayless. But the chef and restaurateur is also a fan of local goat cheese, which is why he’s partnering with Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery in Champaign to do a fundraising dinner there October 6.
The man knows his noodles. I know, because not only did I see him analyze a few bowls of udon and ramen in Japan a few months ago, but I’ve also seen the great care and exacting eye he sets upon his noodle maker, in the basement noodle-making room beneath one of his restaurants, … Continued
It seems like we’ve been talking a lot about the Brooklyn Brewery lately. They’ve got their big MASH event coming to town in a week or so, and this week’s pick is actually a collaboration between Brooklyn’s Brewmaster – Garrett Oliver – and an Italian brewery called Amarcord. They produce a blonde and a bruna … Continued