In terms of Guatemalan food in Chicago, the first thing most caucasians probably think of is Pollo Campero, the Central American-born, international chain of fried chicken shacks with cult-like fans. But for nearly 20 years, the tiny kitchen at El Tinajon in Roscoe Village has been pumping out Guatemalan classics as well. One of the … Continued
It was a delicious week in Chicago… from homemade ramen at the brand new Oiistar in Wicker Park, to cooking classes for people of all ages in a Glen Ellyn cookware store; Balkan dishes are the focus at Kiko’s Market and Restaurant in Lincoln Square, while the chicken pot pie gets a makeover (in the … Continued
When I first heard this week’s BotW, I thought there was some Star Wars connection. But when The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper told me it was connected to the Firestone family – yes, the same one that produce tires – I thought, how good could this possibly be? Turns out, if you like your beers deep … Continued
Check out last week’s videos on creative curries, made from scratch in both the Indian and Thai traditions; Southern-style BBQ in Forest Park and MLK’s favorite dish: pecan pie (in this case, from Hoosier Mama Pie Co.).
Not many people go to Japan for work trips, which is exactly why the staff of SushiSamba did. Beginning February 1, they will offer the results of their investigation in a series of dinners – each representing a different part of Japan. The dinners will occur in the omakase fashion, basically a prix fixe, Japanese … Continued
One would think recipes – at least in the beer brewing world – would be secret. But The Hopleaf‘s Mike Roper says there have been a lot of collaborations lately. Today’s BotW is no exception. It’s a team effort between Grand Rapids brewery Vivant and Colorado’s New Belgium. They’ve produced a lovely (and high alcohol) … Continued
This week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper is looking all the way east, to Portland, Maine, where the Allagash Brewery is producing a series of beers in honor of some of their heroes of sustainability. They begin with Hugh Malone, whom I’ve never heard of, but who fronts a rather fresh-tasting Belgian style IPA this week. … Continued
MIAMI, FL – We had come to relax, and eat of course, but there was never a plan to perch ourselves poolside at the Delano for $600 a night and drink overpriced mojitos. This time, my goal in South Beach was to see what all of the writers and chefs have been talking about, rather … Continued
If you haven’t noticed by now, after more than a year’s worth of blog posts and hundreds of stories on ABC 7, I’ve got a thing for Korean food. Not just the thinly-sliced, char-grilled kalbi and smoke palaces on Western Ave. in Chicago and in Downtown L.A.; not just in the sea of vibrant, crunchy … Continued
For our final BotW for 2012 (can’t believe we started this feature almost a year ago), The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper is thinking seasonal, harvest ales. These are beers that are ready to drink. Right now. So go grab one, and tell a friend to join you for a taste of the season, as in fresh … Continued
What a delicious weekend this was. It started out on Friday, at Wicker Park’s brand new Oiistar. “Oii” is Korean for cucumber, and as the Korean-born chef/owner told us, he wants to be a rock star, but when you pronounce it, it should roll off the tongue like “oyster.” Whatever. The four ramens on the … Continued