No plans next Friday night? Join fellow foodies and philanthropists for the annual Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Ball. Not only will you be supporting the philanthropic efforts of the Meals on Wheels program – which helps feed thousands of Chicago’s homebound and elderly – you’ll also get to attend one of the biggest chef … Continued
Mark Steuer didn’t look like he was too nervous last night. Settling into expediting at his new restaurant, The Carriage House, in Wicker Park, the South Carolina native wasn’t phased that the likes of Chicago Magazine’s Penny Pollack or “Check, Please”‘s Alpana Singh were both dining at the same time (separate tables). He seemed … Continued
Organizers couldn’t have dialed up a better weekend for Chicago Gourmet. With crisp, slightly warm weather and clear skies, the city never looked better, as more and more VIPs made their way here for two days of classes, tastings and seminars with some of the city’s top food talent. The festivities kicked off Friday night, … Continued
I had never heard of a beer deemed “Grand Cru.” I had always thought that term applied to a region or wine with a special designation. But this week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper is going crazy for a very special bottle from St. Feuillien, produced by one of the world’s few female brewmasters. This Belgian … Continued
STRATFORD, ON – Don’t ask anyone for directions to Justin Bieber’s house, or for that matter, any other details about the pop singer’s life before YouTube. The teen with the famous ‘do and the baby face may have grown up here, but locals have been just as proud to host their annual Shakespeare Festival, entering … Continued
Rachel Tan Hapless Intern SINGAPORE – There’s always room for a plump dumpling, no matter where you’re eating. Something as elemental as a small crepe-like disk of rice flour and water creates the perfect canvas for meat, vegetables or sweet fillings. In Singapore, some of the most popular types include traditional soup dumplings, … Continued
In honor of today being “Italian Village Day” in Chicago, I thought it only appropriate to delve into some of the city’s best red sauce joints. If you’ve come looking for Rosebud or La Scarola, you’ll be disappointed they’re not here. What these joints all have in common though, is their hospitable surroundings, serving comfortable, … Continued
If you thought Gene & Georgetti has been around awhile, the River North steakhouse has nothing on the Italian Village. Today, the City of Chicago is proclaiming it Italian Village Day, in honor of the legendary restaurant’s 85th anniversary. Alfredo Capitanini opened the restaurant in 1927, which has played host to politicians, celebrities and more … Continued
There is a history of successful people getting involved in the wine/beer business. Coppola made his way in film before Napa Valley cab, and the same is true of the Firestones. Yes, they made their name in tires first, but now – according to The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper – they’re also brewing excellent beer. Take … Continued
I’ve always been a fan of lowcountry cooking, but as much as I would see a deviled egg here or some pimento cheese elsewhere, I had never really spent any significant time in the South, with the intention of purely eating. In Charleston for work last week, I had an opportunity to have a couple … Continued
This week, as the weather begins the slightest shift to milder temperatures, Michael Roper looks across the pond to London, where a relatively new brewer is producing a dynamite porter, in the classic style. Trust us, it’s not as heavy as it looks. Cheers.