I realize most craft brew fans look to places like Portland and Colorado (even Chicago) for new flavors and cutting-edge brewers. But don’t forget about sleepy, minuscule Delaware, home of Dogfish Head Brewery. This week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper is bullish on a seasonal brew that combines apricots and hops. It’s clever name? Aprihop. … Continued
Based on the number of volunteers, sponsors and dudes with walkie talkies roaming around the UIC Forum on Saturday, you’d think Baconfest was something well into its 2nd decade. The celebration of all things porcine (especially cured, smoked and belly-related) was a huge hit, attracting more than 3,000 people and well over 100 chefs. … Continued
I had no idea what to expect when I walked into the Lookingglass Theater for the first time on Tuesday night. I had read pieces of the most recent reviews, but I have been traveling so much lately, I could barely remember what it was about. I saw the same picture in the press, of … Continued
By virtue of my job, I eat out. A lot. So I’ve started to see patterns in how service staffs have been trained; in some cases, by corporate monoliths eager for profits and positive customer service surveys. I never really paid much attention, until I came back from Asia last week, where they present you … Continued
The Two Brothers Brewery in west suburban Warrenville (we’re talking pretty far west of Chicago) has been producing award-winning beers for many years now. One of their latest has caught Michael Roper’s eye this week, as it’s something he sells frequently at The Hopleaf in Andersonville. It’s their Domaine DuPage, a French style country … Continued
I knew I would run across some cool, crazy stuff on a trip through China, but I had no idea what they would look (or taste) like. I’m not about to step onto Andrew Zimmern’s toes here – I have very little interest in culinary one-upmanship by slamming grubs and other paraphernalia down my … Continued
If you have any interest in pastry, then in addition to knowing how to make a ganache and perhaps choux pastry, you’ll also need to master a crème anglaise. This versatile component stars in ice creams and sauces, and in the hands of a pro, can be deployed to make addictive desserts. Cindy Schuman, the … Continued
Not that I needed to go to China to get great Chinese food – I can certainly satisfy my dumpling and duck cravings in Chicago – but spending 10 days there last week really did change my life. On assignment for a couple of newspapers, a radio program and ABC, my priorities were duck in … Continued
For those of you looking for a place to celebrate Passover this weekend, two restaurants not commonly known for their Jewish cuisine will be offering traditional dinners in observance of the holiday. Joe’s Stone Crab will be hosting a Passover dinner from 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7. … Continued
A big, porky congratulations to Brian Lambrecht, winner of two tickets to this year’s Baconfest, which happens on April 14th at the UIC Forum. Brian and a guest will also take home a snazzy hat and t-shirt from the event. How come? Well, mainly because Brian and his pork posse put together this creative, … Continued
Letizia’s Fiore is hosting its first amaro dinner, with five courses of regional Italian cuisine paired with cocktails featuring amaro, the Italian liqueur that is finally getting its due around town. The special dinner, held on April 3, begins with a cocktail party at 7:30 P.M. The drinks will be prepared by mixologists Adam … Continued