There are some traditions in Chicago that need no explanation. The home openers at Wrigley and The Cell, the dyeing green of the Chicago River and the nearly annual parade of government officials being hauled off to jail. These events mark the passage of time and will endure for generations to come. But there’s another … Continued
I love a good holiday cocktail, but the truth is, eggnog has become a bit of a cliché, especially at holiday parties. A cousin to the brandy milk punch of New Orleans, this only-in-December concoction always seems to have too much cream and nutmeg, not enough structure or depth. So we turned to Eric … Continued
Before we go any further, let me just say that if you have never seen the movie Tampopo, do yourself a favor and rent it. But before you do, make sure one of the five places below are open, because you’re going to be jones-ing for a bowl of ramen immediately afterward. True, most of … Continued
Congratulations to Genie Bae, the winner of our “Omakase With Steve” contest. Last month, we had asked you to name three Japanese ingredients you’ve always wanted to try, and give us some reasons why. Genie (a.k.a @EBArchDesign on Twitter) chose three good ones: uni (sea urchin) because, as she called it, “it’s nature’s sublime … Continued
There are no cabs in St. Louis. Well, that’s not completely true, of course. But hailing a taxi here, in the “Gateway To The West” and the home of baseball’s World Champions, isn’t nearly as easy as it is in Chicago, as I found out over the course of 24 hours. I was here … Continued
By Benita Zepeda Hapless Intern I absolutely love sushi, but I’m not going to lie, there was a time when I was intimidated by how unfamiliar it seemed. I remember being nervous about eating something raw, while at the same time, owning a fish named – yes, it’s true – Sushi. What helped … Continued
Since Chicago doesn’t have near the competitive deli culture like they do in New York City, I realize wading into this subject isn’t fraught with nearly as much potential hate mail as I would receive if, say, I delved into Italian beef or pizza. But still, this holdover from a bygone era still gets my … Continued
How many times have you opened up the fridge, craving some guacamole, only to discover that, besides the one mealy avocado you have left on the counter, the cilantro you bought over the weekend has already started turning black and slimy. It’s a common problem for us cilantro lovers, and one that can be … Continued
The gougère (pronounced goo-ZHERE) is one of those little amuses or hors d’oeuvres that I always love seeing at a party. Perfect with a glass of champagne or prosecco, it typically signals there are going to be wonderful things ahead that evening. Made from a choux pastry (butter, water, flour, eggs) it is always combined … Continued
Want to impress your uncle or cousin who suddenly has a thing for classic cocktails this Thanksgiving? Here it is, complements of Tony Abou-Ganim, author of The Modern Mixologist. Tony was in Chicago last week, and showed me how to make this cocktail, which has just three ingredients (bar spoon optional, but recommended). Note: … Continued
Over the last week, I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy two stellar Asian meals – one in Las Vegas, the other in Chicago. Let’s begin out west. Last week I felt particularly inspired (and a little guilty, not having been outside for more than 24 hours) and walked the three miles from Caesar’s Palace to … Continued