Please don’t tell my mom about today’s two posts, she’ll kill me. This morning we talked about the 2nd Annual Baconfest over the weekend, and we mentioned that Nathan Sears from Vie in Western Springs took home the “Golden Rasher” for the best bacon dish. Well yesterday, as Sears was basking in the glory of his … Continued
Has it jumped the shark yet? Is bacon as ubiquitous as tiramisu on Taylor Street? Some would argue yes, but many in the food community say bring it on. While the back/side of the hog – the source of bacon – continues to show up on nearly every menu, right alongside beet-and-goat-cheese salads, if you … Continued
Consider the hot dog. While most of us are weaned on the iconic Vienna Beef here, very few (if any) chefs would dare attempt to make their own. But Jared Van Camp decided he would not only take a stab at it, he would do so in a research-and-development mode only a cooking drone … Continued
Grabbing a beer and a shot in Chicago is easy. But it seems like every other neighborhood bar has the same menu these days: (fill in the blank) sliders, “flatbreads” (a.k.a. weak pizza) and that ubiquitous duo – beets with goat cheese and/or some form of pork belly. But there are bars in Chicago where … Continued
IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO – In what is quickly becoming a monthly occurrence, there was another food and wine festival this past weekend. But unlike events in Aspen, Pebble Beach and Las Vegas – which draw top-tier culinary talent and more winemakers than you could possibly sample in 48 hours – this one was held in Mexico, … Continued
Evidently, my post last Thursday, (the Top 5 overrated Italian joints in Chicago), revealed there is clearly a passionate base out there, willing to defend loyalties. I promised that this Thursday, I would reveal what, I feel, are the top 5 best places to get Italian, but before I do, I wanted to share with … Continued
I realize the sheer number of Italian restaurants in our area makes this a somewhat daunting proposition. After last week’s “overrated” edition, I’m turning to my top 5 this week, and all of these places have a few things in common: for one thing, they make pretty much everything – from the grissini and focaccia, … Continued
I realize today is St. Patrick’s Day, but did you also realize that Saturday is St. Joseph’s? This Italian day of feasting occurs during Lent and features several seafood courses, if not an entire spread (don’t forget the zeppole!) I figured now was as good a time as any to reveal what I believe to … Continued
Pork, eggs, cheese and bread. These seemingly humble ingredients have become the Four Horsemen of nearly every breakfast nook in Chicago. Naturally, the pork isn’t simply bacon, it’s shoulder that’s been brined and/or smoked, sometimes braised in its own juices; the eggs should be organic, and if not, then at the very least, free-range … Continued
The Hawks have been on a tear (with the exception of the last two nights), as they head into the home stretch, (hopefully) headed for the playoffs. With just 14 games left in the regular season (six of which are at home), demand for seats is high, which is why you might want to gather … Continued