Joe Quercia started working at Freddy’s in 1968 – an Italian immigrant who couldn’t speak English. He bought the business in 1973 and has never left. He and his wife continue to run this tiny store and deli, and they’re as busy as ever. Definitely one of Chicago’s legendary joints. Freddy’s 1600 S. 61st Ave. … Continued
This mother-daughter business is preparing seriously delicious, homemade dishes rooted in Cambodia. Mona Sang’s mom is a survivor of the deadly Khmer Rouge from the late 1970s. The two women routinely get up at 4 a.m. to prepare these dishes. 24-hour notice required; order via website. www.monabellacatering.com
This one-man operation is cooking out of a ghost kitchen in Humboldt Park, Chicago, but the plan is to open a progressive Indian restaurant, with a more modern approach to traditional dishes. Saffron Street www.saffronstreetchicago.com
The Nanaimo Bar – a delicious dessert treat from British Columbia – has finally arrived in Chicago. I went to Dear Margaret (where the Chef is a native of Ontario, and grew up eating them) to see how he makes them. Dear Margaret 2965 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-360-8213 https://www.dearmargaretchi.com​
One of my favorite street snacks in Turkey is lahmacun (lah-mah-ZHOON) because it’s portable and delicious. Just please don’t call it Turkish pizza. I found an excellent version at a cafe in Ravenswood, where it’s just $5.00! See the video to learn how they make it, and more important, how to eat it. Turkish Cafe … Continued
The iconic deep-dish pizzeria turns 50 on St. Patrick’s Day. There are now more than 60 locations, with most in Illinois. I spoke with Lou’s son – President and CEO Marc Malnati – about that first day in business, when he was just 15 years old. They now ship all over the country. To find … Continued
Here’s another throwback from January, 2000, as we taped our 5th anniversary show at the Ritz-Carlton Dining Room. In this segment, a toast from Wolfgang Puck (when he had a restaurant at the MCA), plus interviews with John Bubala (Thyme), Patrick Concannon (Fahrenheit), John Hogan (Savarin), Gabino Sotelino (Ambria, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!) and Gordon Sinclair (Gordon). … Continued
When I knew I was going to be driving through Alabama in February, I had to figure out a way to stop somewhere to try some of the state’s legendary white barbecue sauce. Created at Big Bob Gibson’s in Decatur, I also realized it had to be available elsewhere. I reached out to a couple … Continued
Continuing our series of Major Throwback Thursdays here, with segment 3 of 6 from the “Good Eating” show’s 5th Anniversary blowout. I somehow convinced Chef Charlie Trotter to join me and 30 of the city’s best chefs for lunch at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago, with Chef Sarah Stegner making an exquisite lunch. In this segment, Trotter … Continued
Hidden among the ice cream shops and pizza parlors along Highway 30A in Florida’s panhandle, the Black Bear Bread Company is a beacon of all-natural starters and artisan breads. I asked them to show me how they make a pair of their delicious tartines (open-faced sandwiches) using their fantastic sourdough. Black Bear Bread Co. 26 … Continued
Segment two of our one-hour special from Jan. 2000, as Chef Charlie Trotter co-hosted with me at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago. 30 of the city’s best chefs joined us, as Chef Sarah Stegner made lunch for everyone. Highlights include: Rick Bayless, Rick Tramonto, Gale Gand, Julia Child, Emeril Lagasse and the first (and only) video of … Continued