Michigan knows how to produce great beer. There are a number of breweries in the state, and the New Holland Brewing Company is among the best. This week’s Beer of the Week features one of New Holland’s deep, dark beers, coming in at a whopping 10% alcohol, so maybe drink it with a friend. Either way, … Continued
This week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper looks to Quebec, of all places, for an inspired BotW. It’s from the well-regarded Unibroue brewery, makers of such fine beers as Ephemere and Blanche de Chambly. He says it’s a perfect complement to the change in seasons. Cheers.
Takashi Yagihashi’s profile has been given a boost over the last few weeks, thanks in part to his appearance on “Top Chef Masters.” One of the friendliest chefs in the business, he returned to Chicago several years ago (after stints at Tribute in Farmington Hills, MI and Okada at The Wynn Las Vegas) to open … Continued
Jean Georges Vongerichten has a lot going on – as usual. But he spent some time last week in Chicago, celebrating the one year anniversary of the re-boot of the historic Pump Room, inside the Ian Schrager-designed Public Hotel (formerly the Ambassador East). JGV talked about losing his opening chef, Bradley Phillips, how the menu … Continued
Many of us beer drinkers in Chicagoland (and beyond) love 3 Floyds Brewery. I’ve gone on the record several times about their fabulous new brewpub, with an upgraded kitchen and a menu that’s worth the drive. But their beers have become as legendary as the burgers at Kuma’s, and this week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper … Continued
We came, we saw, we gorged ourselves silly on barbecue. AUSTIN, TX – I’ve always had a number of “fantasy” food trips I’d like to check off of my list – boudin in Cajun country, clam shacks up the Eastern Seaboard and sushi at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market rank among my top five. But going … Continued
I’m still lamenting the loss of the Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop in Hyde Park, but the other location – in Evanston – is still humming along. Incidentally, they also have a second location in South Suburban Lansing. The restaurant serves three meals a day, but on weekends, they offer a few extra items, … 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
Before you know it, it’s going to be steady sweater weather. Enter your perfect antidote: hearty burek, which – depending on where you’re from – hails from either Macedonia, Turkey, Serbia and/or Bosnia. The Beograd Cafe on Irving Park is a reliable hangout for off-duty construction workers and coffee-sipping ex-pats, and nearly every table … Continued
Revolution Brewing has been a bright spot in Logan Square since it started filling up loyalist’s growlers with frequency. Now, the Chicago brewer is branching out beyond the brewpub, selling a fantastic new Belgian-style saison. You can’t miss the dynamic bottle art, and if The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper enthusiastically recommends it, you know it’s worth … Continued
(videography by Todd Rosenberg) In the waning days of summer (I can’t quite reconcile the fact that August is already in the past), you don’t have to make the trek to Ukrainian Village (or their latest store, at Belmont & Damen) to try Jesse Oloroso’s gelato. In fact, the owner of Black Dog Gelato … Continued