(Videography by Todd Rosenberg) There’s been a resurgence in demand for all things smoked, partly due to the amount of press places like Mile End in New York and Schwartz’s in Montreal receive (the latter doesn’t smoke their meat anymore, by the way. I’ve been inside their kitchen and seen the proof). But I’ve … Continued
(Videography by Todd Rosenberg) All month long we’re roaming around the Chicago French Market, sampling some of the best bites. So far, we’ve introduced you to the glories of gourmet take-out at Wisma, as well as the crispier-than-thou frites at Frietkoten. Today, we’re heading to Vietnam, sort of, for the traditional banh mi sandwich … Continued
The gluten free camp is doing a great job of getting their message out. Walking by my neighborhood grocery last night, I noticed a huge sign out front, promising “vegan and gluten free groceries.” Dozens of restaurants are now offering small sections dedicated to the GF crowd, and now even breweries are getting in … Continued
(Videography by Todd Rosenberg) We continue our grazing exercise through The Chicago French Market this month, with a trip to the Wisma kiosk. Chef John des Rosiers has been tackling the suburbs for a few years now, setting up shop at Inovasi in Lake Bluff and more recently, Moderno in Highland Park. But he’s … Continued
The Green Flash brewery isn’t known nearly as well as its fellow California brewer, Lagunitas, but this San Diego-based brewery is still producing some hoppy beers worth a look. This week, Michael Roper says their “Hop Head Red” is a red IPA that’s a bit spicier than normal, but if you’re into hops, then this … Continued
(Videography by Todd Rosenberg) A few weeks ago, I offered up my Top 5 French Fries in Chicago, and realized I had completely forgotten to mention one of the best in town. The problem is, like many of the culinary kiosks at the Chicago French Market in the West Loop, they tend to be … Continued
This week, Michael Roper is turning to a lager, but not just any lager, mind you. This one contains rye, which isn’t seen as often as you’d think. It gives this beer – Hoss – from the Great Divide Brewery in Colorado, a hint of spiciness and keeps the alcohol level relatively low. Hope you … Continued
At first glance, it looks like a mound of something your 16 year-old cousin would throw together after a late-night run through a fast food drive-through lane. But poutine is revered with almost religious fervor in the Canadian province of Quebec. And while the Olympic team might not be training on it this week, … Continued
When you think of St. Louis beers, your mind probably wanders instantly to the behemoth, Anheuser Busch. But this baseball-obsessed city also has a great little brewery called Perennial Artisan Ales, where they’re producing a Belgian-style beer that The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper is really fond of this week. It’s only 5.9% alcohol and features … Continued
This week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper is fond of a “table beer” from Belgium. Brasserie Dupont’s Biére de Table is a refreshing sipper for this time of year, when the weather tends to leave you parched. Cheers!
I’ve been to Aspen a number of times for the Food & Wine Magazine event, but every time I go, I think to myself, there has to be more than just the Little Nell and the Jerome. I’ve seen more private jets at the Pitkin Co. Airport than I have farmer’s markets, so I … Continued