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
Don’t confuse Venezuelan arepas with Colombian versions. They’re completely different. At 11 Degree North, in Chicago’s Lake View neighborhood, they are making them just like back home. 11 Degree North 824 W. Belmont Ave. Chicago 773-904-7284 https://www.11degreenorth.com
Talk about a Throwback Thursday…a few months ago, I unearthed some old Beta SP tapes from my Chicagoland TV (CLTV) days. In the eight years (and more than 400 episodes) of the “Good Eating” show I produced and hosted, we did a special, one-hour edition for our 5th anniversary, in January of 2000. The year … Continued
There are several great sandwiches available in Chicago. The Italian beef and the Maxwell Street porkchop come to mind, but finding a good Chicken Parm is just as rewarding. Here’s a whirlwind tour of three tasty ones. Robert’s Pizza & Dough Co. 465 N. McClurg Ct. 312-265-1328 https://www.robertspizzacompany.com D’Amato’s 1124 W. Grand Ave. 312-733-5456 https://damatoschicago.com … Continued
This taqueria, along busy Western Ave., hand-stacks their tacos al pastor with pork, but they also make a delicious vegetarian version with celery root and portobello mushrooms in butter confit. The melding of French and Mexican techniques is consistent, since each of the two chef-partners hails from different backgrounds. Taqueria Chingón 2234 N. Western … Continued