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Lahmacun at Turkish Cafe & Bakkal

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

Lou Malnati’s Turns 50

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

“Good Eating” 5th Anniversary – Segment 4

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

Alabama White Sauce at Saw’s BBQ

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

“Good Eating” 5th Anniversary – Segment 3

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

“Good Eating” 5th Anniversary – Segment 2

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

“Good Eating” 5th Anniversary – Seg. 1

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

A Trio of Chicken Parm Sandwiches in Chicago

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

Tacos Al Pastor at Taqueria Chingón

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