Although it was not a fantastic night for Chicago, the city still came away with five good wins at the 2012 James Beard Awards hosted at New York City’s Lincoln Center. North Pond‘s Bruce Sherman won Best Chef: Great Lakes after his sixth year of nomination, Mindy Segal won Outstanding Pastry Chef for her … Continued
Chicago’s Next Restaurant won the Best New Restaurant award at the 2012 James Beard Awards today in New York City. You can watch my interview with co-owner Nick Kokonas and chef Dave Beran below:
I interviewed Charlie Trotter after he won the Humanitarian of the Year award at the 2012 James Beard Awards. Trotter’s eponymous restaurant will be closing in August after 25 years of service. You can watch the interview below:
I spoke with North Pond‘s Bruce Sherman after he won the Best Chef: Great Lakes category at the 2012 James Beard Awards after six previous nominations. You can watch the interview below:
When it comes to pickles, Paul Virant is a bit of a savant. Long before amuses of pickled purple carrots arrived on tables and garnishes with pickled ramps began to be standard operating procedure at brunches across the city, Virant was picking his peak-of-season produce then pickling it for use during the long winters at … Continued
When I think of Leelanau, Michigan, I think of deer hunting, cherry pie and water sports. But the local brewing company also produces some fine beer. The namesake’s Good Harbor Golden Ale is a French style bière de garde that’s inhabited by wild yeasts and spends a fair amount of time in French oak. … Continued
It was a tough slog, but after eating 6 ducks in four days, I felt like I conquered my own personal Great Wall of Peking duck. Beijing is really the capital of this style of duck, and it shows: nearly every great restaurant I visited had their own procedure – be it air hose … Continued
Few people in Chicago know their Belgian beers as well as Michael Roper. As the owner of The Hopleaf, he has given these complex, nuanced beers a grand stage, and he is always more than happy to talk to patrons about them. But this week, he’s sticking to an old favorite: Orval. They only … Continued
Oh the humble tamale. Bastardized via one too many big city food cart; compromised in quality, the result of sitting too long in a steam bath as inebriated customers wait to fill their stomachs with little regard for its construction or contents. But behold the precious namesake at Tamales Garibay, a three-table storefront hugging … Continued
I realize most craft brew fans look to places like Portland and Colorado (even Chicago) for new flavors and cutting-edge brewers. But don’t forget about sleepy, minuscule Delaware, home of Dogfish Head Brewery. This week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper is bullish on a seasonal brew that combines apricots and hops. It’s clever name? Aprihop. … Continued
Based on the number of volunteers, sponsors and dudes with walkie talkies roaming around the UIC Forum on Saturday, you’d think Baconfest was something well into its 2nd decade. The celebration of all things porcine (especially cured, smoked and belly-related) was a huge hit, attracting more than 3,000 people and well over 100 chefs. … Continued