Unlike the dark ages of the early ’00s, you can now find decent fish tacos around Chicago. One of the best Baja-style versions is at La Lagartija on the Near West Side, but for the real deal, you still have to drive out to Glen Ellyn to try Chicks ‘n Salsa. If you’d like … Continued
When Adam Seger called to suggest we do a “How To” on beertails, I thought, ‘you want to tell the tale of how beer came to be?’ But the Chicago mixologist, hum creator and bon vivant was talking about combining craft beer with handcrafted cocktails, a category of beverages I’ve only recently become aware … Continued
In honor of the Chinese New Year (Year of the Dragon, in case you were wondering), we’re celebrating with TWO Something(s) You Should Eat this week, from one of my favorite little dim sum houses in Chinatown. At Shui Wah, there are no carts rumbling through the compact dining room, there simply isn’t room … Continued
In the short time Longman & Eagle has been open in Logan Square, its already nabbed a Michelin star, had several appearances on national TV programs like “Unique Eats,” and has become one of the city’s preeminent sources for brown liquors. Bartender Derek Alexander is particularly fond of Rittenhouse rye, and has come up … Continued
Greg Hall is sporting his usual (ahem, casual) look: untucked shirt, full beard, slightly disheveled hair, but make no mistake, he’s 100% focused on his next project. The former Brewmaster of Goose Island – the company his father, John started – left the company after it was sold last year to Anheuser-Busch, and started … Continued
This week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper again stays within the U.S. (what, no Belgian Mike?) for his BoTW. It’s courtesy Garrett Oliver’s employer, the Brooklyn Brewery. Dessert fans who eschew late-harvest riesling and ice wine, and long for a good beer to go with their cake, ganache or tart, you’re in luck: here’s a … Continued
Some word combinations just have that magic touch for me, conjuring images, smells and textures in an instant: “Italian Beef,” “daikon kimchi” and “fried chicken” are a few of my favorites. Obviously, there are varying degrees of quality within each category. For instance, while many local rave about Harold’s (meh) and Evanston’s Chicken Shack (much … Continued
You don’t have to be a Green Bay Packers fan to be cheesy. Just walk into any of the three Chicago locations of Pastoral Artisan Cheese Bread & Wine, and you’ll be able to geek out on all the chèvre, reblochon and gruyère you care to. Among the skills I think are crucial to … Continued
Chicago’s first snow storm of the season might be keeping some people at home this weekend, so I thought, what a perfect time to have an expert illustrate how to make the perfect omelet. The folks at Meli Cafe certainly know how to make a great one – they do it hundreds of times … Continued
This week, Michael is keeping the love right here in Chicago, with a Goose Island beer I had never heard of until we shot this feature. Last week, it was Posca Rustica, this week, Pepe Nero. Say what? I guess that’s why you go to The Hopleaf in the first place, to get turned … Continued
I’ve been a fan of Glenn’s Diner ever since the kids were little. The magical cereal “wall” drew us in, but the fresh seafood, brought in almost everyday, has kept me coming back during all seasons. If you’re a fan of Alaskan King crabs, you really owe it to yourself to stop in on … Continued