Interview Wed Sep 09 2009

Windy City Blogger Wednesday: Happy Jack Eats

By Whitney Merritt

You may have noticed last week that I introduced you to Food Loves Writing on Friday, but I have decided to move this weekly feature to the middle of the week when you might need a little inspiration or a new distraction in the work week.

This week I want to introduce another one of my favorite Chicagoland Bloggers, Jacqui of Happy Jack Eats.

What brought you to Chicago?
I've always lived in the Chicago suburbs. I grew up in the Waukegan, and after college I moved to Lisle. Now, I work in the Loop as an editor, and even though the commute can be hell, nothing beats strolling through the farmers market on my way to the office and having lunch in Millennium Park. Winters, on the other hand, I could live without. But I suppose you're not a true Chicagoan until you've survived one or two or twenty-five of those.

What do you do when you aren't blogging?
I'm an Internet junkie. When I'm not eating or cooking or writing about eating and cooking, I'm reading other food blogs, browsing Flickr, or loitering around Twitter. I'm one of those people who surfs the Internet while watching TV (hooked on Lost and Dexter). Blogging has also sparked an interest in photography, and I'm currently accepting donations for a new digital SLR camera.

Favorite restaurant in Chicago?
Being from the 'burbs, I can't really say I have a favorite restaurant in the city. I do, however, love breakfast. Eggs, specifically. I will eat eggs on anything. Egg Harbor Café, which has locations throughout the suburbs, has a lovely selection of runny-yolk-laden dishes (eggs Benedict over fried green tomatoes, for example). And they serve water in these cute little Mason jars with handles that just get me every time.

Favorite restaurant in Chicago, if you aren't paying?
Again, I'd have to pick a restaurant in the suburbs, and it'd probably have to be Bistro Monet in Glen Ellyn. I've only been there once, but their short rib ravioli is one of those foods that makes me close my eyes and silently say to myself, "Yes! This is the dish I want to spend the rest of my life with!" And the chef is this adorable French man who answers the phone and takes reservations himself, and I think that's kind of sweet.

Favorite recipe and/or post?
Lately, my favorite recipe involves vegetables, olive oil, lemon, and an oven. I've been roasting everything and anything, drizzling it with lemon, and calling it a day. Roasted cauliflower is at the top of the list. I also recently discovered a new love for roasted beets.

How do take your coffee?
I don't normally drink coffee, but when I do, one cream and one sugar.

Cubs or Sox?
Sox.

What is the one thing/place/restaurant that you recommend to your out-of-town guests?
Chicago-style hot dogs. Or go to a Sox game and order a Polish with. And curly fries. And maybe that corn stuff with the mayo. And here, have a 312, on me.

What are the 1 or 2 things that you can't live without in your kitchen?
My rice cooker. I grew up eating rice with every meal (my parents would buy 40-pound bags), and with that much rice, a family can't be bothered with cooking it on the stove. So we always had a rice cooker, and I've grown quite dependent on mine. I honestly don't know how to cook rice without it.

Check back next week to meet another Chicagoland food blogger!

Previous Weeks:
Week 1: Food Loves Writing

Do you have a favorite Chicagoland based food blogger? Email drivethru@gapersblock.com with [food blog interview] in the subject line with the name and URL of the blog and I will check it out!