Windy City Blogger Wed Oct 14 2009

Windy City Blogger Wednesday: The Fearless Cook

By Whitney Merritt

This week, I would like to introduce Elizabeth Stephens of The Fearless Cook.

What brought you to Chicago?
I grew up in the Atlanta area and went to UGA (in Athens) for undergrad, then attended the Creative Circus, a small advertising and design portfolio school (also in Atlanta). I got a job after graduation at an ad agency in Chicago and, though I've since moved to another job, have been here ever since (about 2 and a half years now).

What do you do when you aren't blogging?
Well, being in advertising, I work a lot. I love to do yoga, especially bikram yoga. I also - obviously - cook, but I also love trying out all the great Chicago restaurants. And I read a lot - books, magazines, you name it, I probably have my nose stuck in it.

Favorite restaurant in Chicago?
This would probably be a tie between Avec and Izumi Sushi. Obviously two completely different cuisines, but I've had amazing meals at both. Eating at Avec makes me feel like I'm at some chic, hidden French supper club, and Izumi is just a great place to get delicious maki rolls without spending your life savings.

Favorite restaurant in Chicago, if you aren't paying?
Japonais! Their duck rolls are amazing, and they have a Spider Roll that I could eat every day of my life and not get sick of. I had a gift certificate there once, and I went crazy. I ate until I almost passed out.

Favorite recipe and/or post?
My favorite recipe is really more of a category - lasagna! I consider it my one true specialty. My mom made a great one growing up, and she's the one who really taught me how to make them. I've been doing twists on her recipe for years now - sausage, veggie, butternut squash - I've done them all.

How do take your coffee?
With whole milk only (no sugar), and in as big a cup as possible. I physically can't string a sentence together before I've had at least 16 oz.

Cubs or Sox?
I'm more of a Braves fan actually, and I still root for the Georgia Bulldogs.

What is the one thing/place/restaurant that you recommend to your out of town guests? Improv Olympics followed by Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. You can't go wrong with some Chicago-style comedy and excellent tapas (not to mention generous and amazing wine flights).

One (or two) things that you can't live without in your kitchen?
My nice Victoria Knox chef's knife that was a gift from my boyfriend...and coarse kosher salt!

Catch up on all the previous Windy City Bloggers here.

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!