Windy City Blogger Wed Oct 28 2009

Windy City Blogger Wednesday: Whipped

By Whitney Merritt

This week I would like to introduce you to Caroline of Whipped.

What brought you to Chicago?
I grew up in Michigan, moved to Europe for a bit while courting my husband and then lured him back to the U.S. with the promise of big city living. Chicago became our home in 2001.

What do you do when you aren't blogging?
I have my own marketing consulting business where I am lucky enough to work with a bunch of chefs! I relax by playing with my daughter, swimming, doing yoga and scheming up dinner party plans that I don't have time to execute.

Favorite restaurant in Chicago?
If I have to choose a consistent favorite, it would be Hot Doug's. I have never been disappointed. All his specialty dogs are amazing and don't miss his corndog.

Favorite restaurant in Chicago, if you aren't paying?
Alinea. I say this though I have never been there. But, the minute I find a benefactor, it will be the first reservation I book.

Favorite recipe and/or post?
I have to break the rules and choose more than one. This carrot cake is probably the best thing I make. And, I overcame a hurdle when I decided to finally post it rather than try to keep it my "secret" recipe. I love the Kourabiethes (Greek Butter Cookies) for a comment that was left about a kid who did a report on Greece and made them for his class. Those sorts of comments and connections are why I love blogging. Finally, I like this post because it was so therapeutic to write.

How do take your coffee?
I am a coffee chameleon. Just recently I realized I do not have a steady coffee habit. I am certainly addicted to my daily dose. But, I usually follow the lead of who ever I am with. Often black, sometimes cream, rarely sugar, occasional lattes.

Cubs or Sox?
Cubs. I'm not a diehard but I lived a mile from the stadium and it is hard not to get caught up in the energy.

What is the one thing/place/restaurant that you recommend to your out of town guests?
In the nicer weather, I recommend a trip to Millennium Park, for dinner Avec or the Publican (even New Yorkers are impressed), for sweets Pasticceria Natalina in Andersonville.

One (or two) things that you can't live without in your kitchen
My All-Clad saucepans. I can't stand it when I am on vacation or using another kitchen with bad pans that don't conduct heat well, are lightweight or uneven.

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!