Drink Wed Jul 02 2008
...Um, because One Trick Pony and I drank it all. Okay, not technically true. But after sampling the spirits of 20 different distilleries, featuring over 50 different rums, cachacas and other sugar-cane based liquors, it certainly felt as if we had. This past weekend, the newly opened Bottom Lounge played host to the First Annual Chicago Rum Festival, the inauguration of what we can only hope will be a long-running addition to Chicago's venerable tradition of drinking under the el tracks. More details on what 50 tiny tiny sips of rum will do to a girl, as well as some locally available stand-outs to satiate your own inner pirate, after the fold.
Continue reading this entry»
- Andie Thomalla |
Drink Fri Jun 20 2008
We reported recently that the always enjoyable North Shore Distillery began distilling a new product, Sirène Absinthe Verte. I recently had an opportunity to try this delicious beverage.
Sirène has a beautiful deep emerald hue. The aroma boasts a very pungent anise, with some citrus and pine notes. The highly herbal flavor is spicy and well-balanced. It tastes delicious neat, but is also refreshing in the traditional "La Louche" style. Mix 3 parts very cold distilled water with 1 part absinthe (or alternatively, add 3 ice cubes to your absinthe for a slow transformation). The absinthe will mellow slightly, allowing you to better taste the myriad herbal flavors. It will also take on a beautiful opalescence as it clouds.
You won't experience any of the purported psychoactive effects, but at 60% ABV you could easily get quite drunk.
- Gemma Petrie |
Drink Tue Jun 17 2008
On an excessively hot and muggy day last week, I traveled to Hyde Park for a dinner party with some friends. The host greeted me with a cool, refreshing glass of Casal Garcia Vinho Verde. This "green" wine from Portugal is so called due to age, rather than hue. Typically, vinho verdes should be consumed within their first year.
The wine is lightly effervescent and has a crisp citrus taste with, a bit of apple and melon, and a dry finish. It is bright and refreshing and pairs well with salty foods. We enjoyed it with a bruschetta appetizer. I immediately went out to buy a few bottles of my own. At $6, this has become my summer white. (I bought mine at Foremost, 2300 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
- Gemma Petrie |
Drink Wed May 28 2008
If you've been considering ordering a bottle of wine from an out-of-state vineyard that you maybe visited, or enjoyed in the past, you better hurry. After June 1 it becomes harder to order wine directly from out-of-state vineyards. You can order up to 12 cases of wine directly from vineyards who have a state-shipping license, but you can't order wine from out-of-state retailers. Even though you've been able to order wine from out-of-state retailers for the last 15 years, and even though the US Supreme Court decreed that states can't enact burdens on out-of-state producers or shippers, the fine liquor distributors who are supporting our legislators in IL have passed this new legislation. For more coverage of the ban, check out Hungry Magazine.
- Cinnamon Cooper |
Drink Tue May 27 2008
Last week, the Mid-American Club played host to the Zinfandel Advocates and Producers Grand Tasting road show. An 80th floor view of the Chicago skyline -- and suburb-line at that height -- is an impressive backdrop for any event, but perhaps more impressive to me was the discovery that this "zinfandel" stuff is... kind of delicious.
I'm a white wine kind of girl. I know, I know, it's lame and puts me in stereotype-land rather than the company of connoisseurs, but it's worth pointing out: connoisseur I ain't. I just like me some fermented juice of the grape variety from time to time. And zinfandel has never been at the top of the list -- but after the ZAP event, I could absolutely will look forward to sipping some zin in the near future. More details on this revelation, and some excellent locally available wines, after the fold.
Continue reading this entry»
- Andie Thomalla |
Drink Sun May 04 2008
A 67-year-old man from Glenwood Village has made plans to be buried in style. And by style, I mean a coffin made of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer cans.
- Robyn Nisi |
Drink Mon Apr 28 2008
North Shore Distillery will be releasing their newest product to stores this week -- Sirène Absinthe Verte. Sirène is produced using the traditional ingredients of anise, fennel and grand wormwood, as well as a special blend of herbs and spices.
The distillers recommend drinking Sirène the traditional way; with a 3:1 ratio of water to spirit. They have also put together cocktail recipes on their website for further experimentation.
*Photo from the North Shore Distillery website*
- Gemma Petrie |
Event Fri Apr 25 2008
Just a reminder that Dark Lord Day begins at the Three Floyds Brewery tomorrow at 11 am. Get there early to mingle and be prepared to wait in line. Bring cash.... and possibly a coat.
More information and directions can be found on the Three Floyds website. I'll be there with my boyfriend, my dad and my dentist (!), and I'll be posting a full write-up in the feature section next week.
*That's a picture from my website. ahem.*
- Gemma Petrie |
Drink Mon Apr 21 2008
Gourmet.com ran a story today on John Kinder, a renowned mixologist who has worked at many local establishments and earned a loyal following among Chicago's cocktail aficionados. Apparently, he sends out a weekly email newsletter to keep his fans up to date on his latest concoctions.
- Dana Currier |
Bar Mon Apr 14 2008
The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the 800 North Clybourn Goose Island brew pub location will be closing at the end of this year due to lease renewal issues. The Wrigleyville location will remain open and the closing is not expected to interrupt brewing services.
- Gemma Petrie |
My husband and I have lived in our new apartment for about a month, and we love it. But on weekends we've missed being within walking distance of both a good coffee shop and a bakery on par with our old haunt, Dinkel's on Lincoln. This morning, we searched Google Maps in desperation and finally unearthed a solution: a short bus ride down Irving Park Road to Sheridan satisfies both cravings with Emerald City Coffee and Artemio's Bakery.
Continue reading this entry»
- Mandy Burrell |
Drink Wed Apr 09 2008
Though the show itself is somewhat annoying, Chicago beer enthusiasts may enjoy this episode of Beer Nutz. The duo visits the Map Room, Goose Island, Piece, the Siebel Institute, Harry Caray's, Sheffield's, and Rock Bottom.
The excellent Randy Mosher becomes their unofficial tour guide and is eventually rated the biggest "beer nut" in Chicago. The Chicago Beer Society also receives some attention.
- Gemma Petrie |
Drink Tue Apr 08 2008
Our friends at Half Acre Beer let us know that owner Gabriel Magliaro is turning the ceremonial hand delivery of the first case of their beer to the Heartland Cafe into a fundraiser called the "Half Acre Hike." He'll be walking from Monroe Harbor, approximately 0 North, to the cafe at 7000 N. Glenwood -- about 9 miles north, carrying a case of beer the whole way. The walk will raise money for First Slice, a nonprofit that provides healthy, hearty meals to underprivileged children.
The walk gets underway at 4pm on April 26, and a party at the Heartland, featuring Chicago Samba, starts at 8pm when the walkers arrive. You're welcome to sponsor Magliaro -- or join him on the walk and raise money yourself (no need to carry a case). Call 312-492-8494 or email info@halfacrebeer.com for more info.
• Also on April 26, there's a great event for fans of beer ...and zombies. Chicago is finally getting its own Zombie Pub Crawl! The drunkard zombies will be invading Andersonville, and it's $10 in advance, $15 day-of.
• Meanwhile, Samuel Adams has announced a recall of some of their beer after it was discovered that some bottles contain glass shards, due to problem with one of their bottle factories. Check your bottles for the code "N35 OI" stamped around the bottom (in the glass itself, not the label) -- if you find it, don't drink that beer till you check the site to see if it's safe.
- Andrew Huff |
Drink Tue Apr 08 2008
Jamba Juice is offering free samples of their new "Breakfast Meals" this morning until 10 am.
But, if you miss them, don't fret! Beginning at 11 am, Starbucks will be offering free cups of their new coffee blend -- Pike Place Roast.
- Gemma Petrie |
Drink Fri Apr 04 2008
Nobody puts Baby in a corner: Schlitz Beer will be sold in Chicago again starting next week after being in near-exile by its owner, Pabst Brewery, for 20+ years. Schlitz ads are still around the city, so I think Pabst is making a good decision.
- Robyn Nisi |
Drink Mon Mar 24 2008
Thanks to Chicagoist for passing along some great news: Flossmoor Station is bottling! Look for it beginning April 5th.
Flossmoor has consistently impressed me since I first tasted their beers at the Great Taste of the Midwest a few years ago. Their brewpub serves up delicious food and is an easy and highly recommended trip from the city.
- Gemma Petrie |
Event Sun Mar 09 2008
Tomorrow, March 10, is Founder's Day at Peet's Coffee & Tea. That means a half pound of free beans for every customer who buys a half pound. And, as others Peet's enthusiasts know, a free cup of coffee is always part of the deal when you buy beans (yup, every day of the year.) Alfred H. Peet, the founder of the company, died just this past September, almost 42 years after he opened his first shop in Berkeley, CA. Because it's a California company, there are only two outposts here in Chicagoland: the first, in the city, at 1000 W. North Avenue and the second, in Evanston, at 1622 Chicago Avenue. While not exactly a homegrown, local business, Peet's is, on the whole, more committed to quality and community service than some of those other chain coffee joints out there.
- Dana Currier |
Drink Thu Mar 06 2008
Join members of Logan Square Walks tonight at Weegee's (3659 W. Armitage) at 7pm for a happy hour event and drink-naming competition. Weegee's is creating a signature
drink in honor of the group--a concoction of champagne, sloe gin, sherry, and orange liqueur--and those in attendance will vote for the best name. My suggestion? The "Sippy Skipper."
- Robyn Nisi |
I celebrated Presidents Day a few weeks ago by having brunch at Lincoln Restaurant, which is just north of the intersection of Lincoln, Damon and Irving Park. What better way to celebrate our country's revered heads of state? Aside from the gut-busting portions of eggs, pancakes and breakfast meats, our stomaches were just as full of soda at the end of the meal. At least one of us could not turn down the giant frosty mug full of 32 ounces of root beer (pictured above, behind a regular 12 oz. portion). I don't think Honest Abe himself ever ingested such a large amount of carbonated beverage, but if he had wanted to, he surely would have come to his namesake restaurant to do so.
- Dana Currier |
Beer lovers, brace yourselves: thanks to bad weather in Europe and a reduction in crops here in the States, there's a severe shortage of hops, one of the key ingredients in beer. As a result, prices have skyrocketed &mdash as much as 600 percent for rarer cultivars.
The increased costs are squeezing smaller brewers in particular. I recently spoke with Gabriel Magliaro of fledgling Half Acre Beer about the situation.
Andrew: I know your beer is contract brewed in Wisconsin; is this bill being passed on to you by the brewery, or are you purchasing ingredients directly?
Magliaro: "Yes, this bill is being passed on to us by the brewery, and we're lucky that we're contract brewed right now because they have long standing relationships and a bit more buying power than we would have on our own. We're having to buy our entire year's worth of hops now because we need to insure that we can continue to brew our beer without compromising quality. Our brewer is asking us to help them out because they can't afford to absorb this kind of spending and are forced to buy this way. We have been actively searching for hops to buy on our own with the hope of buying for our Over Ale (Half Acre's planned second offering]) and beating the price coming down from our brewer, but have been either unable to find the necessary variety of hop or completely blown out of the water when we have. The Saaz hop that we use for the lager was generally found for about $5 a pound. I was just quoted $30 a pound for hop that aims to mimic its qualities."
Continue reading this entry»
- Andrew Huff |
Drink Wed Feb 27 2008
For those of you who have yet to try the fabulous spirits created by the local North Shore Distillery, Binny's South Loop will be hosting a free tasting this Friday from 5pm -8pm.
(Their website mentions that they will be adding a brandy to their artisan collection soon!)
- Gemma Petrie |
I finally had the chance to stop in The Original PapaNicholas Café, "Chicago's #1 whole bean coffee roaster," and I was presently surprised. Located in the former spot of Frappe Coffee Lounge, this Portage Park coffee shop has everything you would expect from a coffee shop in this day and age, free Wi-Fi, flat screen televisions all in a comfy contemporary space. The Batavia-based company has been roasting coffee in Chicago for years, selling a variety of blends in area grocery stores such as Treasure Island, Sunset Foods and Jewel. This is their first stand-alone café; a few mini cafes have been in area Jewel stores in the suburbs.
The café has an impressive and affordable menu, standards of muffins and scones, deli sandwiches and grilled paninis -- the Grilled Chicken and Apple sounds interesting. One of the more attention-grabbing items PapaNicholas Café offers is Nick's 96, 96 ounces of coffee to go -- most likely a big container of coffee intended for the office, but I could see some monkey trying to drink it all himself.
The Original PapaNicholas Café
4431 N. Milwaukee Ave.
773-282-9682
Monday through Thursday 5:30am to 9pm
Friday 5:30am to 10pm
Saturday 7am to 10pm
Sunday 7am to 9pm
- Christian Scheuer |
Event Mon Feb 11 2008
Mark your calendars, ale fans: the Chicago Beer Society's Night of the Living Ales IV will be held March 1 at Goose Island (3535 N. Clark) and will be a celebration (and competition) of locally brewed ales. The ticket price ($35 for CBS members, $40 nonmembers) includes a tasting glass, a load of samples, and appetizers. Take CTA or a cab, folks. You'll be in it to win it and therefore in no shape to drive home afterwards.
- Robyn Nisi |
Drink Mon Feb 11 2008
Most wine shops are charging a premium this week for sparkling wines, but Randolph Cellars is offering 10% off all the bubbles in house through Saturday. Use the extra couple of bucks to buy your sweetie some truffles or a decent card. Cue the Barry White...
- Christine Blumer |
Drink Thu Feb 07 2008
Five weeks have expired since the ringing in of the New Year and by now all of those pesky resolutions have long been annihilated. Fortunately, you now have a “do over” as we kick-off the Chinese New Year today, beginning a 15 day celebration to commemorate the “Year of the Rat.”
While China is out of reach for most (regardless of how deep you have dug that hole on the beach), you can bring a bit of China to your Chicago celebrations with Tsingtao Beer. Tsingtao is the number one Chinese beer in America as well as being the top branded Chinese export product -- period. It's a refreshing international Pilsner style beer that is available in many Chicago retailers, bars and restaurants. The brand has planned several events commemorating the holiday this week; a listing follows after the jump.
Continue reading this entry»
- Sean Ludford |
Drink Tue Feb 05 2008
Be prepared to find out. Miller Brewing Company is launching a new low-cal brew--Miller Genuine Draft Light 64--in several Midwestern states (including Illinois) in March. MGD Light 64 will be the lowest calorie beer on the market from a major brewer (both national and regional).
According to the Miller Brewing Company website, MGD Light 64 has 64 calories and 2.4 grams of carbohydrates per 12 ounce serving. By comparison, per 12 oz., Bud Light has 110 calories and 6.6g carbs; Coors Light has 102 cal. and 5.0g carbs; Heineken Light has 99 cal. and 6.8g carbs; Amstel Light has 95 cal. and 5.0g carbs; and Michelob Ultra has 95 cal. and 2.6g carbs.
And for some reason I can't help but think that this beer will be targeted towards women...
- Bobbi Bowers |
Drink Thu Jan 17 2008
Could pizza beer be a home brew gone awry? Nope. Chow Chicago reported earlier this week on an Illinois home brewer's latest, er, concoction: beer flavored with actual pizza. CBS Chicago's got the photos to prove it.
- Meghan Murphy Gill |
Drink Fri Jan 11 2008
Jezebel pointed me to an article in Portfolio by Lew Byrson encouraging beer companies to begin considering women as part of their marketing demographic. Women reportedly make up at least a quarter of beer drinkers these days, yet marketing campaigns from major breweries still continue to predominately show woman serving beer or flanking male beer drinkers.
But lest you think that beer companies completely ignore women, according to the article, "[Women] are supposedly the reason beer comes in six-packs rather than eight-packs--a sixer was presumed to be as much weight as a woman would feel comfortable carrying in one hand." [!]
Most of my female friends and I love beer, though we typically stick to smaller, higher quality breweries. While I will never be a Bud Light or Coors drinker, I am surprised that these major companies have yet to make a real effort to court female drinkers. (Though, I am by no means suggesting that sexist advertising is entirely unique to beer companies.)
Apparently at Chicago's Exsalonance Salon, you can get a beer pedicure. The salon claims that the enzymes and hops in the beer help reduce calluses.
I think I will stick to drinking my beer.
- Gemma Petrie |
Event Fri Dec 28 2007
If you absoutely have to go out for dinner on amateur night, best make your reservations right now. Luckily, a quick scan of opentable shows plenty of early res's available at lots of swanky spots throughout the city. They even offer a special page that shows some of the fixed price deals and promos for the big night out.
Standouts include Anteprima, Copperblue, and Naha offering their regular menus and others with special tasting menus and the ever popular Champagne toast. BOKA, Gejas, Le Lan, and Bin 36 all have tasty looking options that range from $50-$135 depending on your seating time and number of courses. The best bargain seems to be The Park Grill with a five course tasting menu, live jazz, and free trolley rides home within a two mile radius all for $55. As an added bonus, you can order $10 glasses of Veuve Clicquot NV all night long.
- Christine Blumer |
Drink Fri Dec 21 2007
When I was in Kraków a few years ago, my family flew out to spend Christmas with me. We crammed 5 people into the tiny flat I was renting, spent time reading at Massolit, drank at Alchemia, wandered through Kazimierz and staved off the cold by drinking cups of Grzaniec Galicyjski-- a mulled wine served from street stands in Rynek Glowny.
I was very pleased to find this delicious mulled wine in my local liquor store upon my return to Chicago. Few things make me feel like the holidays have arrived like the smell of Grzaniec Galicyjski warming on the stove.
- Gemma Petrie |
Drink Mon Dec 17 2007
We'll have an omnibus QL later this week, but today we're focusing on drinks.
• Over on the main site, One Good Meal's first-ever book review features some New Orleans inspired cocktails.
• Rachel's Bite tries out some New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
• Chicago Cooks reviews this year's crop of Champagnes.
• Hungry Mag makes some Champagne suggestions, too.
• Zinny Fandel enjoyed her night at the Tasting Room.
• Dish thinks the new South Loop Wine Cellar is perfect for the neighborhood.
• Thinking of Drinking has some thoughts about Repeal Day.
• Technically not a drink, but mascarpone desserts in martini glasses are beautiful and easy.
- Andrew Huff |
Drink Wed Dec 05 2007
December 5th isn’t a real holiday, though some people think it ought to be. What’s so special about December 5th? It’s the anniversary of the Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution, repealing the Eighteenth Amendment, which prohibited the sale and transportation of intoxicating liquors — or as it's more commonly known as, Prohibition.
Repeal Day is something Chicagoans should celebrate. Chicago’s close ties to the era of bootlegging and gangsters, Al Capone controlled the flow of illegal alcohol and as many as 10,000 speakeasies by the end of the Roaring Twenties. Repeal Day isn’t just an excuse to drink, it is also a day to celebrate U.S. history. So have a drink and celebrate your Constitutional rights. Have a drink with friends — preferably a small, American craft brew or micro brew, since many smaller breweries went out of business during Prohibition.
- Christian Scheuer |
Drink Tue Dec 04 2007
Although New Year's Eve is still a few weeks away, I've noticed that liquor and grocery stores are already starting to carry an abundance of Champagne. Not just for weddings and special occasions anymore, Champagne and Champagne cocktails are becoming more popular. What kind of cocktails you ask? Here are a few you may not have heard of:
The Poinsettia: A perfect addition to your Christmas spread, this drink features Champagne, triple sec and a splash of cranberry juice.
The French 75: Not for lightweights, this cocktail mixes gin and Champagne, plus a splash of simple syrup and lemon juice.
Nelson's Blood: This one mixes tawny port and Champagne. Pretty sure you never thought you'd see port in a cocktail.
The Black Velvet: This drink is a strange combination of Champagne and black Irish stout. (And you thought the port was weird!)
And for those who want to learn how to pick out the perfect Champagne for your holiday parties, attend a tasting at Pops for Champagne. Tastings occur weekly, with a different Champagne variety to be featured each time. Prices vary. Click here for more information.
Cheers!
- Bobbi Bowers |
Drink Fri Nov 30 2007
I have long been enamored with antique seltzer bottles. However, I decided that I should wait until I stumble upon one in a resale store rather than pay the premium collectors prices that I typically encounter online. I am also somewhat unclear as to which antique bottles accept carbon dioxide cartridges to aerate liquids and which are simply delivery mechanisms.
Recently, I have noticed modern versions up for sale. They are reasonably priced and certainly take CO2 cartridges. I may have to buy one next year to employ for summer cocktails.
Has anyone had experience with either the antique or modern seltzer bottles?
(Photo from Aunt Judys Attic)
- Gemma Petrie |
Store Tue Nov 20 2007
Wine geeks in the South Loop have two new spots to shop in the hood.Binnys Beverage Depot and Sam's Wine and Spirits have both opened giant new stores on Roosevelt in the South Loop. The new Sam's features a wine and cheese bar and fine wine room, with two floors of wine and spirit selections in a landmark building circa 1928. Binny's new location, less than a mile west, is simply gigantic. In what looks like even more floor space than the Lincoln Park Sam's location, Binny's South Loop has a tasting room with over 100 wines and 16 beers to sample, a rare wine cellar, walk in humidor, and special section of their gourmet market dedicated to chocolate. Both stores have Grand Opening events scheduled for the week.
- Christine Blumer |
Drink Mon Nov 19 2007
Holidays with my family always mean delicious food, warm conversation and a healthy amount of booze. If you are looking for a festive cocktail to enjoy while stuffing your bird this week, may I suggest turning to the bittersweet Negroni.
I tasted my first Negroni a few years ago when I met up with my uncles in Venice. They make a point of enjoying this beverage whenever they visit Italy, I make time for it a bit more frequently. When made with care, the bitterness of this drink is quite refreshing and appropriate any time of year.
The fabulous North Shore Distillery recently sent out a recipe in their newsletter for their take on this favorite:
North Shore Negroni
Developed by Josh Kaplan at MK Restaurant in Chicago
1 part Distiller's Gin No. 6
1 part Aperol
1 part Vya Sweet Vermouth
Shake ingredients with ice, strain into martini glass.
Aperol has only recently become available in the United States. This Italian apertivo is similar to Campari, though a touch milder. (Incidentally, a typical Negroni includes gin, Campari and sweet vermouth.) I might suggest pouring your Negroni over ice into a cocktail glass if you will be running around your kitchen while enjoying it.
- Gemma Petrie |
Drink Wed Nov 14 2007
I worked late last night and decided to stop at the Division Small Bar on my way home. I was pleasantly surprised to find two new beers on tap from the Surly Brewing Company in Minnesota: Darkness and Furious.
Darkness, a limited release Russian Imperial Stout, was the star of the night (though the super-hoppy Furious is one of the best IPAs I have had). Only 25 barrels were brewed and Small Bar had a two glass maximum per person, which is probably a good idea for any 10.3% ABV beer. The beer pours thick and is a deep brown/black with a silky brown head; a truly beautiful beer. The texture is smooth and medium-full bodied. The flavors are sweet at the beginning with chocolate, blackberries and molasses. An unexpected hop level (80 IBUs) moves the middle flavors into coffee, chicory and roasted malt and finally back to a bitter chocolate.
Surly debuted in Chicago on Monday night at the Hopleaf and the Map Room, followed by Small Bar (Division location), Clark Street Ale House, Kuma’s Corner and Sheffield's last night. They are cultivating permanent relationships with some of these establishments through Windy City Distribution. Keep an out for them in the coming months.
- Gemma Petrie |
Drink Wed Nov 14 2007
The fourth Thursday of every November marks Thanksgiving, a holiday made for foodies. Wine lovers, on the other hand, have their sights set a week earlier on the third Thursday of the month, the annual release of the fun-loving wine Beaujolais Nouveau.
Around the world on midnight and throughout the day on Thursday, Nov. 15, lushes everywhere will be swilling this season’s fruity red from the Beaujolais region of France. Some consider Beaujolais the white wine lover’s red because it’s barely aged – just weeks ago, this wine was hanging on the vine as Gamay grapes – and very low in tannins found in bigger reds like Cabernet. In fact, the beauty of Beaujolais is that it’s not meant to sit around: the sooner you drink it, the better. (My kind of wine!)
So for the “freshest” taste, head to Pops for Champagne or Juicy Wine Company (reservations recommended at Juicy) on Thursday, when Beaujolais will be the main event. If you can’t clear your schedule for the festivities, pick up an affordable bottle at your local wine purveyor. Word is that Beaujolais and Thanksgiving dinner match up like turkey and cranberry sauce.
- Mandy Burrell |
Newcity Chicago's latest paper edition features a "selective indie coffeehouse guide," helpfully organized by neighborhood. The collection of reviews is fun to read. Did you know there's a coffeehouse in Ukrainian Village where you can take tango lessons several nights a week? Or that you can get a tamale, Viennese breakfast, or even sushi with your coffee at shops around town? Despite the loss of institutions like Filter in Wicker Park, it's nice to see that so many indies are still serving it up hot and quirky in Chicago.
The Web version of the Newcity's guide is more extensive -- though my one minor gripe is that I wish it linked to the coffeehouses' Web sites, when available, so readers could more easily check out the menu and hours of operation.
- Mandy Burrell |
Drink Wed Nov 07 2007
Is it just me, or is bacon everywhere these days? And I'm not talking about the bacon on your "Enormous Omelet Sandwich" from the BK Lounge. I'm talking about bacon gone gourmet. Unique items like Bacon Ice Cream (Blackbird) and Bacon and Almond Brittle (Crimson Lounge) are popping up on menus at hot spots all over Chicago. And believe it or not, you can even satisfy your pork and salt cravings in liquid form.
Belly-up to the bar at Osteria Via Stato and order the Baconcello, a cocktail that mixes house-made bacon and green apple infused vodka with maple syrup and fresh lime juice.
Or, give Sepia's Bacon Bloody Mary a try. It's your basic Bloody Mary: tomato juice, black pepper, horseradish — but with bacon-infused vodka. Cheers, everybody!
[photo by Martha Williams for Time Out Chicago ]
- Bobbi Bowers |
Drink Mon Nov 05 2007
Have you ever watched "Check Please!" and wished you could sit down with host/sommelier Alpana Singh to get some good advice on a wine selection, or ask questions about an episode of her show? A new part of the current season of "Check Please!" is a feature called Ask Alpana, an online form where readers can send her a question that could be answered on a future episode and posted online.
- Robyn Nisi |
Drink Mon Nov 05 2007
My fiancee and I finally replaced our broken coffee pot, and our timing couldn't be better: this week, seasonal, holiday-inspired coffee blends hit the shelves at coffe shops across the city.
We've lived within walking distance of the Caribou Coffee at Ashland and School for six years. Favorite baristas have come and gone, but the Reindeer Blend remains our wintertime ritual. The "serious coffee with a playful name" is a blend of aged Sumatra, Indonesian and Columbian beans, creating a rich brew with hints of caramel and spice. It's in stores this Thursday, and I fully expect to enjoy a steaming cup on Friday morning.
If you can't wait until Thursday for your cup of cheer, Intelligentsia's Celebration Blend arrives in stores Tuesday. The coffee has hints of red currants, caramel, citrus peel, molasses, clove and cinnamon -- warm and fuzzy fuel for Christmas gift shopping.
If you're a Starbucks fan, you can get yours Wednesday, and you have options. Choose the Christmas Blend or the more neutrally named Holiday Blend, which also comes in decaf. Both pair well with gingerbread cookies, according to Starbucks' Web site, so either way you can't go wrong.
- Mandy Burrell |
Event Wed Oct 31 2007
Ever wonder how your barista got that cool little leaf design on the top of your latte? 
Learn how to turn your cup into a canvas at Intelligentia's Espresso Enthusiast Class--a basic course in barista training. Topics include espresso preparation, milk steaming and of course latte art. You'll even receive a free bag of Black Cat coffee for your efforts. There are a variety of dates available and reservations are required. Fulton Street Roasting Works, 1850 W. Fulton, Chicago. $200 per class.
- Bobbi Bowers |
Drink Wed Oct 24 2007
Hellllooooooooooo! (please imagine in a spooky voice)
Back by popular demand, I have created another wine n candy pairing challenge! Yes indeed, you can count on me to suggest things to drink after the kids (or your roommates) are finally down from their sugar rush and zonked in their beds. Follow these three steps to play along at home.
First: Once the kids are asleep, strike quickly and snag the premium candy from their bags and plastic pumpkins. Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey's Minatures, "Fun Size" real candy bars...stuff like that. (Leave the Smarties - even your kids won't eat those. Who hands that crap out anyway? Lame.) It should be noted that some children do keep track of their loot in great detail. If your kid has an excel spreadsheet detailing their haul, you will have to alter that too. Can't be too careful.
Second: Select one or two or eight of the wines mentioned below. You will need to purchase them ahead of time, so swing by the wine store on your way home from the Mega Mart when your getting candy for the neighborhood. You'll be glad you did.
Third: Pour yourself a sample of wine and taste with the recommended candy treats or anything else you could weasel from the little ones' stash. Relax and enjoy. You deserve it. After all, you created a Sponge Bob costume from foam rubber and an old swim suit. Note to self: try to sell the tyke on "ghost" next year.
After the jump, the wines...
Continue reading this entry»
- Christine Blumer |
Drink Tue Oct 16 2007
If you go nuts for great Pinot Noir, you best get on the stick and register now for Pinot Days at Navy Pier. Over 50 producers of Pinot Noir from California, Oregon, Burgundy, New Zealand, and beyond will be in town from November 7th to November 10th for a muti-event festival celebrating the soft and sexy red grape. The grand finale is a tasting of over 150 different Pinot Noir-based wines from 1-4pm. $50 Lakeview Terrace at Navy Pier. More info is available at the Pinot Days website.
- Christine Blumer |
Chicago's homegrown Argo Tea has a new brand of vegan muffin made by the same company, Bake 'n Joy, that makes their conventional ones. I think I remember a gal behind the counter at Argo on Adams telling me that the staff there thinks that these new vegan muffins taste better than the non-vegan ones. I must qualify that with: I'm vegan, my note-less memory could have blurred, and she hadn't tried them herself. Thinking about the taste of the apple caramel variety and already pedaling home, I adjusted my route home to pass another Argo in order to try the other vegan flavor, blueberry. Both types tasted tender and moist, with a soft, slightly spongy mouth feel that sparkled with a touch of sweetness. Either would be brilliant with a morning's tea or coffee.
- Chris Brunn |
Drink Fri Oct 12 2007
An impromptu beer run this week resulted in a pleasant find: all the New Belgium Skinny Dip had been replaced with 2 Below, the socially conscious and progressive brewery's Winter Ale. (Good thing, too, because I couldn't handle one more reminder that summer, while officially over, wasn't over. Like removing a band aid, I prefer to just get it over with quickly.)
The geeks (and I mean that in a good way) over at RateBeer have given it only an average rating thus far, but I happen to really like this cold-weather brew. Especially with hot soup. And the hissing of my radiators.
- Meghan Murphy Gill |
News Thu Oct 04 2007
Bill Daley reports in The Stew that Governor Blagojevich signed HB429 into law yesterday. Starting next June, Illinois residents will be allowed to purchase and ship up to 12 cases of wine directly from Illinois vineyards and out-of-state wineries. This is in compliance with the 2005 Supreme Court ruling on Granholm vs. Heald which determined that states must allow all wineries to direct ship to their residents, regardless of their location, or none at all. Wineries within the state may not have preferential treatment.
There are a few more restrictions that legislators snuck in, though. Illinois residents will no longer be able to purchase wine from out of state retailers. Some of the larger Illinois wineries will be forced to sell all of their goods through distributors, which means price increases to the consumer and tougher competition from other brands.
While these details of the bill may seem trivial, they will impact Illinois consumers more than most folks realize. Winediva is investigating and will report more soon!
- Christine Blumer |
Event Thu Sep 27 2007
To celebrate the new fall television season, TV Guide (remember them?) will be hosting a "Free Coffee Friday" tomorrow. Several coffee shops will be offering free regular-sized coffee and copies of TV Guide from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Here's the lucky places: Letizia’s Natural Bakery (2144 W. Division St), Whispers Café Inc. (1031 N. State St), Ennui Café (6981 N. Sheridan Rd), Gallery Café (1760 W. North Ave), Mercury Cafe (1505 W. Chicago Ave), Alliance Bakery (1736 W. Division St), and Janik’s (2011 W. Division). If you miss it, the next opportunity will be October 5.
- Robyn Nisi |
Drink Tue Sep 25 2007
Millstream Brewing Company is a 22-year-old brewery (bought in 2000 by a new set of three owners) in Amana, Iowa. They produce a modest selection of beers that go in and out of season as well as root beer, cream soda and black cherry soda. Windmill Wheat, which is available all year round, is their lightest beer, and, in my opinion, it rivals any other light, wheat beer on the market. Unfortunately, it's not available in Chicago. La Salle, Illinois, seems to be the closest place to buy Millstream beer, but if you find yourself in Bloomington, Peoria or Galesburg, you might also be able to find some. I suppose it just doesn't make sense to sell something with the word "windmill" in its name in a major metropolitan area.
- Dana Currier |
Drink Tue Sep 25 2007
In an interesting bit of trickle-down economics, the rising cost of gasoline is raising the cost of beer. With the demand for corn-based ethanol, more and more farmers are planting this cash crop as opposed to barley, a key ingredient in beer. In Germany, a less than stellar barley harvest, estimated at about half of regular production, has raised the price of the crop 40 percent in the last two years, adversely affecting the smaller import beer cost as well. Barley isn’t the only thing that is raising the cost of your favorite ale — with higher transportation and energy costs as well as a rise in materials such as aluminum and glass bottles, everything is having some sort of effect.
- Christian Scheuer |
In my never-ending quest to find new coffee shops, I tend to rely on many different sources, word of mouth, the Internet and sometimes dumb luck, as was the case with Sweet Bean and More.
I first noticed a sign in a window almost six months ago about this new addition to the Lakeview neighborhood and made note of it in one of many notebooks since lost. Recently, I drove by on a whim, and, lo and behold, people milling about and patio furniture outside signaled that they were open. Lucky for me it was their first day open and worth the wait. Situated below the newly-constructed Diversey Station condo complex at 1855 W. Diversey Pkwy, Sweet Bean is one of the most elegant shops I’ve seen of late, very comfortable and inviting with rust and gold wall treatments, hand-laid tile accents and a gorgeous wood and marble bar. This new offering just begs for people to sit and enjoy the day, and with plenty of outdoor seating for the warm months and free wi-fi, who could blame you? Sweet Bean serves Chicago’s own Metropolis coffee and espresso as well as a nice variety of baked goods both savory and sweet.
Sweet Bean offers a breakfast daily until 10:30am, the open-face sandwich on French bread with mushroom, red onion, feta and scrambled egg, as well as a variety of salads and sandwiches all decently priced around $8. All of the sandwiches and salads are prepared in-house to order. Sweet Bean is also offering a weekend brunch from 8am to 2pm with a special, elegant menu.
Sweet Bean and More is open daily 6am to 8pm Monday through Friday and 7am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday. It is located at 1855 W. Diversey Pkwy. (773) 857-3100
- Christian Scheuer |
Somewhere between Ukrainian Village and Humboldt Park, I forget just where the line is drawn, lays Star Lounge Café. Open for just about three weeks, this 20-seat coffee bar is yet another new offering to the Chicago coffeehouse scene. Down right comfy and warm, probably due to the orange hued walls, dark wood floors and the wood bar that runs half way down the shop, Star Lounge offers a bit of a different feel than the regular coffee shop. It’s more like going to the local pub than waiting in line for a double tall half-caff latte at some chain store. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about coffee; I talked to the barista, who seemed more like a bartender than coffee jockey, mostly about other coffee shops around the city and about different roasters around the country. He seemed to know what he was talking about.
Star Lounge offers a variety of breakfast and lunch items named for Chicago neighborhoods and streets, such as the Grand Avenue, crunchy peanut butter and sliced banana on your choice of bagel from New York Bagel & Bialy, or the East Village Veggie Delight, an iron-pressed flat sandwich, hummus, tomato, black olives, red onions on white or wheat. Star lounge even has a bit of a kids menu with PB&J and grilled cheese sandwiches. They serve all the standard specialty coffee drinks one would expect from a coffee shop: cappuccino and lattes, as well as some none coffee stuff like Jones Soda, Naked Juice and a variety of teas. The Cosmic Creations, like the Peppermint-mocha Macchiato, a traditional latte macchiato layered with a splash of peppermint flavoring and marked with espresso and chocolate sauce, are worth trying. And you’ve got to love a shop that calls there espresso blend “Dark Star.”
Star lounge has a few other things going for it as well, notably the backyard patio, for that chilling’ at home kind of feel as opposed to sitting on Chicago avenue watching cars speed by, and of course free wi-fi, the hallmark of any new coffee shop. Hours are a bit limited; they're open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. according to Menu Pages. Hopefully the hours will expand in the future. Of all the new offerings the city has at the moment, Star Lounge Cafe is well worth checking out.
Star Lounge Café is located at 2521 W Chicago Ave. (773) 384-7827
- Christian Scheuer |
Drink Fri Sep 14 2007
Half Acre Beer will be at the North avenue Whole Foods Market holding a tasting from 6-8:00 pm. If you have yet to try this new Chicago beer, this is the perfect time as some of the people behind it will be there answering all your important beer questions.
Whole Foods Market is located @ 1000 W. North Ave.
- Christian Scheuer |
Event Fri Sep 07 2007
Plenty of opportunities to have fun with fish this fall with The Fish Guy. Take a sushi class from Hiroko Shimbo on October 14, 15, or 16 for just $100. Class includes lots of sushi and sake as well as signed copies of both of her cookbooks. You can also snag a coveted reservation at the once a week restaurant Wellfleet on September 7, 14, or 21 if you act quickly. Sign up now and get a free Caviar Wellfleet for each couple. 773-283-7400.
- Christine Blumer |
Drink Fri Aug 31 2007
Do you already have Labor Day weekend plans? No? Well then get out of town for a quick trip up to America's Little Switzerland, New Glarus, Wisconsin, and visit the New Glarus Brewing Company. They offer free, self-guided audio tours every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a tasting room where you can get four, 3-oz tastings of their beers for only $3.50. The Web site says only three tastings, but our experience was slightly more plentiful. Of course, you'll want to spend a lot more purchasing cases of beer after the tastings: New Glarus isn't sold outside of Wisconsin. Be sure to get some Dancing Man Wheat and Copper Kettle if they're available. Both are nice wheat beers, the former being lighter and brighter in flavor and the Copper Kettle darker and maltier (check out RateBeer for more detailed and informed opinions on the brews).
In addition to the souvenir tasting glass, the brewery will also give you a coupon for a free small beer at a local restaurant.
My suggestion: go to the Glarner Stube where you can enjoy big, steaming pots of cheese fondue, puffy fried cheese curds and my favorite, roesti, a dish of fried grated potatoes laced with Swiss cheese. While your heart my stop on your drive back to Chicago, I-90 is well traveled and rescue crews will be able to reach you quickly.
This weekend is also the Wilhelm Tell Festival, so expect extra revelry in the town's Swiss-ness.
- Meghan Murphy Gill |
Drink Thu Aug 30 2007
Intelligentsia is raising the prices of their drinks. Like Starbucks , Intelligentsia is citing rising costs of milk, paper goods and other raw material for the price hike. The Chicago institution hasn’t raised prices in some time, and it is something they don’t take lightly; the increase is between five and nine cents, a mere drop in the coffee cup. The average retail price of a gallon of whole milk in August was $3.87, and depending on what report you’ve read, the price may go above four dollars in the fall.
- Christian Scheuer |
Drink Mon Aug 27 2007
River North has a new coffee shop in Cyberia. This 30-seat shop on Wells, opened in early July, occupies a space that has been a few other places, including the Italian spot Calabria Coffee and before that a Seattle's Best. As you may have guessed, Cyberia offers free wi-fi with purchase and access to about a half dozen computers for a nominal $5 an hour, with print and fax services at a buck a page.
Cyberia serves Chicago's own Intelligentsia coffee and teas as well as an array of sandwiches, soups, fresh salads, cakes and pastries. With its comfy couches, warm and friendly space, attentive and friendly staff as well as good coffee and Internet, Cyberia is a welcome addition to Chicago's burgeoning coffee shop scene.
Cyberia is located at 701 N. Wells St. (312) 573-2789
- Christian Scheuer |
Event Thu Aug 23 2007
Editor's note: We sent Cubs in Five columnist Jeff Webber and photographer Phineas X. Jones to the Chicago History Museum for an event on Monday; here is their report.
Iowa's Templeton Rye rolled into Chicago Monday night with a busload of flappers and gangsters and a couple dozen cases of the rye whiskey Al Capone used to call "The Good Stuff." The upstart distillery's tasting party, held at the Chicago History Museum on Monday, brought back a taste that Chicago hasn't had in more than 70 years. Come mid-September, the single-malt, single-barrel rye will begin showing up in bars and package stores across the city. And when you raise a glass, you can thank Templeton Rye founder Scott Bush... and his mom.
The pitch is so succinct, it fits on a cardboard coaster: "Prohibition Era Rye Whiskey available legally for the first time ever." The story: a tiny Iowa town, struggling against hard times, takes to bootlegging and ends up Prohibition's closest thing to a name brand hooch. Fast-forward to the present, where Iowan Scott Bush rescues the famed recipe from the pages of history and brings it to the market in its first-ever legally distributed incarnation. It's the kind of story that lends itself to barfly evangelism. And really, who wouldn't rather hear a fanciful yarn about Al Capone smuggling Iowa whiskey into Alcatraz than suffer through yet another flavored vodka? After umpteen lifeless versions of berry vodka, old school rye whiskey is a breath of fresh air.
After decades of declining popularity, the time is ripe for a rye revival. Even the Manhattan, a rye cocktail in its original recipe, is more often made with bourbon these days. But with small-batch bourbons and prestige whiskeys making their way onto the top shelf, it was only matter of time before the drier, cleaner taste of rye made a comeback as an alternative. Templeton Rye is just the thing to help re-establish the style. Deep amber, with a clean, reedy character, Templeton has a chewy, spicy goodness and a clean finish that makes old fashioned cocktails like the Sazerac, the Rock and Rye and, yes, the Old-Fashioned, seem new again. All of those and more were on the menu at Templeton's tasting party.
Now obviously, a well-appointed tasting party with free-flowing booze is going to win converts. Add fun touches like brand reps dressed as flappers and gangsters and even a pair of period-uniformed "coppers" on a mock raid and you've added some flair. But where so many liquor tasting parties drown themselves in marketing department approximations of cool, Templeton's party spotlighted a certain easygoing Iowan charm. Upon hearing a distributor's boast that Chicago was the first major city to receive the new Templeton Rye, company president Scott Bush's Iowa pride compelled him to assert that "Des Moines is a major city." This drew cheers from the flappers and gangsters, who were, it turned out, all Templeton natives, among them Scott Bush's wife, grandmother, father and, yes, his mom.
Friends, family and neighbors in Iowa have had a year to get hooked all over again on Templeton Rye, but you'll have to wait until the middle of next month to get your hands on it in Chicago. Until then, you can visit the distillery online at templetonrye.com.
(More photos after the jump.)
Continue reading this entry»
- Andrew Huff |
Drink Wed Aug 22 2007
After spotting my post about Half Acre Beer Company in Merge, the fledgling brewery contacted me to offer a taste so I could judge for myself how well they make their product. I accepted, and a few days later their point man, Gabriel Magliaro, stopped in the office with six-pack in hand and ready to chat.
Half Acre has been under development for about a year and a half, Magliaro said, and just started selling last week. The company is based on the West Side, but the beer itself is brewed by a contract brewer in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, a common strategy for small, start-up beer brands. Half Acre hopes to one day brew beer themselves here in the city.
Their first beer, a lager, is available primarily in Wicker Park and Bucktown; you can find it at the Charlston, Pint, Jerry's 2 and Bacino's, and in six-packs at the 7-11 on Damen and the Always Open on Milwaukee. They hope to expand to the rest of the city and beyond very soon (it's in the hands of their distributors).
So, what does it taste like? For a lager, it's surprisingly complex, far from the flimsy, watery Budweiser, the number-one selling lager in America. The beer has a dark amber color with a little cloudiness, and a somewhat bitter-tart aroma. I tasted a big orange-blossom note floating on top of a rich caramel flavor that provided depth to stand up to food, but not so much that it can't be drunk on its own. Very effervescent, with a nice balance of yeasty tartness and hoppy bitterness. This is definitely a beer worth seeking out.
- Andrew Huff |
Store Mon Jul 30 2007
If you’ve ever wanted to taste this famously fancy and expensive red from Robert Mondavi and the Baroness de Phillippine de Rothschild with out shelling out $150, here’s your chance. The new Whole Foods at the Center on Halsted has a Vino sample area like the one I blogged about earlier this summer, but the selections are a bit different. This location is offering some swankier tastes on tap and a few more boutique-y items than most other stores. You can get a sample of the 2003 Opus One for $8 at their tasting station, and if it really does it for ya, take a bottle home for $159. Best keep that bad boy in the cellar for a while though. I find Opus reaches its peak in about 10- 12 years from vintage, but that’s just me. I like my California Cabernets and blends to have a good deal of berry fruit tones still front and center, even if its at the expense of complexity.
Any Halsted Street bar owner or restauranteur will confirm that the boys love their bubbly, especially Veuve Clicquot. You’ll find a hearty supply here of both standard and half bottles, pre-chilled, in the cooler for you. While you’re there, pick up some of their sushi, a couple of made to order noodle bowls, and some Raspberry Cheesecake or Peach gelato for dessert. Then call me with an invite for dinner.
- Christine Blumer |
News Tue Jul 24 2007
Citing higher materials costs, Starbucks will be raising the price of most of its drinks by nine cents starting July 31. Thankfully, the cost of the easy listening CDs for sale next to the cash register will remain abundant and at reasonable prices. Everybody gonna dance tonight!
- Robyn Nisi |
Drink Tue Jul 17 2007
If you're planning any kind of meat on the grill for this weekend, you owe it to yourself to snag a bottle of this smoky goodness. Kent Rosenblum, originally a veterinarian by trade, is an expert with hearty reds like Zinfandel, but he's really outdone himself with this inky purple black vino from the San Francisco Bay region. Aromas of blackberry, dark chocolate, mint, black pepper, and cured meats simply leap from the glass and really sing with BBQ pork or grilled beef. It’s a monster of a wine, but still well-balanced with a long, supple finish. Like a dark chocolate mint melting on your tongue as you take that first sip of post dinner coffee. Rarely, does a wine make me rattle off this kind of cork dork poetry, but this really rang my bell with some slow smoked spareribs and a spicy/sweet sauce. It’s about $18. Get some. Rosenblum Heritage Clones Petite Sirah 2005
- Christine Blumer |
By now you've probably read about Monica Eng's $1100 Taste experiment; having a bite of each and every offering at Taste of Chicago and living to tell about it. Today she reports back with a rating of everything she ate. A very useful "get it," "eh" or "forget it" system along with her top picks and best overall booths. So, if you're going to brave the greasy mouthed masses, you can make a game plan ahead of time.
The only thing Monica didn't hit was the booze. I did. Yes indeed, you can count on me to scope out the reasonably quaffable adult beverages at any outdoor festival. Read on for my less comprehensive, but all important, drink recommendations.
Continue reading this entry»
- Christine Blumer |
Drink Tue Jul 03 2007
Get a big ol' beefy lunch all next week at Primehouse and help out Common Threads. From 11:30am to 3pm, July 7-14, David Burke's Chicago meat emporium is offering a three course lunch special for $20.71. For just $7 more, you can sample seven wines from the selected region of the day to compliment your meal.
- Christine Blumer |
News Mon Jul 02 2007
An article in today's Sun-Times uncovers the hottest new trend (huh?) in bars: groups of customers ordering a pitcher of alcohol to share, instead of (wimpy) individual glasses. The trend, according to the South Water Kitchen bartender who was interviewed for the story, has also extended to home entertaining, especially when grilling is involved, as "most [pitcher drinks] are more diluted than most cocktails." Well, he apparently was not collecting data at my apartment. The article also lists several recipes for popular pitcher drinks, one of which involves coconut flakes.
- Robyn Nisi |
Drink Sun Jul 01 2007
Currently, Trader Joe’s is carrying some of the finest little Clementine oranges I’ve seen in quite a while. Grown in Chile, this variety of mandarin orange is sold in 2lb. netted bags that retail for a very friendly $3.50. These “Premium Clementines” rate very highly in taste and have an uncommon juiciness that makes for a bit of a messy snack, but one heck of a cocktail ingredient. Sure, they work quite well in any recipe that calls for a little OJ, but a simple cocktail allows the Clementine juice’s uniquely tangy sweetness to take center stage. I’ve put together a distinctly summertime drink recipe that’s as simple as it is delicious. I’ve left the template loose to accommodate a variety of tastes.
(Continued below the fold...)
Continue reading this entry»
- Bryan Delano III |
Andersonville is getting a new coffee shop, The Coffee Studio, and they’ve been keeping a blog about the trials and tribulations of opening one, from the conception, the build-out of a space and choosing just about everything else. If you have ever wondered just how much work goes into opening an independent shop, you should take a peak at this blog. The Coffee Studio plans on opening sometime in July. Stay tuned for more information regarding just when.
The Coffee Studio is located at 5628 N. Clark St.
- Christian Scheuer |
Drink Mon Jun 18 2007
I had a beer on a recent trip to Portland that caused me to ponder it the entire time I was drinking it. Upon returning to Chicago, I went by Sam's Wines and Spirits to see if I could find it. Unfortunately, the name escaped me and all I could remember was that it was called Summer Solstice and it was brewed by a company in Mendocino, California. I wan't expecting to be able to find it, especially without much information or recollection of what the bottle looked like.
The guys stocking the beer shelves came to my rescue. I described what I could remember, and one of them said, "Yeah, I think I was just looking at that beer this morning. Let me see if I can find it in the back." A few minutes later, he came out with three cases of the very beer I was searching for, all unopened and not yet shelved.
Although my beer didn't taste as I had remembered it, sweet and creamy, like straight vanilla and caramel, I can't help but appreciate that I have it in my fridge, thanks to those really helpful guys.
By the way, the beer is called Summer Solstice Cerveza Crema and is brewed by Anderson Valley Brewing Company. And you can get it at Sam's Wines and Sprits.
- Meghan Murphy Gill |
Drink Sat Jun 16 2007
The discussion on LTH forum reveals that some beer enthusiasts are disappointed by the newly (finally) opened Chicago Ale House on Lawrence and Leavitt Aves.
"Pedestrian" is the word one commenter used to describe the beer list. I can't help but agree. I stopped by the bar on Thursday night excited to see what beers were on the more than 50 taps advertised on a sign hanging outside of the establishment for months before its opening. The Hopleaf, this 'aint. The underwhelming list includes all your predictable standards (Blue Moon, Stella, etc.) with little regard for great regional breweries. Three Floyds and Great Lakes are represented by a mere one beer each, and even Goose Island gets shunned with only 312 on tap.
Going to the Chicago Ale House is a lot like going to buy beer at Jewel, except that it's more expensive and there are giant flat screens broadcasting sports games galore. Oh, and a handful of Michael Jordan posters, just in case you forgot that its a Chicago bar.
- Meghan Murphy Gill |
Bar Tue Jun 12 2007
If you have been wondering what happened to the back bar from the old Lava Lounge, it found a new home at The Blind Robin, the newly opened spot from the owners of Green Eye Lounge and Underbar. The Blind Robin promises to be a hip yet understated place to hang, with green walls hinted with orange — think robin’s breast — and board games, lots of board games. As an added plus, an exhibition of paintings by local artist David Rettker is up on the walls, and the logo was designed by Gapers Block alum Phineas X. Jones!
The Blind Robin, 853 N. Western Ave. 773-395-3002
Hours: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday through Friday; Noon-3 a.m. Saturday; Noon-2 a.m.
- Christian Scheuer |
Drink Wed May 16 2007
My good friend John and I sat sipping Arabic coffee at Petra Café in the Loop. "This is so good: the cardamom in the coffee," he told me. The green shells of the cardamom pods floated at the top of our rich, slightly sweet and very fragrant coffee. Arabic coffee is not strained. "It's a little thick at the end," John pointed out. It's ironic seeing this falafel spot serve it in tall disposable cups. It's traditionally served in a small one that you wouldn't be taking out. But perhaps it's in our future to see this type of coffee surrender to our to-go culture, too. Still, we loved the taste. Peta Café opens weekdays at 8 a.m. Allow a little time for them to make you a cup. You can dream about where this place is named after as you wait. Giddy up.
331 S. Franklin St.
- Chris Brunn |
Thu May 10 2007
White peaches from California are available at Whole Foods in Lakeview right now, which means true Bellini cocktails are just a blender spin away. The famous Italian aperitif starts with a glass of cold Prosecco (an inexpesive sparkling wine from Italy), topped with a white peach nectar puree, and garnished with a berry or perhaps a little nugget of the stone fruit and a sprig of mint. Epicurious has a recipe from the Hotel Cipriani in Venice that is both simple and classic. Best make them quick. The white peach season is notoriously short.
- Christine Blumer |
Drink Sat May 05 2007
Anyone even thinking about preparing a margarita today in honor of Cinco de Mayo (or any other occasion, for that matter) should definitely check out todays blog from The Thirsty Celt. Chicago's favorite Spirits Curmudgeon at Large, has indispensable spirits information and a pleasantly acerbic wit that makes him a joy to read, sober or otherwise. He is also the creator of BeverageExperts.com, a terrific resource for all kinds of booze related questions. His simple but classic margarita recipe is available here.
- Christine Blumer |
Drink Fri May 04 2007
If you need to stock up on some nice stemware, now's a good time. The Robert Mondavi series by Waterford usually carries a price tag of $50 per set of two. CostCo on Clybourn has them for a mere $36.99 right now. While they're not as aromatically precise as competitors like Riedel, they are some of the most beautiful wine glasses around for the money.
Good news for Riedel fans too! Macy's has open stock of Riedel Vinum series stems for a close out price of $14.99 each as part of their One Day Sale on Wednesday May 9th. Makes a nice gift for Mom as well.
- Christine Blumer |
Drink Thu May 03 2007
"Food & Wine" magazine recently released Cocktails 2007, a book of some of the baddest ass cocktails from around the country, and Chicago represents well. From the usual suspects: John Kinder, late of Moxie, with his Bonds’s Cocktail No. 1 (Calvados, honey, Lillet Blanc and peach bitters); Eben Klemm’s Rush Street Highball from David Burke’s Primehouse (gin, apple and lemon juices); and a dark horse entry from Las Palmas’ La Melonada (a wonderful sounding frozen margarita laced with cantaloupe and ginger). Nacional 27’s Adam Seger’s lack of presence is a fairly glaring omission. Nacional does, however, garner a mention in the Bar Snacks chapter with a recipe for their Spiced Almonds.
Continue reading this entry»
- Tim Lacey |
Review Wed Apr 25 2007
While enjoying excellent seats at Wrigley Field on Monday, I was obligated to indulge in some gameday grub. I gleefully put back a few vapid Bud Lites and stuffed my face with a couple of brats that looked and tasted like they arrived to the ballpark in someone’s back pocket. But it’s all about tradition at ball games and if I hadn’t gone for the Bud Lite and hot dogs, it woulda been Old Style and peanuts. So, price aside, I had no complaints… especially since we split well before the Cubs’ inevitable collapse.
It wasn’t until later, at the Hopleaf Bar in Andersonville, that I had the opportunity to right the evening’s previous culinary wrongs. Still being a bit full from the doggies, I kept it light by ordering the famed muscles mussels appetizer and a pint of De Koninck Bolleke ale. The slightly fruity, slightly malty, crisp brew was an excellent foil for the succulent, nautical sweetness of the Hopleaf’s mussels.
(Continued below the flip.)
Continue reading this entry»
- Bryan Delano III |
Drink Wed Apr 18 2007
As previously mentioned, Shiner Bock, Blonde and Hefeweizen officially hit Chicago on Monday. We've heard it's been hard to find, although ShinerChicago has a list of bars that carry it — the big ones, anyway. They're also available (assuming they didn't run out) at Sam's Wine & Spirits for $7.99 a six-pack ($7.19 during their 1040 sale going on right now!), but is that it? What about other bars and stores? Post in the comments where else you've spotted the beer that made, er, Spoetzel TX famous.
- Andrew Huff |
Drink Tue Mar 27 2007
The beer company everyone knows is doing some good things for the world of beer, Anheuser-Busch has introduced three new beers to the Chicago market. Big deal right, but these beers are a bit different than your regular Bud. First off, Redbridge is made with Sorghum instead of wheat or barley, making a beer that people who live with Celiac Disease or are following a wheat-free, gluten free diet can enjoy. Celiac Disease is a genetic disorder that affects 1 in 133 Americans, or approximately 3.2 million consumers.
The other two beers are a bit trickier with their origins: Wild Hop lager and Stone Mill pale ale, organic beers both. Nowhere on the packaging does it say Anheuser-Busch; instead the brewer is listed as Green Valley Brewing Co. Apparently these beers have been around for a year or so but not available in Chicago until recently. I first noticed them at my local Jewel about two weeks ago and Whole Foods over the weekend. Both beers are made with 100% organic ingredients and are certified USDA organic — even the packaging is made up of 100% recycled materials. It’s nice to know that a big brewing company is doing some good, or at least noticing the lucrative market of organic foods and beer and pulling organics further into the mainstream.
- Christian Scheuer |
Drink Mon Mar 19 2007
Cafe Rōm at the Hyatt Center looks like an amazingly crisp and clean space. White mod tables and chairs, shiny white vinyl booths with low-rising and highly sloped backs, curved glass sandwich cases and a collection of brightly backlit white menu boards wrapped in stainless steel let you pretend you're in New York or Berlin. Even the restroom marked "WC" for water closet adds to the cafe's European flair. The recessed ceiling at the ordering counter suggests intimacy and, as the ceiling opens up to seating area, the cafe seems surprisingly roomy. Sitting down, I noticed the tenderness of my roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, basil and tomato contrasting quite well to the nice tear and slight chewiness of my ciabatta. The sandwiches are well endowed with oil. As my pal Rose pointed out, "The olive oil is dripping from my sandwich." It's too bad they're touchy about snapping photos, stating reasons of proprietary design. Most people who've been eating with me recently have seen me excited to photograph the food and setting, and know how a management's position on restricting this could drastically change my lunchtime activities. Chatting with the general manager, Kourtney, about their concerns was fun and lively - with short discussions ranging from bakery offerings and conspicuous coffee drinks to the space's design; and I was assured I could take more photos after my authenticity was verified. By far, this was the most interesting conversation I've had with a restaurant manager about taking photos. I'm going to return for a sandwich and a cup of their smooth and mild coffee, but I could do without reading "all roads lead to.." on Rōm's takeaway menu. At least until they open considerably more locations. Their next is due to open soon in the renovated Metra Market.
- Chris Brunn |
Drink Thu Mar 15 2007
I just got back from SXSW Interactive down in Austin, and what did I happen to spot in Time Out when I got home but an ad that looked suspiciously like a Shiner Bock label. Shiner, for those unaware, is sort of like Austin's Old Style, the "official beer" of the city which most locals don't actually like all that much. It's not too different from Old Style to my tastebuds, either — maybe a little tarter, but otherwise solidly simple, basic beer.
The ad included a URL: ShinerChicago.com. Go there and you find three pages of information that add up to one thing: Shiner will be available in Chicago starting April 16, in yet-to-be-determined bars across the city. Expect a big to-do, a la Fat Tire, to begin shortly.
- Andrew Huff |
Drink Tue Mar 06 2007
Plenty of places serve vegan food in the Loop, but muffins are another story. Luckily, locally owned Argo Tea carries vegan and trans-fat free muffins from Chicago Diner. Hints of apple, ginger and cinnamon come with the carrot raisin walnut variety. It'd be even more delicious if the nuts were candied, but my moderately successful attempts at swishing up an evading layer of chocolate syrup at the bottom of my soy mocha took care my quest for additional sweetness. On a previous visit, a barista pulled an incredibly smooth espresso into a very cute demitasse.
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- Chris Brunn |
