A Valentine's Day Full of Hot, Spicy Oil
For the homemade egg rolls, silly! We've got the details in Drive-Thru.
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Eating/Drinking
Calumet Fisheries is a Classic
The James Beard Foundation named Calumet Fisheries as one of its 2010 American Classics. It joins Tufano's Vernon Park Tap and The Berghoff (pre-closure) as Chicago's only restaurants to earn the title.
Love is in the Air, Love is in the Food
We've got a round-up of some of the best Valentine's Day events and offers in Drive-Thru.
Better Than Chocolate
Valentine's Day approaches: show your love with heart-shaped pizza, available at a surprising (surprisingly awesome) number of locations.
Costa's Not Open for Business
Alvin Shubert, GB flickr pool contributor (and today's Rearview photographer), looked out his window last night to see Greektown restaurant Costa's in flames. Another contributor, Michelle Wotkun, headed down to get a closer view.
Eat and Shop Here
The Eat Shop Guide to Chicago came out recently; it's yet another guidebook to cool stuff in the city.
Goose Island's Green Line Pale Ale
Speaking of the Green Line, Goose Island is set to debut a new environmentally friendly "Green Line Pale Ale" tomorrow.
Re-Filtered
Drive-Thru contributor Christian reports that beloved Wicker Park coffeehouse Filter officially opened this morning in its new home, 1373 N. Milwaukee Ave. Stay tuned for more info in Drive-Thru.
It's Cold...Beer
We bring you part two of our homebrewing how-to in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Learn About Lager
Looking for some different indoor fun as January slogs into February? Local brewery Half Acre Beer Company offers free tours every Saturday at 1pm. Contact info [at] halfacrebeer [dot] com to register.
Ode to a Haggis
Tonight is Burns Night, when Scots around the world (and particularly Scotland) enjoy scotch whisky and haggis in tribute to poet Robert Burns. Currently, your primary source for haggis in the States has been Stahly Quality Foods here in Chicago, but soon you may see true Scottish haggis here soon if the current ban is lifted. (Interested in celebrating Burns Night? Head to The Globe Pub tonight at 8pm.
Producing in Hyde Park
Two U of C grads stick around the neighborhood to open up a produce market that goes the distance in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Are You Celebrity Sausage Material?
Half Acre Beer is celebrating the release of its Baumé chocolate stout in growler form by holding a contest to be a "celebrity sausage" at Hot Doug's next week.
City on the Make
Time Out Chicago's annual cheap issue is out this week, and MyOpenBar's Chicago editor pitches in with a list of budget drink deals.
Helping Haiti Here
Crain's Chicago Business lists 10 local ways you can aid the relief effort for Haiti. [via]
Sweet Relief
This Saturday, several of Chicago's beloved bakeries and celebrated sweet shops will join forces for a charity bake sale, hosted by Medici on 57th. All proceeds will be donated to Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam for their ongoing relief efforts in Haiti.
Selling an Invasive Species
Asian carp, the potential bane of the Great Lakes, will soon be marketed as "silverfin" at grocery stores.
DIY Beer
Want to learn how to set up a home brewery? This week's Drive-Thru feature will help you (get drunk).
Here It's Called a SAHsage Tree
The African Sausage Tree (Kigelia africana) at the Lincoln Park Conservatory is bearing 20-pound fruits. Fun fact: the fresh "sausage" is poisonous, causes mouth blisters, and acts as a laxative. No sampling.
Eating for Haiti
Restaurants and bars around the city are teaming up to make it easy for you to help relief efforts in Haiti simply by eating out (which also happens to help the local economy.) Grub Street Chicago has a list of restaurants doing their part, and in Drive-Thru, you'll find a list of restaurants collaborating with the Heartland Alliance in a fundraiser, as well as details about Monday night's concert and bake sale at the Hideout.
Celebrity Food
I know when I want a steak, nothing is better than a Michael Jordan signature steak. They go great with my Mike Ditka wine.
Hamming It Up
The Greater Chicago Food Depository recently received 44,000 pounds of various pork products. Want to give them some eggs to go with all that bacon?
Will it Waffle?
Fruit slinger and occasional Drive-Thru contributor Daniel Shumski takes an often-ignored kitchen appliance to new heights with his new cooking blog, Waffleizer.
What's in Store for the Dill Pickle?
Learn more about the new Logan Square Co-op in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Neither Eat nor Drink
Roger Ebert eloquently describes not being able to eat or drink anymore, as well as the conversations that occur around a dinner table. (Share what flavors you'd miss most in Fuel.)
Eating Our Way Down Memory Lane
Our fearless and refined staffers share their best eats of 2009 in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Chicago's Finest Apple Sauce
Jim Mullen, a Chicago cop who was shot in the line of duty and left paralyzed, is finding a new life selling a family recipe apple sauce.
Kumas Corner Seeking Cook
Looks like one of the city's most iconic burger joints is seeking a long-term line cook. If you can keep from salivating on your keyboard to apply, I'm sure there's tons of taste testing involved in training, you know, to make sure it's done right.
Break These Chains of (Food) Love
We delve deeper into the connection between food and togetherness in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Eat for Cheap in January
January tends to suffer from the cold-weather, post-holiday doldrums, so the Local Tourist has organized its first Restaurant Week, with more than a dozen restaurants offering three-course meals for only $25 at lunch or $35 at dinner. Ten percent of each meal benefits pediatric cancer foundation Endure To Cure.
God Jul!* Now Drink Up...
The Sun-Times raises a glass to the glogg being served up at Simon's Tavern in Andersonville, as owner Scott Martin gives the inside scoop on the tradition. * "God Jul" is Swedish for "Merry Christmas."
The Art Institute by Way of Wonkavision
Yes, you can even eat the lions at the Art Institute's Gingerseum.
I Want Candy
Homemade candy, that is. This week's Drive-Thru feature will take you to a magical place where candy canes are plentiful and easily made in your own kitchen...
In Praise of Mincemeat Pie
Cliff Doerksen reminisces about an out-of-favor holiday treat in this week's Reader feature, which doubles as an intro to his new blog on historical oddities.
USDA Raids: Guilt by Association?
The USDA raided Frontera/Topolobampo/Xoco and plan to visit North Pond -- on the basis of sharing a meat supplier with two North Shore guys who make and sell their own bacon and sausage, as reported in a recent Reader story by Mike Sula. UDPATE: Or maybe it wasn't the USDA. Sula's updated the story.
Watching Pie Being Made is Nothing Like Sausage
Sky Full of Bacon takes you behind the scenes at Hoosier Mama Pie Company.
Tootsie Rolls, DOTS Now Kosher
If you keep Kosher, you can now enjoy Tootsie Rolls, DOTS and many other Tootsie Roll Industries candies. Oh, and their website has some classic commercials you'll likely remember fondly.
Food Minds Read Alike
Both Chicago Mag's dining staff and The Reader's Mike Sula posted their picks for 2009's best cookbooks today. Good gift suggestions for the cook in your life.
No More Healthy Food in Bridgeport
As LTHForum readers are lamenting, Healthy Food Lithuanian Restaurant will close December 15.
What Do You Do with a Big Ass Hot Dog?
Find out in the latest edition of The Dog Show, now in Drive-Thru.
Mies van der Dough
What does an architect's gingerbread house look like? The Trib finds out -- and lets you bid on the results or make your own. (Thanks, Dee!)
52 Drinks
Taking a page (or is that card?) from à la card Chicago, the new Drink Deck gives you 52 $10 gift certificates to Chicago bars of all sorts.
For All Your Upscale Food Needs
Should you be in the mood for a couple of lobsters, truffles, or a "giant wheel of brie," look no further than the Chicago French Market. We've got a first look report in Drive-Thru.
Getting Das Boot at Christkindlmarket
We visit the annual holiday outdoor market in Daley Plaza and it's the wurst -- in a good way! The details are in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Gift of Dinner
Speaking of gift-giving, the 2010 edition of à la card Chicago is now available, giving you 52 $10 gift certificates to local restaurants for just $30.
The Only Two Artisan Distilleries In Chicago
The Chicago News Cooperative has a story on the only two "artisan distilleries" in Chicago -- both, coincidentally, are family ventures.
More Chicago Food
The New York Times discovers the latest hot restaurants in Chicago, including Paul Kahan's new Big Star, Xoco, a certain heavy metal burger bar and America's best pizza.
Give Thanks for Meats Other than Turkey
If you want to liven up your holiday dinners, forego the Settlers of Catan tournament and go with serving a Standing Ribeye Roast. We got the details in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
City of 'Iron' Shoulders
Chicago native Jose Garces brought the city even more culinary acclaim as he walked away with the title "The Next Iron Chef" in the Food Network reality series contest.
Turkey Day Breakfast
All this focus on dinner eclipses the most important meal of the day, as we point out in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Cheap Eats for the Children
Kids Eat For is a web site that features "Kids eat free" and other food specials for kids at nearby restaurants. Click here for deals in Chicago.
Chicago: The New Barbecue Capital
Is Chicago BBQ better than Memphis? Michael Nagrant thinks so.
Happy 75th, Billy Goat Tavern!
After work snack alert: The Billy Goat Tavern celebrates its 75th anniversary today with 75-cent cheezborgers and beers. (If you followed us on Twitter, you'd have heard two days ago.)
Bleeding Heart Beats in Oak Park
Just a reminder, this Sunday is Bleeding Heart Bakery's grand opening for their Oak Park location: free mini cupcakes, donut holes, and a birthday cake raffle. Keep up with the tasty goings-on here.
Remember Urbis Orbis?
If you do, you should check out the videos GB reader Anna sent us documenting the Wicker Park coffeehouse's last weeks and the interesting folks who worked and hung out there.
Ever Wonder How a Turkey Pop-up Thermometer Works?
L. Stolpman shows you how over at Chicagoist.
Nourishing Neighborhoods
A nonprofit started by an award-winning chef is helping make fresh farmers market produce available in Chicago's low-income communities. Alan Lake has the story in Drive-Thru.
A Place to Eat Socially
Culinary Culture is a new social network for "serious and aspiring foodies" launched today by Threadless cofounder Jakob DeHart and his wife, Mischa.
Eating Fresh & Local Even in Winter
Want to keep up the locavore lifestyle this winter? The Local Beet has your guide to winter eating.
Food Stamps for Pets
OK, food stamps aren't involved, but a variety of organizations in the Chicago area and elsewhere are providing assistance to families who are having a hard time buying food for their pets.
Kickstart the Cookbook
There are just five days left to donate to help make the beautiful Soup and Bread Cookbook happen. If you were (and/or are) a fan of this delicious and fun project at the Hideout last winter, help them out by making a donation to offset the printing costs.
Introducing the Dog Show
We've got a new regular feature in Drive-Thru starting today: The Dog Show, an exploration of the city's hundreds of hot dog stands. First up, Superdawg.
Run On Dunkin For Less
Starting Monday, Chicago locations of Dunkin' Donuts will offer a new 99-cent menu. Keep an eye out for Dunkin' employees handing out $2 gift cards on your morning commute.
Make Your Own Hard Cider
It's not, er, hard, as the Paupered Chef demonstrates.
Hungry?
Check out this website devoted to pictures of Chicago-style food. It won't help your situation, but it sure is beautiful.
Sausage Pizza, Every Day for a Month: The Outcome
LTHForum's ronnie_suburban lost his bet that a coworker couldn't survive for a month eating nothing but sausage pizza. The Trib has a writeup, DiningChicago has a list of local pizzerias the victor sampled.
Kids n' Compost
Elementary school students in Oak Park, Naperville and Villa Park are learning early about making "zero impact" on their environment. They're recycling, composting food scraps after lunch and sending far less trash to area landfills.
Boozin' in Buenos Aires
A trip to Argentina is a lesson in their many drinks in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Energy for the Shark Tank
Element Bars, a local customizable energy bar company, got a big boost from a recent appearance on the reality show "Shark Tank."
Living Organically in the Concrete Jungle
Organic in Chicago is a site devoted to organic eating and living in the city.
Taking a Joke Literally ... in Court
In Will County, you can get out of community service for $50 worth of jerk chicken.
Where They Know Your Name
Which Chicago bars would the characters from "Cheers" hang out at? AV Club Chicago has your answers.
61st Street Garden Coverage Expanding
The imminent closure of the 61st Street Community Garden is getting a lot of attention from the media, with the Trib and Sun-Times augmenting weeks of coverage in the Hyde Park Herald and the Invisible Institute's Garden Conversations.
Funds for Food
Chicago-based crowd coupon site Groupon has started a fundraiser for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. A few clicks and a few bucks could bring someone in need a Thanksgiving meal.
Jewel No Longer "Urban Fresh"
Jewel's Urban Fresh market, part of its strategy to compete in a more specialized grocery field, will close by the end of the month.
Sweets on Paper
A new cookbook by Sarah Levy of Sarah's Pastries and Candies gets reviewed in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Ticket for Zestiness
If you live in Wicker Park, pay close attention to the ticket on your car -- it might get you free hot wings.
The Green Slime Are Here!
Grubstreet Chicago is (justifiably) wondering what the hell is going on in this advertisement for the Dana Hotel's Aja restaurant. Fans of sci-fi/horror B-movies know all too well what's coming next. Let's rock, before we blast that thing out of the sky!
The Art of Dinner
Food becomes more visual through the Bluebird's new dining and art series. We take a deeper look in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Rules of the Restaurant
Please watch "Mike G's Rules for Better Dining", a video from Michael Gebert of Sky Full of Bacon inspired by Michael Pollan's dietary rules recently featured in the New York Times.
Caramel Corn Returns to Michigan Avenue
Garrett's Popcorn is celebrating the reopening of its Mag Mile store, 625 N. Michigan Ave., tomorrow starting at 10am. They're giving away free bags of popcorn, so expect a long line -- just like old times.
One Zombie Dog, Extra Brains
Logan Square favorite Lula Cafe plans to "dress up" as another local gem this Halloween: Hot Doug's. I wonder if the menu of encased meats will be named after the dead, the undead or simply those whose careers have flatlined. (via)
Hot Dogs Get Hard Time
Felony Franks gets the Wall Street Journal's attention for its battle against neighbors and Ald. Fioretti.
Threadless Founder Goes Culinary
Crain's has an interview with skinnyCorp co-founder Jacob DeHart who's launching a new startup business website later this month: CulinaryCulture.com.
Spice Up Your Life
We visit a local gourmet spice company in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Three Sheets to the Windy City
Chicago is yours for the drinking, thanks to Cityscape Bar's new Architectural Martini Tour, an alcoholic ode to some of the Loop's best known buildings.
Sausage Pizza, Every Day for a Month
That was the challenge LTH Forum's Ronnie Suburban gave one of his coworkers. So far, he's holding fast -- even on business trips. [via]
Tru Dat
We head to a fancy schmancy wine dinner in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
You Need a Treat Today
And if you're near Michigan Avenue, you can get some free candy from Mars today till 6pm.
Tastes Like Burning
The smell of popcorn wafting from Garrett's, so familiar to Loop workers, prompted someone (presumably a tourist) to call out the fire department this morning. Must've been a particularly dark batch of caramel corn.
Chick-Fil-YAY!
OK, all of you Chick-Fil-A cultists, get ready to cluck for joy. The much-ballyhooed restaurant chain is moving a step closer to Chicago. They're going to open one in Orland Park.
Your Nearest McDonald's
You're never far from a McDonald's -- unless you're in South Dakota. More in Drive-Thru.
I am Woman, Hear Me Saute
NAHA executive chef/owner Carrie Nahabedian's the first woman to be inducted in the Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame. She joins Charlie Trotter, Jimmy Bannos, and Rick Bayless.
This Dinner Never Happened
The co-owner of New Leaf Natural Grocery gives the lowdown on her first underground dinner.
Going Northwest to New Glarus
Lori Barrett goes north to Wisconsin for some family fun, weird neighbors and great-tasting beer in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Online Ordering Diversifies
Chicago's own GrubHub, which has been expanding into other cities, recently got a competitor on its home turf: Eat24Hours.
You Get a Meal! And You Get a Meal!
The Oprah effect may go beyond books, products, musicians. The next episode on the continuing saga of "It's Oprah's world and we just live in it": Local restaurants and certain chefs are seeing an Oprah bump, according to 312 Dining Diva.
Hot Doug in the Big Apple
Don't plan on going to Hot Doug's on October 7: they'll be in New York showing them Yankees how it's done.
Looking for Somewhere New to Go?
The Pilsen Community Market will be hosting a community garage sale for the next two Sundays on a vacant lot at 18th and Peoria.
Helping the Needy Find Help
A new website, direct2food.org, helps the needy find social services including food pantries and soup kitchens.
Cryovacing and Tofu: a Love Story
Chris Brunn sits down with chef Ryan Poli of Perennial to discuss their new (delicious-looking) vegan menu offering in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Try to Eat Local
The Green City Market's Locavore Challenge starts today: to participate, simply commit to, as much as possible, eating food grown or produced in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan or Wisconsin for the next two weeks.
The Roof, the Roof is on Fire...with Delicious Organic Produce
We visit a rooftop farming operation at Uncommon Ground in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Wait for Bacon
Baconfest Chicago has decided to postpone their pork extravaganza until April 10, 2010 due to lack of funding. However, the Baconfest VIP Bacon Cookoff is still on and will take place on October 24th at the Publican.
World Class on Northalsted
Is Sidetrack the best gay bar in the world? Gay travel site tripOut thinks it's a contender; you can have your say as part of their Gay Travel Awards. [via]
More than Kielbasa
Among all the other stuff going on this long weekend, you should try to make it to Taste of Polonia, which will open your mind to what Polish food can be -- and features the musical stylings of Poland's Sidney Polak among others.
"VaporTini" Certainly Sounds Better than "Huffing Vodka"
Either way, Red Kiva Lounge sells the concoction in a 180 degree fahrenheit container for $10 a pop.
Twix is Food?
So, how well is enforcement of the "Twix clause" in the brand new candy tax going? Not so well, first day out. (Twix clause? Any candy containing flour is exempt from the increase. Here's a list of other surprising items landing on one side or the other.)
85% Beef, 15% Lamb, 100% Tasty and Free
Don't miss out on a free gyro tomorrow, courtesy of our very own Kronos Foods, Inc (thanks for the tip, Jough).
Alinea Live!
Speaking of Alinea, you can watch Grant Achatz and team planning the fall meeting live on JustinTV. Follow @Gachatz on Twitter for heads up on future broadcasts. UPDATE: Well, that was quick. They finished the meeting just after noon, but promise to be back Saturday night around 8:45pm for about an hour. Tune in!
Back to the Land
Andie Thomalla heads out of the city for a decadent farm dinner (with some Shakespeare and microgreen gardening thrown in) in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Celery Salt, Maybe?
Absolut is rolling out a series of city-themed vodkas, and Grub Street Chicago asks, what would Chicago-flavored vodka taste like?
Food Tech
Alinea partner Nick Kokonas has been blogging on Gizmodo about some of the technology used in the restaurant, including a failed attempt at making culinary snow.
Beyond Kuma's
The Tribune's "Cheeseburger Bureau Chief," Kevin Pang, host of CLTV's The Cheeseburger Show--which launched new episodes today--beefs up Chicagoans on extraordinary burgers. This week takes Pang to the (gasp) burbs.
All Together Now
Coudal points us to a fantastic Budweiser commercial shot on the El (mostly the Brown Line), for the Irish beer drinking market if the URL attached to it is any indication. UPDATE: The Sun-Times gets the backstory on the ad.
Pure Tastiness
We have a nice guide to good eats in Michigan and Indiana for your next trip in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Land of Cheap Big Mac Attacks
According to the Economist, in Chicago it takes just 12 minutes of work time to pay for a Big Mac. Compare that to Nairobi where it takes about 2.5 hours to earn a special sauce fix. (via).
"I Had Literally Become a Numbskull."
As Chicago Mag's Jeff Ruby highlights the 30 best burgers in Chicago, he was hit with a consequential downside to his summer burger epic.
Ice Cream Man's Chimes No Longer Reel or Rock
The New York Times Dining section reports on last year's banning of ice cream trucks from the 18th Ward and modern parents annoyed with ice-cream-demanding toddlers and chain-smoking, shirtless, and burping ice cream vendors.
Princess Pugnacious Chablis Needs You
Do you love both pugs and wine? You might want to check out Alpanah Singh's Pug Chug this Saturday at Juicy Wine Co. For $45, you get a wine tasting, tasty food and a silent auction, all to benefit pug rescue.
It's Not Just the Mercury Now
Researchers have found that eating Great Lakes fish is associated with the development of diabetes because of DDE, the metabolite of DDT.
Treat Tweeting
For foodies and boozers around Chicago, Wait Watcher tweets wait times at key restaurants and bars. Developed by the Onion's AV Chicago section, local restaurant-goers can text or call in wait times to help their fellow diners.
Bacon Lettuce Tomato
Chicago Tomato Fest says, "This may be a 'Reduced Services Day' for the City, but it's an 'Increased BLT Day' for us." Make an old-school BLT and enter their contest, or just find a tasty one at participating restaurants. (More about the fest here.)
Turning Up the Heat on Top Chef?
Seems like a few bloggers are stirring up controversy over something many Chicago residents have known for years: Rick Bayless cooks delicious Mexican food. [via] Read further thoughts in Drive-Thru.
Gettin' Soupy in the Kitchen
It's hot outside, but it's still a good time for a bowl of (chilled) soup in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Shhh....Secret Supper on Southport
Southport Grocery and Cafe just announced their next Secret Supper, to be held Thurs., August 20 at 7pm. What will you get to eat? It's a secret! Call 773-665-0100 lickety-split to secure a spot.
Frozen Custard Summit
Scooter's Frozen Custard put some plastic chairs out on the sidewalk for patrons to sit. The City told them to stop. Patrons organized. The alderman is now intervening. (A much more interesting version of the tale.)
So Much for a Sense of Humor
Apparently a humorless Market Days visitor was so upset about the labeling of the Chicago Diner's tip jar as "Sarah Palin Retirement Fund," they're calling for an investigation of the Diner for "impersonating a charitable fund" and not revealing the jar would go to tips...
One Door Closes...
Chris Brunn talks with Vella Cafe's Sara Voden about the upcoming closure of the Bucktown eatery, the inspiration for her cooking, and plans for the future in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
100 Words Hungry
Win tickets to Taste of the Nation Chicago from Grub Street by writing about your favorite childhood food.
Another Day, Another Drink Special
Chicago, meet Small Tabs, the latest site dedicated to helping you bar hop on the cheap.
To Go Food
Fork and the Road, a "bike and dining adventure" series, got a nice write-up in the Trib today.
A New 'Leaf'
The crazy-popular Hopleaf finally gets the green-light on adding some much-needed space a sister restaurant next door. Now how long before THAT spot gets filled wall to wall? (via Edgewater Community Buzz)
Standing Room Only
Nick Kindelsperger of The Paupered Chef has been highlighting the best stand-up eating in Chicago for Serious Eats.
Something Fishy
Sky Full of Bacon shows you how fresh fish makes it to Chicago and your table.
Create Your Own Speakeasy Tour
Want to drink in some history? The Chicago Bar Project has a list of still-active bars that were once Prohibition era speakeasies.
Veni, Vidi, Vichyssoise
VF Daily's Society & Style blog asked some of the country's top chefs to take on the recipes of the late, great Julia Child. Chicago's own Graham Elliot Bowles presents a terrine based on Child's vichyssoise.
DIY Yogurt
An at-home science project yields delicious conclusions in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
The Caged Tomato, Unleashed
Ever wonder who designed the Hot Doug's logo? It was Caged Tomato, Bake and Destroy interviewed her recently about her influences, baked goods and more.
The Titans of the Gyro
Leave it to the NYTimes to remind us that the "Titans of the Gyro" are all Chicago-based!
At Last, Locally Produced Frangos
One reason to return to Macy's: Frango mints are once again being produced in Chicago. The start of production will be announced today by Macy's and South Side candy company Cupid Candies.
Watch Us Wait
How long is the line at Hot Doug's? What's the wait like at Kuma's? Are the lines crazy at Costco? Decider decided to help you find out without having to be there -- follow @WaitWatcher and get updates from people in line at popular places.
Vote for Local Favorites Nationally
It's the time of the year for the Veggie Awards survey -- vote for locals such as the Chicago Diner, Bleeding Heart Bakery and Chicago Soy Dairy.
Cooking With John Kass
Although it's not hard to catch him smoking in front of the Tribune Tower or having a burger at Billy Goat, 100 lucky Tribune print subscribers will schmooze and make beer-can chicken with legendary columnist John Kass Aug. 1 at the Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton.
Small Steps
If you're an all-or-nothing type when it comes to eating healthier, we have some tips on how to break the mold by incorporating a few new, smart foods into your diet in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Up a Creek
If your idea of summer sauce is Knob Creek, get ready for disappointment. The Deerfield-based distributor says massive demand for the nine-year-aged American whiskey could mean limited supplies until the next batch is ready in November.
Guava, Passionfruit, or Jerk Cupcakes?
Photos from last night's Iron Cupcake event. Also, Chicago Bites reports that the cupcake baking challenge is now a monthly event. Woo hoo!
Hold da Mustard
July is National Hot Dog Month -- and why wouldn't it be especially significant in the Windy City? Nothing screams "National Pastime" quite like tube-stuffed, processed chicken, beef and/or pork trimmings. So, go out and celebrate.
Taste of Food Waste
A Chicago Reporter investigation found that even though the Taste of Chicago has been getting smaller, the amount of food thrown out by vendors has increased -- primarily due to temperature violations discovered by health inspectors.
The Gift of Eating at the Taste
Those with major food allergies will appreciate Lisa's allergen free guide to the Taste [pdf]. [Via]
Gourmet Again
In our current Fuel thread about Taste of Chicago, a couple people wished there was a high-end version of the food fest. In fact, there is: Chicago Gourmet, which returns to Millennium Park in September. The downside is, high-end comes with high prices -- early bird discounted tickets start at $120.
You Don't Even Need a Dealer
Andie Thomalla reviews a field guide to (safely) hunting mushrooms in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Police Plan for Safe Taste
Going to Taste of Chicago? Worried about more than the heat, sweaty tourists, and the cash you'll need? Chicago police have announced their security plans to ease your mind and prevent a rerun of last year's violence.
A Rainbow on State Street
The best news I'm sure to hear all day: Original Rainbow Cone is opening a location in the Loop at State and Lake. Now we North Siders won't have to wait until the Taste every year to get our Rainbow Cones!
Wine and Cheese Advocacy
Come try Italian wine and wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano from 5:30-7:30pm today, courtesy of Pastoral (53 E. Lake), Atlantic contributor Daphne Zepos and Italian cheesemaker Giorgio Cravero. [via]
A Sub-Zero Feeling In The Mouth
The Taste of Chicago begins on Friday, and the Sun-Times has a story on one of the new food items that's sure to be talked about: frozen popcorn on a stick, brought to you by Taste newcomers Garrett Popcorn.
Iron Cupcake II: This Time It's Tropical
Chicago Bites has the details on the next Iron Cupcake challenge.
Puerto Rico on the Plate
To celebrate tomorrow's Puerto Rican Independence Day Parade (kicking off from Columbus & Balbo at noon), we are chowing down on traditional dish Mofongo over in Drive-Thru.
What Time is It?
It's HarvesTime in this week's Drive-Thru feature. Grab your grocery list and learn about one of Chicago's finest supermarkets.
Hopefully They're Not Corked
Longball Cellars has created wines named for Cubs and Sox stars Derrek Lee and Mark Buerhle, with proceeds benefiting the players' favorite charities. Keep in mind that CaberLee and Buerhlot might be more enjoyable to look at than to drink. (Oops, sorry for the Carlos Lee slip-up; you probably already guessed I'm a Sox fan. Thanks for the correction, Mark et al.)
Chicago Gluttony
The Chicago Gluttons foodblog is one of the raunchiest you'll ever see -- but it's also good advice about restaurants in the city. New City sneaks a look behind the personnas.
Taking a Walk on the Vegan Side
Chris Brunn talks with chef, writer and author Linda Long about her recent cookbook, Great Chefs Cook Vegan (which includes contributions by kitchen heavyweights such as Charlie Trotter, Eric Ripert, and Thomas Keller), in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Vegan Ribs Still Require Bibs
Northcenter's Ribfest is this weekend -- and for the first time, there will be vegan ribs on hand. Drive-Thru writers Chris Brunn finds out exactly how one makes a such a thing in this interview on Vocalo.
A Taste of the Taste Before the Taste
The Taste of Chicago preview event used to be the dirty (greasy?) little secret of local VIPs and intrepid reporters looking for "the inside story" -- as well as a chance for free food. But now they're thrown the doors open to the public.
Will There be a Breakout Session on Pepperoni?
Speaking of pizza (see below), the Pizza Executive Summit '09 is currently taking place here in Chicago. With a name like that, it sounds ominous...ominously delicious.
Crying Over Cooked Milk
Speaking of old news, Chicagoist went digging through LexisNexis and found a 100-year-old story about the controversy over pasteurizing milk.
Check Please Bump + Obama Bump = Closing?
Don't forget, this weekend will be the final days for the Dixie Kitchen in Hyde Park. Not even the fabled "Check Please" effect could save the restaurant from being closed by the U of C. For old time's sake the Reader has the fabled Obama "Check Please" endorsement.
Time's Running Out for Our Growing Home Photo Contest
Upload a picture that creatively displays your dedication to locally grown or organic produce to the Drive-Thru Flickr Group and you could win a pair of tickets to Growing Home's Annual Benefit (valued at $250), courtesy of the Drive-Thru Photo Contest, which ends Sunday at noon!
A Green Deli Comes to Ravenswood
We have all the details in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Donuts. Free. Tomorrow.
Friday is National Donut Day. This is important because it means a free Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donut for all. It IS the best day of your life.
Schwa Shares
312 Dining Diva points us to the first cameras reaching the inner sanctum of Schwa: NBC Chicago's interview with Schwa chef Michael Carlson. The interview includes a mini-rant against celeb-chef culture, reveals why your reservation calls are never returned, and shows some mighty facial hair.
A Market Oasis
Time Magazine notes a Chicago grocer trying to grow in the city's food deserts.
All Your Bacon Are Belong To Us
Mark your calendars: BaconFest Chicago will be held October 25 in Logan Square's tony Stan Mansion.
Aren't We All Winners?
Check out a little cupcake pron at this wrap-up of the Iron Cupcake Challenge.
Thinking Ahead to Date Night
Got a date coming up? Date Nite Delivery can help make it special with gift baskets of wine, cookies and other treats.
Free Eats for the Conscientious Produce Buyer
We're giving away two tickets to Growing Home's upcoming benefit, which will feature foods by Charlie Trotter's, Vie and Bistro Campagne...details over in Drive-Thru.
Elotes Under the Law
Today's Reader cover story takes a look at pushcart vendors' legal plight -- licensable in the parks, but not in the rest of the city.
Bakers Needed!
Got a good cupcake recipe? Then consider taking part in Chicago's first Iron Cupcake challenge, happening this Monday, June 1. Chicago Bites informs us that bakers are still needed for this event (apparently they already have plenty of judges), so if you can whip up something pretty fast in the kitchen, you should totally try out. See the links for details.
From the Rooftop to the Tabletop
The growing season is at hand, so Chicago magazine spends some time with micro gardeners.
Get the Beef
Top SECRET! Head over to Drive-Thru to learn how your lunch today can cost a measly dollar!
Andersonville Pizza Best in the Land
GQ Magazine has spoken, and according to Alan Richman, the best place for pizza in the nation resides in Andersonville. The Mortadella pie at Great Lake won top honors.
The Third Largest Whole Foods
The new Whole Foods Lincoln Park opens next week -- but we've got a sneak peek in Drive-Thru. If you want more, there's a preview party Monday.
Eating Local Food Locally
The Sun-Times' recent article about CSAs is pretty good, but its photo illustration offers a bold alternative to out of control condos.
Chicago Bars Earn Love
It's not just our restaurants getting the high-class recognition. Chicago represents in the newly released Food and Wine Cocktails 2009 guide. Of the 100 top bars named in the U.S., Chicago has five, including C-House, The Drawing Room, Green Mill, Nacional 27, and the Violet Hour.
Are You a Broke Hipster?
Then there's a site for you.
KFC-Gate Explained
Ad Age has a nice summary of the events behind Oprah's well-intentioned gift of a free plate of KFC chicken to viewers last week that erupted in a full-scale PR fiasco for the restaurant.
Second to None
Chicago earns four of the top spots on Travel + Leisure's recently released list of the "50 Best New U.S. Restaurants" with L2O, Urbanbelly, Perennial and The Publican. Peoria hot spot June also made the cut thanks to the unique "post-modern molecular gastronomy" of its Alinea-trained chef and owner, Josh Adams.
Distill This
We take a look at Ravenswood-based Koval Distillery in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
What Does Organic Really Mean?
OrganicNation.TV is "an exploration of the American sustainable food landscape focusing on the people, places and products that are shaping a new green economy and lifestyle." Produced by Fresh Cut Media's Dorothee Royal-Hedinger, the video tour hits the road May 10.
KFC KGF FUBAR
In case you were wondering, "The combination of free food and Oprah is a tsunami."
Bee Sting
Chinese nationals were arrested here and in Seattle on suspicion of running an international honey smuggling ring.
Historic Tube Steaks
"Hot Doug" Sohn and culinary historian Bruce Kraig will be discussing the history of the hot dog at Kendall College tonight; details in Drive-Thru and Slowdown.
el-two-oh
The NY Times included Laurent Gras's Chicago restaurant L2O [Caution: audio on website] in its "Outstanding Newcomers" series, which profiles exemplary restaurants that opened since the beginning of 2008. If you're feeling hungry, there's always more food discussion in Drive Thru.
Find the Farmers
Want to pick up some local produce but aren't sure where to go? Local Beat's Farmer's Market Locator helps find you the closest one to you.
Local Deep-fried Dough
Want a donut that's a step above the Dunkin' variety? Donut Database has you covered.
Miso Hungry
An exploration of the soup follows in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Your Lost Shaker of Salt is at Nacional 27
With all the swine flu talk, you may not be feeling all Cinco de Mayo this year. Just in case you're looking for a good margarita though, USA Today claims Nacional 27's is one of the ten best in the country.
Go to a Restaurant Tonight
Weather be damned, tonight is Dining Out for Life, which benefits AIDSCare Chicago. Check the site for participating restaurants.
One Way or Another: The Beautiful Chef
As if all the accolades for his, you know, cooking talent weren't enough, chef Paul Kahan of Blackbird gives us another reason to feel inadequate. He's named as one of People's 100 Most Beautiful 2009 ... or not. [Thanks for the update, Dan!]
Lauded Diner To Close
Patty's Diner, winner of the Reader's pick for Best Diner 2009 and one of LTHForum's Great Neighborhood Restaurants, is closing up. The word on the Reader's Food Chain blog is that the rent's going up by a prohibitive amount, and Patty will have to close up shop as early as May 6. So... plan that trip to Skokie now.
Misdemeanor Weiners
Felony Franks, a new hot dog stand to be staffed by ex-prisoners, is causing a stir over its name despite its positive mission.
Looking Between the Bread
Trends in sandwiches, from the upscale to the not-so-upscale. Discussed in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Chicago Barista Third Best in the World
Update on local barista Michael Phillips; he placed third in the World Barista Championships this past weekend.
Grab Your Snuggie and Go!
The Snuggie Pub Crawl is tomorrow, and there are still some tickets left!
Chicago Represented in World Barista Competition
Michael Phillips, the Intelligenstia Coffee employee who won the Great Lakes regional championship just last year, goes to Atlanta this weekend to represent the US in the World Barista competition. Best of luck, Michael!
The Bees' Needs
While there is an apiary in the city, most of Chicagoland's honey production is done in the suburbs. Lake Bluff's GazeboNews profiles a group of retirees who've taken up beekeeping as a hobby.
(Cupcake) Life After Butter
Natalie Slater of Bake and Destroy interviews former vegan and baker extraordinaire Michelle Garcia of Bleeding Heart Bakery on baking philosophy, butter alternatives, and making that perfect vegan chocolate cupcake.
Easter Without the Meat
Setting up a vegetarian Easter in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
A BYO Bonanza
GoBYO is a nifty little website that catalogs restaurants in the area where you can bring your own wine. Among other features, their database lets you know if a restaurant is solely BYO, if they serve wine but allow you to BYO, and the corkage fee. Chicago (including suburbs) is one of ten cities/regions covered by the site.
Hot Doug Drop Drops
Hot Doug's has put a stop to unofficial delivery service, but it could blossom into something more. (Hot Doug's will remain the same, though.)
How the Mighty Have Fallen
New City published its 100 Essential Restaurants list, and for the first time, Charlie Trotter's isn't one of them.
Encased Meats, Delivered -- for Now
Hot Doug Drop is a new service that delivers Hot Doug's to drop-off locations at the Merc and CBOT twice daily for a small fee. But it's unaffiliated with the restaurant, and owner Doug Sohn says the service's days may be numbered.
What is This, the PGA?
Bravo has announced that its new show, "Top Chef Masters," which debuts June 10, will feature three Chicago chefs -- Rick Bayless, Graham Elliot Bowles and Art Smith.
Alinea Fools Day
On April 1, Carol Blymire, the author of the foodblog Alinea at Home, posted a video of herself with Chef Grant Achatz, claiming he'd hired her to work at the restaurant. It was an elaborate and successful April Fools joke, and she explained how it came to be over the weekend.
Chocoholics Gently Weep
Just when you really crave some chocolate comfort food, Mars, Inc. is shutting down 5 of its 6 Illinois Ethel's Chocolate Lounge locations. Skokie's your last outpost in the state (or there's always Vegas).
Beer for Brains
The Chicago Zombie Pub Crawl returns to Andersonville in a couple weeks. More details in Slowdown.
A Menu for Weight Loss
The Four Seasons' executive chef Kevin Hickey is among a group of chefs who have devised their own diets -- he lost 90 pounds, and added many of his tricks to his restaurant's menu.
"If You're Really Down for it, Ask for the Brain to be Grilled"
Pork, pork everywhere in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Dunkin' Donuts: Serve Pork or Good-bye
Walid Elkhatib, the Muslim owner of a Westchester Dunkin' Donuts, is reluctantly converting his store to another donut business after a judgment that he could be denied a franchise renewal because he refused to sell pork products
Taking a Bite out of The Taste
Crain's reports that theTaste of Chicago will have 15% fewer food vendors this year.
BaconFest Cometh
That's right, an entire festival devoted to your favorite pork product, right here in Chicago. Follow @baconfestchi on Twitter or join the Facebook group.
French Toast for Dinner: 'Nuff Said
Kaitlin Olson turns her day upside down in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Cheese Pizza, Jello & Chocolate Milk
What was your school lunch like? The Healthy Schools Campaign wants your "most vivid memory of school food" -- and you could win a panini maker for it.
Weeklong Bender
WhiskyFest is still a week away, but the party starts tonight. Jill Jaracz rounds up your whisky (and whiskey) options in Drive-Thru.
Foie Gras Back in the News
Chef Didier Durand has announced plans to open a foie gras museum in his restaurant, Cyrano's Bistrot. Meanwhile, Mark Caro's Foie Gras Wars is selling like, um, foie gras.
Eating Cincinnati
Chris Brunn goes on a vegan vacation in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Heartland Cafe Reopens
After being briefly closed by the Chicago Department Of Public Health, the Heartland Cafe reopened last night. Heartland owner Katy Hogan felt the inspection was fair, and gave the building an opportunity for an overdue renovation.
Beer, Here
New Chicago breweries Metropolitan and Half Acre got some good press today, both in the Tribune and in the Wall Street Journal.
Small On Size, Big On Soccer
Tailgate's Steve Gillies continues his excellent series on the city's best soccer-watching bars to get your footy on. Today: The Small Bar.
Heartland Café Closed by Health Department
The Heartland Café was closed by the city Health Department on Thursday after inspectors found a variety of problems. Meanwhile, the restaurant's website says it's "closed for renovations," with a "reopening celebration" in the works.
Save Room for Pie
Made from scratch pies by Paula Haney (Trio, 312 Chicago, One Sixtyblue) have been at the Green City Market for two years, but as of tomorrow the mama in Hoosier Mama Pie Company has her own three-table bakeshop. Located at 1618½ W. Chicago Avenue, it features an open kitchen, '40s decor, and a rotating menu from dozens of seasonal selections available by the six- or nine-inch pie, slice, or flight.
Eating on the Cheap
We revisit Depression-era recipes to liven up our current Depression in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Close It Out
Did you know that setting a minimum on credit card tabs is against credit card company rules? Bars do it anyway.
Achatz on Oprah
Chef Grant Achatz appeared on Oprah this morning, talking about his cancer diagnosis and recovery. Chicago Celebrity Examiner has a couple quotes from the show; catch it again on ABC-7 tonight at 11:05.
Cross-reference That Cookbook
Recipe Comparison is a local site that allows you to search for recipes and compare them across several major recipe sites. Great for dishes where there's no one way to do it.
Dog Gone?
Time Out Chicago is reporting that Rockstar Dogs, the only place in Chicago where a person could shamelessly order a footlong "Tommy Lee", may be no more.
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy birthday to you! Watch out for the zombies! Happy Birthday to you!
When Dinner Freezes Over
Cooking becomes a party in your refrigerator in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Beer, Dog & Cracker Jack
The Sugar Syndicate created a quintessential Chicago birthday cake for one lucky Cubs fan. (I'd request a Sox version.)
Soup's On Tonight
Come to The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, tonight between 5 and 8pm for a bowl of tasty soup lovingly cooked by the Drive-Thru staff (along with Columbia film prof Dan Rybicky and dietitian Bettina Tahsin, and fresh-baked bread from Hugh Amano) as part of the bar's weekly Soup and Bread event, which is a fundraiser for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Donations encouraged.
Celebrate Shrove Tuesday with Donuts
Come celebrate the Polish tradition of Paczki Day with Illinois State Rep. John Fritchey at the Jefferson Park Blue Line Stop, 6:30-8:30am.
The French Word for Doughnut, but the American Word for Love
The excellence of beignets gets the spotlight in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Sweet and Wet
The origins of deep dish pizza may be shrouded in controversy, but the origins of Italian beef, are much clearer. The Straight Dope gives a taste of the sandwich's past, present and future.
OMG Obama Sushi
I'm speechless (mainly because I can't read Japanese). [via]
Days Of Our Knives
Want to be on the next season of Top Chef? Helen Rosner of MenuPages has got the scoop for aspiring cheftestants in Chicago.
New Stimulus Package Idea
Table Fifty-Two has been swamped with reservation requests since word leaked about the Obamas' Valentine's Day dinner there. As of Monday afternoon, Saturdays were booked through the end of March. I wonder if they'd have the same effect at any restaurant they visited...
Permanent Discount
Here's an interesting Valentine's Day deal: Angels and Kings, 710 N. Clark, is offering a free bottle of Champagne to anyone with a tattoo of someone's name. Offer's good while supplies last, starting at 8pm.
All's Fair in Love and War
Here's a dinner conversation topic for you and yours this weekend: tomorrow marks the eightieth anniversary of the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre, when seven members of George "Bugs" Moran's gang were shot down in a garage at 2122 North Clark (which is now a small park) by associates of Al Capone, several of whom were dressed as Chicago police (how interesting).
Cooking with Twitter
In this week's Drive-Thru feature, we discover that Twitter can be used for purposes other than broadcasting opinions about your cat.
Back in the Kitchen
Anxious to get a taste of what "Top Chef" alum Dale Levitski may be cooking up at his new restaurant? Well, Relax and eat up every Thursday (if you can get a reservation). [via]
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
MenuPages Chicago blog offers four restaurants at which to dump your significant other. (Share your best/worst/craziest break-up story in Fuel right now.)
Bleeding Heart Busted
The popular Bleeding Heart Bakery on Belmont Ave. was shuttered this week by the Chicago Dept. of Health for code violations. Eep. UPDATE: The bakery put out a statement about the closure.
Everyone is Splitting Up
The bill, that is. Separate checks are apparently on the rise as people feel the economic pinch in their wallets.
Drunken Goat News
No, not about Cubs fans. Serious Eats has an interview with Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard about her upcoming restaurant, The Drunken Goat. She mentions she's on Twitter, and MenuPages Chicago cleverly tracked down her account.
What a Long, Strange Tofu Trip it's Been
Yu Kizawa discovers a new, wacky Japanese tofu at Mitsuwa and her life is changed forever in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Bourdain's Chicago Photo Journal
The Chicago episode of Anthony Bourdain's television show No Reservations aired on Monday, and ever since I've been in withdrawl. But never fear! The Chicago photo journal is up on the show's site. [Vegetarians note: After the jump, there are serious photos of sausages.] Update: And note the episode's Google map of dining locations along with video of missing scenes/locations (Ramova Grill, a tour of the Tom Tom Tamales Factory) here.
Contest with No Reservations
As mentioned yesterday, we're running a contest in Drive-Thru -- if you caught last night's episode of "No Reservations," answer our trivia question for a chance to win!
Part of a Healthy Breakfast
Or maybe not, in the case of this gargantuan Frosted Mini-Wheats cluster found in a Chicagoan's cereal box.
Anthony Bourdain X-Treme Prize Giveaway
Celebchef Anthony Bourdain will be spotlighting the foods of Chicago on his show "No Reservations"; the episode premieres tonight at 9pm on the Travel Channel. We will be liveblogging and giving away an awesome prize during the show, so stop by Drive-Thru later tonight for details on how to win.
Cooking in Half-Time
The Drive-Thru staff lists their favorite cooking shortcuts in this week's feature.
A Kitchen Savant
GQ's Alan Richman profiles Schwa's Michael Carlson and gains new insight into the restaurant's abrupt closure and reopening.
Champagne Taste, Beer Bottle Pockets
Sky Full of Bacon went to Food Network chef Sandra Lee for semi-homemade suggestions on how to reproduce some of Alinea's greatest hits for a fraction of the cost. Or did they?
Bottles at the Ready
You're going to need a lot of booze if you play along with Chicagoist's Blagojevich drinking game during his appearance on "Larry King Live" tonight.
Deer in the Headlights...of Your Kitchen
Andie Thomalla cooks with venison in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Mapping Dinner
Thinking about Restaurant Week reservations? The Local Tourist has made a handy Googlemap of the participating restaurants, so you know which are closest to you.
Chips Ahoy
Jill Jaracz goes on a hunt to find a replacement for her beloved Jay's Zestidos in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Capitol Beer
Another Chicago product is heading to DC this week. Goose Island will soon feature in the district's public houses.
One Good Meal Returns
The venerable One Good Meal has new digs over at Drive-Thru, and she's making soup this week.
The City That Never Sleeps?
And you thought it was the relentless winter weather, skyrocketing cost-of-living and hit-or-miss public transportation that was putting you on edge here in Chicago. Nope. Turns out we're the third most caffeinated city in America. Step away from the Coca-Cola...
Impalatable Tradition, Cheap.
Beginning tomorrow, enjoy (?) $2 shots of the Chicago-based, widely considered vile Jeppson's Malort at Stadium West.
Tlaxcalli Anyone?
In conjunction with the Aztec World exhibit at the Field Museum several area restaurants will be offering Aztec inspired food and drink. Taste of the Aztec World starts a week-long run this Sunday.
It's Tamale Time
A childhood treat gets remade with adult eyes in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Blago Burger
Kuma's Corner's January special is particularly topical: the "#@(*&%^ Blagojevich" consists of a 10 oz. hamburger patty, thick sliced bologna and yellow mustard between two grilled cheese sandwiches (made with American cheese and wonder bread), and a large dollar sign written in mustard.
Cheap Eats Ahead
The participants for this year's Chicago Restaurant Week have been announced; start making your reservations for Feb. 20-27 now.
The Good and the Meh
The Drive-Thru staff reflects on the highs and lows of their year of Chicago eating in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
O'Hare: First in Flight, Last in Food
The New York Times takes a look at seven airports to see what kind of food awaits travelers hoping for a bit in between flights. O'Hare ranks at the bottom of the list of airport cuisine: "particularly disappointing since Chicago is one of America's great restaurant cities." [via]
Getting More Than What You Paid For
The Trib's investigation of food mislabeling and hidden allergens found 117 products that violate federal law. While seeking the correct ingredient listings, it also conducted more food laboratory tests than the USDA and FDA have done -- combined -- over the last several years. How many tests did the Trib do? Fifty.
The Mystery of Nut Breads
A Chicagoan recounts her ongoing journey for the perfect potica recipe in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Even if You Lost, You Really Won
A kolacky recipe won this year's Trib holiday cookie contest, but a badass recipe for rogaliki gave it a wedgie and shoved it in a locker afterwards in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Gingerbread Masterpiece
April Reed Cake Design is selling a gingerbread version of Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House. The original, located in Plano, Illinois, was sold to local preservationists in December 2003 for $7.5 million. This edible treat sells for $4,320 - 15% of proceeds pays for repairs to the real house. [via]
Indian Done Right
Chris Brunn takes on the task of making sambar in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
The Obama Food Tour
Where does Obama eat in Chicago? Anywhere he wants. Actually, Sky Full of Bacon has a more precise list.
Ready for Repeal Day?
This Friday marks the 75th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition. 312 Dining Diva has a list of all the parties going on to celebrate.
Harry's Hot Dogs Doomed?
It's Demon Dogs all over again: developers are planning on buying up the Showman's League of America Building at 300 W. Randolph for office building development. That building, as you may or may not know, houses Harry's Hot Dogs, which has been around for over 50 years yet (according to the Yelp reviews) still features the original Harry! Better get your hot dogs now before Harry's closes up...
It's Turkey Time
Mandy Burrell Booth gives us the skinny on decadent turkey cooking in this week's Drive-Thru Feature.
City of Big Truffles
You probably aren't familiar with the saga of the Giant Italian Truffle, which has failed to find a home here in the States... until it reached Chicago, that is.
Lunch Planning
Speaking of lunch in the Loop, the Tribune has a foodporn gallery of some of their favorites.
Tiny Thanksgiving Treat
This week, diners at The Café at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago will be treated to "Thanksgiving Dinner in One Bite", an amuse-bouche that combines all the tastes of a traditional Thanksgiving meal into a single forkful.
Crispy Goodness
The Reader has a mouth watering piece on Cafecito, a new Cuban sandwich spot in the South Loop. I haven't tried it but it sounds like the owner definitely did his homework, even researching my neighborhood's favorite whole in the wall, El Cubanito.
Top Cupcake
File under "Nom Nom Nom": Top Chef cupcakes are back at the Bleeding Heart Bakery.
Now is the Time for Tater Tots and Cream Soups
Kaitlin Olson introduces us to the venerable Hot Dish in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
The Master Sommelier Blogs
"Check Please!" host Alpana Singh has a blog.
Potbelly Gets Crafty
Who knew that employees at Chicago-based Potbelly Sandwich Works were so into DIY and being green?
Not So Sweet
Wicker Park's Sweet Thang lost its lease and moved to Roscoe Village earlier this year. Now it's closed again -- embroiled in the same strange scandal that swirled around the closing of Sweet Occasions. Read more in Drive-Thru.
Presidents Can't Go Hungry!
The owners of Italian Fiesta Pizzeria, one of Barack Obama's favorite restaurants, are being flown out to Washington for the Presidential Inauguration Expo, an event that will preview the food to be served come inauguration time.
Reverse Mugging
Watch your pockets. A creepy guy in a mask might just stick something in them.
Happiness is a Warm Meatball
The weather is getting colder, the economy is getting weaker, and relief seems to be nowhere in sight...so why not cozy up to a meatball in this week's Drive-Thru feature?
Make Your Reservations Now
The Reader's 2008 best restaurants list is out, along with some notable runners-up. (You might also want to check out places the chefs eat.)
Goose Island Clybourn Staying Open
The original Clybourn location of the Goose Island Beer Company will stay open, thanks to a renegotiated lease. "I could not be happier," said founder John Hall in a press release. "I felt terrible, like I was losing a part of my family. We would not have been able to reach an agreement with our landlord without the support of our loyal customers. I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support with e-mails, letters, and petitions."
A President's Gotta Eat
Sure, there will be a few important Cabinet positions to fill in the coming months, but what we really want to know is who will be cooking up the cuisine at the White House? The Obamas may be bringing a bit of local flavor with them to D.C., though it sounds like they are still partial to Spiaggia for special occasions.
The Numbers Have It
Meet Chicagoan Nate Silver, the U Chicago grad and statistics whiz behind fivethirtyeight.com, the election data analysis site that has "helped make sense of some of the things that didn't seem sensible."
Eat Noodles, Help a Cause
On Wednesday, November 12 Noodles & Co. (2813 N. Broadway) will donate 25% of all sales toward the Weisman Park renovation project. Donations accrue on sales between 4 PM and 10 PM, and you must have this flyer to have your sale count.
Left to Her Own Devices
Drive-Thru staffer Yu Kizawa stumbles upon every chef's fantasy--a deeply discounted Kitchen Aid mixer--and the results are life-transforming in this week's feature.
Vote and Get Fed Today
Many national chains are offering special free items if you vote (most, if not all, won't require you to show your "I Voted" sticker or slip as proof, either). Get in on some free coffee, donuts, chicken strips, or ice cream at participating businesses.
It's Not a "Diet," it's a "Live-it"
A change in administration...of the self in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
This Place Ain't Sexy
"The Squirrel," a blog by an anonymous Chicago restaurant worker, is one of the more entertaining reads I've come across in awhile.
You, Too Can Make Guava Foam
GB Editor Andrew Huff sits down with Michael Nagrant to talk about his newest project, co-authoring the Alinea cookbook, in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Earwax Café Under Fire
Popular Wicker Park eatery Earwax Café, 1561 N. Milwaukee Ave., was ordered to close after Chicago Department of Public Health inspectors found rat feces in a basement storage area, holes in walls that allowed insects and rodents to come in and a poorly maintained outside garbage container, the Tribune reports.
Chronicling the Red Hot Lovers
UIC News recently profiled reference librarian Lynn Westney, author of the ever-popular article "Dew Drop Inn and Lettuce Entertain You: Onomastic Sobriquets in the Food and Beverage Industry."
Beer Me a Medal
This week's Drive-Thru feature covers this year's Great American Beer Festival, which was heavy with Chicagoland brewers vying for national recognition.
Goose Island's Last Day on Clybourn
The Chicago Beer Society's e-mail listserv was buzzing over the weekend after Goose Island Brewing Company annouced they'd be closing their Clybourn Avenue brewpub on December 21.
Eating Bodega-Style
The Drive-Thru staff talks about our latest cooking and party adventure in this week's feature.
Full-bodied Bunny
Behold... the Playboy Wine Collection. The collectible bottles, each paired with a vintage magazine cover, are sold individually or as part of a subscription. [via]
Sandwich Wars
If the Fuel question for today has gotten you thinking about your lunchtime eating options, consider that Potbelly has unveiled a new sandwich to complete with the piled-high-with-meat options at Quizno's and Subway.
A Restaurant with Wireless (not that kind)
A Chinese restaurant in Urbana, IL (if you know which one, let me know) has started using a wireless remote to let customers summon their waiter for food, water, the check, or just regular old attention. Makes me want to roadtrip for some ma po tofu.
Stepping to the Plate
We look at Chicago Gourmet through the eyes of a volunteer in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Alinea: The Home Game
Mike Sula from the Reader goes to the launch party of the new Alinea cookbook (there's an Alinea cookbook? Yes!), held at Wired NextFest (NextFest is back? Yes!).
Mayor Places Sausage, Nuts on the Line
Showing faith in a White Sox win, the mayor has bet three Florida mayors that the White Sox will beat the Tampa Bay Rays. Apparently seeking intestinal vengeance, should he lose, Daley has wagered Vitner potato chips, Lemonheads from Ferrara Pan Candy, a "Pepsi for a Year" certificate, assorted peanuts, sunflower seeds, and trail mix from Fisher Nuts, and 100 Vienna Beef Polish sausages. Why, the headline just wrote itself, didn't it?
Another Chicago Chef Could Be "Top"
Competing in the next season of Bravo's "Top Chef" is Chicagoan Radhika Desai, executive chef of Between Boutique Café & Lounge. Let's hope she can bring home the title, just like Stephanie Izard did last spring.
(No) Soup For You? It Depends.
Groupon, a Chicago startup, will offer daily coupons for local events, services, hotels, eateries and more. The twist? You only get the deal if enough people sign up for it. If not - well, you know.
Pancakes, My Treat
Well, while Wrigleyville bar owners have agreed to stop alcohol sales after the seventh inning during the playoffs, Joe Fournier has an amusing take on Da Mayor's plan for good, clean fun in Lakeview.
Palin Spotted @ Old Town Ale House
A nude painting of vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin (or is it Second City alum Tina Fey?) now graces the wall at the Old Town Ale House.
Eating Around the World
This week's Drive-Thru feature takes us on a trip to eat the foods of Denmark and India through a Chicagoan's eyes.
The Daily Achatz
Eater Chicago may not be bowing until next month, but the love for "Chicago's darling" Grant Achatz has been simmering for a while. Get a taste of "The Daily Achatz".
Will There Be Cocoa-Ed Dorms?
Something called the U.S. Chocolate Academy, created by the Barry Callebaut company, is coming to Chicago. It's the first one in the US.; the other is in Russia. Sweet.
7th Inning Dry Stretch
The City is asking Wrigleyville bars to stop serving after the 7th inning during Cubs playoff games to avoid mayhem in the streets. Share your opinion in Tailgate.
Not So All Beef
Turns out Vienna's "all beef" hot dogs haven't been quite 100 percent. Get in on the class action lawsuit.
Food First, Seeing the Eternal Union of Todd and Lisa Second
This week's Drive-Thru feature explores some of the newest trends in delicious, memorable wedding reception eats.
Mai Tais by Thanksgiving?
The Sun-Times has an update on Trader Vic's return to Chicago. The restaurant is scheduled to return in late November at Newberry Plaza (1030 N. State). In anticipation of the grand re-opening, they've put out the giant tiki head that used to sit in front of the original Chicago location, so you can't miss the new restaurant.
Not Manic For Organic?
Organic food may be all the rage these days, but according to the Chicago Reporter, the pesticide-free food is hard to come by in minority communities, for various reasons.
Top Dog
GQ's food critic, Alan Richman, who has previously deemed Chicago "the best restaurant city in America," recently attempted his own version of a hot dog crawl to see how our dogs compare to those in NYC. [via]
Gourmet Discount
Thinking about going to Chicago Gourmet, the new high-end food and wine festival in Millennium Park next week? Use the code CG2008TEN when you buy your tickets and you'll get 10 percent off.
Following Achatz's Footsteps
In 2007, Carol Blymire decided she would try cooking every recipe in the French Laundry Cookbook and blog the experience. The project proved wildly popular, and now she's set her sites* on Grant Achatz's forthcoming cookbook. (You can preorder Alinea from Amazon for just $31.50.) Chicago MenuPages Blog interviews Blymire about Alinea at Home. *Pun intended.
Cooking with Sandra
We catch up with Food Network celebrity and cookbook author Sandra Lee in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Right On 'Cue
Chicago native Scott Johnson barbecues for a cause: to fight cancer. He donates his winnings in national competitions to a cancer research foundation. That's nice, but his reasons for getting into barbecuing might tick a few people off: he points to "the lack of quality barbecue cuisine in his native Chicago." Ahem...
Tag Team Baking
If you're setting your Tivo for the weekend, don't neglect to catch the Chicago chef Michelle Garcia of Bleeding Heart Bakery compete in the Food Network Challenge: Tag Team Cakes on Sunday at 8pm. The chefs didn't know who they'd be paired with for the competition, but if this snapshot of the final product is any indicator, I say it was a productive (and likely, delicious) pairing.
Summer in a Jar
You don't need to struggle to chow down the last of the season's produce. This week's Drive-Thru feature is all about what you can do to enjoy fresh vegetables and fruits far into winter...from a jar.
Michelle O. to cook with Paula D.
Michelle Obama will be a guest at "Paula's Party" on the Food Network. Besides sharing details about life on the campaign trail, Michelle will learn how to make host Paula Deen's Fried Shrimp and Creole French Fries. Put on your eating pants and tune in on Saturday, September 20 at 7:00 pm ET/CT.
Lettuce Entertain You ...Differently
Restaurant empire Lettuce Entertain You is branching out beyond food with a two-hour internet radio show featuring Mike North, who left WSCR in June. The show debuts Monday, Sept. 8, from 9 to 11am on WildfireRestaurant.com, and will be available as a podcast on iTunes and North's website later in the day.
Moving the Bar
Drunken Service Announcement: The Chicago Bar Project has had some trouble with their hosting company, and are now at ChiBarProject.com.
Better Than a Bag of Peanuts and Half a Can of Pepsi
This week's Drive-Thru feature takes a train trip and has a dining experience that ought to be in pictures. And is.
Burning Up the Kitchen
Thinking of opening a restaurant? Unless you're able to luck out like Smoque, think again.
Taste Of Melrose Park!!!
Can't stand politics? Then while the time away with the absolutely unfunny entertainment of "Taste Of Melrose Park" broadcasting on Channel 19's "Star Performers". (And in other news, the Taste Of Melrose Park is this weekend. Samples under $2, city's Web site is down, and LTHForum makes it sound awesome.)
Drunk on the Train from Chicago
Last call on Metra's bar cars comes this weekend.
Attacking Hot Dogs Upsets the Hot Dog Council
A group called The Cancer Project is going to run ads in our neck of the woods in September critiquing hot dogs and school lunches. Among those who are mad are the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council. Yes, there is a National Hot Dog & Sausage Council.
Come on-a My House
Olympian Michael Phelps can eat 12,000 calories' worth of pasta, pizza and fried egg sandwiches each day. Wouldn't he enjoy spending his mealtimes gorging on Chicago foods instead? Our Drive-Thru feature for this week investigates.
Vote for Chicago's Veggie Establishments
VegNews is currently accepting votes for the 2008 Veggie Awards, which feature the Chicago Diner, the Bleeding Heart Bakery and products from the Chicago Soydairy, among others.
Nine Feet of Discomfort
Shaw's would like you to know the tapeworm did not come from them. Of course, the guy with the lawsuit doesn't see it that way.
It's Sonic Day!
In our continuing coverage of the arrival of Sonic burgers in the Chicago area (actually Aurora), the fast food chain with the omnipresent commercials finally opens today. And apparently not a moment too soon.
Put On Your Beer Goggles & Suit Up
It's time for the Chicago Bar Olympics, a tournament of bar games being held at 15 bars across the city. If you're not up for the travel, maybe just the Beer Olympics at either Mahoney's or Cortland's Garage would suffice.
Wisconsin is for the Thirsty
GB staffer Dana Currier recaps a weekend spent visiting three Madison-area breweries in this week's Drive-Thru feature. You may want to scrap your weekend plans and brave I-90 for the trip to Sconnie's capitol (only three hours away!).
Learn the Secrets of the Rosetta
Want to learn how to do latte art at home? Intelligentsia will teach you how. (Thanks, Shirley!)
Really? Not In-and-Out?
If you were a mega-bazillionaire and the fast food joint you loved didn't exist in your home town, what would you do? Well, buy a franchise license and start picking spots of course. Get ready for Fatburger Chicagoans.
Providence!?!
According to Forbes, we're the fifth hardest drinking town in the nation. We were outdrunk by, in descending order, Austin, Milwaukee, San Francisco, and... Providence, RI. Really?
Nine Dogs, 17.8 Miles
According to their website, Bike The Dog is "Chicago's Premier Gastronomic Cycling Challenge." They're inviting bikers of any skill level to join them on September 13th for an almost-eighteen-mile trek through the north and northwest sides, sampling the wares at nine quintessential Chicago hot dog locations. It's a pledge-based event, with raised funds benefiting the family of Stella Ackerman, a two-and-a-half-year-old living with a rare blood disorder. More info.
Hot Eats, Cool Treats, LEED Certification
A visit to Wicker Park's new Dairy Queen/Orange Julius store is a sentimental trip down memory lane amidst a sea of stores that sell $200 t-shirts in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Hot Doug's Unveils New Chicago Dog
Today's the day that Hot Doug's unveils the winner in Time Out Chicago's recent hot dog recipe contest, The New Chicago. TOC will be at Hot Doug's today to celebrate; details in Slowdown.
Chewing Up the Charts
Singer Chris Brown's hit single "Forever" is also a paid ad placement for Wrigley's Doublemint gum; Wrigley has two more song-commercials in the works.
Snacking on Shrubbery
Nance Klehm teaches people about the edible plants growing throughout the city.
Soup's On...Ice
To combat the oppressive heat, Lori Barrett is cooking up chilled soups in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Bell's Back in Town
Remember when Bell's vanished? It's back.
Yet Another Googlemap - Cheap Date Edition
UEatCheap.com, now in alpha.
But Where Will the Tourists Eat?
The Bennigan's across from the Art Institute was abruptly closed today, along with the rest of the nationwide chain. The Stew's Lara Weber pays tribute to the tourist favorite.
Shop Talk for Chefs & Servers
If you're in the restaurant or hospitality industry, check out FohBoh, a new social network.
Cooking and Playing with Fire
The blood, sweat and bain maries of making crème brûlée at home is chronicled in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
The Edible Presidential Candidate
I've seen a lot of Obama products in the last few months, but none of them compare to the Obama lollipop.
The Next Hot Doug Dog
Speaking of hot dogs, the finalists have been chosen in Time Out's contest to create the next encased meat special for Hot Doug's. Go vote now!
Get Your Frank On
The GB Drive-Thru staff reviews some of the city's best (and meh) hot dogs in this week's Feature story.
18 Chicago Starbucks to Close
Crain's tells us which ones will vanish.
Maybe This One Won't Have Rats
Obviously interested in Whole Foods' market segment, Jewel's going to open a new concept store called "Urban Fresh, by Jewel" in Lincoln Park in the fall.
Egg Over Wrigley
The McDonalds across from Wrigley Field is displaying an unusual billboard right now. [via]
More Free Stuff
It's Free Slurpee Day today! Also, enter to win a designer t-shirt from Chicago magazine, or $10,000 for your own design sense.
Berry Good
This week's Drive-Thru feature takes a look at the glories (and widespread availability) of the mulberry.
It's Beer Thirty
For those of you of that have graduated from Miller Lite and Bud (and no, Icehouse doesn't count) Chicago Mag's events editor is keeping a great blog, Get to the Pint, on drinking good suds in the city.
Failed Health Inspection Shutters Whole Foods
Attention urban food snobs: according to an email alert that’s not yet available online, the Chicago Department of Public Health has ordered the Whole Foods on North Ave. closed “after CDPH inspectors found mouse feces throughout the premises, including more than 100 droppings in one walk-in cooler alone. Also found was a dead mouse on a glueboard trap.” Resisting urge to make sarcastic “organic” jab...
Sayonara, Venti Coffee
Intelligentsia Coffee is ditching the 20-ounce size of its coffee and espresso drinks -- out of respect for the coffee. The owner says: "Drinking our coffee is not like drinking jug wine."
Foam: It's What's for Dinner
GB Staffer Lori Barrett takes on the world of homemade molecular gastronomy in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
I Can Has Hotdog?
Time Out Chicago have got a killer contest running right now: create your own Hot Doug's hot dog. Readers can submit their ideas for new encased meats or toppings, and Hot Doug himself will select finalists that readers will vote on. The winning entry will actually be made and featured at the restaurant for a week. Check out Hot Doug's menu to get some idea of their regular fare. You'd better think quickly, though, because entries are due in one week!
Mmm, Jibaritos.
Does Chicago have a signature dish? Must it be deep dish pizza?
Taste(less) of Chicago
Professional curmudgeon and columnist Thomas Roeser absolutely trashes the Taste of Chicago experience as "a sad trampling of civility" and says that it reduces the dining experience to "ashes and banal barbarism." But other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?
Barleycorn's in Bridgeport?
The Sun-Times uncovers that Jimbo's Lounge's landlord wants the 22-year-old bar out so he can bring in an outpost of John Barleycorn.
Love, Italian Style
GB staffer Mandy Burrell updates us on her culinary adventures while on a European honeymoon in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
It's Bacon!
One of the reasons I love Chicago. (vegetarians and vegans look away) [via]
Figaro Fries
Because one fat lady is never enough, the Lyric Opera has announced plans to open a restaurant and bar.
Give Hot Dogs a Break
This week's Drive-Thru feature gives you some very tasty Japanese-influenced suggestions for your grilling endeavors.
Don't Get Trapped
Got family visiting from out of town? Centerstage suggests some alternatives to the standard tourist traps.
You Say Tomato and I Say...
...you might want to make a note of one particular restaurant chain in Chicago, which has been pinpointed by the Chicago Department of Public Health as one of the major sources of the local tomato-based salmonella outbreak.
Sonic Commercials: Not Just Torture Anymore
The road to a tasty Cherry Limeade just got a little shorter: Sonic plans to open four new drive-ins near Chicago in the next year. Aurora, IL, here I come.
The Big Apple is Vegan
Get out of town with this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Talking to Stephanie
Chicago's own Chef Stephanie Izard is a finalist on "Top Chef," and she's going to be answering reader questions on the Tribune's website starting at 1pm tomorrow. Here's an interview with her to get your interrogation juices flowing.
New Chicago Reader Website: Drinks
The Reader will be launching a new nightlife site this week: drinks.chicagoreader.com. The site isn't live yet, but it's mentioned in the official flickr group.
Top Chef Chicago Reaches the End of the Line
Wednesday night marks the end of a very special season of Top Chef; Drive-Thru will be covering the spectacle, play by play. The show starts locally at 9pm, allowing you plenty of time for So You Think You Can Dance. I watch a lot of television.
BYO Cracker Jacks
The NY Times has a story and interactive map (written by a native Chicagoan) detailing the culinary hits (ha ha) and misses at some of the nation's ballparks. Wrigley Field ranked a good dog and a bad dog, and the Cell, well, has a lot of room for improvement.
Eating from the Urban Earth
In a less popularized form of urban foraging, Nance Klehm seeks food and medicine from plants along railroad tracks and other urban oases.
Top Chef Chicago
Congratulations to Grant Achatz of Alinea, who was named Outstanding Chef by the James Beard Foundation.
Everything Old is New Again
Reunitings, separations, and new encounters with restaurants in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Cheap Eating in Time Out
Time Out focuses on cheap eats this week, following seven chefs, from Rick Bayless to Le Lan's Bill Kim, to their ethnic food faves.
(Pork) Bellying Up to the Finish Line
After a dizzying display of plantain usage in Puerto Rico, the finalists are chosen in this week's Top Chef recap over in Drive-Thru.
Midwest Wine Country
Looking for a unique activity for an upcoming summer weekend? How 'bout a tour of Michigan wineries?
Freelancers, Load Up on Coffee
It looks as though the rumors are true: Starbucks will be making its wifi "free" tomorrow. Of course, there's a catch on that free part: you have to have a Starbucks card, and you only get two hours a day.
Eating ChiVegas
Is Chicago's dining scene becoming "vegasized?" David Tamarkin thinks so.
Steakout!
The cheftestants throw on the chainmail to get their carve on, Padma shows off her high, high waist (eat your heart out, Rushdie) and the contest prepares to leave Chicago in this week's Top Chef recap over in Drive-Thru.
Italians on Pizza
Speaking of opinions on food, Chi-Town Daily News' two Italian interns take stock of Chicago's pizza, and declare Pizza D.O.C. the best.
French Fry Heaven
On Chowhound, they're talking about who has the best fries in Chicagoland. [via] Name your own faves in Fuel.
Rock the Cupcake
Buy a cupcake from the Bleeding Heart Bakery during the month of June, and they'll donate $1 to Girls Rock! Chicago. Plus you'll get to eat a cupcake -- or, give it to me.
From Scripture Candy to Crackheads
The Onion's A.V. Club spend some time at the All Candy Expo at McCormick Place and give us the details on all the strange products they tried.
Mini Quiches are For Lovers
The food of wedding receptions is both fondly and not fondly remembered in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
U-Pick It, U-Buy it
Now that the permafrost has broken, head out into the hinterlands for some delicious produce.
Anthony Bourdain Takes His Laksa Seriously
The celebchefs shop at Pier One and sniff around Lou Mitchell's, and a rising star goes sous vide in this week's Top Chef recap over in Drive-Thru.
Chicago Gourmet Will Eat a Hole in Your Wallet
Going to Chicago Gourmet, a new high end culinary festival planned for late September, will cost you a pretty penny. Details in Drive-Thru.
Who's Bringing the Soy Milk?
If you're trying to get to work today via the I-80, you're already well aware that a semi carrying 10 tons of Oreo cookies crashed near Morris, IL early this morning. Although crews had successfully brushed the last of the crumbs to the side of the road by 6 am, the morning commute for those going eastbound is still totally dunked.
Greek Week
Greek Orthodox Easter has passed, but that's hardly a reason to not read this week's Drive-Thru feature about the eats of this holiday.
Burned Rice, Sexy Salads
...and my fantasy boyfriend Sam Talbot returns to the kitchen in this week's Top Chef recap over in Drive Thru.
Superdawg in the Suburbs
Looks like the magic behind Superdawg will be coming to Wheeling soon when they take their drive-in with the best hot dogs in the universe to Restaurant Row. Favorite quote: "The 12-foot hot dog statues on top of the building -- representing Maurie and Flaurie -- will be 14 feet in Wheeling."
Not the Taste of Chicago
Details are still murky, but the Illinois Restaurant Association and the city are planning a gourmet version of the Taste.
Texas-Sized Veganism
Chris Brunn, our resident guru of all things vegan, hits up Austin's eateries in this week's Drive Thru feature.
Twinkies for Troops
A group of students in South Holland, IL deploy 1,000 snack cakes to Iraq.
Grant Achatz and Cancer
The New Yorker tells the story of Grant Achatz's battle with cancer in the context of the rise of his career. (There's a nice photo set, too.)
The Business of Candy
Now that the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company will no longer be locally owned, who's Chicago's biggest name in candy? Tootsie Roll Industries, that's who.
The Waiting is the Hardest Part
In this week's Drive-Thru feature, Gemma makes a beer run--to Indiana.
Tomatoes and Peanut Butter Go Quite Well Together, Thank You
In this week's Top Chef episode recap over at Drive-Thru: corporate rice product placements, cute child labor in the kitchen, and a Hobbit gets schooled.
Red Bull or Just Bull?
The makers of Red Bull have won a six-figure settlement in a lawsuit against the local nightclub Wet for passing off a generic energy drink as their more famous product in their cocktails. The nightclub's website is strangely unavailable.
'Hell' Coming to Chicago
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey, of "Hell's Kitchen" fame, is set to open a restaurant here in Chicago. Will it have yelling and non-yelling sections?
Taste's DC Preview Far Better than the Real Thing
What a different creature Taste of Chicago would be if Rick Bayless, Shawn McClain, Art Smith and other top chefs had booths here and not just in DC.
The Real Top Chefs
This week's Drive-Thru feature is about local business Fig Catering, which makes the kind of inventive food you'd expect in a good restaurant.
Giggles and Depressed Bacon
Bowl licking, a trip to Second City, and asparagus doesn't keep it up in this week's Top Chef recap over at Drive-Thru.
Listen Up, Drunkie
This week marks the beginning of the annual 2nd Story Festival, wherein writer/performers regale you with tales, accompanied by a DJ. Organizers predict that over the course of the festival, they'll serve 5,000 glasses of wine. Place bets now on how many will be yours.
The End of an Era
The last neighborhood tavern in Wrigleyville is on the verge of closure. Farewell to the Nisei Lounge.
Eating on the Cheap
Did your wallet take a hit this past Tuesday? Soothe your post-Tax Day woes with recipes from this week's Drive-Thru feature, where we eat well at little expense.
Top Chef Scores a Goal in the Parking Lot
Tasty tailgate parties, cooking with beer, and cocky losers in this week's Top Chef recap over in Drive-Thru.
Have Room for a Brew Pub?
Goose Island's Clybourn Brew Pub, which it has occupied since 1988, will close by the end of the year.
Rev Beer
Revolution Brewing, a new brewpub that is working on opening in Logan Square, has a neat description of how to move a brewpub from Michigan to Chicago in three days or less.
Turn that Slurpee into a Banana
This week's Drive-Thru feature updates us on what the Neighbors Project is doing to promote healthy eating at the many corner stores in the city.
Next Target, Roscoe Village
Legendary Southern California-based food franchise Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles has, um, persuaded the Bronzeville-based Rosscoe's Chicken and Waffles (note the extra "s") to change their name after a court battle.
Braving the Elements on "Top Chef"
Visits from Ming Tsai, earthy carpaccio and free trips to Italy courtesy of bacon in this week's Drive-Thru recap of "Top Chef."
Make Your Reservations Now
The 15th Annual Dining Out for Life fundraising event is April 24.
Just a Kiss of the Hops
Schlitz is coming back to Chicago next week. Can't bear the wait? Kill time with these classic ads.
The Cool Sweet Stuff Reviewed
Reviews of new contenders in the ice cream, yogurt, custard and everything like it business in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Ohio: Now Closer, Classier
The theme for Chicago's newest swanky-sounding cocktail lounge: Cincinnati, Ohio. I'm officially inspired to open a Buffalo, New York-themed martini bar. [via]
Not Just the Saganaki
Maybe we should be eating out more often, but not at Greek Islands.
Better Than a $13 Tub of Popcorn
Movies, intact digits and tapioca caviar...all in this week's Top Chef recap in Drive-Thru.
April Fool's Meal
Spatulatta, an award-winning webcast by Channel 2 reporter Vince Gerasole's daughters, features a couple April Fools recipes in case you want to have fun with dinner tonight. How about cake for dinner, with grilled cheese for dessert?
This Coffee Changes Lives
This week's Drive-Thru feature interviews a coffee importer in Chicago that is making meaningful connections with Ugandan farmers.
Cooking by Podcast
Want to learn how to cook? Check out the CHIC Podcast with Chef Tom Beckman, one of the instructors at the Cooking & Hospitality Institute of Chicago.
The "Top Chef" Train Rolls On
Missed tonight's "Top Chef" episode? We have your recap ready in Drive-Thru.
Drink Up!
On the local beverage front, Business Week profiles North Shore Distillery, an area company making high-end vodka and gin (they were previously featured in Drive-Thru), while Intelligentsia's Michael Phillips just captured the Great Lakes Regional Barista Competition behind his speciality drink, an espresso version of a Mai Tai.
Green Meets Blue
Just in time for Earth Day and Arbor Day, local sustainability company Live It Green, LLC has gotten Gerber Bars to offer the Treetini -- a martini for the environmentally conscious -- during the month of April at Whiskey Blue, Whiskey Sky bars and Mexx Kitchen at the Whiskey. Every Treetini sold results in a tree planted in India.
Coming Earth Day: Organic Frangos
Starting on April 22, Earth Day, one will be able to purchase organic Frango mints at 70 Macy's locations, as well as online. Bonus: the Trib apparently believes the news to be so big it printed the last paragraph twice.
The Trials and Tribulations of a TV Host
Padma Lakshmi, host of everyone's favorite reality television chef competition, apparently has a dangerous job. Also, "out of principle," she won't say "pack your knives and go" to people on the street. So, um, don't ask her to say that when you see her walking around town.
America's Drive-In Coming to Chicago
Good news for you fans of Sonic drive-in restaurants; there are plans afoot to open the first Chicago area location in Aurora.
Easter Just Got Sweeter
Easter memories and Polish traditions are remembered in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Cooking Like Animals for Humans
Tonight's Top Chef: a visit to the Green City Market (which reopens May 14!), animal diets, and flower centerpieces. Read the full recap at Drive-Thru.
Burt's Reopening. No Joke.
So, as soon as I grew anxious about beloved Burt's Place being closed due to illness (turns out Burt was undergoing triple bypass surgery!), the word is out at LTH Forum that the pizza destination in Morton Grove will re-open to the public on April 2 (with a special LTH Forum/Roadfood.com RSVP-only night on April 1). (Thanks, Dan!)
Sonic Booming in Aurora
Those ubiquitous Sonic hamburger commericals may finally have some relevance to the Chicago area when the company opens their first regional outlet in Aurora. All of which mean the two guys in the commercials, Chicago improv giants TJ Jagodowski and Peter Grosz, may finally be able to purchase some of the food they've been shilling.
Burt's Place Temporarily Closed
Driving up to Chicagoland pizza favorite Burt's Place last night, my heart nearly stopped when I noticed that the lights were out. Turns out that Burt is getting a "routine medical procedure" and has locked up the place until he's feeling better, probably for a few more weeks. LTH Forum has the skinny, and I'm lighting a candle for Burt.
Chef Quiz
How well do you know Chicago's top chefs? Thrillist has put together an excellent quiz, and the prizes aren't half bad either.
A Lighter Wallet = A Happier Eater?
This week's Drive-Thru feature gives the critical eye to dining experiences from Chicago Restaurant Week.
Chicken and Waffles
Word on the street is that Rosscoe's Chicken and Waffles is finally open in Bronzeville. (Note the spelling: it's an imitator, not another branch of the famous LA site.)
Deliver Me This
Just last night, I was wishing for someone to run to the store for me, and now, conveniently enough, there might just be a new addition to my speed dial. If it's late, and you've got a case of the lazies, or maybe you're just in no condition to travel, try NightOwl Deliveries. They'll deliver, for a small fee, from their growing list of participating restaurants and convenience stores. [via Daily Candy]
Table for One...Plus More
Drive-Thru Lori Barrett explores the art of cooking for large groups in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Attention Hoosier Transplants:
Ball State University alumni magazine reports that Scotty's Brewhouse will be opening in Lincoln Park this summer. Thanks, Nicola!
Mai Tai Time Again?
The Chicagoist reports (by way of Every Block) that Trader Vic's is reportedly making a return to Chicago. I'm off to buy stock in tiny cocktail umbrellas and tiki lights...
Traveling While Eating
Chris Brunn tackles the art of eating while vacationing in Tahoe in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
McSkillet Mania
Calories, schmalories. Oak Brook-based McDonald's is dishing out free McSkillet burritos this Thursday and Friday morning (The catch: You have to buy a drink.). Yeah, it has 610 calories and 36 grams of fat, but...what the heck, it's free!
Ready to Eat?
Tonight is the start of the first-ever Restaurant Week Chicago. Time Out has a list of prix-fixe menus for your perusal; make your reservations now.
Working for Charlie
Trotter talks business with Crain's.
Hot Dog Musical
Found on Songza: The Theme from Hot Doug's by bee.
Hello, Aloo Tikki!
When you head to Devon Avenue to partake in their delicious eats, take Cinnamon Cooper's wonderful guide to understanding Indian cuisine with you; it's this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Ale Night
If you like beer, especially ales that have aged in wood, then you might want to buy your tickets now for the Chicago Beer Society's "Night Of The Living Ales IV." Forty casks of the stuff will be on hand, as well as lots of things to eat.
A Week of Eating Holidays
This week's feature in our Drive-Thru section takes a look at the weird holidays designated for eating random foods, and how to get your celebrations going using the city's restaurants and bakeries.
Craving Tracker
Got a craving for something specific, but not sure where to find it? Check out FoodieBytes, which allows you to search for particular dishes, like deep fried pickles or spam, not just styles of food.
Yet Another City Guide
Like I said, they're popping up all over. Boorah.com now covers Chicago.
Vote with Your Mouth
Time Out Chicago's annual Eat Out Awards come out in about a month, and the Readers' Choice nominees are now up. Vote early and... well, you know.
Forest Park 1, Cool Kids 0
Decidedly far-from-the-center Forest Park won the "best dining neighborhood" contest in the Tribune today, beating out endlessly Yelped-about neighborhoods that need no further ink.
Vegging Out at May Street Market
It's Friday! We've got our weekly feature up over on Drive Thru! This week: Chris Brunn writes about a very special birthday dinner for his lady friend at May Street Market. With Valentine's Day coming up, this one's well worth a read. A lesson in romance, indeed.
The Department of Coincidences
If you're in New York and looking for a taste of home, head to the Upper East Side and look for a bar called Wicker Park. Its seasonal draught beer this winter is Goose Island's Honker's Ale. The waitress tonight didn't seem to find that as amusing as I did.
These Pretzels Are Making Me Thirsty
Auntie Anne's is offering free original and cinnamon sugar pretzels on Feb. 2, from 10am to 4pm. Come for the free pretzel, stay for the somewhat obscene pretzel dog.
Million Dollar Check, Please!
Business POV interviewed "Check Please!" executive producer David Manilow about CheckPlease.tv and his hopes for investment to bring the site to a national audience.
Italian for Food Lovers
There's a whopping array of things to do this Valentine's Day, making a decision difficult. If you're a food addict who needs your fix, however, you're in luck. Dinotto's Italian Ristorante is once again serving ravioli d'amore -- dark chocolate ravioli stuffed with sweet ricotta and Nutella, from February 14-17.
The 1930s Never Tasted this Good
This week's Drive-Thru feature opens the culinary time capsule that is the Chicago Daily News cookbook for your reading pleasure. Published in 1930, the book offers many surprising (as in surprisingly edible) recipes and other advice. And finally, a good recipe for Mock Possum for those times that you don't have a real possum to cook.
A Foodie Feeding Frenzy
Get ready to loosen that belt a few more notches. Not only will Chicago get its first official Restaurant Week, (as noted in Gapers Block's Drive Thru section) but it may even get another, courtesy of a group of local restaurants known as Chicago Originals. Three-course meals will be priced as low as $20.08 (2008, get it?).
Treasure Island to Fill Co-op Spot
Ending the recent struggles over the Co-op lease, the U of C has announced Treasure Island will fill the Co-op's current home.
The Chicago Palate Dissected
What does it take to become a versatile eater in Chicago? Take a look at our newest Drive-Thru feature for answers.
Wing Nuts Beware
Fiery food fans will be flocking to Jake Melnick's Corner Tap to take on their new hot wings tossed in Red Savina pepper sauce, the second hottest pepper in the world.
Eating Well in Utah
Chris Brunn takes on the task of finding vegan eats in Utah in this week's Drive-Thru feature, and is not disappointed with the results. Click here to read his tale.
We're Here When You Knead Us
Your buddies at Drive Thru reviewed several new and classic cookbooks just in time for last-minute holiday shopping recommendations.
Grant Achatz Tastes Again!
Following up on the news that Alinea chef Grant Achatz was diagnosed with lymph cancer earlier in the year: Achatz has released a statement saying he has successfully completed his treatment. And according to Achatz, the doctors at the University of Chicago Medical Center were able to "achieve a full remission while ensuring that the use of invasive surgery on my tongue was not needed."
Squeal!
Via MenuPages: The Morton's Steak House site store offers copies of the restaurant's distinctive pewter pig lamps for sale. And just in time for Christmas! That'll do, Morton's. That'll do.
Da Cookie
Looking for some ways to pay tribute to the Windy City when doing your holiday baking? Head over to Drive-Thru for some clever decorating tips in our newest Feature story, Sweet Home Chicago.
From St. Pauli to St. Nick...
Grab a brewski, sit on Santa's lap and tell him what you REALLY want for Christmas at the Avenue Tavern's "Slam One Back With Santa" party tonight (Thursday), 8pm to midnight. You can even get your picture taken, if you think that's a wise idea.
Daavat in River North Closed
The place has been going downhill for years. We were not surprised to hear officials have closed Daavat, one of the first great Indian-Pakistani cabbie restaurants in River North. There are still several good ones along Orleans, including a relatively new one at Chicago Avenue.
Food for a Good Cause
GB's Drive-Thru is participating in this year's Menu for Hope campaign to raise money for the UN World Food Fund. Check out our prize here, and the rest of the prizes at Chez Pim!
One Cookie to Rule Them All
In Drive-Thru, the tale of the seven-layer cookie.
A Tale of Two Brownies
Of course, the first brownie must have been made at the Palmer House.
Repeal Day
Today is Repeal Day, the anniversary of the repeal of the 18th amendment (the one that prohibited the sale and transportation of "intoxicating liquors"). Drive Thru encourages you to celebrate with a mid-week drink (or more).
Be Friends with Cheese
Kraft's Cheese Singles now have a MySpace page. [via]
Wake Up Early or Stay Up All Night...
The recently relocated Ann Sather will serve free breakfast from 7am to 9am tomorrow.
Mmm, Delicious Art
Local restaurant Apart Pizza is devoting a chunk of the company's resources to supporting the arts in Chicago. Tonight the pizza company hosts a record release party at Schubas for musician/Chicago Trib writer Lou Carlozo, and in December, Apart will host a benefit for Cabrini Green Legal Aid by buying out tickets to a production of the House Theatre's Nutcracker. Bonus fun: Watch Apart make pizza, on YouTube.
Drambui Rock
MyOpenBar is hosting a Drambui party at the Hideout tonight from 7 to 10pm. Andrew Andrew, the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players and Gabriel Kahane play, all for free. RSVP here.
I'm Lovin' It... Just Not All Day
Got a hankering for an Egg McMuffin at 7pm? Forget about it. Oak Brook-based McDonald's is putting plans for serving breakfast all day on hold. Of course if you can't shake that craving, you can always try to make your own.
Al Capone's Potato Chip Connection
Tonight on Channel 11: Foods of Chicago: A Delicious History, a documentary on the culinary history of Chicago, from Tootsie Rolls to Chicken Vesuvio. The doc airs at 7:30, with an instant repeat at 9:50. (via Chicago Foodies)
Everytime You Hear a Bell...
Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. Bell's beer may finally be returning to Illinois.
Michigan Tourists Love Us
Do they come for the sights of the city? Navy Pier? Sears Tower? The Mag Mile? Nope, it's Binny's...
Sexism at the Cafe?
A recent study has determined that women, on average, wait 20 seconds longer for their coffee than men. Yes, the study adjusts for the "frou frou" drinks that women tend to order.
Food for Nighthawks
Some night not far from now its 3am, you're feeling pekish and craving vindaloo for some reason and you thank your stars and garters the Reader has a guide on late night dining in Chicago.
The Most Five Diamonds
With seven AAA Five Diamond restaurants, Chicago now leads the nation in the club's fine dining rankings.
Condé Nast Picks Chicago
While you won't be able to read the reviews online, in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler, critic Alan Richman picks 20 of the best dishes to eat in the country in a feature called The Great American Food Odyssey. Two Chicago dishes made the cut, including the ceviche fronterizo at Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill and the goat cheese, asparagus and balsamic vinegar terrine at Charlie Trotter's. There are beautiful pictures of both the ceviche and terrine in the slideshow feature on the site, but you'll have to buy (or peruse) the print edition to get all the details.
Tasty Menu
Chicago magazine lists its favorite 124 dishes in Chicagoland, from the common (tempura green beans) to the unusual (pineapple rum soup).
Candy Remix
Wondering what to do with all that leftover Halloween candy? We've got some ideas for you in Drive-Thru.
Conversations with Mario
Drive-Thru contributor Alan Lake posted an excellent interview with Mario DiPaolo, Jr., owner of Mario's Italian Lemonade, on LTH Forum.
Free Boo-Rito
Dress up like a Chipotle entrée tomorrow evening and get a free burrito.
Welcome Back, Frango
Well, if nothing else, Macy's made good on one promise: to bring Frango back to Chicago. Cupid Candies will make the mints in its southwest side plant.
Victory's Banner Guru Dies
Sri Chinmoy -- spiritual leader, extreme weightlifting enthusiast and inspiration for Roscoe Village breakfast joint Victory's Banner -- died last Thursday. The restaurant will be closed for a week while his followers pay their respects in New York.
Wing Man
The Sox tanked, the Cubs are done and the Bears are shaky. Well here you go sports fans: the new chicken wing eating champion of the world is Chicago's own Patrick "Deep Dish" Bertoletti! Congrats man.
Makin' Sandwiches
Over in Drive-Thru, we're talking about sandwiches. Come on over for a bite.
Haute Spot
You may still like steak-and-potatoes, but the world doesn't see us that way anymore; Time's take on Trotter's 20th anniversary dinner and how it highlights Chicago's foodie transformation.
Woah, Schwa is Closed? For Good?
The Food Chain and Time Out are reporting that Schwa closed over the weekend "indefinitely," and it might actually be a permanent thing. Stay tuned...
Pierogy Poll
Whiting, Indiana, just over the border, is in a competition for the title of pierogy capital of America. Go vote!
Live-blogging "Top Chef"
Hey, if you're watching the finale of Bravo's "Top Chef" tonight, tune in to Drive-Thru too, where Shylo will be live-blogging with plenty of snarky commentary.
Head to Head Competition
Who has the best burritos in Wicker Park/Bucktown? That's the big question with The Burrito Bracket. The site is run by Nate Silver, an analyst for Baseball Prospectus.
Guide to Free Coffee
Hey, need a pick-me-up? TV Guide is giving away free cups of coffee today until 5pm (next Friday, too) at coffee shops around the city -- details in Drive-Thru.
Apropos of Nothing
Here's an old interview with Steve Albini, talking about food.
Fight for your Right to Fish Tacos
Kevin Pang over at the Tribune has a tasty crusade for you to join. It comes with a wrist band and a side of pico de gallo.
Thin Crust
Someday, we're going to lose this reputation for only eating deep-dish pizza.
Maybe You Can Sign His Cast
All hail the return of encased meats September 12 (and still-healing purveyor Doug Sohn).
Give Me Beer, or Give Me Death
Like beer? Like beer enough to fight or even kill for it? Richard English at Modern Drunkard Magazine and Gregg Smith at BeerHistory.com provide brief, hop-filled histories of the Chicago Lager Beer Riot of 1855.
Ban? What Ban?
One year after the Chicago foie gras ban went into effect, NPR finds plenty of restaurants still serving the forbidden food. See also: stories on the ban at Chicago Public Radio and the Tribune.
Nice Tomatoes!
Growing a coffee can tomato plant this summer on your sill? Bring in your best tomatoes to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba for their "Show Me Your Tomatoes Festival" Saturday 8/25 and compete for a trip to Vegas. Details.
Calling All Beyonce Ticketholders
If you're going to see Beyonce tonight at the United Center, don't forget the canned carrots! The Greater Chicago Food Depository is holding a pre-show food drive at the United Center, and the first 1,000 fans who drop off a minimum of three nonperishable food items before the 7:30 p.m. show will receive an autographed photo of Beyonce and a raffle ticket for a chance to win a seat upgrade.
Come and Knock on My Door
Quick, what was the bar in "Three's Company" called? That's right, the Reagle Beagle. And now you can visit it and the rest of the Seventies and Eighties, right at Michigan and Grand.
New Brew in Town
Half Acre Beer is a new brewing company in Chicago (although its beer is actually produced in Wisconsin). Looks promising; we'll track down a six-pack and review it in Drive-Thru.
New Bottled Water Tax?
The national movement against bottled water is making further inroads here, where it looks like Mayor Daley will support a 10¢ to 25¢ tax on bottled water sales.
The Itchy and Scratchy Show
I hope this doesn't provoke a batch of psychosomatic scratching amongst Gapers Block's readership, but the Illinois Department of Public Health reports on a hundred or so cases of folks with tiny, itchy red bites. It might be an outbreak of tree-dwelling Pyemotes herfsi, better known as the itch mite, but officials won't know for sure until after they set up and inspect sticky traps in area parks.
Hacking the Menu
Over in Drive-Thru, we're wondering: what menu hacks have you come across?
Chicago's Best Pierogi
Time Out Chicago enlisted Steve Zavesky, two-time pierogi eating champion, to check out the best pierogi in town. Gridskipper nicely repackaged a good portion of the article with a map. As always, other food deliciousness can be found in Drive-Thru.
Another Kitchen Gets Busted for Critters
The Tribune reports that Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom has been temporarily closed for sanitation problems, the same kind their buddy to the west experienced this week as well; however, the Ballroom is expected to reopen as soon as those pesky fruit flies and mice are removed. Hmmm, that sounds nice.
The Political Becomes Edible
A new Whole Foods store is scheduled to open today at the corner of Addison and Halsted, in the Center on Halsted building, which is a community center for GLBT persons. According to an article in the Tribune, the Center is happy to have Whole Foods as a tenant, as it will not only act as a grocery store, but will also serve as a vehicle for promoting the Center's activities. Sounds warm and fuzzy, right?
Alinea's Achatz Cancer Diagnosis
Grant Achatz, the 33-year-old wunderkind chef and proprietor of Alinea, the nation's best restaurant, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth. While doctors say that Achatz's cancer has not spread beyond his lymph nodes and is still curable, the treatments he will need to endure may rob the chef of his ability to taste. We extend our sympathies to Achatz and wish him the best in his fight.
Condiment-nation
Neo-Futurist playwright Sean Benjamin recently received 21 packets of taco sauce for two tacos from the Taco Bell drive-thru. Then he wrote a play about it. Now he wants your help collecting one million condiment packets for his Condimentometer project. Because why the hell not? You have more condiment packets than you could ever possibly use, right? Bring (or mail) your packets to the Neo-Futurarium at 5153 N. Ashland, 60640, and be a part of something big and meaningless.
Oh, Rats
Hai Yen, the Uptown restaurant reviewed favorably on "Check, Please!", was closed yesterday after city inspectors found live roaches and rat droppings. Perhaps WTTW should invite a few inspectors to pick some eateries for the show...
Taster's Choice
Well it's been a great run. Every year millions eat food prepared under the July sun, but it took 20 years for the first confirmed case of food-borne illness to come out of the Taste of Chicago.
Tastes of All Kinds
Over in Drive-Thru, we've got some companion coverage geared toward the Taste of Chicago: Christine Blumer provides tent-to-tent recommendations on the drinks of Taste to go with Tribune reporter Monica Eng's ratings of all the food choices. (No really, she tried them all; it cost $1100.) And David Hammond offers up an alternative Taste of his own -- a guide to eating cuts not usually found on American plates.
Tasting It All
Speaking of consuming huge amounts of food, the Trib's Monica Eng sampled 253 dishes at the Taste. The experiment cost the paper a grand total of $1,022. I'm sure it was a lot of really healthy food.
East vs. Midwest
The 91st annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest takes place this Wednesday, July 4th at 12PM EST on ESPN. Watch Chicago local Pat Bertoletti (ranked third in the world) go up against 6-time champ Takeru Kobayashi, who won last year by consuming 53.75 hot dogs in 12 minutes. This year's winner receives a cash prize of $10,000. Nap time is rumored to begin at 12:30.
Phone Reader
The Reader now offers its restaurant, film, music and event listings in a mobile version for your phone. Could come in handy the next time you're planning with friends who "dunno, whadda you wanna do?"
Grease Box Issues Shuts Down Michaels' North Restaurant in Old Town
Crain's reports the closing of the popular Old Town restaurant for, among other things, the vulgar-sounding violation of "failing to maintain a sanitary grease box". If you're wondering about your own favorite food haunt, don't forget about the City's imponderable food inspection lookup tool. Note to geeks with a Google Maps API key: please mashup this data, today. Thank you.
A What Reuben!?
Over in Drive-Thru, we're discussing questionable and strangely named menu items -- such as the ill-advised tilapia reuben and the disturbing Porker McGee. Join us, won't you?
No Fatty Liver for You!
A U.S. District Court judge ruled that Chicago's ban on the sale of foie gras is not unconstitutional Tuesday. You can almost hear the quacks of relief.
At the Drive Thru
If you haven't clicked over to Drive Thru, our GB food blog, here's what you're missing: rhapsodic talk about the booze tasting cards at Whole Foods; updates on Dining Out for Hunger; and more incredible food photos. Gobble, gobble!
More Cheddar For Your Bread
In today's Sun-Times, the food section features a lengthy article about the rising cost of Chicago's food. Rising costs for fuel and ethanol demands mean we're paying 2.2% more for food than we did a year ago. Michael Swanson, an economist for Wells-Fargo, keeps in in perspective with this quote: "If people are willing to pay $4 for a Starbucks latte, then $7.50 for a good pound of sirloin shouldn't be that much of a stretch." And remember, you can always try the farmers' market.
Get Yet Eat On
Can't keep track of the farmer's market day? The crew at Chicago Localvores is making it easier with this Google Calendar of all the markets in the Chicagoland area. BTW, ramps and morels so are hot right now.
School Lunch Program
The Reader takes a look at Chicago Public School's lunch program and efforts to improve it. You might also be interested in Lori Barrett's in-person take on the same, awhile back in Drive-Thru.
Fugu FUBAR?
Two people in the Chicago area became ill after eating what was labelled as frozen monkfish, but which authorities suspect may have contained tetrodotoxin. Tetrodotoxin is found in the pufferfish—infamous gilled source of the dangerous Japanese delicacy fugu.
Gin and Openings
Over in Drive-Thru, we've got a looong list of openings that have just happened or will in the next month or so. And Tim Lacey recommends opening up a bottle of gin.
YES, SOUP FOR YOU!
Al Yeganeh, immortalized on Seinfeld as the Soup Nazi, will be opening a cafe in the Windy City. But don't push your luck, little man. Mr. Yeganeh isn't amused by the epithet.
Stop By The Farmer's Market Starting Today
The Federal Plaza Farmer's Market kicks off the Farmer's Market Season, today until 3pm. Daley Plaza Market is on Thursday, with the neighborhood markets starting a bit later.
Foodies, Start Your Engines
...And head up to Devon Avenue: the first shipment of Indian mangoes has arrived.
Fancy Fillet-work
That red snapper you got at the sushi joint? Possibly not the real thing, the Sun-Times reports. Tilapia and sea bream are nice, but that's not what we ordered. (D'oh! Link fixed.)
Yummy In Your Tummy
And for all you adventure eaters out there let's not forget LTH Forum's topic with tips on how to cook your cicada feast.
A Peck of This, A Pound of That
Our friends at Chowhound remind us that our bountiful Chicago farmers' markets will be open soon. What's your favorite place to pick up heirloom tomatoes or fresh Michigan berries?
Dine Out for Life
Tonight is a great opportunity to treat yourself to a good meal and also donate to a worthy cause--at the same time! Dining out for Life, held at numerous restaurants around the city and suburbs (click here for a list of this year's participants), is an event where a portion of your meal cost will be donated to AIDSCare Chicago, a local service organization.
Brett's Cafe Closing
This is the last weekend for brunch and breadbaskets at Brett's Cafe Americain, a Roscoe Village standby for more than a decade. Owner Brett Knobel sold the place and is moving to Mexico, where she plans to open an Indian-style hotel. Rumor has it Orange will be opening its third location in the spot.
You Ramp You!
The fine folks at Hungry Mag are ga-ga for wild leeks, a.k.a. ramps, calling them "kind of like the agricultural version of crystal meth." Find out all about 'em, how to get 'em, and what to do with 'em.
Coffee on a Mission
Those wondering what will fill the java void left by Filter's eminent demise (you know, besides the several other coffeeshops in Wicker Park) can rest easy: Blend is ready to be your new fix-provider. YoChicago sheds some light on the "faith, hope and love" idealism on the shop's website -- safe to say you won't be meeting many one-night-stands there. (Thanks, Trish!)
Free Ice Cream
It's that time of year again: Ben & Jerry's has free cone day! Their site isn't letting you use their finder very well but Google Maps has you covered.
Looking for Lunch?
GrubHub, the food delivery search site, has redesigned. BusinessPOV interviewed the founders about it.
Chicago History Roundup
From the establishment of the Hull House Theater to the World's Columbian Exposition, the Sun Times lists their take on "The 50 Greatest Chicago Moments."
The Last Lamb and Veal Slaughterhouse in Chicago
Now that Easter and Passover are almost here, the New York Times offers two features on Chiappetti Lamb and Veal. NOTE: The first link is a TimesSelect article, so if you aren't enrolled in the program, you can either sign up or start a free trial. If you are a student or faculty member with a .edu email address, you can get a full account for free right now.
Coffee Time
Including a discussion with roasters from Metropolis and Intelligentsia, a perfect moniker for Starbucks and a list of quality coffee shops around town, the article about coffee in this week's Reader is required material for us go juice addicts.
Fan of Foie Gras Fined
Yup, it's official. Hot Doug was on trial, and Hot Doug lost. But, he's only out the minimum fine of $250 for illegally selling foie gras (encased, of course) under a 7-month old City of Chicago ban.
Don't Forget Yer Milk
Ever get the jones for school lunch? If you're hankering for childhood delicacies such as mini corn dogs, crappy pizza and ham and cheese pinwheels, compare and contrast these school lunch menus from the Francis Parker School, Arlington Heights school district, Morgan Park Academy, and Saukview Elementary.
Get Your Ghet On
Hey, did you hear? Oakland's Ghetto Gourmet is in town for a couple underground dining dates over the next couple days. More details -- and later this weekend, a report from the first dinner -- in Drive-Thru.
Kronos Posters For Everyone!
I know it's caught your eye while waiting for the bus...those ridiculous pictures of a hot chick eating a giant greasy gyros, usually in a tank top. Would you like one of those posters for your very own? Yes, Kronos is selling them.
First Slice: Offering hope to Chicago's hungriest
Check out First Slice, Chef Mary Ellen Diaz's project to help feed Chicago families in need. A subscription brings home-cooked meals to your door, and sends healthy and delicious meals to a Chicago family who would otherwise go without. Or, volunteer at the community kitchen. Either way, it's a tasty way to help others.
That Doesn't Belong in a Milkshake!
Oak Brook's very own McDonald's seems to be having some trouble on one of its British websites. (Unfortunately, the item on the original website is in Flash, so we can't link to it.)
Do Not Feed Gum to Your Dog
Don't be distracted by Wrigley's announcement that it will launch a sensory "invigorating" gum called "5" this summer. Their Product FAQ offers so much more, including an important dog related item.
Whole Foods In Sauganash Delivers Grocery Innovation
There are many reasons not to go to the newly opened Whole Foods at Peterson and Cicero: it's hard to get to, the parking lot is a pain, it's crowded because it's a new grocery store in place that had few options. But there is one fabulous reason to go there: YOU CAN DRINK BEER WHILE GROCERY SHOPPING. Sorry to shout, but this is one idea whose time has come. Seriously. Saunter up to the "Sauganash Grill", order a pint, and enjoy shopping and drinking. (For the budget inclined, you can get low-priced tastings of wine too.)
New York vs. Chicago Pizza Throwdown
TV cooking queen Rachael Ray is laying down the yeasty gauntlet with the NYC v. CHI Pizza Throwdown. Vote for one of the Chicago choices or add your own write-in.
One More French Chef In Town
While other French chefs are undecided on moving to Chicago, the Reader's food blog notes that the Persian restaurant Noon-O-Kebab, experiencing huge popularity since its appearance on WTTW's "Check, Please", has hired a French chef to handle a second kitchen in the restaurant for take-out, delivery and catering. Look for the new kitchen to open up in a couple of months.
Get Your Cook On
If you're looking for a class or three to get you through the winter doldrums, our friends at The Chopping Block can oblige. Check out their March schedule, which includes cheesemaking, Philipino cooking, and stout pairings.
Get Your Paczki On
Today is the Tuesday before Lent begins, so you know what that means -- it's Paczki Day in Chicago! Stop by an old-school bakery -- like Dinkel's, Ann Sather, Alliance or anything in the Polish parts of town -- and get some deep-fried jelly donut goodness. Because starting tomorrow, it's all about the deprivation, my friend.
French Chefs Eyeing Chicago
The Sun-Times reports that French chef Alain Ducasse, the only chef to hold the top Michelin rating for three restaurants in three different countries, was in Chicago last December at Avenues in the Peninsula Hotel. Does this mean that Ducasse was scouting for a Chicago location? No plans have been made public by Ducasse, although another acclaimed French chef, Joel Robuchon, recently confirmed that he will open a Chicago restaurant by the end of next year.
Hot Doug: Served!
Doug Sohn, owner and proprietor of the world-renowned Hot Doug's, is the first person to be formally cited for flouting Chicago's foie gras ban.
Drive-Thru Now Open
We're pleased to announce the launch of Gapers Block's newest section, Drive-Thru, devoted to the city's vibrant food scene. We'll be covering everything from restaurants and bars to businesses like Kraft and McDonald's to recipes to where to find some random ingredient. Oh, and foodporn, lots of foodporn. Be sure to check out this week's Detour feature, too, by one of the Drive-Thru contributors.
If that weren't enough, we've also redesigned the Gapers Block Book Club page, which has been quietly morphing into a blog on the Chicago literary scene.
The Anti-Valentine Store
Feeling not-so down with Cupid? Chicagoist and Apartment Therapy point us to a pop-up store from Altoids in Lincoln Park aiming to provide "the lovesick, lovelorn and Cupid-wary of Chicago ... a sanctuary from all the romantic overtures." Stop in between now and Valentine's Day and get free chocolate-dipped Altoids, coffee and cupcakes from Angel Food Bakery, anti-Valentine's cards and more. Yes, all for free. Open noon to 10pm at 912 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicagoans: Little Debbie Doesn't Have a Snack for You
Little Debbie Nutty Bars: Now with metal shavings "enrobed in fudge"! Mmmm-boy!
No Need to Finish the Bottle
As of January 1, it became legal in Illinois to take home your leftover wine from a restaurant, provided the bottle is inside a clear, tamper-proof bag. Unfortunately, a Chicago ordinance contradicted the new law, keeping it illegal in the city. As of today, however, that ordinance's days are numbered, reports the Winediva.
Hello, Hannah's
Finally! The new Hannah's Bretzel in the Illinois Center opened today. So if you're near Mich and Wacker and you have a jones for a big sammitch, Vosges chocolates and biodegradable utensils, then hit 'em up.
Not Cheese at All
As Altria (formerly Philip Morris) prepares to spin-off suburban food giant Kraft, Crain's Chicago Business asks "What is 'Real Kraft Cheese'?" There's a hint in our title.
Robuchon Comes to Chicago
Chicago magazine's Dish reports that the rumors are true: Joël Robuchon will open an outpost here in 2008. Foodies, prepare your palates and start saving now.
It's Not Delivery, It's Charity
This week is National Take-Out & Delivery Week, and GrubHub has teamed up with Meals on Wheels to make it an extra-special nonholiday: for every meal ordered through the site through Feb. 4, GrubHub will donate one meal to Meals on Wheels.
If She Doesn't Dump You on the Spot, Marry Her
Make your reservations today for a candlelit Valentine's Day dinner at one of several local White Castle restaurants. (This eGullet thread offers a preview of what might be in store.)
Wine Town
Bloomberg says, "Chicago, home to some of the most innovative and buzzworthy U.S. chefs, has quietly become a great wine city over the past decade." Who knew?
O'Donovan's Contract Asshattery
Over on Ask.MetaFilter, someone has posted about O'Donovan's canceling his friend's contract for a Super Bowl party without notice, even though it's been on the books for over a month. Keep that in mind next time you're looking for a place to host a party.
Moto Chef Can't Be Beet
The Reader's food blog has the details on last night's premiere of the "Iron Chef America" episode featuring Moto chef Homaro Cantu.
Cow Hooves and Bug Canapes
LTHForum.com has put together a great collection of Chicago food photos from 2006. Everything from Alinea to Mr. Shrimp. (link spotted at EatChicago)
Bleeding Heart Bleeds Fresh
The Bleeding Heart Bakery located in the latest hotbed of development and hipness (Damen/Chicago) has just re-opened following remodeling. They say, "We want to show the city how we've grown since opening last year- we've transformed everyone's favorite organic bakery into a full café, featuring a new line of sandwiches, a full espresso bar, and a wider selection of ready-to-buy produce and dry goods." Yum.
Something Fresh, Something New
Increasingly needed in this day and age, A Fresh Squeeze is a site dedicated to green living in Chicago. Primarily a bi-weekly email, the site also offers articles in their archives for a taste of things past.
Bobtail Salutes the Bears
The Bears won yesterday, which means we all win: report to Bobtail on Broadway between 5pm and 7pm today and receive a free ice cream cone or hot cocoa! (I'm going with the cocoa.)
Another Week, Another Chicago Landmark Closing
This time it's the Four Stars Restaurant in the West Loop, which has been open for 80 years. The building on the corner of Madison and Racine has been sold, and the restaurant will close at the end of the month to make way for -- what else? -- condos.
Maybe You Shouldn't Have Another
Following up on a recent government report [pdf] ranking Chicago as the top binge drinking city in the U.S., the Sun-Times dropped by the Chicago Social Drinking Project lab.
An Oyster Shucker's Manifesto
The Reader's cover story is a profile of Mark Mavrantonis, executive chef at Fulton's on the River and an oyster afficianado. He's writing a Kitchen Confidential-style "manifesto" about oysters; read some excerpts here.
Really Quick Review: Petra Cafe
Adequate. That was the first word that came to mind when I visited Petra Cafe. The hummos is good, the falafil sandwich is Chicago-big and dependable. It's quiet there, and you can usually find a place to sit. This is exactly what you expect, and that is certainly a huge part of its appeal. If you're a vegetarian looking for lunch in the Loop, you could certainly do worse. Petra Cafe, 331 S. Franklin, (312) 913-9660.
Globe-Trotter
While the great unwashed savor their 5-ounce soda pours and $7 sandwiches, first-class and business-class passengers on United Airlines can rejoice in the return of Charlie Trotter as a co-executive chef.
"Rome"-an Wine Hits Town
If you come across a bottle of this stuff in the next few days, be a sport and add a photo to the GB flickr pool. [via]
Food Briefs: Haute and Hot
Here's yet another review of Alinea -- this time in MIT Technology Review -- and Serious Eats included Skokie's Poochie's in a list of the best hot dogs in the country. (Thanks, Matt & Chicagoist)
Hungry for the Win
Hungry Mag, the local foodblog edited by Michael Nagrant, has been nominated for the Best Group Foodblog award at Well Fed Network. Vote by Jan. 9 to help this hometown blog do good!
Hannah's Bretzel Deux
Looking for a new lunch spot in the loop? Well, soon enough the new Hannah's Bretzel will open up at the Illinois Center this month. Quick reconn shows that progres is coming along -- and purports to be green construction. Check the HB site for more updates.
Garrett's Opens Store in NYC
Garrett Popcorn recently opened its first store outside of Chicago. The Sun-Times reports that the new location, in Manhattan's Penn Plaza, has not yet experienced the long lines of customers that Chicago shops typically have. But the new location has only been open for less than a month, so they're working on it. So if you find yourself in Manhattan and need some Garrett's popcorn, remember this address: 242 W. 34th Street.
Spend All Night With Gurlesque Burlesque
What are you doing Thursday the 28th? Spending it with your other fave GB crew, Gurlesque Burlesque. These sexy performers will start the night at Sidetrack at 9 p.m. then head to up to Crew for shots, specials and a DJ set from our own Kris Vire. Show up for a chance to win tix to Gurlesque Burlesque January sextravaganza featuring Margaret Cho!
Foie gras ban continues to be ignored
The Sun-Times reports that despite the citywide ban on foie gras, a number of restaurants are intent on serving up the delicacy for New Year's Eve patrons. One chef even comes up with a good word to describe the restaurants flouting the law: "duckeasies".
Holiday Food Goodness at Kitchen Chicago
Kitchen Chicago has gracefully opened its cafe for a chance for customers to sample some of the incredibly tasty treats that come from its kitchen: pie from the Hoosier Mama Pie Company, scones from SconeWild, and truffles too! Can't choose? Try the "Taste Of Kitchen Chicago" with a bit of all of the above. Plus free coffee with any purchase -- it's open Friday and Saturday from 11am-5pm at 4664 N Manor, just steps from Lawrence Ave. and the Brown Line.
Moto imitates Morimoto
Chef Homaro Cantu, founder of the adventurous Fulton Market restaurant Moto (you can eat the menu!) and Ben Roche, Moto's pastry chef, will be on Iron Chef America at the end of January (via Hungry Magazine).
Taco Town
New City Chicago is running a neat rundown of tacos in the city. It has some of the best-known, as well as many places that are a bit off the beaten path.
Here comes the Ghet!
Over at the Chicago Reader food blog, there's news of an interesting culinary arrival in Chicago: The Ghetto Gourmet, an "underground dining experience" that's been going on in California for the last few years (SF Chronicle article on the Ghet). Unfortunately, the two Chicago dates are already sold out, but if you want to get alerts for any upcoming dates you'll probably want to sign up for the Ghet's mailing list on their Website.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Weiner
In the spirit of the season, fRedhots, the other specialty-sausage-store-punning-on-the-owner's-name, is serving reindeer sausages.
Pop Over to Pops
Looking for something to do tonight? Head over to Pops for Champagne tonight after 9pm -- they're celebrating their 25th anniversary and the grand opening of their new location, 601 N. State in the Tree Studios building. Jazz Conspiracy performs, and lots of champagne will be served (duh).
Eating on Someone Else's Dime
Chicagoist did some investigating into the Channel 5's LeeAnn Trotter departure from the station "Good Eats" segments and ethical concerns regarding her restaurant "reviews." [Correction/Update: Trotter's not leaving the station, and Chicagoist has a follow-up story up now.]
A final recommendation
On the Chicago Reader's food blog, they report that on the night before he died, New York Times writer R.W. Apple, Jr. sent an email to colleague Jill Santopietro in response to her request for examples of great American pancakes. Apple recommended the pancakes at the Bongo Room. Santopietro tried them and reported in the Sunday Times: "As was often the case with food, Apple was right."
Don't forget the taquerias
In this week's Reader, you will find the last part of a 6-part series by local writer David Hammond on authentic regional Mexican food in Chicago. EatChicago.net has links to all 6 parts, along with a rousing essay on how our Mexican cuisine always seems to get overlooked by food critics (and even Chicago residents!) looking for eating options.
Charlie Trotter II
It's going to be a while, but Charlie Trotter is planning on opening a new restaurant in the Elysian Hotel. Yum!
Wither the Rhino-topped Choco-apple?
Praytell where one might find this bizarre confection? It's in the Chicago Cuisine flickr pool, so it must be local. Shoot an email to inbox @ gapersblock if you can enlighten us. UPDATE: It's available somewhere in the Christkindlmarket at the Daley Center. (Thanks, Mary and Laura!)
Try Out A Sake Tasting And Workshop
Do you like sake? I mean, do you really like sake? Andersonville wine eporium In Fine Spirits is having a sake tasting on Wednesday at their store. In addition to tasting sake, you'll learn about how it is made, as well as its history. The class requires a $25 deposit, which is good towards sake purchased after the event. This happens on Wednesday, call 773-506-WINE to reserve a spot.
Thanksgiving Help
If you're scrambling for Thanksgiving dinner options and ideas, allow us to point you to last week's Detour feature, "Taking Care of Turkey Day," as well as One Good Meal this week and last -- and, for that matter, last year and the year before too! Good luck, and happy Thanksgiving!
Really Quick Review: Stocks And Blondes
Super friendly owner, good food, over 10 different beers on tap at reasonable prices, Wheel Of Fortune, Christmas lights above the bar--in a word, Stocks And Blondes is after-work bar perfection. Still not enough? Take a trip to the bathroom, find a card for the other Stocks and Blondes business, The Stocks And Blondes Shoppe. Highly recommended. Stocks And Blondes, 36 N Wells.
Drink, Post, and Be Merry
Local foodie message board LTHForum.com has a new section dedicated solely to beverages.
Breakfast -- It's What's for Lunch
Since a new Cereality opened a block from where I work in Evanston (although you wouldn't know it online, since their site hasn't been updated *ahem*) I decided to snag a coupla co-workers to eat with me. The verdict? It's better than we thought. $4 will get you two scoops of either hot or cold cereal (real oatmeal, people!), and your choice of milk (although soy milk does cost 50 cents extra), along with one topping of your choice. And even though it's a slick chain, and even though it's gimmicky, and even though you can buy a box of cereal for a little more than you get in one of their bowls, it was fun and I'm likely going back. And they use decent cinnamon on the oatmeal. I oughta know, you know.
Where not to go
The Sun-Times gives you a list of the 12 Chicago restaurants with the most health code violations. If you're interested in finding out if your favorite hangout has any major health code violations on record, you can find violations of Chicago restaurants posted online at the Department of Public Health Website.
Bars Raise a Red (or Blue, or Yellow) Flag
The Wall Street Journal reports that Chicago has more than its fair share of college alumni bars, and hypothesizes that it's because (sorry, Northwestern) we lack a local football powerhouse to root for.
NY imitates CHI
Foie gras-wise, anyway. Activists are beseeching a state judge to shut down farms that produce the fattened duck liver, with a new angle: the conditions in which they live have made the birds "diseased" and unfit for consumption.
Hoosier Mama Pie Benefit
The Hoosier Mama Pie Company, in addition to offering very tempting pies for order online, is having a benefit. Stop by Kitchen Chicago at 4664 N Manor on Saturday--$5 gets you a slice of pie and a cup of joe from Metropolis. All of the proceeds will go to the Greater Chicagoland Food Depository and the pie goes to your belly -- it's good practice for Thanksgiving.
Bell's Update -- And A Way To Still Get It
Beerdorks.com has some more detail about the Bell's beer situation (and general lack thereof in Illinois) and a sensible explanation of the whole brewer-distributor-retail legal situation. Also, like the lovely beer dorks they are, they offer a way to get it shipped from a liquor store in Iowa.
Thanksgiving Temptation
Vegans (and the people who feed them): miss the pumpkin pie of the Thanksgivings of your youth? Not to worry, the Chicago Soy Dairy has you covered! Submit an order for their dairy-free version now, and pick one up just in time for the holiday. (And, for more ideas about local options for Thanksgiving -- vegan or otherwise -- check next week's Detour.)
Food on the Run
Get LTHForum's Great Neighborhood Restaurants to go: the Fall '06 guide is now available as a pocket-sized PDF. [via]
Interview With The Captain
Sadly, downtown is losing a lovely place for draught beer and generally a great place to hang out. The Sea Of Happiness closes next week because the lease is ending. Time-Out Chicago has a quick interview with the owner, Captain George, that highlights the warmth of the place. Go check it out for yourself before it's finally gone: 640 N Wabash before Nov 7th.
Oprah's Pizza Club?
Oprah may do for pizza what she's done for so many novels, with a little help from Chicago Magazine food writers Penny Pollack and Jeff Ruby: on yesterday's show, her friend Gayle King began a quest for the best pies in the country, based on Pollack and Ruby's book, Everybody Loves Pizza. (Read our review and interview with the authors here.)
Go to work in pajamas
Cereality, the cafe specializing in serving up breakfast cereals in new and novel combinations, is apparently opening up a second Chicago-area location in Evanston's Sherman Plaza this month. There will be a job fair for the new location this weekend; see the details at the Cereality site if you're interested in working for the Chicago-based chain.
Free Boo-rito
In other fast food news: dress up like a burrito and get one free.
Patty Burger Preview
I had a chance to go downtown and sample some of the much hyped and much awaited Patty Burger offerings last night, and my feelings are rather lukewarm about the whole place. Much smaller than I imagined, there were no promised milkshake samples, or fries, and I was not blown away by these wunderburgers at all.
Cantu Finds Another Edge to Cut
Homaro Cantu is known for some very experimental cooking techniques at Moto, but he's also on the forefront of another area of culinary innovation: the copyrighting and patenting of recipes. [via]
They Are What You Eat
Menuism is a new website that invites diners to review restaurants -- not just overall, but menu item by item. Yum.
Who Here Likes Pancakes?
The aptly named Illinois Pancakes blog has a simple goal: eat and review the pancakes of Illinois.
Tell Blago You're Mad About Bell's
A follow-up to the earlier Bell's beer story: The Logan Square Draught Beer Preservation Society has written a draft (draught?) letter to send to Blago to help prevent the elimination of Bell's (along with other smaller brews) from Chicago. (This American Life has an excellent background on it in the prologue to their "The Fix Is In" episode if you want to hear more about how this came to be.)
Help Bring Back Bell's
Bell's is one of my favorite microbreweries (mmm, Oberon), so I was dismayed to find out their delicious beers would no longer be available in Chicago because of a distribution dispute. In response, members of the Logan Square Draught Beer Preservation Society will be meeting at Weegee's Lounge, 3659 W. Armitage, Tuesday night at 9pm to develop a plan of action. If you're mad as hell and can't take it anymore, join in!
Prominent paper picks Pizano's prized pizza
The owners of Pizano's must be feeling pretty good these days. They represent Chicago in USA Today's top 10 list of great pizza restaurants in the US, and according to the Sun-Times they'll be featured on an upcoming episode of Oprah as the makers of the best thin-pizza crust in Chicago. Pizano's got a mention in a Fuel pizza discussion a couple years ago; check that archive for some more pizza recommendations.
Johnny Apple's Favorite Pancakes?
The late R.W. Apple, legendary New York Times food critic, recommended the pancakes at Bongo Room in his last email message, Gawker notes. [Thanks, Jeb!]
Zephyr closing
The Sun-Times reports that the Zephyr Cafe, the Ravenswood restaurant/ice cream parlor, is closing its doors on October 22 after 30 years at that location. That gives you less than 2 weeks to enjoy the Treasure Island milkshake, the King Kong burger, and the War of the Worlds 10-scoop sundae.
Is a $100 Pizza Worth It?
Barcello's in Bucktown offers a caviar-topped pizza for $100. Chris LaMorte at Metromix tries it out and delivers the verdict.
Liver Confidential
New Jersey would follow the lead of Chicago and California if a recently proposed ban on the sale of foie gras becomes law. What does Anthony Bourdain really think about this apparent trend? "It's a win for the forces of darkness, willful ignorance and intolerance," not to mention "kicking Julia Child in the teeth." After all, he says, "these ducks aren't doing anything that a porn star doesn't do on a regular basis."
Really Quick Review: Sheba Cafe
Saturday night, in search of good Ethiopian food, I headed to a locale smaller than my regular haunts. What I found was a splendid, low-key alternative to the often long weekend lines up Broadway. Sheba Cafe (or Queen of Sheba Cafe as it is also known) is a fine little spot just north of Balmoral on Broadway in Edgewater.
The Herbivore's Diary
Speaking of "green thumb" options, newly launched blog Vegan Dinner is going the Julie Meets Julia route. Kinda: local couple Ian ("straight edge") and Kit ("strong, silent") are on a quest to try 365 new meals (vegan) in 365 days (one year). The recipes are accompanied by photos and organized by preparation time (20, 40, 60 minutes). I smell a book deal.
Lunching In The Loop
We mentioned this last year, but a little reminder never hurt anybody: Tired of bickering about where to go, or having a long series of conversations about "Maybe Thai. Or Italian. Or Chipotle."? Friends, help takes the form of Lunch In the Loop, which has a lunch roulette wheel that'll just tell you where to go. If you have a short list of places you like, it can use that for places to choose from. (Not to mention that they also have categories if you want to choose that way, too.)
Really Quick Review: Hannah's Bretzel
Need something for breakfast, but tired of the bagel or doughnut routine? Pop over to Hannah's Bretzel, the little nest of German goodness in the Loop at Washington And Well's. All organic, and the bretzels are just like I remember in Germany. (The coffee is not, and that's fine by me--it's really good too.) Highly recommended, for breakfast, lunch, or a mid-day snack sometime in the middle.
Del Taco Coming To Chi Cago
Diners who don't recognize food as being Mexican unless it's pressed into a tortilla discus, rejoice: California's Del Taco chain is expanding into the Chicago region. (Hey, want to work there?) It's not In-N-Out, but the place does seem to have something of a following, and, really, how bad can fish tacos available 'round-the-clock be?
How and Where to Eat Bo Nuong
If you've ever wondered about the proper way to eat foods like thali, bo nuong and injera, a Tribune video story has you covered. Watch the video and then check out the restaurants they recommend.
Dinner Theater
Improv Kitchen's new season starts today; reviews have been mixed in the past, but hopefully the new show irons out some of the kinks. UPDATE: The new "flagship" show, "The Unfinishe... Project," doesn't premier until Oct. 4.
Coffee Pop
Local foodblog Tastebud offers tips on DIY coffee roasting. They suggest starting with the Home Coffee Roasting guide and a popcorn popper.
A Falafel with Hot Sauce, a Side Order...
Loop lunchers (and party girls), rejoice! After some difficulties at the jewelry mall, Oasis Cafe has relocated and reopened just down the street at 17 S. Wabash.
Alinea on Top
Alinea is the number one restaurant in the country, according to Gourmet magazine, while Charlie Trotter's has dropped to 13th. Expect reservation waits to expand and contract accordingly.
Politically Incorrect with U of C Students
The Maroon, U of C's student newspaper, got edgy in their orientation issue this week with a series of "politically incorrect" restaurant reviews. Read'em here: Hyde Park A-M, N-Z and downtown.
I'll Take Drinking for Nothin', Alex
Chicagoist brings news of potent potables of the complimentary sort, as MyOpenBar.com opens a local outpost.
Around the World Market
Interested in the wide variety of ethnic foods available in the city, but not sure where to go to get the best? You might be interested in the Ethnic Grocery Tours offered by Evelyn Thompson.
Little Village Pub Crawl
This is an idea I'd had for awhile but didn't have the time to implement: a Little Village pub crawl. If you're tired of pub crawls that traverse the same North Side haunts, this one is certainly off the beaten path. The fun gets started at Trevino's (31st and Karlov) at 4pm on Friday. Be sure to bring lots of cash and shoes, especially if you'd like to pick up a t-shirt. For more info, check the mailing list archives at the Logan Square Draught Beer Preservation Society.
Where's the Designer Beef?
According to this Associated Press article -- which, for some reason, is full of fashion references -- the answer is Chicago. The "hip new food trend" of choosing a meaty entree based on its diet or its lineage is gaining popularity in our steakhouse-lovin' city. And, as Executive Chef Jason Miller of David Burke's Primehouse said, "There aren't very many small people walking around Chicago." Er...
Reporter or Press Secretary?
Ostensibly, at least, Fran Spielman is a reporter. But sometimes, by golly, she sounds like she's got a point of view to get across. Check today's lead, for example: "Five months ago, the City Council opened itself up to ridicule by banning foie gras, a controversial delicacy that most Chicagoans have never tasted and cannot afford." Never mind that the entire state of California has taken such a step, so far as I can tell by reading the article, the only people still focused on this "ridicule" are those folk who didn't get their way the first time around. Compared to the Trib's 'just-the-facts' approach, the framing of this piece sure sounds like Foie Gras Follies to me.
Cupcake Crawl
I never really had the constitution for pub crawls. Mixing drinks has always been a personal cocktail for disaster. But a cupcake crawl? Holy buttercream frosting! And in case you are arriving late, you can get location updates for the crawl on your cell phone. Chicago Bites asks you to RSVP for a map. More info Slowdown, of course.
Logan Square Baristas, Unite!
Workers at the Logan Square Starbucks have announced they're unionizing, demanding a living wage, guaranteed hours and reinstatement of baristas fired for organizing activity. The store is the first outside New York to join the IWW Starbucks Workers Union. (Thanks, Patrick!)
Foie Gras Back in the News Already
The foie gras ban has sort of claimed its first victim: Block 44 in Lincoln Square. Chef Rick Spiros served some duck liver as a special over the weekend -- to finish off his stock rather than throw it out, he says -- and someone bothered to call 311. Spiros has gotten a warning from the City not to "finish off" any more.
Corn Sheets and Soy Gels
You've seen the photos; you've read the press. Now, with the help of these recipes, you can Be Like Grant and try recreating Alinea at home.
Bon Foie-age
Today's your last day to eat foie gras legally in the city of Chicago. (Although the law goes into effect today, enforcement begins tomorrow.) Term it protest or publicity-hungry pandering, some restaurants that don't usually serve foie have added it to their menus tonight. Mayor Daley, for his part, thinks the ban is "silly," but when asked if he'd be having a nosh of the stuff today, responded, "No, I'll have soup."
Late Night Eats
As I post this, it's 12:47am. If I were hungry, I'd be glad to have GopherNow at the ready: It shows which places are still open and whether they're delivering. (Then again, I'll be even happier when it's not dominated by Domino's Pizza and Burger King.)
Chicago-style, photographed and documented
Ever wonder who eats the chili at the Golden Angel? Or has dared the Italian Beef at every place I know of that offers it? Greasefreak.com is a nifty site that takes photos of greasy food and rates the experience for all to see. And I love his comment on the lost art of the gyro: "With the Spit's demise, homemade gyros are virtually extinct in the town that invented them. Since taste differences are minor, most variables come down to presentation and garnish. Sexy, yes. Spiritually rewarding, no."
Rockin' Good Food, Man
Michael Nagrant parlayed his awesome Hungry Magazine food blog/podcast into a podcasting series for Chicago Magazine -- check out his first "Chefs on the Grill" interview with del Toro's Andrew Zimmerman, who used to be a musician.
Really Quick Restaurant Review: Marigold
Indian restaurant Marigold recently sprouted in Uptown, and like the flower from which it takes its name, it has loveliness somewhat marred by ostentatiousness. The restaurant calls itself "modern," which translates roughly as "not Devon." That's both good and bad. The attention to ambience and presentation is welcome, and the drinks menu is extensive. However, service, while apparently good-intentioned, is stiff; given the cuisine, vegetarian options are limited; and prices are steep, especially for the neighborhood. As for the food, it was lackluster, with only one dish of several my friend and I tried standing out. These may be growing pains, but if modernity means burnt naan, maybe tradition isn't such a bad thing.
Two Kinds of Mexican Food
The Toronto Star's food critic, Jessica Bain, takes a look at two sides of Mexican food in Chicago: a visit to Rick Bayless' Topolobampo/Frontera Grill and a tour of neighborhood restaurants with LTHForum's David Hammond. She also gives us a recipe for birria -- goat stew.
An "A" in Kuchnia Polska
Looking for more Polish food than you can get at the ballpark? Not to worry: you can cheat off Gridskipper's homework. We won't tell. (Mind you, they did omit a GB favorite, Staropolska, so that's another option. And, if you're looking for extra credit after eating, head south on Milwaukee and pay a visit to the Polish Museum of America.)
Fuel for Foodies
LTHForum.com, the local food chat website, has just announced the latest round of Great Neighborhood Restaurant award-winners--23 destinations for gastronomic adventures, throughout the Chicago area.
Windy City Wine Festival
For the second year in a row, Binny's is hosting a HUGE wine tasting festival in downtown's Grant Park. $25 gets you ten tastings plus access to cooking demonstrations and some live tunes.
Picking up the Check
Not only is Chicago becoming noted for its restaurants, but its restaurant review program "Check, Please!" is also a hot property. The Sun-Times reports that "Check, Please! Bay Area" has already started (sample show at Google Video), and versions are also in the works for LA, Seattle/Vancouver, New York, and even Hawaii. Back in Chicago, "Check, Please" junkies will have to wait a few more weeks to get new programs, as the 6th season of the program is currently being taped for broadcast in October.
Drink on a Boat
This summer, Kafka Wine and Wendella Boats have been getting together for a series of Wine Tasting Cruises, which pair vino with architectural tour on Wednesdays each month. The next one is August 23 at 5:45pm. Tickets are $50 and reservations are required. [via]
Schwa-ing!
I'm not entirely convinced that there's anyone writing better restaurant reviews than Dominic Armato of Skilletdoux. His treatment of dinner at Alinea was dead-on; a perfect mix of sophistication and accessiblity. Dominic's latest post, running down a meal at Wicker Park's Schwa, is pure gastroporn.
Outlaws Dine Again
Baed on the enthusiastic response to his first Outlaw Dinner, 676 Restaurant's executive chef Robert Gadsby is holding another one on Monday, August 21, the day before the foie gras ban goes into effect. Chicagoans will yet again be treated to another menu featuring several barely legal foods at the center of controversies across the nation, including the aforementioned foie, absinthe, hemp seed, imported raw milk cheeses, morels and sous vide preparation. The seven course, prix fixe meal is $95 per person, with seatings between 7pm and 10pm; call 312-944-7676 for a reservation.
Drink up on the CTA
For the duration of the current heat wave, the CTA is now officially allowing passengers to carry and drink cold beverages on its buses and trains. (Not that the law was stopping people from drinking on the CTA, of course, but at least now it's permissible.) The heat wave is expected to end this evening, so do your drinking sometime today!
Tea Time Suggestions
In such hot weather, tea's not really been on my mind, but come winter these recommendations of tea-oriented cafes will be quite useful.
Political Trans-gression
Just another day in the nanny state: alderman Ed Burke is on the warpath against trans fats, and he's invited the CEOs of McDonald's, Burger King, and Taco Bell to the table to answer why "their promise to the American public (to make their food healthier) has gone unfulfilled." Consumerist questions his motives, observing a physical resemblance to Colonel Sanders. Stay tuned.
Foodpr0n Gets a Moment in the Sun
KIPlog's Food blog points us to the Tribune's article on the trend of foodies taking pictures of their meals, accompanied by photography tips and a short list of food-porny blogs.
MAN-cation, All I Ever Wanted
Hey man, you look like you need a guy's night out. Lucky for you the newly relaunched aria bar at the Fairmont Hotel has you covered: at 7:30pm next Saturday, July 29, it's hosting a men-only "MAN-cation," featuring cocktails in the bar, a three-course steak dinner, and a Woodford Reserve whiskey and cigar tasting . It's not cheap at $150 per person, but short of strippers and drag races, it couldn't get much manlier. Reservations can be made by calling 312-444-9494.
Haute Cuisine, Outlaw Style
The foie gras farewell continues: in honor of the dish's final days in the city, chef Robert Gadsby of 676 Restaurant & Bar in the Chicago Omni put together a one-night menu full of ingredients of which the Nanny State would not approve. The $95 prix fixe menu for tomorrow night's "Outlaw Dinner," as it's being called, features absinthe, hemp seed, morels, unpasteurized cheeses, sous vide preparation, and of course foie gras; Gadsby's planning similar nights at his Noé restaurants in LA and Houston.
Really Quick Restaurant Review: Los Nopales
Los Nopales (4544 N. Western Ave) is a small Mexican joint near the Western Brown Line stop in Lincoln Square. With tables and a small bar (despite having no alcohol), Nopales is quaint, but can match dishes with some of the big boys, especially when it comes to steak. On a recent trip, I ordered the steak fajitas and wasn't dissapointed. The thinly cut steak is some of the better steak out there, especially for the price. The other excitement is the two salsas provided to each table, red and green. Los Nopales was featured in a recent Sun-Times article discussing that very strip of Western Ave.
Eggvertising
Since we're all bored with the pristine surface of eggs, a Deerfield company is teaming up with CBS to put advertisements and expiration dates on 35 million of them. Look (out) for them in your local grocery store.
Behold! The McSundial
McDonald's put up a pretty interesting new billboard in Wrigleyville. (Thanks, VinceJose!)
Goose Liver, Get Yer Goose Liver
There are only a couple more weeks of foie gras sales in local restaurants, and, tonight, Chicago Chefs for Choice celebrate the swan song of this controversial ingredient. They're holding a festival at Allen's Cafe, where "guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of foie gras preparations, beverages included." It won't come cheap, of course: admission is $150 a person. Still, they've cloaked themselves in the First Amendment -- proceeds benefit the "Freedom of Choice Fund" -- and who can say no to that?
Alinea, Vicariously
Not in a position to plan a year ahead and drop a couple of Franklins on dinner? LTHForum user Dmnkly has posted an incredibly detailed chronicle of his meal at Grant Achatz's brainchild, complete with photographs.
Take Me Out for a Veggie Burger
The Red Sox haven't made the past few games at the Cell very fun (maybe this afternoon'll be different?), but PETA says those looking for healthy stadium fare have reason to be happy: the animal rights organization listed US Cellular Field among this year's Top 10 Vegetarian-Friendly Ballparks.
Share a Beer
Introducing Coastr, "a social guide to beer," produced by local design team Luckymonk.
Really Quick Restaurant Review: Spa Cafe
These days, you can't go near a restaurant without it adding chipotle to something or other. While this usually comes across as a feeble attempt at au courant zest, when Spa Cafe (112 W. Monroe) combines it with pureed Okinawa sweet potato to make soup, it's a wonderful thing. So long as you can get past the fact that it looks like you'll be dipping into a raspberry vinaigrette -- the dish is, well, purple -- you're in for a treat. (As for the cucumber water, I know it has its devotees, but I could have done with more water, less cucumber. I'll be sticking with the lemons next time.)
Restaurant Cage Match!
Ever notice two similar restaurants so close together that they must be feeding off each other's patrons? So has Phil Vettel, who just introduced a new series in the Trib: Cage Match, pitting neighboring joints against each other.
Tech Cocktail On Thursday
Eat, drink, meet. Meet other geeks, or hip business people at the first Chicago Tech Cocktail. Swanky. (And if you haven't had enough, BARCamp Chicago, a tech unconference, is coming up soon too.)
Kitchen Chicago Cafe Closed
Sad but true: the cafe at Kitchen Chicago is closing, at least for now. There's no official mention of it on the website, but a letter on the door confirms the sad news. The owners wish to concentrate more on their original business--running a kitchen for hire--and the cafe was taking time away from that. While some grand traditions will continue, such as Sunday Brunch and lots of goodies from the great companies that start there, the cafe is officially on hiatus.
Really Quick Restaurant Review: Deleece
On the northern tip of the Southport Corridor, at Irving Park, sits Deleece, a stunningly low-priced quality American contemporary restaurant. While they were in the news a few months back when one of the chefs left to start Sola (also very, very good), their fare hasn't suffered one bit. In fact, they've done the opposite and ramped things up a bit, with new dishes that work really well. One of my favorite things about Deleece is their Monday and Tuesday $20 for three-course prix fixe special, which is one of the best values for food in this city. A recent meal included a ham avocado bruschetta, a carmelized on the outside and tender and pink on the inside flank steak prepared with a mole sauce and for dessert, a chocolate mousse that was divine. I'd have easily paid $50-60 for a meal like that. Go!
Legislating Nasty Food?
Alderman Edward Burke doesn't think the recent ban on foie gras is enough legislation of food for one year. He has now brought to the table a proposal to ban all trans fats in Chicago. The proposal has been ridiculed by Mayor Daley and the President of Illinois Restaurant Association. While the proposal would be difficult to implement, Burke noted that he just wants to start up a conversation and get expert opinion on the matter.
Break Out Your Fry Daddy
One thing you probably won't find at the Taste this year are Deep Fried Brats. But you could make your own.
Sneak Out for Free Coffee
The Devil Wears Prada is sponsoring some sort of National Coffee Break Day today, and it must just be a coincidence that the film opens this weekend. Anyway, there are four spots in Chicago where you can snag a free "coffee beverage" from 2-4pm, all in and around the Loop. Gawker has the details.
The imminence of the Taste
The city has blocked off the streets near Grant Park in preparation for the 2006 Taste of Chicago, which starts this Friday and runs through Sunday, July 9. Check out the Taste Website for a list of participating restaurants that'll be selling food during the event, a map of the vendors (PDF link), and a roundup of the performers that you'll be able to see during the Taste's 10-day run. And if you know you'll be checking out loads of vendors, you might want to get your food tickets in advance at your local Dominick's because you'll get a discount if you have a Dominick's Fresh Values card.
Quick Review: Goose Island's Matilda
If you haven't yet tried Goose Island's version of Belgian abbey-style beer, Matilda, you should. It's the refreshing, feel-good hit of the summer: full-bodied and fruity, with flavors of apples and apricots, with a nice long finish. Don't just take my word for it -- it's got a 93/100 rating on RateBeer.com. Just one quibble: Goose Island used the wrong six-pointed stars on the label.
Playing at Potbellys
If you like music with your sandwiches or wish to play MTV's crappiest hits for those indulging in their lunchtime subs, you might be surprised to hear (or play) a tune or two the next time you're at a Potbellys. The Beachwood Reporter has a piece about the local Potbellys and how they stack up musically. And on a side note: local musician Jef Sarver will attempt to break the world record for the longest guitar marathon ever at a Potbellys on June 21-23.
Really Quick Review: David Burke's Primehouse
Another downtown steakhouse? Well, yes, but damn, is this place ever good. With a menu dedicated to seafood and dry-aged steaks (Chef Burke commissioned a salt cave for aging underneath the restaurant), Primehouse lends some substance to the stylish new James Hotel. Shellfish from the raw bar, served on a lazy susan of lemons and crushed ice, was impeccibly fresh, although the lobster was perhaps a touch limp. Gazpacho with crab was spicy, refreshing, wonderful. The steaks? Par excellence, and they will rival the best you'll eat in your life. (Forget the syrupy bottled sauces that arrive with your steaks; what is this, Ponderosa?) Cocktails are innovative, maybe gimmicky (leather-infused Maker's Manhattan?), but they work. Not cheap.
Splash Your Wine
Tomorrow night at Webster's Wine Bar, friend of GB Christine Blumer is throwing her WineDiva Summer Splash, a "celebration of women in wine" benefitting Appetite Theatre. Tickets are still available, and are cheaper in advance; details in Slowdown.
Motinea on Megnut
Meg Hourihan liked Moto, but loved Alinea. (So did hubby Jason Kottke, who said of chef Grant Achatz, "'He's out-Kellered Keller!'")
Really Quick Review: Dorado Restaurant
Incredible. This is not Arturo's, it's a delightful mix of Mexican and French cuisine located in a very neighborhood location. We are still remembering the great great meal we had three weeks ago--the corn chowder soup and nachos were absolutely amazing. Great place for a good meal with friends. BYOB, veg-friendly, and great service, if perhaps a little loud when crowded. Dorado Restaurant. 2301 W. Foster. (773) 561-3780.
Happy Hour Booze Crooz
If you work downtown and like wine, then sign up for a riverboat wine tasting/architecture tour with Wendella Boats. All the wine will be provided by local shop Kafka Wine. Tasting, tour and hors d' oeuvres for two hours are included in the $50 price tag. Check out Wendella's site for details.
25 for $25
Mon Ami Gabi, the Lettuce Entertain You "French steakhouse" is holding a weather-permitting event in their outdoor cafe at the Chicago location called "25 for $25 — A Tour de France Through Wine at Mon Ami Gabi". What do diners and drinkers get? 25 wines to taste and a sampling of the restaurant's bistro fare (hors d' oeuvres). Sounds like a good deal. The event happens July 11 from 6-8pm and reservations can be made by calling 773-348-8886.
Really Quick Review
Let's say you're riding east on Granville toward the lake, and you're ready for a break. Park your bike outside Cafe du Monde, at the corner of N. Broadway. No beignets (yet), but the coffee and tea are excellent and the sweets behind the glass case are tempting. Bonus 1: classical music is piped outdoors, which helps turn the charming patio into a refuge, in spite of proximity to traffic. Bonus 2: if you happen to be traveling with your laptop, Cafe du Monde offers free wireless.
A Fine Time for Wine
Epicurious has a lovely guide to wines to enjoy in June, written by Chicago master sommelier (and our favorite tv show host) Alpana Singh.
Cask Strength
Because Friday is drinky Friday to some, why not get in on some really good scotch? Andrew has posted a very interesting idea and plan that may intrigue some of you. Have a look, oh scotch connoisseur.
Beer Advocated Here
If Ben Franklin was right and beer is "living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy," then the happiest places in Chicago are Map Room and Hopleaf, according to Beer Advocate magazine.
McClain: Triple Threat
Nope, we're not talking about Bruce Willis' die-hard cop John McClane but Shawn McClain, one of Chicago's most exciting chefs (yes, aside from Grant Achatz). He recently was awarded the James Beard for best chef in the Midwest and after showing off the sophistication of seafood and vegetarian at his restaurants, Spring and Green Zebra, he's expanded his repertoire with a more meaty menu in the form of Custom House.
Not a Cozy Fire
Monday afternoon, many of us who work in downtown Evanston noticed black plumes of smoke coming from Davis Street. The fire, it turns out, was coming from the kitchen of Cozy Noodles & Rice at 1018 Davis Street. The fire damaged the restaurant, a nearby store and the apartments above. The dining room, with its walls of vintage toys, looks good, sans smoke and water damage, but for now, we'll all have to get our Cozy noodles at the Wrigleyville location.
A Real Irish Wake
If you've ever been to Butch McGuire's bar down at Clark & Division, you probably have fond memories of its owner and namesake. Butch passed away recently, and to mourn him, Division Street between Dearborn and State will be closed from 10am to 8pm for his wake. Stop on down and have a drink in the street.
Drink 'til you write
It's drinking time again! A group of Neo-Futurist alumni is presenting the third version of the play Drinking and Writing, subtitled "To Cure A Hangover." Along with the play, which will be performed at bars around Chicago for the next few weeks, the Drinking and Writing team is putting together a pub crawl on Memorial Day to find a cure for the common hangover, and their second annual Drinking and Writing Festival on June 10, which will include readings, a two-drink-minimum writing contest, and lots of beer tasting. See Slowdown for all these events, and the Drinking and Writing Website for tickets.
GQ eats Chicago
GQ's food critic Alan Richman jumps on the Chicago bandwagon with an article in the June issue naming us "the best restaurant city in America." The story's focus, unsurprisingly, is on culinary wunderkinds Homaro Cantu of Moto, Grant Achatz of Alinea, and Graham Elliot Bowles of Avenues.
The Tastiest Time of the Year
Tomorrow marks the launch date for the first of the Chicagoland Farmer's Markets, and boy, I'm ready. Saturday markets are my favorite, and the ones in Evanston and Lincoln Park open on May 20 (most others open in early June). There are markets every single day of the week, as always, throughout neighborhoods in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. If you're planning a Market tour, try checking out this nice (work in progress) Google Map of some of the Farmer's Markets done by Ben at InqBlot. It's quite handy and dandy.
Goose Island Update
We told you awhile back that Goose Island was in negotiations with Anheuser Busch; Crain's has an update on the story. Looks like Busch could own 35 percent of Goose Island and would take over distribution.
Best Bars?
If you've picked up the latest issue of Esquire you've seen their feature on the "Best Bars in America." Chicago gets a few on those list, including the Red Lion Pub, Bungalow and the Matchbox. Also on the list is GB fave, the Hideout, which, if you've never been, next Friday presents a golden opportunity. I can vouch for Bungalow's vanilla martini, but would I call them the best? Put in your dissensions and suggestions on the website and they may get published.
Really Quick Review: Ole Ole
Thankfully, the latest restaurant to open in Andersonville is not a Thai place (we've got enough, really!). Ole Ole is a sumptuously decorated space on two floors of 5413 N. Clark Street. It was the site of my very first (not my last) mojito, and of some delicious dishes and quite helpful wait staff. The empanada appetizers were tasty and perfectly fried (not burned), my Chicken Adobo was a blend of cinnamon and spices without overpowering the senses and my dining companion's dinner salad with chicken (substituted for duck) was enough for a very full meal. I'd love to see more dishes with a mole in the future, and can't wait for their pending cafe con leche service to begin!
Metra To Host Year-Round Marketplace
Something I'd advocated in The Party Line previously is fortunately coming to pass: Metra is building a fresh-foods marketplace in the Ogilve Train Station. No, this isn't a Dominick's in the station--the idea is to get local vendors of meat,vegetables, and wine under one roof. Won't be ready for a year, but I'm excited.
Printed Fun On Every One
Did you know they're printing Guinness World Records on Pringles now? Matt Maldre of Spudart got a tube, and among the world records was an odd looking print-out that included the phrase "printed fun on every one." He realized it was a diagnostic display intended to show the density of ink being sprayed by the chip printer.
Ben Gordon, Mixologist
Bulls guard Ben Gordon is the first NBA player with his own energy drink. Gordon signed with start-up H3Enterprises to create BG7, a white tea-based concoction expected to be on store shelves later this year.
Feel Like Chicken?
The heavily anticipated Wicker Park branch of Harold's Chicken Shack finally opened yesterday and, as of 7pm, were doing an admirable — if slightly slow — job of meeting demand (although the rumored wheat bread was nowhere to be seen). The chicken? Damn good. If the Chicago Reader's Mike Sula ever updates his rundown of every Harold's in the city (pdf), I wouldn't be surprised to see #36 high on the list.
Feel the Foie Gras Fury
Chicago Magazine's Dish column (click "Welcome Back Foley" under "Recent Dish News") notes that some Chicago chefs aren't taking the City Council's recent foie gras ban sitting down. "Copperblue's Michael Tsonton and Cyrano's Bistrot's Didier Durand are starting an organization called Chicago Chefs for Choice.... [Tsonton said,] 'The foie gras people are tired of being pushed around.'" Is serving foie gras a Constitutional right? They're gonna find out.
The New Frontier is Preparation
This Wired profile of Alinea's Grant Achatz is particularly useful in that, after all this time reading his name, I now know how to say it. (If you didn't know either, apparently it rhymes with rackets.)
Free Hot Dog Alert
According to Chicago Magazine's latest Dish bulletin, today, in honor of France's Labor Day (who knew?), Brasserie Jo is serving "free hot dogs on a crusty baguette with Dijon mustard." Now, if that doesn't improve your Monday, nothing will.
The two best beans in Chicago get together.
Today, the third Intelligentsia coffee house opens at 53 and 55 E. Randolph, just down the street from Cloud Gate. If you go today, you might even get your espresso from this year's best barista in America, Matthew Riddle.
An Alternative to Metromix
Somehow we've managed not to write about it, but Yelp. Founded in 2004 in San Francisco, Yelp has been helping Chicagoans find good places to eat and drink for quite a while now. It now covers dentists, hairstylists and other professions, too — all reviewed and rated by regular people.
No More Foie Gras
If you're a connoisseur of foie gras, you've got 90 days to get your fill: City Council banned it from Chicago today. Mayor Daley was duly annoyed: "We have children getting killed by gang leaders and dope dealers. We have real issues here in this city. And we're dealing with foie gras? Let's get some priorities." (Thanks, Dave!)
Berghoff Cafe Reopens
With little fanfare, the Berghoff Cafe, in the basement of the recently closed Berghoff Restaurant, reopened for lunch today. The Berghoff Memorial Blog has the story.
Chicago barista wins US title
The Sun-Times has a profile today of Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea employee Matthew Riddle, who won the US Barista Championships last week. Riddle had to serve up 12 drinks in 15 minutes to claim the title. His winning the title means that Chicago will represent in the World Barista Championships in Berne, Switzerland next month. Riddle isn't working as a coffee server right now (he's working as a graphic artist for Intelligentsia), but he will be serving up coffee for the grand opening on April 28 of a new Intelligentsia store at 53 E. Randolph. So if you're looking for a fast cup of coffee, remember to stop by and congratulate Matthew.
Really Quick Review: Eleven City Diner
Eleven City Diner, the Viper Room of Jewish Chicago, has the building blocks of a great restaurant, but is currently lacking the haroset to put it all together. The pastrami and corned beef are as good as any I've had outside New York, and the matzo ball rivals my mother's recipe (highest praise possible), but who allowed owner Bradley Rubin to think that a pastrami on rye needs a third slice of bread like a trayf club sandwich? Or that sandwiches and (very tasty) fried onions should arrive simultaneously, followed by soup? And how are you out of Cel-Ray? Still, they're only a few weeks old: don't call it a shonda, they'll be here for years.
Harold's On Hold
Reader Al gives us an update on the Wicker Park Harold's Chicken Shack, which we reported would open on Sunday: "They won't be opening for about another week or two. I spoke to the (slightly embarrassed) owner and he said the paper never consulted them before writing the article and went with an approximate date provided months ago."
Please Stand By...
After a very busy opening week, the South Loop's Eleven City Diner experienced a power outage yesterday, and will be out of commission until Tuesday. (In the meantime, whet your appetite with some reviews via LTHForum.com.)
AOL Says These Are the Best
AOL City Guide has come out with its annual City's Best list, which dovetails nicely into our overrated /underrated restaurants Fuel questions. Some potentially controversial choices: Moody's and Twisted Spoke under "best burgers," Giordano's and Pizza D.O.C. among "best pizzas" and Frontera Grill is tops for Mexican.
Alinea's Dinnerware
If you've followed the coverage of Alinea, you've probably heard about the unusual plateware Grant Achatz commissioned for his inventive dishes. Well, Crucial Detail created them, and at least some of the items are available for sale.
Harold's Chicken for the Hipster Set
Wicker Park (1361 N. Milwaukee, to be exact) will house the only northside outpost of the venerable Harold's Chicken, beginning April 2. In an effort to "have a store that fits with the neighborhood," bulletproof glass will be nowhere to be found, and--stop the presses--whole wheat bread will be available. (Thanks, Andy!)
Chicago Chefs Nominated for Beard Awards
(...and I'm not talking about this.) The James Beard Foundation for culinary excellence announced nominees for their 2006 awards yesterday, and Chicago did just fine, thank you. Graham Eliot Bowles from Avenues was nominated in Rising Star Chef category, and fancy northside spot Alinea is in the running for Best New Restaurant. HungryMag's got the details, and a couple of interviews.
Best Burger Available
A minor league baseball team in Sauget, IL is adding a special burger to their list of concessions. Gateway Grizzlies fans will be able to enjoy "Baseball's Best Burger:" a beef patty with cheddar cheese and bacon between two Krispy Kreme doughnuts. According to urban legend reports, these are the same ingredients that make up the "Luther Burger," a burger named for Luther Vandross.
The Barefoot Contessa at the Fox
If you're a fan of Ina Garten (of Food TV's Barefoot Contessa fame) like I am, then you might be interested to know that she's appearing today at Fox and Obel downtown at 401 E. Illinois from 4-6pm for a reception where she'll show off some of her stuff and her new line of products. [Thanks Jen!]
Sensational Bites
With all the cupcake mania that seems to be ending up in the gullets of people nationwide, I thought I'd point out the extremely good cupcakes available at Sensational Bites, a cafe and bakery along the Southport corridor. They have a particularly good Boston Cream Pie cupcake — vanilla cake with a custard filling topped with chocolate. Cupcakes aren't all they do and their cakes are fantastic. A recent 11-layer Death by Chocolate cake that was roughly 8 inches tall was quite an endeavor — at $5 a slice that lasted you for 3 days or perfect for two, it's quite the deal.
Fantastic Food for the Midday Masses
Having recently eaten at Hannah's Bretzel, I can wholeheartedly concur with its inclusion in the EatChicago.net Loop Lunch Roundup, "a list for people who need to get something good to eat and get back to work." Yum. [Previously: Lunch in the Loop]
Wired While You Eat
According to this week's Dish column, the new restaurant State, 935 W. Webster, is thoroughly up on the latest tech. "We have 40 Internet terminals here and 20 laptops for use anywhere in the restaurant," says owner Kosta Giannoulias. And if you can't find your server, you can just IM the bar.
Berghoff: Now or Never
OK, this is it. The Berghoff closes today. If you haven't made your peace, better do it today. Then share your memories at the Berghoff Memorial Blog, and check out the ad (PDF) the Berghoffs took out in today's Trib thanking everyone for "the incredible outpouring of emotion" they've seen.
German food in Wrigleyville
As the Berghoff closes this week, the Sun-Times reports on another German restaurant that will be opening this April in the middle of the sports-bar-clogged stretch of Clark Street near Wrigley Field. Uberstein is being started by the owners of Crobar and Blu, will be in the space that the Heaven on Seven restaurant is now, and will feature beer and beer glasses imported from the Hofbrauhaus in Munich. Will Cubs fans go for a German restaurant? Since they're planning to serve beer, I'm going to go out on a limb and say yes.
Pooh-poohing the Berghoff Boo-hooing
Yes, the Berghoff is closing next week. Yes, there has been much weeping and wailing about it. In the midst of the sentimentality, however, EatChicago.net pipes up, stating an opinion I suspect many wish they could discount: "This once-venerable icon of historic Chicago has been serving below-average German fare for quite a while." The upside? "This city has too much good food for us to cry over a restaurant that gave up on quality years ago."
"Where the Nicest People Meet & Eat"
Reader Mike alerts us to another long-time Chicago institution's passing: tomorrow is the last day for the Uptown Snack Shop, 4668 N. Broadway. The Sun-Times has the story.
Fun With Google Maps, Oenophile Edition
Oh no! You've got a hot date tonight, and s/he asked you to bring the wine. You're looking to impress, so a bottle from Jewel just won't do. What now? Dr. Vino to the rescue. His new Chicago Wine Shop Map will point you to the closest wine shop, where a professional will set you up with the perfect bottle.
Really Quick Restaurant Review: Choppers
You might have seen Choppers while driving down Ashland. They tout themselves as "The Home of the Choppak" which intrigued me for years. The retro exterior is a throwback to the 50's. I visited it finally to sate my curiosity this past weekend and had a choppak. It's a value meal of a double cheeseburger (order the quadruple if you wish), steak cut fries and coleslaw. On the side, I had what they also tout as "Chicago's Best Milkshake". The Choppak was pretty decent: good greasy type food. But the milkshake. It's less than $3, you can mix and match flavours and it's thick enough to give Mickey D's a run for their money in that department. Takes forever to finish, if you can at all. I had the banana (fresh!) and my dining partner had the Oreo Cookie. Need I say more?
Hilary's Urban Eatery to Close
Woe unto the Wicker Park dining scene; first Leo's Lunchroom, now this. Not a month off of their appearance on Check, Please!, Hilary's Urban Eatery announces they're closing at the end of the day on February 27. (That's Monday!) Don't worry, they'll be reopening at a new space on Division sometime in the future.
Gasoline Pepsi
First there was Crystal Pepsi, then Crystal Clear Gasoline, and now the least desirable of the three, chemical-smelling Pepsi. Area Jewel-Osco stores are pulling 24-packs of Pepsi from their shelves after multiple customers complained of a chemical smell.
Berghoff history up for auction
If you aren't able to make it into the Berghoff for a final meal before it closes at the end of the month, you still have a chance of getting a piece of the restaurant's history: the restaurant will be auctioning off Berghoff memorabilia, from an original menu from 1939 to commemorative items for the Berghoff's 100-year anniversary, which was in 1998. The auction starts at noon on March 4, so start collecting your pennies. For pictures of the items up for auction, check out the auctioner's Website.
Drinking for the Kids
mmmChicago lives up to its name this morning with the details of 826CHI's upcoming Wine & Dumplings fundraiser. The event takes place Thursday night and will feature wine writer Bill Daley and food writer Monica Eng, as well as -- you guessed it -- all manner of wine and dumplings.
What's in a name when it comes to food?
Fluky's changes its name to U Lucky Dawg (generic and ugh - hat tip: Paul). Meanwhile, let us breathe a sigh of relief that Booby's in Niles isn't changing its name.
Really Quick Review: Kouk's Cafe (Norwood Park)
The strangest thing about Kouk's Cafe (5653 N. Northwest Highway in Norwood Park) is that this same idea wasn't done sooner. A very warm and cozy cafe (with good tea and wi-fi), it also has an attached resale shop that is affordable and filled with doo-dads. (We got some great retro postcards.) In the summer there's an outdoor garden where you can take your tea and conversation. Recommended, certainly.
What's for Lunch?
Not sure what the place around the corner offers? Check out MenuPages, which lists the menus of more than 2200 Chicago restaurants. Yum!
Personally, I Go for the PB&J...
Next time you end up at Potbelly's, surrounded by hollering staff and patrons, you can think to yourself, "Well, if it's good enough for Grant..." That's right, in a Best Life magazine feature about famous chefs' favorite downmarket indulgences, Alinea wunderkind Grant Achatz gushes over the Wreck's meat, cheese, toppings and "tasty bun." (A four dollar sandwich is probably about as close as you're going to get to Achatz's dining out routine -- when asked about his upmarket favorite, he lists some restaurant in Spain with a 35-course tasting menu. Good luck getting there and back on your lunch hour.)
Like Chicago for chocolate
The Washington Post takes a look at the status of candy and chocolate companies in Chicago. Some (Blommer Chocolate Company, Margie's Candies) are doing well in the city, while other companies (Primrose Candy Company, Brach's, Ferrara Pan Candy Co.) are moving some or all of their manufacturing out of the US, to take advantage of the lower cost of sugar outside this country. Still, there are new companies sprouting up (Blue Cat Candy Company, Chicago Chocolate Company) to feed Chicagoans' need for sweets, so the Chicago/candy connection is still alive. (See also the Art of Chocolate event tomorrow night in Slowdown.)
starbucks is love
Looking for love, coffee lovers? This ValDay, head on over to the Piper's Alley and Roscoe Village Starbucks. From 7-9 p.m., the folks from Yahoo! Personals will help you create an online personal, take a professional snap of you, and hand you a $10 coffee card. Hey, where else can you (maybe) find the love of your life -- and a week's worth of joe? Via TOC.
Holy Kauai!
Update on the plan to revive Trader Vic's in Chicago: on Tuesday, February 7th Harry Caray's Restaurant will go Polynesian, serving food from the Trader Vic's restaurant menu only for that day. The occasion: the Trader Vic's president is flying to Chicago to pass the torch (figuratively and literally) to Harry Caray's, which will be overseeing the opening of the new Trader Vic's Chicago location sometime next year. Along with the torch, Harry Caray's will also get the Trader Vic's Mai Tai recipe, which will be served in all three Harry Caray restaurant locations at least until Trader Vic's opens. (thanx to Robert for the tip)
Pizzeria Uno East. Faaaar East.
Next time you find yourself in, say, Shanghai, and you're looking for a, say, taste of home, maybe give CJ Chicago a try? Holy cow, indeed.
Tru and Moto on TV
Coming next month (or possibly the month after) to the Food Network: separate appearances by chefs from Tru and Moto on Iron Chef America. The competitors have kept quiet about how they fared, but today's Sun-Times offers a little preview of what to look for. Namely secret ingredients like fennel and beets.
Where's The Beef? Online!
Not a moment too soon: Vienna Beef's online store has launched, and now The Frank That Made The Damen/Elston Intersection Famous is available nationwide, along with all of the related fixings. You could order your neon-green relish, skinless franks, and boxer shorts individually, but don't you owe it to yourself to go for the tubesteak gold: the Valentine's Kit?
Flavor Saver
Quick! Grow a mustache and head to Sheffield's tonight at 8pm for the 11th Annual Bell's Stout Tasting and 2nd Annual Mustache Contest. Or just show up — they'll have temporary 'staches available for follically challenged men and women.
Hungry?
Local food chat site LTHforum.com has announced the latest recipients of its Great Neighborhood Restaurants awards. One of my new year’s resolutions is to check out each of these establishments, just as soon as I get through with last year’s.
Java, from Las Brumas to Lakeview
Love the Intelligentsia? Today's Trib spins the tale of a good cup of coffee, tracing the requisite beans from the forests of Nicaragua to the roasters of Chicago.
Really Quick Review: Junior's
From Car Seat columnist Alejandra Valera: "Calling itself a 'Sports Lounge' rather than a sports bar, Junior's on Maxwell and Halsted (partially owned by Chicago Bear Gale Sayers) is beautifully designed and swank. With 20 flat screen TVs, a VIP area and plenty of music coming from the DJ booth, expect to see both suits and backwards baseball caps at Junior's. Besides appetizers, a lunch and dinner menu is also available featuring burgers, surf'n'turf, salads and more."
So Many Menus
Reader Andrew sends in a neato website: Restaurant Place. You can do the typical searching -- neighborhood, cuisine and such -- but the real draw is the menus, which are presented in full and ripe for the pickin'.
Lincoln Park or Lincoln Square?
If you haven't taken a stroll in Lincoln Square lately, changes are afoot in this German-Baltic-Yuppie 'hood. Sure, the strip is peppered with cool restaurants, indie cafes and bookstores, but now a Potbelly is slated to open -- right next to a Cold Stone. Will Costello's prevail? We sure hope so!
Yet Another Google Map, Drinkers' Edition
The Chicago Beer Map doesn't just give you bars, it also lists beer-oriented liquor stores and shops that sell homebrew supplies. (For nightly specials, see previously mentioned Drinktown.)
Trader Vic's sailing on
Trader Vic's update, from the Tribune: the restaurant will eventually open a new Chicago location somewhere in River North, with the help of the owners of the Harry Caray's restaurants. In the meantime, the Trader Vic's people are trying to get all their memorabilia out of the space in the Palmer House Hilton, in the hopes of redecorating the new restaurant with most of the accoutrements from the old space. (Patrons during the last few days of the restaurant helped with the move by taking anything that wasn't nailed down, from drink glasses to table lamps.)
Another High Profile Closing
Breaking news, via mmmChicago, who got it from Chicago magazine's Dish e-newsletter: the renowned Trio Atelier is closing, with the last day tentatively Feb. 25.
Fat Tire on the road to Chicago
Beer enthusiasts, especially those who've spent time west of the Mississippi, have reason to celebrate: Fat Tire Ale is coming to Chicago. While on a Friday night outing to Whirlyball for a friend's birthday, I spotted a sign proclaiming the impending arrival of Fat Tire, which is one of my favorite beers and has never been distributed east of the big river (though at least one Chicago bar sells it clandestinely). I emailed New Belgium Brewery to confirm, and they've told me it's true—22oz "bomber" bottles of Fat Tire should start showing up here in February.
Chefs speak on trends
Zagat publishes an article about what the big name chefs want to see in 2006 and look back on the trends of 2005. Rick Bayless and a maitre d' from Alinea have their say amongst the other voices.
"We Serve Beer"
No reason to put off the reminiscing about the closure of the Berghoff until it happens in February: this afternoon, NPR's Melissa Block chatted with maitre d' Mike Santiago about his 50 years at the soon-to-shutter eating establishment.
Berghoff to Bug Off
Aw, man, now The Berghoff is closing. The owners of the 107-year-old Chicago institution, themselves in their 70s, have decided to close up all but the O'Hare terminal location at the end of February. Belly up to the bar one last time.
Really Quick Restaurant Review: Tiki Terrace
With Trader Vic's shutting down, you might be looking for more Tiki fun. The Tiki Terrace in Prospect Heights is excellent. Despite the very odd strip mall location, they have fantastic decorations and truly delicious cocktails (much better than Hala Kahiki, I have to say). With Tiki Blues shows and hula girls dancing on Saturdays, this place puts Prospect Heights on the map.
Anheuser Island? Goose-Busch?
There's a rumor brewing that Anheuser-Busch is considering taking an ownership stake in Goose Island Brewery. The Trib has the story, with Goose Island president John Hall confirming that the companies are "in talks" but claiming they're about distribution, not acquisition.
Whet Your Whistle
It not quite finished, but ExtraTasty! has soft launched — sign up and add your favorite drink. From the looks of it, you can expect it to be a combination bartender's recipe guide and social networking site.
More Waffling to Follow
Something's going on; we just don't know what. Waves of excitement crashed across Chicago foodboard LTHforum.com at the news that an outpost of L.A.'s Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles would be opening in Bronzeville this January. Once people settled down a bit, someone noticed that this restaurant's name is actually Rosscoe's, not Roscoe's. It's possible that we're dealing with shoddy copyediting, but it seems more likely that MLK Drive is going to be getting a branch of this New York restaurant, or another knockoff altogether.
Hey, Big Spender, Spend a Little More on My Drink
By now, the $950 Reserve Ruby Red is something of a local legend. But that's the sort of legend the Sunday Styles section of the Times thrives on, so leave it to them to track down someone who dropped the requisite grand on a first date.
Something's Fishy
Did you catch the Tribune's series on mercury levels in store-bought fish? It'll put you off canned tuna and walleye forever.
Holiday Cheer ...And Then Some
mmmChicago lives up to its name this morning, presenting one writer's eleven favorite drinks from local bars.
Red Sauce Shift
The Sun-Times has an enlightening look at how restaurant trends shifted between 1994 and 2005, comparing Zagat's ratings then and now and giving us lots of charts and graphs. Yum.
Daytime Dining Downtown
The name says it all: Lunch in the Loop makes that most important workday decision a little bit easier. And, if you're feeling lucky (or just curious), spin the roulette and try some place new. [via] Also, from the Fuel archives, GB reader suggestions.
Really Quick Restaurant Review: Ay Ay Picante!
If you want to try something different, zip out to Elston Ave. for a taste of Peruvian food at Ay Ay Picante. Peruvian food combines Asian influences with Old World cuisine, throwing in a dose of South American ingredients to boot. It's one of a kind, and worth trying if you like seafood and want something different.
Cheese TV
Pastoral, an artisan cheese, bread and wine shop in Lakeview , has been getting some heavy press lately (our review here). Not only are they featured in this month's issue of Entrepreneur, they'll also be on a forthcoming episode of the Food Network's Eat This! with Dave Lieberman. No date yet on the episode's airing, but those interested should note that the show also broadcasts over the web. Pastoral is located at 2945 N. Broadway should you want to check them out in person.
Yet Another GoogleMap, Happy Hour Edition
DrinkTown maps where the specials are, so you can make your way from one cheap beer to the next.
Aldi: Cheapest Booze Ever
Those of you who make a special trip to Trader Joe's for cheap wine can now shorten the trip to your local Aldi store. Aldi stores in Chicago are now selling beer and wine, with prices on the site advertised as low as $2.50/bottle and $4.50/six pack for imported German beer. (If anyone's tried their booze, please let us know inbox AT gapersblock DOT com.)
Bake Sale Gone Luxe
According to the latest WBEZ newsletter, the opportunity to host Charlie Trotter in your own kitchen to prepare a full tasting menu along with 11-13 of your closest friends is still available, in exchange for a generous donation to our local NPR station. The privilege will set you back, oh, $25,000. If anyone can spot me a few bucks, I can guarantee an evening of Chef!-like hilarity as Trotter sorts through my drawer of novelty shot glasses looking for cheesecloth. Call WBEZ's Jeff Dunlap at 312-948-4686 to seal the deal.
Cupcakes' Exit Strategy Explained
If you were thinking, "WTF?" when we told you last month that Cupcakes was for sale, you'll want to read the interview with co-owner Noah Antieau in this week's Dish. Upshot: new owners, bigger cupcakes soon.
As You Dish, So Shall You Take
Move over, as-seen-on-Check, Please! signs and Steve Dolinsky glossies: Chicago's LTHForum.com is currently accepting nominations for the second round of their Great Neighborhood Restaurants program. Like last year, inductees will receive a little laminated rectangle to hang in the window and represent what will surely be a contentious few weeks of back-and-forth internet bickering. Discussion closes December 18 (see FAQ here).
Aloha, Trader Vic's
The Chicago outpost of Trader Vic's, the Polynesian-themed restaurant that started in 1934, will be closing at the end of this year, according to Bill Zwecker. The Chicago location opened in 1957 and just this past summer was one of the venues in the local exotica music festival Luau by the Lake. For those of you that'll be looking for a tiki bar in the new year, you'll have to drive to River Grove to go to Hala Kahiki (but please see their dress code first). Update: Tiki Talk reports that Trader Vic's plans to reopen in another location in 2007. Hooray!
Free Grub(Hub)
We've told you about GrubHub before, a site that lists local restaurants' menus and delivery options. Recently, the site made their services free and opened themselves up to user entries. Know of a good restaurant that deserves a mention? Now you can put in all the data youself and make sure everyone knows about your favorites.
Make plans for Turkey Day
For you late planners who haven't made Thanksgiving Day plans yet, Metromix comes through for you with a list of restaurants for either attending for Thanksgiving Day, or ordering Thanksgiving takeout from for your own Turkey Day at home. Many of these restaurants are still taking reservations, but only through today, so you'd better make some plans soon.
Free Cocoa Alert
Today and tomorrow, the Pump Room at the Omni Ambassador East Hotel is giving away hot chocolate between 1 PM and 10 PM as part of the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. So is Harry Caray’s. For details about these and related discounts and deals, click here.
A Really Good Apple
Autumn may be leaving us, but the web makes it possible to hang on a little while longer with, well, some photographs of fall fruit. Over the past couple weeks, Thrown for a Loop has been "appleblogging." He finished yesterday with the Cameo variety, one he claims is hard to top. Makes a person wanna dash to the produce market while there's still time.
The Diner Takes It All
Just in time to make plans for a turkey-free Thanksgiving, voters in the VegNews 2005 Veggie Awards have named the Chicago Diner the nation's favorite vegetarian restaurant. Plus, the magazine's editors handed out their own prizes and picked the restaurant as their "ideal eatery for down-home cookin'" — which obviously depends on your definition of "down-home."
A Taste of Turmoil
Whether spread by indoor voices or not, the controversy surrounding that sign in the window of Andersonville's A Taste of Heaven has gone so far as to catch the attention of the Times.
Lay's vs. Jays, a new beginning
So do you remember last year's tussle between Lay's and Jays? Where Jays took Frito-Lay to court, disputing their ads that Chicago prefers the taste of Lay's potato chips over Jays? Well, it looks like Lay's might have some more ammo to boost their claims: the Sun-Times reports on a new snack food survey conducted by Chicago-based Information Resources that indicates Lay's outsold Jays in Chicago, $17.1 million vs. $13.3 million, based on 2005 supermarket sales data. The survey also indicates that cookies are the top-selling snack food in the city, with Oreo cookies #1 here and nationwide.
Dive Bar Divisions
Chicagoist got an earful when it critiqued Citysearch's list of the city's top 10 dive bars. Many of their criticisms were spot on — the Cubby Bear is in no way a dive — but as GB found out awhile back, Chicagoans have strong opinions about dive bar delineation. (You might also be interested in this feature about the disappearance of tap rooms.)
Mmm, chocolate respiratory ailments...
The Blommer Chocolate Company, the place that blankets the River North area with a chocolate smell, was cited by the EPA this week for clean-air violations stemming from excessive dust coming from the company's machinery. The company has been working with the EPA to reduce emissions (but not the sweet-smelling ones, please) and has 30 days to address the citation.
Have Your Cupcakes (And Own it, Too)
Remember back in August when Lakeview went crazy for Cupcakes? The story goes that the folks behind the bakery devised their plan somewhere between here and Alaska, so it's only fitting that, just four months later, they're selling the joint to split town and study abroad. True to form, Craigslist has the details. (Thanks, Paul!)
Free Cocoa Alert
Throughout November and December, the Pump Room at the Omni Ambassador East Hotel is giving away hot chocolate between 12 and 2pm as part of the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. And, if you take a copy of this holiday guide with you to the Museum of Contemporary Art, you get 2-for-1 admission as well as free hot chocolate at Puck’s Café. For details about these and related discounts and deals, click here.
Chicago, home of the nation's favorite gay bar
The Chicago Free Press reports that Sidetrack was named the best gay bar in the country by readers of OutTraveler magazine. Indeed, Sidetrack tied for the top spot with NYC's Roxy in the magazine's readers' poll; as the editors aptly put it, "Either invite 1,200 of your closest friends over for a night of trash TV or meet them all at Sidetrack, Chicago’s sleek, supersize video bar."
Bleeding Heart Bakery To Open Its Doors
There's a new bakery in town, as Bleeding Heart Bakery moves from their incubator in Kitchen Chicago into a full-blown storefront at Chicago and Damen. Expect something for everyone at their grand opening on Halloween (running from 10am - 8pm), and dig their website for a moving testimony about why green and bread aren't contradictions.
Sorry Charlie
The Zagat annual ratings are out, and there's at least one surprise in the list of Chicagoland's best restaurants: Charlie Trotter's didn't get a top score. The mighty fell one point behind the top six, which included Mirai Sushi, Seasons, Tallgrass and Carlos' in addition to stalwarts such as Tru and Ambria.
Avant-Garde Foodporn, Pt. 2
Last week, it was Alinea. This week, peep some pictures of Moto.
America's Best Food City?
Is Chicago America's best food city? Men's Style ponders that question as it highlights four new upscale restaurants opening in the city. Scenesters are especially directed to the recently opened Landmark Grill & Lounge in Lincoln Park. The much-hyped venue features a flying catwalk, Moroccan-inspired lounge and designated cell phone booth.
The Return of Avant Garde Foodporn
Alinea has resurfaced in the foodie buzz; chef Grant Achatz was counted as one of the country's top tastemakers in Forbes, and the new Fall menu looks divine in photos on eGullet.
Cereal + milk (pat. pend.)
If you still aren't a fan of Cereality, the downtown cereal cafe that charges you nearly $5 for a bowl of mixed-up cereals, you might be interested in a new project called Cereal Solidarity, a site that draws attention to the fact that Cereality has a number of patents pending to give them an exclusive right to the concept of the cereal cafe. Two competitors to Cereality have already run afoul of the Chicago-based business: Bowls in Florida; and Cerealogy in Iowa City. Cereal Solidarity is asking Cereality to withdraw its patent application and allow other businesses to try their hand at selling cereal.
They help dogs too. But the cat sites are funnier.
Do you like to look at cats that hate you? Perhaps you prefer cats in sinks? Or maybe you'd like to get drunk enough to take crazy pictures of your cat and post them on the internet? PAWS Chicago is having their annual gathering at The Tasting Room. Eat, drink, and listen to live music. It starts at $75 per person, but it benefits an organization that helps animals find people that love them enough to make them wear festive hats. This Thursday, October 20th at 7 pm. Contact Jaime McClary at 773.843.4884 for more info.
Cooking the Books
Ted Allen, Chicago's own Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, is signing his book, The Food You Want to Eat: 100 Smart, Simple Recipes, at Sur La Table, 52-54 E. Walton St., between 2pm and 3pm October 23. Then he goes upstairs and teaches a cooking lesson. $85 gets you the book and the class. (Via Dish, whose authors also have a book out -- Everybody Loves Pizza.)
Chopping Block Cookie Contest
You've got until October 15 to prove that you're the best darn cookie baker in Chi-town. Enter the Chopping Block's cookie recipe contest. Will you be the winner of a Le Crueset six-piece set?
The Usual Suspects
In its recent issue profiling "America's Top 5 Restaurant Cities," Bon Appétit checked in on Chicago. The magazine's local choices won't come as much of a surprise -- Moto, Green Zebra, etc. -- but when things are working, I guess people can't help but recognize. (Which isn't to say everyone agrees: the Sun-Times notes that, while Esquire is less impressed with some of these spots, its critic loves Butter. No accounting for taste, huh?)
Check That Expiration Date
The City's Department of Consumer Services fined 71 of 100 randomly chosen independent grocers for selling out-of-date products ranging from baby cereal to cold medicine. Hope yours isn't on the list.
Spoilt for Choice
Take it from the Times, "eating in Chicago is almost painful: to choose one superb restaurant is to reject a dozen others."
Bottomless Accolades
The Wall Street Journal's Catalog Critic recently tested coffee beans by mail services from various roasters, and Intelligentsia Coffee tied for "Best Overall" with their new Bottomless Cup program. "Whoever roasted this knows what they're doing," said their coffee expert, Ken Nye.
Inflation by the Slice
As if we didn't have enough problems: The Sun-Times reported yesterday that area pizza delivery prices are increasing because of higher gas and ingredient costs. Even Domino's and Papa John's now charge for delivery. (Related: Not clear on the difference between "deep dish" and "stuffed" pizza?)
Avec Sanglier Avec Pappardelle
If by chance you don't feel like chicken tonight, maybe you're brave (and carnivorous) enough to try this recipe from yesterday's Times: wild boar with pappardelle. It may take a bit of effort to source the ingredients (the recommendations are customized for New Yorkers), but for Chicagoans there's also the soft option: head to Avec, developers of the dish, and let them make it for you.
Pastries for the People
Not many merchants at an outdoor festival could out-fun a petting zoo, pony rides, or the Farm Aid Tractor Parade, but Michelle Garcia's spread from her Bleeding Heart Bakery came very close. At this weekend's 5th Annual County Fair, Garcia sat beside tables of prize produce grown by neighborhood youth. Garcia's delights are often vegan, and always made with organic sustainable ingredients from local farmers. A few chunks of Bleeding Heart's Busy Bee cookie added delicious flair to the walk around the Garfield Park Conservatory. You can enjoy the Conservatory today, but will have to wait until Halloween day to visit The Bleeding Heart when it opens at 2018 W. Chicago Ave, near Damen.
The Hearty Boys Hit The Airwaves
Earlier this year, we told you about Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh, The Hearty Boys, winning the Food Network's reality show, "The Next Food Network Star." That contest resulted in a new show, "Party Line with Dan & Steve," which debuted Sunday at 9:30am. Didn't get up early enough of forgot to Tivo it? You can catch it again on Friday, Sept. 23, at 5pm.
Come again?
Maybe it's just me and my early morning crankiness, but this article on a Chicago area restaurant cited for health violations reads like a fever-dream narrative. Pecadillos aside, II Jacks Restaurant's violations seem pale in comparison to others I've read about. Of course this is coming from someone who would eat steak off the floor.
Tour de Ferrara Pan
BoingBoing reminded us that Ferrara Pan has a great website, featuring virtual tours of the making of Atomic Fireballs, Boston Baked Beans, Lemonheads and other favorites.
Love that Bean Smell
Fresh from our Fuel topic on favorite smells, did you know you can tour local coffee purveyor Intelligentsia's roasting plant? It only costs $3, and you get as much coffee and tea you can drink, plus some fresh beans! Located at 1850 W. Fulton, tours are currently conducted on Saturdays once a month. Your next opportunity for the freshest coffee smell ever: October 1st. We've got you covered in Slowdown. [Thanks, Stephen]
Ladies Do Fondue
Ladies, your Wednesdays are about to get cheesy. The Melting Pot at 609 N Dearborn Street is offering free fondue for ladies in the lounge every Wednesday from 5 until 7. The Melting Pot recently celebrated its 30th birthday and opened its 100th restaurant! Between dips of your strawberry, enter to win a "Fondue Rendezvous" to the Pot's birthplace, Zurich, Switzerland. Don't forget to note this Wednesday freebie on your PDA, or this.
Chocolate Capital of the US
Chicago may no longer have a sausage king, but we're back on top for chocolate. (Did you know Blommer, the company responsible for that cocoa scent wafting through the Loop, has an outlet store?)
Pricey Gas, Cheap Beer
Handlebar, 2311 W. North Ave., is giving us a small reason to root for higher gas prices: the "Inverse Petrol-O-Matic Beer Pricing Scheme." If regular unleaded costs more than $3 a gallon at the BP station down the street from restaurant, pints of Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale will be discounted to $3 (from $3.75). The cost goes down a dollar every time gas rises another dollar -- so let's hear it for $6 gas!
Chicago veggie votes
Today is the last day to vote for Veg News magazine's 2005 Veggie awards. There are a number of Chicago favorites nominated, including Chicago Diner and the fabulous Chicago Soy Dairy.
Something cooking this weekend
Sure, it sometimes seems like they charge $1.35 for a single lemon, but Whole Foods is throwing itself a killer 25th birthday party with lots of cooking demonstrations this weekend in Jonquil Park, at the intersection of Wrightwood, Lincoln, and Sheffield. For $5, you can see Charlie Trotter, Rick Bayless, Rick Tramonto, and HB owners Dan Smith and Steve McDonough on Saturday; on Sunday, you can see Paul Wildermuth, Jared Case, Paul Choi, and a mystery chef. There is also a music stage, as well as a kids' pavillion featuring Environmental Elvis.
Shameless Chicago
Shameless Restaurants, the message board for the industry's workers, had a Chicago forum. It's still a bit nascent, but a potentially good source for communication in the server community.
Abracadabra!
The Magic Pan chain of restaurants, which hit it big in the 1970s when America was apparently ready to eat anything as long as it was stuffed into a crepe, may be poised for a comeback, thanks to Chicago's Lettuce Entertain You restaurant chain. The Sun-Times reports that there's a Magic Pan Crepe Stand already open in Minnesota's Mall of America, and on Thursday a second Magic Pan will open in Northbrook Court. Until a Magic Pan shows up closer to home, we city dwellers will have to make do with such places as La Creperie on Clark Street, with its chicken-and-mushroom crepes and onion soup gratinee. Oh, poor us!
Everything old is new again?
According to Crain's (Subscription req'd), Old Style is attempting a sales comeback, hot on the coattails of the recent PBR popularity boom. If you haven't noticed the new billboards around town, Old Style has launched a new "irreverent" ad campaign that is trying to reposition its brand as more young and hip, while still retaining it's neighborhood beer status. "More refreshing than a parking spot in Lincoln Park" and "More refreshing than stopping Bucktown before it Lincoln Parks" may cause you to roll your eyes, but I thought the Ukrainian Village radio ad (mp3 clip) was pretty on point. Cheers.
So Long Lakeview Lounge
First heard rumor-fashion on Craigslist Rants and Raves, turns out it's true that Uptown dive bar/ late-night legend the Lakeview Lounge will soon be shutting its doors for good. No telling exactly when the last night will be, but it'll likely be very soon -- New City already ran an obituary, although the bar is still open tonight. Owner Cathy told me it has to do with rising rent prices and a need to find a new location, since the building's owners have other plans for the space at 5110 North Broadway. Even the house band Nite Watch has been sent home. They likely won't be open late, so head out early and drink a few for an old friend.
El Pizza
Interesting news in this week's Dish column from Chicago Magazine: The guys behind the Got Pizza chain are opening a gourmet pizzeria in the North/Clybourn El stop in October. They'll serve coffe'n'pastries in the morning, salads and up to 30 pizzas by the slice till 4am.
Sam's Air & Water Show "Survival Pack"
Stop by Sam's Wine & Spirits this weekend on your way to the Air & Water Show and pick up a "Survival Pack". The kit includes two chilled bottles of wine, a corkscrew, four plastic cups, bottled water, cheese snacks and nuts, all in an easy to carry bag. Also included is a BYO wine bag for two bottles, a great insulated, reusable bag to transport wine. Email toddhess@samswine.com for this $49 offer, and pick it up on the way to the show on Saturday or Sunday.
Westward on Devon
Eats by East-West is a blog that is working its way from east to west down Devon, reviewing every restaurant or eatery with a table.
It's a cupcake stampede!
Is Chicago ready for its first all-cupcake bakery? Apparently so. Cupcakes, the logically-named patisserie in Lakeview, sold out of all of its 37 varieties within four hours of yesterday’s grand opening. They then re-opened at 8:30 in the evening, and promptly sold out again. Head to 613 W. Briar to see what all the fuss is about (though you may want to check the cupcake stock at 773-525-0817 before you show up).
Click! Gulp!
The Sun-Times takes a look at the apparently thriving pastime of posting pictures of your restaurant meals online. The main example used in the article is the collection of photos of every single course at Alinea, which is apparently already quite used to its patrons snapping photos of the surreal-looking courses (more photos available, of course, at Flickr). Tip for future Alinea patrons: cameras are okay, but no flashes, please.
Site Specific Café
Across the street from West Town’s Ida Crown Natatorium at Eckhart Park, Swim Café, a beautiful vision in cool colors, opened three weeks ago at 6am.
Three-course, Prix Fixe!
Dine Out week is coming up here in the City That Works. Enjoy special three-course, prix fixe menus at some of the city's best restaurants, including Coco Pazzo, Brasserie Jo, Va Pensiero and more. You'll spend just $20 on a superb lunch and $35 for a yummy dinner, plus receive a free bottle of S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water or Acqua Panna Natural Spring Water with your meal. S.Pellegrino will donate $1 for every Dine Out meal to Share Our Strength. From August 15 - August 19 and August 22 - August 26.
Chicago Bar News
Sean Parnell, web god who has helped thousands of thirsty Chicagoans with the Chicago Bar Project, is getting married. The engagement story is cute, but readers have to wonder: will this mean the end of R&D for the project?
Free Apps on the Way Home
If you ride the Brown Line, you might want to stop off at the Francisco station and head over to Kitchen Chicago. New catering company Dining In is offering free appetizers (and information about their services) from 6pm to 8pm in Kitchen Chicago's cafe, 4664 N. Manor. (Monday night.)
An honor to be nominated...
Last night at Market Days, I bought a root beer float from the guys of the Chicago Soydairy. They told me they're up for a 2005 Veg News Award, and I was happy to report I'd already done the requisite mouse clicking. Thing is, they were so nice (and excited), I want to spread the word that they, along with the also-nominated Chicago Diner, could use your vote.
GNRs on Gmaps
LTHForum.com, a Chicago-based message board devoted to discussing food, glorious food, recently designated 27 local places to eat as "Great Neighborhood Restaurants" (the selection process is detailed here). EatChicago.net followed up by presenting the winners on an interactive map that gives you the basics -- phone and address details -- and then goes a step further by linking to the Forum's discussion of why each establishment deserved recognition.
Stockyard-city vegetarianism
If you're at all like me, the idea of a Bacon-off ranks up there as one of the sickening stunts they show on Fear Factor. No, I'd be more apt to pig out (so to speak) on chana masala, and now I know where to go for it, thanks to the Metblogs list of favorite local veggie food. [For good measure, a few more veg*n resources, including some from our archives: VegChicago; the Chicago Veggie community on LiveJournal; PJ Chmiel's gallery; Bite Me Baking on Daily Candy; and Go Veggie.]
More Burger Ratings
GQ rated the country's 20 best burgers, and Chicago got but one listing -- Poag Mahone's in the South Loop. Considering it didn't make the Tribune's top five nor was it mentioned in the Fuel thread on burgers awhile back, you have to wonder exactly where GQ got their information. (Thanks, Brenda)
Hot dog showdown
In a national phone poll of 900 people, New York edged out Chicago for best hot dog. Is it the poppyseeds, or the sport peppers? Related: Watch me eat a hot dog.
Food + music
Big Delicious Planet, a local catering company, has a blog about food and music. They're catering this weekend's Lollapalooza festival, so expect some interesting updates.
If you're on Check Please, Don't Read This
If I had to pick one restaurant to send out of towners, last year it would have been Lula. This year though it'd be the brunch at Kitchen Chicago. An utterly fantastic crepe, delightful coffee, and a friendly chat with the proprieter... not to mention fresh bon-bons, best use of an oven ever, and the cutest cafe ever. And free Wi-Fi. Go here before everyone else does, it's fantastic. They only have Sunday Brunch for now, but meals will be coming to many weeknights near you as well.
Slurpee for Free
We're all about the free stuff: 7-11 is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Slurpee today, 7/11/2005. Find your nearest store and pick up a free slushy sweet concoction. (Thanks, Eamon)
Dude, I Got the Munchies
According to this article at CNN.com, Chicago's City Council has just banned all pot-flavored candy — including Tony Van Pelt's Chronic Candy line — even though no illegal ingredients are used in these products. Other cities are apparently about to follow suit. [via TMN]
Free Ice Cream Social
Everyone's obsessed about ice cream lately. Surely after reading our article, Starbucks decided to get into the game and is giving the stuff away this afternoon, possibly even right now.
Enough to fill the Grand Canyon
This week in Detour we looked at a few of our favorite places for frozen treats, and readers have been filling in some of the gaps by making additional suggestions in the comments. After all, there are only so many of us, and there is so much of Chicago. Michael McGarry, though, didn't let that sort of thing keep him from delivering judgment on not just the city's, but the region's best ice cream parlors and custard stands in Midwest Scoops. Get a sample of his tasting tips in the Christian Science Monitor.
I want my HBTV
Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh, owners of Hearty Boys Catering and Boystown's HB cafe, were voted the winners by viewers of The Next Food Network Star last night. (That the show's finale fell on Pride must have been a good omen.) The Boys now get their own Food Network show, to premiere September 18.
Dill Pickle Dance
The still-nascent West Side Food Co-op is having their first fundraiser event Saturday, the Dill Pickle Dance, in honor of having chosen a name: The Dill Pickle Food Co-op. From 4pm to 6pm at the Spare Room, there will be good food, music, dancing, and a logo designing contest. For more information, check out the mailing list. 2416 W. North Ave. Suggested donation: $5 adults, $10 per family.
A Separate Taste
The Trib and the Sun-Times offer all the coverage a person could want about the Taste of Chicago. And, if that's not enough, there's the Too Many Chefs take, too. But what if you just aren't interested? EatChicago.net has devised an alternative which doesn't include "a single hot dog, deep dish, or Italian beef sandwich." UPDATE: For vegetarians, VegChicago is also offering a vegan guide to the Taste.
Prepare to start Tasting
The 25th annual Taste of Chicago starts Friday in Grant Park. Eleven days of eating and drinking, featuring food from more than 60 restaurants around Chicago. Live entertainment will be happening throughout the park; see the Taste site for complete information on events. And don't forget, you can purchase Taste food tickets at your local Dominick's, between today and Thursday. And if you don't have a local Dominick's, you can buy tickets online.
Time runs out for Demon Dogs
The CTA finally caught up with Demon Dogs. The long-lived hot dog stand under the Fullerton El stop tracks closed its doors this weekend, and will be demolished as part of the upcoming Brown Line expansion project. However great the new Fullerton station will be, I'm guessing it won't include one great feature of the old station: the smell of cooking French fries wafting up from Demon Dogs.
Museum Cocktail Fun
The Sun-Times' calendar section included a nice wrap-up of all the evening cocktail hours at Chicago museums. Get more info about Tuesdays on the Terrace at the MCA, the Chill at the Adler, Jazzin' at the Shedd, and cocktail hour at the Field.
City Farm sells to the public
City Farm, the organic, sustainable farm next to Cabrini Green, has expanded their land use and growing season this year. Their produce, particularly Heirloom tomatoes, usually goes to local restaurants like Frontera Grill. However, they're now selling to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3pm-6pm, and Saturday 9am-1pm, at the gate on Clyborn just north of Division across from the Starbucks. What's available will change with the growing season, but currently they have chard, sugar snap peas, broccoli, herbs, garlic scapes, collard greens, beets, and lettuce.
City's Best Burgers
Ever had a cheeseburger at Rosebud Steakhouse? Me neither; if I'm going there, I'm having a porterhouse. But apparently we're missing out, as Phil Vettel and a 33-person panel declared the Rosebud burger the best in the city. Check out the other top contenders, then compare it to GB readers' own picks in this Fuel thread from last September.
Marshall Field's Culinary Quarterly
Instead of knocking off after work and heading to your fave bar, why not attend a cooking class at Marshall Field's Culinary Studio? Through August, you can take classes such as Field's Favorite Lunch, Great Fish for Summer, and the Weekend Baker. Classes range from $20-70 and are taught by members of the Field's Culinary Council. Get the full schedule.
Alinea reviewed
It's been an unbelievably long time since we had any news about Alinea, the restaurant that would be king. Today the Sun-Times posted a review, giving Alinea 3-1/2 stars out of four. The half star was taken off because, reviewer Pat Bruno warned, "unless you are really into food ... it can be a bit much." So take that as a warning, all you restaurant patrons who are going to Alinea expecting a regular old meal for your $75-175 investment: it's going to be a bit much! Meanwhile, Phil Vettel of the Tribune was more enthusiastic in an informal review last month: "This is big. Charlie Trotter big. Ducasse-comes-to-America big. Don't miss it."
Lick the Spoon
Reader Joy points us to The Wooden Spoon in Andersonville, a family-owned gourmet cooking shop. Of special note is the slew of classes they're offering this month. From $45-$125, the classes cover everything from Thai noodles to tapas to healthy summer meals. Yum.
Homer Simpson Day!
In the latest of a series of bulletins to our readers on free food handouts, we'd like to alert you to the fact that Krispy Kreme will be handing out free donuts this Friday, in honor of National Donut Day (a holiday started by the Chicago Salvation Army!). Stop in at a participating Krispy Kreme location near you and request your free donut.
The Science of Taste & Smell
You've got to love the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation. They're constantly pumping out bizarre factoids about how taste and smell affect our perceptions. The latest: the smell of grapefruit makes women appear younger. Oh, and as if you couldn't have guessed, caffeinated cola may make kids hyperactive.
Dining about Architecture
Metromix has an odd little article for those of you who get hungry thinking about buildings: they've paired local architectural gems with nearby matching restaurants, as you might wine with a meal.
Hearty Boys: HB, TV
Chicago Magazine's Dish column informs us that Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh, aka The Hearty Boys, are remodeling the cafe into HB, which will be slightly more upscale. Why? In anticipation of more business driven by their appearances in the upcoming show, "The Next Food Network Star." The show debuts June 5, and apparently HB will open a bit before that.
How not to impress a food critic
Debra Pickett of the Sun-Times was given the assignment to take former New York Times food critic Ruth Reichl out to lunch. Debra decides to take her to Karyn's Cooked, a vegan restaurant. Hilarity ensues. (Reichl: "People take me to great places all the time. But I hardly ever get a meal like this.")
Free 'Finger Free' Frosty, Please
To thank customers for sticking with them during the "I found a finger in my chili" hoax, Wendy's is giving free Frostys to everyone who asks for one this weekend.
Who loves Chipotle?
Kyle Smith does. The Northwestern student has eaten a Chipotle burrito every day, for 34 days in a row. He's visited the original Chipotle restaurant in Denver, eaten a Chipotle burrito at a movie screening (he's the film columnist for the Daily Northwestern), and when he went to Boston, where there are currently no Chipotle restaurants, he "nearly fainted." Plus, according to him, the burritos "satisfy me in ways a whore never could." Uh...
From PB&J to sponge cake
If you've been following the reports on Alinea (aka Chicago's gift to the culinary world), and are wondering exactly what the 28-course meal looks like, take a peep at this thread on the eGullet discussion forum, which contains detailed shots of every course. And then head on over to the Alinea section of eGullet, which contains loads of information about the restaurant and the development of its menu, the serviceware and even the restaurant's logo.
Yikes! Penang Closed
We were just there last week and the food was fine, but reader Bill emailed us to say that Penang in Chinatown has been closed by the city due to major health code violations. Hopefully they'll fix everything quickly so Naz can get his cendol fix again!
A Science Fair or Marathon Dining?
Not one, but two large scale articles on the latest food trend in Chicago, matching science and dining. First, the NYT ventures into the recently opened Alinea and also hits up Moto. Then, read further into chef Homaro Cantu's Moto, over at the LA Times. Both restaurants use science to craft unforgettable meals, which can stretch upwards of seven hours. The prices are sky-high, but then again, where else can you find sushi flavored paper and liquid chocolate desserts?
Pineapple sponges and bottomless bowls
The group food blog Too Many Chefs posted a rave review of Alinea, the newest restaurant sensation in Chicago. If you want to check it out, make your reservations very soon; they're booked through July.
Check Before You Eat
Ever wonder about that sketchy restaurant down the street? How safe is it, really? Well, the city's Food Inspection Data Search is the place to check. For restaurants famous or not, any health code infraction shows up, whether serious or not.
Eat Out Tonight
You should be Dining Out for Life tonight -- if you haven't already made your reservations, here's a list of restaurants participating in this annual charity event benefitting AIDSCare, a home for HIV and AIDS patients.
A History of Encased Meats
Doug Sohn of Hot Doug's, at 3324 N. California, recently revealed a major addition to Chicago history -- Critical Links: A History of Encased Meats. Displayed in the store, Hugh Musick's research depicts "the most extensive history of encased meats ever conducted." Yum! It's all about bringing the history that matters to the people who care.
Mmm, fudge chunks...
The Tribune reports on a new Ben & Jerry's flavor that's unlikely to sell big in Chicago: Dave Matthews Band Magic Brownies. The deal for the flavor ("vanilla ice cream with fudge brownie chunks and raspberry swirls") was apparently signed long before the infamous poo incident from last year linked the words "Dave Matthews Band" and "800 pounds of raw sewage" in the minds of Chicagoans. (Thanks to Amy C. for the tip.)
Trotter's Does It Again
NPR has republished a Restaurant Magazine list of the Top 50 Restaurants in the World, and our very own Charlie Trotters made an appearance at #14. Did you know that they also offer food to go?
USA, Baking Champions of the World!
Following up on our previous post, the US Bread Bakers Guild team has won the Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie (the World Bakers' Cup) in Paris. Here's a short Quicktime video montage. Team member Jory Downer will soon be back in his home kitchen at Bennison's Bakery in Evanston -- stop in and meet a true champion!
Free Cone Day!
Reader Cara alerts us to the fact that today is Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's. Free ice cream! Whoo! Check here for a listing of shops in Illinois participating in the 12-8pm happening.
Takin' It to Paris
Over the next couple days, the US Bread Bakers Guild team goes up against competitors from around the world in the Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie -- the World Bakers' Cup -- in Paris. The three-man team includes a local guy: Jory Downer of Bennison's Bakery in Evanston will be holding down the Viennoiserie (a type of pastry) category. Go USA!
Mmm, anniversary burgers...
Today is the 50th anniversary of McDonald's. The first restaurant in the chain was opened on April 15, 1955 in Des Plaines, and the latest one, a two-story restaurant with a retro design, will be opened this morning at 10:00 on the site of the old Rock'n'Roll McDonald's (600 N. Clark). In case you can't attend the opening in person, McDonald's is thoughtfully providing a Webcast preview of the restaurant; see the McDonald's site for details.
Dining out for life
Two weeks from tonight, the annual event Dining Out For Life happens, in which a number of Chicago-area restaurants either donate a percentage of their day's proceeds or make a single donation to the local charity AIDSCare. If you've been looking for a good excuse to try a new restaurant, check out the list of participating restaurants on the Dining Out For Life site and make your reservations for Thursday, April 28.
Name That Bin
According to Chicago Magazine's Dish column this week, Bin36 is planning to open a third location in Wicker Park. They're having trouble coming up with a name, though: email dan
Eat, Drink and Be Murray
On the one hand, I'm a big Bill Murray fan. On the other, I'm not a fan of chain restaurants. So the news that Murray and his siblings are scouting locations for two outposts of their Murray Bros. Caddyshack restaurants in the Chicago area (the first ones are in Florida) has me a bit torn.
Chicago gets Beard nominations
This year's James Beard nominees have been announced [PDF], and Chicago got a lot of nods. Among the nominations, Avec got one for architecture, Everest got the expected outstanding restaurant nomination, and Chicago restaurants hold three of the five spots for outstanding service (Spiaggia, Topolobampo, and Tru). For journalism, the Tribune's habitually lackluster Good Eating section did not win any nominations, though local NPR show 848 did.
"Delocating" Your Local Starbucks
Put down that Starbucks. You should be drinking local coffee. And to help you do that, I'm pointing you to Delocator, a directory of independent coffee shops searchable by zip code. (If you really insist on drinking that Seattle sludge, they also include a list of the Starbucks in the area.)
The new name in food: Alinea
Metafilter points us to a rave review of the highly anticipated new restaurant started by Chicago chef Grant Achatz: Alinea, at 1723 N. Halsted. The dishes listed in the article sound like Achatz is trying to out-weird the Surrealists at Moto: lacy toast wrappings that taste of peanut butter and jelly; atomized shrimp cocktails; exploding ravioli filled with hot truffle broth; and Instant Tropical Pudding that arrives at your table in powder form. Alinea opens in May, but the word is they're booked solid through June. Start saving your pennies now, if you want to go; food this weird isn't going to be cheap.
Edgebrook to Get Bar?
In the continuing quest to ensure that every urban citizen on the planet is within walking distance of an Irish pub, the far Northwest Side neighborhood of Edgebrook will be getting a bright red Irish pub named Moher, nearly across the street from the Edgebrook library. Those of us who live near Edgebrook are excited: the seemingly dry precint could use a nice neighborhood pub. Next up: a few more restaurants. Dare to dream?
Learn About Thai Food
Sìlàpaahãan is a new site "intended to be a repository of information on the various aspects of Thai cuisine, with a distinct emphasis on the culinary arts and cultures as they are practised in our adopted home town, Chicago." There's translated menus and photos, with more promised.
What's bakin'
There's a new baking blog in Chicago: Part-time Pro Bono Baker. The site discusses all things relating to baked goods, and has two different people that do bakery reviews (via KIPlog).
Billy Goat Goes National
Billy Goat Tavern is crawling out from under the Michigan Avenue Bridge and heading to Washington, D.C. -- and that's just the beginning. Crain's reports that owner Sam Sianis is planning a San Diego outpost and would like to colonize New York as well, possibly even franchizing the greasy burgers made famous by a Saturday Night Live skit.
Home Coffee Roasting
A relatively new local food blog, Chicago Foodies, offers a relatively novel way to roast your own coffee at home: Find a hot air popcorn popper, grab an extension cord and head outside. He got his green beans from a local store, but you could also order them from Intelligentsia.
We're Golden
Ever wonder why there are so many restaurants in Chicago with the word "Golden" in the name? So did Matt Maldre. He doesn't have an answer for you, but he does have a list of every Golden ______ within city limits.
Local coffee abounds
The Sun-Times mentions that Chicago ranks third in the country for the number of coffee shops. We have 568, placing us behind Los Angeles and Seattle, but ahead of New York. There are also a number of fabulous coffee roasters in town, most of which offer fair trade roasts.
The city that perks
In a new listing prepared by the NPD Group of American cities ranked by the number of coffee shops, Chicago ranks third, behind Seattle and LA but ahead of NYC, Portland, and San Francisco. Why does Chicago rank so high? The researchers point to Chicago's winter weather as the cause of increased consumption in the city.
That's Good Coffee
Three baristas from Chicago were finalists in the Specialty Coffee Association's 2005 United States Barista Championships -- and all of them work for Intelligentsia. Ellie Hudson-Matuszak came in second, Matthew Riddle was fourth and Amber Sather came in sixth. So feel free to order that double-shot half-caf mocha latté with extra foam from either of them, assured that it'll come out exactly right. (Thanks, Tim)
A Saucy Newcomer
Jessa Crispin, editor and founder of Bookslut, has launched a new foodie webzine, Saucy. It's off to a promising start, with articles on whether to put booze in the freezer and when to start planting your garden.
A deep dish of trouble for NY writer
New York food critic Ed Levine recently published a new book, Pizza: A Slice of Heaven, in which he lists his favorite pizza places in the US. Although he devotes a number of pages in his book to places in New York and New England (16 pages on Connecticut pizza alone!), Levine devotes only 11 pages to Chicago pizza. An interview with the Sun-Times Mark Brown turns up the fact that Levine doesn't think much of Chicago pizza: "I've never had pizza in Chicago that lives up to my pizza ideals." But lest you think that Levin doesn't even like our pizza: "I actually like it because I like good casseroles. I even like hot dish in Minneapolis." There you go. According to Ed Levine, Chicago pizza is at least as good as hot dish!
Food co-op meeting
If you missed Tuesday's meeting for the formation of a West Side food co-op, there will be another one tomorrow, March 5 at noon at the Congress Theater (2135 W. Milwaukee Ave.). For more information, check out the Yahoo group.
Chicago's Avant Garde Chefs Get More Press
A month after Moto's Homaro Cantu's feature in the New York Times, Grant Achatz -- formerly of Trio, now on his own at Alinea -- gets a nice, big feature in Food & Wine. I really want to try that PB&J.
Organic Foods Festival
The FamilyFarmed.org Expo is being held this Sunday at Navy Pier. The one-day festival will feature more than 100 local organic farmers, who will be showing and distributing their produce and other products. Cooking demonstrations from folks like Art Smith, Oprah's personal chef, and workshops on healthy living will also be included. The expo runs from 11am-5pm. Visit the Family Farmed website for the complete program.
Cereality store closer to reality
As mentioned previously on GB, Cereality Cereal Bar & Cafe is planning to open a location in Chicago, where customers can enjoy 30 kinds of cereal and 30 toppings. The AP reports that Cereality has found a location for its store: 100 South Wacker at Monroe. The cafe's opening in the late spring, according to Cereality. Also reported: the Cereality company HQ will be moving to Chicago from Boulder, CO.
Essence of ball
After claiming that they were going to turn the dreaded Steve Bartman baseball into a "curse ending" spaghetti sauce, Harry Caray's restaurant started serving "Foul Ball Spaghetti" yesterday. Instead of including actual pieces of the baseball, the restaurant boiled bits of the ball with water, Budwiser (Harry's beer of choice), vodka and herbs, and put the liquid (without the ball) into the sauce. So you don't actually get to eat bits of the baseball, but instead you get "the essence of the ball". Uh huh.
Please Take a Look at Our Daily Specials
ChicagoSpecials.com offers up daily lists of specials at various bars on the North Side. Now you never have to wonder where to get cheap wings on a Friday night in Lakeview -- if that's a burning question for you, that is.
Moto Origato
The New York Times has an article on Homaro Cantu, executive chef of Moto, and his use of an inkjet printer to create culinary curiosities. Printed sushi -- yum?
Chef Bubala, the "anti-steakhouse chef"
Have you ever dined at Thyme, or its casual counterpart, Thyme Cafe? If so, you've experienced Chef Bubala's creations. A recent visit to Princeton University prompted a nice article about Bubala and his philosophies; he works with small, local farmers to find the freshest products. Chef Bubala visited Princeton as part of the Department of Dining Services' Great Chefs of Chicago series. The program offers both students and staff the opportunity to sample different kinds of cuisine and cooking styles from some of the most renowned chefs in the country.
Chicago eats from a Streets-eye view
Author Dennis Foley worked for Chicago's Dept. of Streets and Sanitation for 7 years, and learned about a lot of good & cheap places to eat in the city. He collected a list of these places in a book published last May, The Streets and San Man's Guide to Chicago Eats (already in its third printing), and was interviewed on yesterday's Eight Forty-Eight on Chicago Public Radio about his favorite restaurants to have lunch (the Streets and San worker's favorite meal of the day). From the book reviews and the interview it sounds like he lists a bunch of lesser-known restaurants and bars to eat, but be warned you might have to battle with the Streets and San trucks for parking near any of these places.
Drinking cheap for tsunami relief
There's nothing like a Chicago winter to encourage combining your philanthropy with heavy drinking. The latest ridiculously easy way to help with tsunami relief comes this Sunday via Wrigleyville's Bar Louie. From 6pm onward you can buy a $10 wristband giving you access to $2 u-call-it drinks and half-price appetizers. The wristband fees go to the Red Cross. Details in Slowdown, natch.
Sam's Wine Blog
Sam's Wine & Spirits has jumped on the blogging bandwagon. Case by Case is a new, twice-weekly blog by in-house writer and journalist Bill St. John, who also writes a column for Wine & Spirits Magazine (not affiliated with Sam's).
Baja Fresh Leaves Chicago
So Burger King isn't the only chain restaurant to leave the city. Oddly, the same thing has happened to the Wendy's-owned chain Baja Fresh. Baja Fresh has closed most of its locations in Chicago, which were quite popular during lunchtime. No word on why or where, but Baja fans will have to look to alternatives for their tacos.
Burger Mystery
Chicagoist is trying to unravel the story behind the transformation of many North Side Burger Kings into Burger Delights; a fact-finding mission by a reader turned up little info. Turns out they're not the only ones curious: a visitor to the RoadFood forum also investigated, with little to show for it.
Rent-a-Kitchen
Kitchen Chicago is a great idea come to fruition: a 1200-square-foot fully equipped commercial kitchen available by the hour to chefs, students and plain-old foodies to hone their skills or develop new recipes. There will also be a small store out front where tenants can sell their products. (Warning: the site's javascript does funny things to my FireFox browser, so proceed with caution.)
Organic Food All-Year Long
In the off-season, you can't get the farm-fresh produce from a local co-op as it doesn't grow here. You might want to try TCF Organics. They have boxes of organic produce that you can order which are then delivered to you. It isn't locally grown, but it is all organic and they offer additional products like bread, eggs or beef.
Fixed Price Menus Through Feb.
The Chicago Tourism & Convention Bureau is offering you a chance to enjoy a sumptuous meal at some of Chicago's finest restaurants for less. Through the end of February, savor fixed-price, three-course menu options at restaurants like Bistro 110, Rhapsody, Pili Pili and more.
The Foodie Year That Was
Tribune food critic Phil Vettel summarizes the year in restaurant news.
Turkey for the Holidays
Making a turkey for the holidays? A few weeks ago Anne Holub shared her Turkey 101 in One Good Meal. But if you're in need of extra help, check out the Turkey for the Holidays website from the University of Illinois Extension. You can find how to select a turkey, cooking techniques, carving tips and recipe suggestions for what to do with leftovers. And, if you want a really fresh bird for your holiday dinner, check out this list of local poultry farms in Illinois. Although most birds are sold-out for this year, farms are already taking reservations for 2005.
Metropolis turns one
Swell coffee shop Metropolis (in Rogers Park) turns one today (and I'm glad they were able to!) and during this anniversary week, they're giving away a free Metropolis poster for the first 50 people to buy a pound of coffee. Why is this important aside from celebrating another independent business? Well that poster's a Jay Ryan Bird Machine production.
Angelic Organics 2005
It's hard to think about tomato vines ripening with tomatoes as the snow falls right now. But if you can take your mind out of January and and put it into July for a second, you might want to check out Angelic Organics. This organic CSA outside Rockford delivers a box packed with great herbs, melons, and vegetables. Buy now before the price goes up on the 31st.
A professional opinion on a big pile of food
You may have heard of Hardee's new sandwich, the Monster Thickburger, a frightening contraption made of meat, cheese, mayonnaise and bun that totals a diet-killing 1,420 calories and 107 grams of fat. The Tribune's restaurant critic, Phil Vettel, bravely sampled one (outside of Chicago city limits, because there are no Hardee's in Chicago) and gives it a positive review. In fact, he says, "I may have another one next year."
Chicago Eatathon
Eat Chicago points us to a tour of Chicago dining written by a foodie in Portland, OR. ExtraMSG's "Chicago Eatathon" took him to a wide range of the city's ethnic offerings, reviewed under some interesting categories: Superfly Soul Food, Los Hermanos Azules, Thai Me Up, Thai Me Down, La Dolce Vita, A Passage to India and A Tale of Two Pueblas. More entries may be on the way.
Drunk, well fed Vikings
With good eats and good drink, what's not to love about Andersonville? Pismire, proprietor of another fine local blog, has written up an excellent review of some of the highlights. While you're here, be sure to pick up a couple bottles of Mr. Hans' Andersonville Glögg at the liquor store at Foster and Clark. Nineteen percent alcohol by volume, it keeps us Vikings warm on those sub-zero Chicago nights.
Hormel's Bias Against Chicago
While not quite worthy of a protest, I'm a little miffed: Even though SPAMalot, the musical, is opening in Chicago, Hormel Foods is giving ticket holders to the New York show a free can of Honey Grail SPAM (well, the first 100 anyway). Who in your opinion is more likely to eat and create buzz about SPAM - a Chicagoan or a New Yorker?
The Obama episode of "Check, Please!"
A while back, Newcity mentioned that there was a pilot episode of WTTW's killer restaurant review program "Check, Please!" that featured an appearance by then State Senator Barack Obama. On yesterday's Eight Forty-Eight, the aired an interview with the show's producer, David Manilow, and aired segments from that episode, featuring Obama and the other guests talking about the Hyde Park restaurant Dixie Kitchen. You won't see this episode on the air, though; not only was this a pilot episode for the program, but the other guests on the program said very little, allowing Obama to pretty much carry the entire show. The interview is archived at Chicago Public Radio's Website, and it's required listening for fans of the program. UPDATE: Obama's appearance on "Check Please!" will air on Jan. 16, 2009!
Hot Doug's II
Just got word from Hot Doug's; the beloved hot dog emporium will be returning, after a fire closed the restaurant last April! The new home of Hot Doug's will be 3324 N. California, or about 1/2 mile west of the old location. The grand re-opening is set for sometime in early January; keep an eye on the Hot Doug's Website in the weeks to come for more details.
There's still time to get turkey on Turkey Day
Are you stuck in the city on Thanksgiving, away from all your relatives? Does your Turkey Day plan involve a trip to Taco Bell? Yeah, I've been there. Which is why I was pleased to see both Metromix and Newcity come up with a list of restaurants that offer either a sit-down dinner on Thanksgiving, or take-out Thanksgiving food and trimmings. No all-day slaving in a hot kitchen required, and you still get that happy drowsy feeling from eating a lot of holiday food. Make your plans quick, though; many restaurants require reservations for their holiday servings, and the take-out ordering deadline for a lot of the restaurants is tomorrow.
NYT on Lincoln Square eats
The NY Times has discovered Lincoln Square: its dining options, that is. An article in yesterday's paper profiles Charlie's on Leavitt, Bistro Campagne, Tank Sushi, and Acqualina.
Fannie May store opens today!
Good news for Fannie May fans! The store is opening up stores again in the Chicagoland area, and the latest opening happens today in the Loop. The Fannie May store at Michigan and Wacker Drive opens this morning at 10:00, and the first 500 customers get a free one-pound box of Pixies. So you better go stand in line right RIGHT NOW. (Thanks to Chicagoist for the tip.)
White Castle Stuffing
In today's Sun-Times food section, you can score Sandy Thorn Clark's father's recipe for White Castle Stuffing (5th paragraph). "Enjoy its oniony fragrance and remind yourself that Thanksgiving was created for carb-laden recipes just like this." Yum, White Castle Stuffing.
Dining Events Next Tuesday
ChicagoMag.com's Dish column points out two food events next Tuesday:
1. Head to the Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Dr., and "eat scorpions, rattlesnakes, crickets and other exotic munchies" at the "Taste of Adventure." Free, but reservations required: call 888/281-8502.
2. Watch Rachael Ray film an episode of Food Network's "Inside Dish with Rachael Ray" at Piece, 1927 W. North Ave. She'll be talking with Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen. (Shouldn't they be in Rockford, then?)
Chicago diners tip well
Chicago ranks high up on yet another national list, this one being a list of the nation's most generous tippers. We're tied for 4th place on the list released by Zagat; Chicago diners tip an average of 18.8%, a bit above the national average of 18.6%. In addition to generous tipping, Chicago diners are also paying more for their meals; the current average meal costs $31.64, up from $29.29 in 2002 and $28.25 in 2001.
Instead of spare change
Chicago Shares is a voucher program that lets you order vouchers in $1.00 increments to give to people on the street asking for money. The vouchers can be redeemed for food and other necessities at places like White Hen, Dunkin' Donuts, Jewel and Subway, though they cannot be used for alcohol or tobacco. Or you could do what I do and carry around extra granola bars to offer people who are hungry, but the vouchers provide opportunity for a more complete meal.
Direct From the Manufacturer
Looking to get a fresh turkey this year, raised in Illinois by a family farmer? HoKa Turkey Farms delivers its turkeys to butchers and independent grocery stores across Chicago and you can even order one that hasn't been frozen. Plus, their "Where to Buy" page acts as a list of independent butchers for Chicago and the suburbs.
Good News From Fannie May
The Mae family has had a string of bad luck lately. Both Freddie and Fannie Jr, of home mortgage fame, are facing a lot of heat from Congress. But Chicago's beloved Fannie May, the candy store, had some good news this week: stores are reopening! While it doesn't seem like the jobs that left with the factory are returning, seeing the stores with the lights on will make me feel better. (If you really think candy made in Chicago tastes better, then try Peerless, which are still made in Lincoln Park.)
Top Food Roundup
The November issue of Chicago Magazine hits the stands soon, and subscribers already know which restaurants top this year's Dining Awards. EatChicago has a preview for the rest of us, and Epicurious just happened to feature five of the top 10 in its Corner Table section last week.
Dining with Alsace
Alsace, the province frequently tossed between France and Germany and currently in France, has some kick-butt cooking. If you like the idea of German food but the stuff they serve at Oktoberfest-type gatherings doesn't excite you, then you might want to try one of a handful of Alsatian restaurants in Chicago. The New York Times has an article about the chef behind Brasserie Jo and Everest, both of which serve Alsatian food. (Useless trivia: Sauerkraut comes from Alsace and not Germany, and therefore might technically be considered French, not German. Or is it Freedom Kraut?)
Slow Food Chicago
The Slow Food Guide to Chicago is out, with listings for restaurants, bars, markets, and manufacturers recommended by Slow Food Chicago members. Places listed in the guide were chosen for their quality (ranging from Trotter's to West African lunch trucks in Streeterville), as well as their dedication to the Slow Food ethos: good food takes time. Other stated goals of its mission are to preserve food source biodiversity and to promote locally, sustainably grown food. Disclosure: I am a Slow Food member and wrote some of the listings in the book. Order it from Amazon or Chelsea Green.
A Sad Day For Turkeys
This weekend will be the 26th Annual Turkey Testicle Festival in Byron, Illinois. Yes, you read that right. Bands, beer, the namesake treat, and the timeless classic "Run For The Nuts". If you want more info, you can visit the website or listen to their amazing song.
Loop Cheese Happening
Looking for a great date spot? It's Sonoma Valley cheese month at the very posh Cafe des Architectes in the Sofitel Hotel at Water Tower. Create your own cheese plate! Three selections are just $8, four are $10, and five are $12. Pair your plate with a wine from the same region.
Apple picking season
It's finally starting to feel like fall, what better time to hit an orchard for apple-picking, cider, and donuts? Depending on how far you want to go, there are many options: this U of I page lists all of the orchards in Illinois, including Homestead Orchard in Woodstock. Related: apple varieties.
Surreality, Indeed
Chicagoist points out the coming opening of Cereality, a "cereal bar and cafe" that lets customers breakfast on custom combinations of their favorite puffs and flakes. Pajama-wearing "cereologists" will help you. Wonder how long that will take to tank.
The Great Barista Battle
Man, there's a competition for everything. Baristas all over the region are gearing up for the Great Lakes Regional Barista Competition, happening next Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 2-3) at Fox & Obel, 401 E. Illinois. The event is organized by the Specialty Coffe Association of America and sponsored by Intelligencia -- who just announced the winners of their internal competition on their spiffily redesigned website.
Brunch, Delivered
Chicago Mag's "Dish" column talks up Ritter's Breakfast Delivery, a brand new service bringing brunch to your front door -- assuming you live in or near Wicker Park, Bucktown, Ukrainian Village or West Loop. The somewhat limited menu still gives you plenty to choose from, and you can even order roses!
Wine-y City
Want to learn more about wine? Perhaps the Chicago Wine School is for you. Just looking for a wine tasting? Check out LocalWineEvents.com's calendar of events in the Chicagoland area.
Movin' on up in Uptown
If someone told you that there was a gay sports bar, in Uptown, that served "Beergaritas," would you believe it? Eight TVs of different sports and what could be one of the best sets of bathrooms in Chicago -- the Greg Louganis or Billie Jean King bathrooms.
More woes for Demon Dogs
After narrowly escaping a couple of shutdowns during the past year, the Chicago landmark Demon Dogs now faces another hurdle: it has to pay 14 years of utility bills that had originally been paid by the CTA, who owns the property that the restaurant is built on. That amounts to a total of $152,654 the business has to pay to the CTA. Yikes. Considering the CTA is planning to reclaim the land anyway for the eventual Brown Line reconstruction, and Demon Dogs is on a month-to-month lease for the property, we might be seeing the actual final days of Demon Dogs coming soon.
But where's Ronald, mommy?
According to the Chicago Tribune, a new, "upscale" McDonald's will be built in Oak Brook, with the company aiming to finish building by April, which marks the 50th anniversary of America's long, dietary nightmare. The new restaurant will apparently not sport the Golden Arches or the big scary clown. The article does not mention if by "upscale" they mean they will serve actual food.
Chicago Dine Out
From now through August 29, you can enjoy a three-course meal at some of Chicago's finest restaurants for just $20 for lunch or $35 for dinner. The best part? S. Pelligrino, the sponsor of this limited-time promotion, will donate $1 per meal served to Chicago's Meals on Wheels program.
The Return of Hot Doug's?
Rejoice, Chicagoans: Hot Doug's, purveyor of some of the city's finest encased meats, is reopening on Labor Day - at least according to the Tribune. A few people on the LTH Forum have their doubts. All I know is, I need to try some duck fat fries.
Get Hot at the Park Grill
Chicago Magazine puts the Park Grill at the top of the monthly Hot List in the September issue. Executive Chef Bernard Laskowski says, "We've been focused on evolving a menu of classic American cuisine, served up with unique Chicago flavor and a complex infusion of seasonal, regional ingredients." Check the article to find out a few of the upcoming events, including the kickoff for Bears tailgaiting, starting every Sunday morning at 9 a.m. on game day.
Fighting Back in Andersonville
During a recent assault on Clark Street, Andersonville resident Leslie Clark sustained many physical injuries and lost a week's pay. Instead of crying into her beer, Leslie and friends have organized a benefit at T's Bar & Restaurant on August 24. From 7pm to midnight, the proceeds from drink sales, tips, and raffles will go to help Leslie's recovery. There are great prizes to win plus terrific guest bartenders like the Sissy Butch Brothers and Lickity Split Radical Cheerleaders.
Chicago, City of Meat
As a favor to a reader, here's a post all about Chicago's love affair with meat. Click more for all the meaty goodness.
Looking for a cooking class
The Tribune has an updated roundup of Chicago area cooking schools and classes. It's more of an informatory compilation than a rated guide, but they break it down into helpful categories like seafood, vegetarian, ethnic, and cake decorating.
At our table
Because we like food around these parts and reading about it, here's another weblog to add to your foodie read list: At Our Table. The author, Linda describes the site as "A food and lifestyle blog chronicling the culinary adventures of a Chicago-based young woman, her husband and their baby girl. Welcome to our table!" So there you go. [via Kiplog's FoodBlog]
New Chef has Homegrown Roots
Last month, Chicago Magazine reported that Sarah Stegner, executive chef at the Ritz-Carlton Dining Room, was leaving her post after 20 years of service. Not to worry, the Ritz has found a valuable replacement and Bridgeport native to fill the vacancy. Kevin Hickey, of the Four Seasons Atlanta, has worked in such cities as San Francisco, Dublin, London, and also the Renaissance Hotel here in Chicago. Kevin counts Stegner, and the chefs at Naha and Blackbird as his personal friends. With such a high-level circle, we expect lots of good things to come; he starts September 1.
Zebra muscles
The New York Times gives a glowing review to Green Zebra, which it says raises the stea stakes in vegetarian cuisine. Like Spring before it, this latest invention of Shawn McClain, Esquire's 2001 Chef of the Year, features interior design by Francois Geneve and cheese considered more valuable than gold. Outstanding vegetarian food is hardly a contradiction in Chicago, however, thanks to the likes of Chicago Diner, Soul Vegetarian East and the many, many wonders of Devon Street.
Lay's vs. Jays, the final chapter
The legal dispute between Frito-Lay and Jays, over recent claims in Frito-Lay advertising that Chicagoans preferred Lay's to Jays, has now been settled. Frito-Lay promised to not run any comparative ads with Jays for 2 years, and agreed to pay Jays' legal fees. Let this be a warning to any other potato chip maker coming to town: don't mess with Jays.
Like White Castle but Better
As a tie-in with Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, Metromix today features a round-up of places that take the "slider" burger style in totally different, much more appetizing directions. Guinness-cheddar dipping sauce? Count me in.
Negro League Cafe
Both the Trib and the Sun-Times have stories today on the Negro League Cafe, 301 E. 43rd St. in Bronzeville. The restaurant serves soul food as well as Latin and Caribbean cuisine (menu here), and is selling Negro and Latin League merchandise.
Dinner and a show
Centerstage has a neat "dinner and a play" feature up pairing current shows to see with worthwhile restaurants near the theatres. (One of them is, ahem, my current show.) The Latino Theater Festival and the Artistic Home's "Street Scene" both ended last week, but all of the other shows listed can still be seen, and of course the resturant reviews stand.
Eric Schlosser talks at the GCM
Eric Schlosser, the author of Fast Food Nation, is giving a free talk at the Green City Market next Wednesday, August 4. 9:30 a.m., 1750 N. Clark. Check it out, and then shop for some of the season's best organic and sustainable produce.
Sushi-eating contest anyone?
My love for Japenese and sushi is unbridled. As I've stated many times before, I could eat Japanese for the rest of my life. Thus, a sushi-eating contest is right up my alley. The launch party for the Flying Fish Lounge at Ra Sushi kicks off with such a contest, in promotion of this weekly service industry event that features warm sake for $1, their signature Tootsie rolls for $3.75 (8 pieces) and more specials. Oh, and the top three winners for the sushi-eating contest take home $50-$100, though really all I care about is the free sushi.
Finger food
From gyros to Italian Beef and from hot dogs to banh mi, our city's contributions to sandwichdom are legendary. Monica Eng added to the canon last year when she introduced readers to the jibarito, a Puerto Rican sandwich invented at Humboldt Park's Borinquen that stuffs meat and other fillings between two twice-fried flattened plantains. A recent visit by this chowhound confirms her findings: Fried plantains are the best thing since sliced bread.
Jays victorious!
Following up on this week's Lay's vs. Jays controversy, the Sun-Times reports that a federal judge ordered Frito-Lay to remove a billboard that claimed that Chicagoans preferred the taste of Lay's over Jays, and told the company to stop using this claim in their advertising. Frito-Lay conducted taste tests late last year at malls in Joliet, Niles and Elgin, in which 55% voted for Lay's chips.
Joie De Vine
Is Joie de Vine, the new Andersonville wine bar, really as good as Daily Candy Chicago suggests? A taste test during the storms last night confirmed that indeed, Joie de Vine rocks. Pleasant music, fabulous decor, nice outdoor seating (when it isn't raining that is) and lots and lots and lots of luscious wines to choose from. Try the Cooper's Creek Sauv Blanc and call it an evening. (Tip: Dig the martini list too if you're not feeling grapey.)
Honey Harvest at Garfield Park
Love honey? If so, check out the Honey Harvest at Garfield Park Conservatory this Saturday, where you can learn about honey while helping to harvest it. Fresh honey from one of the conservatory's eight productive hives will be available for purchase. July 24, 10-4, $3 entrance fee, 300 N. Central Park.
Metropolis Coffee Co.
The site's not much, but the actual place is excellent. Metropolis Coffee Co. at Granville and Kenmore is the kind of independent father-and-son owned coffee house that a diverse neighbourhood like Edgewater deserves. Heck, any neighbourhood really, instead of a Starbucks. If you sign up for their mailing list, in person or send an e-mail to info@metropoliscoffee.com, you'll get e-mail reminders about what's going on that week. Usually, there's a live jazz night, a movie night and the good 'ol open mic/poetry slam. Recent films include Dogtown and Z-Boyz and Kurosawa's Dreams. Oh, they're also from Seattle, so they know good coffee.
Art of Cupcakes
Ever wonder how they make those delicious cupcakes from Sweet Mandy B's? The head baker gives a sneak peak at the process she goes through each day to craft upwards of 1,000 mini cakes for all the sweet tooths in Chicago. At the end of the article, you'll find a shortened recipe to create your own version of the "Happy Snack". Check out Metromix for a roundup of more lovely bakeries around town.
Jays vs. Lay's
Local potato chip manufacturer Jays is feeling the heat of a Chicago ad campaign by Frito-Lay that claims Chicago prefers the taste of Lay's over Jays. Jays filed a federal lawsuit yesterday, claiming the advertising is false and misleading, and asked to see Frito-Lay's research backing the claim. (Frito-Lay isn't revealing its sources, of course.)
Hema's Kitchen II: Electric Vindaloo
Good news for fans of the popular Indian restaurant Hema's Kitchen who are put off by the huge wait times to get into the place; Hema has recently opened up a second location in Lincoln Park (2411 N. Clark, near Clark & Fullerton) with the same menu. We went for dinner this weekend, and found the food as great as the original location, and the serving times to be markedly better. Hema's Kitchen II has only been open a couple of weeks, so its existence is not well-known around town yet; you'd better go now before people suddenly wake up and realize the best Indian food in Chicago (according to WTTW's "Check, Please!") is now available at two locations.
Sausage is not an acceptable crust
Marisa's Pizza in Northbrook has a "lo-carb pizza" where they replace the crust with sausage. Atomly has a rant about it.
Farmers' Markets
'Tis the season for farmers' markets. Chicago is home to many markets over the summer, which were mentioned earlier on Gapers Block, but if you're outside the city, you can get a complete listing of community and roadside markets in the state from the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Just search by county to find a market near you.
They can call it 'Big Yellow'
Researchers at UIUC are developing a new chewing gum that, unlike current gums on the market that are made out of synthetic bases, is made out of a natural ingredient that Illinois has plenty of -- corn! Currently their cinnamon-flavored corn gum isn't doing so well in taste tests, but they remain optimistic that they can improve the product and possibly open up a new huge market for the state's corn industry.
Cafe Opening in Lincoln Square
Despite the unrelenting assault of Starbucks on, well, just about everything, some independent coffeeshops are popping up, too. Monday sees the opening of a new cafe in Lincoln Square, the Grind Company. In addition to joe, they'll have food, juice, and "free wi-fi with purchase." The Tribune also runs a profile of a place that's caught my eye near Milwaukee and Central -- a vintage store and cafe named Kouks Vintage Cafe. That's the best idea since they put bars in bowling alleys.
Chicken Vesuvio, Our Hometown Dish
Sure, we've got Chicago-style hot dogs and deep dish pizza, but did you know chicken vesuvio was invented here, too? Eat Chicago points us to an article in Chicago's Dining Guide that places the origin of the dish at the original Giannotti's in Forest Park sometime in the 1960s.
Home of the Hot Dog
If you just can't get enough of the encased meats, then you'll like Chicago: Home of the Hot Dog. There's reviews amongst other things but my favorite is the FAQ. A sample question — Can love of Hot Dogs prove fatal?. Find out, though I really want to ask Takeru Kobayashi. [ via GB alumni Paul McCann ]
From 'Block to 'Block
The Chopping Block, the popular cooking school/market, is looking for the best holiday cookies around. They don't specify which holiday, or what definition of "cookie" they're using, so the field's wide open. Prizes include one of them fancy 30" Wolf wall ovens, a 7-piece Mauviel copper cookware set and gift certificates for classes at the C.B. Deadline for entries is August 30.
Hot Doug's, coming soon (again)
For those people who have been missing their fix of smoked pheasant and truffle hot dogs, (not to mention the veggie dogs), there's good news: Hot Doug's will be re-opening soon. Eat Chicago talked to Doug Sohn and found out that the Roscoe Village hot dog hot spot that was closed in April after a fire will open again in mid-August, in the same location.
More Fun with Hot Dogs
The latest sushi concept not sweeping the city: the Chicago Roll. *shudder*
Delivery and late-night dining
GrubHub is a site that lists Chicago restaurants that deliver (and cater). Some neighborhoods are more heavily populated with delivery options than others, but it seems to be a good start. Via LTH. To tie-in with the Fuel thread, this somewhat outdated list of 24 hour greasy spoons is also a good resource.
Barrington Beer Fest
July is American Beer Month. I know you've already found myriad ways to celebrate this event (usually involving numbers like 6, 12 or 30), but here's one more: Barrington, a neat and tony suburb in northwest Cook County, is having a Microbrew fest on July 10. $25 before the event gets you a T-shirt, tasting glass, some other shwag and all the beer you can drink. Lots of regional brewers will be there, so hop on Metra and sample the wares.
More Hot Dog News
On the heels of yesterday's announcement that the Chicago-style hotdog would be invading the West Coast, Vienna Beef unveiled the world's longest weiner yesterday at the Taste. Measuring a whopping 37 feet, two inches (although Vienna claimed it was 38 feet), the dog was delivered in a 35-foot poppy seed bun, with all the standard toppings. Unfortunately, no one gets to eat this meal -- but Vienna donated an equivalent amount of hot dogs to charity. [Thanks, Pete]
Hold the Ketchup
"The world's largest hot dog chain," Weinerschnitzel, is bringing the Chicago-style hot dog to the West. Their press release lists that as "'sensory taste explosion' featuring a seven inch all-beef hot dog topped with mustard, emerald green relish, chopped onions, tomato, a pickle spear and sport peppers. The bun is sprinkled with poppy seeds." The chain's marketing director notes that the bright-green relish is a trademark of our home-town dog; someone should tell him that the relish most of stands here these days is dye free.
Popular restaurants are also pricey
The Sun-Times reports that Chicagoans are going out more often to eat, and paying more for the experience. The latest Zagat survey shows that the most popular restaurants in Chicago -- Tru, Charlie Trotter's, and Everest -- are some of the priciest places to eat in the city. In addition, a survey of Chicago diners indicates that nearly 2/3 are paying more at restaurants than two years ago.
Veggie bike and dine
If you're a vegetarian bike enthusiast, consider buying an early ticket for the July 24 Veggie Bike and Dine event, a nine-mile ride with stops at four restaurants: Karyn's Fresh Corner, Chicago Diner, Lula Cafe, and the Handlebar. Advance registration is required, and limited to the first 25 riders.
Mmm, Chicago...
Summer is once again here, and that can mean only one thing around these parts: the 24th annual Taste of Chicago. Dozens and dozens of local restaurants offering samples of their regular menus, a "wireless cafe" operated by US Cellular with fancy WiFi hardware, a bunch of free concerts, and people. LOTS OF PEOPLE. Tip to hardcore Taste fans: the food tickets, which cost $7 per pack, can be purchased at local Dominick's for $5.50 through this Thursday.
Gentlemen, Cleanse Your Palates
This Saturday the world's finest competitive eaters will converge in Downer's Grove for the Bacci World Pizza Eating Championship. On the line will be the $2,500 in prize money, and the ultra-prestigious title of World Pizza Eating Champion. This will be the first IFOCE-sanctioned Chicago event (that’s the International Federation of Competitive Eating), and will draw a panel of competitors that includes Ed "Cookie" Jarvis, world ice cream eating champion, among other contenders.
Coming Soon: Green Evening Farmers Market
On June 24th, the city will open the first evening farmers market, at 843 W. Randolph. The market will run through the end of October on Thursday evenings, from 4 to 8 p.m. The Sun-Times reports, "about 10 farmers will offer organic produce and meats, and specialty vendors will sell artisanal goods such as pastries and cheese. At least twice a month, chefs will prepare and sell to-go meals". The market is a direct response to the city workers who complain about the only other organic market, the Green City Market, held on Wednesdays mornings. Hooray for good city response!
Chicago ethnic markets writeup
The Washington Post has a good article on Chicago's ethnic food markets (registration required). Unfortunately, all of the shops mentioned are on the far north side, including Rogers Park Fruit Market, Middle East Bakery, and Thai Grocery. Regardless, it's still nice to see independent grocers getting recognition, a subject I care a lot about.
LTH forum
Attention foodies: there's a new bulletin board in town. Some of the core posters from the Chicago Chowhound board have started the LTH Forum, which has a much more usable interface and relaxed atmosphere. There's already a great chow community in this city, it'll be nice to contribute to this new resource and watch it grow.
National Hunger Awareness Day
Thursday, June 3 is National Hunger Awareness Day. Eat Chicago lists several ways you can participate here in Chicago, such as bringing two non-perishable food items to any Chipotle for a free burrito, and bringing this ticket to any Dominick's to have 5% of your shopping total donated to the Chicago Food Depository.
An Important Resource for People Who Eat Food
Chicago Magazine's Morsels column points us to Savoring Chicago, a bimonthly newsletter reviewing the best food stores in the city. Judging by the excerpts, it's definitely a good resource for all foodies looking for that elusive ingredient or new delectable delight.
Strawberries & More
Did you know strawberries are a member of the rose family? Find out more fun facts about strawberries at Strawberries & More from the University of Illinois Extension. The site also includes information on selection and care of strawberries, tips for growing your own, strawberry recipes, and links to local farms where you can pick your own.
The Other NRA
The 85th Annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show is wrapping up this week at McCormick Place. The NRA show is an international gathering of more than 70,000 professionals from the foodservice and hospitality industries. News from this year's event includes a discussion of the increased presence of energy drinks in the market and the infiltration of video games and other entertainment in restaurants.
Candy snatcher freed!
Northwestern student Alison Baenen, charged with shoplifting after she ate 41 cents' worth of candy in a White Hen Pantry, has had her charges dismissed after she promised never to go into the store again. Says Baenen: "I'm just glad this is over."
Come and get it
The farmers market season kicks off tomorrow at Daley Plaza, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The outstanding Green City Market in Lincoln Park starts Wednesday, May 19. Weekly markets at Federal Plaza begin Tuesday, May 18, and most other city markets begin the third week of June.
The 'Bird wins a Beard
The James Beard awards -- the Oscars of the culinary world -- were announced last night, and local celebrity chef Paul Kahan won for best chef in the midwest. Kahan runs the kitchen at the much-celebrated Blackbird restaurant, on Randolph's restaurant row. Also victorious was Steve Dolinsky, host of CLTV's Good Eating, for best local cooking show. James Beard, by the way, was considered the "Dean of American Cookery," but did you know he was also a WWII cryptographer?
No Fries With That
Today marks the first day McDonald's will offer Happy Meals for adults. The Meals contain one Premium salad -- California Cobb salad, Caesar salad, or Bacon Ranch, or Fiesta salad -- water, and a pedometer with a book on walking. The salads contain between 10 and 27 grams of fat before adding salad dressing, which can pack on up to 18 additional fat grams. That's, um, healthy.
South Side Bread: the Art of Pita
Travel southwest from the city to Oak Lawn and find the bakery which produces the famous 'south side bread' that you may see on signs all over the city. The bakers at Salaam Bakery produce thousands of hand-made pitas and other baked items made fresh daily. Many in the city swear by these pitas, and owners of north-side Middle Eastern restaurants make the trip just for this superb bread. Ever been to Sultan's Market? Then you've tried these pitas.
The week (so far) in dietary news
Yesterday, the Sun-Times reported on McDonald's reaction to the new documentary Super Size Me, which shows the effects of eating Mickey D's food exclusively for a month. (The movie opens in Chicago on Friday.) And today, they report that the USDA asserts that low-carb diets are a fad, just like the low-fat diets of the 1990s. (This isn't preventing retailers from making big bucks selling low-carb foods right now, of course; the Food Marketing Institute Convention, currently under way at McCormick Place, features a whole array of new low-carb items, from pizza to salad dressings.)
Since when?
Hubris apparently is not among the many obstacles to securing a liquor license in Chicago. A gay sports bar opening next to the historic Green Mill is claiming to be the world's greatest bar. And in west Lakeview a new Irish bar is billing itself as being "since 1972," despite the fact that until December its space was occupied by the landmark Romanian restaurant Little Bucharest. The world's greatest and 32 years old, all before pouring a single pint.
World Fair Trade Day
Fair Trade leaders and activists will gather at the World Fair Trade Day Fair at the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum this Saturday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will highlight what the average citizen can do to make trade fair. The day will feature presentations by expert Mexican coffee farmers and a fair featuring fair trade product vendors. To find out more, check with Oxfam.
The return of Fannie May?
Good news for Fannie May chocolate fans: Alpine Confections, the owner of the Fannie May and Fanny Farmer brands, announced plans today to re-open some Fannie May stores, two of which will be located in Chicago.
Hot Doug's mourned
The Tribune has a story on the fire at Hot Doug's last weekend. No details as to when they'll be opening again, alas.
Ballpark Food
Sure, Wrigley Field is beautiful and historic and "US Cellular Field at Comiskey Park" is big and corporate. But The Cell still has one thing going for it: better food.
Ice Cream, Ice Cream!
Yikes! We missed Ben and Jerry's Free Ice Cream day yesterday but do not fret! There is still free ice cream to be had. Baskin-Robbins has its Free Scoop Night tonight from 6pm-10pm. You can be like me last year: my friend and I hit three Baskin-Robbins in a row on the way someplace! It was perfect. Of course, we went back to one of them two hours later...
Eat Chicago
You just can't get enough of foodie sites and EatChicago is looking mighty tasty. While relatively new, the site has brief reviews and some interesting categories. Another essential Chicago based foodie site: Vital Information.
Hot Doug's Closed by Fire
Gasp! Chowhound reports a rumor that celebrated hot dog stand Hot Doug's is closed and will have to relocate due to a fire in the apartment behind the store! More news as we get it. (Thanks James)
UPDATE: Our own AC verified this story at lunch today: a sign in the window confirms the store is closed until a new location can be found.
Free Cone Day
Tuesday, April 27, is Free Cone Day at participating Ben & Jerry's stores across the country. This year they are teaming up with Rock the Vote so, not only can you get free ice cream, you can also register to vote! Participating Chicago locations include stores at 338 W. Armitage Avenue, 26 West Randolph Street, and Navy Pier. Check out the Ben & Jerry's website to find additional locations.
Dining out for life
This Thursday is Chicago's 11th annual Dining Out For Life event. A number of restaurants in the city have pledged to donate a portion of their day's proceeds to help people living with HIV and AIDS. If you'd like to help out, take a look at the list of restaurants on the Chicago site, make reservations for Thursday, April 29th, and go out to eat. This year's beneficiary is AIDSCare, a nonprofit residence and service organization for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Junk food and soda pop out of Chicago schools
The Chicago Public Schools announced yesterday that it is banning carbonated drinks and junk food from being sold in school vending machines, starting next year. They are currently soliciting bids from contractors for a contract to sell beverages in the district's 500+ schools.
Chicago chocolates -- from South Bend
Coming soon to Chicago: chocolates from South Bend, Indiana under the name "Chicago Chocolates." The South Bend Chocolate Company is starting up a new candy company to try and populate the market that was vacated by Fannie May store closings. The company is planning to open stores here in Chicago, but for now you can only order Chicago Chocolates online.
Make me one with everything ... no ketchup
The Times' R.W. Apple eats his way through some Chicago favorites, devoting much well-deserved attention to the "canine nouvelle cuisine" of Hot Doug's. He also drops in at Al's #1 Italian Beef and Ann Sather, but declines any deep dish: He "abhors the stuff."
Sushi Chicago
Ever been out on the streets of Chicago and wanted to know the best sushi place nearby? Well, now you can point your WAP-enabled phone to Chicago Sushi Finder and search by name, location (even just the nearest cross streets), neighborhood, or check out their top rated list of sushi restaurants (they've only got three so far). If you think you're the greatest sushi finder out there then you can register and rate restaurants yourself. Oh, and yeah, you could just point your computer to their website, I suppose.
We'll all scream
The Tribune reports that, due to reduced milk production, prices for milk and dairy products are soaring, which will mean, among other things, increased prices in ice cream this summer. Already prices are starting to rise to record levels; at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the price of a pound of cheese was set at an all-time high of $2.02, and milk prices are likewise expected to soar to a record high next month.
Too Pretty to Eat
Morsels points us to Gems by Sarelle, incredibly detailed, kosher cakes by cake artist Sarelle Weiner. My stomach is rumbling.
Potlucks have a friend in Illinois Senate
The Illinois Senate, prompted by Sen. Dan Rutherford, approved legislation that would prohibit health departments from shutting down community potlucks. Apparently this is not much of a problem in Chicago, as Public Health Department spokesman Tim Hadec explains: "'Do we regulate potluck dinners in Chicago? No. What health department has the staffing to do that, especially in a big city?'' Well, thanks to Senator Rutherford, they need not worry about the problem anymore.
Fannie May leaves Chicago airports hungry
The Sun-Times reports that O'Hare and Midway airports are trying to fill four concession stands that were vacated by Fannie May. The airports are losing quite a bit of money due to the vacancies ($17,000 a month at O'Hare and $11,000 a month at Midway), so they're trying to fill them as quickly as possible, but the bidding process for the stands could take as long as eight months, costing the city hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenue.
Chicago chefs among the best
Two Chicago chefs are among the finalists in the prestigious 2004 Bocuse d'Or USA contest. The chefs: Rick Gresh from the Caliterra Restaurant at the Wyndham Hotel and Fred Ramos from Pili Pili. The US finals for the contest will be held in May at the 85th annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show (held here in Chicago!), and the winner of that contest will represent the US at next year's international Bocuse d'Or World Cuisine Contest in Lyon, France.
Coming to Chicago: soup!
Simply Soup, a Madison-based restaurant, is bringing its line of some 200 varieties of soups to Chicago. Four to six stores in the Loop area will be open by Labor Day, selling soup (as well as grilled sandwiches and salads) to Chicago patrons.
To the pub with ye!
Sure, you had a green beer last weekend. You went to the parade down in Beverly. But the true St. Patrick's Day celebration is tonight. Head to your favorite Irish bar, fake or otherwise -- pick one off this list or use this map by KIPlog if you don't have a favorite, or take a look at Metromix's guide -- and order yourself a Guinness.
Apply for the Brunch Bunch
Do you love brunch? Do you have a great group of friends that love eating out? If so, Metromix wants you! Tomorrow is the last day to apply for the next reader review project, the Brunch Bunch. Find yourself part of a diverse group of five friends? If so, apply for the position online. However, "every person in your group must be available the weekend of March 27, every weekend in April and the first weekend in May. No exceptions." Good luck and happy eating!
Top 5 restaurants for February
The Chicago Citysearch Website has released a list of the top 5 most popular restaurants for February. The way they tallied the popularity of these restaurants was by tracking the keywords the people were searching on at their site, so this list reflects only the dining habits of Citysearch users. And their dining habits seem to be pretty pricey, as their list includes such expensive places as Nine Steak House, Japonais and Michael Kornick's MK. What, no Demon Dogs?
When Beers Stop Being Polite...
If you're up for an ale-soaked weekend, try making it through Chicago's Real Ale Fest. The now scaled-down event was created in 1996 by Ray Daniels and the Chicago Beer Society to celebrate brews that have that smooth, non-commercial flavor. Festivities start tonight with a feast, then on Friday, "Chicagoland Real Ale Day", there's a pub crawl, and on Saturday, a real food tasting at Goose Island in Wrigleyville.
Guinness Tales
Got a good story involving Guinness? The BBC wants to hear it. The Chicago Report passes on word that a BBC3 film crew will be at Chicago's St. Patrick's Day Parade, interviewing people with interesting stories relating to hte classic Irish pint. More info here.
Supersize Downsized
Bowing to pressure about the unhealthiness of its menu, local corporate giant McDonald's is discontinuing Supersize fries and drinks. By the end of this year, an unstained Supersize Fry container will be a collector's item.
1st Local Organic Trade Show-Chicago
On March 3, Sustain's Local Organic Initiative is holding the first ever trade show for local organic food in Chicago. Fifty farmers and farm cooperatives from Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, and Indiana, representing nearly 500 organic farmers, will have the opportunity to create new business with Chicago area retailers, restaurants, distributors, and processors. The goal of the event is to help these producers create new sales in Chicago's $300 million market for organic food. Currently most organic food consumed in the area is imported from California and beyond. The event is not open to the public; Sustain hopes the media will attend to spread the word!
Grub Hub
An interesting resource, GrubHub.com provides a map, neighbourhoods and most importantly the listings of resturants that deliver in your area. While the site is a little non user-friendly (why can't I click on the cuisines?) and it takes three clicks to get to a listing of restaurants (hint: click on a street on the map), it's actually useful.
Haggis redux
Following up on the very important story of haggis production in Chicago: the Chicago Tribune took it upon themselves to hold a haggis taste test, to see if the product being produced at Vanee Foods in suburban Berkeley is worthy enough to be served. Their panel's verdict: the vegetarian haggis is a bit bland, but the regular haggis is authentic.
Tuman's Reopens
The bar formerly known as "Tuman's Alchohol Abuse Center" has reopened it's doors for the first time in a year. Tuman's, well known as one of the best dive bars in Chicago and loved for it's incredibly cheap beer, is now a shiny, new and very rehabbed bar with a full kitchen. The broken furniture is gone, and unfortunately so is the excellent jukebox. The beer is not quite as cheap, but for only about .50 cents more you can walk into the bathroom without feeling scared, it's squeaky clean! Visit the sparkly new Tuman's at 2159 W. Chicago.
Free Booze!
Do you feel that Monday nights are boring nights to eat out? Well, the folks at Tizi Melloul feel your pain. To make it a little easier, they've decided to offer a free bottle of Bouchard wine to every table.
Server's request: "Just because my boss has decided to give you something for free, I still have to open the bottle and bring it to your table and refill your glasses. To thank me, please base your tip on the cost of the dinner plus the wine.
What, no Demon Dogs?
Looking for a good place to go out to eat? Check out this week's Newcity; the cover story is "Chicago's 100 essential restaurants." Mini-review of each restaurant, and the places are categorized by neighborhood, so you'll know what's closest.
Chowhounds in the Trib
The Trib has a good article on Chicago's Chowhound community and some of the recent dinners they've planned together.
A subtle twist on Valentine's Day
Looking for something different this Valentine's Day? Something better than just heading out to dinner? The Chopping Block is offering some classes that not only serve a delicious meal, but have it prepared before you! Current Valentine's Day offerings include A Romantic Dinner for Two, Champagne Brunch, and classes on how to woo your favorite girl or guy. You can either choose the hands-on menu where you and your sweetie cook together in Lincoln Square, or the demo meals at either Lincoln Square or their Webster St. store.
Fannie May not
Several aldermen have called for a Valentine's Day boycott of Fannie May/Fanny Farmer candy, to show support for 625 employees involved in a severance pay dispute with parent company Archibald Candy Corp. That shouldn't be hard to do, as Chicago Public Radio reported on NPR last week that the Fannie May stores in the city have pretty much been cleaned out of all the good candy.
Unleash the power of soy
The Sun-Times reports that two University of Illinois scientists have developed an energy bar made from soy protein that they wish to develop for use by first aid agencies. These bars have an advantage over currently used energy bars because they are made with no animal ingredients. The scientists have contacted the Defense Department, which is expected to invite food companies to bid on production.
We'll always have haggis...
So what if Fannie May is closing up in Chicago? Stahly Quality Foods, a Scottish food producer, is starting production of tinned haggis in a Chicago facility, in the hopes of tapping into that lucrative North American haggis market. Right now, the plant produces only two types of haggis, traditional and vegetarian haggis (?), but the company hopes to expand to other products such as whiskey-flavored haggis (!) and clootie dumpling (!?). Amazing quote from company founder Ken Stahly: "Our working relationship with the Americans is excellent even though there is the odd translation quirk, such as the fact that, in the US swede is known as rutabaga."
Garlic Makes Families Closer
The Chicago-based Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation presents a paper entitled Effects of garlic bread on family interaction. "Serving garlic bread at dinner enhanced the quality of family interactions. This has potential application in promoting and maintaining shared family experiences, thus stabilizing the family unit, and also may have utility as an adjunct to family therapy." (Via KIPlog's FOODblog.)
Sniff, swish, spit
Like wine? I know you do. Thus, a list of wine events, tastings and dinners in our fair city for the year. May be updated as time goes on. Quite a list it is too.
Vegan Victuals Redux
If you thought vegan/vegetarian food wasn't tasty, think again. Mr. PJ Chmiel has relaunched his Vegan Food section of mostly places in Chicago and now with 60% more content. Thorough, comprehensive and sure to make you super hungry this early in the day.
Dominick's store closings
The Tribune has a list of the Dominick's grocery stores in the Chicago area that will be closing on March 13th. The dozen closings are part of a cost-cutting plan by Dominick's parent company, Safeway. [Trib. login: gapers/gapers]
Farewell to Fanny Farmer
Archibald Candy Corp., makers of Fanny Farmer and Fanny May candies, announced today that it's shutting down its West Loop plant, putting 625 employees out of work, and that it's selling off the candy brands to an as-yet-unnamed buyer. But with the loss of Fanny May/Fanny Farmer (and the loss of Frango mints manufacturing jobs in 1999), Chicago still has quite a few candy makers in town: Tootsie Roll, Ferrara Pan Company (makers of Lemonheads, Red Hots, Black Forest Gummies, etc.), and Blommer Chocolate Company are just some of the candy-makers still headquartered or making their products here in Chicago. [Trib. login: gapers/gapers]
Grass-fed is best!
The recent Mad Cow epidemic has driven myself and others to investigate organic food alternatives. Joining one of the many organic vegetable co-ops available in the area is a start. But if you're not ready or willing to be a vegetarian, Eat Wild has a list of Illinois farmers who meet certain farm-raised criteria. If you're not convinced, you can read why they say grass-fed is best.
Sweeeet!
The prairie garden on top of City Hall has about 200,00 Italian honey bees in it, and the city has apparently harvested about 120 pounds of honey from these bees. If you'd like to try some of the honey, stop by the Gallery 37 store at 37 E. Randolph; they're auctioning off some of the honey to benefit their programs for young artists.
Bar Specials
So you like a deal on your drinks. And you want to know where the specials are at on a particular night at bars in Chicago. Well, the good ol' interweb is good for these things. Ask, and people will build: ChicagoSpecials.com helps you to drink more for less.
Green City Holiday Market
The Green City Market is having a Holiday Market this Saturday at the Lincoln Park Zoo, 8am to 1pm. Entrance to the zoo is free, and the market will be held in the Lion House. There will be cooking demonstrations, children's activities, and of course, all the usual organic and sustainable merchants to shop from: fruits & vegetables, hormone-free meats (pork and beef), organic meats (lamb, turkey, chicken, and duck), breads, artisanal cheeses, mushrooms, caviar, cider, vinegars, mustards, maple syrup, honey, coffee, and more.
Corporate Groceries Fucked
Dominick's may be closing 25 of its 113 stores soon after parent company Safeway gave up trying to sell the chain last month. No word until January about which locations will be affected. [Trib login: gapers/gapers]
Mmm, Terminal 2...
The food at O'Hare International Airport has improved health-wise, according to a report from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. It's been moved up from dead last (in a list of the 15 busiest airports) to #3 in their list, according to the Sun-Times. The reason? Starbucks has been introducing healthier food in its coffee-terias at O'Hare, which apparently was enough to bump the airport up past such unhealthy flight destinations as Dallas-Fort Worth International, Minneapolis-St. Paul International, and even New York's Kennedy International Airport.
Roselle = Not Napa
I don't think anyone has every mistaken the DesPlaines River for the Rhone or the Rhine, but that doesn't mean there aren't a handful of vineyards in suburban Chicago. Lynfred Winery in Roselle has tastings every evening (tip: takes the edge off of that Woodfield experience); Valentino Vineyards in Long Grove also has tastings if you find yourself seeking vino in the wild edges of suburbia.
Nonsmoking Restaurants
A good resource for people who like to taste their food: the Chicago Department of Health's Smoke-free Restaurant Recognition Program, an alphabetical directory.
Hi Ricky Closes
Hi Ricky's three noodle shops are no more. With rising real estate prices in Wicker Park, Lakeview, and the West Loop, the owners decided to cash out and roll around in their piles of money, leaving Chicagoans with slightly fewer pan-Asian cuisine options.
Festive drinking
For some, this season's holidays brings together family and friends, love and cheer, and good times for all. And for others, it's a great time to get your drink on. In the spirit of this (pun intended), Metromix has published a guide to limited edition holiday beers for your enjoyment.
Cheeseburger Cheeseburger, No Pepsi -- Lawsuit
Billy Goat Tavern, the grungy burger place that inspired the famous "Cheezborger Cheezborger" skit on Saturday Night Live, is suing a Florida based restaurant chain, called Cheeburger Cheeburger, for trademark infringement. The chain has existed since the mid-1980s, but a plan to open a store in Glenview spurred Billy Goat to sue. (In a related story, we neglected to report that Bill Churachas, the long-time cook at Billy Goat, died in late October. He will be missed.) [Trib. log-in: gapers/gapers]
Taste of Chicago -- the restaurant!
The residents of Port Huron, MI are getting their first taste of a Chicago hot dog; a restaurant named A Taste of Chicago has been serving the dogs up since last month, and plans to expand its menu with other Chicago-related food items. Tip to the owners: don't include Frango mints on the menu. They were invented in Seattle and are made in Pennsylvania.
Thanksgiving juxtaposition
One of the more expensive Thanksgiving dinners to be had this year was the $82 turkey-day buffet at the Peninsula. Read all about the extravagant dinner, and then compare it to some Chicago Chowhounds' Thanksgiving dinner: preparing 38 22-pound smoked turkeys, serving 512 people at the Salvation Army.
Benedicts au Poivre
Ever get the urge to find the best Eggs Benedict in your hometown? You could eat your way across your city, sampling and taking notes, or you could just click and read someone else's well-designed brunch notes comparing each element of the dish, including the garnish, complete with beautiful photos. And if you've digested your hunk'o'hollandaise'n'egg you just might be interested in finding out where you can get great steak au poivre for dinner. Yeah, SGR (like sugar without the vowels) tells us where to go in Chicago.
Talkin' Turkey
Thanksgiving is a week away, and vegan meals aside, most people will be roasting a turkey on that special day. (What? Ham? Unamerican.) But if you run into trouble with that gigantic bird, to whom can you turn? Butterball staffs a Turkey Talk-line every day from 8am to 6 or 8pm now through the day after Christmas -- a room full of home economists are waiting for your call in west suburban Downers Grove. And the fine people of America's Test Kitchen (editors of Cook's Illustrated) have created Turkeyhelp.com, full of thoroughly vetted recipes and advice. Good luck!
Unturkey day
For those about to diss meat, I salute you! If the idea of a rather large steroid-pumped bird that's too heavy for one person to carry scares you or you're vegan/vegetarian, then perhaps these feasts may interest you: The Chicago Vegetarian Society is having its 15th annual vegan Thanksgiving dinner at the Hilton Chicago on S. Michigan. Old favourite The Chicago Diner has its annual Turkey-Free Thanksgiving Dinner as well, which is pretty damn tasty. Their menu for ths year is available for viewing (note: PDF file).
Green City Thanksgiving market
The Green City Market is having a Thanksgiving Market this Saturday at the Lincoln Park Zoo, 8am to 1pm. Entrance to the zoo is free, and the market will be held in the Lion House. There will be cooking demonstrations, children's activities, chestnut roasting, and of course, all the usual organic and sustainable merchants to shop from: fruits & vegetables, hormone-free meats (pork and beef), poultry (organic turkey chicken and duck), game, breads, artisanal cheeses, mushrooms, caviar, cider, vinegars, mustards, maple syrup, honey, organic Christmas trees, wild rice, and coffee.
Chicago's Food Superstars
The New City ranks Chicago's "food superstars" in The Big Heat. Celebrity chef Rick Bayless tops the list while last year's number one guy, Rich Melman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, slips to number three.
Coke is it!
Marshall Fields on State Street is home to the world's only Coke soda shop. Aren't we lucky?
Snobby Wine
If aged Bordeaux from Chateau Lafite-Rothschild is your standard wine purchase, then The Chicago Wine Company is more your style. They hold one live auction and one silent auction every month and you can place bids online. They also hold formal dinners/tastings. You just missed the November dinner, but at $595 per person did you really? They're also willing to help you sell off your wine collection, but Boone's Farm collectors need not apply.
Kafka never tasted so good!
Morsels also briefly reviews the most innovative small wine store in the city: Kafka. They claim to be "Cheap, Easy, Fun" and with most wine selections under $15, they are. But, they're knowledgable and friendly, too. Wine doesn't have to be intimidating and these guys prove that. If only they'd get their website working.
Rick "BK" Bayless
Rick Bayless, celebrity chef of Frontera Grill, etc., caught some flack for appearing in an ad for Burger King's new chicken sandwich. Morsels links to a letter Bayless posted on his website explaining himself, and points to a scathing comment from chef/author Anthony Bourdain (ninth comment down).
You can smell it from down the block...
Not only does the Spice House (two locations in Evanston and Oldtown) have a new website, they also have spice blends based on Chicago Neighborhoods -- Argyle Street Asian Blend, Back of the Yards Garlic Pepper, Bronzeville Rib Rub, etc.
Sam's Expands to NYC
For once, Chicago is sending something (besides Broadway musicals) to New York instead of the other way around: Sam's Wine & Spirits is planning to open a store on Manhattan's West Side, the first of potentially many new stores around the country.
Kendall College Chicago
The Daily Northwestern reports Kendall College is finalizing plans to move to a new near-Lincoln Park location, possibly located on Goose Island. Residents near the college fear its leaving could create a messy zoning war with Northwestern, with the university eyeing new high-rise dormitories. But the former Sara Lee location seems too good to pass up for Kendall.
Boo-rito
Feel like wrapping yourself in tinfoil for a free burrito? If so, get to it and head on over to Chipotle today.
Another one bites the dust
Little Bucharest, the Romanian restaurant that would pick you up in a Limo for free, is closing. One Chowhound reports: "When we asked why, [owner] Branko replied: 'Yuppies. They don't buy goulash.'"
Free Turkey Dinner
According to Rachael, Cousin's Turkish Fine Dining restaraunt (3038 W. Irving Park Rd.) is offering a free turkey dinner on Thanksgiving day. She's afraid no one will go, but you will. Won't you?
I [heart] Beer
Are you a beer snob? You may be interested in joining the Chicago Beer Society, founded in 1977. In addition to monthly meetings (there's one next Thursday, 11/6, at Goose Island) the society also has its annual fall blind tasting and dinner coming up November 8 at Rock Bottom Brewery. Check their site or call their hotline for more information: 847-692-BEER.
Last Green City Market
Tomorrow is the last of this year's Green City Markets, the only completely organic and sustainable farmers market in the city. There's still an abundance of apples, squash, corn, late-season berries, greens, and other produce, as well as cider, crepes, breads, and pastries. In Lincoln Park on Clark just north of North, Wednesday, 7am-1pm.
American Diner Museum
A few months ago on Gapers' Block, Brian Sobolak picked his Six Qualities of a Good Diner. For anyone interested in diners, check out the American Diner Museum. Although the physical museum has not yet opened, the website includes a variety of resources including news and events, sponsored diner tours, diner history and culture, and even listings of diners for sale.
A farmers market of your own
More than 6,000 New Yorkers subscribe to organic-produce buying clubs, and it's not just the yuppies. In Chicago, one can still subscribe to the 2004 season of Angelic Organics at a discounted rate or look into King's Hill Farm. Related: USDA info on Community Supported Agriculture.
Homeless coffee
WomanCraft Inc. and the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless are selling coffee-themed cards and organic, Free Trade coffee beans as a holiday fundraiser. Studs Terkel thinks their coffee "tastes better than (a pricey, name-brand brew)!"
Does one carbo load for this?
Chicago's Chowhounds know how they'll be using their extra hour this weekend: eating. Their 13-hour Allnightathon will dirty tablecloths from Hyde Park to Uptown and at many points between. The fun ends with an early-morning stroll through the buffet line that is Maxwell Street Market. Related: 24-hour diners and greasy spoons.
Dollar Smoothies!
For those of the smoothie persuasion, this is big news: from 3-6pm today, Jamba Juice is offering a "free" 16-ounce smoothie for a $1 charitable donation to Children's Memorial Hospital. (Find the one closest to you.)
Last days of Demon Dogs
It's time to pay final respects at Demon Dogs, for 20 years an institution under the Fullerton El stop. It will close Oct. 31 as part of the CTA's Brown Line expansion.
The Tomato Lady Talks
The Tomato Lady, a local expert and cultivator of 75 heirloom tomatoes in her small backyard, is giving a talk Saturday morning. At the Culinary Historians of Chicago meeting, Aggie Nehmzow will discuss organic farming of heirloom varieties of produce, biodiversity, community gardens, and teaching children about the importance of organic gardening. Saturday, October 18, 10-noon, at the Chicago Historical Society, 1601 N. Clark St. $10 for the public, $5 for students, free for Culinary Historians. To reserve a spot in the lecture, email rsvpchc[at]yahoo.com.
flesh-free feasting
Looking to strap on a meatless feedbag, but don't want to go to Chicago Diner again? Go Veggie has a list of nineteen all-vegetarian joints around the city and suburbs. Crunchy! Update: VegChicago just launched, offering not just a list of restaurants but vegetarian/vegan friendly groceries and catering companies, too.
Eat and Surf
Chicago Magazine's Morsels column tells us that just-opened Darwin, the new restaurant from the owners of Orange, will be serving up a free WiFi connection along with its upscale burgers and beer. Darwin's at 1935 N. Damen Ave.
Duck fat fries get a Gourmet nod
Hot Doug's is the only Chicago restaurant to get a nod in Gourmet magazine's article, Restaurants We Love. The blurb, which you have scroll down to read, focuses mainly on Doug's Friday- and Saturday-only duck fat fries.
Chicago Chefs
Curious about who Chicago's great chefs are aside from Mr. Trotter or Mr. Bayless, some poking around revealed this list of Guide to Chefs of Chicago and the ACF Chicago Chefs of Cuisine, a chef's guild of sorts.
Important Update: Halfway To St. Pat's
So in case you haven't heard, today is halfway to St. Patrick's Day. Many Irish pubs are having "Halfway To St. Pat's Specials" where you can get a real bargain on some good booze. A good starting point in the venerable KIPLog's Irishmap, though the Chicago Bar Project might have some places to go too. As if you didn't already have a Irish bar in your neighboorhood that's your favorite.
Dining Discount
You like to eat? I like to eat, too. But my dinner at Butterfield 8 is going to cost me 10% less than your dinner. Why? Because I'm a member of idine and you aren't. So? So, I save 10-20% at many restaraunts around the city and no one knows I'm getting a discount.
Pimp Juice
Feeling low on pimp-tacity? Try drinking some Pimp Juice, a new energy drink created by a company with Nelly as the chairman. "Pimp Juice’s artificial coloring gives it a smooth neon green glow, while its 10 % apple juice content adds a natural sweetness to its taste." Um, yeah.
Chef's Collaborative
Since Chicago is surrounced by farmland, you'd think it would be easy to eat local, seasonal produce, but there are few grocers and restaraunts that focus on keeping it local. Chef's Collaborative has a mission of encouraging local, seasonal, and sustainable produce purchases by restaraunts. Their Illinois list is small and I think incomplete. But they explain how to choose sustainable fish and seafood, why grass-fed vs. grain-fed isn't the only factor in getting quality meat, and they have a list of suggestions from farmers to chefs to increase the quality of their menu. Even though the website is directed at chefs and restaraunt owners, it helps to stay informed about what you're putting in your body. The Audubon Society also has a wallet card you can print and carry with you to ensure you aren't eating endangered seafood.
Hot Doug's specials
Bookmark alert: Hot Doug now updates his specials page every morning, so you can check to see when the duck and foie gras sausage or spicy Italian with vodka marinara, basil, and fresh mozzarella comes around. I already know today's lunch: kangaroo. And for the vegetarians, his veggie dogs rock.
Automated grilling
A Chicago innovation that doesn't seem worth bragging about: McDonald's is testing an automated grill that dispenses burgers periodically, with the hope of reducing labor. It's already in use at the Romeoville location.
Le Francais Closed
Fans of Le Francais in Wheeling will be crying in the burgundy tonight: the Daily Herald reports a deal to reopen the internationally famous French restaurant has fallen through. The restaurant suffered in the two years since founding chef-owner Jean Banchet sold it, and it was closed in late June.
Sunday Brunch
The Drake Hotel's ridiculously lavish Sunday Brunch (11:30 am- 2:30 pm) is a Chicago tradition for fancy folks, and the rest of us who just like to pretend. At $35 for unlimited champagne, bloody Marys, and.. what else? right, food like you wouldn't believe, it's practically a bargain (if you drink enough.) Check it out.
Red Line Bars
Metromix has a list of good bars near Red Line El stops. Thing is, New City did it much better back in '99.
Bitter harvest!
Where did that tomato really come from? As the popularity of farmers' markets increases, regulation is getting tougher. But Chicago is cracking down on farmers' market vendors who buy produce wholesale and pass it off as homegrown. (Trib login: gapers/gapers)
Kosher in Chicago
Halakhah is hip. Or so says the Chicago Tribune, which has a nice article on the rise of kosher food in Chicago (login:gapers/gapers). It sounds like the Chicago Rabbinic Council has been busy certifying everything from slurpees to spices. Est gezunterhayt!
Masters of the Grill
Tonight, at Masters of the Grill, some of Chicago's top chefs will be grilling market foods at the Green City Market as a fundraiser for the organic, environmentally sustainable market. Cooks include Rick Bayless from Frontera Grill, Jennifer Newberry from Fortunato, and seventeen others. $35, 5-7pm, at the south end of Lincoln Park between 1750 N. Clark & Stockton Dr.
Veggie/Vegan Chicago again
Veggie food updates: Ian has a nice list of veggie and vegan friendly restaurants in Chicago. Add PJ's excellent and ever expanding vegan food section (with photos of various dishes). Mix well for an animal-friendly time. Also, visit Letizia's Bakery on Division, as they now have a vegan pizza offering.
Homeless Coffee
The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is selling fair trade coffee to raise funds for a coffeehouse to provide jobs and training. Coalition Café organic coffee is available at the Daley Center and Prudential Plaza farmers markets, several stores around town and online. More info and a list of sales location at the CCH's website.
Go Organic?
Is organic food better? An article in today's Times discusses the possible biases in studies on nutritional health. Regardless, most organic farming is more environmentally sustainable, and ingesting poison can't be good for you, even in minute amounts. So if you're organically inclined, head over to the Green City Farmers' Market today and every Wednesday at Lincoln Park just south of Armitage, 7am-3pm.
U-Pick Food
You'll feel all Laura Ingalls Wilder when picking and plucking your own food at small, family-owned farms. Check out this list of Midwest u-pick opportunities compiled by the Univ. of Illinois Extension Office.
Slurpee Alert! Slurpee Alert!
I'm not quite sure what they're hiding by not revealing the location, but 7-11 is going to open its 25,000th store somewhere on the North Side tonight. And if that wasn't enough, you can get a free Slurpee too. A Slurpee is a summer staple, but one can only question some of their other items: Go-Go Tacquitos (does it come with boots?) and DefCon3 Energy Drinks. And word at the rumor mill is that they will soon start selling beer too.
Dinner & Movie al fresco!
The free Chicago Outdoor Film Festival in Grant Park begins next Tuesday with "It Happened One Night." Chicago Magazine's Morsels column tells us Cyrano's Bistro & Wine Bar is offering three different five-course French picnic baskets for $28 for those heading to the movie. Bon appetit et voir!
Hopleaf Food
Speaking of Andersonville and liquor licenses, Hopleaf at Clark and Foster finally got their restaurant license, and has begun serving food. No word yet on how it is, but if it's even half as good as their beer list is comprehensive, it'll be great.
BYOB No More
Andersonville's Tomboy has been sold and the new owners have been able to secure a liquor license. Tomboy owners will be discontinuing the popular restaurant's BYOB policy soon. But there are other BYOB establishments around.
Green City Market auction
The Green City Market, Chicago's best organic and sustainable farmers' market, is having an online auction fundraiser through July 28. Get a group together and bid on various culinary packages from Chicago's top chefs, including dinner in your home by Charlie Trotter, be a pastry chef for a day at Tru, and various classes from the people at Sur La Table and the Chopping Block.
Starbucks invades south side
According to this recent story in the Chicago Maroon, Starbucks may be "getting over its fear of the South Side of Chicago." The coffee retailer has plans to rent out a vacant Hyde Park storefront on 55th Street, and "last month the City approved the company's plan to build a $1.4 million freestanding store with parking on 71st Street and Stony Island Avenue." These two additions would increase the South Side presence of Starbucks to three stores.
Inspections
It's Saturday afternoon, you've got a bit of a hang-over, and a huge craving for greasy, hot fries and a sausage. You lurch to your neighborhood crap-food stand and instead of the lingering smell of old grease, you're greeted with a large orange sticker that has been put there by an inspector from the Department of Public Health. You groan and stop someplace else, which doesn't really satisfy, and you wonder through the meal: "What did they do? What did they do?" Well, thanks to Luke you know where to find out how badly your favorite place has sinned.
Pabst
PBR! According to the New York Times, Pabst consumption is up 134 percent in Chicago.
Burn Trotter's Burn...
"Baby, please don't be like that. I know you were looking forward to eating at Charlie Trotter's last night, but I can't help it if the place caught on fire. Yes, I know you were looking forward to that gold-encrusted lobster stuffed with diamonds, but you will just have to wait until they repair the kitchen. Yes, baby, we'll have to wait another 2 months for a new reservation, but I promise you, it will be worth it. Yes, I promise, I'll still spend $1000 on your meal. You know I love you."
Drinking Outdors
Almost as important as the list of drink specials mentioned here a few days ago, is a list of Chicago beer gardens, where one can enjoy a beverage outdoors now that the weather has finally started to resemble the season. And after last call you'll need the list of 24-hour greasy spoons.
Taste!
Mmmm, smell that? It's the Taste of Chicago getting ready to start up again on June 27th in Grant Park in downtown Chicago. Ten days of sampling food from all over the city, and plenty of live music to wash it down. You can now purchase food tickets at Dominick's around the city, or (if you're cool) online at the Mayor's Office link above.
Barkeep!
There are, of course, many hundred bars in Chicago, so many that someone has taken the effort to compile a list of drink specials by day. This on top of a newspaper devoted entirely to the bar scene. Although it's incredibly easy to get a drink in this town, the June issue of Chicago Magazine reports that it's extremely tough to get a license to sell one. On newsstands now.
Taste of Ann Sather's
Did you know Ann Sather's, the brunch capital of Lakeview, also serves dinner? Stop into the Belmont restaurant this Friday or Saturday after 5pm and enjoy a "Taste of Ann Sather's" -- sample portions of your choice of any four items from their newly updated menu (not reflected on their website, unfortunately), soup or salad and dessert for $12.95. Plus, they're BYO, so you can enjoy whatever wine you please along with the meal. Reservations recommended; call 773/348-2378.
Lake Breeze
Yes, it's almost 11am but damn if I don't feel like having a nice cool drink at the moment. Preferably this scrumptious sounding Lake Breeze by Ian Olsen-Clark.
Mmm, produce.
Summer starts in one week, and you know what that means: farmers markets! More than 30 weekly and monthly markets, scattered across the city, will be offering fresh produce from June through October. The Mayor's Office of Special Events has thoughtfully provided a handy schedule so you can see what markets are closest to you.
Northcenter Ribfest
It's not the big Naperville Ribfest, but the Northcenter Ribfest is this weekend. Local restaurants will compete for the title of best ribs, and an amateur chefs have a separate cook-off. 4000 N. Lincoln Ave June 14, 12pm-10pm; June 15, 12pm-8 pm.
Slow Food Feast of the Senses
The Slow Food movement is sponsoring a Feast of the Senses on Saturday, June 7th / 6:00pm-8:30pm. 24 art galleries will be open for perusal while attendees sample tastings from Chicago's top chefs. Each gallery will host a chef / winery or brewery / food vendor. Tickets are $35 for Slow Food Chicago members / $40 for non-members, and can be purchased online at chicagocooks.com.
Food Part 1.
Okay, okay, we frickin' love to eat so here's a few choice links to Chicago foodies with a vegetarian/vegan slant. Jes has her recipes, and so does Jen. PJ has a nice selection of vegan places he's eaten, both American and Thai, lacking only the recipes to his own creations. Paul goes at it on his food webbity and on a related note, Sandy and Luke talk restaurant. If you know other good Chicago food links and recipes, drop me a line.
Where's My Wax?
Earwax, a video store turned cafe that seemed to be a staple of Wicker Park, is gone. Or is it? As it turns out, they're moving across the street. Although that New City story claims the fantastic Myopic Books will be taking the old Earwax space, a sign in the ol' window claims that "Wicker Park Guns and Ammo and Cocktails" will be taking its space. I'm confused. For now, Filter will have to do.
S'poon-tang'
Whilst browsing some restaurant reviews over at Metromix, I came across this review. I like how the rater expertly gave his advice (warning, a little crude): "OVERPRICED AND OVERHYPED LOUSY SERVICE WITH AN ATTITUDE I HAD A SPOONTANG MARTINI AND IT TASTED LIKE POONTANG YUCK!!" (yes, caps and all). Some may not complain.
Chicago Sushi Club
The Chicago Sushi Club is a group whose "sole mission at this time is to meet on the first Sunday of every month to eat sushi. You don't have to do anything to 'join' the club - just feel free to meet with us at our next outing." The next meeting is Sunday, June 1 at Bistro Nami, 439 W. Ogden Ave. in Clarendon Hills. The club also maintains a good listing of Japanese restaurants in Chicago.
Hot Doug's
Doug Sohn, owner of Hot Doug's in Roscoe Village, is profiled in this week's New City. If you've never been, you really must: get the Raquel Welch (an andouille sausage, nice and hot -- all the encased meats are named after someone) and, if it's a weekend, ask for the french fries fried in duck fat. Divine!
National Restaurant Assn. Trade Show
Getting a seat at a good restaurant this weekend might be a little more difficult than usual. A post on the Chicago Chowhound board points out that the Annual National Restaurant Association show is being held at McCormick Place this weekend, thus flooding the city with eager new patrons. The cost of the trade show, which features food and drink samples, is fifty dollars for people age 16+ who can prove they are somehow in the industry.
Perfect Martini
Jim Coudal makes a perfect martini.
Retro Beers
Metromix has an article about Retro Beers and because this is a big thing for us Chicagoans, you should read it. Notable exceptions include The Empty Bottle whose $1.75 PBR's and $1 Huber Bock's is what it's all about.
NYT hits Milwaukee/North/Damen
"... see how some of the locals might spend the weekend." The New York Times Travel section visits Wicker Park and Bucktown.
Farmer's Market
April Showers may bring May flowers, but May flowers bring farmer's markets. Almost every neighborhood in the City has an area where local farmers set up their seasonal produce and small batch items like jams and sauces. The USDA also has a list of all the farmer's markets in the state.
USDA link found at Fuck Corporate Groceries, where you can find lots of info on non-corporate food buying in Chicagoland.
Reader Resturant Coupons
This may be worth your while if you like dining out a lot (which I know you do). The Chicago Reader has online Resturant Coupons (and menus) for you to use. I assume this page gets updated every so often. Useful.
Bergoff seats
Another tradition falls: After more than 100 years, you may now sit at the Bergoff stand-up bar.
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