Milwalky Trace (that’s how it’s spelled, folks…not a typo!) is a small restaurant with big, bold flavors. The compact menu is packed with winners. Located in downtown Libertyville on the main Milwaukee Avenue business strip (known as the “Milwalky Trace” back in the 1800s, it was the trail that led from Chicago to Milwaukee), this […]
Summer means salad. When the sun is really doing it’s thing, I’m all about cool and refreshing. So that’s why I’m loving “Mason Jar Salads and More: 50 Layered Lunches to Grab and Go” (Ulysses Press, 2014), the new cookbook from Julia Mirabella. Reusing Mason jars this way is aesthetically pleasing, and of course, environmentally […]
Downtown Wilmette welcomes another new eatery with the arrival of Couture Cupcake Café. The brainchild of Cathi Volante (who bills herself as “CEO & Cake Artist”), this adorably pink establishment features outstanding cupcakes and made- to-order decorated cakes along with a full Barista bar offering Chicago’s acclaimed Intelligentsia coffee. Only the freshest organic ingredients go […]
If you’re Sting (aka Gordon Sumner), you might tour for funsies with Paul Simon, as he did very successfully earlier this year. Or perhaps, you’ll plumb your childhood memories and write a musical bound for Broadway. Sting’s “The Last Ship” had its star-studded opening in Chicago last night prior to its Broadway debut this fall. Sting and […]
I’m a food tourist. I spend part of every vacation dragging my family to visit the local food markets and grocery stores. Nothing in Paris makes me happier than the organic market on the Rue de Raspail, where I can happily ogle the goat cheeses for hours. And no trip to New York could be […]
Brunch. There’s just something about the word that inspires coziness…and calories. Whatever. I’m totally on board. And I’m not the only one. Weekend brunching has become a contact sport throughout Chicago and the North Shore. All-you-can-eat brunch buffet? A thing of the past. SO 10 years ago. This is a brand-new list, people! (See last […]
Full confession: I’m a Detroit girl, born and raised. Motown was the soundtrack of my youth—yes, I’m aware that everyone who grew up in the ‘60s and ‘70s could claim the same, but it was different in the Motor City, where Berry Gordy’s Motown held fierce pride of place in our hearts. So it’s no […]
Rhubarb is in season, and I couldn’t be happier. Last spring, after many cobblers and pies, I decided to turn my sights to rhubarb beverages. Obviously, rhubarb needs a little loving before adding to a drink, so I went with this beautiful bright pink syrup, so easy to make and so very versatile. I added […]
How merry is the month of May! Especially with Mother’s Day nearly upon us, and you know what that means…BRUNCH. Here in the Chicago area, we take our brunch—and our moms—quite seriously. Mama Wants Some Yummy Take Found Kitchen and Social House (1631 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-868-8945), for example. Executive Chef Nicole Pederson and owner […]
There’s just a hint of spring in the air, and with spring comes change. You’ll Crave It Kim and Scott Holstein, the founders of Kim & Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels , stopped by the MIB office with samples of their new product, the Crave Bar (pictured right). It’s a big square ice-cream bar coated in real chocolate and studded with […]
