A glorious trip to Hungary and the Czech Republic last fall opened my eyes and taste buds to the food of Central Europe. It’s not just pretzels, beer and knackwurst—though they are all, of course, delicious—but a world of flavors and textures, from the sweetness of root vegetables to the tang of dark sourdough breads […]
Though the traditional Thanksgiving meal centers around the turkey, it’s often the foods that surround it that are the tastiest at the table. In fact, turkey is the perfect silent partner to these star side dish recipes from top chefs on the North Shore and in Chicago. There are both simple and more intricate […]
The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes a whole lot of special events for which we can be most thankful! It’s not too late to get in on the (food-related) action… Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Ball You’ll want to act fast for this one; it’s being held this Friday, Nov. 7. […]
If you’re a “Shark Tank” fan, you already know aboutKim Daisy and her Daisy Cakes. But if you don’t, believe me—she’s someone that you’d like to know. Why? Because CAKE, people. Delicious cakes, like Southern favorites Red Velvet and Coconut Cake, that you can purchase online or now make at home with her new book, […]
The 1970s was the era of the Big Mac “attack” and the heyday of Hostess. As women began working outside of the home in greater numbers, homemade gave way to convenience. The Crock-Pot became popular as a way to ease women’s nightly dinner woes; it allowed moms to start a meal in the morning and […]
Looking to throw an NFL-worthy tailgate without the hassle of a mini grill and charcoal? These gourmet food venues offer ready-to-go takeout ideas that will have your guests high-fiving. A La Carte Chrisi DiClementi-Harlow, owner of A La Carte in Highland Park (formerly Wilmette), has arranged takeaway tailgate menus (all using disposable serving dishes […]
There’s nothing scarier than a crappy cocktail. So if you’re hosting a Halloween bash, make sure that you aren’t guilty of that transgression. Here are a few that are a wee bit naughty but taste mighty nice: a margarita with just the right amount of pumpkin; a rum-based cocktail with a little sparkle; and a […]
Did you know that Illinois is the top pumpkin-producing state in the country? The vast majority is processed into canned pumpkin and pie mixes, although some become jack-o-lanterns. While the kids might be more interested in carving pumpkins than eating them, you will want to check out these dishes in which local chefs elevate autumn’s […]
River Roast, brought to you by Levy Restaurants, is cooking with wood. Combine a seasonally driven location (most recently of Fulton’s on the River) with a gorgeous view, add in two of Chicago’s most respected chefs of longstanding—John Hogan and Tony Mantuano—and the result is literally incendiary. On an early fall night, the patio overlooking the […]
Garlic. No, thank you, on a first date. Yes, please, if your date is with a vampire. One of our oldest crops, it has been in culinary and medicinal use for more than 7,000 years. Garlic has spawned a subculture that other root vegetables—say, carrots or parsnips—have not inspired. Kitchen tools have been invented specifically for […]
