Kale is known for its exceptional nutrient richness, health benefits and delicious flavor—although kids might argue otherwise. Kale can taste bitter and be hard for kids to handle, and there’s no fooling them when you try to slip it in a side salad at dinner. This leafy green is low in calories and high […]
I love coconut at any time of year, but Passover really seems like the perfect time for this gluten-free treat. And when you talk about macaroons, you have to go to the source: Dan Cohen, author of “The Macaroon Bible” and owner of Danny Macaroons, who makes some of the most scrumptious and inventive macaroons around. […]
Chicago has a long history with meat. From the Civil War to well into the 20th century, we were the country’s meatpacking epicenter, slaughtering, packing and shipping cattle and swine via railroad freezer cars to the furthest reaches of America. Today, the Meatpacking District is going back to its roots on a small scale with […]
Honey is hot this summer. The golden liquid is gaining in popularity as people discover different varieties of honey, as well as its diverse uses and benefits. Types of Honey There are more than 300 kinds of honey produced in the United States, according to the National Honey Board’s website. “Honeys come in all flavors […]
Before summer slips away and autumn leaves start blowing through the Windy City, make sure to get out on the water. No boat? No problem! The Chicago River has plenty of places for dining and drinking in the views of the waterfront. A night along the river will leave you with lasting memories of why […]
My favorite summer fruit is in full swing this season due to all the water from melted snow and lots of sunshine. Before I moved from California to the Midwest, I had a peach tree in my yard that bore an abundant amount of the luscious fruit. I enjoyed making peach preserves and baking peach […]
I went to the opening of the über hip-and-happening Soho House Chicago (113-135 N. Green St., Chicago, 312-521-8000) last week. Aside from the not-very-surprising realization that I am, in fact, a middle-aged suburban mom, I was duly impressed with the whole operation. The six-story hotel/private members’ club—one of 12 worldwide, including U.S. outposts in LA […]
Meet Mike Smylie, amiable Winnetka native, ex-commodities broker, oldest of five boys, lover of craft beers, brewing and barbecue. He has rebuilt and repurposed the old Oak Street Market/Social Security Office space in downtown Evanston, and along with Head Brewer Brad Pulver and Executive Chef Grant Carey, opened Smylie Brothers Brewing Co., an enormous bar/restaurant/brewery […]
Glenview’s popular Valley Lodge Tavern has opened an outpost in downtown Wilmette in the space abandoned by Big Black Dog Tavern, and it seems to be agreeing with the locals. Families thronged the place on both weekday visits. They’ve made some agreeable changes in décor, including opening up the space from a series of smaller […]
After one of the worst winters in history here in Chicago, one good thing has come out of it: plenty of moist, rich soil with a sunny spring and summer. As a result, my basil has been more bountiful than ever! I love basil. It is easily my favorite herb because of its aromatic […]
