Presents! ‘Tis the season, but gift giving can be fraught. Will they like it? Will it fit? Do they already have it? There’s one sure-fire option that will please even the pickiest giftee: food. And now, with thousands of choices out there, it’s easier than ever to find just the right fit for your friend […]
If you love both cooking and travel, why not combine your two passions with a cooking school vacation in an exotic locale? Here are three excursions where learning to cook is as much fun as sampling the final product: Food. Mouthwatering, scrumptious, heavenly food. It triggers the senses to evoke emotions, memories and, most especially, […]
I hate to play favorites with my cookbooks, because like children, each is special in its own way. But a little competition is healthy, so I’ll tell you what I really think — at least about my new darlings for 2018. I don’t want my old cookbooks to be jealous, so keep it to yourself, […]
It’s that time of year again — truffle season. Whether you prefer the black Périgord truffle or the white Alba truffle, these Chicagoland restaurants will happily shave the good stuff over your favorite dishes. Truffle season typically lasts until January, so carpe diem! Here’s where to get your fix of these pungent tubers before they […]
All coffee is not created equal. Some stand out for their branding, delicious lattes, and cozy cafes. Others break the mold by creating community, helping charities, and supporting local farmers. Then you have the perfect combo; a stellar local coffeehouse and roaster that produces the perfect cup of coffee and also goes above and beyond […]
There’s never a shortage of things to do and places to eat around Chicago, and now there’s even more to add to your hit list. From baseball-themed craft cocktails and top-notch coffee and pastries to cutting-edge virtual reality experiences and a new pilates studio, these are just a few of the new restaurants and businesses […]
Everybody has their personal MVP dish at Thanksgiving dinner. The turkey! The potatoes! The stuffing! The cranberry sauce! The pie! Sadly, the humble vegetable side dish often gets lost in the starchy/meaty/sugary blaze of glory and rarely gets the love it deserves. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all in for the indulgent side of this […]
The only thing better than a special meal shared with family and friends is one that you don’t have to cook yourself — or clean up after. These clever city and suburban restaurants serve up that most elusive of all combinations: a killer private room or space for personal dining, plus swoon-worthy food. The Albert […]
The countdown to Thanksgiving has officially begun. If you’re in charge of the meal, you’re probably already frenetically scouring recipes, making schedules, and engaging in seemingly endless coordination with friends and family. Given how many items are already on your Thanksgiving to-do list, why not give yourself a breather when it comes to the culinary […]
As every home chef knows, a great gadget can help cut down the time you spend in the kitchen while also adding flair to your dishes. An egg slicer can thinly slice not just eggs, but also strawberries and avocados for salads that look like they came from a high-end restaurant. A 2-in-1 oil mister […]
