You might not be able to taste grapes off the vine, but winter is a relaxing and intimate time to visit California wine country. You’ll find better rates at hotels, it is easier to book winery appointments, and winemakers will have more time to chat. Plus, the weather is still great compared to Chicago! Napa […]
Looking for a great new idea for date night, or something new to do with your gal pals or adult children? The Chicago area has a number of home-grown distilleries pumping out great product, and many of them offer tours and tastings. (Letherbee Distillers, makers of a killer Autumnal Gin, are production only, to my […]
What better gift for the holidays than a trip to one of the new, hot-hot-hot restaurants that have opened just this fall? From the city to the North suburbs, there are options aplenty, and we’ve lined them up for you — alphabetically, of course. We hate to play favorites! Support local food banks and pantries: […]
Eating healthy isn’t hard at True Food Kitchen. This seasonally inspired restaurant from Sam Fox and Dr. Andrew Weil opened its first Midwest location in River North Nov. 22 and features nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory foods and gluten-free, organic, vegetarian and vegan options, as well as a juice and cocktail bar. While the menu regularly changes in […]
NaKorn, a traditional Thai restaurant, celebrated its grand opening in early November. Owners Mina Sudsaard and Sam Rattanopas have been best friends since third grade and immigrated to the United States from Bangkok in 1996. Believing that authentic Thai food shouldn’t just be found in Thailand, the two opened NaKorn, where old-world recipes with a […]
Another year, another 3,458 cookbooks (approximately) published. While many books are just peachy on a tablet or e-reader, there’s something about the hands-on approach with cookbooks, and they’re a gift that everyone loves to get. Personally, I read ‘em like novels, and I particularly connect with the authors who really share a part of themselves; […]
A succulent roast is the ultimate showstopper around the holidays. More often than not, though, roasts take too much time, too much energy, and ultimately underwhelm on the flavor front. Have no fear because we’ve compiled a stunning list of roast recipes that are beautiful to look at AND delicious to eat. So tie up […]
Everybody knows that the real way to a person’s heart come holiday time is through their stomach; in other words, if you’re looking for a gift that’s sure to be a hit, edible gifts that are as beautiful to give as they are delicious to eat are a guaranteed win. Here are familiar favorites as […]
It’s the holiday season. Time to eat, drink and be merry as much as possible before the arrival of the new year. And few traditions honor this adage better than a swanky cocktail party. So whip up a big batch of your favorite boozy beverage and choose a few of these simple snacks for a […]
A great party starts with a memorable cocktail. But who wants to be stuck mixing countless individual drinks all night? After all, your guests are there to spend time with you and won’t have any more fun if you’re slaving away at the bar. When it comes to libations for a crowd, “ease and simplicity” […]
