Great hot chocolate is not to be trifled with. You’re either serious and willing to wait for it (freshly made with high-quality artisanal chocolate) or you’re not (Swiss Miss). So let’s lay down some simple laws. Rule #1: No commercial mixes allowed. We’re talking house-made, chocolate-forward, honest-to-goodness hot chocolate. Sugar is not the main ingredient […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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” […]
The Midwest is widely considered to be one of the premier areas of the country for farming apples. With hundreds of varieties grown annually, it’s no surprise that the region’s hard cider culture has taken the nation and the beverage world by storm. From right here in Illinois all the way to Iowa, Michigan and […]
Football season is upon us! Whether or not you want to waste — er, spend — your time watching the Bears or not is up to you, but if you’re wondering which sports bar is best for cheering on your favorite college team with plenty of like-minded fans, we can help you out. And listen, […]
A well-aged cheddar, a creamy brie, a funky bleu or a perfectly fried curd. If that doesn’t have you halfway out the door and headed north to one of Wisconsin’s many cheesemakers and creameries already, how about pairing it with a beer from one of the Badger State’s many craft breweries? Sounds like a road-trip-worthy […]
A well-aged cheddar, a creamy brie, a funky bleu or a perfectly fried curd. If that doesn’t have you halfway out the door and headed north to one of Wisconsin’s many cheesemakers and creameries already, how about pairing it with a beer from one of the Badger State’s many craft breweries? Sounds like a road-trip-worthy […]
