The Best New Cookbooks of 2015

Every year, when it comes time to compile my annual list of favorite cookbooks, I ask myself the same questions: What makes a cookbook compulsively readable? Why do some cookbooks – even those without the Food Network imprimatur – become bestsellers, while others languish on the shelves? Most importantly, which new cookbooks can I not […]

End-of-Summer Treat: Rosé Popsicles

Somewhere along the line, a very boring person decided that it is In Poor Taste to drink rosé after Labor Day. As far as we’re concerned, Indian summer is the perfect time to sip something crisp before the cold weather hits and it’s red wine all the way. Take advantage of late summer produce and […]

The Best and Worst Foods for Your Skin

When it comes to beautiful, healthy skin, hair and nails, the old adage “you are what you eat” definitely rings true. Breakouts, inflammation, brittle nails and dull hair can be improved just by making better food choices. Dermatologist Jordan Carqueville of The Skin Care Center in Glenview and Chicago explains, “Foods containing natural antioxidants help reduce […]

Cibo Trattoria: New Italian in Glencoe

One of this summer’s oddest suburban dramas has ended peacefully: After a few months at odds with the City of Glencoe’s liquor licensing process, Cibo Trattoria has finally been granted their license, and their full bar is now open. For a while there was uncertainty about whether they would remain open; it’s hard to compete […]

How to Build the Perfect Cheese Platter

Cheese platters don’t have to be boring. With just the tiniest bit of effort (meaning think outside the pre-cut Costco cheese box), you can bring some wow to this entertaining standard. It’s time to up your cheese game. Props are important to the overall success of this DIY, so start with a great cheese board. […]

8 Drool-Worthy Instagram Accounts for Foodies

Warning: This article may induce cravings and destroy diets. If, like us, you enjoy a little food porn from time to time, here are eight drool-worthy Instagram accounts you should be following. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you! 1. @hungrybetches We love these “betches” because they post scrumptious-looking breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes. Between […]

Greek Life: Kefi Greek Tavern in Evanston

Kefi is a Greek word (roughly) meaning passion, exuberance, joy, a lust for life. Think Zorba the Greek dancing on the beach, or the Greek custom of smashing plates. For owner John Tasiopoulos, it’s an expression that sums up how he feels about his family, his heritage and his mother’s food. Because at its heart, […]

New in Town: Beth's Little Bake Shop

As if the tiny new corner bakery on Evanston’s Central Street, just east of the Metra tracks, wasn’t adorable enough, it turns out that owner/baker Beth Welch and manager Kate Noble share more than a love of sugar—they’re sisters! They first learned to bake and cook from their beloved grandmother as they grew up fourth-generation […]

Easy Cold Soups for Hot Summer Days

In summer, we’d rather warm up outside than in front of a hot stove or oven. Summer meals should be fast and easy and utilize the bounty of the season. Cold soups fit the bill. They’re a great way to convert fresh fruits and vegetables into a refreshing meal. Gazpacho is the heavyweight of cold […]