|
|
September 2009 - Posts
-
On October 5, tiny local-minded Wicker Parker Birchwood Kitchen gets even closer to the earth with a BYOB fall farm dinner. Celebrating the vegetable and animal bounty of Mint Creek Farm , the four-course meal includes dishes like Mediterranean lamb spareribs Read More...
|
-
Tequila and rum, your season is up. As the air picks up a chill, there’s nothing better to warm your gut than a stiff vodka cocktail, and the Moscow Mule (invented in Hollywood in 1941) is one of the most enduring. In this video, mixologist Jeremy Read More...
|
-
– Kraft has six weeks to make a formal offer for Cadbury. [ Bloomberg ] – Never mind! The much maligned rename for Vegemite, iSnack 2.0, has been axed. [ News.com.au ] – The U.S. government's new food safety site. [ FoodSafety.gov Read More...
|
-
Zagat Wine Club delivers top-quality wines straight to your door. It can be overwhelming to pick wine, whether you’re an expert oenophile who has trouble narrowing down your choices, or a beginner who can’t tell Cabs from Pinots. Fortunately, Read More...
|
-
Mercadito Photo: stevenjohnsonphotography NYC Mexican Mercadito makes its way to River North, offering creative renditions of taqueria favorites (guacamole, ceviche, tacos) and a fine selection of tequila and Mexican beers, all served in low-lit, nightclubby Read More...
|
-
The Rocking Horse Photo: stevenjohnsonphotography Hipsters pony up moderate fees to sample over 50 sought-after microbrews (a dozen on tap), sauce-smothered fries and other pub grub at Logan Square spot The Rocking Horse ; the decor’s all retro Read More...
|
-
My parents love it, and they complain about everything. Read More...
|
-
David Burke's Primehouse Photo: courtesy of the restaurant Fall is here, which means Oktoberfest is on. From October 4–7, David Burke's Primehouse partners with local breweries Two Brothers, New Holland and Goose Island for four-course, Read More...
|
-
– Beer-and-cheese pairings are really hot. [ WSJ ] – Judith Jones' hobby? Cattle. [ NYT ] – "Kind of" dining with Michelle Obama. [ AV Club ] – Related: Obama is giving world leaders honey from the White House apiary Read More...
|
-
Otom Photo: stevenjohnsonphotography On October 8, get into the spirit, literally, at Otom , where new chef Thomas Elliot Bowman will host a three-course dinner with cocktail pairings from North Shore , the Lake Bluff boutique distillery. Along with the Read More...
|
-
Shaw's Crab House Photo: courtesy of the restaurant As if last week's win wasn't enough reason to wear your team gear, every Chicago Bears game day for the remainder of the season, Shaw’s Crab House in River North is offering one free Read More...
|
-
– Get ready for in-flight mixology. [ Fork in the Road ] – A California distributor is recalling 1,715 cartons of spinach. [ LAT ] – $120 all-organic entrees coming soon to Chicago. [ The Stew ] – Too many cooks in the online kitchen. Read More...
|
-
Gemini Bistro Photo: stevenjohnsonphotography Veteran Chicago chef Jason Paskewitz (of the shuttered JP) helms smart Lincoln Park eatery Gemini Bistro , which mixes affordable New American bistro bites – duck confit nachos, crab cake Benedict – Read More...
|
-
The Bad Apple Photo: stevenjohnsonphotography Brew-themed pub fare – think a beer-can chicken sandwich and steak frites with ‘beer-naise’ – pairs with an extensive draught and bottle selection, plus funky cocktails, at North Center Read More...
|
-
Well, lookee here. Our Zagat To Go iPhone app has joined the ranks of Einstein , Big Brother and those dancing shadow people by appearing in an Apple ad. Check it out here . Read More...
|
-
Stephanie Izard Photo: courtesy of Bravo Fans of good causes and top toques, take note. On Friday, October 16, Macy’s on State Street hosts the 2009 Celebrity Chef Ball to benefit Meals on Wheels Chicago . More than 60 chefs from here and around Read More...
|
-
– Caesar's, the Tijuana restaurant and popularizer of the Caesar salad, has closed. [ AP ] – My goodness, 250 years of Guinness. [ Independent ] – Thinking about waiters, tipping and health care. [ NYT , SE ] – At a farmer's Read More...
|
-
Outstanding service – they would probably chew your food for you if you asked. Read More...
|
-
Courtight's Photo: Dan Dry On Sunday, October 4, Willow Springs New American Courtright's wants to take you on a magical mystery tour. Well, more of a "Hen-of-the-Woods Nature Hike and Luncheon," actually. After meeting at the restaurant Read More...
|
-
– Suddenly everyone wants to tax soda. [ Chronicle , WSJ , Atlantic ] – Naturally, Michelle Obama was the first customer at the new White House farmer's market. [ Obamafoodorama , Atlantic ] – Venezuela prepares to nationalize its Read More...
|
-
Cibo Matto Photo: stevenjohnsonphotography Loop-area lunchers have a new option for filling up at Cibo Matto , the Italian newcomer in the Wit Hotel. Tuesday–Friday, from 11:30 AM–2 PM, chef Todd Stein (ex mk ) is whipping up Boot standards Read More...
|
-
Having one of those days? Why not slip out of work a little early and have a sip of wine. Or 20. Today, at 5:30 PM, River North's Osteria Via Stato welcomes master sommelier and Check Please! host Alpana Singh as she leads a wine tasting featuring Read More...
|
-
– Talking trade, China and chicken feet. [ NYT ] – Meet the man behind McDonald's kitchens. [ Business Week ] – British television toque Keith Floyd dead at 65. [ Independent ] – Two looks at why Tavern on the Green failed. Read More...
|
-
Ben S. Bernanke has announced that the recession is "very likely over,” but unfortunately that may not mean much to the many malnourished children in this country. During the "Great American Dine-Out," happening from September 20–26, Read More...
|
-
XOCO Photo: stevenjohnsonphotogprahy Masterful chef Rick Bayless champions Mexican street food at XOCO , an all-day counter-service River North arrival with a name that means ‘little sister’ and a menu that includes soups, empanadas and ultrafresh Read More...
|
-
South Loop Asian Opera is currently running two wallet-friendly deals worth singing about. On Wednesdays, from 5:30–10:00 PM, those interested in the restaurant's signature "wok" menu can give its dishes a whirl for half-price. Then, Read More...
|
-
– Craft beers are doing just fine in the recession. [ Tribune ] – Norman Borlaug, a highly influential agriculturalist, has died at 95. [ NYT ] – In the wake of McCurry, MoFalafel plans to fight back and reclaim its "Mc." [ Read More...
|
-
Being near a body of water doesn’t make the seafood fresh. Read More...
|
-
Yak-Zies Photo: stevenjohnsonphotography After a two-year blackout, booze-soaked, decades-old Lakeview basement bar Yak-Zies has come to and cleaned itself up with personal TVs at the tables, pendant lights and gleaming wood; young, old and ancient members Read More...
|
-
Tavern at the Park Photo: stevenjohnsonphotography Ever want to get in on the behind-the-scenes action at a restaurant without, y'know, opening a restaurant? We already told you that Bin 36 is letting wannabe vintners blend their own wines , and now Read More...
|
-
– After losing its legendary lease, Tavern on the Green declares bankruptcy. [ Diner's Journal ] – "The American way of eating has become the elephant in the room in the debate over health care." [ NYT ] – So what went Read More...
|
-
Bin 36 Photo: Brian Hall If you've fantasized about someday becoming a winemaker, or are just interested in living the life of an armchair vintner, head to Bin 36 on Sunday, October 4, for its "Harvest Festival." Attendees will have the Read More...
|
-
Experience the Seine without straying far from the shores of Lake Michigan. On Thursday, September 10, diners are invited to raise a glass to the end of summer at Gold Coaster Bistro 110 ’s beautifully renovated outdoor patio. The "Paris-in-Chicago Read More...
|
-
– After eight years, McDonald's has lost its "McCurry" lawsuit. [ Reuters ] – Are Cocoa Krispies really a "Smart Choice"? [ NYT ] – Food editor Sylvia Schur has died at 92. [ NYT ] – The Chicago–New Read More...
|
-
Old Town Social Photo: stevenjohnsonphotography Chef-driven New American bar bites (e.g. crispy duck wings, goose-fat potato chips, a charcuterie station), an extensive beer selection with plenty of Belgians and a vintage vibe distinguish Old Town Social Read More...
|
-
Chilam Balam Photo: stevenjohnsonphotography Artisanal Mexican small plates, including seasonal specials, are crafted with sustainable ingredients at the midpriced Lakeview arrival Chilam Balam , where an upbeat music mix enlivens the cozy setting featuring Read More...
|
-
-
Looking for a good reason to check out River North's Italian-Asian mash-up Italiasia ? In an effort to entice dinner parties, the restaurant has rolled out a five-course paired " Tasting Menu with a View " in its private dining rooms overlooking Read More...
|
-
– Engineering craft beers that travel well. [ WSJ ] – The Nation unveils its fall food issue. [ The Nation ] – Wolfgang Puck 's involvement with the failed ".food" domain has led to a $5 million lawsuit. [ EMD ] – Read More...
|
-
Go Greek on September 17 when the River East Art Center hosts " A Night in the Kouzina ," organized to benefit The National Hellenic Museum . Among chefs preparing tastes of Med cuisine are George Bumbaris ( Prairie Grass Cafe ), Carrie Nahabedian Read More...
|
-
Old Town Brasserie Market Photo: stevenjohnsonphotography Pack up your favorite vino: starting this month, Old Town Brasserie Market has dropped its corkage fee during Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner service (312-943-3000; reserve online ). Read More...
|
-
– The economy hasn't stopped new restaurants, just caused them to rethink their plans. [ NYT ] – Inside the end of a restaurant. [ SF Chronicle ] – Luring families with things like free food for tykes. [ WSJ ] – To celebrate Read More...
|
-
Nana Photo: stevenjohnsonphotography Bridgeport hosts the charming family-owned storefront Nana , where the daytime-only American and Mexican menu showcases organic and sustainably raised ingredients along with juices and fresh pastries; white paneling, Read More...
|
-
The casual, family-friendly North Suburban Happ Inn Bar & Grill from Carlos and Debbie Nieto ( Carlos’ ) serves midpriced classic American fare like roast chicken and creative burgers, plus a kids' menu, in a setting decked out with funky Read More...
|
|
|
|