« BEST NEW DESSERT BEST NEW BITES » Read how the 30-year-old ex-chef stumbled into his profession, what makes a great bartender, his favorite watering holes, and more. What brought you to Chicago? I moved here for culinary school back in 2001. I went to the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago (CHIC), which is … Read more
« BEST NEW DISH BEST NEW BARTENDER » We’ve tasted fantastic pies, tiramisùs, and crème brûlées, but only the che (pronounced “jay”) at Saigon Sisters—a warm custard made with butternut squash and coconut milk—left us with a lasting impression. Chef Matt Everson tells us more about the seasonal treat, which we hope will make a … Read more
Today, an old friend requested recommendations for a North Side BYO dinner spot—making restaurant suggestions to pals is one of the unofficial duties of a dining editor. After writing him a lengthy reply, I figured I’d pass along the list to you, our readers…
This just in: On a phone call today with Martin Cournane—the co-owner of Wilde Bar & Restaurant and Beckett’s Public House, both in Lake View, plus the in-the-works Lady Gregory’s (5260 N. Clark St.) in Andersonville—I got the scoop on some upcoming changes, including how Cournane is putting two new hires to work despite a high-profile setback…
The question “Where’s your office?” borders on the existential for a freelance worker bee like me. There’s a white desk and a lumbar-friendly chair in my dining room, and that’s where most of my writing gets done. But some days I’m a WiFi nomad, chasing the signal all over the city between interviews, tours, meetings, and, yes, cocktails…
Sixteen muscly maids put up quite a fight at the Chicago League of Lady Arm Wrestlers’ (CLLAW) ninth annual event this Friday at Joe’s Bar on the Near North Side…
Everyone has a story, as we writers relish pointing out. But when I stopped by Wrigleyville’s longtime reggae club The Wild Hare last night to interview the owner, Zeleke Gessesse, about why he’s closing the place on May 15th after 25 years, I found myself in the presence of someone with a Story—capital S, plus italics…
I only met Ric Hess, the longtime co-owner of the Lake View bar Sheffield’s, a handful of times, but he was right up there among the most gregarious proprietors I’ve known. Hess died of a heart attack in January, and I still think about him every time I drive past his place…
1 place everyone’s talking about and dining at—if they can only get a ticket.
Michael Kornick and Erick Williams of mk restaurant are serving up state tartare from the Kansas ranch of Independence native and local CBS anchor Bill Kurtis.
