Empanadas Brought to You by the Recession

Like many in the last few years, Nicolas Ibarzabal’s job was in danger of being a casualty of the economic downturn. He decided to channel his energy into creating his own business based around what he described as one of his “passions” — the empanada. With two other fellow Argentines 5411 Empanadas was created. Chicago […]

Top 50 Fit for Foodies Restaurants – 2011 Diners’ Choice Winners

Open Table asked their readers to rate what they consider the best restaurants in the country. Based on over 10 million restaurant reviews they compiled the following list of the top 50 restaurants for “foodies.” Link to the list is below: Top 50 Fit for Foodies Restaurants – 2011 Diners’ Choice Winners. Six restaurants in […]

“A beautiful setting full of happy people” – Dose Market Chicago

The next Dose Market is this Sunday September 25th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m in the River East Art Center. Dose is a year-round monthly event that features local vendors that are handpicked for their food or fashion innovation. Food and fashion — can’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Especially […]

I Have a Secret

Julius Meinl has great coffee (they have been around for 150 years), wonderful tea, quality food and a great space to enjoy all of these things in. But here’s the secret, the real reason to come here are the little cookies they serve with the drinks. There is just one little crisp cinnamon cookie that comes […]

O’Hare Airport Debuts Aeroponic Vegetable Garden

Good news for travelers coming through O’Hare International Airport — fresh on-site produce will be served in several restaurants. According to the Huffington Post the aeroponic garden is the “first in-airport vertical garden at O’Hare will supply the international airport’s restaurants with swiss chard, red habanero peppers and 42 other types of herbs and vegetables […]

Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusements | September 16-18, 2011 – Eckhart Park

Just another Chicago festival? The more I read about Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusements the more I realized it did not sound like the typical Chicago festival. The About page of their site states, “Our ultimate goal is to create a distinct environment that allows a wide audience to be entertained with the most creative ideas and […]

News: Magnolia Bakery In Chicago Loop

I had my first Magnolia cupcake in the West Village in 1999. I remember it being good but what I really remember is the long line. I expect the Magnolia Bakery that is opening up in the Loop will be very popular as well. I just hope the lines don’t equal what they were/are in NYC. […]

Chicago « Renegade Craft Fair & Other Weekend Fests

Even though the weather has indicated summer is over and fall has arrived it’s still nice enough to enjoy some of the last Chicago festivals this weekend. Here are a few of my favorites: Renegade Craft Fair Chicago – One of the best fairs to showcase handmade crafts and art. The emphasis for this fair is […]

I Ate Alligator | Union Sushi + Barbeque – River North

I didn’t plan on it, it just happened one night in River North. So began my meal at Union Sushi + Barbeque. Seems to be the “it” thing this year in Chicago, sushi & BBQ. Said alligator is pictured above on the right-hand side. Looks harmless, doesn’t it? Someone asked me if it was crispy, it was not. […]

Taste of Greece 2011 – Greektown Chicago

Last weekend was Taste of Greece in Greektown and I did not leave hungry. My knowledge of Greek food is pretty limited, when I think of Greek food the Gyro comes to mind. I did have one and it was good (see pic below). But I was lucky enough to have my friend Dana with me […]