The Bite of Oregon – August 12-14 – Benefiting Special Olympics Oregon

My first trip to Portland was in July. It’s such a beautiful city with amazing food. The view of Mt.Hood alone is worth it. It was a short trip and with Portland ranking either first, second or third (depending on whom you ask) as having the most restaurants and bars per capita, I was only […]

Fork and the Road – Chicago’s Biking & Eating Adventures

Enjoy the good weather (well, it has been a bit hot the last couple weeks)…check Eat some great food…check Get exercise…check See Chicago from a different perspective…check Even if you don’t have a bike the starting point for each tour will be near a bike rental location. Tour schedule can be found here. Fork and the […]

A Night in East Germany

Ingredients 1 bottle of Radeberger Pilsner (found at a European specialty store like, Genes, any pilsner can be substituted) 1/4 cup Bautzner mittelscharger Senf Medium Hot Mustard (found at a European specialty store like, Genes, any type of mustard can be substituted) 1/2 onion sliced 2 pork loin chops, cut 1-1/4 inches thick salt & pepper to season 1 DVD of […]

Free Things To Do This Weekend – Art & Farmer’s Market

For those of you not going to Lollapalooza, Chicago offers several free events around town. Here are just a few: Neighborhood Farmer’s Markets. Great chance to support your own neighborhood or get out and explore a neighborhood that is new to you and eat some good food. Bridgeport Farmers Market: Saturday 7 am – 1 […]

The Interrupters | A Film by Steve James and Alex Kotlowitz

Yesterday I listened to an interview on Fresh Air about a documentary called “The Interrupters” with the film’s director, Steve James (Hoop Dreams) and one of the interrupters, Ameena Matthews. The interrupters were all in a gang at one time and are working now to prevent violence in the youth of Chicago. The interrupters work for a […]

The Terrace at Trump – Chicago

I’ve always wondered if the view was worth it at The Terrace at Trump. Well, I guess that depends on who is paying. Located on the 16th floor the patio provides a unique view of downtown buildings as well as the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. The vibe is cool and relaxed and provided the […]

Cheap and Easy

Chickpea Salad with Lemon, Parmesan, and Fresh Herbs: Recipe : bonappetit.com. This is one of those recipes that is little work but the pay off is fantastic. Basic ingredients and herbs make this refreshing for the summer and easy on the pocketbook. I’ve made this dish easily 10 times in the last couple of months. […]

Chicago Gourmet 2011 Is Almost Here

Chicago Gourmet. Chicago‘s premier food and wine event is fast approaching. Over 50 chefs including, Rick Bayless (Topolobamo/Frontera Grill/Xoco), Stephanie Izard (The Girl & The Goat), Graham Elliot Bowles (graham elliot/Grahamich), and Ted Allen a food and wine expert will be on hand. Millennium Park will once again be hosting. There will be live cooking demonstrations, […]

Have you been to Northdown Café and Taproom yet?

Northdown Cafe and Taproom opened in Lakeview in May and I have been wanting to check it out. Wow, I love this place. I was there for lunch and it was a really relaxed and friendly vibe. The menu consists of comfort food and a lot of sandwiches that make it hard to choose from. I […]

The Third Annual Taste of the Gold Coast! – Chicago – Eventbrite

The Third Annual Taste of the Gold Coast! – Chicago- Eventbrite. Thirteen of the best restaurants are coming together for the Third Annual Taste of the Gold Coast. Get your cocktail attire ready and spend the evening enjoying some great food and drink on August 23rd at Sutton Place Hotel.