When it comes to cocktails, we all have our favorites; in the springtime, I like a French 75 with vodka, not gin which remind me of late afternoons at a sidewalk café in Paris. During the height of summer, I like something citrusy with a herbal, green garden twist like a mojito or something with […]
Those who know me and longtime readers know that I dream of being a Chef one day, having started my site years ago while living in southwestern Germany. I got my start with a stack of cookbooks that my husband gave me as inspiration to start pursuing my dream. If you had told me back […]
Though the tragic events in Paris on November 13th cast a shadow over À la carte Chicago, the spirits of my French colleagues gradually recovered as hope and determination replaced fear. One week later the 31st annual Passport to France event began with an uncorking of emotions in a celebration of French culture and resolve. […]
I recently had the pleasure of attending a private luncheon for the Consul General of France, Mr. Vincent Floreani. The event was part of À la carte Chicago, a celebration of contemporary French cuisine and culture. Fifteen guests gathered at Chez Moi in Lincoln Park to experience a four-course menu prepared by Executive Chef Dominique […]
In November, more than 35 local restaurants and organizations participated in the first annual À la carte Chicago. An 11-day celebration of French food, wine, and culture, with menus and events designed to excite and inspire, and A Cook’s Canvas was invited to cover several of the events. Restaurants across the city, most but not […]
The moment I entered Primehouse I was greeted by a wall of aromas, the most dominant of which was the rich, meaty, charred scent of perfectly grilled steak. My stomach immediately spoke up to remind me that I love steak, especially at a really good steakhouse. As the name implies, Primehouse is just such a […]
There are tacos and then there are tacos. Executive Chef/Partner David Dworshak (formerly of Carnivale, and Spring) of Takito Kitchen has created a delightful menu with a modern-contemporary spin on Latin-American cuisine. Takito Kitchen’s name is a phonetic version of “taquito”, Spanish for little taco. This Wicker Park restaurant is warm and cozy with a […]
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