During this challenging time of strict social distancing and the monotonous isolation of being locked up indoors for weeks at a time, I think we all could use a little comfort, and what could be more comforting than warm home-made fried apple fritters? Most of the ingredients you probably already have on hand, other than […]
Here in the midwest, it seems there was almost no fall season this year, and already the deep winter weather is upon us. We Chicagoans are accustomed to brisk winters, but they usually don’t begin in early November with bone-chilling blasts. But here we are, leaves still green with late summer’s warmth, now frozen to […]
I love fish, all kinds of fish and whether it’s baked, seared, grilled or fried, I’ll happily eat it. When I try out a new restaurant, I usually start with the seafood section of the menu and work my way back to traditional fare. Jason, on the other hand, isn’t such a devoted seafood fan, […]
The Lagunitas name is legendary among beer aficionados, and since 2014 the Chicago brewery and taproom have been thrilling locals and tourists alike with world-class beers made right here in the city, served up alongside some of the most spectacular pub grub in Chicago. The brewery is located on the near west side in a […]
Who doesn’t love cheese? I’ve had great cheeses from all over, but my favorites tend to be French. I love creamy camembert, nutty salty hard aged Mimolette, and the deep savory earthiness of blue veined brie. For us there was a bit of a learning curve, an acquiring of taste to really enjoy strongly flavored […]
People either love or hate oysters, I don’t know if I’ve ever met someone who was indifferent about them; there is just something so delightful about enjoying these briny little morsels of sweet tender flesh right out of their shells in their own natural broth. I never pass up a chance to have them, and […]
I’m a sucker for fruit desserts. Truth be told, I usually reach for these desserts before chocolate. I know, I know… I’m crazy, aren’t I? There’s something about the sugary, caramelized, fruit that has me wanting another bite. No matter whether its freshly baked banana or blueberry muffins, or any variation of fruit tart, I’m […]
I went in the kitchen today to make a pasta salad and as I grabbed the vine to twist off a tomato, the scent of the vine hit me. It’s a lovely smell only vine-ripe tomatoes have, and one that takes me back to my childhood. Tomatoes hold a special place in my heart. I’ve always […]
A Cook's Canvas 