It is winter once again in Chicago. The harsh winds and short grey days call for comfort food and quiet reflection as we prepare ourselves for the chaos of the coming holiday season. This time of year will always make me think of the time we spent living in southern Germany; the winters there were […]
Over the last several months I have been rigorously testing some cookware from legendary French maker Mauviel, and it has totally changed the way I cook. From searing meats to simmering velvety sauces or baking perfectly golden desserts, nothing cooks like copper. Even a thick steak won’t chill a hot copper skillet, and perfectly even […]
“Bonjour!” was the first thing I heard when I entered the luxurious lobby of the Sofitel Water Tower Hotel. The relaxed atmosphere and attentive staff are very welcoming and though I am tempted to linger awhile, my focus today is on the hotel’s crowning jewel, the restaurant Café des Architectes. The dining room has an […]
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 […]
Spring has arrived at last, the trees are full of leaves again and the days are getting longer. Local farmer’s markets are just starting up again and though its still early in the season, the first summer vegetables are starting to appear. Deep red tomatoes, golden yellow squash, dark green zucchini, and violet eggplant are […]
Nestled at the heart of the Burgundy region lies the ancient city of Dijon, capital of Côte-d’Or. Settled in the neolithic period, to the Romans it was known as Divio (sacred fountain); today it is a city of 150,000 and known internationally for the distinctive style of mustard which originated there. From the 11th century […]
In a small medieval village in eastern France, artisan cheesemakers produce small, fragrant wheels of a pungent cow’s milk cheese following a traditional process dating back to the early 16th century. Named for the village where it is made, Époisses de Bourgogne was a favorite of Napoleon, who called it “The King of all cheeses,” […]
Wine and cheese have been paired for centuries, and most people know at least a little bit about how to go about matching them. What most people do not know how to do is to pair cheeses with spirits, liquors, and beers; a trend which is growing among cheese fans who are looking for alternatives […]
Laurent-Perrier’s Brut Millésimé 2004 celebrates one of the finest vintages in recent memory. The resulting wine is a signature house style Brut that captures the unique and rare qualities of that harvest. The label Millésimé is reserved for only the greatest of harvests, and only when the grapes possess unique character is a vintage declared. […]
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