tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89634489588039318842012-02-16T20:58:24.975-08:00eat up and writeStacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.comBlogger551100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-5858429248361830352009-05-24T11:43:00.000-07:002009-05-24T12:13:51.937-07:00

Now that Memorial Day is over, barbecue season is in full swing and chefs all around the city are gearing up to celebrate. Executive Chef Rick Gresh of David Burke’s Primehouse is already ahead of the game with his weeklong offering of $5 “Burkers” during lunch (Monday, May 25-Friday, May 30). The limited menu will include specialty selections like the restaurant’s signature 40-day dry aged

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-13164189845362988502009-05-13T08:55:00.000-07:002009-05-13T09:02:24.920-07:00

Looks like we're not the only ones with asparagus on the brain this month. The Brits are all over the gorgeous green, too, check out the BBC's Adventures with asparagus video for tips and recipes.

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-20616933972926071912009-05-13T08:39:00.000-07:002009-05-13T08:46:12.638-07:00

It's the season for all things green, and there's a reason why asparagus tops the list of our favorite farm-fresh picks each year. Its vibrant green stalks (or white, if you're into that sort of thing) are great for snacking raw, drizzling with olive oil, tossing in a salad, blending into a soup and (our personal favorite) wrapping in bacon. In fact, the possibilities for asparagus are almost

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-55570928807396952982009-04-04T04:52:00.000-07:002009-04-04T05:02:08.936-07:00

It's crunch-time. Passover is just days away, and you're anxiously waiting to play gracious host to the entire family. You've stocked up on matzo, you've memorized your bubbe's brisket recipe, you've busted out the good china and you've even gone through the trouble of shining each delicate piece. In your intoxicating cleaning frenzy, you realize you forgot a couple of key ingredients (not to

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-73582448376642248952009-03-27T14:29:00.000-07:002009-03-27T14:56:47.015-07:00

Rhubarb Almond CrumbleToni Roberts, C-HouseWhen Executive Pastry Chef Toni Roberts thinks of spring, she thinks of rhubarb. Growing up, the succulent stalks were a staple on her family's Easter table. She loves this recipe because it's simple to prepare and makes the perfect dessert for welcoming the season. Roberts notes that the Moscato wine can be left out of the recipe, but says that it

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-29538347458355676942009-03-27T14:22:00.000-07:002009-03-27T14:29:05.887-07:00

I have a tendency of forgetting the usuals-- things like names, birthdays and anniversaries. Things everybody forgets from time to time. But it's become a real issue since I've been pregnant and my poor husband gets the worst of it. It's now as bad as forgetting my next sentence, what I did last weekend or having the gas turned on in our new apartment.We managed to endure an entire month in this

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-80748807965463401602009-03-27T14:09:00.000-07:002009-03-27T14:21:09.411-07:00

As a culture, we're obsessed with food—preparing it, sharing it, smelling it and most of all, eating it. French gastronome and author Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826) put it best in his celebrated book, The Physiology of Taste, when he wrote, "Gourmandise is an impassioned, rational and habitual preference for all objects that flatter the sense of taste." And sometimes, those objects

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-54006118363482955582009-02-12T15:23:00.001-08:002009-02-12T15:26:09.061-08:00

As a chef-in-training, it takes a lot to please my husband's palate. He comes home from culinary school each day with a newfound appreciation of some peculiar French cooking method that I'm pretty sure isn't even practiced in France anymore. Dining out together has become more of an educational session than a pleasurable date, and there is always a dish that would've been perfect "if they'd just

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-38714586887464817692009-02-12T05:14:00.000-08:002009-02-12T05:27:12.896-08:00

Today, going gluten-free is as much a health trend for fitness junkies as it is a necessity for those with wheat allergies and Celiac Disease. But cutting gluten from your diet isn't easy when the bulk of our foods are made with wheat, rye, barley and oats. Fortunately, there are a number of alternatives to your favorite gluten-fueled foods, and we've got a list of the spots that serve

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-45094109458443183602009-01-22T04:08:00.000-08:002009-01-22T04:11:45.259-08:00

Since I've been pregnant, eating has become one of the dullest aspects of my day. Mornings and afternoons are filled with bowls of dry Cheerios and plates of saltine crackers. Evenings are spent as far away as possible from the potent aromas of my husband's cooking in our minuscule kitchen. Everything, I mean EVERYTHING, smells strong. And none of it smells good.I'm longing for the second

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-40278413496850007842009-01-22T04:01:00.000-08:002009-01-22T04:06:30.780-08:00

Chicago's second annual Restaurant Week is coming up soon (February 20-27), which means 130 top restaurants in the city will be providing special prix-fixe menus at a reduced price ($22 for lunch and $32 for dinner). Since you have just seven days to feast, it's vital to pick the spots with the sweetest deals. And it's just as crucial to get your reservations in before herds of famished foodies

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-21283046737923036422008-12-20T04:25:00.000-08:002008-12-20T04:41:24.823-08:00

Chef Marcus Samuelsson does it all. He cooks, he writes, he teaches, he paints. And he still finds time for soccer on Sundays. Dividing most of his time between New York and Sweden, Samuelsson recently paid a visit to his Chicago restaurant, C-House, where I had the opportunity to catch up with him over a cup of coffee. Just in town long enough to host a wine dinner with Brian

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-68239672084323414972008-12-15T08:39:00.000-08:002008-12-15T08:57:43.277-08:00

Growing up in a small Michigan town, my options for artisan products and gourmet foodstuffs were limited, and by limited I mean non-existent. The closest thing to a Whole Foods was the corner market, where gourmet meant adding top-grade beef to a box of Kraft mac 'n' cheese. Sure, the produce in that town was always fresh, thanks to its plentiful pastures. But, honestly, what good are fresh

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-28515148405843470332008-12-02T21:44:00.000-08:002008-12-02T21:49:33.488-08:00

If it were ever appropriate to describe a place as “sexy,” Carnivale could be compared to the likes of the glamorous Angelina Jolie or perhaps a modern day Marylin Monroe. Yes, if Carnivale were a woman, she would surely be a Hollywood It Girl. And recently, she’s gotten a sweet makeover with a brand new holiday dessert menu, crafted by Executive Chef Mark Mendez. Carnivale’s complete holiday

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-64905200813161407642008-12-02T21:39:00.000-08:002008-12-02T21:43:49.484-08:00

There’s nothing quite like receiving a nice bottle of wine when hosting a party. The go-to gift leaves little room for complaint and offers a lasting impression.But no mater how appreciative your gracious hostess might seem when receiving the bottle, she’s likely more bored than anything over your predictablity: Seriously? I slaved over a hot oven for something that took you two minutes to pick

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-17620519674228715452008-12-02T21:34:00.000-08:002008-12-02T21:39:00.918-08:00

With final exams just around the corner, you'll need a place to stay alert while you work. These spots may not be as distraction-free as the local library, but they do offer plenty of space for books, laptops and sleep-deprived students. Cafe AvantiCafe Avanti gets an A-plus for being at the top of its class in nearly all coffeehouse categories. Unlike those java shops that provide guests

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-82858949365606124552008-12-02T21:29:00.000-08:002008-12-02T21:34:16.229-08:00

Feeding the whole family without cooking all day can be a serious challenge in this city. Sure, we've got some of the best restaurants and most lauded chefs in the nation, but they typically have an unofficial child ban. So instead of pleasing your palate with seasonal and local fare, you end up stuffing your face with greasy fries and reheated burgers at TGI Friday's or the next nearby chain.

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-53045475745396688882008-12-02T21:22:00.000-08:002008-12-02T21:29:04.511-08:00

Chicago's South Side, once a breeding ground for all manner of artists—novelist Upton Sinclair, poet Gwendolyn Brooks, gospel singer Thomas A. Dorsey and bluesman Muddy Waters, to name a few—is now a harvest town for some of Chicago's best cooks. And when it comes to comfort food, the area can only be matched by the deepest southern states. If you only have one day to experience it all, here's

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-72085199355061939902008-11-19T07:53:00.000-08:002008-11-19T08:01:23.988-08:00

You don't have to hail from the Emerald Isle to enjoy a heaping plate of fish and chips. But you might have to hail a cab after noshing on the stuff at these beer-crazed pubs. Duke of PerthNext to its sweeping list of scotch, the made-from-scratch fish and chips is the main draw here. Especially on Wednesdays and Fridays when the pub offers an all-you-can-eat special. And special

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-1551580501929305492008-11-14T13:40:00.000-08:002008-11-14T13:44:47.682-08:00

For those who don't speak fluent sushi, uni is the Japanese name for a sea urchin's edible bits. Unfortunately, those bits aren't very pretty, nor are the creamy, tongue-like textures. But what it lacks in aesthetics, uni more than makes up for in flavor. If you're not put-off by its hideous appearance and strange consistency, you'll appreciate these sushi spots that do it right. And if you are

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-41233007940627323742008-11-14T13:32:00.000-08:002008-11-14T13:38:26.471-08:00

Before Liza Minelli hit the stage in fishnets, green fingernails and fake lashes, Chicago was brimming with Broadway acts and burlesque shows. But after reaching its peak during Prohibition, the once-popular stage performances went cold with the repeal. Over the past few years, however, cabaret has made a comeback in these local haunts. Blue BayouSkip the movies at Southport's

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-11468426361170629992008-11-14T13:26:00.001-08:002008-11-14T13:31:10.665-08:00

Charlie Trotter, Rick Bayless, Art Smith, Grant Achatz—the names of Chicago's most lauded chefs are instantly recognizable, and also noticeably masculine. But as Stephanie Izard's win on last season's "Top Chef" showed, our kitchens are full of talented women, too. Before cheering on another Chicago girl—Between Boutique Cafe and Lounge's Radhika Desai—this season, we interviewed some of the

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-35269176767590911262008-11-11T14:03:00.000-08:002008-11-11T14:20:31.724-08:00

I used to wait tables at a local Italian joint. The place is no longer open and I can't help thinking its closing had a little something to do with the two always-on flat-screens slung above the bar. The number-one complaint I received during my table-waiting days was always in regard to those pesky TVs, which cranked out an endless stream of outdated music videos. Inspired by those patrons who

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-37080954137118742232008-11-11T13:56:00.000-08:002008-11-19T08:03:37.079-08:00

Recently, my fiance treated me to dinner at Fiddlhead Cafe-- his favorite Lincoln Square spot. The place had been on my list of must-eats for a while, and had I known I was missing out on one of the sweetest desserts on Chicago's North Side, it would have taken top priority.After cooing over a bowl of steamed mussels with chorizo, veggies, wild rice and saffron broth ($11) and a cheese plate with

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-68825555333984765242008-10-21T10:49:00.000-07:002008-10-21T11:23:56.109-07:00

Celebrate Fall with a slice of pumpkin cheesecake at one of these local spots.Birch River Grill is serving pumpkin cheesecake, dusted with cinnamon and topped with caramel sauce and whipped cream, $6. Eli's couldn't settle on just one pumpkin cheesecake, so instead the shop sells four variations. The first is a classic concoction, baked on an all-butter shortbread cookie crust. Then there's a

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-39553763826502399122008-10-09T07:37:00.000-07:002008-10-09T07:44:07.332-07:00

Halloween is a busy time for Lisa Albertson of Deerfields Bakery, who has been whipping up pumpkin-decorated sugar cookies for her loyal patrons. These aren't just any ol' sugar cookies, though. Albertson uses a gluten-free recipe to produce the delicate, melt-on-your-tongue pastry. The treats are topped with a simple orange icing-- made with nothing but water, powdered sugar, orange extract and

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-57853623612022283862008-10-09T07:24:00.000-07:002008-10-09T07:43:39.311-07:00

You don't have to strap on a fancy three-piece or have a wallet brimming with Benjamins to do a good deed. At least not when these local bars and restaurants are offering such charitable deals, all in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Martini Park: American Cancer SocietyMartini Park's homespun cotton candy makes it easy to donate. The sticky-sweet treat might look

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-17599421969931851922008-09-27T15:25:00.000-07:002008-09-27T15:36:35.876-07:00

I like tapas for a reason. And it's not the eclectic range of Spanish-inspired fare that reels me. Nor is it the span of spices, meats and artisan cheeses that I know I can always count on at a decent tapas joint.What pulls me to these sharing-friendly spots is the scaled-down portions; when I eat tapas, I know that I can single-handedly down two or three platefuls of food and not have to undo

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-65696841058906487042008-09-12T12:39:00.000-07:002008-09-12T12:42:16.505-07:00

"Homemade banana-nut bread, just $3 a slice," barista Heidi Houchen announced as she carried out a baking pan, straight from Cafe Avanti's oven. The buttery aroma was enough allure in itself, but I knew I'd be safe from the gluten-heavy temptation, so long as I didn't get a good look (out of sight, out of mind-- right?).And then Houchen walked over with a fork, "would you like to try some

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-42168459924271250572008-09-01T10:55:00.000-07:002008-09-01T11:01:42.412-07:00

The often-mispronounced prix-fixe concept is popular for a reason: You get to taste several items on upscale menus teeming with appealing choices, and you leave feeling just right, thanks to the scaled-down portions. That is, if you can afford it. Many prix-fixe menus can run well over $100, leaving the average diner out of luck. Fortunately, some neighborhood spots have found a way to keep it

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-67382511448359404272008-08-28T07:10:00.000-07:002008-08-28T07:13:54.244-07:00

Last month I mentioned Bleeding Heart Bakery teacakes at Cafe Avanti and how ridiculously delicious they were. I still haven't had a chance to make it over to Bleeding Heart, but I did get to try one of its vegan cupcakes on Friday night when the punk minded pastry crew partnered up with GOOD Magazine for an event at Salvage One.Housed within Salvage One's dimly lit, lofty space were plenty of

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-25458538756854255182008-08-25T08:27:00.000-07:002008-08-25T08:31:08.298-07:00

Even though I've been out of school for a year, I still can't break the ridiculous sleeping schedule I developed during those credit-heavy semesters. The midterms and 15-page research papers that once kept me up all night have been replaced by writing projects and deadlines. What's worse is being jolted by my internal alarm clock around 5 a.m. each day. Fed up with the fact that most coffee

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-20634927810262028712008-08-18T17:06:00.000-07:002008-08-18T17:16:55.045-07:00

Ask any local where to find Chicago’s best cup of coffee and, by default, they’ll point you toward the nearest Intelligentsia. Ask this over-caffeinated redhead and she’ll lead you straight to to the good stuff at Metropolis in Rogers Park. She’ll probably even tag along just to see the sheer joy on your face as you sip the roaster’s freshly roasted and brewed Mocha Java. Unlike Intelligentsia,

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-1968766185776404722008-08-11T06:54:00.000-07:002008-08-11T07:42:44.026-07:00

This one is for all my beer people. Be honest, how many times have you waved away a restaurant's dessert menu just to splurge, instead, on another round? I've been guilty of this a few times-- but, I usually end up pairing my beer with a chocolaty treat. Turns out I'm not the only one slinging back brews with sugar-shackled confections. Sheffield's beer dudes, Brian and Phil, like to put ice

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-16877057533395266322008-07-31T07:56:00.000-07:002008-07-31T08:04:36.859-07:00

For each swanky see-and-be-seen Chicago nightclub, there’s a jukebox playin’, bourbon-slingin’ dive just around the corner. When I don’t feel like prancing around in pumps and slinky dresses, I throw on some tattered jeans and head to these neighborhood joints, where I know I can chug at least three beers for the price of one fanciful martini. Carol’s Pub has live country-western music on the

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-37344256663244023962008-07-17T02:51:00.000-07:002008-07-17T05:17:36.551-07:00

I finally made it over to Chicago's Signature Lounge in the John Hancock building on Tuesday night. After an ear-popping elevator ride to the 96th floor, I stepped inside and was surprised to see plenty of martini-swilling tourists decked out in cargo shorts and flip-flops. I guess I've just always had this impression of the place being so swank as to require some type of dress code. Part of me

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-5727389748248359362008-07-14T17:54:00.000-07:002008-07-14T19:03:05.850-07:00

All right folks, it's clearly been a while since my last post. But before you get all accusatory, let me provide you with a sugar-fueled link to some of my latest sweet discoveries. These were all written for Examiner.com and there's plenty more to come.If you're more into instant gratification (this is America, right?) you can get quick updates on my Examiner articles by subscribing (it's super

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-11216024950254000782008-06-24T18:11:00.000-07:002008-06-24T19:02:29.233-07:00

Laura needed fresh mint last night. The girl's been hooked on mojitos since long before her 21st birthday. At this point, it's more of an endearing quirk than it is a routine habit. We went to the Jewel in Andersonville, but they were all out-- this is almost always the case when I need something from Jewel.Though, I'm probably not at liberty to complain too much, considering the only time I ever

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-85410692170888295122008-06-22T16:34:00.000-07:002008-06-22T17:14:09.062-07:00

Last Thursday I met up with two friends in two different restaurants. Go figure that they'd both be in the mood for guacamole. 6 PM: Ole OleNext to Carnivale's raspberry version, this Andersonville restaurant mixed up the best mojito I've had in Chicago. Rather than an overwhelmingly tall glass, the drink was served in a small rocks tumbler. And unlike many minty tipples I've had (and hated),

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-41314747239051224622008-05-27T14:37:00.000-07:002008-06-22T16:53:47.008-07:00

Sugar cookies are simple and I've yet to encounter a bad one. I mean really, all it takes is a heap of butter, a couple cups of flour, sugar and an egg. Add a dash of vanilla, refrigerate for a few hours and you've got yourself a mound of edible clay. Versatility is, after all, what makes this classic treat so appealing to the masses. You want a crimson-frosted heart? You got it. How about

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-30872850568462228932008-05-09T17:17:00.000-07:002008-06-22T16:58:12.647-07:00

It isn't too often that I'm excited to check the mail. Typically it's just a pile of crap from Comcast informing me of some 'limited time only' deal, coupons to joints that aren't even in reasonable driving distance and the occasional letter from a certain soldier. Nothing to gush over, really.But for the past week I'd been checking the little steel box with all the enthusiasm of a toddler on Pop

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-64249389533578045982008-05-05T13:44:00.000-07:002008-06-22T17:00:02.599-07:00

Inspired by a recent NY Times article on the art of baking cakes, I decided to whip up one of my own. It's no secret that I spend most of my free time baking, but rarely do I tackle the ominous cake. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about the decadent fluffy stuff-- I just normally prefer to indulge in the treat when I'm at a bakery and someone else has gone through the labor of creaming, sifting,

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-28118996465155143632008-04-27T19:03:00.000-07:002008-06-22T17:00:54.980-07:00

If you're clueless about what flavors will amp up your apple or you're looking for something to serve with that stinky hunk of blue cheese that's been sitting in your fridge, you'll love the foodpairing tree by food for design.Just click on one of the categories (herbs, spices, dairy, etc.) and you get a scientific layout of other foodstuffs that should pair appropriately. The site makes some

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-9409752077867213042008-04-26T17:20:00.000-07:002008-06-22T17:11:10.579-07:00

I'm not a fan of pork. If a friend invites me over for some pork-fueled fare, I'll happily indulge, but when given the choice I'm more likely to opt for beef, fish, or poultry. Hell, I'd even pick the one vegetarian dish on the menu if it saved me from gnawing away at a slab of pig all evening. At least those were my sentiments toward the stuff before I entered Chiu Quon, dangerously tucked just

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-70779099684981846582008-04-16T15:31:00.001-07:002008-06-22T18:32:11.260-07:00

I stumbled upon this Edgewater bakery a few weeks ago on my way to Metropolis, and finally decided to give it a try. Painted in pastels and adorned with retro kitchen gear, stepping into Flourish was like entering a Brady Bunch re-run. And when I saw the cases neatly lined with rows upon rows of enticing pastries, I was just as giddy as Marcia that time Davey Jones asked her to the

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-81157503155212563912008-04-01T06:34:00.000-07:002008-06-22T18:33:06.319-07:00

This is by far the longest I've ever waited for dinner, save for one famous Thanksgiving when my aunt scorched the bird and we were all left to a makeshift buffet of side dishes. If the pilgrims had been vegetarians, they would've gleamed with pride at our quick-fix spread. But this was not Thanksgiving and I wasn't plopped on aunt Mimi's sofa in front of the game. Instead it was the end of march

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-14509934915292822932008-03-31T10:57:00.000-07:002008-03-31T11:17:51.240-07:00

Kids in California are making bank off their peers sugar addictions. Check out the story on the Daily Press.

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-87225010196820279902008-03-27T08:08:00.000-07:002008-05-03T05:27:32.824-07:00

A friend of mine is married to a vegetarian. She says it doesn't bother her at all; she has no problem cooking up hippie hash or testing the latest eggplant recipe. She's down with tofu, garden burgers and she's well versed in the language of seitan. But every now and again she gets the primal urge to sink her teeth into the real thing and when this happens, she knows the only fix is barbecue.

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-15350034053477610822008-03-13T12:36:00.000-07:002008-05-13T16:15:24.706-07:00

My friend Phil is obsessed with white chocolate, in fact I think it's safe to say he's an even bigger fan than myself (and I've been known to have a few ravenous binges with the stuff). So whenever we meet up for coffee, we make it a point to scout out a new dessert incorporating this painstakingly sweet confection. Let me just say that Phil and I have met for coffee on an almost weekly basis

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-74829955765202016932008-03-09T10:15:00.000-07:002008-04-27T20:11:07.393-07:00

I’ve been too busy lately to hit up the grocery store, which usually isn’t a problem since I eat out so much. But on the rare occasion that I actually attempt to work in my tiny studio, I quickly fall into bored eating. And this is when I realize that my kitchen easily (and embarrassingly) matches up to that of a frat boy's; an empty fridge with a door full of beer and condiments, a shelf stocked

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-91355218986821947812008-03-02T21:22:00.000-08:002008-05-03T05:26:08.793-07:00

I had lunch here a few weeks ago and I'm still salivating over the interior of this place. Typically I would note the food first, but the burnt orange and scarlet red walls covered with oversized photos of painfully gorgeous people left a bigger impression than the fresh guac and raspberry mojitos.According to the lovely hostess, Carnivale's concept is a celebration of women and shoes. Now, if

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-25673714679752460812008-02-28T11:08:00.000-08:002008-05-03T05:28:10.057-07:00

Last night Tighe and I had cocktails and a 5 course tasting menu at Deleece in Lakeview. The drinks weren't like anything I've tried before and the dishes packed enough flavor to cure my tuna-from-a-can-with-day-old-lettuce lunch funk. The restaurant's exposed brick interior, dark cherry floors and warm lighting didn't hurt either.After arriving (and convincing Tighe that the photographer was not

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-80240559503108020462008-02-12T18:02:00.001-08:002008-05-03T05:21:14.197-07:00

I can only dream that someday I'll meet someone who wants to take me here for Valentine's day.

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-28567501380555057772008-02-06T20:39:00.000-08:002008-04-27T20:13:34.001-07:00

OK, so my good friend Laura mocked me for this concoction, but I'm sharing it anyway because it's that good. These little "sandwiches" are a spin on my (and Laura's) favorite dish at Hopleaf, where we typically have to wait 2 solid hours for a table. Thankfully there are enough varities of Belgium brews here to keep us entertained.By the time we are finally seated at Hopleaf, we're more than a

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963448958803931884.post-76555588018770095122008-02-05T12:36:00.000-08:002008-02-06T06:56:38.935-08:00

After months of hesitation, I've finally decided to start a food blog. And it couldn't be a more fitting time. Today is, afterall, Mardis Gras-- the one time of year (excluding Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and every other Christian holiday) when we're granted a free pass to overindulge. So here I am, grabbing Fat Tuesday by the packzi and leaving nothing behind but a trail of crumbs and ink

Stacy Wardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436161856643943405noreply@blogger.com3