Chicago Foodies

Book Signing: All the Tea in Chicago

The new book, All the Tea in Chicago, is a handy directory for local tea lovers. It seems to be pretty thorough and if you're big on tea author Susan Blumberg has done a considerable amount of research to find the spots to hit for a spot of tea. I'll have a cup in the UK for you this weekend.

Susan Blumberg will be signing copies at Argo Tea at 16 West Randolph, from 3-5  p.m.
on Sunday the 30th
All the Tea in Chicago is on sale for $9.99.
or order it at the website for $12.99 (shipping included)

Student Wedding Cake Competition

Pastry Chicago is dedicated to invigorating interest and thought about, what else, pastry. This weekend at Robert Morris is a Wedding Cake competition. If only I was in town I would be there with a camera. There's definitely going to be some prettty stuff.

If you know anyone getting married it could have practical purposes as well.

Student Wedding Cake Competition
Saturday, April 29, 2006, 10am - 3pm
Robert Morris College
http://www.robertmorris.edu/chicago/directions/index.html 
401 S. State Street, 8th Floor
Chicago, IL 60605

Foodies Wanted!

I am about to hightail it to the UK for a brief vacation or as they say across the pond... holiday. It makes me wish that I was more keen on pursuing one of my goals for Chicagofoodies.com... A particular issue I take with food critics is that while I appreciate the investigation and eloquence I wouldn't assume that one palate fits all. The original concept of Chicago Foodies was (and still is) to create a variety of opinion, impression and taste.

As you can tell I gravitate to northside restaurants and tend to save a buck. I also make no bones about mentioning/focusing on the Edgewater, Andersonville, Rogers Park areas - see Andersonwater Park in the margin-menu.

Here's the bottom line. I wasn't shopping it around until now. Chicago Foodies is looking for 4 guest writers. All it means is one posting a month minimum. Nothing more than one "I have this awesome restaurant" or "I had this awesome experience" or "I would really like to eat more" or "?" 

The site for better or worse is attracting lots of visitors and that means community. There are other great sites out there like eatchicago.net and lthforum.com and chowhound.com, etc. but they're all a bit different.

If you feel you have something to say on a regular basis, that's more than a passing comment, or you think there is attention needed somewhere specific (like the south side?!) click here (or on the contribute link in the margin) and let me know that you're good to go. I can set you up ASAP.

I can't eat everything, even though I want to.

Thanks for reading.

Spicy Milwaukee Memories

They say you can't ever go home. They also say you never forget your first time. While I'm not sure the management is the same and the name is now China Gourmet (used to be Szechuan Something) the location hasn't changed and the menu sports the very same item that gave me my very first endorphin rush via hot food.

One of my distinct food memories (in addition to cholent - exploration definitely to come) is Mao Pao Tofu. It was a dish I first ate in high school. It gave me a distinct sensation after consumption. It reminded me of a similar feeling I had while running the mile in track (sadly only once while running track - why this is not a site about running).  For my mother's birthday I was halfway to Milwaukee and made arrangements to meet them for dinner at the place of that memorable experience. What else could I order?

U Lucky Dawg (Fluky's no more)

I wanted a burger. I went to Candelite and they were closed. On the way up Western we passed U Lucky Dawg and I figured well... they have burgers.

Sure the current owners of U Lucky Dawg have owned Fluky's for the past 8 years. Why they go and change the name is a total mystery. But I learned something this weekend. I think it's good advice and feel that I have to pass this on to you.

Do not order a hamburger at a hot dog stand.

Sola

Sola was not what I expected. The street address is on Lincoln but the entrance is on Byron. You will miss it if you're looking for a storefront on Lincoln. That being said, it was a real surprise when I saw the place. It is a beautiful restaurant. Dozens of simple light fixtures hang in a grid from the high ceiling, simple and comfortable chairs keep a very large space open but formal. The decor was not what I associate with the neighborhood that finds the great bar/hangout Grizzly's a block over.

Toasting Women Chefs & Restauranteurs

A reminder for what promises to be a fabulous 5-course dinner with wine pairings from an all-star national team of women chefs and sommeliers... $150 goes to scholarships and internships.

On Thursday April 6th is "At the Table Chicago: Toasting Women Chefs & Restaurateurs."

It's part of a national event series to raise money in support of the education and advancement of women in culinary fields. Gale Gand of Tru will serve as honorary chair for the event, which will showcase the culinary talents of nationally and locally renowned women chefs and restaurateurs as a one-of-a-kind five course dining experience for Chicago-area food lovers.

The event will be held Thursday, April 6, 2006 at Union League Club of Chicago.
Tickets can be purchased online for $150 per or $1000 per table at www.womenchefs.org