Restaurants

Mugaritz + Moto Collaboration Dinner

February 28 2014 - 11:54 AM

Chef Cantu and the Moto team went to Spain to visit Mugaritz, the current #4 restaurant in the world, and all they brought back was the chef, Andoni Luis Aduriz.

Exclusive to Chicago Foodies on Monday March 17th you can enjoy a 10-course collaboration dinner– 5 courses for Moto and 5 for Mugaritz. Reservations are first come first served and start at 5pm, ending at 9:30pm. $250 includes wine pairing and saves you the airline ticket to Spain. FYI– Seats will go fast. Reserve Here.

If Monday’s out, on Sunday March 16th you can meet the chef, enjoy lunch at iNG and and get a book signed. Catherine De Orio from Check Please will host from 11am to 1pm. Reservations required here as well.

Restaurants

3 Dish to Try at Kinmont Now

February 25 2014 - 9:00 AM

In the dead of winter, it’s easier to curl up on the couch with some wine and delivery sushi than venture out to try a new restaurant that may or may not be worth it. Kinmont is definitely worth it in every way possible. This new River North restaurant comes from Element Collective, the people behind such spots as Nellcote and RM Champagne. If you want to know what you’re in store for, think Fish Bar meets Gilt Bar – a dark, sexy interior but not stuffy or fancy. The food is classic, midwestern seafood with a touch of trendiness (think Nellcote’s squid ink pasta and tiny, strong cocktails). Here are a few you can’t miss:

1. Parker House Rolls

For $2, you can afford to try out this salty, buttery goodness. These rolls are baked into a mini cast iron skillet, topped with sea salt and served with perfectly softened butter. I had to stop myself from eating all of them or taking the last one to-go with me. This starter is a must.

2. The Catch of the Day

At Kinmont, you can order a whole, small fish – deboned of course – drenched in browned butter, lemon and parsley. It’s inexpensive, as it comes a la carte, and you can pick your vegetable side to share (think smoked carrots, roasted brussel sprouts or meaty grilled mushrooms). Whether you opt for the trout, salmon, or whatever else is on the menu, it’s incredibly fresh and not fishy tasting or smelling at all.

3. Smoked Trout Reuben

Scour the online menu as much as you want, and you won’t spot this gem. It’s obviously a new addition to the menu and much needed at that. I personally am not a huge fan of smoked fish, yet this sandwich is perfect. It isn’t too smoky and tastes extremely fresh – aside from the hearty, buttery bread it’s paired with. It’s oozing with cheese and thousand island dressing, with a heaping pile of french fries on the side. For under $15, this giant sandwich is one not to miss.

Kinmont Restaurant
419 W. Superior
(312) 915 -0011

Home Cooking

Gluten-Free Cookies – Love!

February 18 2014 - 9:00 AM

I have a weak spot for desserts; I always need something sweet to end the meal. As much as I try to eat healthy, there never seems to be a healthy dessert that really satisfies my craving. Fruit just doesn’t do it.

I stumbled upon this recipe for almond coconut cookies, and they happen to be gluten-free and dairy free as well. They don’t taste healthy by any means because they’re hearty, full of protein and even have a hint of chocolate from the cacao nibs. If you don’t have cacao nibs, you can substitute dark chocolate chips. Even though these cookies are made of almond meal, the flavor of almonds doesn’t take over the cookie for me. It’s perfectly balanced with the flakey coconut.

Get the Gluten-Free Almond Coconut Cookie recipe here >>

What’s your go-to healthy dessert?

Libations

Drink Rosé on Valentine's Day

February 13 2014 - 1:22 PM

If Champagne is the festive beverage of note, rosé is the romantic version. So it makes logical sense that Valentine’s Day is a good occasion for a bit of the blush bubbly. Non-big house rosé can be anywhere from creamy to downright sweet and fruity. If sweet is the way you want to go stop reading now. We requested these bottles in advance of the season and they represent a few of the wonderful options from purveyors that are more or less easily accessible.

Lanson brings a non-malolactic citrus touch to notes of fruit and currants. This would be a great option to enjoy well into dinner as it would be an even match to poultry and pork, as well as more typical pairings of fish and seafood. The boxed presentation, pictured, makes it an especially nice option if you’re invited to dinner.

Nicholas Feuillatte Rosé is a sprite and fruit-forward refreshing blend. This effortless wine is a light appetizer, dessert or after dinner option. It is unmistakably fruit forward but complex enough to pull out raspberry and strawberry amidst clean minerality.

Philipponnat Brut Reserve Rosé is a touch more copper colored than the others. The conventional brut nose belies the cherry but suggests the structure and acid that is in no way heavy. Poured in a coupé or conventional wine glass and given some time will open this wine up further. Enjoying a bottle slowly after dinner would suit it quite well.

News & Features

Chi's Best French Macarons

February 12 2014 - 9:00 AM

Chicago is bursting with cupcakeries and ecclectic doughnut shops. If you’re getting sick of frosting (probably not the case) or just are in need of a lighter take on dessert, look no further than the latest food trend. French macarons have been around for years, although it’s only recently that they’ve taken center stage. You’ll find them everywhere from High Tea at The Drake, to your local Whole Foods. Don’t miss these top macaron spots to indulge for Valentine’s Day.

1. Vanille Patisserie
Macarons are pretty much synonymous with Vanille, a classic French bakery that sits tucked away on Clybourn across from the Webster theatre. Anything you try at Vanille will be beautifully crafted and sophisticated, and their macarons are no different. They offer some more unusual flavors. Don’t miss the mint chocolate, which features a killer chocolate ganache.

2. Floriole Bakery
Only a few blocks from Vanille sits Floriole, smelling of freshly baked breads and coffee brewing. You’ll find more classic flavors, along with great seasonal fare. Just note that Floriole isn’t cheap – and macarons especially aren’t.

3. La Boulangerie
Whether you’re stopping in for a sandwich or on your way to the Belmont red line, you’re going to be tempted to try one of La Boulangerie’s colorful cookies. You’ll find more typical flavors here and not a ton to choose from. Still, these small cookies are delicious nonetheless.

4. Bon Macaron
You won’t find these macarons at just any storefront location. They take custom orders and also sell to Bowtruss coffee, Foodstuffs and more. One word of advice: these are some macarons worth seeking out. Chef Catherine Cooper specializes in macarons, so you know you’re getting the real deal. I absolutely loved the Valentine’s Day gift box (pictured above), which features both PB&J and cherry pie flavors. Crunchy exterior, soft interior and quality fillings put these at the top of my list.

5. Hendrickx Belgian Bakery
Hendrickx is one of my favorite best kept secrets in the Gold Coast. It’s hidden right next to Sprinkles and you don’t need to wait in line out the door. It’s a truly authentic bakery with incredible croissants, freshly baked breads and, of course, macarons. You never know what flavors they might have when you arrive that day, as they make everything fresh and tend to sell out. Savor any chocolate hazelnut flavors you can get your hands on.

News & Features

Eat Your Heart Out

February 07 2014 - 1:00 AM

Red Meat Market is presenting Eat Your Heart Out at Wicker Park’s The Chop Shop on Saturday, February 15th from 6pm until midnight. The night will be a butchery and culinary party featuring live butchering, eating, drinking, live music and stand up comedy.

This post-Valentine’s Day meat feast will include the efforts of four butchers preparing a pig, lamb, goat, and cow. Attendees will enjoy a sampling of locally pasteurized meats prepared fresh in four different ways: lamb sausage, goat skewers, pulled pork sliders, homemade meatballs, and for adventurous diners, beef heart. All meat is from local farmers and supports the sustainable local food system.

Entertainment throughout the night will include music from three bands, as well as live stand up comedy from three local comedians.

The event will be hosted in the 1st Ward, the 6,000 square foot event space adjacent to The Chop Shop. Tickets are $50 and include all demonstrations, live music and stand-up comedy, as well as food and two drink tickets. Purchase your tickets online here or visit The Chop Shop.

If you’re looking for an alternative Valentine’s Day weekend event, there’s nothing quite like Eat Your Heart Out! How are you spending V-Day?

Home Cooking

Make Takeout: Thai Red Curry

February 04 2014 - 1:00 PM

If you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m a big fan of cooking and making everything homemade. I do have a few weaknesses that cause me to venture out of my kitchen – deep dish pizza and Thai food are two of them. While I haven’t tried to battle Lou Malnati, I decided to take a stab at Andy’s Thai Kitchen.

Thai curry is just so comforting and flavorful, with a hint of spice. It’s the perfect dish…anytime, really. But on a cold, snowy day there is nothing I would rather eat. You can serve this dish straight up as a soup. I prefer ladling the curry on top of freshly steamed rice and serving it with an extra wedge of lime for a punch of citrus.

Feel free to change up the recipe with what you are in the mood for. If you’re feeling sweet potatoes and shrimp instead of carrots and tofu, go for it. I was beyond impressed with how easy this recipe was with just a few key ingredients.

Get the full Vegetarian Thai Red Curry recipe here>>

Restaurants

Italian Foodie Trivia – Win Rosebud "Rosebucks"

February 04 2014 - 10:58 AM

How well do you know your Italian food? Our simple Facebook 3 Question test.

Get it right and you might win $25 in Rosebucks to use at Rosebud!

1) What does Tiramisu mean?
2) What is the main ingredient in gnocchi?
3) Name the famous pastry from Sicily?
* extra credit – share your favorite type of pasta
** bonus extra credit – share your favorite Italian wine

Enter here at our Facebook page.