Chicago Foodies

StreetWise Vendors to Hit Food Deserts with New EatWise Carts

"Streetwise today?" If you've lived in Chicago longer than a week, you're familiar with Streetwise, a weekly magazine distributed, and sometimes written, by individuals struggling with homelessness. It's a solid piece of a journalism, and it aims to provide employment and improve the quality of life of those who sell it. Recognizing that selling newspapers doesn't provide much chance for upward mobility, StreetWise has partnered with a for-profit social enterprise called Neighbor Capital to launch EatWise, a fleet of produce carts that will roll out across the city early this spring.

The Pizza Pie: A Full Eight Servings of Vegetables?

Picky kids across the nation won't have to see brussel sprouts on their lunch trays any time soon. On Monday, Congress rejected the U.S.D.A.'s proposed changes to school lunch programs that would have added more fruits and vegetables to childrens' plates.

Caving to pressure from lobbyists for food companies like ConAgra and DelMonte, Congress voted to keep current guidelines in place, which means that yes, a slice of pizza still qualifies as a vegetable.

Chef Paul Wildermuth Passes Away at Age 46

Chef Paul Wildermuth passed away on November 13th at age 46. He died of complications related to a heart condition.

He specialized in contemporary Asian cusine and was most well known for his creations at Opera and Red Light. Most recently, he was the executive chef at Briarwood Country Club.

Jackie Shen, who replaced Chef Wildermuth as Executive Chef of Red Light is quoted as saying..."Chef Paul was one of the pioneers of modern Asian cuisine here in Chicago".

Films Offering Food For Thought

In the era of Jamie Oliver and Food, Inc, it only makes sense that documentary filmmakers get on-board, too. For the next two Sundays the Chicago History Museum will offer two poignant and provocative films on food. Free with the cost of museum admission, the films, “The Future of Food” and “Fresh” take a peek into the minds of farmers and consumers.

“The Future of Food” showing this Sunday at 1:30, explores the genetically modified and unlabeled realities of our grocery store shelves. On the 17th, “Fresh” looks at the transformation of our society and environment. It also offers some solutions for a healthier planet and a reduction to morbid obesity plaguing the United States. For more details, take a look at this link.

Food & Wine Benefit for Education

The Illinois Education Foundation will host their third annual Food & Wine Tasting on June 11th at the Chicago Illuminating Company. Chef Andrew Zimmerman of Sepia and Chef Paul Virant of Vie Restaurant will prepare a multi-course progression of food and wine for event patrons. In prior years, both the event pictures and the reviews  have been nothing short of fantastic. I expect this one, if possible, to top the past two years. Chef Zimmerman is a culinary visionary who blends unique ingredients with those on menus across the world. Some of the more noteworthy and surprising items are coffee with flat iron steak, frog’s leg beignet with watercress soup, and black olive honey paired with octopus. Ingredients at the restaurant are fresh and change seasonally.
 
While one can acknowledge that Chefs Zimmerman and Virant are incredibly skilled, the highlight of the night will be the recent success stories of Illinois Education Foundation (The IEF) scholarship recipients. A non-profit started by a group of social entrepreneurs who had a strong interest in helping Illinois students to help themselves. The IEF’s main mission is providing community college scholarships to low-income, high-potential high school graduates. It is, however, more than just an organization that offers scholarships. Focusing on a holistic approach, the IEF combines financial assistance with the supportive services of mentoring and tutoring necessary to help students rise from one who has potential to someone who is successful. Take a look at the IEF website for a complete description of their mission, programs, and information on the June 11th Food & Wine event.

Join the King of the Duck Fat Fries on a Picnic

Just when you thought the man who brought us duck fat fries and delicious encased meats could only be found at The Sausage Superstore and Encased Meet Emporium, he decides to go for a picnic! On June 6^{th at} Clarendon Park near Marine Drive, Hot Doug will be participating in a picnic to increase awareness for Illinois State Representative candidate, Daniel Biss.

Pay in advance of the June 6^th event and you get to have your photo taken with Hot Doug and the infamous “Hot Dogger” character. Pricing is tiered for the event, $50 for children and students (no alcohol served at this dollar level), $100 for 2 sausages, craft beer from Two Brothers, and desserts. Pricing levels for $250 and $500 are a treat for even more senses.

Link below has full details.

http://www.danielbiss.com/

For a quick link to the Hot Doug’s website, click below

http://www.hotdougs.com/menu.htm

Asian Carp, the Obtainable Sustainable

It is a distant relation to your pet goldfish. It feeds rapaciously on plankton like an aquatic pig and has a face only a mother could love. It threatens to singlehandedly upend the food chain in our lakes. There are more of them in the Mississippi River basin than in any river in China. Behold the Asian Carp.

Unless you've been living with your head stuck in a riverbed, you have no doubt heard about the latest invasive species threatening to disrupt the ecosystem of the Great Lakes. Last week, the Chicago Reader published an issue highlighting the Asian carp, analyzing the battle to halt the carp's spread with electric barriers. How much longer will physical measures stop the invasion? In December 2009, when a six-mile stretch of the Chicago canal was poisoned in order to complete maintenance on the electric barrier, an Asian carp was found among the dead fish. The ensuing brouhaha led several neighboring states to file suit against the state of Illinois, demanding that the commercially-vital locks be completely closed. But it may already be too late. A new eDNA test that detects species-specific DNA in running water has found already found evidence of Asian carp in the waters above the electric fence.

The Environmentally Destructive Trend of... Sushi?

Are pescaterians and sushi-lovers destroying the ocean's natural habitats?

It seems like an extreme question, but the truth might just be closer than we realize. The proliferation of ideas like eating-locally and sustainability don’t just apply to the Green Grocer or Chicago’s Green City Market, as safe seafood and safe fishing practices are increasing in popularity.

While those who eat fish are not intending to harm the planet, there is a genuine concern regarding worldwide fishing practices. Admittedly, I had no idea that this problem existed and have been taking down hamachi, king crab, shrimp, and flounder with zeal! The fishing industry has come along way from “Dolphin Safe” on the label, but there is evidence that some populations of fish are being depleted and habitats are being destroyed.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a “best choices”, “what to avoid”, and “good alternatives” guide for fish. Check out the Seafood Watch Pocket guide at www.montereybayaquarium.org to best enjoy fish in a safe way.

Chicago Election Parties

First off, apparently Starbucks if giving away tall cups of coffee. They got into some trouble by offering it only to voters so now it's fair game for everyone.

Now bear in mind they are basically closing down the city this evening. Some are planning for a million people.  That should be something to see.

Tonight you can choose a party and watch the election.  Save your voting receipts they'll get you specials or discounts... Make sure they have a TV, good specials and are close to Grant Park... here are some options.