Louisa Chu

Handpicked: Fiestas Puertorriqueñas, Meet the Market and more

By: Louisa Chu | Jun. 14, 2013

Jun. 14, 2013

Friday, June 14
31st annual Fiestas Puertorriqueñas in and around Humboldt Park. The Puerto Rican Festival and Parade is second in size only to the Taste of Chicago, and the biggest Hispanic fiesta in the country. The four-day cultural celebration includes food vendors of course, and is sponsored in part by La Bomba and  Borinquen restaurants, the latter the inventor of the iconic Chicago jibarito. Be sure to taste mofongo (fried green plantains mashed with garlic and meat, classically pork, but preferably chicharrónes if I can help it) and arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas, and again, classically pork, cooked in aromatic sofrito). Admission FREE, food, drink, and carnival rides extra.

Saturday, June 15

…Read Full Entry

When breakfast met lunch

By: Louisa Chu | Jun. 13, 2013

Jun. 13, 2013
It takes a village to raise the lovechild of a former underground dining club and what was once just a plucky little pie truck.
 
In breaking food truck news, the Schnitzel King, Cupcakes for Courage, and the Institute for Justice just scored a big win in court today. Cook County Circuit Court Judge Peter Flynn has ruled that they can move forward contesting the 200 foot rule and GPS requirement.

…Read Full Entry

27 best places to eat and drink in Chicago

By: Louisa Chu | Jun. 12, 2013

Jun. 12, 2013

I present the 27 food and drink destinations that best represent Chicago's intangible cultural heritage.

Here's why I felt compelled to compile this list, and how. At a recent dinner, I discovered that someone at WBEZ has never had Garrett's popcorn, specifically Chicago Mix, the unique sweet and savory mélange of caramel and cheese corns. Yes, he moved here from Alaska, but about a year ago, and he's a big food fan, plus there's a Garrett's at Navy Pier where the radio station is also located. I was so shocked that I literally slammed my fist on the table. How had I let this happen?

But then I realized we might have been saved by a close call. This particular first taste of our city is best had in a real part of our city, not the pier. For me it's the Madison Street location, the oldest remaining of the popcorn shops that first opened in 1949.

…Read Full Entry

Handpicked: No Dessert Left Behind, Whole Larder Love and more

By: Louisa Chu | Jun. 7, 2013

Jun. 7, 2013

Friday, June 7

…Read Full Entry

Sticky situation: Thai food in Chicago

By: Louisa Chu | Jun. 5, 2013

Jun. 5, 2013

Thai food generates heat unlike any other exotic cuisine in Chicago, literally and figuratively. In fact the current darling of local food fans is Rainbow Cuisine in Lincoln Square.

…Read Full Entry

Handpicked: Kegs for Kidneys, Mushroom Club tea and more

By: Louisa Chu | May. 31, 2013

May. 31, 2013

Friday, May 31
Second annual Kegs for Kidneys at Fischman Liquors & Tavern. Gird your livers and stomachs, then fill a keepsake tasting glass with favorite and rare craft beers from more than 40 breweries. Eat great food from Wagyu Wagon’s, serving the Dirty and Sumo, and the debut of Lovely Bakeshop’s bourbon cherry brownies. Plus there will be a rare bottle and basket raffle, live jazz by Soulio, all in a tented lot. The event sponsors a child to Kidney Camp, with remaining proceeds donated to the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. Admission $40, food additional.

Saturday, June 1

…Read Full Entry

RIP, Chinatown Cafe

By: Louisa Chu | May. 29, 2013

May. 29, 2013

My cousins Irene and Pauline Yau closed Chinatown Cafe Friday night after 30 years of serving Chinese-American diner food including Chicago style egg rolls, General Tso's chicken, and their famous satay chow mein.

You know how much I love diner food. And Chinese-American diner food? An even more personally beloved endangered species.

I took my mom for one last meal at tea time missing both lunch and dinner rush so we all had a chance to chat.

…Read Full Entry

Most Innovative award winners at Sweets & Snacks Expo 2013

By: Louisa Chu | May. 28, 2013

May. 28, 2013

The annual Sweets & Snacks Expo held last week at McCormick Place West in Chicago is widely known as the "candy show" and notorious for its free samples. But that's not quite right. The trade only event, not open to the public, does have candy, but much more too.

…Read Full Entry

Pages