dining
Spring dessert of custard and strawberries
Strawberries -- the quintessential fruit of spring -- are featured in all manner of desserts, but garnishing a goblet full of them with a light, soft zabaglione custard is one of the nicest. This slightly frothy dessert originated in Italy; the custard itself, called "sabayon" in …
Chicken wings with a kick
Sonya Benjamin of St. Petersburg, Fla., is "looking for a chicken-wing recipe that is baked and has a yellow mustard and onion sauce." Dunedin, Fla., resident Deborah Griswold enjoys making her spicy mustard chicken wings for company. They are perfect for a casual gathering, game day …
Baking how to: cream butter and sugar properly
Creamed butter and sugar is the first step to making great baked goods. What to do: Step 1: Beat the Butter Creaming butter and sugar helps to give baked goods structure by beating air into the butter, while the sugar helps hold the air. Start with room-temperature …
Benjamin Restaurant a fine addition to Highland Park dining scene
Highland Park’s lively dining scene has long attracted brigades of serious food devotees, both locals and those from far beyond the North Shore. You can confidently add six-month-old Benjamin to the list of restaurants worth getting to know. The restaurant, a brainchild of adventuresome chef-owner …
Respect for street food
A young boy of the dusty streets playfully slaps a mound of raw meat as the shopkeeper looks on, unconcerned; butchered poultry perches on tables and fish splay across the ground in the midday sun, unrefrigerated; flies swirl and dogs walk about brilliantly colored pyramids …
Chicago-area wine tastings
Find a wine event happening in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs: Tallgrass, 1006 S. State, Lockport Chef Bob Burcenski and maitre d’/sommelier Tom Alves host a French spring dinner paired with wine at 5 p.m. May 6; $100. Courses include walnut-crusted trout, spring mushroom terrine …
Restaurant industry helps fight childhood obesity
Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past three decades. A program launched last year by the National Restaurant Association is trying to reduce those numbers by putting healthy foods on the plates of children.
Professional grilling tips for the perfect backyard barbecue
Grilling season has arrived. The unique flavors of sizzling meat on a hot grill are loved by Americans young and old. Whether you're an enthusiastic foodie or a simple family chef, it's time to get outside and perfect the art of the barbecue. If you're …
Chicago chefs embrace sustainability in the kitchen
In an age of organic, where palates are fine-tuned for freshness and distinctive flavors, a natural progression has ensued. Dining establishments and businesses are embracing a wholesome philosophy of planning, preparing and cooking their dishes with regionally grown products straight from the farm to the …
Mantuano’s Bar Toma fair game on Mag Mile
Bar Toma, the new wine bar/pizzeria/gelateria/cafe from Spiaggia chef/partner (also notably President Obama’s favorite chef) Tony Mantuano, located a half-block from the Magnificent Mile is spectacular . . . for tourists and Gold Coast residents. I wish I could be more effusive. I have all …