Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar

The classic combo of sweet aged balsamic vinegar and strawberries has been a favorite of mine. Finally, I’ve found it in a bottle. While wondering around Old Town in Chicago, we mosied into Old Town Oil not knowing that we’d be taken on a world wind tasting tour of their shop. We were given [...]

Tutto Italiano

This picture hardly does the charm of Tutto Italiano’s boxcar seating justice. This was my chosen destination for Valentine’s day this year. The restaurant was quiet and to be frank a little dead. Being in the heart of the financial district, I suspect most of its costumers consist of business lunch goers. Despite [...]

Les Trois Petits Cochons’ (The Three Little Pigs) Mousse Truffee

“Les Trois Petits Cochons’ signature mousse. This luxurious mousse features the gem of French cuisine – black truffle. Flavored with Pineau des Charentes and sherry, this mousse has an unbelievably silky texture and is perfect for the most elegant occasions. A real crowd-pleaser.”

With this much French in the title it’s gotta be good. I [...]

Birthday Dinner

One of the best parts of having birthdays at this age is having the ability to give yourself little indulges. For me this year, it was a pair of gold shoes even Dorothy I think would envy (ruby slippers….whatever!) and some good food. I bought myself two tasty cheeses I had been hankering for, [...]

New Year’s Eve Pig Roast

This New Year’s Eve my good friend Peishan had the fantastic idea of throwing a Potluck Roasted Pig Party featuring a whole roasted pig from Lalich Delicatessan. The pig came stretched out spread eagle. We added some Asian pears to garnish. I came in a little later with meat cleaver and chef’s knife [...]

Vosges Chocolates

Featuring an ever widening range of unique chocolate combinations, Vosges is the ultimate in tastebud experimentation. I’m proud to say that the company started in Chicago and since has exploded on the international scene. I recently snagged a box of truffles and each round morsel was a surprise. You might not find [...]

NYC Moment: Max Brenner’s Chocolate Experience

This past weekend I made a short trip to NYC. It was a brisk chilly afternoon and walking around without a scarf seemed suddenly like a horrible mistake. Luckily as I climbed my way out of the Union Square subway entrance, there was the looming figure of Max Brenner’s Chocolate Shop. As [...]