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September 15, 2012 · 10:54 am

Chicago’s 25th Annual Apple Fest 2012 in Lincoln Square

Apples are an all-American success story-each of us eats more than 19 pounds of them annually. Français : Les pommes sont célèbres en Amérique pour une alimentation équilibrée (8,6 kg annuellement). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Attend the 25th Annual Apple Fest in Lincoln Square! Pick up an apple pie or some hot apple cider. There will be live entertainment in Giddings Plaza.

WHEN: Saturday, September 22, 2012 from 8 am – 5 pm.

WHERE: 4700 block of N. Lincoln Avenue (between Leland and Lawrence)

Here’s a Lincoln Square Video for Foodies:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4h6X-BHrLM.

Lincoln Square Neighborhood in Chicago

Lincoln Square

Buy everything from candy apples, fresh-baked apple pies, a bushel of apples, hot apple cider and even apple pizza. There will be plenty of vendors on Lincoln Avenue. While you’re in the neighborhood, buy some goodies at Gene’s Specialty food store on Lincoln.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

Chicago’s Lincoln Square Neighborhood Residents Celebrate their German Heritage (vinoconvistablog.wordpress.com)
Chicago Street Fairs: The North Side Summerfest on Lincoln Avenue at Irving (vinoconvistablog.wordpress.com)

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September 14, 2012 · 10:55 am

What’s Special about the Cuisine in Sardinia Italy?

: Image via Wikipedia

If you have been following my posts, you may recall that I mentioned that the best meal I’ve ever eaten was at Andreini in Alghero, Sardinia.

English: 16th century catalan city walls, Alghero, Sardinia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Administrative and road road map of Sardinia (bilingual) Italiano: Mappa amministrativa e stradale della sardegna (bilingue) Sardu: Mapa de sas amministratziones e de sas carretteras de sa Sardigna (bilingua) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sardinia (Photo credit: giannisl)

Flag of Sardinia

English: Pecorino Sardo cheese (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I had pasta that was prepared in a flaming wheel of “Pecorino Romano della Sardegna” cheese with botarga as a first course and “porceddu” as a second course which is spit-roasted suckling pig. Sardinia’s cuisine is influenced by its insular geographic position as well as its farming and pastoral roots.

English: Cheeses and sausages from Sardinia Island (Alghero Public Market) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The island prepares a special paper-thin bread called “carasau” that is served warm. Sometimes it is sprinkled with oil, tomato, pecorino cheese and eggs. It is simple but delicious. For special events and holidays like Easter the bread is embellished to represent sacred objects or shapes.

The regional specialty in the pasta arena is “malloreddus” which are small elongated shells that are spiced with saffron and prepared “alla campidanese” with tomatoe, sausage and pecorino cheese. These little dumplings are still made by hand in many towns in Sardinia. Local restaurants also serve spagehetti alla ricotta e noci (with walnuts). Another interesting Sardinian specialty is “culurgiones” which are large ravioli filled with potatoe, mint and cheese.

English: Alghero skyline and beach of Lido sardegna – sardinia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the coastal regions, seaside restaurants serve pasta with sea-urchins or bottarga (sea urchin roe). In the summer, spaghetti with lobster is your best bet. Fish soups like “fregula con cocciula” or “ziminu” are quite tasty. The “filetti di spigola allo zafferano” offers sea bass with saffron. Tuna is plentiful on the Isola di San Pietro.

The island has more sheep than people so lamb and mutton are regional favorites. The “pecora bolita” is mutton stew and the “cosciotto di agnello alla vernacia” is leg of lamb cooked in wine.

For dessert, try some “seadas” or sebadas” which are round pastry disks filled with cheese and lemon zest that are fried and served with strawberry honey. I love the “amaretti” cookies made with almond paste. Don’t miss the “mirto” which is a dessert liquor made from the myrtle bushes that cloak the island.

On the western coast, many Catalans migrated to Sardinia and brought their wine making expertise with them which you can enjoy when you try the “Vernaccia d’Oristano.” I prefer the dry red “Cannonau” di Sardegna.

The Nuragus vine is found exclusively in Sardinia to produce the white Nuragus di Cagliari wine. Don’t forget to visit the UNESCO World Heritage ancient Nuragi structures in Sardinia. To learn more about Italy visit www.vino-con-vista.com

Sardinia…

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Tagged as Alghero, Cooking, Home, italian food, Italian wine, Italy, italy travel, Lamb and mutton, Nuragus, Oristano, Pasta, Pecorino, Pecorino Romano, Sandwiches, Sardegna, Sardinia, Travel and Tourism, vino con vista, Wine Tourism in Italy, World Heritage Site

September 11, 2012 · 11:29 am

Chicago’s Guinness Oyster Festival 2012 in Roscoe Village

It’s time for the annual Guinness Oyster Festival in Roscoe Village at Damen and Roscoe in Chicago.

Guinness Oyster Fest

Date:	Saturday & Sunday, September 15-16, 2012
Time:	11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Daily
Location:	Roscoe Village (Damen & Roscoe) \| Chicago
Beneficiary:	Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce – Suggested Entrance Donation $7.00

They’ll be serving plenty of oyster served many ways including Oysters Rockefeller.

Oysters Rockefeller as served at Galatoires of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here’s the Entertainment Schedule:

Main Stage Entertainment @ Leavitt

Saturday 12:00 pm – School of Rock 1:30 pm – Dan Hubbard and The Humadors 3:00 pm – Kevin Flynn & the Avondale Ramblers 4:45 pm – Red Rebel County 6:30 pm – The Tossers 8:30 pm – 10,000 Maniacs

Sunday 12:15 pm – The Flat Cats 2:15 pm – Canasta 4:30 pm – The Buddies 6:30 pm – AM Taxi 8:15 pm – Trippin’ Billies

Damen Stage

Saturday 12:15 pm – Alternative Theory 2:15 pm – Rebecca McCarthy School of Dance 3:45 pm – Vintage Blue 5:15 pm – The Ivorys 6:45 pm – No Love For Linus 8:30 pm – Archie Powell and the Exports

Sunday 12:30 pm – Hyperflo 2:30 pm – Lowdown Brass Band 4:30 pm – One Night Band 6:30 pm – The Chancey Brothers 8:30 pm – Fionnghlas

Oyster Fest in Roscoe Village 2011

Oyster Fest in Roscoe Village 2011

There’s live music, plenty of oysters and other food options.

Oyster Fest in Roscoe Village 2011

Get ready to drink plenty of Guinness Beer.

Chicago 2011 Oyster Fest in Roscoe VillageOyster Fest in Roscoe Village 2011

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

Roscoe Village Burger Fest 2012 in Chicago

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August 28, 2012 · 11:45 am

Chicago’s Food Trucks: A Moveable Feast

English: Looking west across 50th Street at pizza truck, allegedly with pizza oven aboard, parked in front of high school. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italian Pork Shoulder Sandwich from Kendall College-YUM!!!

Sweet Potato Chips

Gourmet Food Trucks offer meals on wheels. Street food vendors are popping up on street corners and parking lots around Chicago.

Click Here for a short Chicago Food Truck Video

Foodies swarm to locations around my Windy City to capture a myriad of delicious flavors offered by local chefs. When I was a kid, we waited for the ice-cream man, but now we search for the food trucks on Twitter!

Chicago Food Trucks

Meatball Sandwich

A food-truck operation can get off the ground for under $150,000, while many restaurants spend more than $1 million on real estate and equipment to open their doors. Whenever these gourmet food trucks come to a stop, foodies swarm by finding their location on Twitter. Instead of roaming the streets of Chicago looking for Food Trucks, look for events where multiple Food Trucks gather for special events.

Try a Whoppie Pie at Sweet Ride

Street Food at Homage Food Truck

Wine Bar @ 694 Milwaukee

Food Trucks meet @ 694 Milwaukee on Saturdays in Chicago

Food Trucks a Go-Go @ 694 Milwaukee in Chicago

I can always enjoy a personal “Vino con Vista” and “Taste of Chicago” at a Food Truck event. No tickets, no lines; just empanadas, tacos, cupcakes, meatballs, gourmet deli sandwiches and potato pancakes. Some trucks even offer treats for your favorite pets.

These are some of my favorite Chicago Food Trucks:

1. I have to say, I loved the little flaky, buttery pockets of love served by the “Empanada Truck” named 5411 Empanadas. I convinced others to try the traditional Argentine pastry pockets filled with beef and/or BBQ chicken that were the best $1.99 that I have ever spent. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32nfVwWKGys

Empanada Food Trucks

2. I love the red-velvet cupcakes and the concept of the socially-responsible bakery run by Sweet Miss Giving’s. The bakery has expanded its reach beyond its stand at the French Market. Specialty items include German chocolate brownies, oatmeal cookies and red velvet cupcakes. In line with the bakery’s social mission, the bakery employs between 10 and 20 formerly homeless people as interns as part of a transitional job-training program. More than half of the profits benerated benefit the Chicago House, a non-profit organization that helps formerly homeless men, women and children who are impacted by HIV/AIDS. Follow @SMGFoodTruck on Twitter for updates on the truck’s location and hours.

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Sweet Miss Giving’s Food Truck

3. I am a big fan of tamales so I love the sleek Tamale Spaceship in the silver van that offers traditional Mexican fare with a side of avant-garde art. Five different flavors of tamales served daily are named after Mexico’s “stridentist” futuristic art movement. Start off with The Space Guacamole and make your way into the “Rajas Con Queso Tamale” (with poblanos and cheese and tomato sauce) or “No One’s Tamale De Pollo” in a green peanut mole sauce. For those who want something to sip streetside, order a bottle of Coke or Mexican coffee.

The Tamale Space Ship

4. Taquero Fusion has a Chicago skyline-decorated food truck that offers four types of tacos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDVWNkf2Cj8. The soft tacos come in a homemade tortilla filled with steak, chicken marinated in Puerto Rican-style seasoning, tilapia or vegetables. Choose a pineapple cucumber, chiptole or other salsa with your order. Yellow rice, jalapeno-infused rice and a chorizo-pinto bean mix are also offered. Season your taco with a variety of hot sauces and for dessert order a brownie and a bottle of Mexican Coke, made with real cane sugar.

Taquero Fusion Food Truck in Chicago

5. The Meatyballs Truck served outstanding pulled pork meatballs. Who doesn’t love a mini roll of meat lovingly caressed in a flavorful bun? I’m Italian, so I have a genetic pre-disposition to these meaty treats! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIWER1jvjL0

Meaty Balls Food Truck in Chicago

6. Bergstein’s NY Deli Truck had some tasty BBQ beef and Chicken salad sliders, as well as tasty potato pancakes.

Deli Food Truck in Chicago

7. The Forever Yogurt Truck lets you choose up to three incredible toppings with their tasty frozen yogurt options.

Forever Yogurt Food Truck in Chicago

Forever Yogurt Food Truck

Chef Takashi Yagihaski

Macy’s Food Truck in Chicago

Pork Sandwich

What is your favorite Food Truck in Chicago?

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com. Become a Fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for #foodie #wine and #travel blog updates.

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July 3, 2012 · 11:17 am

I Love the Legendary Taste of Chicago

English: Taste of Chicago (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Since I live in Chicago, I always go to the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park. I have been doing this for too many years to mention. When my sons were babies, I brought them to the Taste of Chicago in their double stroller. Now that my older son is married, he can walk to the Taste of Chicago with his new wife.

The Legendary Taste of Chicago has been moved up so it no longer falls over the 4th of July Holiday. The 32nd Annual Taste of Chicago 2012 will be held from July 11-15, 2012 in Grant Park from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. each day.

English: Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park Chicago (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I love the Taste of Chicago because it’s the world’s largest food fest and it offers great entertainment. It is held annually in Chicago and there’s plenty of live music on multiple stages, including the Petrillo Music Shell. Jennifer Hudson, Chaka Khan, Death Cab for Cutie and Dierks Bentley are among the headliners for this year’s Taste of Chicago.

For more information visit www.tasteofchicago.us or you can follow them on Twitter: @TasteofChi2012.

Grant Park was named after Ulysses S. Grant, the United States President and Civil War General. When you go to the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park, take some time to visit the notable attractions like Millennium Park and Buckingham Fountain. If you come in for the weekend, visit the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum Campus.

Buckingham Fountain at night. Kelvin Kay, user:kkmd (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Grant Park hosts some of Chicago’s biggest festivals including: The Taste of Chicago; The Grant Park Music Festival; Chicago Jazz Festival and the Chicago Blues Festival. Since 2005, Lollapalooza with a series of rock concerts has taken place in the park.

Here’a the 2011 map of the Taste of Chicago and a list of Food Vendors. Each vendor servee six items, two of which are special “Taste Of” portions priced at $2 or less. The “Taste Of” portion gives attendees the opportunity to sample a wide variety of items.

2011 TASTE OF CHICAGO RESTAURANT VENDORS:
New vendors have an asterisk in the following list of restaurants and featured items.

Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace St.
Roasted Corn on the Cob; Fish and Chips (Fries); Irish Egg Rolls

“Taste Of”: Fries with Curry; Irish Egg Rolls

Adobo Grill, 1610 N. Wells
Guacamole and Chips; Pork Tacos; Chicken Tamale; Churros
“Taste Of”: Cheese Empanada; Churro

*Alhambra Palace, 1240 W. Randolph St.
Falafel Sandwich with Jerusalem Salad; Chicken Kabob Basket; Beef Shwarma Sandwich; Hummus
“Taste Of”: Falafel with Hummus; Baklava

Arya Bhavan, 2508 W. Devon
Samosa; Chana Masala; Geera (Cumin) Rice; Bhel
“Taste Of”: Samosa; Bhel

Bacino’s Pizza of Lincoln Park, 2204 N. Lincoln Ave.
Stuffed Spinach Pizza Slice; Stuffed Sausage Pizza Slice; Thin Crust Cheese Pizza Slice; Thin Crust Sausage Pizza Slice
“Taste Of”: Stuffed Spinach Pizza Slice; Thin Crust Cheese Pizza Slice

*Banana Leaf Restaurant, 1948 E. 79th St.
Four Jerk Wings with Rice; Blackened Tilapia with Rice; Jerk Lamb Chop with Rice; Curry Vegetable Stir Fry
“Taste Of”: Two Jerk Wings; Curry Vegetable Stir Fry

*Beggars Pizza, 310 S. Clinton
Thin Crust Cheese Pizza Slice; Thin Crust Sausage Pizza Slice; Thin Crust Pepperoni Pizza Slice; Deep Dish Sausage Pizza Slice
“Taste Of”: Thin Crust Sausage or Pepperoni Pizza; Mostaciolli with Marinara Sauce

Billy Goat Tavern & Grill, 1535 W. Madison Ave.
Rib Eye Steak Sandwich; Double Cheeseburger; Single Cheeseburger
“Taste Of”: Baked Potato Chips; 1/2 Cheeseburger

BJ’s Market & Bakery, 8734 S. Stony Island Ave.
Mustard-Fried Catfish; BBQ Turkey Tips; Fish Taco; Sweet Potato Chips
“Taste Of”: Mustard-Fried Catfish; Peach Cobbler

Bobak Sausage Company, 5275 S. Archer Ave
Maxwell Polish Sausage; Beer Bratwurst Sausage; All Natural Chipotle Chicken Sausage; Ultimate Sausage Sampler Platter
“Taste Of”: Mini Maxwell Street Polish Sausage; Mini Chipotle Chicken Sausage

Carbón, 300 W. 26th St.
Fire-Grilled Steak Taco; Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia Taco; Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast Taco; Sampler Platter (all four tacos)
“Taste Of”: Fire Grilled Steak Taco; Fire Roasted Veggie Taco

C’est Si Bon!, 643 E. 47th St.
Sweet Potato Cheesecake; Collard Green Egg Roll; Cajun Meatballs; Spicy Chicken Wingettes & Sweet Potato Biscuit
“Taste Of”: Cajun Meatballs; Fresh Fruit Cup

*Chicago Sweet Connection Bakery, 5569 N. Northwest Hwy.
Atomic Cake; Eclairs; Sweets on a Stick; Parfait cup, Oreo
“Taste Of”: Parfait cup, Oreo; Eclairs

Chicago Joe’s, 2256 W. Irving Park Rd.
Popcorn Shrimp with Fries; Calamari with Fries; Jumbo Fried Shrimp with Fries; Cheesy Seasoned Fries
“Taste Of”: Cheesy Seasoned Fries; Firehouse Chili

Churro Factory, 2214 S. Wolcott Ave.
Churros; Funnel Cake; Ice Cream; Frozen Bananas
“Taste Of”: Churritos; Bunelos

Connie’s Pizza, 2373 S. Archer Ave.
Deep Dish Cheese Pizza Slice; Deep Dish Sausage Pizza Slice; 10” Gluten Free Pizza Slice; Frozen Banana
“Taste Of”: Mini Meatball Sandwich; Slice of Gluten Free Pizza

Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison St.
Garlic Fries; BBQ Beef Sandwich; Mac and Cheese Bites; Maine Lobster Roll
“Taste Of”: Mac and Cheese Bites; White Chicken Chili

Dominick’s, Chicagoland Locations
Red/Green Seedless Grapes; Cherries; Watermelon Slice; Roasted Ultra Sweet Corn on the Cob
“Taste Of”: 1/2 Watermelon Slice; Pineapple Bites

Eli’s Cheesecake Company, 6701 W. Forest Preserve Dr.
Eli’s Frozen Chocolate Chip Crunch Dipper; Eli’s Cookie Crazy Oreo Smoosh with Vanilla Ice Cream; Eli’s Turtle Cheesecake; Eli’s Original Plain Cheesecake; Eli’s Original Plain Cheesecake w/ Strawberries
“Taste Of”: Eli’s Original Plain Cheesecake; Eli’s “Skinny Chocolate” Cheesecake

Franco’s Ristorante, 300 W. 31st St.
Italian Ice Combo (Lemon, watermelon, blue raspberry); Italian Lemon or Watermelon Ice; Homemade Strawberry Gelato; Homemade Staciatella Gelato
“Taste Of”: Italian Lemon Ice; Italian Watermelon Ice

*The Fudge Pot, 1532 N. Wells
Chocolate Dipped Strawberry; Chocolate Dipped Frozen Banana; Combination: Strawberry, Fudge, Banana
“Taste Of”: Baby Chocolate Frozen Banana; Chocolate Fudge

Garrett Popcorn Shops, Chicagoland Locations
Popcornsicle; The Chicago Mix; ½ lb. Mixed Nuts; Ice Cream
“Taste Of”: Popcorn Ball; Mixed Nuts Sampler

Guey Lon Restaurant, 3968 N. Elston Ave.
Orange Chicken w/ Fried Rice; Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura; Egg Roll; Crab Rangoon
“Taste Of”: Vegetable Tempura; Pot Stickers

Harold’s Chicken # 71, 2109 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicken Wings; Chicken Nuggets; Fried Okra; Fries
“Taste Of”: Fried String Beans; 1 Wing and Fried Okra

Harry Caray’s Restaurant, 33 W. Kinzie St.
Holy Cow Potato Chips; Fried Dough; Toasted Cheese Ravioli
“Taste Of”: Toasted Cheese Ravioli; Oatmeal Raisin Cookie

Hashbrowns, 731 W. Maxwell St.
Sweet Potato Fries; Sweet Potato Hashbrowns; Maxwell Street Burger; BBQ Meatballs
“Taste Of”: Sweet Potato Fries; Sweet Potato Hashbrowns

Home Run Inn Pizza, 4254 W. 31st St.
Cheese Pizza Slice; Sausage Pizza Slice; Six Wings; Cookie with Ice Cream
“Taste Of”: Two Wings; Harvest Salad

Iyanze, 4623 N. Broadway St.
Rice & Beans with Jerk and Plantain; Jollof & Oxtail; Coconut Rice w/ Sauteed Beef; Bissop Sorbet
“Taste Of”: Bissop Sorbet; Jerk Chicken

JR Dessert Bakery, 2841 W. Howard St.
Plain Cheesecake (with Fresh Strawberry or Caramel Pecan Sauce); Frozen Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake Bar; Key Lime Pie; Chocolate Molten Lava Cake (with or without Ice Cream)
“Taste Of”: Plain Cheesecake; Ice Cream with Fresh Strawberry Sauce

Kasia’s Deli, 2101 W. Chicago Ave.
Pierogi (Potato, Sauerkraut, Beef, Cheddar Jalapeno); Polish Sausage Sandwich with Onion or Kraut; Potato Pancakes with Apple Sauce or Sour Cream; Chicken/Sausage kabob with Vegetable Rice
“Taste Of”: Pierogi Potato; Cheese/Strawberry Blintz w/ Chocolate Topping

La Justicia, 3901 W. 26th St.
Enchiladas; Steak Taco with Pico de Gallo; Nachos (Steak or Chicken)
“Taste Of”: Enchilada (1); Chicken Breast Taco

Lagniappe-Creole Cajun Joynt, 1525 W. 79th St.
Catfish Po’Boy; Crawfish Boil; Chicken & Waffles; Beignets
“Taste Of”: Pralines and Cream; Beignets

*Lao Sze Chuan, 2172 S. Archer Ave.
Dry Chili Chicken; Salt & Pepper Pork Rib; Crispy Shrimp in Lemon Sauce; Vegetable Fried Rice
“Taste Of”: Dry Chili Chicken; Spring Roll (vegetarian)

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, 805 S. State St.
Cheese Pizza Slice; Sausage Pizza Slice; Malnati Salad (chopped); Bruschetta
“Taste Of”: Malnati Salad (chopped); Bruschetta

*Loving Hut, 5812 N. Broadway
Home Run Ball (Fried Vegetable Textured Protein with Sweet/Spicy Sauce); Drumsticks; Kung Pao with Rice
“Taste Of”: Drumsticks; Tiramisu

Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen, 1141 S. Jefferson St.
Barbequed Turkey Leg; Corned Beef Brisket Sandwich; Potato Pancakes; Apple Pie Square
“Taste Of”: Apple Pie Square; Macaroni and Cheese

The Noodle Vietnamese Cuisine, 2336 S. Wentworth
Bahn Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich) with Beef or Chicken; Breaded Chicken with Butter Rice; Crab Rangoon; Red Bean, Boba Shaved Ice with Milk & Jelly
“Taste Of”: Sesame Beef on a Stick; Crab Rangoon

Oak Street Beach Café, 5700 S. Cicero Ave.
Grilled Slippertail Lobster with Potato; Grilled Shrimp Skewer with Potato; Grilled Bourbon Chicken Wrap with Potato; Nachos with Cheese/Jalapenos
“Taste Of”: Bourbon Chicken; Garlic Potatoes

O’Brien’s, 1528 N. Wells St.
Celtic Corn on the Cob; Gourmet Beef Hot Dog (Chicago Style); Buffalo Popcorn Shrimp; French Fries
“Taste Of”: Cherry Dumpling; French Fries

Original Rainbow Cone, 9233 S. Western Ave.
Original Rainbow Cone (Cake Cone); Cookie Dough or Cookies and Cream; Waffle Cone Sundae; Original Rainbow Cone (Waffle Cone)
“Taste Of”: Taster Cup of Rainbow; Dream Cup (Vanilla Yogurt and Orange Sherbert)

*Parrot Cage Restaurant, 7059 S. South Shore Dr.
Turkey Meatloaf “Cupcakes”; Seafood Gumbo; Seafood Salad; Red Velvet Cupcake
“Taste Of”: Red Velvet Cupcake; Seafood Gumbo

Pegasus, 130 S. Halsted
Gyros; Greek Chicken on Pita; Loukaneko (Greek Sausage); Soutzoukia (Greek Meatball)
“Taste Of”: Loukaneko (Greek Sausage); Baklava

Polka Sausage & Deli, 8753 S. Commercial
Polish Sausage Sandwich with Kraut; Bratwurst Sandwich with Kraut; Grilled Chicken Breast with Onions; Pierogis with Sour Cream
“Taste Of”: Bratwurst Sandwich; Pierogi

Polo Café and Catering, 3322 S. Morgan
BBQ Grilled Boneless Pork Chop Slider with Grilled Onions; Baked Salmon Mini Burger; Crab Cake Nuggets (baked); Garlic Mozzarella Cheese Bread
“Taste Of”: Cheesy Homemade Cajun Chips; Garlic Mozzarella Cheese Bread

Reggio’s Pizza, 1339 S. Halsted
Turkey Sausage Pizza on Wheat Crust; Sausage Pizza; Cheese Pizza; Red, White & Blue Italian Ice
“Taste Of”: Cherry Italian Ice; Cheese Pizza

Ricobene’s, 252 W. 26th St.
Italian Breaded Steak; Beef & Sausage Combo; Fresh Cut Fries with Cheese; Boneless Buffalo Chicken Wings
“Taste Of”: Italian Breaded Steak; Breaded Eggplant Sandwich

Robinson’s No. 1 Ribs, 225 S. Canal
BBQ Ribs; Rib Tip; Boneless Rib Sandwich; Chicken Tenders w/ Sweet Potato Fries
“Taste Of”: Chicken Tenders; Sweet Potato Fries

*Ryba’s Fudge Shops, 600 E. Grand
Half Slice of Fudge; Full Slice of Fudge; Caramel Apples; Chocolate Covered Strawberry
“Taste Of”: Two Pieces Fudge Sample; Pecan Turtle

Sabor Latino, 3808 W. North
Steak & Onions with Rice and Pigeon Peas; Puerto Rican Steak Sandwich; Steak Jibarito Sandwich; Banana Dumpling Pork Filled
“Taste Of”: Jibarito; Coconut Ice

*The Smoke Daddy, 1804 W. Division
Pulled Pork; Pulled Chicken; BBQ Chips
“Taste Of”: Pulled Pork; Pulled Chicken

Star of Siam, 11 E. Illinois
Pot Stickers (Chicken and Vegetable); Pad Thai Noodles; Grilled Chicken Satay; Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura
“Taste Of”: Pad Thai Noodles; Pot Stickers (Chicken and Vegetable)

*Starfruit Café, 2142 N. Halsted
Original Flavor Frozen Kefir with 2 toppings; Pomengranate Frozen Kefir with 2 toppings; Birthday Cake Frozen Kefir with 2 toppings; Strawberry Flavor Frozen Kefir with 2 toppings
“Taste Of”: Pomengranate Frozen Kefir; Original Flavor Frozen Kefir

*Texas de Brazil, 51 E. Ohio
Combo Platter (combo of the following items); Signature Garlic-Marinated Picanha; Brazilian Sausage; Chicken Breast Wrapped in Bacon
“Taste Of”: Quinoa Salad; Brazilian Sausage or Chicken Wrapped in Bacon

Timothy O’Toole’s, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct.
Buffalo Wings with Ranch; Chicken Fingers & Tots; Footlong Corn Dog; Cheezy Tater Tots
“Taste Of”: Buffalo Wings with Ranch; Fresh Carrots, Celery & Ranch

Tuscany, 1014 W. Taylor St.
Italian Beef Sandwich; Italian Sausage Sandwich; Italian Turkey Meatballs; Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich
“Taste Of”: Toasted Cheese Ravioli; Italian Sausage Sandwich

Tutto Italiano, 501 S. Wells St.
Fried Ravioli – Marinara; Steak Burger with Blue Cheese; Grilled Chicken Mozzarella Sandwich; Lemon-Lime Ice
“Taste Of”: Italian Ice; Seasoned Fries

Vee-Vee’s African Restaurant, 6232 N. Broadway
Fried Plantain with Sauteed Goat Meat; Red Beans & Rice with Grilled Jerk Chicken; Jollof Rice with Sauteed Goat Meat; Red Beans & Rice with Fried Plantain
“Taste Of”: Red Beans & Rice with Grilled Jerk Chicken; Jollof Rice with Sauteed Goat Meat

Vermilion, 10 W. Hubbard
Chimichurri Popcorn Shrimp; Grilled Chicken Kabab, Tomatillo Potatoes, Charred Onions; “The Maharaja Sandwich” Pulled Beef, Crisped Onion, Mint Mayo; Ginger Dusted Crisp Apple Fritter, Mango Cardamom Sauce
“Taste Of”: Mango Dusted Fries, Tamarind Chutney; Grilled Chicken Kabab, Tomatillo Potatoes, Charred Onion

Vienna Beef/Gold Coast Dogs, Chicagoland Locations
Hot Dog (Chicago Style or Plain); Maxwell Street Polish Sausage or Plain; Fire Dogs (Mustard or Plain); French Fries
“Taste Of”: Pickle on a Stick; Mini corn dogs

Dr. Eveann Lovero writes Travel Guides available @ www.vino-con-vista.com

Taste of Chicago 2012: Entertainment Schedule (vinoconvistablog.me)
Gold Coast Art Fair 2012 in Chicago’s Grant Park (vinoconvistablog.me)
City Offers Preview Of Abbreviated Taste Of Chicago (chicago.cbslocal.com)
Taste Of Chicago Vendors Announced (chicagoist.com)
Riesling Wine Tastings in Chicago (vinoconvistablog.me)

Top Picks for Chicago Restaurant Week 2012

Chocolate Bar at the Peninsula Hotel in Chicago

Image by benchilada via Flickr

For ten days starting February 17, 2012, you will have an opportunity to dine at over 200 Chicago Restaurants that offer three-course, Prix fixe menus starting at $22 for lunch and $33 for dinner. Visit www.eatitupchicago.com for the full list. Make reservations ASAP!!

Here’s are some of the restaurants that I dined at last year. I am including them as my favorites for the 5th annual event:

1. The impressive Lobby Restaurant of the Peninsula Hotel offered a starter buffet of roasted vegetables, crabmeat ceviche over a medley of fresh fruit and an assortment of cheeses and charcuteie options. I ordered the grilled salmon BLT for lunch and indulged in the incredible dessert bar with my latte.

2. Sepia is a delightful restaurant in Chicago. The dining room is located in a former 1890′s print studio and it is filled with photography memorabilia. Executive chef Andrew Zimmerman graduated first in his class at the prestigious French Culinary Institute and it is reflected in his Meditterranean influenced cuisine. The urban eatery has exposed brick walls and is located at 123 N. Jefferson Street in Chicago just east of the Kennedy Expressway between Washington and Randolf. I order the porchetta for starters followed by the grilled pork loin and frozen ginger parfait-YUM!

3. NAHA is located at 500 N. Clark St. where executive chef Carrie Nahabedian merges her Armenian roots with Mediterranean influenced flavors that earned her a Michelin star. She was the former executive chef at the Four Seasons Properties in Beverly Hills and Santa Barbara. For my first course I ordered the “Laughing Bird” Shrimp from Belize served over white corn grits. For my main course, I opted for the braised Mishima Ranch “Kobe” Wagyu Beef Brisket with Beluga lentils, bacon roasted parsnips and carrots. My dessert was a millefeuille of bananas with vanilla mousseline and salted caramel.

4. David Burke”s Primehouse is located in the James Hotel at 616 N. Rush. For started I ordered the Surf and Turf Dumplings, two of them were filled with lobster mousse and the other two were filled with braised short-ribs. My entrée included a dry-aged classic fillet served with a side of mushrooms and mashed potatoes. For dessert, I enjoyed the pinapple upside down cake with rum caramel and sour cherry sorbet.

5. Le Colonial has one of my favorite French-Vietnamese inspired menus. It is located Rush Street and is housed in a two-story vintage townhouse decorated in the millieu of 1920′s Siagon. I indulged in the Cha Gio for starters; these fried spring rolls were outstanding! Follow up with the “Bun Thit Nuong”; BBQ pork served over angel-hair noodles. For dessert try, the crispy banana wonton.

6. Il Mulino’s Italian menu at 1150 N. Dearborn is served in a lavish, historic Gold Coast mansion. The eggplant filled with ricotta is one of my favorites for starters. For the entree, I selected the Piccata di Vitello al Limone and my dolci option suggestion is Torta di Formaggio; cheesecake with whipped cream and berries.

7. The Atwood Cafe in the loop on State Street is one of my favorite dining rooms and is located in the elegantly-renovated Hotel Burnham across from Macy’s on Washington. This dining room is one of my favorites in Chicago. They offeried the regular menu with a three-course option for Restaurant Week. I loved the Ahi Tuna appetizer and they serve one of the best pork chops in town. The chocolate dessert was decadent.

8. Blackbird’s award-winning restaurant at 619 W. Randolf offered seared scallops for a starter with a roasted chicken entree and a choclate ganache dessert.

9. Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab at 60 E. Grand is the Chicago outpost of Miami’s legendary Joe’s Stone Crab. For dinner have a cup of chowder of bisque with crab claws or steak and don’t leave without indulging in the famous key lime pie for dessert.

10. This year, I’m torn between Terzo Piano at the Art Institute, Rosebud Prime in the Loop and Aria on Chicago’s east side at the Fairmont Hotel http://www.ariachicago.com.

But I’m definitely going to Piccolo Sogno, one of my all time favorites Italian restaurants in Chicago!

For more information about specific Restaurant Week 2012 Menus, read my “Related Articles” listed below:

Image by TomC via Flickr

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

Salute and Buon Appetito- Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites

Image via Wikipedia

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14 Comments

Filed under Attractions in Chicago, Buon Appetito, Chicago, Chicago Architecture, Chicago Hotels, Chicago Restaurant Week 2011, Chicago Restaurants, michelin guide to chicago restaurants, Restaurant Week in Chicago

Tagged as Amazing Chicago, Andrew Zimmerman, Atwood Cafe in the Loop in Chicago on State Street, Blackbird Restaurant in Chicago, Chicago, Chicago Michelin Guide, Chicago Restaurant Week 2011, chicago restaurants, Cooking, David Burke's Primehouse in Chicago in the James Hotel, eat it up chicago, Food, Home, Il Mulino Restaurant in Chicago in the Gold Coast, italian food, Joe's Seafood and Stone Crab in Chicago, Le COlonial restaurant on Rush Street in Chicago, Lobby Restaurant at Penninsula Hotel in Chicago, Los Angeles, Michael Jordan's Restaurant in Chicago, Michelin Guide, NAHA restaurant in Chicago, One Sixty Blue Reastaurant in Chicago, Peninsula Hotel in Chicago, Prix Fixe menus in Chicago, Reataurant Week in Chicago, Restaurant, Restaurant Week, Sepia Restaurant in Chicago

October 26, 2011 · 8:18 am

The Great American Cooking Expo 2011

The Great American Cooking Expo will be held at the Arlington Park Race Course at 2299 W. Euclid Ave. on November 12th and 13th. You will be able to sample food, wine, beer and other exciting culinary treats.

There will professional chefs offering cooking demonstrations. You can peruse cooking gadgets and learn about wine pairing. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.thecookingexpo.com.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

Image via Wikipedia

The 2011 Italian Food & Wine Expo in Chicago (vinoconvistablog.me)

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