chicago: food like no other

Home=Food

My recent visit to hometown Chicago, I was able to over indulge on all my favorite eats!  Didn't quite have the time to hit all my favorite hot spots, but I did a pretty darn good job adding the calories:) Was it worth it? Absolutely...

Chicago's got everything when it comes to food...and I must warn you, you may leave hungry after viewing this gallery!

 

 

Pizza @ Spacca Napoli                           Pork Bahn Mi @ Ba Le                                Italian Beef @ Portillos

Read More

alinea. perfection.





Alas, I finally had the amazing opportunity to dine at Alinea on my brithday-America's leading restaurant, located right here in Lincoln Park Chicago! Chef and owner Grant Achatz is absolutely stunning with his gastronomic explosions! I cannot begin to describe all the emotions that took place in this divine, 3 hour meal. From the service, to the personal sommelier, as well as the pastry chef who presented one of the desserts on the actual tabletop-completed the story. Each course was in perfect order, paired with the perfect wine, and excitement followed every second.
Read More

this chicagoan knows how to eat!

My love affair with food continues...will I really have time to hit all my favorite spots in Chicago by the time I leave?  I also recently got back from Los Angeles, and I must admit, I have been pleasantly surprised with the great food every time! The photos will speak for themselves...

@ mana food bar-vegetarian hot spot in wicker park
Read More

chicagoans know how to eat!

I have a few months left in chicago, and my goal is to check out new restaurants or places I have not been too...and of course some of my favorites as well. Last week, I checked out Rick Bayless' new restaurant-'Xoco.'  It's the sister restaurant to his 2 other restaurants (Frontera Grill & Topolobampo), all connected in the same building on Clark St. This spot is somewhat of a fast food/inexpensive restaurant, featuring the 'street foods' of mexico. They are known for their bean-to-cup hot chocolates, and their amazing homemade churros!

Ahogada-golden pork carnitas, black beans, tomato broth, spicy arbol chile sauce, pickled onions at xoco
Read More

back in chicago...

I arrived in Chicago 3 weeks ago, and Chicago has been all about snow and freezing temperatures! I definitely miss the sunny, perfect Sydney weather. So what have I been doing? Well, aside from planning on travel plans in the near future, I have been testing out some fun recipes!

Recently, a good friend and fabulous chef Beverly Kim and I made pizza dough from scratch. Yes, I am embarrassed to admit that I have never tempted to make pizza dough from scratch! Bev's favorite recipe is from Julia Child's baking book...and it did take some time. However, it was definitely worth it!

I made extra dough, and made some neopolitan pizza's for my brother Ray and and his wife Jiye...and Ray said it was the best! A very nice compliment...from a strong food critic.

chicken sausage, butternut squash, mushrooms in red sauce
Read More