Media Digest for the week of June 9, 2010

From this week's Chicago Tribune and Good Eating section:

Return of the butcher...in this special to the Tribune, Jennifer Day reports that mom-and-pop butcher shops are enjoying a bit of a resurgence.

Chefs answer first lady's call to service...in this special to the Tribune, Steven L. Katz reports on how chefs from around the country have responded to the Michelle Obama's call to help fight childhood obesity.

Make this recipe and call me in the morning...in this special to the Tribune, Janet Helm reports on the vision of Dr. David Eisenberg, who is on a mission to get America cooking healthfully and wants doctors to lead the way.

Lit Fest: Chefs and authors talk food...a schedule of what's happening under the Good Eating tent at this weekend's Printers Row Lit Fest.

The enduring cookbook...Bill Daley talks to several experts who explain why, in spite of the plethora of electronic information available, cookbooks endure. In Chefs pick their favorite food books, Monica Eng gets top picks from several noted chefs.

Calendar, Drink events...Elizabeth Schiele rounds up a few of this week's upcoming food and beverage events.

From the June 9 edition:
The Cheddar Curtain opens...in this special to the Tribune, Kevin Revolinski provides a guide to cheesemaking tours throughout Wisconsin.

From the June 7 edition of The Stew:
Hoptacular beer fest delivers...Josh Noel recaps the well-attended Hoptacular craft beer festival, which took place at the Aragon Ballroom on Saturday night.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Make this the Summer of Sammie...Jennifer Olvera advocates for the sandwich, talks to several chefs about why they're so enduring and provides a few recipes, too.

Smart blondies: Even peanut butter bars can be made 'local'...in this edition of The Low Mileage Kitchen, Judith Dunbar Hines provides a recipe for (local) Peanut Butter Blondies.

Squid pro quo: No more french-fried treatment...Lisa Donovan checks out several non-fried versions of this popular, ubiquitous ingredient.

'Top Chef' alum gives burgers presidential treatment in new book...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller profiles and interviews chef Spike Mendelsohn and his newly-released The Good Stuff Cookbook. A few recipes from the book are included.

Tastings Around Town...previews of the week's events in food and beverage. Additional information about food industry-related events and news can be found here, in Food 411.

From the June 4 edition:
Salmonella outbreak at Ill. Subway eateries probed...Monifa Thomas reports on yet another foodbourne illness that local health authorities believe is linked to Subway restaurants.

New 'pursuits' for Tru's Rick Tramonto...the aforementioned Ms. Fuller reports that he's leaving Tru and will announce his new plans after July 4.

From the June 3 edition:
District 35 lunches to go organic next fall...in this reprint from the Glencoe News, Katie Okon reports that Glencoe schools will offer lunches from OrganicLife to their students in the 2010-2011 school year.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' on Wednesday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of June 9, 2010

This week in the Chicago Reader's Food & Drink section:

The Versatile Venezuelan Corn Cake...LTH contributor Mike Sula profiles Jose Rodriguez, whose love for arepas -- combined with a dearth of them in the area -- spurred him to open Aripo's Venezuelan Arepa House, in Oak Park.

Masa and More...brief reviews of 12 spots for Latin American cuisine. Submissions here are from the aforementioned Sula, as well as LTHer David Hammond, Julia Thiel, Martha Bayne and others.

Food Truck Ordinance Delayed...Sula blogs the news about the delay of this ordinance, which was supposed to be introduced today.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's serving of Dish, Penny Pollack and Graham Meyer report that Pasteur is re-opening after a 3-year hiatus.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Raise the roof beds...in this photogallery by Jeremy Bolen, Julia Kramer and David Tamarkin track what's being grown on the rooftops of some area restaurants.

The artisan: Nancy Silver...David Tamarkin profiles Nancy Silver, proprietor of Snookelfritz ice cream, which focuses on local ingredients.

At the market with...Perennial's chef Ryan Poli, who shares his recipe for Stover’s Farm Strawberry Salad with balsamic reduction, purple mustard greens and pork belly, which he makes with ingredients sourced at the Lincoln Park farmers’ market.

World Cup:
Five bars to holler at the World Cup this weekend by Shelby Blitz
Six great African spots to catch World Cup fever

Will drive for food...Julia Kramer and Angela Barnaby identify 3 not-so-local restaurants which definitely make a few hours drive worth the effort. (missed this one last week, sorry)
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Whirl of possibilities: Smoothies the hot way to cool off...food editor Deborah Pankey says that not only are smoothies great summer treats, they're also customizable to just about any nutritional parameters. Several recipes are included.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Panna cotta, cream that quivers...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes get the recipe for Courtright’s lobster salad with horseradish panna cotta and aged-balsamic-pickled raspberries, from Chef Jerome Bacle.

Eat this! The ‘Hass’ avocado, black and green and creamy...Ms. Zeldes gets the recipe for Prasino’s lobster-stuffed avocado with mango salsa and chili beurre fondue, from chef Scott Halverson.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

Whoa, Delhi: Falling hard for a coffee-tea-homewares-Indian-fusion fashion boutique...LTH contributor Mike Nagrant is effusive about the fusion at Delhi 6 in Lincoln Square.
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Media Digest for the week of June 16, 2010

From this week's Chicago Tribune and Good Eating section:

Move over cupcakes: New shop chooses cookies...in this special to the Tribune, Susan Taylor visits the recently-opened Cookie Bar, in Lincoln Park.

Hey, syrah!...Bill Daley provides tasting notes for this summer-appropriate red.

Beer of the Month: Hofbrau Original Lager...in this special to the Tribune, Jerald O'Kennard reviews this brew, which is a great addition to cookouts.

From the June 15 edition:
Catching up with chef Marcus Samuelsson...Monica Eng files this interview with the recent Top Chef Masters winner.

On the cusp of ubiquity...Christopher Borrelli files a brief, favorable review of Whoopie Pies, by Sarah Billingsley and Amy Treadwell.

From the June 13 edition:
Come back to Papa for a real deal daiquiri...Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz relays a couple of classic daiquiri recipes.

From the June 10 edition:
What's cookin' on the food tube...Judy Hevrdejs reports on the current and ever-evolving world of food television.

From the June 7 Trib Local Highland Park/Highwood on-line edition:
Juneteenth: The Other Independence Day...LTHer Catherine Lambrecht details one of the culinary traditions of this relatively obscure holiday and provides a recipe.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Man on a mission: Chef pays tribute to father and covert life on road...Dave Hoekstra explains Atwood Cafe's new executive chef Derek Simcik's unconventional upbringing formed who he became as a chef. 2 of chef Simcik's recipes are included.

Free bird: Chicken gets some respect...in this installment of At the Chef's Table, chef Josh Adams of June in Peoria shares his passionate thoughts on free-range chickens.

'Healthy Eating' host a poster child for good nutrition....Lisa Donovan interviews chef and dietitian Ellie Krieger.

Author on quest for plant-based diet...Carol Slezak profiles author Tracye Lynn McQuirter, whose new cookbook, By Any Greens Necessary, focuses on vegetarian cooking for black women.

Tastings Around Town...previews of the week's events in food and beverage. Additional information about food industry-related events and news can be found here, in Food 411.

From the June 14 edition:
Sweet! Natural sweeteners give drinkmakers options...Monifa Thomas reports on yet another new generation of "healthy" beverages.

From the June 12 edition:
Beloved West Side restaurateur dies...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller remembers this Chicago icon, who passed away last week.

From the June 10 edition:
Chicago hot dogs at the White House...Lynn Sweet details the convoluted route they took to get there.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' on Wednesday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of June 16, 2010

This week in the Chicago Reader's Food & Drink section:

A Better Banh Mi...LTH contributor Mike Sula scouts the new Ba Le, and also Fountainhead. LTHer David Hammond visits Chilapan.

New Too...brief reviews of 10 new spots, with contributions by the aforemention Sula and Hammond, as well as Kate Schmidt, Anne Spiselman, Cliff Doerksen and Izidora Angel.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's edition of Dish, Penny Pollack and Graham Meyer report that the rumors of Johnnie's Beef's impending closing are entirely untrue.

Competitive Eater Takes on SugarToad’s All-You-Can-Eat Prix Fixe...LTH contributor Mike Nagrant trails competitive eater Patrick Bertoletti at Sugartoad's all-you-can-eat prix fixe dinner, the Toadal Experience.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Sweet memories...David Tamarkin provides a timeline which supports the notion that Chicago has long since arrived as a pastry destination.

Three-way...Tamarkin reports on what 3 area restaurants are currently do with spring onions.

At the market with...Chuy Valencia of Chilam Balam shares his recipe for Mint Creek Farm goat carpaccio with beet ice cream, in which the goat can be sourced at the Logan Square farmers' market.

Bag it: Historic Bars of Chicago...Julia Kramer takes a brief look at the newly-released Historic Bars of Chicago, by Sean Parnell.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

A butcher talks steaks...Dan Casey of Casey's Foods in Naperville shares the benefit of his experience behind the meat counter.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Bruschetta, an elevating use for stale bread...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe and method for Petterino’s market bruschetta with asparagus, arugula, prosciutto di Parma and mozzarella, from chef Francis Brennan.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

My Favorite Things: Street Food Edition...Mike Nagrant shares some of his favorite spots.
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Media Digest for the week of June 23, 2010

From this week's Chicago Tribune and Good Eating section:

Infusion mission...in this installment of Prep School, James P. DeWan provides a tutorial on infusing oils.

Beyond gin and tonic...Bill Daley focuses on the current gin renaissance. A recipe from Toby Maloney of The Violet Hour is included.

Choice cuts...in this special to the Tribune, Amelia Levin discusses a few lesser-known steaks that are favored by those who are in the know.

Your summer beer is stale, buddy...in this special, Josh Noel recommends 3 styles of beer that work well in the summer months and don't require any sacrifice on the flavor front.

Local chefs to rock Lollapalooza...Kevin Pang reports the on the noteworthy food line-up that will be part of this year's event.

Don't be afraid of a food fest...William Hageman provides a primer on attending summer food fests.

Mmm, fast food that tastes like home...Christopher Borrelli discusses regionally-based restaurant chains and lists a few -- organized by their respective regions.

Which white?...Bill Daley makes some recommendations for wines that pair well with pork. A recipe from James Villas is included.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Thinking outside the lunchbox...Jennifer Olvera offers some tips and recipes for successfully eating homemade meals on the go.

Shortcaked out? Try strawberry salad...in this installment of the The Low Mileage Kitchen, Judith Dunbar Hines provides a recipe for Beautiful Berry Salad.

A flea market for Mexican food finds...Lisa Donovan chronicles her surprising food finds at a few local flea markets.

Chef nods to West Coast roots with avocado...Scott Halverson, chef at Prasino, shares his recipe for Lobster-Stuffed Avocado with Mango Salsa and Chili Beurre Fondue.

15 Chicago restaurants earn 'green' certification...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller reports the list, as well as some details.

Tastings Around Town...previews of the week's events in food and beverage. Additional information about food industry-related events and news can be found here, in Food 411.

Taste of Chicago iPhone app to debut Monday...Maudlyne Ihejirika reports the details of this app, which is one of several new features being rolled out in conjunction with this year's 30th anniversary of Taste.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' on Wednesday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of June 23, 2010

This week in the Chicago Reader's Food & Drink section:

Best of Chicago 2010...favorite spots in a wide variety of food categories are selected by the Reader staff. Picks are from LTH contributor Mike Sula, LTHers David Hammond and Mike Gebert, as well as Kate Schmidt, Julia Thiel and Anne Spiselman.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's installment of Dish, Penny Pollack and Graham Meyer report that Chicago Q will soon occupy the former Tsunmai space on N. Dearborn.

Dish Flash: Chef Change at Custom House Tavern...Pollack and Meyer report that Deal is out and Hendrix is in.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Trending: Horchata...Julia Kramer reports on how this beverage has influenced the menus at several spots around town.

Feeling cornered...David Tamarkin predicts and dissects some potential pitfalls in the upcoming Chicago food truck era.

At the market with...Sepia mixologist Josh Pearson shares his recipe for a Raspberry & Cilantro Bee's Knees cocktail, which he makes with ingredients from Lincoln Square’s farmers’ market.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Chef credits classic cooking shows for career...food editor Deborah Pankey profiles and interviews Mount Prospect native Joe Plucinski, chef at Marriott Lincolnshire, who shares his recipe for Curried Chicken Salad.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Cherries, a fruit to cherish...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Geja Cafe's 45th-anniversary cherry merlot dipping sauce, from Chef Julie Swieca.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

Two for Takeout: The neverending quest to be the next Chipotle...LTH contributor Mike Nagrant checks out a couple of local fast food joints that have aspirations of grandeur.
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Media Digest for the week of June 30, 2010

From this week's Chicago Tribune and Good Eating section:

Fiesta for the 4th...Rick Bayless shares some excerpted recipes from his new book, Fiesta at Rick's. Another recipe is linked here.

Zin-ful toast to 4th of July...Bill Daley suggests Zinfandel -- "generally agreed to be the most all-American of wines " -- as an appropriate pairing for 4th of July celebrations and provides some tasting notes, as well.

Author on a mission of food harmony...Judy Hevrdejs profiles author Mireille Guiliano and her new book, The French Women Don't Get Fat Cookbook.

Calendar...Elizabeth Schiele lists some of the week's upcoming food events.

Corpse revival...in this special to the Trib, Zak Stambor checks out CR2, this year's special limited release from North Shore Distillery in Lake Bluff.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

How cool: Gelato's new flavor wheel...Veronica Hinke explores the offbeat side of this frozen Italian confection and provides recipes, as well. Several additional recipe resources are also included.

New Bayless book offers good excuse for fiesta...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller interviews Rick Bayless about his new book, Fiesta at Rick's. A few excerpted recipes are included.

Chicago Heights native finds niche in small-batch soy sauce...Dave Newbart profiles Matt Jamie and his Bourbon Barrel Foods (Louisville, KY), "the only American microbrewery of the world’s most popular condiment: soy sauce."

Sea asparagus a sure conversation starter...Lisa Donovan investigates this delicacy -- which isn't really asparagus at all -- but is in season right now.

Eater's Digest: July happenings...a day-by-day listing of some culinary events scheduled for the month of July.

Taste of Chicago serves up a little bit of everything...Vernon Clement Jones visits with several of this year's attendees at Taste.

Taste, Eli's Cheesecake celebrate a milestone...Misha Davenport checks in at this year's 30th annual Taste of Chicago. Several additional pieces about Taste are also linked, as are a map and various schedules.

11 new eateries, iPhone app on tap at the Taste...Mitch Dudek reports on what's new at Taste of Chicago this year.

Tighter budgets have Chicagoans eating out less, skipping portions...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller reports some findings from the recently released Zagat survey of Chicago-area dining.

The Unemployee in ... Amateur in butcher shop...in this reprint from the Pioneer Press, Irv Leavitt chronicles his day 'working' at Zier's Prime Meats & Poultry in Wilmette.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' on Wednesday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of June 30, 2010

This week in the Chicago Reader's Food & Drink section:

Watermelon Men...LTH contributor Mike Sula profiles the Baylor family, whose seasonal, non-traditional watermelon sales in Chicago have developed a cult-like following.

Farm to Table...this week's sort highlights 12 restaurants that feature market fare. Submissions here are from the aforementioned Sula, LTHers David Hammond and Gary Wiviott, Martha Bayne, Anne Spiselman, Kate Schmidt and Nicholas Day.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's edition of Dish, Penny Pollack and Graham Meyer preview Pensiero Ristorante (formerly Va Pensiero), which is slated to open on July 9th under the direction of LTHer Alan Lake, aka Jazzfood.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

The BBQ Issue:
Chicago ribs...Heather Shouse names her 5 favorites
Chicago rib tips...Shouse again id's her favorites.
Brisket...David Tamarkin speaks to Smoque frontman Barry Sorkin about his brisket, which many consider to be the best in town.
Chicago barbecue: pulled pork...Tamarkin creates his dream sandwich, combining elements from 5 different renditions around town.
Barbecue chicken...Julia Kramer sings the praises of this often-dismissed item.
Chicago barbecue sides...Kramer, Shouse and Tamarkin list their favorites.
International barbecue...Jenny An explains where to get the best renditions.
Chicago barbecue pit masters...LTHer Mike Gebert interviews 4 iconic Chicago pit masters.
Baked ribs...Shouse explains that these are not actually barbecue.
Aqua team hunger force...Gebert investigates aquarium smokers, a Chicago mainstay.
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The ice is right...Julia Kramer lists 10 takes on iced coffee.

At the market with...Nicole Pederson of C-House, shares her recipe for Gooseberry, broccoli and sausage bread salad, made with gooseberries from the Printers Row farmers’ market.

Five ready-to-eat dishes at the farmers’ markets...David Tamarkin highlights five worthy ones.

The Feed: Six restaurants that serve brunch on Saturdays...a list of 6 places where a Sunday is not required for brunch.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Star-spangled salads for a patriotic potluck...food editor Deborah Pankey shares several salad recipes that appropriate for festive holiday events.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Meatloaf, easy comfort...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Dine’s meatloaf, from chef Alfredo Anaya.

Upscale Chicago eateries serving prisoners’ produce...Ms. Zeldes reports on this collaboration between Cook County Jail and the University of Illinois Extension Service, which has produced more than 50 tons of food since its inception in 1993, some of which has ended up at a few well-known local restaurants.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

Iron Woman: Cinnamon Cooper gives a traditional skillet a global shine...LTH contributor Mike Nagrant checks in with local author Cinnamon Cooper (gapersblock.com), whose new book The Everything Cast Iron Cookbook, has just been released.
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Media Digest for the week of July 7, 2010

From this week's Chicago Tribune and Good Eating section:

Pinot chic...Bill Daley provides some information and tasting notes for California Pinot Noirs.

Goose Island Green Line...Jerald O'Kennard checks out this draft-only American pale ale, which he says is "of the best [beers] Goose Island has ever made."

Crunch time...Noelle Carter provides a primer and recipe for "perfect" fried chicken.

Giada bonds with fans...Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz profiles and interviews Giada de Laurentiis on the heels of her recent appearance at Taste of Chicago.

Backpack gourmet...Josh Noel provides some tips for eating well while enjoying the great outdoors. A couple recipes are provided.

Seafood watch...William Hageman reports that "...for the average U.S. consumer, the impact of the BP oil disaster has yet to hit home. That could change in the months ahead, of course, but for now there's no need to alter your menu."

Holy pigs in a gimlet! It's bacon vodka...in this special to the Tribune, Lisa Futterman checks out Bakon vodka -- which has been around for a couple of years -- and provides a recipe for its use, as well.

Calendar...Elizabeth Schiele lists some of the week's upcoming food events.

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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Gold rush: from beehive to table...Brian E. Clark reports on how several local chefs, including Carnivale's Mark Mendez, have teamed up with Heritage Prairie Farm in Elburn, IL to raise their own honey. Several applicable recipes are included.

Pack a picnic with crisp cucumbers...in this installment of The Low Mileage Kitchen, Judith Dunbar Hines provides recipes for Honeyed Honeydew and Picnic Pita Sandwiches.

Beyond pie: unlocking Key lime's savory side...Lisa Donovan explores some less familiar uses for Key limes, which are in season right now.

Tastings Around Town...previews of the week's events in food and beverage. Additional information about food industry-related events and news can be found here, in Food 411

Big benefits in small package...Carol Slezak extols the virtues of tart cherries, which are in season right now.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' on Wednesday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of July 7, 2010

This week in the Chicago Reader's Food & Drink section:

The Right Wine for the Weather...Anne Spiselman gets "affordable summer picks and suggested pairings from eight indie wine stores."

Enotecas, Etc...brief reviews of 15 wine bars, with submissions by LTHers Mike Sula and David Hammond, as well as Julia Thiel and Martha Bayne, among others.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

Dish Flash: The Plan for the Aldino’s Space is CooKoo...Penny Pollack and Graham Meyer report owner Scott Harris' plans for a quick turn-around.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

The Process: Old Town Social’s hot sauce...in this photo essay, Julia Kramer and Jeremy Bolen document how executive chef Jared Van Camp makes the hot sauce at Old Town Social.

At the market with...Michael Taus (Zealous, Duchamp) makes Alaskan halibut with Nichols Farm carrot nage and risotto, using vegetables that can be found at the Division Street farmers’ market.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

No new locally-originating content has been posted at the Herald's web site this week.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

The Chicago-style hot dog: ‘A masterpiece’...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes kicks off National Hot Dog Month with a tribute to the Chicago-style dog, the first in a series.

Eat this! The Chicago hot dog, born in the Great Depression...Ms. Zeldes continues her hot dog series with a schematic of the quintessential Chicago-style dog, as served at the Vienna Beef Factory Cafeteria and many other area hot dog stands.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

A Fish Story: Chicago’s seafood history lives on in its shrimp houses...before centering on Joey's Shrimp House in Wicker Park, LTH contributor Mike Nagrant explains that Chicago has had a long history with its shrimp houses over the years.
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Media Digest for the week of July 14, 2010

From this week's Chicago Tribune and Good Eating section:

The summer slump...food editor Carol Mighton Haddix harkens back to her Girl Scout days in sharing this recipe, which she still makes regularly.

Go red, white or rosé...in honor of Bastille Day, Bill Daley provides 3 menus and 9 suggested pairings -- with tasting notes -- for them.

Dining with the stars...Mark Jacob provides excerpts from What the Great Ate: A Curious History of Food and Fame, a newly-released book he wrote with his brother Matthew.

Pucker up to great tasting bottled lemonades...Monica Eng tries several top brands and reports her findings.

Midwestern flavor in a citrus vodka...in this special to the Tribune, Zak Stambor checks out a new product from Guy Rehorst, founder and distiller of Milwaukee's Great Lakes Distillery.

Bookshelf: Bringing the past into the present...Bill Daley files a brief, favorable review of Forgotten Skills of Cooking: The Time-Honored Ways are Best — Over 700 Recipes Show You Why, by Darina Allen.

Calendar, Drink events...Elizabeth Schiele lists some of the week's upcoming food and beverage events.

Note: There may be other locally-originating stories this week but the pages at the Trib's web site would not load.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Market research: Bumper crop of books celebrates farmers' bounty...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller briefly reviews a bunch of new releases that focus on farm to table cooking. Several recipes are excerpted.

In the weeds: Following in a forager's footsteps...Lisa Donovan trails noted forager Sunny Savage, who shows her that there are edible plants right under our noses all over the area.

Rolling in the pizza dough...Toni Roberts, pastry chef at C-House, shares a couple of dough recipes that were inspired by her father, who recently built a wood-burning, stone oven. A streamed video is also included.

Gulping down big calories...Carol Slezak profiles and interviews David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding, authors of Drink This, Not That!, the eighth book in the series.

Chicago Michelin Guide almost done..the aforementioned Ms. Fuller reports that the long-awaited guide is slated for November release.

Tastings Around Town...previews of the week's events in food and beverage. Additional information about food industry-related events and news can be found here, in Food 411
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' on Wednesday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of July 14, 2010

This week in the Chicago Reader's Food & Drink section:

Ma Bell's Culinary Legacy...LTH contributor Rob Lopata explains why authentic Chinese cooking has such a strong presence in the Naperville area and other nearby western suburbs. He also visits a few of the area's best Chinese restaurants.

Best of Chinatown...10 recommended restaurants, with contributions from LTHers Gary Wiviott, Mike Sula and David Hammond.

Taste of Hysteria...on the blog, LTH contributor Mike Sula weighs in on the ridiculous-but-predictable hysteria at this year's Taste of Chicago regarding seafood from the Gulf of Mexico.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's installment of Dish, Penny Pollack and Graham Meyer chat with Jean-Luc Naret of Michelin about the upcoming Chicago guide, slated for November release.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Hook, line & sinker...David Tamarkin chronicles a recent trip to Grand Isle, Louisiana by Rick Tramonto and several other noted chefs, who traveled to the area to see the efffects of the oil spill for themselves. In this related piece, Fish or cut bait?, Amber Gibson checks in with several local restaurants to learn whether or not they're serving seafood from the Gulf and the reasons behind their decisions.

Street Food Now: Popsicle Princesses...Julia Kramer profiles Liz Wolferman and Emma Nolley, aka the Popsicle Princesses, who are rolling out their hand-made artisanal wares in town, via tricycle.

New suds...Heather Shouse checks out the ambitious new beer programs at 3 local spots.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Lisle caterer up to Food Network's challenge...food editor Deborah Pankey profiles Kevin Molidor, who will appear on Food Network Challenge this Sunday.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes continues her National Hog Dog Month series with a couple of addtional installments:

In Know your wiener, the differences between natural casing and skinless dogs are highlighted.

In It takes big buns to hold Chicago hot dogs, Ms. Zeldes sheds some light on the iconic buns that are used at most Chicago hot dog stands. A short video is included.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

No new content has been posted this week at New City's web site. Please, check back later for updates.
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The Media Digest is on vacation and will return next week.

Thanks,

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Media Digest for the week of July 28, 2010

From this week's Chicago Tribune and Good Eating section:

Don't be chicken; try riesling...Bill Daley provides tasting notes and pairing advice on Washington State rieslings.

Relish the thought...the aforementioned Mr. Daley files this primer, which focuses on "Turning summer's bounty into easy, bright condiments." Recipes are included.

Chicken breeds from the past...Monica Eng explains what makes heritage breeds so different from the mass-produced poultry that fills grocery cases. In this related piece, Choice chickens, Ms. Eng sorts through some poultry labeling terminology.

Bookshelf: Out of milk or eggs? Here's help...Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz files a brief, favorable review of Substituting Ingredients, by Becky Sue Epstein.

The straight truth about vermouth...Lauren Viera provides background information and tasting notes on several vermouths.

Kolsch: A beer style to fit your summery mood...in this special to the Tribune, Zak Stambor quaffs a few of these locally-produced brews.

Drink events...Elizabeth Schiele lists some of the week's upcoming beverage events.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

House mixes up special cocktails at Blackbird...Thomas Connors profiles noted mixologist Lynn House, who's currently plying her trade at Blackbird. A couple recipes are included.

End of an era for Edna's?...Lisa Donovan reports that the fate of this legendary soul food restaurant is still not known but should be in the next few weeks.

Lemon tart leaves lasting impression...in this installment of At the Chef's Table, Mark Payne of Deca Restaurant shares his time-tested Lemon Tart recipe.

Born on 'Battle' field: a high-class TV bistro...Mike Thomas profiles Erik Ruminski and Ces Lopez, who will compete on Food Network's 24 Hour Restaurant Battle.

Tastings Around Town...previews of the week's events in food and beverage.

August eater's digest...a brief overview of some of August's upcoming food and beverage events.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' on Wednesday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of July 28, 2010

This week in the Chicago Reader's Food & Drink section:

The Kubba King...LTH contributor Mike Sula profiles and interviews Ron Hermiz, owner of Mosul Kubba, Inc., "one of only three USDA-licensed manufacturers of kubba in the country."
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's edition of Dish, Penny Pollack, Graham Meyer and Denise Penacerrada preview 8, a soon-to-open spot in West Town that will feature fare inspired by Buenos Aires street food.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Cooling off . . .
4 killer ice-cream sandwiches...Julia Kramer takes one for the team and identifies 4 special ones that can be found around town.

5 cocktail pitchers with cool to spare...David Tamarkin names 5 refreshers.

3 fresh ceviches...Tamarkin id's 3 worthy renditions.
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Outstanding for whom?...Christina Couch takes a mildly critical look at Outstanding in the Field.

Three-way...Amber Gibson checks out what dessert preparations 3 local restaurants are making with sweet corn.

At the market with...Curtis Duffy of Avenues shares his recipe for Sweet corn soup with charred-husk oil, that he makes with sweet corn from the MCA Farmers' Market.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Grilled goodness: Vegetables take to outdoor cooking...food editor Deborah Pankey praises the value of grilled vegetables and provides several recipes, too.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Chicago’s Oscar Mayer has a way...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes continues her National Hot Dog Month series with a brief history of the world-famous Wienermobile. The rest of the series is linked (pun somewhat intended) at the bottom of the Wienermobile piece.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

A Taco Tale: La Lagartija Taqueria brings a Bayless alum to the West Loop...LTH contributor Mike Nagrant checks out this West Loop taqueria, which has an outstanding pedigree.
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Media Digest for the week of August 4, 2010

From this week's Chicago Tribune and Good Eating section:

Frozen foods tasted, rated...Bill Daley takes one for the team and puts some frozen ethnic fare from major national marketers through its paces. Products in several categories are ranked. Pricing and calorie information are included.

Two Belgian shops with specialties...in this special, Susan Taylor checks out 2 new Belgian-style food businesses in Chicago: Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafter on East Walton and Leonidas Cafe on East Chicago Avenue and in Wilmette.

A tomato grows in Englewood...Monica Eng rolls out a series in which she will follow the progress of one tomato from seed to plate. This tomato happens to be planted by Tim Murakami at Growing Home Wood Street Urban Farm in Englewood.

Hofbrau Kaltenhausen Edelweiss...Jerald O'Kennard files his Beer of the Month column.

Time is ripe for verdejo...Bill Daley says this "crisp Spanish white wine pairs well with summer meals" but also recommends it as a year-round wine. Included are tasting notes and pairing recommendations.

Refreshing, crisp pear cider...in this special to the Tribune, Jennifer Day provides a short primer on these slightly offbeat hard ciders.

Organic activist presents her 'Manifesto'...the aforementioned Ms. Eng profiles Maria Rodale, author of the newly-released Organic Manifesto.

Tried, true and blue...Monica Kass Rogers reports that it's the time of year for state fairs and that many Americans are very enthusiastic about vying for blue ribbons. Several recipes are included.

Calendar, Drink events...Elizabeth Schiele lists some of the week's upcoming food and beverage events.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Chop, chop: Honing knife skills is essential and quite fun (wine, anyone?)...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller checks out the Knife Skills class at The Chopping Block, which is just one of several classes offered there. By no coincidence, the Sun Times also posts its 2010 Guide to Cooking Schools.

Basil appraisal: 'Tis the season for perfect pesto...in this installment of The Low Mileage Kitchen, Judith Dunbar Hines provides some advice on how to keep basil plants thriving, as well as a recipe for Pesto Chicken Salad.

Edna's on West Side closes a month after namesake's death...Lisa Donovan reports that the rumored closing of Edna's is, unfortunately, official.

Alderman calls for rolling restaurants...Fran Spielman reports on the long-awaited introduction of a proposed ordinance that would legalize food trucks in Chicago, by Scott Waguespack, Alderman of the 32nd ward.

Chef Graham nips off name for 'Masterchef'...Miriam Di Nunzio reports that chef Graham Elliot Bowles has dropped the 'Bowles' from his name but never really explains why.

Tastings Around Town...previews of the week's events in food and beverage. Additional information about food industry-related events and news can be found here, in Food 411.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' on Wednesday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of August 4, 2010

This week in the Chicago Reader's Food & Drink section:

The Three Kims...LTH contributor Mike Sula profiles the (mostly) family team of Kims behind Ruxbin in West Town. Cliff Doerksen scouts The Portage in Portage Park and Anne Spiselman checks out Donatella Mediterranean Bistro in Evanston.

New Too...brief reviews of 12 recent openings, with contributions by the aforementioned Sula, LTHer David Hammond, Kate Schmidt, Izidora Angel, Julia Thiel and Ted Cox.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's installment of Dish, Penny Pollack and Graham Meyer report that yet another barbecue joint, this one a "'dirty French barbecue'" joint from the owner of Gilt Bar, is slated to open this fall.

Dish Flash: Christophe David To Leave NoMI...Pollack and Meyer report the bittersweet details.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

The artisan: Nathan Wyse...Jessican Herman profiles Nathan Wyse, whose Thrive Kombucha, born out of a genuine passion, has filled a gap in the local marketplace.

At the market with...Ina Pinkney of Ina's shares her recipe and technique for Summer Fruit Crisp, made with fruit purchased at the Erie Street Farmers’ Market.

Counter offer: Black Dog Gelato...Julia Kramer gets the scoop (pun entirely intended) on this newly-opened shop in Ukrainian Village from gelato maven Jessica Oloroso. The piece is accompanied by several photographs from Martha Williams.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Fiesta time! Chef Rick Bayless tours the 'burbs, nation, promoting book...food editor Deborah Pankey profiles and interviews Rick Bayless -- who made a recent book tour appearance at Cooper's Hawk Winery in South Barrington -- and tries to keep tabs on all the pans he's currently got in the fire. Several recipes from Bayless' new book, Fiesta at Rick's, are included.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Bring on the Chicago barbecue bonanza!...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets excited about the current BBQ boom in Chicagoland.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

411: Upscale Mobility with the Gaztro-Wagon...LTH contributor Mike Nagrant profiles chef Matt Maroni, proprietor of Gaztro-Wagon, who has spearheaded the efforts to get food trucks legalized in Chicago.

Like Jeannie in a Bottle? I Dream of Falafel seduces the Loop...Nagrant says that for the most part, the food trumps all at this inexpensive Loop eatery.
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Media Digest for the week of August 11, 2010

From this week's Chicago Tribune and Good Eating section:

Back to (cooking) school...in this special to the Tribune, Elizabeth Owens-Schiele files the Trib's 2010 guide.

'No winemaking' says Italian winemaker...Bill Daley profiles Stefano Inama and learns about about his family's 'hands off' approach to authentic Italian-style winemaking.

Celebrating local foods, purveyors...the aforementioned Mr. Daley files a brief, favorable review of Edible: A Celebration of Local Foods, by Tracey Ryder and Carole Topalian.

Build confidence in the kitchen...James P. DeWan checks in with some experts who confirm that sound knowledge of basic techniques is really the most powerful tool in the kitchen.

Calendar, Drink events...Elizabeth Schiele lists some of the week's upcoming food and beverage events.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Tofu — seriously...LTHer David Hammond checks out the artisanal side of tofu and explores how it's being used by chefs in dishes around town. A couple of recipes are included.

8/2/10: A day of eating dangerously...in this reprint from the Pioneer Press, Irv Leavitt chronicles a recent day of big eating with his daughter.

Cakes are big business for ‘Ace’ crew...Bill Zwecker profiles the team behind Baltimore’s Charm City Cakes, who are also featured on Food Network's Ace of Cakes.

Essential chocolate, an ingredient for any season...in this installment of At the Chef's Table, Elvia Granados, pastry chef for Francesa's restaurants, shares a couple of seasonless recipes that feature chocolate.

A Tour de Fromage through Wisconsin's cheese country...travel editor Lori Rackl reports on the ripe food-travel opportunities that exist in neighboring Wisconsin.

Breakfast taking bigger bite out of your wallet...Sandra Guy analyzes new data, which indicate that the prices of some breakfast staples are on the rise.

Tastings Around Town...previews of the week's events in food and beverage. Additional information about food industry-related events and news can be found here, in Food 411.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' on Wednesday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of August 11, 2010

This week in the Chicago Reader's Food & Drink section:

Point and Eat...LTH contributor Mike Sula profiles the family team behind Ruby’s Fast Food, a turo-turo-style Filipino eatery in Albany Park, which isn't really a typical fast food place at all.

Pinoy Pleasures...brief reviews of 11 additional Filipino eateries in town. Submissions here are from the aforementioned Sula, LTHers Gary Wiviott, David Hammond, Jenny B. Davis and Laura Levy Shatkin.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's installment of Dish, Penny Pollack and Graham Meyer deliver some details about Thai Town Center, Arun Sampanthavivat's upcoming North Side project, which is expected to bow about a year from now.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Seconds, anyone?...Julia Kramer and David Tamarkin profile some of Chicagoland's most important -- and least well-known -- #2 chefs.

Street Food Now: Truck-cake takeover...Amber Gibson points out some differences between Chicagoland's 3 currently operating cupcake trucks.

Hot Sauce: Del Maguey’s Pechuga...Heather Shouse recommends Del Maguey’s Pechuga mescal, which is available by the shot at Big Star.

At the market with...chef Meg Colleran Sahs of Terzo Piano shares her recipe for Seared Atlantic scallops with Nichols Farms melon, white-bean puree and crispy La Quercia pancetta, which she makes with ingredients purchased at the Federal Plaza farmers’ market.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Shiraz chef Carol Buckantz likes to keep it simple...food editor Deborah Pankey profiles chef Carol Buckantz of Shiraz on the Water, the fine dining restaurant at Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale. Chef Buckantz's recipe for Cedar Planked Salmon Crab Meat Stuffing is included.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Popcorn shoots, the new mellow yellow...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Fulton’s on the River’s local corn and ‘Lola Rosa’ salad, from chef Greg Biggers,
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

My Favorite Things: Vegas Edition...LTH contributor Mike Nagrant lists a few of his recent local faves, as he departs for a week of vacation in Las Vegas.
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Media Digest for the week of August 18, 2010

From this week's Chicago Tribune and Good Eating section:

Beyond Pesto …Though basil may be the first herb most of us ever got comfortable with, Julia Edwards tries to push us out of our comfort zone and try new uses for the “royal herb.”

Southern Classic Inspires Summer Feast …Julia Edwards is apparently on a roll today, with some thoughts on how to deliciously modify traditional shrimp and grits (spoiler alert: polenta).

Is This the World’s Hottest Pepper …William Hageman tells us the story behind the Dorset Naga, clocking in at a blistering 1.6 million Scoville units, and giving rise to a Youtube subcult.

Gelato Times Two …Susan Taylor examines (as we are doing on LTH right now) the different styles of Black Dog and Paciugo.

A Wine for More Seasons …Bill Daley makes convincing case that rose works as well with corn on the cob as it does choucroute, though neither of us succeeds at getting accent marks over the “e” in the name of the beverage.

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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

The Tomato Has Landed …It’s a good news/bad news scenario painted by Janet Fuller: we got a load of tomatoes (especially compared to last year) but be ready for blight.

Aw Shucks, Leave Corn Husk Alone …Lisa Donovan submits a passionate plea to unhand that cob and do all your shucking in the privacy of your own home.

Are Locally Grown Foods Always Better? …an unattributed writer asks, somewhat rhetorically.

From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Restaurant Review: Girl and The Goat …David Tamarkin, though not without reservation, places Stephanie Izard in the vanguard of Chicago Contemporary Cuisine (CCC).

Rice vs. Noodle… David Tamarkin, Laura Baginski, Judy Sutton Taylor, Heather Shouse and Julia Kramer examine new trend of Thai/Japanese joints to see which side of the equation they favor, which seems to be Thai, by a hair (ugh, sorry).

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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' on Wednesday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of August 18, 2010

This week in the Chicago Reader's Food & Drink section:

The Four Story Farm …LTHer Mike Sula reports on plans to transform a former meat processing plant into a vertical agricultural and aquaponics operation that runs on zero net energy.

From Farm to Food Desert …Topher Gray examines the challenges of connecting African-American producers and eaters of healthful food.

In the Neighborhood LTHers Gary Wiviott, Mike Sula and Hammond, along with Martha Bayne, Katie Buitrago, Susannah Felts, Kate Schmidt take an eat on the wild side, in Bridgeport, Back o’ the Yards.

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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

Cibo Matto’s Todd Stein will be Chef at The Florentine …Peggy Pollack and Graham Meyer cover Stein’s departure and talk to Phillip Foss, who just left Lockwood.

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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Misunderstood Buttermilk: It’s Really Low or No-Fat…some anonymous writer wants us to understand buttermilk, which may be “the most misunderstood dairy product of our time.” Okay, we get it...but do we have to drink it?


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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this: Chow chow and piccalilli pickle the Southern Harvest …LTHer Leah Zeldes schools us in the lore of the pickle and how pickling is practiced by Paul Fehribach at Big Jones.

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There's no new entry this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site: -- Nagrant is purportedly in Vegas squandering the next egg.

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Media Digest for the week of August 25, 2010

From this week's Chicago Tribune and Good Eating section:

Shrimp 101 – A tall man considers a tiny crustacean as Bill Daley provides guidance in selecting shrimp (spoiler alert: medium is best, but sniff first and buy raw with shell-on), explains the current deal with gulf shrimp, and cautions us not to go overboard by eating America’s favorite seafood to death.

Meet Viognier – Daley scores an exacta with another excellent buying guide, this time for a pan-regional grape used in vino that is downright cheap ($10) as well as kinda pricey.

Jammin’ on Pure Love – It’s canning season, and Barbara Mahany’s thoughts turn to jam…and her grandma.

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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Lunch Lessons – Anupy Singla tells us how Gale Gand, Troy Graves and LTHForum co-founder Melissa Graham (MAG) are trying to help improve nutrition and reduce childhood obesity through Michelle Obama’s Adopt-a-School program, the mechanics of which are still being defined.

Sparky’s Pasta Salad – just looking at the title, you know what LTHer contributed this recipe: the remarkable MHays.

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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Chain Reactions – Using Todd Stein’s defection from Cibo Matto to Florentine as a jumping off point, David Tamarkin reviews why NYC restaurants (with some exceptions) are currently opening anywhere but Chicago, and spins a restaurant opening into an opportunity for Chicagoans to nurture Second City self-hatred.

What a Riot – Julia Kramer gets us all wobbly with her descriptions of Haymarket Pub and Brewery, which will feature a keg room in the cellar, theater and breakfast. Drinkers of the world unite!

Going Dutch – Tamarkin gets us all excited about Vincent, opening in old La Tache space and featuring Dutch treats like gin and herring and red lights…but don’t get too excited, no pot or hookers (unless you bring your own).

The Next Big Thing – Tamarkin spins out a quick tease about Next, the much-anticipated Achatz project that will probably open later than scheduled (shocker).

But Wait, There’s More…Restaurants – Calves liver sashimi, a sandwich-shake-soda shop from GEB, and a Purple Pig follow-up from Jimmy Bannos Sr. are some of the cool eating ops coming soon.

But Wait, There’s More…Bars – Double dip recession? Who cares? We’re more focused on getting a double bock (or a double anything) at any one of the cool new brew stations opening here in the months to come.

Boiler Room – Heather Shouse explains that this new bar is an unpretentious place for a beer but not so much for food or fancy drinks.

Stax – Julia Kramer’s blurb about Stax had us giggling at her Ruth Reichl-like prose.

Sprinkles -- Having apparently spent the last week chained to his keyboard, Tamarkin waxes semi-rhapsodic about hormonally challenged kids on sugar highs, women licking fingers (oh dear) and the sometimes tasty cupcakes at this new spot.

Jamaica Jerk -- Shouse digs the chow at this little neighborhood joint whose fortunes (and menu) reflect the economic stresses of the surrounding community.

From this week's Newcity and Resto section:

Off Que at Lillie’s: Will the Real Smoke Daddy Please Stand Up – LTH contributor Mike Nagrant, with an abundance of clever pop culture references, finds the BBQ at Lillies inconsistent, ambiguous and sometimes quite tasty.

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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' on Wednesday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of August 25, 2010

This week in the Chicago Reader's Food & Drink section:

Girl with the Goods – Mike Sula joins the chorus of (for the most part) plaudits for Stephanie Izard’s restaurant, Anne Spiselman damns Chikurin Sushi and Asian Cuisine with faint praise, and Heather Kenny has good things to say about what LTHer Alan Lake is doing at Pensiero.

Small Bites -- You may be getting charged too much, or too little, in sales tax for your food, and Sarah Klose explains some of the context for this confusion.

Kaplan Liquors Kicks Out the Dummies – Comrade Sula reports on tragic ejection of ventriloquist sidekicks from Bridgeport bar.

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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section :

Great Suburban Breweries in Chicagoland – LTHer Karl Klockers reveals that all great local beer cometh not from the city of Chicago alone; some fine suds are bubbling up from places like Plainfield and Aurora.

Henri is an Instant Classic – Penny Pollack makes Henri, the Gage’s baby brother, sound like the place you want to eat next.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Remember They’re a Fruit – Tomatoes Have a Sweet Side – In a plea that all fruits should just get along, Deborah Pankey explains why tomatoes work well with pears, melons and others of the more obviously fruity persuasion. For more on this common misconception, attend the Annoying Orange.

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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat This! Pimento Cheese, Ruby-Studded Southern Comfort – LTHer Leah Zeldes talks to Lillie Q’s Charlie McKenna about pimento cheese and crostini and makes it sound like something you’d want to eat.

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Heard on and posted this week at the James Beard-nominated Eight Forty-Eight:

Soundbite: Carnivale – in what is undoubtedly the most significant media event of the week, Hammond talks to Mark Mendez at Carnivale and finds out how scary it is to be a chef.

Media Digest for the week of September 1, 2010

From this week's Chicago Tribune and Good Eating section:

Exploring the whites of Italy...Bill Daley provides detailed guidance, as well as tasting notes.

Market-fresh holiday...Judy Hevrdejs says that Labor Day is a great time to cook with ingredients from Farmers Markets.

Good eats for Labor Day weekend...a round-up of recipes and articles from various origins that pertain to the upcoming holiday weekend. Submissions here are from Alpana Singh, JeanMarie Brownson, Bill Daley and food editor Carol Mighton Haddix, among others.

Kitchen lessons — and a little dish...Joe Gray files a brief, favorable review of How to Cook Like a Top Chef, from the creators of Bravo's Top Chef.

Pining for pine nuts...William Hageman reports on the reasons behind the strengthening pine nut market.

Boozy pops soften the end-of-summer blow...in this special to the Tribune, Lisa Futterman says that adult-oriented frozen treats are growing in popularity and easy to make at home. A recipe is provided.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

For chefs, vacation is all play and some work...LTH contributor Louisa Chu reports on how some local chefs combine their vacations with work. Included is a recipe for Eddie Lakin's Burger. Lakin is the owner of Edzo's in Evanston and a frequent LTH contributor.

Follow your nose to fry bread...Lisa Donovan discovers the "Indian tacos" at a fundraiser at the Anawim Center in Uptown.

Nurturing hope in a youth garden...Dave Hoekstra checks out the garden plots in the front yard of the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Child + Family Center in Evanston. "The Rice Center is a residential treatment center for children between the ages of 6 and 16 who have experienced physical and sexual abuse and neglect so severe that they cannot thrive in a traditional foster home."

Sweeten the pot with honey cookies...in this installment of The Low Mileage Kitchen, Judith Dunbar Hines shares a recipe for Honey Cookies.

Eater's Digest: September happenings...a day-by-day overview of some food events scheduled to take place around town this month.

After-hours edibles...Jennifer Olvera maps out the somewhat obscured late-night food scene in town.
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Thanks, to David Hammond, for compiling the Digest while I was unable to do so the past couple weeks.

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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' on Wednesday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of September 1, 2010

This week in the Chicago Reader's Food & Drink section:

Taste of Chicago...Anne Spiselman profiles candy freak Julie Brown, whose growing confection empire clearly reflects Chicago.

Gelato Time...brief reviews of 14 local gelaterias, with submissions from the aforementioned Spiselman, LTH contributor Mike Sula, LTHers David Hammond and Michael Gebert, Anne Ford, Sam Kaplan, Susannah J. Felts, Peter Margasak, Julia Thiel, Kevin Warwick and Martha Bayne.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's installment of Dish, Penny Pollack and Jeff Ruby (along with with Denise Peñacerrada & Kaitlin Petersen) report that Michael Taus is out at Duchamp (amicably) and that Allen Sternweiler, formerly of Harvest on Huron, is the new executive chef.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Letting go...Julia Kramer profiles chef Shawn McClain (and his Chicago business partners), as his involvement in the Chicago dining scene comes to a sad end . . . for now.

At the market with...Marianne Sundquist, chef at In Fine Spirits in Andersonville, shares her recipe for Heirloom tomato and raisin marmalade, which she makes with ingredients purchased at the Andersonville farmers’ market.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Apple orchards open for picking, fall festivities...food editor Deborah Pankey heralds the arrival of apple picking season and lists several suburban U-Pick venues.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Tzimmes, a sweet start to the Jewish New Year...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for The Bagel’s vegetarian tzimmes, from co-owner Danny Wolf.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

Noodling on Gentrification: Does Sawtooth deliver on a pho dream?...in spite of relatively low expectations, LTH contributor Mike Nagrant cannot hide his disappoinment over this new West Loop pho spot.
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Media Digest for the week of September 8, 2010

From this week's Chicago Tribune and Good Eating section:

Cool wines getting hot...Bill Daley highlights Chile's Casablanca Valley, which produces some white wines that are worth searching out.

Peppers in the hand...JeanMarie Brownson provides a few recipes that'll help you use up your pepper bounty. Additional recipes that incorporate roasted peppers are provided here.

Pasteurized eggs put to test...in this special to the Tribune, Jennifer Day tries to determine if there's a quality sacrifice to be made for the security of additional food safety.

Emeril delivers without the 'bam'...Bill Daley files a brief, favorable review of Farm to Fork: Cooking Local, Cooking Fresh, the latest cookbook by Emeril Lagasse.

Bacon vs. bacon...in this special to the Tribune, Chris McNamara previews Chicago's first Bacon Takedown, which is happening on Saturday.

Loving legumes for all the right reasons: Health, flavor and value...nutritionist Sharon Palmer highlights the benefits of legumes and provides a recipe, as well.

Rogue's grow-your-own revolution branches out...in this special to the Tribune, Zak Stambor profiles Chatoe Rogue Oregon Single Malt Whiskey, which was first released earlier this year.

Calendar, Drink events...Elizabeth Schiele previews some of the week's upcoming food and beverage events.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Helping herbs go the distance...with the end of the outdoor growing season upon us, Jennifer Olvera checks in with some local chefs who share their ideas and recipes for using up fresh herbs.

Chew and view at Chicago Food Film Festival...Mary Houlihan previews this festival, which is coming up later this month at the MCA.

At Edzo's, a fair shake is what you get...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller checks out the premium-quality, "Five Dollar" shakes at Edzo's in Evanston, which is owned by LTHer Eddie Lakin.

Watermelon days winding down...in this installment of At the Chef's Table, chef Kevin Hickey of Seasons shares his recipe for Watermelon Summer Salad.

Tastings around town...previews of the week's events in food and beverage. Additional information about food industry-related events and news can be found here, in Food 411.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' on Wednesday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of September 8, 2010

This week in the Chicago Reader's Food & Drink section:

New 'Cue...LTH contributor Mike Sula visits Lillie's Q Urban Barbecue in Wicker Park and Pork Shoppe in Avondale. LTH frontman Gary Wiviott provides some early re-con on Rub BBQ Company in Rogers Park.

Thank You for Smoking...brief reviews of 13 additional barbecue spots, with submissions by the aforementioned Sula and Wiviott, as well as LTHer David Hammond, Izidora Angel and Ted Cox.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

Dish is on vacation this week.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Spirit of the Dutch...section editor David Tamarkin provides a primer on genever, which is growing rapidly in popularity.

Top nosh: Rau câu...Heather Shouse recommends Ba Le's version of this coconut jelly-filled coconut confection.

At the market with...Edward Kim of Ruxbin shares his recipe for garlic scape pasta with shiitake mushrooms, bacon and oven-roasted tomatoes, which he makes with ingredients from the Glenwood farmers’ market.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Early restaurant work made chef what he is today...food editor Deborah Pankey profiles and interviews chef Michael Grove, of the Chicago Fire Oven restaurant at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont. Chef Grove shares 2 recipes: Cubano Sandwich and Slow-Roasted Cuban-Style Pork.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Reezy-peezy, a taste of antebellum South Carolina...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Big Jones’ Reezy-Peezy, from chef/owner Paul Fehribach.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

Staxed : A new Little Italy breakfast spot puts out the hits...LTH contributor Mike Nagrant says that Stax in Little Italy -- helmed by Mana co-owner Chris Barron -- is "one of Chicago’s best new breakfast spots."
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Media Digest for the week of September 15, 2010

From this week's Chicago Tribune and Good Eating section:

Great duck: It's in the sauce...Bill Daley provides guidance -- along with tasting notes -- for pairing wines with Asian-style duck preparations.

Noodle promises no carbs or calories...Monica Eng takes a look at a new brand of yam-based noodles which have no calories, carbohydrates, gluten or fat.

Red plaid and forever spattered...Barbara Mahany files a brief, favorable review of the Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book, 15th Edition.

In the grip of grappa...in this special to the Tribune, Zak Stambor recommends the Michigan-made grappa from Black Star Farms on the Leelanau Peninsula.

Soda boost...food editor Carol Mighton Haddix and Lisa Schumacher report on the growing culinary applications for soda pop. A recipe for blood orange cake is included.

Safe baking...in this special to the Tribune Newspapers, Heather Lalley reports on the gluten-free segment of the consumer baking market, which is going mainstream. A recipe for gluten-free yellow birthday cake is included.

Graham Elliot dishes on MasterChef and more...Monica Eng interviews the loquacious chef on a variety of topics.

The golden oil...Betsy Berthin sings the many praises of olive oil and provides a recipe for grilled eggplant dip.

Calendar, Drink events...Elizabeth Schiele previews some of the week's upcoming food and beverage events.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Ebert and the Pot...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller visits the home of Roger Ebert, where the plan -- before Ebert called a few audibles -- was to cook recipes from Ebert's new cookbook, The Pot and How to Use It: The Mystery and Romance of the Rice Cooker. A couple recipes from the book are included.

Pastry chef and single mom ready for new challenge: TV...the aforementioned Ms. Fuller profiles local pastry chef Malika Ameen (of the now-shuttered Aigre Doux), who will compete on Bravo's Top Chef: Just Desserts, which debuts tonight.

Sneaking in the late summer squash...in this installment of The Low Mileage Kitchen, Judith Dunbar Hines shares her recipes for Summer Squash & Orange Cake, and Garden Meatloaf.

Key lime pie flavored gum for dessert?...Cheryl V. Jackson previews a new line of dessert-flavored gums from Wrigley.

Tastings around town...previews of the week's events in food and beverage. Additional information about food industry-related events and news can be found here, in Food 411.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' on Wednesday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of September 15, 2010

This week in the Chicago Reader's Food & Drink section:

The Cajun 'Wich...LTH contributor Mike Sula scouts Mac and Min's in the West Loop, Anne Spiselman reports on Mia Figlia in Edgebrook and Izidora Angel pays an early visit to Stax Cafe in Little Italy. 13 additional reviews of other spots specializing in Southern/Regional Fare are also provided. Submissions here are from the aforementioned Sula, as well as LTHer Kristina Meyer, Kate Schmidt, Martha Bayne and several others.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's installment of Dish, Penny Pollack and Kaitlin Petersen, along with Denise Peñacerrada, preview yet another upcoming project from the ever-active Scott Harris.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Meat and greet...Jake Malooley profiles Perry Day, who has taken his Tipping Da Cow Burgers into Tamale Guy territory...but not without some resistance.

The local standard...Julia Kramer reports that Whole Foods isn't quite as dedicated to supplying locally-produced foods as they tout themselves to be.

Hot sauce: Bruichladdich...Ms. Kramer chronicles the friendly, ongoing battle between 2 local bartenders for rare bottles of this single malt scotch (and others, too).

At the market with...chef Jared Wentworth of Longman & Eagle shares his recipe for Becker Lane pork chops with tomato-peach relish, pea shoots and duck-fat-crisped potatoes, which he makes with ingredients sourced at the Green City Market.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Gather the family with easy dinner recipes...food editor Deborah Pankey relays several easy-to-cook recipes, amassed from a variety of sources.

No more dried out shoe leather; brining adds moisture to extra-lean cuts of meat...Don Mauer advocates brining and provides a recipe for brined bison flank steak, as well.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Caprese salad, making the most of tomato season...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the timely recipe for Vintage 338’s Caprese Salad, from chef Blaze Correia.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

Hip To Be Square: Apart is the Huey Lewis of pizza, and that’s a good thing...LTH contributor Mike Nagrant "discovers" Apart Pizza in Lincoln Square and says it's the Huey Lewis of pizza.
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Media Digest for the week of September 22, 2010

From this week's Chicago Tribune and Good Eating section:

Give your wok a 'facial'...Bill Daley chats with Grace Young, author of Stir-Frying to the Sky's Edge, about zen and the art of wok maintenance.

Mariano's offers wide array of produce, products...in this special to the Tribune, Susan Taylor visits the recently-opened Mariano's Fresh Market in Arlington Heights, which represents the Roundy's chain's first foray into the Chicago grocery market.

Jazz up that old green veggie...the aforementioned Mr. Daley provides some tips on how to prepare the king of all green vegetables, broccoli.

Oktoberfest beers: Ever-changing lot...in this special to the Tribune, Zak Stambor reports on this ever-evolving market and identifies three currently-available brews that are worth a try.

Chick-fil-A vs. McDonald's...Kevin Pang, aka Chicken Sandwich Bureau Chief, compares the chicken sandwiches of these 2 fast food chains.

Calendar, Drink events...Elizabeth Schiele previews some of the week's upcoming food and beverage events.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Victory bonds: Community garden on World War II site inspires film, book...Tavaner Bushman visits the Peterson Garden Project, which was started this year on the same north side site where a WW II Victory Garden was begun in 1942. A couple recipes from folks who organize, maintain and rent plots at the garden are included.

Swedish berries in cloud of discontent...Lisa Donovan reports on the political realities of cloudberries, which she came to enjoy during a recent trip to Sweden.

Chick-fil-A eyes Mag Mile...Cheryl V. Jackson reports that Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A plans to open a store near the Magnificent Mile in 2011.

Bright red fruits take centerstage at harvest...in this Pioneer Press reprint, Veronica Hinke reports on the Jewish fall holiday known as Sukkot and relays a recipe for a dish that's the centerpiece of one local group's traditional celebration.

Tastings around town...previews of the week's events in food and beverage. Additional information about food industry-related events and news can be found here, in Food 411.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' on Wednesday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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