Media Digest Addenda for the week of May 4, 2011

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

Dispatches: Illinois's new artisanal farmstead cheese maker...Anne Spiselman profiles Fons Smits, who converted Ludwig Farmstead Creamery in Fithian, IL into the first farmstead creamery in Illinois that produces raw cow's milk cheeses. In Cheese, Please: Spots with a fine selection, the aforementioned Spiselman, LTH contributor Mike Sula, LTHer David Hammond, Julia Thiel, Martha Bayne and Laura Levy Shatkin recommend several spots in town where fine cheeses are showcased.

Cocktail Challenge: Boka group mixologist Benjamin Schiller crafts a three-way seaweed drink...Kate Schmidt chronicles what Ben Schiller did with the seaweed he was assigned by Mike Ryan of Sable.

Scraps: Rowan Hendersen dinner at North Pond, Pasticceria Natalina closes, Scott Harris expands...the aforementioned Ms. Schmidt rounds up the week's F&B industry news, including a note about the iminent closing of Andersonville's Pasticceria Natalina.

Key Ingredient: Hot Doug makes a masterpiece of chicken feet...Julia Thiel reports on what Doug Sohn of Hot Doug's prepared with the chicken feet he was assigned by chef Carlos Gaytan of Mexique. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's installment of Dish, Penny Pollack, Graham Meyer and Carly Boers report that Deleece is moving a few blocks south of its current location.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Bittering agents...Julia Kramer profiles Milwaukee-based Violet Hour alum Ira Koplowitz and his business partner Nick Kosevich, proprietors of Bittercube Bitters and advocates of fine cocktails.

Fermentable aesthetics...Ms. Kramer profiles Christopher Tourre, a local artist who's current production, Public Brewery, aims to connect with audiences through a series of collaborative-brewing events.

2011 Farmers' Market Guide...TOC publishes their annual, printable guide.

Mother’s Day meals...Sammy Saiyavongsa compiles an interactive list.

Cinco de Mayo 2011: Where to celebrate in Chicago...David Tamarkin and Jessica Tepper provide an interactive list.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Coal-fired oven sets Wauconda's Slyce apart...Carolyn Walkup reviews Slyce in Wauconda, where a wood-fired oven sets the pizza apart from most others in the area.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Chevre, fresh cheese from the goat...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for West Town Tavern's crispy goat cheese napoleon with grilled asparagus and cherry tomato vinaigrette, from chef Susan Goss.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

No new food-related content has been posted at New City's web site this week.
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Media Digest for the week of May 11, 2011

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

Chicago's farmers markets: Rooted, growing...William Hageman welcomes the local Farmers' Market season. Also provided is Listing: Chicago-area farmers markets.

At long last, Rich Melman a Beard award winner...Christopher Borrelli reports some details from this year's James Beard Awards.

Let brown ales reassure, comfort...in this special, Zak Stambor sings the praises of brown ales and recommends a few, as well.

Haute hash...James P. DeWan provides a tutorial and several recipes for making hash.

Buzz words...in this special, Bill St. John reports on the burgeoning Organic sector of the wine market and makes a few recommendations, too.

800 words on tater tots (no, seriously)...Kevin Pang says the tater tots at Skylark in Pilsen are "very good" but admits that he doesn't want to overthink it.

Tequila trending...Lauren Viera reports that tequila and bars specializing in it are on the upswing. In A taste of place, Judy Hevrdejs provides a useful primer on the agave-based spirit.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Spring’s sure things: Count on these veggies while bounty builds...Katherine Sacks provides tips, information and recipes for making the most of Spring's earliest bounty, which will be late to arrive this year due to colder weather.

Low Mileage Kitchen: A rhubarb pie to remember...in this installment, Judith Dunbar Hines recommends (and shares) a recipe for 'Memorable Rhubarb Pie' from the book Favorite Recipes from Great Midwest Cooks.

Let the culinary makeover begin: Meet our chosen home cook...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller announces the winner of the Sun Times' first Home Cook Makeover.

2011 farmers market guide...this year's annual guide, compiled by Bill Cunniff, is accompanied by an interactive map.

Pour Man: iPad wine lists let your fingers do the ordering...even at the dawn of their introduction, Michael Austin wonders with bemusement what will eventually become of the iPad wine list.

Food Detective: Going for grotesque in cuisine...LTHer David Hammond completes his series on how chefs use humor in their cooking with a look at some grotesque preparations he's experienced around town.

He’s cookin’! Rich Melman wins James Beard award...Ms. Fuller reports some of the results from this year's James Beard Awards.

Food 411...listings of some upcoming, food-related events around town. Previews for more events can be found in Tastings around town.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' before Wednesday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of May 11, 2011

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

Next Restaurant: exquisite, and ephemeral...in spite of his pre-meal concerns, LTH contributor Mike Sula comes away impressed by Next.

Taste Test: The intern and the food critic on the Doughnut Vault...the aforementioned Sula and intern Asher Klein provide a tag-team analysis of Brendan Sodikoff's recently-opened venture.

Smoque's Barry Sorkin turns Vienna Beef hot dogs into "dragon turds"...in this week's installment of the Beard Award-winning Key Ingredient, Julia Thiel chronicles what Barry Sorkin of Smoque did with the Vienna hot dogs he was assigned by Doug Sohn. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.

Sepia's Josh Pearson creates the Propowhat Margarita using the bee resin propolis...Kate Schmidt reports on how Sepia's Josh Pearson handled the mystery ingredient he was assigned by Ben Schiller.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's installment of Dish, Penny Pollack, Graham Meyer, and Carly Boers report that after service on Saturday night, Terragusto will re-concept into Pastaterra, which will specialize in -- you guessed it -- pasta.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Restaurant review | Next...Julia Kramer reviews Next and gives it TOC's first-ever 5-star rating (since TOC went to a 5-star scale).

Interview: Rowan Jacobsen...David Tamarkin interviews the author of Shadows on the Gulf: A Journey Through Our Last Great Wetland.

Boldfaced brunch: New brunch reviews...Tamarkin, Laura Baginski and Julia Kramer kick off this new feature by recounting their recent brunch experiences at 3 local spots.

Trending: the new brunch cocktails...Amy Cavanaugh checks out the new wave of bruch cocktails being served at a few places around town.

Chicago chefs share rhubarb recipes...with Farmers Market season underway, Matthew Rice of Nightwood and Jeff Pikus of Maude's Liquor Bar share some rhubarb recipes.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Give paninis a whirl at home...food editor Deborah Pankey advocates for paninis and gives some suggestions for making them at home.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Gnudi, the naked dumplings...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Vie’s Gnudi from chef Nathan Sears.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

411: Easy Being Green...Tiana Olewnick provides a glimpse of Real Naked Food in Wicker Park.
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The Media Digest will be off-line for the next 2 weeks and will return on Wednesday June 1.

Thanks,

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ronnie_suburban wrote:The Media Digest will be off-line for the next 2 weeks and will return on Wednesday June 1.

Thanks,

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Actually, make that Thursday June 2. Still waiting for some more new content to be posted before throwing the Digest back up there.

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Media Digest for the week of June 1, 2011

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

Bankruptcy puts LTH Forum up for sale...Steve Cavendish reports the details.

Crazy quilt of food trucks nationwide...Chris Borrelli interviews author Heather Shouse and takes a look at her new book: Food Trucks: Dispatches and Recipes from the Best Kitchens on Wheels.

Food drive...Chris Borrelli and Steve Cavendish help "navigate Chicago's food truck movement."

Alderman sees food truck bill by year's end...Steve Cavendish reports that Alderman Scott Waguespack sees movement on the food truck front and predicts that the legislation he originally proposed will be in effect by year's end.

Easy dining options for fans of hardcovers...Phil Vettel recommends some places to eat near this weekend's Printers Row Lit Fest.

Italy's fairer grapes...in this special, Bill St. John recommends some white wines from Italy.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

From Philip Preston’s lab to the kitchens of boundary-pushing chefs...Lisa Shames profiles Philip Preston, "...president of Niles-based PolyScience, a company that creates and supplies the country’s most innovative restaurants with high-tech equipment..."

At the Chef’s Table: Welcoming asparagus with all senses on spring...in this installment, Cleetus Friedman, chef and owner of City Provisions Deli, shares his recipe for Grilled Asparagus with Caramelized Pearl Onions.

Food Detective: ‘Cooking’ behind bars...LTHer David Hammond explores why "cooking" something behind bars can be such cherished act.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' before Wednesday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of June 1, 2011

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

Guerrilla milk: an underground group spreads the gospel of unpasteurized milk...LTH contributor embeds himself with the Molecular Collective, a clandestine band of rawist dairyslingers.

More is less at West Town's Fogon...Sula contends that Fogon suffers from a bit of well-intentioned excessiveness. Additional reviews of other West Town eateries by the aformentioned Sula, Martha Bayne, Izidora Angel and Emily Withrow can be found here: Good eats in West Town.

Key Ingredient: Abra Berens of Bare Knuckle Farm makes salt with silver needle tea...Julia Thiel reports on what came of the silver needle tea chef Berens was assigned by chef Marianne Sundquist of In Fine Spirits. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.

Cocktail Challenge: The Drawing Room's Christiana DeLucca works with Vegemite (well, Marmite)...this week, Sepia mixologist Josh Pearson puts Ms. DeLucca to the test with this ingredient, which is extremely popular (and only popular) in his native Australia.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

Dish Flash: Bistro 110 to Close, Emerge as Italian Bar...Penny Pollack, Carly Boers and Jeff Ruby interview Tony Mantuano about his plans for the space currently occupied by Bistro 110, which will close on August 4.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Market recipes for spring peas...Giuseppe Tentori of GT Fish & Oyster and Crystal Chiang of Owen & Engine share their recipes.

The crazy burger craze...Julia Kramer checks into the latest wave of burger craziness taking place around town.

The Big Star/Publican collaboration with Lagunitas Brewing...Ms. Kramer reports the details of the recent roll-out of Zephyr.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Farmers Markets 2011...the Herald publishes its annual list.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Radishes, a spring vegetable with bite...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes get the recipe for the Signature Room's Spring Vegetable Bruschetta, from chef Patrick Sheerin.
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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.
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Media Digest for the week of June 8, 2011

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

Local brewery taps into Latin culture, flavors...Josh Noel profiles Chicago's newest craft brewery, 5 Rabbit, which is currently having its products contract brewed.

Eat this Duck confit shepherd's pie...in spite of the season, Kevin Pang recommends this dish from Stanley's Kitchen & Tap in Lincoln Park.

Rolling on the river...Phil Vettel reviews Bistro One West in St. Charles.

A chef's painful road to rehab...Kevin Pang chronicles the painful path traveled by chef Brandon Baltzley, which eventually led to rehab.

Sake pairings...James P. DeWan explores "A world of pairings beyond sake and sushi."
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Home cook makeover: Starting from scratch with Mary Jane Tala...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller checks in with the winner of this contest, who is now getting culinary supervision from chef John Bubala.

Low Mileage Kitchen: ‘Hobo packs’ ideal for in-season produce...Judith Dunbar Hines extols the virtues of seasonal produce and shares a recipe for Garden Packets.

At the candy show, where sweetness rules...the aforementioned Ms. Fuller recaps her trip to the annual Sweets and Snacks Expo with local entrepreneur Terese McDonald of Candyality.

Pour Man: Wine is wine, but watch what you call Burgundy...Michael Austin explains the x's and o's of wine labeling.

Food Detective: Unearthing ramps and other wild garden finds...LTHer David Hammond digs up some local history in his Oak Park yard.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' before Wednesday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of June 8, 2011

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

At the Bedford even the talents of chef Mark Steuer are overshadowed by its glowing bank-vault setting...LTH contributor Mike Sula says that in spite of some ups and downs, the team at the Bedford is doing quite a bit right.

Key Ingredient: Pastry chef Sandra Holl of Floriole copes with apricot kernels...Julia Thiel (words) and Mike Gebert (video) chronicle what become of the apricot kernels that were assigned by Abra Berens of Bare Knuckle Farm.

Three Aces, Antico, Sable, and five more restaurants with new outdoor seating...this week's listings include reviews by the aforementioned Sula and Thiel, LTHer Kristina Meyer, Ted Cox, Kevin Warwick and Martha Bayne.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's edition of Dish, Penny Pollack, Graham Meyer and Carly Boers interview 2 local pastry chefs who've recently made moves to new restaurants.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Milwaukee road trip: bars...as part of the Road Trips issue, Julia Kramer checks out the bar scene in Milwaukee.

Milwaukee road trip: Milwaukee Public Market...David Tamarkin chronicles his trip through the market with chefs Matt Haase Kurt Fogle of Distil.

Milwaukee road trip: Pizza-eating challenge...Marissa Conrad joins Curtis McSchmurtis, Wisconsin State Fair cream puff–eating champ and radio host, as he attempts to eat a 12-pound pizza.

Milwaukee farm-to-table restaurants...David Tamarkin provides a look at Milwaukee's burgeoning farm-to-table dining culture.

Restaurateurs from another planet!...Heather Shouse profiles a team of Tony Mantuano-trained veterans, who are opening Autre Monde, a Mediterranean restaurant in Berwyn.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Lettuce Entertain You restaurant coming to Wheeling Westin...Rachel Levin reports that "Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises got the go-ahead this week to start collecting bids to convert empty restaurant space in the Westin Chicago North Shore into a casual Italian restaurant."
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Tsukemono, refreshing Japanese-style pickles...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Mana Food Bar’s Green Bean Wasabi Pickles, from chef Jill Barron.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

411: The Chemistries of Coffee...Shaunacy Ferro previews Night Lab: The Science of Coffee, "a science education outreach program at Schubas on Sunday, June 12."
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Media Digest for the week of June 15, 2011

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

Lagers finding way in an ale world...Josh Noel reports that in spite of the higher cost to produce them, lagers are developing a larger presence in the booming craft beer market.

A new Chicago guide for food lovers...Bill Daley profiles local writer Jennifer Olvera and takes a look at her new book: Food Lovers’ Guide to Chicago.

Food Network GM talks about 'Next Food Network Star' ratings...Steve Cavendish interviews Bob Tuschman about the consistent ratings success of this reality series.

Classic eatery still delights...Christopher Borrelli explains how Lincolnwood's Myron & Phil has endured for over 4 decades.

Food photography deconstructed...this video reveals just how much work and preparation go into a 'simple' still shot by Trib photographer Bill Hogan.

The Cheap Eater: Lessons from Vietnamese Cuisine 202...Kevin Pang sings the praises of the offerings at Tank Noodle, which go well beyond the ubiquitous pho.

Phil Vettel recommends...according to Mr. Vettel, these are 5 tough places to snag tables but worth the effort. In No need to fish for compliments, Mr. Vettel awards GT Fish & Oyster 3 stars.

Air and water show...when dining outdoors in Chicago, Mr. Vettel contends that some of the most desirable destinations are on the rooftops or near the water, and he makes a few recommendations for both.

Sizzling sambal...Bill Daley gets the recipe for Sambal Marinade from chef/owner Joncarl Lachman of Vincent. In 4 sauces & a filet, Mr. Daley provides recipes for 4 sauces that can be served with filet mignon.

Whiskey on the go-go...Lauren Viera files a brief, favorable review of Dorling Kindersley's Great Whiskeys: 500 of the Best From Around the World, edited by Charles Maclean.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Guy Gourmet: Cooking is a sport, full-flavored food the reward...Michael Austin says cooking in the kitchen is manly time.

At the Chef’s Table: Coaxing flavor with Heat, dab of sauce...Naoki Nakashima, chef at Tokio Pub in Schaumburg, and sushi chef at Shaw’s Crab House, shares his recipe for Crying Tiger Shrimp.

Books for Cooks: Glamour’s new cookbook is pretty tasty...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller recommends 100 Recipes Every Woman Should Know: Engagement Chicken and 99 Other Fabulous Dishes to Get Everything You Want in Life, which comes from a faily unlikely source.

Food Detective: Trying to stomach macho meals...LTHer David Hammond reports on a few massively oversized novelty sandwiches and wonders who really eats the offerings.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' before Thursday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of June 15, 2011

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

A few of food writer Mike Sula's favorites...as the halfway point of 2011 approaches, LTH contributor Mike Sula rounds up some of his favorites of the year . . . so far.

One Sip: Nightwood's nocino...Heather Kenny chronicles the development of Nightwood's house-made walnut liqueur, which is the brainchild of their server and Eric Davis.

Key Ingredient: Millet...in this week's edition, Julia Thiel reports on what Paula Haney of Hoosier Mama Pie Company made with the millet she was assigned by Sandra Holl of Floriole Cafe & Bakery. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.

Simone's, Abuelo's Mexican Grill, and ten more restaurants in Pilsen and Little Village...brief reviews filed by the aforementioned Sula, LTHers Gary Wiviott and David Hammond, Anne Ford, Martha Bayne, Anne Spiselman, Jennifer Olvera and Susannah J. Felts.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's edition of Dish, Penny Pollack, Graham Meyer and Carly Boers interview chef James O’Donnell, who will be running the kitchen at the new Michael Jordan’s Steak House, which is scheduled to open in mid-August.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Strawberry recipes from Chicago chefs...a few local culinarios share their recipes for food and drink.

Brunch reviews: Rootstock, Davanti Enoteca, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House...in the second installment of their Boldfaced Brunch column, Julia Kramer and David Tamarkin tag-team this trio.

Father’s Day Meals 2011...Claire Brown and Jessica Tepper compile this year's interactive list.

Restaurant review | Pleasant House Bakery...Julia Kramer files, with a slideshow by Clayton Hauck.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

St. Charles chef up to challenge at Pheasant Run...food editor Deborah Pankey profiles and interviews chef Joseh Yurisich, of Pheasant Run resort. Chef Yurisich's recipe for Mesquite-rubbed BBQ Pork Chops is included.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Flank steak, great grilling in a jiffy...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe and method for Texas de Brazil’s Churrasco de Flank Steak (and Chimichurri sauce), from chef Evandro Caregnato.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

411: One EL of an Idea?...Alex Baumgardner profiles chef Philip Foss and his new fine-dining restaurant, EL, which is slated to open on July 7.
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Note: The Media Digest will be 'officially' moving to Thursdays and Fridays to accomodate the changing schedules of our local publications.

Media Digest for the week of June 22, 2011

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

Tableside at Sabatino's, expect fire on ice...Kevin Pang profiles this venerable northside institution, where tableside service and classic dishes endure.

Your ears might ring, but your hands will dry...Christopher Borrelli checks out several different brands of hand dryers, and the competition between the manufacturers.

Chicago wienie wars: Vienna loses first round to Red Hot...Gregory Karp reports the latest development in the litigious battle between Red Hot Chicago and Vienna Beef.

The five stages of grief at Taste of Chicago...in this animated gallery, Phil Vettel charts them. Relatedly, Mr. Vettel provides some Tips for a terrific Taste of Chicago.

Phil Vettel recommends...the aforementioned Vettel recommends 5 places that offer "familiar food with a twist."

Home-cured goodness...Steve Cavendish consults Michael Ruhlman and Brian Polcyn's 2005 tome, Charcuterie, for instruction on making bacon at home.

A first look at Lucky Peach from David Chang and McSweeney's...Steve Cavendish serves up a preview of this new food/literary quarterly publication, which is set to hit the shelves later this week.

American beauties...Bill St. John provides some recommendations on pairing American-made artisanal cheeses with wine.

Remake snacks into treats you can live with...Heidi Stevens shares some recipes and tips for making kids' snacks more healthful.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Even without trimmings, Chicago-style hot dog in league of its own...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes explains what gives Chicago-style hot dogs their own, distinctive character. Ms. Zeldes also provides a list of Hot dog makers around town.

Food Detective: Imagine a waiterless world...LTHer David Hammond investigates the viability of foodservice without waitrons.

Low Mileage Kitchen: Change up kids’ food routines...Judith Dunbar Hines shares award-winning recipes from students at Richards Career Academy for Afro-Caribe Plancha and Citrus Crunch.

Books for Cooks: Three Chicago-centric books for food lovers...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller gives the thumbs up to 3 recently-released, locally-focused food books.

Pour Man: Do your civic duty — drink local beer...Michael Austin advocates for drinking local brew and provides a list of places to get it.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' before Thursday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of June 23, 2011

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

Best of Chicago Food & Drink...the Reader releases its annual Readers' Poll and Critics' Picks in a multitude of culinary categories. On the critics' side, the picks are from LTH contributor Mike Sula, LTHer Kristina Meyer, Julia Thiel, Kate Schmidt, Anne Spiselman, Mike Gebert and several others.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's Dish, Penny Pollack, Graham Meyer and Carly Boers interview chef Chris Pandel of The Bristol about his newly-announced collaboration at Balena (former Landmark space) with The Boka Group.

Chicago Gourmet Hot Dog Guide...Graham Meyer grades 5 upscale hot dog joints around town.
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From this week's newly redesigned Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Cheap thrills | Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream...Senior Food & Drink Correspondent Heather Shouse kicks off this new weekly feature with a look at this spot in Blue Island.

The Bar Chart | June 22–29, 2011...this new graphic feature represents the TOC staff's "heated assessment of where to drink this week."

Virant, LaRoche and Paskewitz on Virant, LaRoche and Paskewitz...David Tamarkin chats with these 3 local chefs about their latest projects.

At the market with cookbook author Heather Lalley...the author of The Chicago Homegrown Cookbook recommends some of her favorite farms for buying produce and goods this market season.

“First 100” event at Chicago’s first Chick-fil-A...Jake Malooley recaps the event last week, which kicked off the chain's new presence in Chicago.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Sip your 8-a-day in style...food editor Deborah Pankey says that there are plenty of solutions out there for making sure one gets enough water, especially during the hot months of summer.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Pesto, the essence of summer...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Harry Caray’s grilled, pesto-marinated vegetable stack with balsamic reduction and crumbled blue cheese, from chef Paul Katz.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

The Big Heat: Who really cooks in Chicago’s food world...LTH contributor Mike Nagrant channels his inner Casey Kasem as he counts down NewCity's "list of Chicago’s top food and drink influencers," which hasn't been revised since 2003. The list will be updated daily (M-F), until #1 is revealed on August 25. The countdown begins at #50 with Charlie Trotter, #49 David Schneider, #48 Carrie Nahabedian, #47 David Friedman and #46 Robert & Sonat Birnecker.
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Media Digest for the week of June 30, 2011

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

Q&A with new Green City Market executive director Dana Benigno...Steve Cavendish poses several questions, including ones about parking and vendor certification.

The art of making noodles...Kevin Pang visits Hing Kee in Chinatown and documents the fine culinary art of making noodles by hand. Video by Phil Velasquez is included.

Phil Vettel recommends: Suburban stars...5 suburban restaurants are briefly recommended.

Burgers, fries, beer — and a slice of history...in this special, Jennifer Day profiles the venerable Moody's Pub in Edgewater.

The proof is in the patty...Lauren Viera identifies some of the top veggie burgers in Chicagoland.

Firing off critiques of Taste's hits, misses...Mr. Vettel sums up some of the offerings at this year's Taste.

Southern biscuits be praised...Bill Daley chats with Nathalie Dupree, co-author (with Cynthia Graubart) of Southern Biscuits. A recipe from the book is included.

Coco Pazzo: Tuscan delights in a business-friendly setting...Phil Vettel provides a brief overview of the dining experience at this Streeterville veteran.

The glories of rosé...Bill St. John makes some recommendations for this "often misunderstood" wine, which be paired very successfully with a wide variety of summer fare.

Dangerously drinkable bourbon...Lauren Viera glowingly recommends this relatively new offering from Lincoln Henderson, the man behind Woodford Reserve, Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack and Jack Daniel's Single Barrel bourbons.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Food on a stick: The tops in entertaining food ideas...LTHer David Hammond reports on the enduring, time-honored culinary tradition of food on a stick. A couple of applicable recipes from Carolyn Berg -- Mr. Hammond's wife -- are included.

Sun-Times’ student cook takes first crack at eggs...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller checks in with Sun Times' contest winner Mary Jane Tala, who, as part of her kitchen makeover, received a tutorial on cooking eggs from culinary instructor chef John Bubala.

Local cheeses benefit from ‘nuance of season’...the ubiquitous Hammond investigates the natural, seasonal variations in locally-produced cheeses.

Savoring last days of Paris, at Next...the aforementioned Ms. Fuller recounts her experience at Next, which will conclude its Paris, 1906 menu later this week.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' before Thursday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of June 30, 2011

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

Rum Runner...LTH contributor Mike Sula profiles Ed Hamilton, the Minister of Rum, who went from a rum runner, to one of the world's foremost and influential authorities on sugarcane spirits.

What's New: Perennial Virant...Martha Bayne checks out the new collaboration between the Boka Group and Chef Paul Virant.

Key Ingredient: Malort..Julia Thiel reports on what chef Michael Carlson of Schwa did with the bitter spirit -- which he really doesn't like -- that was assigned to him by Paula Haney. Video is provided by Michael Gebert.

Cocktail Challenge: Pulque...Kate Schmidt reports on what Tim Williams of Francesca's Forno created with the pulque he was assigned by Cristiana DeLucca of the Drawing Room.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's Dish, Penny Pollack, Graham Meyer and Carly Boers report some of the details of chef Frank Brunacci's departure from Sixteen.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Four new candy stores...Julia Kramer provides brief glimpses of 4 promising new candy stores in town.

The history of Foss...David Tarmarkin provides a timeline of this prolific chef's career, so far.

Market recipes | Fresh herbs...Chefs Koren Grieveson, Jimmy Bannos Jr., and Cleetus Friedman share their seasonal recipes.

The bar chart | June 30–July 13, 2011...this week's where-to-drink graphic.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Kyriaki evokes feel, flavors of Greece...food editor Deborah Pankey recommends this new Greek eatery in Barrington.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Six great Fourth of July recipes from Chicago chefs...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes rounds up some previously posted recipes from a half-dozen local chefs, including Paul Fehribach of Big Jones.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

LTH contributor Mike Nagrant continues his Big Heat countdown, by slotting Giuseppe Tentori in at #45, Paula Haney at #44, Billy Lawless at #43 and Joe Catterson at #42.

Avenida Ashland: A micro-community of restaurants develops near the Mexican Consulate...Giovanni Wrobel cites Angel’s Restaurant, La Lagartija Taqueria and Bombon Cafe as part of this near south side culinary renaissance.

411: Maybe Skip the Hemlock Milkshake…Alex Baumgardner checks out The Burger Philosophy, which is now open in Andersonville.
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Media Digest for the week of July 7, 2011

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

Cool fizz...in this special to the Tribune, Nancy Maes reports on the growing presence of house-made sodas in area restaurants. In Beyond beer at Goose Island, Ms. Maes checks out the soda offerings from this local brewery.

When aging is good...in this special, Bill St. John lays out some fundamentals aging wines.

The long reign of Chicago's king of fusion...Kevin Pang profiles Yoshi Katsumura, the driving force behind Yoshi's Cafe, which has thrived in Chicago for nearly 3 decades.

Ing's dishes are spot on...Phil Vettel reviews Ing and gives it 2 out of 4 stars.

From tavern to shrimp house in 94 years...the aforementioned Mr. Pang chronicles the history of Troha's, a family-owned, southside institution that's been around since 1917.

Tweaking your G&T...Lauren Viera provides some tips for updating Gin & Tonics, a classic summertime libation.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Shop like a chef: Where to find kitchen bargains...Anthony Todd provides some tips on where one can find the real goods -- both ingredients and tools -- in town.

Locally grown cherries are worth the wait...Judith Dunbar Hines shares recipes for Gems of Summer Salad and Cherry Chocolate Trifle, both of which include local cherries.

Pesticides in produce: When to buy organic...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller makes some sense of a newly-released list of pesticide residue levels in fresh produce.

Food Detective: Flavor tripping on miracle fruit...LTHer David Hammond investigates the miraculous qualities of this West-African berry.
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<><><><><>
Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' before Thursday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
<><><><><>

Media Digest Addenda for the week of July 7, 2011

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

What's New: With Union and Yuzu, the sushi-kushiyaki wave crashes...LTH contributor Mike Sula scouts these 2 new spots where, he says, the culinary innovations might have more to do with hiding the food than showcasing it.

Key Ingredient: Blood...Julia Thiel documents what chef Shawn McClain of Green Zebra did with the cow blood he was assigned by Michael Carlson. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.

Five spots for Bastille Day...the aforementioned Sula and Anne Spiselman provide brief reviews.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

The Dish dishers have gone fishin’ this week.
=====

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

The TOC crew is not publishing a new issue this week.
=====

From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

No new content of note has been posted at the Herald's site this week.
=====

Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Valdeon, a bold blue cheese from Spain...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Nia’s Grilled Asparagus with Tomato-Basil Relish and Valdeon from chef Antonia Asimis.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

LTH contributor Mike Nagrant continues his Big Heat countdown:

#41 - Ben Schiller/Mike Ryan/Paul McGee/Brad Bolt
#40 - Bruce Sherman
#39 - Nick Lessins and Lydia Esparza
#38 - Mike Cain
#37 - Gary Wiviott
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Media Digest for the week of July 14, 2011

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

Why barbecue went 'boom' in Chicago...Kevin Pang chronicles the new wave of Chicago barbecue, the start of which he attributes to Barry Sorkin and his team at Smoque.

Drink this!...Josh Noel recommends Victory Brewing's Summer Love.

No surprise that Leona's still satisfies...in this special, Jennifer Day profiles this venerable Chicago chain, which has been around for over 60 years.

French, without the accent...Phil Vettel awards Paris Club an unenthusiastic 2 stars.

Saluting Chicago's original ribs...Mr. Vettel briefly recommends some of Chicago's veteran rib slingers, including Barbara Ann's, Lem's and Uncle John's.

Beer cocktails are brewing...Lauren Viera relays some beer cocktail recipes shared by mixologists in Florida, Texas and Tennessee.

Meat labels: A lot of fine print to read...Steve Cavendish provides this primer on how to decipher meat labels.

Out to lunch: Naha...in a brief dining dossier, Phil Vettel recommends this River North eatery for lunch.

Know this!...Mr. Vettel files the final(?) post-mortem on this year's edition of Taste of Chicago.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Popsicles, granitas and more: Chill out with alternatives to ice cream...Katherine Sacks provides some suggestions and a few applicable recipes.

At the Chef’s Table: For dessert, head to the grill...Tood Feitl, pastry chef at Prasino in La Grange and St. Charles, shares his recipe for Grilled Buttermilk Pound Cake with Grilled Peaches.

Chicago rocker finds his groove as food blogger...Dave Hoekstra checks in with Steve Albini, who in addition to his musical accomplishments, is now blogging about food.

Pour Man: In Spain, a rugged region produces royal wines...Michael Austin recommends some wineries from the Ribera del Duero region of Spain.

Food Detective: Fishing for sustainable seafood on menus...LTHer David Hammond confers with Kassia Perpich, sustainable seafood manager at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, to get information on how diners can make educated choices when it comes to fish and seafood.

Help for a hangover...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller shares a couple recipes from the recently-released The Hungover Cookbook, by Milton Crawford.
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<><><><><>
Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' before Thursday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
<><><><><>

Media Digest Addenda for the week of July 14, 2011

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

What's New: Rustic House...LTH contributor Mike Sula's says that his first impression of Jason Paskewitz's newest venture was tempered by his second.

An in-the-works brewery goes off the grid...Julia Thiel profiles brothers Jesse Edwin Evans and Samuel Evans, who are in the process of opening the New Chicago Brewing Company, which aims to be one of several businesses in the new, waste-free incarnation of The Plant, in the Back of the Yards.

Drinking with beer nerds...Kate Schmidt learns the current favorites of 3 notable obsessives.

Daniel de Oliveira makes the most of mushrooms...Ms. Schmidt documents The Guadalajaran Handshake, conceived via a challenge from Tim Williams.

Bridge House Tavern, Northdown, Tolotzin, and ten more new restaurants...this week's listings include submissions from the aforementioned Sula and Schmidt, as well as Emily Withrow, Izidora Angel, Sallyann Price, Laura Fox and Heather Kenny.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's Dish, Penny Pollack, Graham Meyer and Carly Boers report that the Dallas-based steakhouse chain, III Forks, will soon open an outpost in River East.

Urban Forager Dave Odd Combs Chicago's Alleys for Dinner...Katherine Sacks profiles the man whose finds are in hot demand at several top local restaurants.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

The Beer Issue
Our leading brewmasters carve out their own styles...Heather Shouse profiles the brewmasters she considers to be the very best Chicagoland has to offer.

Everyone can be a cicerone at BYOB restaurants...Ms. Shouse provides a guide for successfully pairing beers with a wide variety of global cuisines.

Chicago brews can beat the best in the world...Julia Kramer reports how 3 local experts felt about Chicago's local brews compared to some big name brews.

Four new breweries are joining the beer scene...Laura Baginski, David Tamarkin, Martina Sheehan and Julia Kramer briefly profile a quartet of new, local breweries.

Nearly all of our seasonal American restaurants have badass beer lists...Heather Shouse matches up some signature dishes at a few area restaurants with the appropriate brews.

Our chefs dive into beer-making (with the help of some pros)...Kate Leahy documents a trio of collborations between local chefs and breweries.

Even our most unassuming mom-and-pop liquor stores stock great beer...Heather Shouse lists seven places you should know.

The Contrarian: Has the craft-beer revolution gone too far?...Keir Graff wonders if craft-beer -- and the rabid obsession behind it -- have drained all the fun out of beer-drinking.

Brunch report: ROOF and Mercadito...Julia Kramer and David Tamarkin scout the brunches -- and bottle service -- at these spots.

Five new rooftops...according to the aforementioned Kramer and Tamarkin, these 5 are on fire.

The Bar Chart, July 14 - July 21...this week's 'where-to-drink' graphic.
=====

From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Longtime Itasca restaurant changing hands...Elisabeth Mistretta reports that after 3 nearly decades, Truffles Grove restaurant in Itasca will soon become Rosanna’s Restaurant.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Chinook, the king of wild salmon...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for the Chicago Firehouse’s Grilled Wild King Salmon with Braised Mustard Greens and Spicy Applewood-Smoked Bacon Vinaigrette, from chef Kendal Duque.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

Confection Perfection: How Black Dog Gelato is elevating a classic...Giovanni Wrobel profiles Jessica Oloroso and her Ukrainian Village shop, which is setting the bar locally.

LTH contributor Mike Nagrant continues his Big Heat countdown:

#36 - Rob and Allison Levitt
#35 - Tony Mantuano
#34 - Jimmy Bannos
#33 - Mark Payne and Andy Pates
#32 - Jeff and Tony Dreyfuss
#31 - Michael, Nick and Simon Floyd
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Media Digest for the week of July 21, 2011

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

Our beer glasses runneth over...Josh Noel celebrates the wealth of riches that Chicagoland's current local beer scene offers.

Heartland Cafe powers a neighborhood...Christopher Borrelli profiles the Heartland Cafe in Rogers Park, which has been through it's share of ordeals - and a recent, major transition -- in since it opened in 1976.

Food in jars clearly pays homage to the past...in this special, Nancy Maes checks out several local restaurants and bars, where food and beverage are nostalgically served in canning jars.

The Cheap Eater recommends...Kevin Pang rounds up several places about which he's written in more detail over the past several weeks.

Three newbies worth trying...in this installment of Chain Reaction, the aforementioned Mr. Pang scouts 3 new items that can be found at fast-food joints.

Good instincts...in this special to the Trib, Jennifer Day praises Nigel Slater's unconventional new tome: Tender: A Cook and His Vegetable Patch. A recipe from the book for Marigold Soup is excerpted.

Riesling shakes off sweet stigma...in this special, Bill St. John proclaims Riesling as "the world's greatest white wine grape" and makes some recommendations to back it up.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Local food truck chefs offer tips on picnic dishes that travel well...Jennifer Olvera checks in with a few of the city's mobile chefs for tips on transportable dishes.

Low Mileage Kitchen: Ease greens into lasagna layers...Judith Dunbar Hines shares a recipe from World Kitchen's manager, Joann Relf, for Mixed Greens Lasagna.

Playing around with berries and herbs...Jerome Landrieu, head of the Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy, shares his recipe for Strawberry Lemon Verbena Gazpacho.

Food Detective: Chewing on gum’s origins...LTHer David Hammond searches for the roots of this everyday comestible.

JJC chefs going for the gold...Cindy Wojdyla Cain reports on the success of the Joliet Junior College culinary arts team, which is vying for medals in the American Culinary Federation competition for the second consecutive year.
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<><><><><>
Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' before Thursday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
<><><><><>

Media Digest Addenda for the week of July 21, 2011

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

Fine dining, classic punk...LTH contributor Mike Sula says that James Toland's Black Sheep in River West rocks . . . sort of.

The Principal of Thai Cookery...Sula profiles and interviews Thai celebrity chef and cookbook author M.L. Sirichalerm Svasti (aka Chef McDang), who has been very public with his concerns over the current custodianship of Thai cuisine.

Top Thai...the aforementioned Sula, along with Laura Levy Shatkin and Nicholas Day, peg 8 local Thai spots known for their authenticity.

Key Ingredient: Whelks...Julia Thiel reports on what The Drawing Room's Nick Lacasse cooked with the sea snails he was assigned by Shawn McClain of Green Zebra. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.
=====

From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's installment of Dish, Penny Pollack, Graham Meyer and Carly Boers report that "the hot summer dining trend is brunch."
=====

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

The skinny cocktail chronicles...Julia Kramer takes a look at this current craze, the start of which is attributed to reality tv star Bethenny Frankel.

Market recipes | Cherries...Paul Fehribach of Big Jones and Melissa Trimmer of C-House share their recipes.

Cheap thrills | Isla De Café...Heather Shouse continues her series with a visit to this Humboldt Park trailer, where café con leche is the focus and the sandwiches are notable, too.

The Office | Grant Achatz's invitation-only bar...Julia Kramer recounts her experience at The Office, underneath Aviary.

The bar chart | July 21–27, 2011...this week's 'where to drink' graphic.
=====

From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Young chef back in suburbs after stop in 'Hell'...Danealle Khaimskiy profiles Trevor McGrath, who particpated on season 8 of FOX's Hell's Kitchen and is now the GM and executive chef at Bella Luna in Glendale Heights. A recipe for 'Chef Trev's Gourmet Meatloaf' is included.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Squash blossoms, a solution to the zucchini problem...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Quince’s Squash-Blossom Vichyssoise from chef Andy Motto.
=====

Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

LTH contributor Mike Nagrant continues his Big Heat countdown:

#30 - Chuck Templeton
#29 - Michael Carlson
#28 - Eddie Lakin
#27 - Curtis Duffy
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Media Digest for the week of July 28, 2011

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

British cooking gets its good name back...in this week's Cheap Eater segment, Kevin Pang visits Pleasant House Bakery in Bridgeport, which he says "...fills a void you didn't know needed to be filled..."

Grand clams...Christopher Borrelli leads a mostly futile search for "real" clams in Chicagoland.

He's got legs (he knows how to serve them)...the aforementioned Mr. Pang profiles Bob Chinn's in Wheeling and their decidedly non-local specialty -- crab legs.

Pub honors its inner Brit...Phil Vettel awards Owen & Engine an enthusiastic 3 stars.

Good, inexpensive wines that are easy to find...in this special, Bill St. John cherrypicks some bottles that are mass-distributed.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

No sweat: Cook without heating up the kitchen...Amelia Levin gets suggestions and recipes from a few local chefs for dishes that do not require the use of an oven.

Food Detective: Flowers please eye and palate...LTHer David Hammond investigates some culinary uses for floral matter.

Pour Man: Canned beers get crafty...Michael Austin explains why canned beer is getting new-found respect these days.

Joliet Junior College culinary team wins national competition...in a follow-up to a piece in last week's food section, Cindy Wojdyla Cain reports that Joliet Junior College’s student cooking team won first place in the American Culinary Federation’s national cooking competition, which took place earlier this week.

Books for Cooks: A book of seasons and simple food...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller files a brief, favorable review of Cooking in the Moment, by Andrea Reusing.
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<><><><><>
Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' before Thursday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
<><><><><>

Media Digest Addenda for the week of July 28, 2011

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

NoMI goes casual...LTH contributor Mike Sula says that while the newly-reconcepted NoMi Kitchen is still putting out unforgettable food, the changes have made the restaurant a lot less distinctive.

Cocktail Challenge...Kate Schmidt chronicles what Matty Eggleston of Perennial Virant created with the fresh wasabi he was assigned by Daniel de Oliveira.

Key Ingredient: Ostrich egg...Julia Thiel documents what Small Bar's Justin White did with the ostrich egg he was assigned by Nick Lacasse of The Drawing Room. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.
=====

From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's Dish, Jeff Ruby says that the Thai menu at Next is "a party." In a Dish Flash, posted 2 days later, Penny Pollack says that "a party shouldn't feel like work."
=====

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

Cheap Eats challenge...the crew at TOC lays out 50 dining options that all $10 or under and challenges its readers to eat all 50 of them. Relatedly, in Mini challenge: $5 cocktails, Amy Cavanaugh lists a half-dozen places in town where quality drinks can be had for a fin or less.

Beyond shaken or stirred...Julia Kramer checks in with Paul McGee of The Whistler and Greg Buttera, of Curio and Gilt Bar to get tips on technique for Swizzles and Smashes.

The luxurious past...David Tamarkin tries to assess whether traditional fine dining is a trend or if it's dying.

Farmers’ Market Find: Fresh garbanzo beans...Julia Kramer highlights Nichols Farm's fresh garbanzo beans, which are available, while supplies last, at Green City Market, Wicker Park Market, Federal Plaza Market and other locations.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Gelato spots drawing business in suburbs...Amy Boerema Fuller provides this primer and puts the spotlight on several gelaterias in the suburbs.
=====

Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Daylilies, more than just a pretty flower...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Prairie Fire's Daylily Fritters, from chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

Gardens in the Desert: Trying Fresh Moves to improve the equitable distribution of food in the city...Giovanni Wrobel profiles Fresh Moves, which aims to improve food availability and personal health of residents in areas of the city where fresh food has been less available.

LTH contributor Mike Nagrant continues his Big Heat countdown:

#26 - Bill Kim
#25 - Louis John and Leslie Slagel
#24 - Greg Gunthorp
#23 - Paul Virant
#22 - Alpana Singh
#21 - Ken Raskin
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apologies for the delay in posting this week

The Media Digest is on vacation this week and will return on Thursday 8/11.

Thanks,

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Media Digest for the week of August 11, 2011

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

Time to veg...in this special, Lisa Futterman says that for many chefs, the next big thing is vegetables.

Start here...Kevin Pang, Christopher Borrelli, Phil Vettel and Lauren Viera team up to create a list of their favorite appetizers around town.

In old Chinatown, reliability comes stir-fried...Kevin Pang profiles this forum's namesake restaurant: (little) Three Happiness on Cermak.

In Berwyn, another world of fine dining...Phil Vettel awards newcomer Autre Monde 3 stars.

Edna's spirit lives on in Ruby's soul food...Kevin Pang says that the spirit of Edna's lives on at Ruby's, which occupies the same space.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

You want to go to culinary school?...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller takes a look at the current landscape of culinary schools. Relatedly, the Sun-Times publishes their 2011 guide to cooking schools.

Food Detective: In defense of fat...LTH David Hammond says that high-quality, properly-prepared beef fat is so delectable, it's worth skipping dessert for.

Pour Man: When tasting wine, please do spit...Michael Austin says that spitting during a wine-tasting is totally acceptable but that it's best not to do it during a meal.
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<><><><><>
Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' before Thursday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
<><><><><>

Media Digest Addenda for the week of August 11, 2011

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

The Next chapter: Tour of Thailand...LTH contributor Mike Sula recaps his Thai-menu meal at Next, which he found enjoyable on many levels.

Key Ingredient: Milkweed...Julia Thiel chronicles what Carnivale's David Dworshak cooked with the milkweed (growing behind the restaurant) that he was assigned by Jeffrey Hedin of Leopold. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.
=====

From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's Dish, Penny Pollack, Graham Meyer and Carly Boers report on the plans of the new regime at Jacky’s on Prairie in Evanston.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Farmers' market find: Rum-infused maple syrup from Burton’s Maplewood Farm...David Tamarkin touts this product, which is (kind of) available at the Green City Market.

Late-night eats...in this interactive graphic, Claire Brown identifies several places to get specific late-night dishes.

Spiked Italian ice at Three Aces...Julia Kramer lauds this adult spin on the traditional Chicago confection, from chef Matt Troost.

The bar chart | August 10–17, 2011...this week's bar chart.
=====

From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Buffalo Grove native gets spicy in the kitchen...Danealle Khaimskiy profiles Suzy Singh, who is competing on the current season of Fox's MasterChef.
=====

Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Penne all’arrabiata, angry pasta of Rome...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Tuscany's penne all’arrabbiata from chef Bolla Loza.
=====

Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

Fresher Than Ever: Green City Market gets a makeover and a new director...Giovanni Wrobel profiles one of Chicago's most notable markets, which has a slightly new location and entirely new executive director.

LTH contributor Mike Nagrant continues his Big Heat countdown:

#20 - Michael Kornick
#19 - Mindy Segal
#18 - Matt Maroni
#17 - Phillip Foss
#16 - Adam Seger
#15 - Bruce Finkelman
#14 - Brendan Sodikoff
#13 - Matt Maloney and Mike Evans
#12 - Nick Kokonas
#11 - Art Smith
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Media Digest for the week of August 18, 2011

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

Playing Devil's advocate...with the boutique bourbon market soaring, Lauren Viera writes about a couple of decidedly mainstream releases from major distilleries.

No mocking creative mocktails...Bill Daley recommends a couple of places in town where alcohol-free pairings are getting some serious attention.

Fruit and pork chops make a peachy combo...Good Eating editor Joe Gray shares a recipe for Pork chops with Peaches.

Cooking with capers...Bill Daley sings the praises of capers and provides a an adaptation of recipe for Cauliflower Caponata, from Marlena Spieler.

A better iced coffee...Monica Eng gets some expert input on the technique and nuances that lead to quality iced coffee.

Making mealtime with toddlers pleasant for all...Wendy Donahue interviews author Elizabeth Verdick to learn some tips.

Bloody battle...Christopher Borrelli and Lauren Viera take a pen-pal approach to finding the best bloody marys in town. A Post-battle debriefing is also provided.

Devotion's name: Cheddar Bay...the aforementioned Borrelli tries to explain the mass appeal of Red Lobster's biscuits.

Beyond white...in this special, Bill St. John makes some recommendations for red wines that go well with vegetarian fare. An applicable recipe is included.

Polo Cafe keeps going, through thick and thin...Kevin Pang reports on how Dave Samber, chef/owner of Polo Cafe, has improvised to fight off tough economic conditions.

Artisan boomtown...in this special, Brian McCormick reports on the surging number of small, entrepreneurial food producers in Chicagoland.

The other sherry...in this special (posted late last week), Bill St. John recommends several dry, Spanish sherries.
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From this week's Chicago Sun Times and Food section:

Waste not: Creative cooking, composting go a long way...Anthony Todd provides this insightful primer on composting, which includes input from several local chefs.

Low Mileage Kitchen: Don’t take garlic for granted...Judith Dunbar Hines discusses the intracacies of growing garlic. An applicable recipe for Summer Seashells is included.

Food Detective: In defense of bug-eating...LTHer David Hammond advocates for a culinary tradition that's practiced all over the world.

Flossmoor couple’s garden gives nod to Southeast Asia...Donna Vickroy profiles David and Carmencita Shoeneman, whose home garden isn't exactly typical for this area. A couple of applicable recipes from Ms. Shoeneman -- using Upo -- are included.

At the Chef’s Table: Corn with a street-food touch...chef Jackie Shen of Chicago Cut Steakhouse shares her recipe for Chipotle Corn on the Cob.
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<><><><><>
Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' before Thursday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
<><><><><>

Media Digest Addenda for the week of August 18, 2011

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

Scared Straight...LTH contributor Mike Sula profiles and interviews Rowie Reyes and Mike Ramos, owners of Rowie’s Bakery -- a popular, underground Filipino bakery -- who have recently opened a physical location on North Lincoln Avenue.

Wine on the line...Sula provides early recon on Telegraph Wine Bar, a new Logan Square spot whose kitchen is helmed by former Avec sous chef John Anderes.

Cocktail Challenge...in this week's edition, Julia Thiel documents what Stephen Cole (of the upcoming Barrelhouse Flat) mixed up using the cream of tartar he was assigned by Perennial Virant's Matty Eggleston.

Key Ingredient: Tomato Leaves...Julia Thiel reports on what Mark Mendez (of the upcoming Uva) cooked with the tomato leaves he was assigned by David Dworshak of Carnivale.
=====

From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's serving of Dish, Penny Pollack, Graham Meyer and Carly Boers report on the soon-to-open Riccardo Enoteca, from Riccardo Michi, owner of Riccardo Trattoria, which is located across the street from the new wine bar.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Grant Achatz talks what's next for Next...Heather Shouse learns about plans for the next 3 menus at Next, from chef/owner Grant Achatz.

Andy Ricker takes Next's tour of Thailand...Heather Shouse rides shotgun as the noted, Portland-based chef who's known for his expertise in Thai cooking, experiences Next's Thai menu.

Market recipes: Tomatoes...David Cooper of HB Home Bistro and Matt Troost of Three Aces share their seasonal recipes.

Potbelly’s chocolate brownie cookie: an appreciation...David Tamarkin confesses a guilty pleasure. Relatedly, Six places for a cookie fix are shared.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Sampling fruit from the Achatz family tree...food editor Deborah Pankey describes her recent experiences at 2 Achatz family-owned entities.

Governor OKs 2 new farmers market laws...AP reports on 2 new laws signed by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, which are considered to be farmers' market-friendly.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Tacos, an ancient Mexican snack...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Mercadito’s marinated grilled shrimp tacos with watermelon-and-tomato salad and pickled red onion, from chef Ryan Poli.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

LTH contributor Mike Nagrant continues his Big Heat countdown:

#10 - Doug Sohn
#9 - Ellen Malloy
#8 - Scott Harris
#7 - Graham Elliot
#6 - Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm
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Note: The Digest line-up has been shuffled a bit to sync up better with when our local publications generally post their weekly content online.

Media Digest for the week of August 25, 2011

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

It’s just lunch: What’s in the box doesn’t have to be ‘kid food’...with the school year upon us, food editor Janet Rausa Fuller provides tips and recipes for making kids' lunches more enjoyable, unconventional and healthful. Ms. Fuller also reports on what What chefs’ kids are eating. In The new lunch boxes: How they stack up, Ms. Fuller reports on some of the current market offerings for food totes.

In defense of tobacco...LTHer David Hammond highlights some culinary uses for tobacco.

Lottie + Doof: Tomato, your time is now...Tim Mazurek shares his recipe for savory Tomato Cobbler.

Pour Man: Beer festivals coming into season...Michael Austin is excited for the upcoming season of beer festivals, and he provides a list of several of them.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Farmers'-market find: summer apples from Ellis Family Farm...David Tamarkin says these early gems are available at several local markets.

Counter Culture’s Chicago training center...Tamarkin reports that instead of a cafe, this North Carolina-based company opened a training center, where baristas from all companies can come to learn.

La Colombe’s Pure Black bottled iced coffee...Julia Kramer scouts this new retail product, which is available at La Colombe Torrefaction on West Randolph.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

In this week's edition of Dish, Penny Pollack, Graham Meyer and Carly Boers find out from Rich Melman how the upcoming Saranello’s, in the Westin Chicago North Shore, got its name.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Heirloom tomatoes star of weekend at botanic garden...food editor Deborah Pankey previews the Chicago Botanic Garden's annual Heirloom Tomato Weekend, which is taking place this Saturday and Sunday.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not fully 'go to press' on Thursday mornings, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of August 25, 2011

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

Expense-Account Surf and Turf...LTH contributor Mike Sula says that this new Chicago outpost of the swanky international chain more or less redeems its annoyingness with better-than-expected food quality.

South of the mark - Tribute: a handsome addition to the South Loop comes out misfiring...LTHer Kristina Meyer feels this new South Loop eatery may still be mired down in their opening difficulties.

Key Ingredient: Abalone...Julia Thiel reports on what Rob Levitt prepared with the abalone he was assigned by Mark Mendez. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.
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From this week's Chicago Tribune and Food/Good Eating section:

From Paris to sizzling Bangkok...Phil Vettel awards Next's Tour of Thailand 3 stars.

Seize the moment, try the gazpacho...with the peak of tomato season upon us, Judy Hevrdejs recommends several local spots for gazpacho.

Let's get together and feel all right...Kevin Pang visits Jamaica Jerk in Rogers Park.

Before you eat, enjoy an aperitif...in this special, Bill St. John provides a primer and makes a few recommendations.

Cook like a chef...in this special, Steven L. Katz gets tips on technique from several noted chefs.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Bricole, an Italian answer to hard times...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Pasta alle briciole from Pamela Sheldon Johns, author of Cucina Povera: Tuscan Peasant Cooking.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

LTH contributor Mike Nagrant continues and completes his Big Heat countdown:

#5 - Paul Kahan, Donald Madia, Eduard Seitan, Terry Alexander
#4 - Rich Melman
#3 - Grant Achatz
#2 - Stephanie Izard
#1 - Rick Bayless

Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars . . .
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