Media Digest for the week of September 1, 2011

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

After 30 years, Melrose Park’s got Taste for home-cooked favorites...LTHer David Hammond previews his beloved Taste of Melrose Park, the 30th edition of which will take place this weekend.

Wok work: Go stir-fry crazy with summer vegetables...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller shares some tips and recipes from Stir-Frying to the Sky’s Edge, by Grace Young.

At the Chef’s Table: Humble potato still makes a splash...Cory Morris, chef de cuisine at Mercat a la Planxa, shares his recipe for Patatas a la Riojana.

Food Detective: Consider charcoal carefully...the ubiquitous David Hammond cites LTHForum.com co-founder and author of Low & Slow Gary Wiviott -- and co-author Colleen Rush -- among others, in explaining that not all charcoal is created equally.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Jared Van Camp is sick of holding back...David Tamarkin previews, Nellcôte, the new restaurant from the driving force behind Old Town Social, which is scheduled to open this November.

Fall preview: The best openings this season in Chicago...the TOC staff make their picks.

Slurping Turtle preview...Julia Kramer provides some pre-opening information about Takashi Yagihashi’s upcoming small-plates restaurant.

Q&A: The Tippling Bros.' Tad Carducci...John Dugan interviews one of the creators of upcoming Tavernita's cocktail list.

Tru’s new caviar presentation...David Tamarkin provides a glimpse and briefly interviews chef Anthony Martin. Relatedly, Six spots for scoring caviar are also listed.

Market recipes | Plums...David DiGregorio of Osteria Via Stato and Christine Cikowski of Sunday Dinner share their recipes.
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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 Christine Cikowski and Josh Kulp,the team behind Sunday Dinner, are just about set to announce the location of their upcoming Honey Butter Fried Chicken.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Libertyville's Casa Bonita cooks up homey Mexican fare...Carolyn Walkup files this favorable review.
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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 September 1, 2011

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

To the Tooth...LTH contributor Mike Sula checks out Al Dente, a new spot in Old Irving, where Spiaggia alum Javier Perez helms the kitchen.

Key Ingredient: Duck tongues...Julia Thiel documents the preparation Nightwood chef Jason Vincent came up with for the duck tongues he was assigned by Rob Levitt. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.

Mac, snacks, and shtick...Sam Worley visits the newest addition to Scott Harris' ever-growing resto empire.
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From this week's Chicago Tribune and Food/Good Eating section:

Simple is the new hard at Real Kitchen...Kevin Pang checks out Real Kitchen, where 3 top-kitchen alums are applying their considerable skills to classic, homey fare.

The indispensables...Phil Vettel, Christopher Borrelli, Keving Pang and Lauren Viera ask some F&B industry folks to identify those in their field who are the cream of the crop.

Country cousin far from simplistic...Phil Vettel files a favorable review of Rustic House in Lincoln Park.

Dinner with a side of yodeling Chicago Brauhaus traditions start with music and German fare...in this special, Jennifer Day visits this Chicago stalwart and interviews owner Harry Kempf.

Ramadan ends in feast-filled bliss...the Good Eating staff provides recipes to help commemorate Eid al-Fitr, a three-day holiday that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

A tour of Veneto region's wines...Bill St. John provides a primer on this prolific region, which produces 20% of Italy's DOC wine.

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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Fresh peaches, summer’s bounty...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for City Provisions Deli’s Smoked Peach Soup, from chef Cleetus Friedman.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

Eat It: The Life and Times of Patrick “Deep Dish” Bertoletti, a world-class competition eater...Ben Small profiles Patrick “Deep Dish” Bertoletti, a competitive eater who lives in Pilsen.
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Media Digest for the week of September 8, 2011

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

Last call, tomato: Make the most of this summer staple...Jennifer Olvera gets recipes and suggestions from local chefs that will honor the end of tomato season.

Low Mileage Kitchen: Beet salad wears colors well...Judith Dunbar Hines shares her recipe for Sunset Salad, which incorporates beets.

Food Detective: The cost of fair, and unfair, food...LTHer David Hammond chats with Oran Hesterman, the author of Fair Food: Growing a Healthy, Sustainable Food System for All, about the real cost of cheap food.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Seitan versus Satan | Vegan restaurant reviews...Julia Kramer briefly reviews 4 new vegan spots in town.

Market find: Flora Confections’ chaussons...David Tamarkin identifies these gems, which are available at the Green City Market.
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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

The Dish crew is taking the week off.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Alex's Washington Gardens maintains tradition...Jennifer Olvera visits this north-suburban stalwart.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not fully 'go to press' by Thursday morning, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of September 8, 2011

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

Quad Cities represent...LTH contributor Mike Sula says the fare at Roots exceeded his expectations and his admitted prejudices. Relatedly, 6 additional Ukrainian Village spots are featured in this week's listings.

Cocktail Challenge: beef stock...Kate Schmidt reports on the savory cocktail created by vegan bartender Paul McGee of the Whister -- A Dick Move -- using beef stock, which was assigned by Stephen Cole of (upcoming) Barrelhouse Flat.

Key Ingredient: Chufa...in this week's edition, Julia Thiel chronicles what B.K. Park of Arami cooked with the chufa he was assigned by Jason Vincent of Nightwood. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.
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From this week's Chicago Tribune and Food/Good Eating section:

Phil Vettel: 4 stars for Trotter's...Phil Vettel award this venerable Lincon Park institution 4 stars. In The Charlie Trotter launch pad, Vettle lists several noted chefs who spent time in Trotter's kitchen.

Get your fried-chicken fix on Route 66...Kevin Pang recommends the fried chicken at White Fence Farm and Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket.

Taking whiskey beyond borders...in this special Zak Stambor checks out a couple of new, artisanal takes on traditional Canadian-style whiskey.

Bittersweet surrender...Joe Gray recommends Gran Classico Bitter and Chinato d'Erbetti for both pre and post-prandial sipping.

Cool it...Judy Hevrdejs reports that in addition to chiles, many other ingredients -- like garlic, ginger and cinnamon -- can create heat on the palate, too.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Marinades enhance the flavor...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Chicago Cut’s spicy marinated shrimp, from chef Jackie Shen.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

Frozen Out: When the State Went After Artisanal Ice-Cream Makers, Nice Cream Decided Not to Melt...Giovanni Wrobel interviews Kris Swanberg, proprietor of Nice Cream, who has made it her mission to change what she considers antiquated regulations regarding dairy and ice cream-making.

The Good Twin: The Ricobenes try their hand at finer dining with Gemellato Ristorante...Giovanni Wrobel previews this new, upscale restaurant from the Ricobene family.

Fall Resto Preview 2011...a brief rundown of several upcoming openings (and one fleeting menu).
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Media Digest for the week of September 15, 2011

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

Making of a home cook: Chicago woman finds comfort in her kitchen...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller checks in with Sun Times contest winner Mary Jane Tala, who's taking full advantage of the culinary makeover -- guided by John Bubala -- she won earlier this year.

Food Detective: The power of pastel de choclo...LTHer David Hammond says that the native love of this quintessential Chilean dish is so profound it crosses almost all cultural and class lines.

At the Chef’s Table: Latest kitchen tools pointless without mastering basics...Blue 13's chef/owner Chris Curren shares his recipe for French Onion Soup.

The Pour Man: East meets West’s appreciation for wine...Michael Austin takes a look at the burgeoning wine culture in Hong Kong.

Mussels mania: Steam or saute with good wine or beer...Veronica Hinke previews this year's upcoming 7th annual Mussels Festival, from Chicago Originals. A recipe for Prince Edward Island Mussels is included.

Books for Cooks: Authors debunk culinary “myths”...the aforementioned Ms. Fuller takes a brief look at Lobsters Scream When You Boil Them, by authors Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

'Cue, take two...Heather Shouse revisits several bbq spots that opened last year.

Top Nosh: Kimchi fries at bopNgrill...Ms. Shouse identifies this worthy munch.

Market Find: 171 Zucchini Recipes...David Tamarkin says this self-xerox'd tome originally compiled by the parents of Julia McDonald, co-owner of Peasants’ Plot Farm in Manteno, is available at the Lincoln Square Farmers’ Market.

Fall Cookbook Preview 2011...Julia Kramer and David Tamarkin preview the best of this season's upcoming releases.
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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 Charlie Trotter alumnus Matthias Merges will open a yakitori-inspired restaurant in Logan Square this November.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Get friendly with chef Williams at Mon Ami Gabi...Sally Eyre profiles and interviews chef Bruce Williams, who runs the kitchen at Mon Ami Gabi in Oak Brook.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not fully 'go to press' by Thursday morning, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of September 15, 2011

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

Half Baked...it seems that LTH contributor Mike Sula's been dining in French restaurants constantly over the past few months, as new ones just keep popping up. This week he reviews Voltaire, a bistro in River West, where he says a purposeful pre-fab asethetic may be a key factor in the unevenness of the food being served. Relatedly, in this week's listings, 7 other bistros in town are briefly reviewed by LTHer David Hammond, Martha Bayne, Kate Schmidt, Anne Spiselman and Laura Levy Shatkin.

Key Ingredient: Burdock root...in this week's edition, Julia Thiel documents what Shin Thompson of Bonsoiree created with the burdock root he was assigned by B.K. Park of Arami. Video is produced by Mike Gebert.
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From this week's Chicago Tribune and Food/Good Eating section:

Few: A spirited venture...Josh Noel checks out the first release of spirits from this Evanston distillery, which is located in an old, converted auto shop.

Old World cooking, if they only knew...Kevin Pang visits Captain Porky's in Wadsworth, where owner Dino Kallianis is doing a lot more than the name (that he's now stuck with) indicates.

The Cheap Eater recommends...truly in his wheelhouse, Kevin Pang identifies six, locally-served cheeseburgers that are "worth your patronage."

Shirred pleasure...in this special, James P. DeWan serves up primer on making shirred eggs.

The age of the apple...in this special, Susan Taylor reports on a new wave of apple varieties; crosses and natural mutations, which are said to have fewer flaws than are typically found in some older varieties.

Time for a crush...Bill St. John provides some tips and guidance for wine-focused travel.

Out to Lunch: Blackbird, 619 W. Randolph St....Phil Vettel pegs this West Loop stalwart as having one of the best -- and best-priced -- lunch menus in the city.

Prepare to sip, swirl and swallow at gourmet fest...Mr. Vettel previews this year's Chicago Gourmet, which is coming up on September 24th and 25th.

Pump Room is primed & ready...the ubiquitous Vettel previews the new incarnation of this Chicago icon, which opened in "preview" mode earlier this week.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Fresh sweet corn at the height of the harvest...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Ceres’ Table’s Corn Soup, from chef Giuseppe Scurato.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

411: Prawn Job...Giovanni Wrobel reports on a recent theft in Pilsen of nearly a truckload of frozen shrimp.

411: The Bacon Takedown Wants to Know What To Do With Fifteen Pounds of Pork...Erin Kelsey reports on the Bacon Takedown, which is returning to Chicago for a second year, this Sunday.
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Media Digest for the week of September 22, 2011

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

Cider house rules: The real stuff is hard to find...Molly Woulfe reports on the significant differences between raw and pasteurized apple cider.

Supersod subculture: Cured meat fans keep soppresata-making tradition alive...Lisa Shames checks out the lively, local underground soppressata community.

Low Mileage Kitchen: Grape memories, sweet and stained purple...in this edition, Judith Dunbar Hines shares recipes for Concord Grape Conserve and Baked Brie with Concord Grapes.

Food Detective: On the path of the Chilean pinon...LTHer David Hammond sleuths out this indigenous Chilean nut, which is a cultural icon among the Pehuenche in Chile.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Jerry Kleiner’s highs and lows...put a fork in Jerry Kleiner? Laura Baginski indicates that it might be time.

The cult of quinoa...Julia Kramer reviews the obsessive following that Protein Bar has developed.

Magnolia vs. Sprinkles...Jenna Marotta makes a brief comparison between these 2 local cupcake retailers.

Market recipe: Squash...Suzy Crofton (Crofton on Wells) shares her recipe for Red kuri squash soup with Belgian endive confit, brioche croutons and shagbark hickory–cinnamon crème fraîche.

The Local Option’s Dampf Loc beer...Julia Kramer reports on some new brews being produced by the owner of this DePaul-area beer mecca.
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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 Filini, helmed by chef Christian Fantoni, is slated open in the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on November 1.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Liquor licenses OKd for new Binny’s, Smashburger...Deborah Donovan some recent Arlington Heights developments.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not fully 'go to press' by Thursday morning, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of September 22, 2011

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

The worm's turn...LTH contributor Mike Sula checks out Masa Azul in Logan Square, where, he says, the spirits may trump the uneven food.

Key Ingredient: bamboo worms...in this week's edition, Julia Thiel reports on what Luke Creagan of Pops for Champagne cooked with the bamboo worms he was assigned by Shin Thompson of Bonsoiree. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.

Cocktail Challenge: nutritional yeast...Kate Schmidt reports on what cocktail Sterling Field of Sable Kitchen and Bar created with the nutritional yeast he was assigned by Paul McGee of the Whistler.
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From this week's Chicago Tribune and Food/Good Eating section:

Dine and dally...Phil Vettel takes a look at some solutions for problematic restaurant lollygaggers, malingerers and barnacles.

Not-so-guilty pleasures...in this special, Judy Marcus searches out some wholesome-leaning, baked-good decadance.

At Rootstock, fate smiles with crispy duck...Kevin Pang loves the duck leg confit at Rootstock but says there's plenty more to like about this Humboldt Park wine and beer bar.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Braai, barbecue South African-style...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for South African-style ginger coriander ribs from private chef Jeremy Brewington.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

At the time of this posting, no new content had been posted at New City's site this week.
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Media Digest for the week of September 29, 2011

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

At the Rosh Hashana table: Honey, there’s symbolism in fish heads...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes explains the symbolism behind some of the foods that are typically eaten at the Jewish new year. Included are recipes for New Year Carrots and Teiglach (Ashkenazi honey knots).

Food Detective: In Chile, tortillas are for sharing, sustenance...LTHer David Hammond continues his series of pieces on Chilean food traditions with a look at Chilean tortillas, which bear only some similarity to the Mexican incarnation.

The Pour Man: Beneath the shtick, Schmaltz brews success...Michael Austin profiles Schmaltz Brewing Company, whose connection to next month's Freak Out Against Cancer! charity event might not be an obvious one.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Tastes like team spirit | Chicago Bears foods...David Tamarkin reports on a few places around town that are pandering to Bears fans via some of their menu offerings. Eating these foods won't necessarily make you loser, will it? More Places with both good food and football are listed.

New grocery stores...Julia Kramer and David Tamarkin blurb on 4 recent openings.

Pitching the husks...LTH contributor Amber Gibson reports on local entrepreneur Rowinda Assalimy's efforts to spawn kishr's popularity in the U.S.
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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 report that the owners of the Bang Bang Pie & Coffee Show have parlayed their food truck into a Logan Square storefront (2051 N. California), which they hope to open by November 20.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Burgers, local brews the draws at Hoffman Estates' Assembly...Samantha Nelson recommends The Assembly American Bar & Café in Hoffman Estates.
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=R=

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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not fully 'go to press' by Thursday morning, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of September 29, 2011

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

Thank you for smoking...Sam Worley files a review of Barn & Company, where LTH Pitmaster Emeritus is in charge of the bbq, which was easily Worley's favorite aspect of the place.

Key Ingredient: Sugarcane...Julia Thiel reports on what Dirk Flanigan of Henri cooked with the sugarcane he was assigned by Luke Creagan of Pops for Champagne. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.

What's New: Ten recently opened restaurants...brief reviews of 10 recently-opened spots from LTH contributor Mike Sula, the aforementioned Sam Worley and Julia Thiel, Kevin Warwick and Mara Shalhoup.
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From this week's Chicago Tribune and Food/Good Eating section:

Kinda cranky pizza guy...Christopher Borrelli profiles iconic Chicago pizza maven Burt Katz, owner of Burt's Place in Morton Grove, and founder of several other well-known Chicago pizza places. Former LTH frontman Gary Wiviott is quoted several times in the piece.

Japanese cooking with Japanese people...Kevin Pang profiles Renga Tei in Lincolnwood, which is quietly turning 20 this year.

Beer-maker's microloan program brewing hope for Chicago-area small businesses...Emily Bryson York reports on this week's expansion into Chicago of the Boston Beer Company's microloan program.

Modern family dinner...Judy Hevrdejs reports on the continuing evolution -- not the death -- of the traditional family dinner.

A new place to play...Phil Vettel awards Quay in River East 2 stars.

Diners soak in flavor and booze during rainy Chicago Gourmet...Phil Vettel and Bill Daley recap last weekend's big event.

It's all oenos to us...in this special, Bill St. John reports on Greek wines, which given their quality, get very little ink. Several recommendations are included.

Drink this: Mojito at Cantina Laredo...Lauren Viera recommends this libation at the River North outpost of the Dallas-based chain.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Causa, creative potato appetizers from Peru...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Between Cafe & Lounge’s Causa, from chef Jose Victorio.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

At the time of this posting, no new content had been posted at New City's site this week.
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Media Digest for the week of October 6, 2011

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

Wheaton College chef takes cafeteria food to next level...Dave Hoekstra reports on Northwest side native Patrick Cassata who, as executive chef at Wheaton College, has brought the school the title of Princeton Review’s Best Campus Food in America.

Low Mileage Kitchen: Fall fruit desserts please, no matter the name...Judith Dunbar Hines talks fall fruits, and delves into the distinctions between baked desserts like cobblers, crumbles, slumps and pandowdies.

A Modern Meal Maker: Sardines a smart choice...Kate Leahy sings the praises of sardines, and details an attempt to capture the spirit of a beloved childhood dish.

Food Detective: Best ingredients make their way around...LTHer David Hammond examines the importance of excellent ingredients to high-end chefs, and how their demand for the same increases availability for the rest of us.

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

20 chefs to watch... Julia Kramer, Heather Shouse and David Tamarkin poll top Chicago chefs to nominate 20 up-and-comers who are currently flying under the radar.

Uptown Soda Bread Co. launches...David Tamarkin reports on the opening of Uptown Soda Bread Co., which seeks to reinvent the humble soda bread and bring it into the limelight.

Market recipes | Apples...Shawn McClain of Green Zebra and Amanda Rockman of The Bristol share their recipes.

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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 reveal two forthcoming sports bar reinterpretations, The Anthem and The Ogden, ask Matt Eversman five questions about his forthcoming restaurant, Oon Chicago, and report on other assorted odds and ends.

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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Decoding poultry labels...Don Mauer consults the USDA to decipher the meaning behind the wording on poultry packaging.

Land connection: Chefs, diners reaching out to farmers...Deborah Pankey discusses the increasing amount of cooperation between local chefs and farmers, and highlights some examples.

Wine education never stops...Advanced Sommelier Mary Ross describes ways in which one can continually improve their wine education.

Wine 101 Experts answer your most basic questions about the fruit of the vine...Katherine Rodeghier continues the advice for those wishing to learn about wine, discussing the subject with four local wine experts.

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Dmnkly, filling in for =R=

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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not fully 'go to press' by Thursday morning, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of October 6, 2011

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

From food truck to fine dining...Kate Schmidt reviews MorSo, the new fine dining establishment from Gaztro-Wagon’s Matt Maroni, which features excellent cocktails from Matthew Lipsky and a design-your-own tasting menu format.

Cocktail Challenge: fenugreek...Kate Schmidt details Henri bartender Clint Roger’s answer to Sterling Field’s fenugreek challenge: The Michigan Sweat Lodge.

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

MJ scores with new steakhouse...Phil Vettel speaks glowingly of the new Michael Jordan’s Steak House, particularly chef James O’Donnell’s willingness to push the boundaries of the steakhouse formula, awarding it three stars.

Deconstructing the menu...Mr. Vettel peruses the menu at Lou Malnati’s new Gold Coast flagship location.

La Creperie nears 40 years of serving up comfort in a cozy spot...In this special to the Tribune, Jennifer Day celebrates La Creperie -- its history, its atmosphere and the folks who run it -- as it approaches its 40th anniversary.

Eschewing traditions for something better...Kevin Pang details the offerings at Panozzo’s Italian Market, where Alinea alum John Asbaty uses Italian traditions as a point of inspiration rather than a blueprint.

Tasting the wild...Bill Daley explores the beauty and benefits of foraging and examines its connection to human nature.

One big garden...Continuing his theme for the week, Bill Daley profiles chef and devoted forager Iliana Regan, and her exploits in one of her favorite foraging grounds, Andersonville.

The right glass can make wine shine...in this special to the Tribune, Bill St. John discusses the importance of proper stemware, and details tips for purchasing and care.

150 ways to deliver Spanish flavor...Judy Hevrdejs provides a brief glimpse into the new cookbook from Liliane Otal, Plancha: 150 Great Recipes for Spanish-Style Grilling.

Our Own Bavarian-Styled Doppel Weizen...Josh Noel reviews this weizenbock from Petaluma, California, available for a short time.

Alton Brown gets down...Joe Gray discusses Good Eats with Alton Brown, as well as what he plans to follow the show’s run.

Desserts that go crunch...In this special, Lisa Futterman sings the praises of pretzels as an ingredient in dessert recipes, and shares two of her own.

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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Cod, making slow recovery...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes features Atlantic Cod and a recipe for seafood pie from Claddagh Irish Pub in Geneva.

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

At the time of this posting, no new content had been posted at New City's site this week.

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Dmnkly, filling in for =R=

Media Digest for the week of October 13, 2011

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

The Pour Man: Build your wine knowledge from six ‘noble’ grapes...Michael Austin starts by identifying and describing the six grapes that anchor international wine production, before calling attention to increasingly obscure varietals.

Food Detective: Given best ingredients, chefs pull back on the flash...LTHer David Hammond discusses the trend towards a simple, less attention grabbing approach to cooking with local chefs.

A pie champion shares her secrets... food editor Janet Rausa Fuller calls attention to Michele Stuart’s new cookbook, Perfect Pies, and shares some tips that can be found within its pages.

In a pie state of mind: Perfecting the unpretentious dessert...continuing the pie theme, Mr. Hammond examines the increasing popularity of pies, highlighting Hoosier Mama Pie Co., the Bucktown Apple Pie Contest, and pie making tips from local pastry chefs.

At the Chef’s Table: Engage all senses when cooking...Beverly Kim Clark, Chef de Cuisine at Aria, discusses how all of the sensory elements come into play when creating a successful dish.

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

The new cheese plate... Julia Kramer and David Tamarkin highlight the ways in which four local restaurants are making something contemporary and compelling of the traditional cheese plate.

New brunch reviews: Tiny Lounge, the Bedford, Bangers & Lace...Ms. Kramer and Mr. Tamarkin briefly review three brunch spots.

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From Chicago Magazine's on-line Dining section:

Best New Restaurants in Chicago 2011... Penny Pollack and Jeff Ruby run down their picks for the 22 best new restaurants in Chicago for 2011.

In this week's edition of Dish, Penny Pollack, Graham Meyer and Carly Boers briefly highlight two new restaurants, Bread & Wine and III Forks, ask six questions of Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and speak well of the Bridgeport Pasty food “truck.”

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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

New batch of baking books...food editor Deborah Pankey runs down a handful of new baking books, highlights some local food events, and discusses making potato chips at home.

Barilla chef shares his recipe...Abby Scalf profiles Lorenzo Boni, corporate chef for Barilla America, as he shares his cooking background and philosophy as well as some tips.

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Dmnkly, filling in for =R=

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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not fully 'go to press' by Thursday morning, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of October 13, 2011

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

A chefs' family tree revisited...Mike Sula and Kate Schmidt recall Elizabeth M. Tammy’s 2006 “A Chef’s Family Tree,” which traced the culinary spawn of six of Chicago’s premiere kitchens. Their 2011 version examines some of those spawn, and how they’ve gone on to produce more young talent of their own.

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

Next up: 2 great chefs to collaborate...Christopher Borrelli sits down with Ferran Adria and Grant Achatz to discuss El Bulli – Next’s forthcoming tribute menu, staff meals, what distinguish avant-garde and modern cuisine, and the future of El Bulli and avant-garde restaurants in general.

Joanne, my dear, do try the ham...Kevin Pang waxes poetic about Mr. Allison’s restaurant in Arlington Heights, its old-school charm, its signature ham, and its manager’s shocking culinary revelation.

Make a dash for it...Phil Vettel awards two stars to Logan Square’s newly-minted Telegraph, where the beverage program is exemplary and the food is good enough to make him rue the change of seasons that robs him of his favorite dishes.

Deconstructing the menu...this week, Mr. Vettel provides a quick synopsis of M. Henrietta, M. Henry’s newborn sibling, who brings dinner service to the family.

Phil Vettel recommends...Mr. Vettel runs down a handful of seafood alternatives for those looking to miss the crowds at Shaw’s oyster fest….

Oyster-friendly wines...and for those who do land elsewhere, Mr. Vettel talks with Shaw’s Josh Tilden, and picks his brain for tips about pairing wine with oysters.

What wine with sauerkraut?...Bill Daley, meanwhile, considers heartier fare, and discusses strategies for pairing wine with sauerkraut.

Best dressed...Leah Eskin argues that the cranberry bean, while undeniably sexy (for a bean), is possessed of good tastes to match its good looks, and offers a recipe as proof.

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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Arancini revisited...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes couldn’t resist returning to an old favorite, and shares another recipe, provided by Dean Zanella of Rhapsody.

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

At the time of this posting, no new content had been posted at New City's site this week.

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Dmnkly, filling in for =R=

Media Digest for the week of October 20, 2011

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

Hello, birdie: Roasted chicken a menu throwaway no more...Lisa Shames contends that grilled chicken is today's benchmark dish to gauge a chef's abilities. She interviews several local chefs to get their takes. A recipe adaptation from chef Brian Huston of the Publican is included.

Chili now, before the candy high...Judith Dunbar Hines shares her recipe for Pumpkin and Black Bean Chili, which can be served in a hollowed-out pumpkin.

Being Stephanie Izard must be fun...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller files a brief, favorable review of Girl in the Kitchen: How a Top Chef Cooks, Thinks, Shops, Eats and Drinks, the new cookbook from Ms. Izard. A recipe for Roasted Radishes with Blue Cheese, Peanuts and Cilantro is excerpted.

Food Detective: In Egypt, favas are for breakfast...LTHer David Hammond explains foul and identifies a few places in town where it can be ordered.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Fall cocktails 2011...Julia Kramer provides a preview of some seasonal offerings that can be found around town, including the Orchard Old Fashioned from the Whistler.

Restaurant trend: Savory marshmallows...David Tamarkin lists 3 places in town where this trend is getting off the ground.

New beer books...Heather Shouse recommends 3 newly-released tomes that target beer obsessives.

Restaurant reviews | New breakfast spots...David Tamarkin lists several new breakfast spots in town.

Cheap Thrills | Homage Street Food...Heather Shouse previews Homage Street Food's soon-to-open brick and mortar location.
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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 some new details about the Trenchermen from brothers Mike and Pat Sheerin, which is slated to open in January in the former Spring space.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Eating out: Waterleaf now open at COD...Sara Hooker reports on the official opening of this eatery in the College of DuPage’s Culinary and Hospitality Center.

Food, feel draw regulars to Prairie House...Samantha Nelson provides a brief dossier on this 5-year-old tavern in Buffalo Grove.
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A big thanks to Dmnkly, for filling in for the past 2 weeks!

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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not fully 'go to press' by Thursday morning, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of October 20, 2011

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

Lao Hunan paints Chinatown red...LTH contributor Mike Sula files an enthusiastic, favorable review of the newest eatery in the Tony Hu empire.

Key Ingredient: mountain ash berries...Julia Thiel chronicles what Kevin Hickey of Seasons Restaurant cooked with the Mountain ash berries he was assigned by Dirk Flanigan of Henri and the Gage. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.
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From this week's Chicago Tribune and Food/Good Eating section:

Hole in my heart...Kevin Pang rides shotgun with Rabbi Michael Zedek, as the duo check out a few area bagel shops, and discover much more in the process.

Yelp's power grates on wary restaurants...Christopher Borrelli reports on just some of the reasons why restaurant operators dislike Yelp.com so much.

Drink this!...Lauren Viera previews one of the dozens of classic cocktails that will be on the menu at Stephen Cole's Barrelhouse Flat when it opens next week.

Won Kow's past interwoven with Chinatown's story...in this special, Jennifer Day visits this venerable Chinatown stalwart, which is the benchmark for many local diners.

Deconstructing the menu...Phil Vettel dissects the offerings at Roka Akor in River North.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Bok choy, delicious, nutritious and not fattening...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Prairie Fire’s Sauteed Greens, from chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris.
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Posted this week at NewCity Chicago's Newcity Resto site:

At the time of this posting, no new content had been posted at New City's site this week.
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Media Digest for the week of October 27, 2011

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

Candied land: Homemade bars are worth the effort this Halloween...Kate Bernot advocates for homemade candy bars and gets tips from a few local chefs on how to make them.

At the Chef’s Table: Spices make her world go 'round...Suzy Singh, a contestant on Season 2 of Fox’s Masterchef, shares her recipe for Garam Masala Chicken Sliders with Chickpea Aioli.

The Pour Man: Aged beer is something to celebrate...Michael Austin sings the praises of aged beers and provides some pointers for aging them, as well.

Food Detective: You’ve seen one date, you haven’t seen them all...LTHer David Hammond reports on the plethora of fresh dates he was able to experience during a recent trip to Egypt.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Interview | Chuy Valencia of Chilam Balam...Julia Kramer interviews the chef at Chilam Balam, who will be part of the upcoming season of Top Chef.

The story of Brew Hey Hey...Heather Shouse interviews, Won Kim, who organized this festival of homebrewers, which is coming up this weekend.

Halloween bar nights 2011...Hannah Gold lists a few spots in town that will be having special, Halloween-themed events this year.

It’s pumpkin time!...David Tamarkin identifies a few places that are currently running specials, which incorporated pumpkin.

Cheap Thrills | Lao Hunan...Heather Shouse provides a brief, early glimpse of Tony Hu's latest venture.

Ian Schrager and Jean-Georges Vongerichten | 5 minutes with...John Dugan interviews the team behind the resurrection of this venerable Chicago institution.
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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 report on the opening of 2nd Street Bistro in Highland Park, one of several openings in HP over the past few months.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Cake Boy, Cake Boss and custom kernels...among other topics, food editor Deborah Pankey recommends a few newly released baking books that have come across her desk.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not fully 'go to press' by Thursday morning, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of October 27, 2011

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

The 23 enigma...LTH contributor Mike Sula says that Michael Jordan's Steak House accomplishes its familiar and predictable mission fairly well.

Key Ingredient: black cardamom...Julia Thiel reports on what Beverly Kim of Aria cooked with the black cardamom assigned to her by Kevin Hickey of Seasons Restaurant. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.
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From this week's Chicago Tribune and Food/Good Eating section:

There will be blood...Kevin Pang and Christopher Borrelli list five dishes being served in Chicago restaurants that use blood as an ingredient.

Against the grain..."Monica Eng interviews an author who says much of the grain Americans consume are more bad than good to our bodies."

With crepes, dinner options endless...James P. DeWan provides tips and a recipe.

The search for value...Bill St. John advises against certain wines he believes are overrated, and offers alternatives, too.

Last bites...Christopher Borrelli and Phil Vettel poll several chefs (many local) to find out what they would choose for their last meals.

Breaking down fats...Monica Eng reports on different how different fats stack up nutritionally, and lists a few foods to consider, too.

Deconstructing the menu...Phil Vettel dissects the offerings at Vivo on West Randolph.

Northbrook deli: The whole knish and kaboodle...in this special, Anne-Elizabeth Dwyer profiles Max & Benny's, which has been in its current Northbook location since 1994.

Cooking pumpkin: Treat or trick?...Bill Daley answers a question about which types of pumpkins are suitable for cooking.

Phil Vettel recommends...Phil Vettel rounds up several places around town that are serving dishes that feature pumpkin.

Drink this!...Lauren Viera touts the Blood and Sand cocktail and recommends the riff on it being served at Hearty.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Chrysanthemum tea, China’s sweet cure-all...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Shanghai Terrace’s Chrysanthemum Spare Ribs, from chef Ivan Yuen.
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Media Digest for the week of November 3, 2011

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

Beer of the month...this month, Josh Noel recommends Rodenbach Grand Cru, a flanders-style Belgian red ale. In Drink this!, Mr. Noel touts Hinterland's Luna Coffee Stout.

Out to Lunch: Rosewood, 9421 W. Higgins Road, Rosemont...Phil Vettel provides a brief dossier on this northwest suburban power lunch destination.

Food falls flat without splash of vinegar or citrusy spritz...Jennifer Olvera checks in with several local chefs, who emphasize the importance of adding acidity to foods, especially rich foods.

Low Mileage Kitchen: On a quest to cook with quince...Judith Dunbar Hines shares a recipe for Pork Roasted with Quince.

Food Detective: Food festivals, markets get a little greener...LTHer David Hammond says that the push for green is slowly and surely finding its way to the Midwest.

A crop of cookbook signings: Martha Stewart, Lidia Bastianich coming to town...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller reports on several fall cookbook releases -- and the author signings taking place locally that will accompany them.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Secret menu items...Hannah Gold identifies secret menu items at 4 local eateries.

New brunch reviews | Elate, 25 Degrees, Quay...Julia Kramer, Erin Osmon and David Tamarkin check out these 3 spots, where brunch is being served.

In defense of chicken...David Tamarkin contends that chicken is the ballsiest order one can make at a restaurant these days.

Restaurant reviews | Four new dessert menus...Julia Kramer and David Tamarkin check out the new sweet offerings at Custom House Tavern, Blackbird, Perennial Virant and GT Fish & Oyster.
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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 profile Lake Street Kitchen + Bar, which opened recently in Oak Park.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

At Villa Verone, it's all about the classics...Tom Witom favorably reviews this Geneva eatery.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not fully 'go to press' by Thursday morning, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of November 3, 2011

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

No jacket required at the Pump Room...LTH contributor Mike Sula reviews the newest incarnation of the Pump Room, which he finds mostly uneven.

Key Ingredient: turtle...Julia Thiel chronicles what Edward Kim of Ruxbin cooked with the turtle he was assigned by Beverly Kim of Aria. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.

Cocktail Challenge: Nopales...Kate Schmidt checks out the cocktail Duchamp mixologist Kris von Dopek made with the nopales he was assigned by Clint Rogers of Henri.
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From this week's Chicago Tribune and Food/Good Eating section:

Foreign looks familiar in fried chicken...Kevin Pang identifies some worthy, locally-available renditions of fried chicken from a host of foreign cuisines.

Meatless gem in Wicker Park is upscale trendy...in this special, Kay Stepkin profiles Mana Food Bar on Division, which is helmed by chef (and co-owner) Jill Barron.

Graham conversion...Mark Caro profiles celebrity chef Graham Elliot, who used to be known as Graham Elliot Bowles before he was famous.

What would Jackie say?...in this special, Leslie Mann explores the evolution of the dinner party over the past 4 decades.

20 steps to better cooking...Monica Eng interviews Michael Ruhlman about his latest cookbook, Ruhlman's Twenty: 20 Techniques, 100 Recipes, a Cook's Manifesto. A recipe from the book for Weekday Coq Au Vin is included, as is a demo video.

A raw deal from garlic...Bill Daley answers a reader's question about making raw garlic less taxing on the digestive system.

C'est la Vie?...Phil Vettel awards Perennial Virant an enthusiastic 3 stars.

Rogue absinthe...in this special, Zak Stambor checks out Corsair's Red, an absinthe variant.

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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Jus, a lighter gravy...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for the Signature Room’s Roasted Chicken with Brown-Butter Roasting Jus, from chef Patrick Sheerin.
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Media Digest for the week of November 10, 2011

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

Nuts come out of their shell: Fall’s bounty adds punch to plates...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes checks in with several authorities, including some local chefs, who tout nuts as under-rated and under-used in culinary applications.

At the Chef’s Table: Black walnuts, and a homecoming in the woods...continuing the nut theme, chef/owner Paul Fehribach of Big Jones share his recipe for Indiana Black Walnut and Sorghum Pie.

Food Detective: Taking time for a cup of tea...LTHer David Hammond shares a tale of a recent tea adventure he had while traveling in Egypt.

The Pour Man: Don’t pass up the Paso Robles wine region...Michael Austin touts this region in central California, which is known mostly for its zinfandel, but is also an up-and-comer in varietals normally associated with the Rhone Valley.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Greg Hall’s cider venture...Julia Kramer checks in with the former Goose Island brewmaster, as he embarks on his newest endeavor.

Ryan Poli’s Tavernita...David Tamarkin profiles chef Ryan Poli, who will helm the kitchen Tavernita in River North when it opens later this year.

Nite Market: a new underground food event...Jennifer Swann reports on this project from Natalie Riha, which was inspired by Ms. Riha's 2010 trip to China.

Ask the critics: Israelis, Brazilian food and phone numbers...in this new feature, Julia Kramer and David Tamarkin answer food and beverage questions from readers.

Pour Souls Cocktail Club and Femme du Coupe...Julia Kramer profiles 2 bartenders who hope to educate folks in the way of the spirit.
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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 Tona Palomino, formerly of WD-50, has been hired as the beverage director of Trenchermen, which is slated to open in Feburary of 2012.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Old-World lessons essential ingredients at Mambo Italiano...Sally Eyre profiles this Mundelein eatery and its chef/owner Salvatore Cardone.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not fully 'go to press' by Thursday morning, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of November 10, 2011

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

Chinatown's subterranean Snack Planet...LTH contributor Mike Sula makes a new discovery in the food court in the basement of Richland Center, a venue which continues to evolve.

Key Ingredient: balut...Julia Thiel chronicles what Kristine Subido of Wave cooked with the balut she was assigned by Edward Kim of Ruxbin. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.
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From this week's Chicago Tribune and Food/Good Eating section:

Follow the curve...Bill Daley provides a detailed tutorial on making quenelles.

Cool things to know about wine...in this special, Bill St. John provides a crib sheet of sorts for making the most out of wine-tasting classes.

No-work* Thanksgiving...Judy Hevrdejs provides some time-saving strategies for Thanksgiving preparation that are not really "no-work" but as close as they can get.

Community cookbook for the 21st century...in this special, Jennifer Day excerpts a recipe from the newly-released The Food52 Cookbook, an offshoot of the poplular website run by Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs.

Scanning sandwiches...Daniel Shumski explores the new book, Scanwiches, By Jon Chonko.

Drink this!...Josh Noel recommends the If Winter Ends cocktail at Acre in Andersonville.

Prasino: Deconstructing the menu by Phil Vettel...a graphic breakdown of the menu is provided.

Stargazing...Phil Vettel prognosticates Michelin's 2012 Chicago guide.

The Pump Room is back...Mr. Vettel awards the newly re-opened Pump Room 2 stars.

Steaks and stories served medium-rare...Kevin Pang profiles the venerable Gene & Georgetti, which is in its 8th decade.

Chicago is bigger in 'Top Chef: Texas'...Mr. Pang takes a look at the current season of Bravo's Top Chef, in which 6 of the final 16 contestants are Chicago chefs.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! 5 great fall recipes from Chicago restaurants...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets seasonal recipes from 3 Vines Cafe, Texas de Brazil, Las Palmas (in Wicker Park), Le Titi de Paris and Piccolo Sogno.
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Media Digest for the week of November 17, 2011

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

Bird, deconstructed: Cooking turkey in parts ensures tender meat, richest gravy...food editor Janet Rausa Fuller advocates downright heresy and says that cooking your Thanksgiving turkey in parts will produce the best results.

Milk stuffing for all it’s worth...Ms. Fuller continues the Thanksgiving advice in an interview with Shelley Young, owner of The Chopping Block, who says that stuffing is the one part of the meal where the cook can really zip things up. Her recipe for Sage Stuffing is provided, as is a demo video.

How to roast a chestnut (and why you should)...Ms. Fuller provides advice and wisdom.

Low Mileage Kitchen: Put the squeeze on mac ’n’ cheese...Judith Dunbar Hines shares a recipe for her personal spin on Creamy Macaroni and Cheese (an adaptation from Cooking Light magazine).

Food Detective: Wine from a common weed...LTHer David Hammond explains just how easy it is to make dandelion wine.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

The new Lula Cafe...David Tamarkin checks out this 13-year veteran in Logan Square, where expansion is happening again.

A very artisanal gift guide...Julia Kramer provides 5 local options.

Thanksgiving 2011...Hannah Gold lists several places to eat out and take out this Thanksgiving.
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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 on an upcoming, healthier offshoot of the local Edwardo's Natural Pizza chain.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Local brew masters have fun naming their beers...Burt Constable checks in with several local brewers, who have as much fun naming their beers as they do brewing them.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not fully 'go to press' by Thursday morning, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of November 17, 2011

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

Eat your veggies...Kevin Warwick compiles and files collaborative guide to vegetarian and vegan Chicago, which includes submissions from "chefs, entrepreneurs, bloggers, dietitians, and artists," including Paul McGee of The Whistler, who provides a recipe for Cardinal Punch.

Key Ingredient: haggis...Julia Thiel chronicles what Ariel Bagadiong of Aja cooked with the haggis he was assigned by Kristine Subido of Wave. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.
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From this week's Chicago Tribune and Food/Good Eating section:

Taking the pulse of Wisconsin supper clubs...Kevin Pang explores this cultural and culinary dynamic, which has faded a bit over time but still endures.

Premium food on the plate in Niles high schools...Monica Eng reports on an experimental organic lunch program that's gaining traction.

Tavern expert sets the bar pretty high...in this special, Moritz Honert profiles and interviews Tarek Mahmassani, who has has kept track of the 500 local bars he's visited over the past decade. In A final toast! To nine-plus years of barhopping, Mahmassani chronicles his visits to the final 4 bars he visited on his trek, and lasty, he recommends 5 bars to try.

Big Jones: Deconstructing the menu by Phil Vettel...Mr. Vettel provides an annotated version of this Andersonville eatery's menu.

Phil Vettel recommends...a list of places serving Thanksgiving dinners, where one gets waited on.

Turkey made three ways...Judy Hevrdejs offers recipes for 3 different turkey preparations.

Thanksgiving choice: Pavochon or traditional turkey?...in The Daley Question, Bill Daley answers a question from a reader about the whether to go non-traditional or not with the Thanksgiving bird.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Pine nuts, savory seeds from the pine...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Ristorante Al Teatro’s Pollo con Olive e Pignoli, from chef Steve Rife.
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The Media Digest will be on vacation next week but will return on Thursday, December 1.

Media Digest for the week of December 1, 2011

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

Low and slow: Poaching in olive oil takes seafood to sophisticated levels...Alina Dizik checks in with several local chefs who contend that this cooking method produces results that are well worth the extra cost and time. A couple of applicable recipes are included.

At the Chef’s Table: One man’s trash, a chef’s treasure...Brandon Baltzley, chef and founder of CRUX culinary collective, share his recipe for Carrot Greens Pesto.

Food Detective: Veal, the comeback kid...LTHer David Hammond explains why veal, which was once nearly a give-away, is now premium-priced.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

Marion Street Cheese Market now sells hand-crafted spirits...Julia Kramer reports on how a quirk in Oak Park's antiquated liquor laws allowed this relatively recent development.

Ask the critics | Complaints and eating for one...Ms. Kramer and David Tamarkin answer reader questions.

Four tasting rooms...Hannah Gold provides a list of 4 local places that have open-to-the-public tasting rooms.

Three way | Chesnuts...LTH contributor Amber Gibson identifies 3 different seasonal chestnut preparations that are being offered around town.
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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 the not-yet-complete details of what will become of Seasons after it closes on New Year's Eve.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Suburban pubs are home to a few of our favorite things...the staff at the Daily Herald rounds up a few of their suburban favorites.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not fully 'go to press' by Thursday morning, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of December 1, 2011

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

The wonder years at Next...LTH contributor Mike Sula describes his experience with Next's Childhood menu, which he enjoyed on several levels, even if he didn't love everything he ate.

Key Ingredient: Calves' liver...Julia Thiel chronicles what chef Rodney Staton of the Ogden cooked with the calves' liver he was assigned by Michael McGill of Old Oak Tap. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.
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From this week's Chicago Tribune and Food/Good Eating section:

The 12 Drinks of Christmas...Lauren Viera gets recipes for holiday drinks from 12 local bartenders including Matty Eggleston (Perennial Virant, Bar DeVille), Kyle Davidson (Violet Hour) and Nathan Ozug (Longman & Eagle).

Feeding memories...Phil Vettel awards Next's Childhood menu 4 stars.

Old friend and neighbor gets a fresh look...in this special, Jennifer Day reports on the new look of the Gale Street Inn, the venerable, Jefferson Park rib joint that's been in business since 1963.

The telltale shrimp tail...Bill Daley advises a reader on why shrimp tails are frequently left on, and provides instructions for easily removing them.

Phil Vettel recommends steak houses...5 local meateries are recommended.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

8 great holiday entertaining recipes from Chicago chefs...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes rounds up seasonal recipes from Lillie’s Q and Blokes & Birds, among others.
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Media Digest for the week of December 8, 2011

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

Sugar, butter and Mom are all this writer needs...Mark Konkol professes his great love of holiday cookies and shares his Mom's recipe for sugar cookies, which he says are the "ultimate" cookies.

Low Mileage Kitchen: Prized party food from a tell-all book...Judith Dunbar Hines shares a recipe for Mushroom Strudel from a notebook she kept back in the day, which holds all sorts treasured recipes and notes.

For better cookies, use cold butter...outgoing Sun Times food editor Janet Rausa Fuller relays this holiday baking tip from Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough, authors of Lobsters Scream When You Boil Them and 100 Other Myths About Food and Cooking.

A hit from a 100-year-old Chicago bakery...the aforementioned Ms. Fuller gets the recipe for Brown Sugar Pecan Icebox Cookies from Roeser’s Bakery on west North Ave.

Food Detective: At the crossroads of Armenian cuisine...with the help of Laura Kelley, author of The Silk Road Gourmet, LTHer David Hammond briefly lays out some background on Armenian food and identifies 2 places in Chicagoland where it can be had.

Around the world in cookies...Kate Bernot chats with a couple local pastry chefs and files a perfunctory piece about holiday cookies from around the world. Featured in the piece is LTH contributor Dobra Bielinski, proprietor of Delightful Pastries. A couple applicable recipes are included.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

100 best things we ate (and drank) in 2011...Julia Kramer, Heather Shouse and David Tamarkin divide their 2011 'best of' list into 9 separate categories.

Trending | Hot toddies...Lauren Viera identifies 3 places in town where warm, seasonal cocktails are being served.

Ethnic holiday traditions...Heather Shouse shares a list of several places in town where international holiday fare can be had.
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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 provide a preview of Brendan Sodikoff's upcoming Au Cheval, which is set to open early next year.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Martini bars mix up ways to sip the holiday spirit...Melissa Silverberg reports on some holiday-themed drinks that are being served at bars throughout the suburbs, most of them not really martinis at all.

Show-Me's in Naperville already closes...Christopher Placek reports that this Naperville sports bar, which opened amid some controversy due to its scantily-clad servers, has closed its doors. There's no mention in the piece about how long it was actually open, though.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not fully 'go to press' by Thursday morning, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of December 8, 2011

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

Escape from Carnivale...LTH contributor Mike Sula files an enthusiastic, favorable review of the new, Spanish-themed, West Loop wine bar from Mark and Liz Mendez, who both used to work at Carnivale.

Key Ingredient: cod milt...Julia Thiel chronicles what chef Duncan Biddulph of Rootstock cooked with cod milt he as assigned by Rodney Staton of the Ogden.

Cocktail Challenge: kimchi...Kate Schmidt reports on the drink Luke LeFiles of Hot Chocolate made with the kimchi he was challenged with by Kris von Dopek of Duchamp.
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From this week's Chicago Tribune and Food/Good Eating section:

Beer of the month...Josh Noel surprisingly selects Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout from Leinenkugel's as his December brew.

Striving for balance...Kevin Pang chronicles a recent visit by Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park, to the Trib's test kitchen. A couple recipes are included.

Drink this!...Chris Borrelli recommends the spiced wine at the Christkindlmarket, which is served in a blue ceramic boot decorated with a picture of the Chicago skyline.

Balkan comforts...in this special, Jennifer Day explores the traditional offerings and Chicago adaptations at several north-side Balkan eateries, including Etno Village Grill and Beograd Cafe & Restaurant.

Holiday haul...with the holiday season upon us, the Chicago Tribune's Good Eating staff recommends some cookbooks for the food enthusiasts on your gift list and in Read and sip, Bill St. John recommends wine books.

Phil Vettel recommends several local spots where the holiday decor is particularly notable.

Go ahead, slurp that noodle...in this special, Chris McNamara provides an early look at the new, River North, noodle spot from Takashi Yagihashi.

Mercat: Deconstructing the menu by Phil Vettel...an annotated, schematic graphic is provided of Mercat a la Planxa's menu.

Bargain eats at Fox & Obel? They exist...Kevin Pang susses out some of the more affordable options at the bistro component of this high-end Streeterville market.

The beauty of barley wine...in this special, Zak Stambor says that barley wines are great, seasonal beverages that reflect their vintages distinctively.

Why does the gelato taste so creamy?...in the Daley Question, Bill Daley answers a reader's question about that special texture that gelato possesses.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Chicago’s Palmer House created American dessert classic...in honor of National Brownie Day, LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes relays the recipe for Palmer House's brownies, which is still used in the hotel to this day.

Eat this! Butternut, a squash to know...Ms. Zeldes gets the recipe for City Provisions Deli’s Butternut Squash Polenta, from chef Cleetus Friedman.
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Media Digest for the week of December 15, 2011

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

The ultimate party food: Pintxos are easy to make, versatile, stylish and fun...after conferring with several local chefs, Jennifer Olvera recommends these Basque-influenced one-biters as worthy, easy-to-prepare holiday fare. A couple of applicable recipes are included.

The Pour Man: Four fine wine books, and a big beer chaser...with the gift-giving season upon us, Michael Austin recommends a few libation-oriented books that should make for nice gifts.

Food Detective: Elusive eats, only in the wild...LTHer David Hammond, influenced by a recent trip to Australia, takes a look into the world of foraged food.
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From this week's Time Out Chicago - Restaurants & Bars section:

The rock god chefs of 2011...David Tamarkin bemoans the rock star-ization of chefs, which he admits he (as a member of the media) helped facilitate.

Holiday beers 2011...beer geek Heather Shouse identifies some locally-produced, seasonal brews, including Big Hugs from Half Acre.

Restaurant review | Lula Cafe...Julia Kramer awards this iconic Logan Square eatery 4 out of 5 stars.
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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 interview chef Curtis Duffy about his upcoming restaurant, Grace, which is scheduled to open in the Summer of 2012.
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From this week's Daily Herald - Food section:

Books for every cook on your list...food editor Deborah Pankey rounds up some holiday gift selections.
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Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not fully 'go to press' by Thursday morning, will be added to this thread as they become available.
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Media Digest Addenda for the week of December 15, 2011

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

The war on salt...LTH contributor Mike Sula visits newly-openend Ripasso from Theo Gilbert (Terragusto) and appreciates the sentiment behind the simple preparations but not necessarily the resulting dishes.

Key Ingredient: gjetost...Julia Thiel chronicles what Jason Hammel of Lula Cafe made with the whey cheese he was assigned by Duncan Biddulph of Rootstock. Video is provided by Mike Gebert.
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From this week's Chicago Tribune and Food/Good Eating section:

The opa! show...Kevin Pang selects a few favorite dishes from an array of fairly similar restaurants in Greektown.

Flying high on a new day...Phil Vettel awards Blackbird 4 stars, though, not without some equivocation.

Cucina Paradiso: Deconstructing the menu by Phil Vettel...this week's interactive menu schematic.

Italy gives more bubbles for your buck...in this special, Bill St. John recommends some Italian sparkling wines, which he cites for the value they provide.

Why pint glasses are bad for beer...Josh Noel makes a compelling argument.

Menu surprises at new vegetarian spot...in this special, Kay Stepkin praises Vegetarian Express in Lakeview.

A toast to the roast...Judy Hevrdejs gets some tips -- and a recipe -- for holiday roasts from Betty Rosbottom, author of Sunday Roasts: A Year's Worth of Mouthwatering Roasts.

Smoked meats flavor family memories...JeanMarie Brownson provides several holiday recipes that incorporate smoked meats.

Don't break your heart over holiday cookies...Bill Daley answers a reader's question about decorating holiday cookies without breakage.
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Posted this week at Dining Chicago.com:

Eat this! Dodine, haute cuisine for the holiday table...LTH contributor Leah A. Zeldes gets the recipe for Waterleaf’s Duck Dodine, from chef Jean-Louis Clerc.
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