Whole Foods’ “Deserving Dinners” Sweepstakes Here For The Holidays

Desiree, NBC Chicago Street Team

When the Whole Foods Mecca in the Midwest opened in Chicago’s Lincoln Park in May—it’s the third largest store in the world after Kensington, England and Austin, Texas— even Mayor Daley was outside with a speech to pull the community together. And inside, the “Chicago Eats” section celebrated Windy City staples: Taylor Street Italian, Pilsen Taqueria, Wicker Park Subs and more. This holiday season the Whole Foods community is reaching out to us again, along with market locations across the Midwest, to host “Deserving Dinners.”

The sweepstakes, which includes thirty-two participating stores from Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Toronto, Missouri, Nebraska, and Indiana, invites people to nominate deserving families from their community to receive a complimentary holiday dinner for four. Two rounds of entries will allow people to nominate their chosen family for Thanksgiving or for Christmas, featuring a holiday feast with all the fixings: 10-12 pound turkey, harvest salad, maple-roasted autumn squash soup, country mashed potatoes, traditional herb stuffing, green beans with roasted shallots and fresh herbs, roasted cinnamon dusted butternut squash, fresh cranberry sage compote, turkey gravy and traditional dinner rolls. Yum!

How do you nominate a deserving family? While entry forms with the rules and regulations are available at in-store kiosks in all Midwest Whole Foods Market locations, you can easily logon to your local store’s website at wholefoodsmarket.com (all entries will be made online anyway; no paper entry forms). But you better hurry if you want to get an entry in for the upcoming holiday. The Thanksgiving sweepstakes is accepting entries until November 13, with Whole Foods announcing the winners from Nov. 16-19. The Christmas sweepstakes will accept entries from Dec. 1-11, with Whole Foods announcing the winners from Dec. 14-18.

Sorry competition junkies; you cannot nominate yourselves. But, perhaps your nominee will win and invite you over for leftovers!

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Get Out Your Lederhosen!

Rebecca Taras, NBC Chicago Street Team

 

The crisp fall air isn’t the only aroma your nose may pick up this week – especially in the Loop. If you happen to catch a whiff of beer, brats and kraut, follow the trail to the historic Berghoff  (17 W. Adams) Wednesday through Friday for their annual Oktober Fest. It’s hard to believe that this is the Berghoff’s 24th sausage and suds celebration  held on the Federal Plaza at Adams and Dearborn Streets. Considering the Berghoff has been serving up classic German food and their own private-label suds for generations, you know the food and drink won’t disappoint. 

Admission to the Berghoff Oktoberfest is complimentary and includes musical entertainment to suit all tastes. Work off that brat by doing the “Hoky Poky” with Bavarian polka performances by the Johnny Wagner Band, or enjoy local favorites Maggie Speaks, Sixteen Candles and the Modern Day Romeos over the course of the three days. Always wanted to cook your own schnitzle? This year’s fest also marks the launch of The Berghoff Café Cookbook: Berghoff Family Recipes for Simple, Satisfying Food (Andrews McMeel Publishing, $24.99, September 2009) by Carlyn Berghoff, fourth generation restaurateur and Berghoff Catering & Restaurant Group CEO, who will be signing copies during the fest. You’ll also have a chance to enter two raffles benefitting the Mercy Home For Boys and Girls. While a case of beer would make sense, how about the opportunity to win a 2010 Jaguar XF or a luxe trip to the Ritz in Cali?

For more information on the Berghoff Oktober Fest, including hours and entertainment schedule, click here. Post!

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Drink And Be Merry

Rebecca Taras, NBC Chicago Street Team

 

Courtesy of inPLAY events

 

Just because festivals are turning a bit more beer and sausage focused in honor of Oktober Fest, doesn’t mean wine lovers won’t find an activity to satisfy their love of the grape. The Windy City Wine Festival takes place in the Daley Bicentennial Plaza this Friday and Saturday, giving you an opportunity to sample from more than 250 wines from around the world.

Of course, to appreciate fine wine, you have to learn about it. Check the event website for the most updated event schedule, which includes cooking demonstrations and wine seminars from local chefs, event sponsors and visiting wineries. Grab a little sustenance from one of the food booths and listen to some local musical entertainment and you might just forget those post-summer blues.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Visit www.windycitywinefestival.com for more information.

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Countdown To GALApalooza

Rebecca Taras, NBC Chicago Street Team

Whether or not you’re a music junkie, the opportunity to see Grant Park transformed into a playground for party-goers is entertainment in itself. The third annual GALApalooza event is only one week away, giving guests an exclusive sneak preview of the Lollapalooza event grounds in a VIP fashion.

Outdoor lounge seating, cocktails and creative nibbles – you just might forget there’s actually a concert to watch. Lollapalooza artist Vampire Weekend and Chicago sensation Hey Champ will take the stage, in addition to performances by Park District Kids and DJ White Shadow.

Friends coming in to town for the music filled extravaganza? The James Hotel is offering a special overnight package on August 6 which includes two general admission tickets to GALApalooza, overnight accommodations in a king guestroom, and valet parking at The James. Rates start at $579. For more info or to book a room, visit www.jameshotels.com.

GALApalooza takes place on Thursday August 6th at 6 p.m. at the Petrillo Band Shell in Grant Park. Lounge experiences are available at the $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 level and single tickets are available for $150. For more information or to make reservations, call Alison Krzys, Director of Communications for Parkways Foundation at 312.742.4807 or visit www.parkways.org.

Since 2005, Lollapalooza and GALApalooza have raised over $4 million dollars for Parkways, which directly impacted Chicago’s neighborhood parks.

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Five Guys on Fullerton

Lindsay Saewitz, NBC Chicago Street Team

There’s a food revival on Clark and Fullerton, and next to the scene is burger joint Five Guys, which has moved in to the former Ritz Camera spot. What started as a family owned restaurant in Arlington, VA is now a cult-followed national chain with over 300 locations in 25 states. Currently there are four Five Guys locations in Illinois with locations also opening soon in Orland Park and Bloomingdale.

Five Guys is known for its fresh, made-to-order burgers, unlimited toppings such as grilled mushrooms and jalapeno peppers, and overflowing bags of fresh-cut french fries. As if that wasn’t enough, you can also snack on peanuts while you wait for your burger which is being made right in front of you.

Fun Facts about Five Guys:

• There are no freezers in Five Guys restaurants – they only use fresh beef!
  

  Five Guys Clark and Fullerton

• They only use peanut oil
• According to a recent Wall Street Journal report, President Obama enjoys his Five Guys cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, jalapeno peppers and mustard

Five Guys in Lincoln Park is scheduled to open on Monday, July 27th.

Five Guys
2368 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
773-883-8930
http://www.fiveguys.com

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Taste This, Not That

Hungry Z, NBC Chicago Street Team

The Taste of Chicago was born July 4th in 1980, and is now the second largest tourist attraction in Illinois. For 10 days, this free admission festival is the place to be, injecting the city with a spirit of hunger and attracting a few news stories along the way. To add some spectacle to all the gluttony, there will be live performances by Ne-Yo, Counting Crows, Wallflowers, Barenaked Ladies and more.

In the midst of these hard economic times, Taste will offer a better value than ever this year. Each restaurant will offer a choice of two Taste portions instead of one. The taste portions are smaller and cheaper sample versions of the regular-sized portions.

Fifty different vendors will be vying for a spot in your belly, but not all of them deserve it. Must-try items include B.J’s Mustard fried catfish, O’Brien’s Celtic corn, Original Rainbow cones, and Garrett’s caramel and cheese popcorn.

Visit NBCChicago.com for a full list of Hungry Z’s Taste hits and misses.

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Bike Munchies

Laura Lodewyck, NBC Chicago Street Team

Inspired by their love affair with their two favorite things–food and biking–Chicagoans Dimitra Tasiouras and Sharon Bautista founded Fork and the Road bike tours. Now they hope to pass on this perfect combination to you through this summer’s tours: Asian, Latin American, International BBQ, Vegetarian and “Unsung Chicago Classics” (teaser: Mexican street treats to “heroic sandwiches” to Greektown…hm). Hailed as an “eating adventure”, the tours are aimed at trying new foods in undiscovered places, while navigating the city powered by your own wheels (or rented, whatever). The total tour ranges from about 14-22 miles, reportedly at a fairly “leisurely” pace — which sounds like a good thing, given all the food that will be in your belly. From artisan cheeses and sustainable markets to Little Vietnam and”secret” Thailand cuisine, this is no typical Chicago deep-dish tour. Check them out at http://www.forkandtheroad.com.

Email me at llodewyck@nudehippo.com to report your favorite under-discovered Chicago events and check out my past blogs and entertainment reports with Nude Hippo at Nudehippo.tv and NBCchicago.com.

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White Nights, Big City

Rebecca Taras, NBC Chicago Street Team

 

Yesterday was Father’s Day, so chances are you spent some time with good ol’ dad feasting on brunch, or firing up the grill. You may not have realized that yesterday also marked the Summer Solstice, a celestial event that prompts longer, light-filled days.

Pane Caldo is celebrating this astronomical occurrence with a special “White Nights”  lunch and dinner experience, available through June 27. Executive chef Maurice Bonhomme got creative in the kitchen and came up with special dishes featuring light and white-colored foods, such as steamed white asparagus with morel mushrooms and truffle dressing, and grilled halibut fillet with with golden beets and a grain mustard sauce. Pastry chef David Same’ didn’t forget about your sweet tooth, so save room for the ice cream bar of white chocolate, muscatel and white cherries.  Wash it all down with (what else) a crisp white wine.

If you’ve never been to Pane Caldo (or need to revisit how fabulous it is), Bonhomme only uses the freshest ingredients, seasonal herbs, organic meats and wild seafood in his preparations. Of course, as the restaurant name suggests, fresh-baked bread is an accompaniment to every table. Another way you can celebrate the warm temps is by dining alfresco on Pane Caldo’s newly expanded outdoor seating area, which has doubled in size this season. If you’re watching you wallet but still want to experience a little of  “la dolce vita,” then dine early from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and take advantage of the 3 course prix fixe dinner menu for only $34. It’s cheaper than a trip to Italy, but tastes just as good.

For more information and reservations, diners can visit www.pane-caldo.com or call 312.649.0055.

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Cupcakes That Can Change Your Life

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC Chicago Street Team

Sometimes you just know when you know.  I’m talking about an instance where you experience something and it just feels right.  For example, meeting a spouse or significant other for the first time, selecting a college, interviewing for a job or…umm… tasting a cupcake?  I didn’t know that eating a cupcake could be a life changing experience until recently.  That’s because the newly launched Naperville based Foiled Inc. has the most moist, most fresh and best tasting cupcakes that I’ve tasted.   Hands down!

 There has been a trend of specialty cupcake shops that have recently opened, but none of them can compare to Foiled Cupcakes.  Owner Mari Luangrath started her company Foiled Inc. to help people enjoy memorable experiences through her cupcakes.   She called a childhood friend that is an Executive  Pastry Chef about her idea and voila they were in business.  Unlike other bakeries, Foiled doesn’t use a storefront, but differentiates itself as being Chicagoland’s first and only exclusive on-line designer cupcake delivery service.  The cupcakes are handmade using only the finest all-natural ingredients, such as traditional foil cupcake wrappers, real butter cream frosting, handmade fillings, and European Garnishes.  They offer twenty standard flavors every day, as well as additional monthly flavor offerings that are available for a limited time.  A few of the unique standard cupcakes offered are:

Ooey Gooey – Chocolate cake, caramel filling, caramel buttercream, ganache topping, and a pinch of sea salt.

Pinkalicious So Delicious – Chocolate cake, raspeberry jam filling, raspberry buttercream, and a dainty raspberry garnish.

The Cinnful Apple – Vanilla cake, baked apple filling, cinnamon buttercream, and sweet cinnamon sugar sprinkles.

Foiled also sets themselves apart from the competition by adding a little humor with each cupcake.  Their signature “Quippies” are little tag lines of humor inserted into the cupcakes themselves for an extra special surprise..  They also offer customized “Quippies” for special occasions.  Cupcakes retail for $38 per dozen and delivery is included.  They can whip up designer cupcakes by the dozen with as little as 12 hours notice.  Foiled delivers in Chicago and the West Suburbs and pride themselves on customer service.  Orders can be made on-line, by phone or fax.  For more information log onto www.foiledcupcakes.com.

Check out www.eFete.net and watch Fete Select TV  for an inside look into the newest and hottest restaurants in Chicago.

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Alternative Medicine

Rebecca Taras, NBC Chicago Street Team

There’s a doctor in the house – literally!  Located within a rehabbed pre-Victorian Hennesy House, Dr. Dominic Gaziano opened Salute’ Wine Bar (46 E. Superior) last week. The 130-year old building in the Gold Coast exudes both traditional and modern Italian touches. “We want people to feel like they’re being welcomed into a cozy Italian home,” says the good doctor.

The warm atmosphere pays homage to family traditions inspired by Gaziano’s upbringing. As a first generation Italian-American, Gaziano grew up learning Calabrian and Sicilian culinary traditions instilled by his mother, a gourmet cook and author. Inspired by mom and memories of preparing elaborate Sunday meals with his four brothers, Gaziano started entertaining at his Lincoln Park home in his adulthood. As an internal medicine doctor, author of “Feel Good Health,” and nationally syndicated health show, “Health and Lifestyles Weekly,” Gaziano wants to bring Chicago a genuine Italian experience combined with the health benefits of the Mediterranean culture, food and wine.

Who better to whip up such a “remedy” than an Italian native. Executive Chef James Caputo (formerly of Rosebud restaurants) grew up in a small neighborhood with family roots from the regions of Marche and Naples. The menu features items made with ingredients imported from Italy to re-create an authentic Italian Bistro. Look for a variety of small and large plates, salads, grilled and toasted sandwiches (panini and trammezzinis respectively), cheeses and of course, homemade desserts. Need more of a visual? Think the Salute Panini with proscuitto d’parma, aged gorgonzola and truffled fig butter, or a melt in your mouth Beetroot Hummus served with aged balsamic reduction and flatbread. Pair with a wine that will blow your taste buds away and not your budget. Bottles range from $30-$60 and glasses in the area of $6-$12.

You’ll love the fireplace on a crisp windy city winter and the secluded stone outdoor patio on a balmy summer evening. At Salute’, the prescription is a glass of vino and some Italian comfort fare. Isn’t it about time you got a refill?

Open Sunday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Private party packages and space available. Street parking or Valet ($9). For additional information please visit www.salutewinebars.com or call 312.664.0100.

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Bring Home the Derby With Bobby Flay Recipes

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC Chicago Street Team

It’s essential to make sure you have the right menu and libations to fit this special occasion. With a distinct menu steeped in tradition, the Kentucky Derby cuisine consists of southern flavors and plenty of bourbon. From Hot Browns to burgoo Chef Bobby Flay has recipes suitable for an elegant brunch or backyard BBQ.

Click here to check out “Bringing Home the Derby Recipes”.

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All About la Famiglia at Rosal’s

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC Chicago Street Team

There are three things that can make a restaurant shine.  Great food, excellent service and a good vibe.  Although many restaurants may have those characteristics, there are very few that truly exhibit an instant homey feel.  The neighborhood spot Rosal’s is all about food and family.  Walking into this family-owned restaurant instantly makes customers want to stay for a while.

Rosal’s, located in Chicago’s “Little Italy” neighborhood is named after the dream of  Roseanne and Salvatore Perry, hence Rosal’s.  The 19 year old Italian restaurant is about wonderful Sicilian food served in abundant portions.  The menu is extensive and is sectioned by Antipasti, Pasta & House Favorites, Vitello, Pesce, Pollo, and Carne dishes.  All of the dishes that came out of the kitchen looked absolutely scrumptious, but there are few favorites that may help to narrow the selection process.  The “Grilled Calamari” is a must start with dish.  The “Eggplant Parmigiano” and “Shrimp Alla Anival” are pasta entrees that are very popular among regulars.  Meat dishes such as the “Veal Steppanjohnno”,  “Chicken Scallopini with Prosciutto” and “Grilled Pork Chops” will satisfy any hearty appetite.    The bread on the table is warm when you sit down and the olive oil sprinkled with parmesan dipping sauce is perfecto!  The waitstaff will encourage substituting sauces or adding meatballs that will help make the perfect meal.  Don’t expect a prententious environment, but an intimate, cozy and family atmosphere that saw many tables chatting with one another.

The desserts are tradtional with “Tiramasu” and “Cannoli” on the menu, but the “Peanut Butter Pie” could do the trick as well.  The prices are very reasonable and bottles of wine are very affordable.  Rosal’s is located at 1154 W. Taylor Street.  For more information log onto www.rosals.com.  For more dining options and an inside look into Chicago’s newest and hottest restaurants log onto www.efete.net and watch Fete Select TV.

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A funny little chat with K-von!

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team

So Sarah invites Staci and me to go with her, and some friends, to Zanies, for a showcase. It was my first time at the Chicago laugh stop and we had a great time! Those guys and gals on stage should get big props for getting out of their comfort zone in pursuit of their dream.

Stand-up is hard. Trust me. I’ve tried it.

So we go to the packed show and then we skipped on down to Fireplace Inn where I enjoyed some great food, a cold beer and a fun chat with K-von. He’s fun and funny!

PS: Kvon just likes to go by Kvon. You know, no last name. Which is fine by me. (Although, I DO get him to spill it in the video.)

For more funny videos, check out JenChicago.com!
Find me on Facebook! (Search: JenChicago)

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One More Option to “Dine”

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC5 Street Team

There are so many choices to enjoy a great meal in the city that a lot of restaurants simply get looked over or don’t make the cut.  Some places that are decent, but won’t blow your socks off, still have a place for foodies.  Dine, located in the West Loop, is such a place that could be added to your dining options.

Executive Chef Chris Turano uses unpretentious ingredients and escalates them.  His menu consists of American cuisine that has a lot of options.  Some of the more memorable items were from the starter side of the menu, which included “Braised Veal Cheek, Caramelized Cauliflower Puree, and Mustard Seed Consomme”.  The “Cast Iron Seared Wild Alaskan Scallops, Soft Porcini Polenta, Parmesan, and Baby Arugula” also received high marks.  Although I sampled their “Bone in Ribeye” and “Braised Domestic Lamb Shank” entrees, I preferred the “Block Island Monkfish, Wild Mushroom Broth, Beluga Lentils and Shellfish Mushrooms”.  The best dish of the evening came via the “Finishing Touches” dessert menu.  I indulged in the “Red Velvet Cake” that had me licking the cream cheese frosting from my fingers.

Dine is a 1940’s – style eatery and design essentials include vintage elements such as antiqued glass, terrazzo flooring, and over-sized printed art.  It doesn’t have that contemporary feel of other popular West Loop restaurants, but could be a good alternative to the contrary.

Dine is located at 733 W. Madison St. and is connected to the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  For more information check out www.dinerestaurant.com.  Also watch Fete Select TV on www.efete.net to get an inside look to the newest and hottest restaurants in Chicago.

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A New Look and Menu for Oak Tree

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC5 Street Team

Shopping at the 900 Shops on Michigan Ave. can work up quite an appetite.  Although I’m not a big shopper, I am a frequent guest there mainly because of my better half.  Even though my window shopping is limited,  I tend to venture to the 6th floor to check out Oak Tree, my favorite restaurant in the building.

Click here to read the full post on nbcchicago.com.

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Helping out the Greater Chicago Food Depository!

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team

Dennis McKinnon of the “85 Chicago Bears helps raise money for those in need this Holiday Season!

Check out more helpful videos at JenChicago.com!

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Hip Sip – Not Your Average Cocktail Party

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC Chicago Street Team

Most folks in the know in Chicago can attest that there’s a ton of events, fundraisers and parties that you can attend on a weekly basis. There’s not nearly enough time to hit them all, so you have to be selective in the events you choose.

You might want to add “Hip Sip” at the W Hotel City Center to your calendar of must-visit events. It’s a themed cocktail party that is quite different from your average soiree.

Click here to view the rest of this story on nbcchicago.com.

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WAVE Makes Tea Time a Sexy Experience for Guys and Gals

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC5 Street Team

The first time that I had tea was at the Ritz Carlton here in Chicago.  My wife treated me on my birthday afternoon to little sandwiches, cookies, tarts, champagne and of course tea.  It was a really nice and we both enjoyed ourselves, but I probably wouldn’t go back unless it is with her.  The idea of “tea”, especially among guys, is perceived as girly, quite stuffy and pretentious, and for the most part it is.  However, WAVE Restaurant in the W Lakeshore Hotel, is attempting to change that perception and make “tea” time sexy and unisex.

WAVE Executive Chef Kristine Subido created the uni-tea experience.  No white gloves or a full room of ladies here, but feminini-tea and masculini-tea are encouraged.  Along with a selection of loose leaf teas you’ll find tea-infused vodka elixirs (mar-tea-nis), bubbly and a selection of hand-crafted beers.  The menu prepared by Chef Kristine appeals to both men and women.

Mar-tea-ni selections include Raspberry Nectar and White Ginger Pear.  The Masculini-tea (beer choices) includes Goose Island, Pere Jacques and Chimay, Red.  The Tea-ni-bites are tailored to Guys and Gals selections.  The Guys menu include grilled beef tenderloin, beef tartare and mini Angus beef sliders.  The Gals savory treats consists of chilled shrimp and cucumber salad, smoked salmon cannolli, and curried deviled eggs.  Their Sweet Bites are scones, tarts, tea cakes, and macaroons.  The cuisine, cocktails and vibe at unitea is a place where friends can go hang out on a fall afternoon.  In-fact, unitea is a place where the fellas can go hang without having the “girly” stigma that surrounds tea time.  Unitea is available at WAVE Restaurant in the W Lakeshore Hotel Wednesday – Sunday from 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm.  For more information log onto www.waverestaurant.com.

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Preview: Hungry Z Tastes Chicago

Hungry Z, NBC5 Street Team

The Taste of Chicago was born July 4th in 1980, and is now the second largest tourist attraction in Illinois. For ten days, this free- admission festival is the place to be, injecting the city with a spirit of hunger and attracting a few news stories along the way.  To add some spectacle to all the gluttony, there will also be a performance by Cirque du Soleil as well as live concerts daily by artists such as Chaka Khan, Josh Kelley, and more.

 

But when it comes to the food, how do you know what to try? With 65 different vendors serving well over 300 different food items, it’s easy to be intimidated. My friends, that’s where Hungry Z and my very large appetite come in. No need to walk around aimlessly and try random items you’re not sure you’ll enjoy. That’s my job. In an effort to create a comprehensive guide to the Taste, this Friday I will bring my large appetite to Grant Park, and sample something from all 65 vendors!

 

My quest for 65 is one I fully intend to achieve.  In an effort to resurrect my teenage appetite, I’ve been training! My regimen is as follows; I have hit the gym 12 out of the last 14 days, drinking a gallon of water each day, as well as eating 6 meals and 4 snacks each day.

To document this I will be making an appearance on the NBC5 morning news this Friday at 5:45am, Tivo it if you can’ wake up that early. I’ll also be live on the 4:30 p.m. newscast.11 a.m. and will hopefully finish at 5 p.m.  That means I have to try something new every 6 minutes. I’m going in order 1-65, so it’ll be real easy to track my progress. In addition there will be a live roaming Web camera Taste tracking my progress, which you can link to from this page, and I’ll also be doing a live blog right here so everyone can keep up with my opinions of each dish. I’m starting my eating at 11 a.m. and hope to finish up at 5 p.m.

To help me truly “Taste Chicago”, I could use everyone’s help. Stop by the Taste this Friday and show your support. High fives and cheering will be much appreciated. And don’t think that you won’t be able to spot me, I’ll be the guy with a NBC t-shirt on and a camera following him. Thanks, and here’s hoping that I don’t puke!

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Organic School Project Audio Interview with Greg Christian, Chicago’s Concious Caterer

Jim Grillo, NBC5 Street Team

It’s Simple. Just Press Play!

The Organic School Project (OSP) seeks to help School-aged children become more mindful eaters, one school at a time.

 

What’s mindful? Imagine students sitting down to a school lunch. Not just any lunch – but a meal students have a hand in planning and preparing, full of fresh fruits and vegetables that they even helped grow. Imagine students more connected to the food they eat, and making informed choices about what goes on their plate.

 

What makes OSP unique?

 

It is the only organization bringing together hands-on gardening, organic food preparation and meal service with health-related curriculum and scientific evaluation.

 

This combination of interactive programs is designed to engage children – along with their families, school staffs and communities – in growing, learning about, and preparing the food they eat.

 

A unique collaboration of educators, public and private-area gardens, farms, food retailers and suppliers, parents, community organizations, cooking professionals and health care professionals, OSP seeks to reconnect the Chicago community with their food source.

 

The 3 Components of OSP Programs

 

Grow — Master gardeners, farmers, and green organizations lend their expertise to participating school students and community members in custom designed school and community organic vegetable gardens.

 

Teach — This educational component teaches children, families, food service staff, teachers and community members about all aspects of the food they eat: from the connections between food and health, food sources and preparation, to nutritional value, flavor and enjoyment. OSP teaching teams include culinary, agriculture/farming, gardening and health care professionals.

 

Feed — OSP works with schools and food service vendors to provide organic and all-natural meal service to students, including locally sourced foods whenever possible. Under the direction of OSP and participating food service staff and teachers, ingredients grown in the school gardens are often used in meal preparation or in food-based demonstrations held in the classrooms.

 

Visit their website to learn more about the Organic School Project

 

I would love to hear your comments.  Feel free to click on the comments button below and provide a comment on The Organic School Project interview.

 

Thanks for listening

Jim

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Preview: C-House Is The Spot For Seafood

Hungry Z, NBC5 Street Team

Here’s the recipe; take one part celebrity chef, throw in an outdoor lounge, a dash of contemporary style, and you get C-House by Chef Marcus Samuelsson. This is Chef Samuelsson’s first venture in Chicago, but that doesn’t mean he’s a newcomer. Born in Ethiopia, Samuelsson gained his passion for cooking from his grandmother at a young age. That passion led him to a very successful culinary career in New York, including winning the James Beard award for best chef in New York City.

When asked what’s going to set C-House apart from the rest of the Chicago Culinary scene, Samuelsson proudly boasts of his exstensive raw bar and ultra hip decor. He is most proud of the C-Lounge located on the 29th floor of the contemporary Affinia hotel. He sampled Chicago cuisine extensively to ensure that his menu will stand out from the rest.

Last night featured a special preview of what’s to come from C-House. While the restaurant has been serving breakfast for a few weeks now, dinner won’t be officially available for another couple of weeks. Instead last night featured multiple hor d’ourves for guests to sample including mini burgers, scallop tar tar with caviar, fish tacos, ahi tuna, and more.

C-House is brimming with style. Pictured you’ll see the “communal” table where guests will get a chance to sample all the restaurants offerings while mingling with the other patrons. Looking for more style and some awesome views? Check out the C-Lounge, located on the 29th floor, and featuring amazing views of the city. Our foggy weather last night gave our city an almost Gotham look.

C-House and lounge are found inside the Affinia Chicago hotel, located at 166 E. Superior. The restaurant is expected to seat only about 70-80 guests, so reservations will be a must. If C-House can live up to the hype generated last night, then Chef Samuelsson looks to have a hit on his hands. 

 

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Chicago Gourmet 2008

Hungry Z, NBC5 Street Team

New details are in! Beginning on Friday evening, September 26th, Chicago Gourmet will offer three days of activities featuring the cream of the crop in food and wine through a full slate of events in Millennium Park.

Tickets will be $150 per person and these lucky folks will be granted full access to the Great Lawn and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion to enjoy cooking demonstrations and premium wine tastings.

• Cooking demonstrations will offer  the chance to sit on-stage, up-close-and-personal, as celebrity chefs demonstrate their personal passion for great food.
• More than 150 premium wineries from around the world will welcome attendees and discuss and share wine in the Grand Tasting Tents on the Great Lawn.

Beyond the general admission activities, Chicago Gourmet will also offer additional events including an Opening Night Gala, a Grand Cru tasting, a Family Pavilion, a World of Flavors tent produced by the Culinary Institute of America, and a series of individual seminars about today’s hottest gourmet food and wine topics. Tickets for each of these exclusive events will be limited and sold separately from the General Admission passes.

There are currently 25 chefs participating including Rick Bayless and Gail Gand. To view the full list of chefs and events, visit http://www.chicagogourmet.org/

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Taste of Chicago-The Gourmet Sequel

Hungry Z, NBC5 Street Team

Do you love the Taste but wish you could sample some of the city’s more upscale fair? Sure there’s the gourmet tent located near the fountain, but that’s only like three places. Good news my food loving friends, soon you will have a “fancy pants” taste to indulge in. The City of Chicago and Illinois Restaurant Association will co-host “Chicago Gourmet,” billed as “a celebration of food & wine,” September 26-28 in Millennium Park. 

The mayor apparently wants a gourmet version of the Taste, one that will show off Chicago as a world-class culinary destination. Don’t get me wrong, I love sampling Robinson’s Ribs, Harold’s Chicken, Ricobene’s and other street food favorites. But hey, our cuisine is more upscale than some of the country gives us credit for.

There’s a May 20th press conference, but until then details are pretty slim. Rumor has it that a number of big-name chefs are already on board. I’ll fill everyone in with all the details as soon as they become available.

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