Eats

Polish Nights

Saturday, January 21, 2012
By Monika Wnuk

Kids are always looking to the weekend to have a good time. That holds true on the South Side of Chicago as it holds true halfway across the world in Poland. Yet while the law restricts under-agers from having too good of time in the States, Poland allows a bit more leniency. A typical... »

Elevated Taste

Wednesday, November 30, 2011
By Laurie Sartain
Elevated Taste

At EL ideas, the food hints at elements of modern, experimental, and local cuisine, irreducible to a single identity. The dinner served on the night of November 23 resists simple characterization, the elements falling together in a way that is easy to describe, yet difficult to define. »

99% soup

Wednesday, November 23, 2011
By Elizabeth Bynum

This Thursday, the aroma of mouthwatering soup hung heavy in the air at the South Side Hub of Production in Hyde Park. Volunteers gathered for an organizational meeting of the “Soup Brigade,” a group of mostly retired women who cook up pots of soup for Occupy Chicago protesters. »

The Arcade’s Project

Wednesday, November 16, 2011
By Sophia Khan
The Arcade’s Project

Chris Tourre co-founded a company based on what he calls the “untapped marriage of video games and beer.” This seemingly juvenile obsession with beer is misleading, though, because Tourre is into good beer, really good beer. He and his business partner Lance Curran are the two guys behind Arcade Brewery. »

The People’s Spice

Wednesday, November 16, 2011
By Laurie Sartain
The People’s Spice

The massive mural of Mao Zedong in Tony Hu’s new restaurant has raised a red flag for more than a few food critics. Lao Hunan is embellished with all the amusing touches of the Hunan province of China, including the face of its most prominent former resident, Chairman Mao. »

Noble Lineage

Wednesday, October 19, 2011
By Chelsea Leu
Noble Lineage

White Castle #16, at Wabash and Cermak, was built in 1929. Weathering the Depression and the eight decades that followed, the porcelain structure slowly lost its sheen. But in September, the site was deemed so important that the Commission on Chicago Landmarks awarded White Castle #16 the “2011 Chicago Landmark Award for Preservation... »

Pressed and Ready

Wednesday, October 12, 2011
By Dove Barbanel

Cooking a waffle is a straightforward thing—any monkey can put an Eggo in a microwave. But Waffles—a new South Loop brunch joint—makes a big impression with its creative takes on this breakfast staple. »

Famiglia Style

Wednesday, October 5, 2011
By Carolina Baizan
Famiglia Style

Let the smell of warm, fresh pasta wafting into the fall air guide you into one of the overstuffed leather booths at Calabruzzi’s Café. Exposed brick walls, an enormous tri-color decal of Italy on the floor, and an accordion over the speaker system typify Italian-American restaurant décor, but the sharp smell of frying garlic... »