Moonshine's New Brews

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

The Mrs and I like hanging out in the Wicker Park area often for breakfast, brunch or lunch. That area has been bustling, since the revitalization period started to take place when I arrived in Chicago about nine years a go. We have some favorites on W. Division St. such as, Milk and Honey, Crust, and Smoke Daddy BBQ. But now I can add a new spot to our list of Wicker Park places that I had never tried before, Moonshine!

Moonshine, surprisingly has a cool and hip vibe that makes it a nice place to dine or watch the game. The menu consists of thin-crust pizzas, sandwiches, appetizers and few hearty entrees. While searching for a better brew to pair with its upscale bar cuisine, Moonshine decided to make beer in-house instead of looking elsewhere. Therefore they tapped brew master Reverend Bob Kitrell, a former Goose Island brewer, to handcraft quality beers with spirit and soul. Although I'm not much of a beer drinker, I thoroughly enjoyed the two brews that I gulped down, while watching the thrashing of Ohio State at the hands of USC.

Moonshine's current brews on tap are Sin City, Chronic, and Alpha Dog. The Alpha Dog went nicely with my fish tacos. Reverend Bob brews his beers primarily in the American tradition, using ingredients from the Midwest whenever possible. Drawing from his own experiences is what made him an award-winning Brew Master.
What makes Moonshine a great place to hang out is their music. There's nothing like kicking back a few, while listening to the DJ spin a mix of classic R&B and current hits. Good food, great brews and jammin music...nuff said!

Moonshine
1824 W. Division St.
Chicago, IL
www.moonshine.com

Labels: brews, chicago bars, chicago restaurants, food, moonshine

Kelly's Road To Recovery

Labels: bon v chicago, brother 2 brother, cancer research, charitable events, charity event, chicago events, fundraiser, kelly's road to recovery

P Diddy is "Ciroc Obama"

The political discussions are not just happening on NBC, CNN or Fox, but also in bars and lounges. In-fact, Plan B Bar in Bucktown has it's own Barack Obama drink called the Ciroc Obama. P Diddy has actually proclaimed himself "Ciroc Obama", as an homage to the brand of vodka he represents and the candidate he is supporting.

The Ciroc Obama
2 oz Ciroc Vodka 1 oz Chambord Fresh squeezed lemonade, the pulpier the better. Rim a highball glass with sugar and fill with ice. In a shaker with ice, mix vodka and chambord. Strain into glass and top off with lemonade. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

Plan B Bar and Kitchen
1635 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
Tel: (773) 252-2680

Labels: chicago bars, chicago lounges, chicago restaurants, ciroc obama, ciroc vodka, cocktails, dc crenshaw, fete chicago, fete select, fete select tv, p diddy, plan b chicago, political drinks, sean combs

Barack Wins Sushi Battle

RA Sushi , the stylishly edgy sushi restaurant and bar, announced the winning roll from VOTE RA!, the taste test campaign for political pundits and sushi supporters held during the span of the Democratic and
Republican conventions.

With ballots collected from all three RA Sushi Illinois restaurants (Chicago, Glenview and Lombard), the Barack Attack defeated the McCain Terrain with 174 votes to 166 votes as the best tasting maki.

The roll created to embody the character, integrity and honor of Democratic nominee and Illinois Senator Barack Obama will be inaugurated onto the menu for $10, with $3 of every order benefiting Rock the Vote.

In honor of this culinary commemoration, RA Sushi and Rock the Vote will host registration events to encourage diners at each Chicagoland location to register to vote prior to Tuesday, Oct. 7, the last day to register in Illinois to be eligible to vote for the 2008 Presidential election.

BARACK ATTACK -Layered with smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber and artichoke rolled in rice and seaweed and topped with crunchy blue tempura bits, finished with a sweet eel sauce and wasabi mayo

EVENTS:

Thursday, Oct. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. -VOTE RA! registration event at RA Lombard

Friday, Oct. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m.- VOTE RA! registration event at RA Glenview

Monday, Oct. 6 from 6 to 8p.m. -VOTE RA! registration event at RA Chicago and official check presentation to Rock the Vote

RA Sushi will also offer $6 Appletini and Cosmopolitan cocktails during the Rock The Vote registration events.

RA Sushi Chicago at1139 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

RA Sushi Lombard at310 Yorktown Center, Lombard, IL 60148

RA Sushi Glenview at2601 Aviator Ln., Glenview, IL 60026

Labels: barack obama, chicago, chicago restaurants, contests, dc crenshaw, fete chicago, fete select, fete select tv, john mccain, ra sushi, sushi

To Dine For By Maddie: Hold On For One More Day

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Tonight, the autumnal equinox will mark the official start of fall.  For all of you beach bums who want to hang on just a little bit longer to summer be sure to visit C-View (166 E. Superior) the rooftop lounge at the Hotel Affinia and enjoy the open air 29th floor deck before the chilly weather rolls in for good! A panoramic view of Chicago's skyline is complete with a telescope for anyone interested in a little stargazing and fantastic drinks. 

Named during the Air and Water Show, the "Spitfire"  has become an instant hit and staple on the ever-changing cocktail list. Fresh watermelon and  strawberries are muddled with mint, strained, topped with tequila and served up in a martini glass. This refreshing and boldly pink cocktail pairs perfectly with an order of the now famous Yellowtail tacos. These bite sized delights from the C-House menu (many other small plates are available) are made of citrus marinated Yellowtail, avocado mousse and topped with pickled onions. Another awesome appetizer to enjoy while lounging on the roof is the Wagyu beef "tartar". Finely cut Wagyu beef is tossed with shallot confit, cornichon and buttermilk curds topped with a poached quail egg and served on toasted brioche. 

For those of you who don't make it in time for what's left of the sunshine - not to worry. C-View will have heat lamps outside through the fall and is open weather permitting 7 days a week. 

Coca - Cola Sponsors Fete Select TV and Hispanic Heritage Month

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Sept. 16th marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month which is celebrated in the US - a national holiday that began under President Lyndon B. Johnson and highlights the significant contributions Latinos have made on US culture.

Coca-Cola and Fete Select TV celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an inside look at Mercat a la Planxa.

Inspired by Catalan cuisine, acclaimed Executive Chef Jose Garces' new restaurant shows us of why Latino chefs are making a huge impact on fine dining.

Mercat a la Planxa on Fete Select TV.
Mercat a la Planxa
638 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL
www.mercatchicago.com

Check out Fete Select TV's new segment on Mercat a la Planxa.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, dinner, fete chicago, fete select tv, hispanic heritage month, mercat a la planxa, nbc 5 chicago, nbc 5 street team, new restaurants

MICHIGAN AVENUE MAGAZINE CELEBRATES THE LAUNCH OF THEIR PREMIERE ISSUE

Michigan Avenue Magazine, one of the most buzzed about launches in Chicago 's media history has hit the shelves September 15, 2008. The 360-page premiere issue features cover model Cindy Crawford and contributors including Mayor Richard M. Daley, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Bill Zehme .

The launch issue will be celebrated on Saturday, September 20, 2008 with a red carpet extravaganza at The James Hotel at 55 East Ontario, hosted by cover star Cindy Crawford , and topped off with a performance by Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams .

Michigan Ave Mag will celebrate the lifestyles and passions of this city's most affluent and sophisticated readers. High-impact covers and witty, intelligent editorial content will make Michigan Avenue magazine a must-read. Every issue will feature interviews, fashion stories, an inside-look with celebrity contributors, product and accessories trends, home design, art, restaurants, theatre, entertainment, and amazing photos of the people and places that make Chicago so special.

Check out Michigan Avenue Magazie at www.michiganavemag.com

Labels: chicago events, cindy crawford, D.C. Crenshaw, fete select, james hotel, launch event, michigan ave magazine

Barack Obama Fundraiser Featuring Chicago Fashion Designer Extraordinaire Maria Pinto

Join fashion designer Maria Pinto at her Maria Pinto Boutique, as this is potentially Barack Obama's last Chicago appearance before the election. Come see Barack address his supporters at this fundraising event benefiting the Obama Victoty Fund.

Saturday, September 20th, 2008
3:00 - 5:00 PM

Maria Pinto Boutique
135 N Jefferson Street Chicago, IL

Register For Obama and Maria Pinto

Labels: barack obama, election 2008, fundraiser, maria pinto boutique, obama victory fund, presidential election

This "House" Packs "Power' and Elizabeth Taylor History

eliza
Longevity in any industry is rare nowadays, but especially within the restaurant industry. A combination of great food, service, location and price is what every restaurant owner desires, in order to make their venue last. Chicago restaurant veteran Jimmy Alexander has been doing it for years, and now has another winner with his new restaurant Powerhouse.

Built in a historic landmark in Chicago's Fulton River District, Powerhouse gets its name from the Western Railway power plant. The main dining room vibe reminds me where powerful business meetings take place, but the separate bar area is much more casual and contemporary. The menu, by Executive Chef Jeff Mauro, is packed with an array of traditional American dishes with a powerful twist. One of my favorites was the Tartare of Hawaiian Ono, an appetizer item. The Lemon Risotto and Wild Boar Rack and Loin were also very tasty and enjoyable. One of the highlights of the menu was the famous Alexander salad dressing on their Romaine Hearts salad. Mr. Alexander explained that the salad dressing has been on the menu at all of his restaurants since the 1950's. In-fact, Conrad "Nicky" Hilton enjoyed the dressing so much, that he had it shipped to his 1950 wedding with Elizabeth Taylor, for their dinner reception. Now that’s a history lesson for you. The desserts are plentiful with a selection of cheescake, cake and sorbet, but the winner hands down were the Sweet Potato Doughnuts! Being a doughnut connoisseur, I have to say that these were the best doughnuts that I've ever had. Period! Gotta try the doughnuts folks.

Powerhouse is located at 215 Clinton Street between Randolph and Fulton. It's open for lunch and dinner and their casual bar is a great place to watch the game. You can check out their web site at www.powerhouserestaurant.com or call (312) 928-0800 for reservations. As always, check out Fete Select TV for an inside look at the newest and best restaurants in the city.

Labels: chicago dining, conrad nicky hilton, D.C. Crenshaw, dinner, elizabeth taylor, fete, fete chicago, fete select, jimmy alexander, powerhouse restaurant

To Dine For By Maddie: Battle of the Brasseries

In my dining experience, a restaurant's success is largely based upon
the execution of its concept. Other crucial elements such as menu,
location and staff contribute to the overall vibe that is created. I
chose two Chicago restaurants with the same basic concept: Brasserie
Ruhlmann (500 West Superior) and Old Town Brasserie (1209 North
Wells). Playing off the idea of a Parisian brasserie, each restaurant
maintains an individuality that provides for an excellent contrast -
and a perfect way to make my point.

Brasserie Ruhlmann, with its burlesque decor and expansive dining room
feels likes something out of Las Vegas- complete with gilded gold
trims. Not to say that the intricately tiled floors and massive bar
aren't gorgeous, but the entire restaurant seems very out of place in
the River North community. Marketed as a Brasserie and Steakhouse, the
menu reads verbatim as any brasserie would - the only exception being
an overzealous listing of red meat. The frisee salad and the escargot
made with Pernod and garlic were standard - good but not very
memorable. The tuna tartar served with crispy bistro style chips and
tangy from a balsamic reduction stood out, as did "Le Burger" which
was more of a braised beef sandwich. My favorite part of the meal were
the mini Madeleine cookies (duh) served alongside of the Tahitian
Vanilla pot de crème, but I can't help but think the nearly empty
space would be better utilized as Wolfgang Puck's Cut Steakhouse.

Enter Old Town Brasserie. Despite criticism I'd heard from friends, I
feel this gem nestled in the heart of cozy Old Town is the battle
winner. On any random weeknight the bar is bustling with people from
the neighborhood chatting and winding down. Contributing to the
European atmosphere is the decor. Knowing a thing or two about design
from my mother the decorator, Alison Yastrow of Alison Yastrow Home, I
can tell you with confidence that this place has STYLE. The muted
palette of colors accentuated in stripes on the large banquettes were
so beautiful that it kept me from getting annoyed at the slightly
cramped quarters. I also couldn't take my eyes off the "pincushion"
style mirror that spans the back wall of the dining room. Each menu
item had subtle innovative touches that kept me interested - no doubt
because the Head Chef was behind the success of Le Lan (749 North
Clark). Stand out items were the escargot with Roquefort and tomato
confit, the frisee salad laced with Belgian endive and the amuse of
artichoke terrine. Rather than order my standard favorite Skate
Grenoblaise, I had a delicious Halibut special served in a light
broth. The pastry chef's acclaimed Almond souffle was the perfect
culmination to my sensory stimulating meal and my reasoning for
issuing Old Town Brasserie a Knock Out in this brasserie battle.

To Dine For by Maddie: All That Is Unctuous

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Each time I hear the likes of Anthony Bourdain or Tyler Florence describe something as unctuous I am intrigued. Despite having a journalism degree and spending life with my nose in a book, this is a word I have seldom come across. Unctuous defined is fatty, oily and greasy. This surprised me because I had thought it would be more along the lines of, well, mouth watering. So, as an aspiring food writer should, I set out to define unctuous for myself - the kind of unctuous with a positive connotation.

Taking a lead from Tyler Florence who described braised beef short ribs as unctuous, I looked for a dish that took a short rib to the next level. I found this dish, Short Rib Stroganoff, at Graham Elliot (217 W. Huron). To preface, I approached this meal with a pledge of no negativity because my first reaction when I saw the crazy and innovative menu items was "this is what one of the most acclaimed chefs in Chicago has to offer me?" With this in mind, I filed any criticism away to that dark place I keep my festering hate for my high school boyfriend and indulged. The perfectly tender meat was served on a bed of egg noodles and topped with a peppery horseradish creme fraiche. Delicious? Yes. Rich? Yes. Unctuous? Eh.

Next stop on my journey was the dependable and always delectable Naha (500 N. Clark). If anyone could nail this one, I was sure it would be James Beard Award winning Chef Carrie Nahabedian. I ordered the most seemingly unctuous item on the menu -a dinner appropriate spin on Eggs Benedict. The "Coddled" Egg "Benedict", with Kurobuta Pork Belly was served with a homemade English muffin and red potatoes. It was ooey, gooey, and fulfilled all of my pork belly dreams (I have many) but it did not feel like unctuous.

Finally, I went to a restaurant I knew I could rely on. I went to Gabriel's (310 Greenbay Rd, Highwood). A place that has been a mainstay for Chicago foodies and fifteen years after opening is still superb every single night. Knowing a bit more of what is NOT unctuous, I ordered the seared Foie Gras- a beautifully basic dish of liver dusted in flour and pan seared in clarified butter. I knew after the first bite I had figured out what they had all meant. It was simply unctuous.

Labels: anthony bourdain, fete blog, fete select, graham elliott, maddie, madeleine yastrow, naha, tyler florence

Going Gourmet in the Burbs is AOK

There’s nothing like taking to the streets to find a new place that can tempt my taste buds with incredible food. Chicago offers a lot of hidden gems that don’t necessiarly make the popularity dining circuit, mostly due to location. I love to share my hidden gems with everyone, especially when it comes to food done right, regardless of location. Recently, I made a trek away from my normal dining circuit in the city and headed to the burbs to try a new food concept created by another foodie. I didn’t really know what to expect, but after I took my first bite I knew that the thirty minute Sunday ride was worth it.

The concept is prepared gourmet foods. The place is AOK Gourmet, a new caterer and gourmet food shop in Skokie, IL. Owner Andrew Kalish prides himself in providing the finest homemade foods using only the freshest ingredients. From gourmet sandwiches to herb marinated whole beef tenderloin, everything is made fresh right from their kitchen. I had the pleasure of establishing some of my favorites during my outing. The BBQ Chicken Panini and Mediterranean Chicken sandwiches were ridiculously good. I also enjoyed their Chicken Florentine wrap with a side of Cavatappi Pasta Salad. Some of the more popular side items are their Herb Garden Tuna Salad, Classic Chicken Salad and Rustic Roasted Sweet Potato Salad. For you vegetarians the homemade Veggie Burger and Israeli Couscous w/Veggies are very tasty as well.

AOK Gourmet prepared foods change daily for optimal freshness and they have quickly become the caterer of choice on the North Shore. However, corporations and and other folks in the city are calling on them more these days. AOK Gourmet caters breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner or simply call for take out or delivery. Not a bad idea for the upcoming holidays.

Visit AOK Gourmet at 4950 Dempster Street, Skokie, IL. (847) 329-3800. www.aokgourmet.com. For more info on the hottest new restaurants in the city check out Fete Select TV at www.efete.net.

Labels: andrew kalish, aok gourmet, brunch, catering, chicago dining, delivery, dinner, gourmet food, lunch, sandwiches, skokie il, suburbs

Mama's Meatballs by Maddie

Thursday, September 4, 2008

For the past couple of years, my family and I have been making the worthwhile trek out to Palatine for a meal in an unassuming freestanding building on Rand Rd. Until last Friday, Ristorante Barella, (now located at 100 Hale Street in Wheaton and currently operating under the name Ristorante Caponata) stood across from a used car lot and kiddie corner from a strip club all the while serving some delectable and incredibly authentic Italian food.

The moment you walk in the door you are greeted by the genuine warmth of Chef and owner "Mama" (Nancy Longbardi) and her children. This good heartedness continues to ooze out of every bite of food and every drop of wine served at this family owned and operated establishment.

Now, anyone who knows my parents know that it takes more than just great food to get them out of their North Shore comfort zone, let alone making it west of 294 for dinner. They do have other motives and I can sum it up in two words: Mama's Meatballs - that and the fact we are all in love with Mama's daughter Rosie Migliaccio who is always our server and just about the most adorable person you'll ever meet.

Back to Mama's Meatballs. These traditional Napoli style veal meatballs have a tender and delicate consistency that is almost creamy. Each one is studded with bright green peas and wrapped in paper-thin slices of eggplant. The meatballs are simmered in a perfectly balanced and seemingly simple Pomodoro sauce and served on their own - no pasta necessary.

In a state of panic when I found out my beloved Barella was moving even further away I decided to pay homage to Mama and her meatballs by creating my own version of this light and satisfying dish. Below you will find the recipe for "Maddie's Meatballs". Should you make it to Ristorante Caponata (the name will change back to Barella eventually) there are a few other must have dishes. Our family favorites include the Pasta Foccacia, grilled calamari, Veal Francais and whatever special dishes Mama is offering up that night!

Maddie's Meatballs

2 lbs ground veal
2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
1 cup diced pancetta
1 clove garlic
¼ cup minced shallots
¼ fresh breadcrumbs - panko does not work in this recipe
¼ chive cottage cheese (fresh ricotta if you can get it)
¼ freshly grated pecorino romano
Kosher salt
3 cups chicken stock
3 cups water


In a large bowl mix veal, eggs, pancetta, shallots, garlic, breadcrumbs, cheese (both kinds) and 2 teaspoons of salt. This is best done with your hands. Shape the mixture into about 15 fist size meatballs. In a large saucepan bring water and chicken stock to a boil. Lower heat to a simmer (low heat) and add half of the meatballs. Cook for about ten minutes - or until they are cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked meatballs to a baking sheet and repeat process.

*****I like to serve these on top of a simple salad of roasted vegetables and romaine lettuce, however, they are great on top of spaghetti as well*****

Labels: dc crenshaw, fete, fete blog, fete select, madeleine yastrow, mama's meatballs

Bill Rancic's New A&E TV Show "We Mean Business"

A&E Television and Dell are helping make dreams become reality for small-business owners in the new half-hour lifestyle series WE MEAN BUSINESS . Debuting this fall during the network's weekend lifestyle block, WE MEAN BUSINESS grapples with the impending doom of small business owners about to lose it all.
From the single mother whose specialty store is more than $200,000 in debt to the bakery owner who has been hiding huge losses from her husband, their team of experts will help increase profits, bring in new customers, streamline technology, and redesign these struggling stores.

Tune in each week starting September 6, at 10AM/9C, as they go from drab to fab in this new business make-over series.

Join hosts Bill Rancic, Entrepreneur, Katie Linendoll, Technology Wizard and Peter Gurski, Design Expert, as they work together to show you that WE MEAN BUSINESS .

Click here to check out the trailer to WE MEAN BUSINESS.

Labels: A and E TV, bill rancic, business, The Apprentice, TV shows

Cheers For Heroes!

Join NBC 5's Anna Davlantes, Chicago Bears Robbie Gould, Richard Roeper and other local celebrities, as we honor our wounded Veterans.

Wounded Heroes Foundation provides care packages to our injured men and women of the armed forces. In addition, Wounded Heroes Foundation, through charitable contributions, provides financial and other assistance in situations where the military is not equipped or unable to assist.

Thursday September 11th, 2008
Cheers For Heroes!
Boss Bar 420 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL
5 pm to 12 am

Free food provided by the Anti-Hunger Federation and The Cooking & Hospitality Institute of Chicago.

$25 donation at the door.

100% of proceeds will go directly to our wounded Veterans.

Donate at www.woundedheroesfund.net/donations.

Labels: anna davlantes, charitable events, cheers for heroes, nbc 5 chicago, Richard Roeper, robbie gould, veterans, wounded heroes foundation

ACES UP! Poker Tourney

Hosted by state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Chicago Sun Times Columnist and TV Personality Richard Roeper, and College Football Hall of Famer and former Chicago Bear Chris Zorich, Aces UP! is one of Chicago's premiere charitable poker events.

Several local and national media, civic, business, and entertainment celebrities will be in the house with a bounty on their heads; if you knock them out of the tournament, you'll be rewarded with a special prize.

Date: Thursday, September 18, 2008
Time: 6:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception
7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Tournament
Location: Fulton's On The River
315 N. LaSalle
Attire: Business Casual

Come on out to match wits (and cards) with Chicago's media, entertainment, sports, civic and corporate stars; all while benefitting one of Chicago's most important charities and competing for over $15,000 in prizes!

To learn more about the event and to register, please visit the Aces UP! website at www.acesuptourney.com or call at 312-276-0259, ext. 113.

Labels: alexi giannoulias, charity event, chicago, chris zorich, poker tourney, Richard Roeper, tim king, urban prep academy