Mar 13th, 2010
by chicagobites.
The Trade Show at the Expo featured tasty organic goods.
Kermit had it right. It’s not easy being green. And that’s not a reference to navigating the St. Paddy’s Day Parade madness about to ensue in Chicago today. Rather, it’s a good recap of yesterday’s discussions at day two of the Family Farmed EXPO.
We learned all about bringing the organic green to the restaurant scene. A worthy effort? Absolutely. A healthy necessity? We think so. But not easy to do. We heard about what it means to be a green restaurant, met some rock star farmers, sampled organic goodies, and watched the documentary Fresh. Check out our latest photos, and tune in on Twitter for a play-by-play of day three now in progress.
Signature Room Chef David Schuminsky serves up caviar, but later admits he'd rather eat steak.
Posted in: Food Festival.
Tagged: family farmed expo · ffexpo · locally sourced · organic · slow food
Mar 12th, 2010
by chicagobites.
There wasn't a Cherry Lime Rickey in sight, but Bill Kurtis still had plenty to say about food yesterday, as he discussed Tallgrass Beef.
Do know a local farmer? Or a restaurant Entrepreneur? We got to know some a bit better yesterday at the Family Farmed EXPO, where we attended a series of panel discussions and speakers touching on everything from ways to access fresh food and finance sustainable food businesses, to how to scale a local food business.
Follow our continued live coverage of the expo today and tomorrow via Twitter, check out our list of other tweeters involved in the event, and take a look at pictures from yesterday’s panels. Then stay tuned for more discussion about food policy on Chicago Bites as we continue our crash course in learning about what we eat.
Posted in: Food Festival.
Tagged: family farmed expo · ffexpo · locally sourced · organic · slow food
Enjoy this vegan interpretation of Kung Pao.
The Loving Hut
5812 North Broadway
Chicago, IL 60660
Get Directions
Posted in: Edgewater, Vegan, Vegetarian.
Tagged: the loving hut
Mar 8th, 2010
by Bridget.
Peanut butter cupcake at Xoco.
I returned to Xoco last week with fellow foodie @urbanmatt and was pleased to find peanut butter cupcakes available for dessert. I couldn’t resist ordering one to top off our meal because I wondered if Rick Bayless’ contribution to the national cupcake craze would match up to other cupcake delights throughout the city. I also applaud any chef who is man enough to give cupcakes a try, not because they’re hip, but because truly good specialty cupcakes are hard to make.
Does Bayless’ make the grade? Yes and no. His peanut butter frosting is wonderful — light, airy, and not the least bit grainy. But unfortunately, the cake itself was way overcooked. It had a chocolate ganache center, but that didn’t make up for the cake’s outer edges being almost crispy. It stuck to wrapping when I peeled it back, and the part that didn’t was a tad dry.
Go with ice cream or hot chocolate at Xoco for dessert. They won’t disappoint. And neither will Bayless’ standard specialties. Who says you can’t have guacamole for dessert?
Xoco
449 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60654
Who says guacamole is a starter? It's good for dessert too!
Posted in: Gold Coast, Mexican.
Tagged: cupcakes · guacamole · Rick Bayless · Xoco
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