Last night I had the honor of attending the 15th Annual Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Grand Chefs Gala and Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence, benefitting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The Havana themed night started at 6 p.m with a 2-hour showcase of 40 of Chicago’s finest chefs preparing and presenting their signature hors d’oeuvres. …
Upcoming Events…
As promised last year, I wanted to give people a head’s up on a few wonderful food and wine events that are taking place in the near future. First, the 15th annual Fairmont Hotel and Resorts Grand Chefs Gala/Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence is taking place THIS Friday night, January 27 at the Fairmont …
Year of the Dragon Pot Stickers
Happy New Year! Or as they say in China Happy New Year! (I translated for you since most of my readers don’t speak Chinese). It is my favorite of all Chinese holidays. (Okay, I don’t know any of the other holidays.) It is the year of the Dragon, the only legendary animal on the Chinese zodiac …
French Onion Soup Worth Yelling About
It is rich. It is warm. It is a little sweet and a little salty. Its depth of flavor will make you close your eyes in delight. And it can easily be found on menus but not necessarily what you want. (Okay, where am I going with this?) I am talking about French Onion Soup. …
Dropping the Ball on New Year’s Eve
One of my biggest challenges as a foodie is knowing my audience. I’m not talking about an audience like when I used to line up my stuffed animals and do stand up in front of them. (Betty Teddy never got my jokes.) I’m talking about making the right food for the people who will be …
I’m No Dummy, That Cannoli Is Inside Out
One of my resolutions this year is to entertain more. No, I’m not talking about entertaining like in song, dance or ventriloquism. (Because we all know ventriloquism is real craft that only can only be done by seasoned professionals. Did you see my lips move when I typed that? I didn’t think so!) I’m talking …
Foodie Fun Day #6: Food & Wine Entertaining Showcase
Time of my life, those four words just kept running in my head. Now many fans of 1980’s movies are thinking “Did Barb go dirty dancing again?” Nope, but I think this foodie fun day felt almost as good. (Why do food events always make me want to start singing and dancing?) On Monday, November …
Mailbox Magazine Madness
I hope all of you had a great holiday season. I must apologize that I haven’t posted very much because I’ve been detained with my own festivities. (Festivities meaning I am so bloated from eating too much that I can’t concentrate and am in a postprandial coma.) As I lie on my couch, I am …
Nights Before Christmas
Twas a few days before Christmas and I must confess My baking’s not done and my house is a mess My nights have been filled and I’ve been quite sick I haven’t given much thought to dear old St. Nick I started to worry about passing out treats To all of my neighbors who live …
12 Days of Christmas: Poached Pears (Partridge Optional)
One more week until Christmas….Yipppeee! I am a big kid when it comes to this time of year. I love the lights, decorations and yes, the gifts! My husband is an awesome Santa and I’m not just buttering him up. (But in case that will work….have I ever mentioned that he is the most wonderful, …