Solid food and a great atmosphere - all without breaking the bank. That, and a chic urban style, is why I recommend The Bristol.

You know what "they" say - great company often makes an ordinary meal, extraordinary. And it is often true, but not at this dinner (friends, don't get offended quite yet). Don't get me wrong, my friends are fabulous and they did offer thriving conversation, but I offer the real credit for this delicious culinary voyage to The Bristol, a restaurant who offers unique, flavorful and fun delights.

We started off with a few select appetizers. First, can anyone go wrong with "Monkey Pull Apart Bread" served with Dill Butter and Sea Salt? This piping hot bread was incredible. I felt like I was a kid again, when I pulled away at this fresh baked bread with a frenzy. Really, we were all mesmerized by it's moist, doughy, subtle dill characteristics. Add the sea salt, and it was a complete success.

We also ordered the duck fat fries, which we all had read about from online reviews. While we did enjoy the fries ( my husband especially), I couldn't stop wondering if duck fat is proven to immediately impact the thighs? One thing is for sure, duck fat definitely adds flavor to your "typical" french fry. The duck fat fries also came with homemade ketchup and a to-die-for garlic aioli.

As for our entrees, my husband and I both shared the Skirt Steak and the Pan Roasted Halibut. Both were well prepared, full of flavor, fresh and simple. Basically, just the way I like all my dishes. After I was done, though, I felt like I wanted more. I guess that is never a bad thing and with menu prices around $18 bucks, I don't think I can complain. However, I would recommend that you order a few more appetizers or another small plate to share. And of course, there is also desert. Unfortunately, we skipped that round....

Speaking of skipping food...we also failed to order the "Half Acre Beer Cheese" appetizer, which our dinner companion so diligently worked to promote - with no success. Sorry dear friend, next time!

Lastly, I want to commend the Bristol for their focus on organically and locally produced food. Walking into the restaurant, you will quickly notice a chalkboard that mentions exactly ( the farms) where they purchased their goods. Not only do they support their local growers, but it also guarantees that the food is fresh. And, as I mentioned earlier...that is exactly how I like my food!

Some say that it takes a strong person to admit their faults.  And, fellow Epicurista readers, I have let you down.  I have led you astray.

You see, back on that adventurous evening - when I wrote the "review" and when I first ventured to the new Berry Chill in my area - I made a sudden and a seemingly rash conclusion.  I just didn't give Berry Chill the fair chance it so deserved.  You know, in retrospect, with perfect 20/20 vision, I realize  I should have waited - waited until I was completely sure of my dislike for this so-called " sour" yogurt.  But, instead, I as your Epicurista, made a split second impulsive decision to blog, claiming Berry Chill the locale for those lovers of "sour yogurt".    Dang it, I screwed up!

Yes, and I wish I could say that I left it at that.  But, I fell prey.  I don't know what it was -the long line out the door, the Purell Hand Sanitizer greeting me at the doorway, or the people who seemed to be so happy carrying their bitter yogurt as I passed them on the street- but I returned.  I did. 

I know- I said I didn't like it.  I lied.  The stuff is amazing.  Long story short, I am addicted to this stuff.    Here is my advice to the faint of heart:  If you try it and feel discouraged by the somewhat sour flavor, just get over it.  Go back, the stuff grows on you.  Who in the world is not a tremendous fan of flavorslike Peach Mango, Strawberry Banana, and  Pink Guava.   And - oh my gosh - they have Girl Scout Cookie options as toppings year round. WOW!!! MMMM....  Samoas...Tagalongs...Thin Mints.   And, adding strawberries as an additional topping takes away a lot of the Girl Scout guilt.  Love that too.

So, with all of this said, I will promise with all of my heart, to truly process thoughts before writing a review so as to not lead you astray.  And, if I threw you off the BC track, please accept my so berry heartfelt apology and return for an amazingly yummy frozen yogurt treat!

Sincerely,

Epicurista

TIP:  Go for the 2 flavors in a cup.  I am convinced, after visiting this shop 3 times weekly (so sorry!) that you get at least 10-20% more yogurt in a cup.   For some reason there is not a gaping hole in the middle of the yogurt.  Hopefully, this little tip will make up for my slight imperfection.

There seems to be a buzz around Spanish cuisine today. From television shows to local Spanish tapas restaurants the world has finally realized that Spanish cuisine is just as extraordinary as Italian or French cuisine...perhaps even better.

Of course, I am pretty biased. Spain has an extra special place in my heart! I spent a semester living in Seville, Spain. And let me tell you...I fell in love with the cuisine and the culture. I remember fondly my Spanish Madre, Lola, taking extra special care of me. She would often cook these simple- yet elegant dishes. Some of my favorite dishes and ingredients included Spanish olive oil, paella, tortilla de patata, sangria and jamon iberico! Let me tell you- she fed me better than my own mother!

Recently, I have longed for Spanish food more than ever. Perhaps its because I have been watching he show"Spain- On The Road Again". The show- which airs on PBS- is a culinary tour de Espana with Gwyneth Paltrow, Mario Batali, Mark Bittman and Claudia Bassols. These lucky individuals get to travel across the different regions of Spain and taste the different dishes from the specific regions. As you can imagine, watching this makes me want to get on a plane and fly to Spain. Unfortunately, this is not a reality.

So, when I heard that Carnivale, located at 702 W. Fulton Market, was doing a "Tour of Spain", I nearly jumped out of my seat to make a reservation. Now, let me just reiterate, as mentioned above, there is almost no food as decadent, as savory and as delicious as Spanish cuisine. So, rather than being too jealous of Paltrow, Batalia and crew, I decided to head to Carnivale for my own Spanish food fix.

Now I know what you are thinking- Carnivale is known from its "Latin-inspired cuisine"...how can Chef Mark Mendez possibly deliver on Spanish cuisine? Well let me tell you...he delivered. Instead of just offering some of the most common Spanish dishes, Chef Mendez had a few choice ingredients on this menu.

I would recommend ordering the Pata Negra, which is a thinly sliced 36-month cured ham. If you like Jamon Iberico you will like this ham. These acorn-fed, free-range pigs stick to a strict diet,with proper excercise, to ensure an extremely delicious cut of meat. You can enjoy this ham, along with cranberries and marcona almonds as Carnivale tours the Extramadura region.

For one of the few times in my life...I actually skipped the dessert so that I could try some spanish artisinal cheeses. They were absolutely amazing! They come on a wooden platter, as pictured below, and offer a great mix of popular - Spanish Manchego- and somewhat unique -Blue Goat- cheeses.

If you are interested in some of the more traditional Spanish dishes, Carnivale offers those as well. In addition, we also had an opportunity to sample some of their Latin inspired appetizers. My husband's favorite bite of the night was the Ropa Vieja, which was a braised beef appetizer with sweet plantains, spicy mayo, and queso fresco.  It was so tender.

If you are interested in checking out the "Tour of Spain" at Carnivale, here is information on the culinary tour and the remaining dates:

Cataluna & Valencia - Week of 12/15/08

Madrid & Castilla La Mancha- Week of 1/12/09

Extramadura & Andalucia- Week of 2/19/09

Buen Provecho!

Rarely do you come across that one food and wine event that just knocks your socks off.  A large part of the problem is that there are often too many "food and wine events" to choose from.  But, let me tell you that after searching (somewhat) far and wide... I found a great one! CHILL Wine and Culinary Event - so fun!

Come on - serve me fabulous wines offered by Wine Spectator and some of the best cuisine that Chicago Restaurants have to offer - all in the comfort of state-of-the-art home boutiques - and you can bet I will feel perfectly at home.  I must tell you, as I devoured  insanely delicious eats and incredible wine on a cold November night, I realized that the Merchandise Mart had far more to offer than I ever expected.  Seriously, the CHILL Wine and Culinary Event was out of control.  Meaning, Blackbird, Hot Chocolate, McCormick and Schmick's, Raphsody, Sixteen at Trump, Carnivale and so many other restaurants served me up generous and decadent portions of their culinary creations.  Mmm...I just loved the white bean soup from Sixteen, the oyster from Blackbird and the ahi from Raphsody!

Much to my enjoyment, fabulous wine was flowing, which seemed to perfectly complement each dish.  I loved sipping my Chateau St Jean 2006 Robert Young Chardonnay, while perusing the many kitchen cabinet options at the various home decorating stores.  And, although this may have only been the second annual CHILL Wine Event, I know it won't be my last - clearly I had fun.

Not only did I walk away with excellent memories of Carnivale's short-ribs, but I can hardly forget the wonderful Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut NV Champagne I enjoyed.  And, much to my husband's disdain, I left this event not only full in my stomach, but full of new ideas for how we must decorate my future dream home!  Dark or light wood for the kitchen cabinets?

This is all part of the great charm of this unique event - combining appetite, fine wines and incredible design all in one night.  I just loved it.

And, the best part - it was not done ALL in vain.  While the main event cost was $85 and $175 for the VIP, a large portion went to benefit the Respitory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.  And, that is something I can cheer too! 

I will certainly return to CHILL Wine and Culinary Event next year - as long as my dream home doesn't break my bank!

It has been far too long since I have enjoyed one of my favorite eats - sushi - so I decided to head over to Kohan Japanese Restaurant, located at 730 W. Maxwell, to see what they had to offer.

I began my meal with the Zen Green Tea Mojito ($10), which was incredibly delicious.  I loved the light Green tea liquer that mixed fantastically with mint and 10 Cane Rum.  I certainly recommend this to any of you who are fellow mojito fans. 

In terms of food, I was pleasantly surprised.   I came in hungry and somewhat uncertain.   I mean, what kind of food do you expect when going to a university village?  Exactly - fast eats, cheap dinners and bars!  So, when I say I was pleasantly surprised I mean it surpassed these expectations and delivered some solid eats. Specifically, I enjoyed the Omakase Sashimi Deluxe (pic below) due to the very large and thick sashimi pieces on the plate.  Really, I have never seen sashimi cut so thick, but I have certainly seen it cut into teeny tiny pieces before.  These huge Salmon slices were just Delish!

 But, I was not a huge fan of the orange slices laying below the sashimi.  To me, it overpowered the delicate taste of this fresh sushi.  I suppose it was an aesthetic decision of sorts.  I would certainly order this again though.

I have to say - although service was hit-or-miss at times - the menu certainly offers something for everyone.   We all have had that "person" in our group who is just not a fan of sushi.  And, that is perfectly fine - really!  However, it can prove to be a problem when hitting an all sushi restaurant.  With Kohan Japenese, you will not run into this problem.  They offer Korean eats, sushi and various options from the Teppan Grill.

Of course, with this extensive menu, I had to see how the Korean dishes stacked up (pic below).  I enjoyed the short ribs, which - incredibly- were not fatty at all!  I loved that.   The Bugogi, a Korean Beef dish, was tasty.  In terms of the Kimchee, I have had better.  I can't identify what was off, other than it didn't taste as exceptional as I have had before. 

Overall, Kohan Japanese is a great place if you are in the neighborhood.  I would sit by the sushi bar to see all the action.  The main dining room offers vibrant colors and a view of the Teppan Grill action, if you are into that.

FYI- it seems that they have half price martinis and cocktails on Saturday nights.  Also, on Mondays they have a Korean Dinner Special for two.

In many ways I am thrilled about this fall season.  So much is going on politically, socially and even in my kitchen.

And, speaking of politics,  let's toast to our presidential hopeful.  Whether your candidate is McCain or Obama, you can cheer on your choice at  Plan B Bar & Kitchen. 

I appreciate how Plan B Bar & Kitchen is making it fun- and I am sure it will even be lively- to get political.   In fact, these two wonderful cocktails - available up until election day - will allow you to show your presidential pride.  Check them out:

1. "Ciroc Obama" ($8) - "Make your Vote Count"

Ciroc Vodka, a splash of Chambord and freshly squeezed lemonade served in a rimmed highball glass with sugar and a slice of lemon.

2. The "John McCane"  ($8) - "A Drink you Can Believe In"

10 Cane Rum, Malibu Rum, Godiva White Chocolate, Creme de Cassis, Frangelico and a slash of cream served in a martini glass rimmed with Hershey syrup and sprinkled with sprinkles.

Even though I have not been to Plan B  Bar & Kitchen, I just really thought this idea was cute, especially with the final debate being tonight. Please let me know your thoughts if you do hit up Plan B!

Now, for more on why I think fall is fabulous...  

With the cool air whistling by and the trees changing colors -I am really feeling it in my blood - it is time to get cozy with some spicy foods in the kitchen!  What is not to love about that!

And I have already begun this journey of new fall foods.  In the past week, I have busted out my all time favorite, the Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread, which 1,871 people have rated for a cumulative average of 5-stars.  Not so bad!  Incredibly, I - for the first time - battled a butternut squash  to make a delicious Butternut Squash with Cinnamon Soup from Allrecipes.com.  I say it was a battle because trying to peel that guy, with all his curves and details was grueling!  But, I did it.  And it  really was worth the arm exercise because it turned out just right.  This Butternut Squash Soup is perfect for fall, offering savory and spicy fall flavors.

So -be it your favorite candidate or savory fall foods- we all have something to toast to this season!

With a special guest in town this weekend, my husband and I felt it our civic duty to ensure he saw the best of Chicago.  So along with pounding the pavement to show him the standard tourist spots, we hit up two new Chicago lounges.

The first one, Vertigo Sky (pic below) - located on the 26th floor of the Dana Hotel and Spa at 660 N. State- is absolutely going to be my new hot spot.  Fun and interesting drinks, a great mix of people and lively music quickly welcomed us as we arrived.   What I absolutely - and without one doubt - loved was the outdoor area covered in faux grass and  curvy wooden benches.  Bright balls of light illuminated my drink and my conversation, making for a perfect ambiance.  And....the BEST part yet...was the floor-to-sky wall of glass.  I have to admit my curious side came out a bit, as I was trying to peer into the open windows in the condos next door.  I found some very unusual decor in some of these places, which led to some interesting cocktail conversations .  ***Please do not think bad of my eavesdropping - they left their blinds open after all! 

The guys enjoyed some local beer and I went for the unique and fun drink selection that was often served in very convenient carts.  Loved the sushi too! Mmm....

A sign of success - I actually went to this bar two nights in a row!  And, we hit up Portillo's afterward for hot dogs.  As you can tell, fun times.

Our next stop- Rebar, Trump International Hotel & Tower at 401 N. Wabash- had caught my attention when I recently heard Trump discussing what is on his mind - the 92-story gem  of a tower in downtown Chicago and his thoughts on the bailout.  I would rather skip the depressing bailout discussion and get on with my  exciting thoughts on Rebar, located in the 2nd tallest building in the US after the Sears Tower (Go Chicago!).

As I approached the building I knew I was in for a treat of sorts -the stunning lobby seemed to wet my appetite for what was to come and I was certainly expecting a view. 

Rebar delivered on that! Offering sweeping views of the Chicago River and of the Michigan Avenue Bridge, I immediately grabbed a sofa right next to the view.

 Rebar, named after the 50,000 short tons of reinforced steel, stood strong in the service and the trendy drink options.  The waitress was extremely knowledgeable and attentive.  She helped me pick out a solid drink, the homemade pink lemonade with champagne ($15).  I liked it, but will probably go for something else next time.

The people were very "Real Housewives of Chicago" with a mix of 30 & 20-somethings.  I found it an excellent place to people watch and to river watch, so I was entertained.  The decor- not my style per se, but perhaps it is Donald's.

All in all, it may be a pricier spot by Chicago standards, but it is worth the trip to check out the building and to have a fun time!  Oh, and the sushi was delicious too.

I have to tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed my recent dinner at Lockwood Restaurant, located within the Palmer House Hilton at 17 E. Monroe.  As many of you know, when you first enter the Hilton and climb up the stairs you reach the most amazing, stunning and historical lounge.  The beauty of this room is spectacular and my dream someday is to organize huge soiree with ball gowns -  and all of you are invited!  Okay, back to reality now...

So, with this gorgeous room (as you can see on the right), I wasn't sure that the restaurant would stand up to it in elegance and history. What I realized, is that you really can't compare the two.  Lockwood Restaurant surely has every bit of elegance of this room, while offering modern luxury (below).   I loved the mini chandeliers throughout the restaurant and thought the white chairs were so fun!

Now that decor is out of the way, I know that you all are wondering about the main thing- food.  Did I like it? Is the chef any good? Is it worth the price?  Yes. Yes. And, yes.

First off, I went crazy over the buffalo'ed wing.  So ingenious and an absolutely incredible appetizer.  This little bite of chicken, stuffed with cheese on a small bone, offered gigantic amounts of flavor.  And, the side of Corona to go with it was the perfect complement.  I strongly recommend asking Lockwood to serve the baby Corona with yours too!

Other highlights?

The Butter Poached Sable topped with lobster and served with a not-too-heavy corn chowder was out of this world.  The fish was of the "melt in your mouth variety" and the corn chowder was skillfully complemented by the addition of sausage.  Definitely, a must try.  I mean, how can you go wrong with butter poaching?

Loved, as well, the Foie Gras Rosh Hashana!  It really felt like I was welcoming in the fall with this dish.  And, Chef Phillip Foss certainly created a symbolic masterpiece with this one.  The Foie Gras served with pomegranates represent good deeds and the apples with honey amaranth symbolize hopes for a sweet year.  All of this was served on a potato cake of sorts.  Mmm...I certainly welcomed my fall with flavor and good wishes.

For dessert, the banana with blis maple syrup, peanut butter ice cream and beer gelee offered the perfect final touch for the night.  Of course, this dessert had to be complemented with bacon - "the new black!".  I have been seeing bacon everywhere lately...and, don't get me wrong...I am not complaining by any means.  It was decadent, yet light at the same time and I appreciated the peanut ice cream that added a superb nutty flavor.

Lockwood Restaurant is a wonderful place to dine in style and to truly enjoy a luxurious dinner - in terms of decor and in food!  I have to say that Phillip Foss, who has worked at Le Cirque, the King David Hotel, Bistrot Margot, The Four Seasons, Maui and the Newport Room, Bermuda, certainly has innovation and great taste at the forefront of his mind at Lockwood Restaurant.  I am delighted to have him in Chicago.

I headed over to Cuatro, located at 2030 S. Wabash Avenue, this past weekend to see what their Latin fare is really worth.  And, I would have to say it is worth a good bit, in my not so humble opinion. 

As a side note, let me first say that I truly appreciated the name of the restaurant, Cuatro.  Apparently the owners are four siblings with a passion for Latin food and for this growing area, just a bit south of the Roosevelt CTA.  The ambiance of the restaurant was fun, and dare I say, intriguing at the same time.  Most of  the intrigue came from the unique art on the walls, which kept conversation stimulating and interpretive.

Cocktails, like bread, often seem to offer me the first impression of what is to come.  And...I was SO PLEASED.  I usually go for the simple, yet refreshing, plain mojito, although I became a bit daring on this night and opted for the Pomegranate Mojito made with 10 cane rum.  Let me just tell you..it was insanely flavorful, fresh and had a fabulous zing about it.    

The Cuatro Margarita rocked too!  I felt that I could not get enough of these refreshing drinks.  And, if I had closed my eyes and taken a sip, I am convinced that I would have saw a glistening blue Caribbean ocean in view.

Mmmm....okay, we are moving right along to main eats, although it is hard to stop thinking about these outstanding drinks.

I enjoyed the Coctel Vuelve a La Vida, which serves up scallops, salmon and mini-shrimp ceviche wrapped in avocado slices.   I must say, that I have missed these wonderful ceviches, since moving from California, where Mexican delights, such as this, are often served. Covered by a tamarind-aji panca vinaigrette, this ceviche offered a light and appetizing way to begin the meal.

Time to talk main courses.  Loved!  Loved! Loved the Moqueca De Mar!  I am a sucker for seafood and love it even more when it is immersed in a decadent broth, like this one.  The spicy coconut milk and tomato broth was a superb complement to the loads of seafood within it!  I could not get enough of the mussels, shrimps, scallops, squid and tilapia. Although, I am not a big fan of plantain tostones (fried food has to be exceptional for me to want to add it to an almost perfect dish ) - it did soak up the broth nicely, if you are into that.  The coconut rice was a delight too and our wonderful and helpful server suggested dipping the rice into the broth before eating.  That was yummy.

My husband enjoyed the Bistec a la Parilla - a Uruguayan strip topped with green chimichurri, served with a twice baked chorizo potato and sauteed spinach.  He was taken aback by the size and shape of this beautiful cut of meat.  I loved the chimichurri on top, which gave this medium rare beauty a good zip due to the cilantro, olive oil and garlic.  The potato offered a unique take on the normal twice baked potato by adding the chorizo topping.  Overall, this is a truly enjoyable option.

I really want to try the Pistachio Praline Ice Cream next time I go back.   That does sound like the perfect way to end this fabulous meal, in retrospect. 

All in all, this meal has left me wanting more!  I want more of my Moqueca De Mar for sure! I want more cocktails and I want more of that wonderful experience. I highly recommend Cuatro. 

The menu is fabulous, not over-priced and it certainly left me happy!

Art of pizza meets love of wine - ooohhhh...now we are talking!  And, because of my great love for these two indulgences, I frequently head to La Madia, located at 59 W. Grand.

What you absolutely must try, and what keeps me coming back - in addition to the wine- is the Triple Pepperoni Pizza.  It is incredible - with a triple dose of pepperoni, tomato sauce, mozzarella, light basil and the perfect touch of white truffle oil - what is not to love?  And, chef/owner Jonathan Fox, who is also a certified sommelier, couldn't agree with me more.  He actually said that this pizza was the inspiration for La Madia.  I can see why, and you can too, even though the below picture does not quite do it justice.

Beyond this delicious pizza, I am completely impressed by La Madia's dedication to wine!  I actually headed over to the Varietal Chardonnay Tasting this past week,  and truly enjoyed 5 different wines.  It actually seemed like the perfect way to toast to the end of the summer!

My favorite? Noblet, Pouilly Fuisse, 2007 from Burgundy France, which was moderate bodied, balanced and offered hints of citrus.

I hope to return soon, to  this contemporary pizzeria, to enjoy more of the Varietal Wine Tasting Series. They are offered on Tuesdays from 5-7.  Here is the schedule:

September 16- Pinot Noir

September 23- Chianti

September 30- Roses

I figure $25 for a tasting of 5 wines and passed hors d'oeuvres is a great deal.

La Madia is also offering a Fall Cooking Class with a Wine Tasting Series on Saturdays beginning October 4 from 11:00 -1:00.   This seems intriguing to me.  For $30 you get a cooking class, recipes, wine tasting and paired wine.

Here is the calendar:

October 4: Pizza

November 1: Classic Italian Sides for Entertaining

November 15: The Perfect Italian Holiday Party

For reservations for any of these events, you can contact La Madia at (312) 329-0400.

See you there!

I recently went to SUSHISAMBA RIO and I was quite impressed with the trendy and hip vibe of the restaurant. I would normally think that bright and colorful lights on the walls, hanging beads, and funky ceiling designs could be a bit scary, but I have to say that SUSHISAMBA did pull it off these designs with flair.  And, without being cheesy one bit!   Plus, the music, the lights and the excellent drink selection made my experience.  I felt like I was ready to have some fun! 

My take on SUSHISAMBA?  It really offers a lively and unique ambiance. It seems perfect for those ladies, or even young couples, in search of a fun night spot.  

I was also amazed that SUSHISAMBA not only is a Brazilian restaurant, but a Japanese and Peruvian one too!    And, I noticed, the menu represents these great countries.

As many of you already know, I love myself a Brazilian drink (Caiparinha's...mmm...), so this restaurant was right up my alley. Some of the other drinks I want to try soon include the Pisco Sour (Pisco Brandy, egg white, sugar and fresh lime juice) from Peru, the Samba Juice (Bacardi Island Breeze Wild Berry low cal rum, acai puree with guarana, passion fruit puree, creme de banana and guava juice) and the traditional, but always yummy mojito (rum, sugar, lime, mint). 

Now, I have a good reason to return, and I didn't even mention the sushi yet.

And, speaking of sushi, there is an interesting event coming up that does highlight Sake and Sushi that seemed interesting to me.

Here are the details and answers to questions you are most likely asking.

Interactive Sushi + Sake 101 Class (with the new Sommelier - Mark Ryan)

When is this thing happening?  Every 3rd Tuesday of the Month from 6:30-8:30 at SUSHISAMBA RIO.

But which dates?

• September 16
• October 21
• November 18

What are we really talking about? A 2-hour class offering 5 flights of Sake with a variety of SUSHISAMBA signature dishes... mmm!  You know, things we love like sushi rolls, edamame, tempura  and sashimi.  Plus, Sushi Chef Kitano will be offering sushi-making tips and tricks of the trade.

What is the Damage?  $75 per person with a limit of 20 people per class.

How do I sign up for this fun event?  Call SUSHISAMBA RIO at 312-595-2300

I just have to have my coffee in the morning.  It is almost like a ritual for me where I wake up knowing that at least if everything else in the day doesn't turn out that I have a fabulous latte to wake up to!  Mmmm...

Part of this ritual, is me heading to Whole Foods on the weekly basis for my Allegro coffee.  When I go, I eagerly look at the different varieties.  Should I choose something from the Americas?  Africa or Arabia? The Pacific?  Doesn't it almost sound like I am going on a mini-vacation?  How fun!  What I have learned is that coffees from the Americas offer a sweet and balanced flavor with hints of chocolate and nuts.  Africa and Arabia coffees offer fruit and floral bouquets.  Doesn't that sound like what every woman wants to wake up to?  And, last but not least, The Pacific variety offers full-bodied and earthy flavors that are perfect for the winter with richer foods.   

I appreciate Allegro in particular because they have an excellent commitment to the environment and the wonderful coffee growers who harvest these great beans.  Allegro offers organic coffee that, of course, is free of pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers and all that nasty stuff.  I certainly don't want to drink any of that!

In the spirit of great coffee, I want to offer all my Epicurista readers the inside scoop on how to taste coffee effectively.

1. Aroma- What is the fragrance of the brewed coffee?  Hey, we smell wine, why not coffee?  Seek out hints of caramel, carbon, fruit, spicy tones, and more.
2. Flavor-  Of course you have to taste it to truly analyze the aroma, acidity and body.
3. Acidity or Brightness- Again, like wine, check the acidity.  Seek a palate cleansing value, which is found in higher altitudes.  It should be lively too!
4. Body- Skinny or Healthy looking?  Just kidding.  This is talking not about our weight, but the actual weight of the coffee on your tongue.

You may want to be like me and get your coffee on a weekly basis to preserve the freshness.  I store my coffee in an air tight tin, which seems to work well. 

Let me know your favorite coffee too, I am always seeking the latest and the greatest, as you all know.

I am a firm believer that the making of a great restaurant perfectly aligns ambiance, superb service and purely delectable cuisine. If a restaurant does not deliver on these three- it simply does not fall in the “great category”.

My recent visit to Powerhouse Restaurant not only accomplished this feat- but it achieved it with great historical gusto!

Powerhouse Restaurant is located at 215 N. Clinton.  Interestingly enough - it once was the Western Railway Power Plant -and is known for its 233-foot smokestack. Despite this smokestack, I do recommend keeping your eyes open, because the restaurant can be easily missed in the Fulton River District area.  Once I stepped in however, the historical roots seemed to smack me in my face. The restaurant actually shakes and you can hear the trains as they pass below. While some diners might find this fact annoying, I found the noise of the trains only to add to the charm. I also loved how the staff seemed to embrace the history of the place.

The superb service also started immediately as I entered the restaurant. My husband and I were welcomed by owner, Jimmy Alexander, and it became quite apparent to me that he never lost his Greek charm that he used in the days while owner of the Pegasus in Greek Town.  The dining room has a “simple elegant” feel to it. I recommend asking to sit in the full booths, which exude an old-time Chicago feel.

Once seated, I was inspired by the menu. I genuinely appreciated the  seasonal options and the fact that they offer more than just steak.

I started off with several starters.  Our waiter recommended the Lemon Risotto (left).  It did not disappoint. With a creamy, oh so creamy (don't tell me how much butter is in there!) texture and light summer flavors of lemon, this is a dish that was just a perfect start to my August meal.  The pine nuts, marscapone and arugula were a perfect addition.    To top it all off, it was impeccably paired with the Paul Goerg Brut Rose. 

Our waiter also recommended the Romaine Hearts salad. To be honest, I really didn’t think there would be anything special about a Romaine Hearts salad. However, I was wrong. It was fantastic! My husband- who is not a big salad eater- couldn’t stop eating it. So what’s the secret?

It is all about Alexander's Garlic Dressing.- and a secret it is. According to our waiter, the owner was up at 2 am making the secret sauce. I don’t know if I buy this…but I will order the salad again! Besides the dressing, you can't go wrong with quail eggs, bacon or shallots, either.

Now onto the main entree.  If you like crust on your steak, with almost a rub like consistency, go for the Prime Rib-eye.  It offers flavor and texture on the outside and perfect tenderness within.  If you are a fish person, I would try the Grilled Swordfish (below), which is normally served with Lobster Risotto.  Although, mine was served with custard instead (I believe they were out of the lobster ravioli - so sad!), I still enjoyed it.  It was light and flavorful and I enjoyed the delicacy of the custard with the fish.

On to the fun sweet stuff now!  Dessert!  I must say I was hesitant and resistant to the highly recommended Sweet Potato Doughnuts served with Brown Butter, Apples, Pepitos and Cinnamon Sabayon.  However, as I found myself eating these with tremendous fervor and taking more than my fare share, I quickly realized a need to re-evaluate my disdain for sweet potatoes.   Wow, this amazing dessert sits in a class by itself.  The 2006 Kracher Beerenauslese Cuvee was just perfect with this sweet treat.

There is no doubt that after dinner, sometime this fall, I will be going on a little walk.  Destination?  Powerhouse Restaurant, to chow down on this scrumptious dessert !

Overall, Powerhouse Restaurant packed a palatable punch that has left me excited to return.  I know I wasn't the only one who agrees because as I left the restaurant I heard many other "ooh's and aah's" regarding the menu and the Blueberry Cake, which I will try next time.

Much acclaim to the chef, Jeff Mauro (North Pond & Charlie Trotter's), and his team for a great night!

Take Note- If you are in the River North/Gold Coast area, head directly over to L' Appetito, 30 E.  Huron,  for my all time, somewhat traditional, yet very delicious sandwich - The Parma.  I don't know what this seemingly informal, grocery-like cafe does to make this Italian sandwich so delicious - but I must say - they do it right!

The bread is the perfect thickness, just about as soft as you could possibly imagine and lightly touched with sesame seeds to give it that perfect appeal. I am convinced  this fabulous bread brings what could be just a normal Parma to a whole new stratosphere.  Of course, one cannot go wrong with the mouth watering ingredients between the bread either!  The fresh mozzarella, basil and prosciutto marry perfectly with the olive oil that is usually doused on the bread.  But, douse away!!! As far as I am concerned, this only adds to the flair of this mouth watering sandwich. 

Can someone please give me a MMMMM....!? 

Best of all, you can enjoy this sandwich for less than $10.

Everyone knows that there is nothing more enjoyable then a cool summer "fro-yo" on warm summer day.  But, I must say that I am still on the fence a bit when it comes to Berry Chill, who offers couture yogurt.    The reason - it probably comes down to my expectations.    I seem to get a specific idea of the way things "should be" in my mind and I REALLY want these expectations met.   The best thing is when a restaurant, or recipe, exceeds my expectations, then I know I have a winner.  In regards to Berry Chill, my expectations were not met.    I expected a much sweeter, and tastier yogurt than was delivered.  If I had gone in to Berry Chill with the expectation that I would be trying a "plain" frozen yogurt (similar to the plain yogurt that you buy in the grocery store), I may have ended up happier.  I guess I was expecting the "sugared up" variety that I have grown up on.

Perhaps, I will have to return, with my expectations in line, and try the yogurt one more time! 

In the meantime, here are my overall thoughts on the positives and negatives of Berry Chill.

Positive Points:

• This is a great option for those who may be lactose intolerant.  Supposedly, yogurt is nutritionally beneficial because it boosts the immune system, lowers LDL cholesterol and increases metabolism.  These seem like good enough reasons to enjoy a yogurt, even if it is less sweet.
• I love the fact that Berry Chill offers hand sanitizer right when you walk in the store.  I find that I push a lot of doors open to even arrive at food destinations. This does make me a bit concerned about germs.  And, Berry Chill "gets it"! 
• Thank goodness that they have a variety of toppings, including cereal, fruit, candy and more.  I need the sugar!!! :)
• They rotate the flavors. Flavors of the month for July are: Amaretto-Chocolate, Peach Mango, Pina Colada and Original.

Negative Points:

• Sour taste.  Expect this going in and you should be good to go!
• Pricey.  Especially when you add multiple toppings.
• I have heard that the line gets long there, although I did not experience this during my visit.

By the way, if you do find that you want a Berry nutritional treat, Berry Chill is located in River North.

Southport Grocery, at 3552 N. Southport, certainly does offer modern and down to earth brunch and lunch options.  Although, I am not sure if I just missed it, but a couple of racks of grocery items did not seem to qualify the "Grocery" part of their name.  Hmm...I guess that is up for debate.  I did enjoy the un-pretentious (Is that a word?  Oh well!) nature of the restaurant, which makes it a welcome and bustling environment for all who visit.  Be forewarned that you will get to look and watch many cute kids, babies and the fashionable strollers that come with them!

Food wise, I had a delicious steak sandwich (left) served with carmelized onions and blue cheese.  The steak was cooked perfectly to medium-rare and the whole sandwich seemed to melt in my mouth.  I would say that this sandwich was nearly a 9.5/10, however I do not believe that this sandwich is always on the menu.  The red potato salad was average and really had no depth or unique flavors. 

I also had the Bread Pudding Pancakes ($9) that are served with cinnamon sugar butter and a side of vanilla custard.  These are too sweet for my taste, but others who like very sweet things may enjoy these. 

Don't get me wrong- I truly enjoyed dipping them into my vanilla custard and you really can't go wrong with cinnamon sugar butter, but I could only eat about 1/8 of the portion that was served to me due to "sweetness" factors.  Bottom line - if you like sweet things this is for you. 

I have also heard that the Stuffed French Toast is very tasty ($9).  And, I have to admit that after my "oh-so-sweet" serving of the Bread Pudding Pancakes, I failed to order the famous Gourmet Cupcake, from their bakery, that everyone seems to rave about. 

Not to fear, because this just gives me an opportunity to head back to Southport Grocery, which I most certainly will do in the near future. 

I guess it is because I am still rather new to Chicago and because of my clear naivety, when it comes to food festivals, that I actually went to Taste of Chicago.  I wish my friends would have given me fair warning that this is "A-do-not-attend-event".

Anyway, I am sure that many of you "enlightened" readers know that you just don't do it - you do not attend Taste of Chicago.  It was over... way OVER-Crowded and jam packed with tents that give you NO space.  My anxiety levels shot through the roof!  The restaurants are not highly ranked Chicago hot spots, and instead are names I really had never heard of.  And, even though there was one restaurant that seemed like it should deliver, based on restaurant reviews, my food tasted hard and rubbery.  (I won't say the name because there is a possibility the restaurant will be better)  The overall mass production of food made for poor quality food.  Yuck!   And, for what you get, I absolutely do not believe this was worth the money.

Do I sound angry?  I guess I am a bit.  I just hate wasting time, money and a good meal - a  meal where I could have enjoyed something delicious and of the highest freshness and quality in a relaxing environment.

DO NOT GO!  Please, if you are like me..and you just don't know, I beg you...do not go.  Just listen to your Epicurista and head out to your favorite restaurant, where you will beat the massive crowds and enjoy a relaxing meal with a wonderful glass of wine.

Let me start off by saying that I have been to Frontera Grill 6 times in 6 months, so I guess one could say that I "like it". You will enjoy the roasted nuts on your table when you arrive.  They have a bit of a kick and I am almost positive they are the reason why I desire a refreshing margarita at Frontera Grill when I first arrive. And, there is much to be said for this delicious and refreshing Topolo Margarita, which certainly wets my appetite for what is to come.  I also tried the blood orange margarita once and it looked pretty, but I was particularly impressed with the taste. 

Now, let it be said that I have ONLY gone to Frontera Grill for brunch.  My reasoning - if something is good, why change it? However, I believe this makes me an even better critic of the consistency of the food.  Let's break it down a bit, shall we:

Decor: Love it.  There is fun art work all around.  The colors are vibrant and the music is fun.   The bar is pretty colorful and exotic, please make sure you get a look at it when you visit.

Service:  Good.  Not excellent, but good.  I wouldn't say I can even remember my complaints, however I have never specifically thought to myself, "wow, that impressed me."

Food:  This is the good stuff!  First and foremost, do not go to Frontera for brunch without trying SOPES RANCHEROS!!!  These are the most delectable crispy corn maze boats covered with shredded beef soaked in roasted tomatoes and covered with cheese, which I believe is cojito.                                                        

I really have enjoyed the varieties of Ceviche (picture at right)  they have had available.  All of them have been delicious and I particularly enjoyed the Hawaiian Sunfish. ($10.50)

I would steer clear of the taquitos.  They did not seem to exude flavor such as the other dishes that you could order.  (No price here, since you shouldn't order it)

Tacos Al Carbon...out of this world!  Please go for the Red Chile - Marinated Maple Creek Pork ($15.00) 

Regarding the salsa and the guacamole- they are extra with the chips and they often come with the main brunch dishes.  So, just keep that in mind before you order salsas and guac right off the bat.   Also, the egg dishes were not too impressive. I would stick with meat dishes and what I mentioned above.

They have a good avocado ice cream too.  I thought it was questionable at first, but once you think about it, avocado is pretty refreshing. 

Overall, there is a reason why I have been there 6 times in 6 months.  Is it because I like Mexican? Yes.  But, what it really comes down to is - Frontera takes Mexican one level higher with foods that delight the palate.  I think you will truly enjoy Frontera and I would suggest getting there early if you go for brunch.  There is quite a wait, and I know why!

Wow!  Spottswoode Estate Vineyard and Winery, who is situated on the western edge of St. Helena, CA, just celebrated their 125th Anniversary....and celebrate they did!  Of course, with their extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon and a family with clear passion, love and dedication to their land and their wine, what is not to celebrate?!     I was fortunate enough to be able to join the family for this celebration at Avenues in the Peninsula Chicago. 

While I know you are dying to hear about it, we will get to the grand celebration part in a moment. But first...

With much pride I can say, this winery more than hits the Epicurista mark - Spottswoode is a winery that makes one proud.  They are innovators, progressive - and yet traditional, all the while remaining true to the integrity of their world-class wine.  What is their secret?  Personally, I think it is due in part to their all women management - sorry guys, but you know the saying - "it has a woman's touch".  Beyond that, their commitment to 23 years of organic farming with the sensitive practice of grape production and land management (I love this stewardship to the land) certainly helps, as well.  Lastly, the amazing dedication of a down-to-earth, family owned winery and a team that clearly conveys passion for the land and for wine production, doesn't hurt either.   All of these combine to offer the first-class Spottswoode wines.

Now that you understand a little of the "much to be admired" culture of Spottswoode Winery, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here is the inside scoop on the Spottswoode 125th Anniversary luncheon...

The Menu... A M A Z I N G!   The Wine- 2007 & 2004 Sauvignon Blanc;  2005, 2001, 1999, 1997, 1993, 1991, & 1987 Cabernet Sauvignon....  NOW THIS IS A CELEBRATION!!! 

While I could probably write all day long about the delicious decadence of the food and the amazing taste of the wines, I am going to have to limit myself to the highlights.  Otherwise, I may be here all night writing.

Speaking of food, and WARNING! you should not try this at home, Avenues pulled out all the stops!  We began with Scallop served with amaranth, huckleberries and quail grass, paired with the 2004 Sauvignon Blanc.  Exceptional!   I thought there would be too many competing elements on the plate, but everything pulled together very nicely and the wine was a superb addition to this meal.  I really loved the 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, which offers light and fruity tastes of apricot, grapefruit and vanilla.   I have also heard that this is owner, Mary Novak's, favorite wine.  And, I can see why!

Wagyu, served with smoked coconut, white shoyu and African blue basil was much enjoyed.  Although I never thought I would try African blue basil, I can now add that to my herb repertoire.  Not only this, but I truly enjoyed the 2005 Cabernet.  I thought it offered great complexity and had excellent flavors of blackberry and black cherry.  I enjoyed the long finish and it seemed to offer slight tastes of caramel.  Mmmm.....

The 1987 Cabernet Sauvignon, had some people at my table a bit hesitant.  "Too old", "Not Sure", "Over 20 years old" and so on, but once we had a taste, everyone stopped in AWE!!  I have to say that this wine aged well, amazingly well.  I loved that it is full-bodied, rich and sweet.  I am not a bona fide wine expert or sommelier, but to me it tasted of chocolate and raspberry.   Now, what woman does not love that!

Perfect event, perfect wine, and dare I say a near perfect winery.  WOW!  Thank you Spottswoode for your integrity in delivering a fine wine from a source that makes you feel almost proud to be a part of its history and making.  I will be enjoying many a Spottswoode wine for the next 125 years to come! 

I can't forget to follow up with you on the Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP) Event that I attended in Chicago.  I know I invited you all to attend and rightfully so!  With over 30 wineries in attendance, it was a great time to learn, taste and enjoy the Zinfandel in great abundance at the ZAP event.  Of course, one must be careful when there are so many wonderful wines to be enjoyed! 

And this event certainly has made me think about things.  After the Chicago ZAP Tasting, I have had to do some deep and major soul searching regarding my wine perspective. I had to ask myself, "Why have I have not given Zinfandel a fair shake in the past?".  I even delved a bit deeper, by asking "Why have I opted for what is comfortable and more prominent, for what everyone else is trying?"  Why have I missed out the the fabulously diverse and bold Zinfandel wines?".    This event helped me to realize (and without any counseling!) that I have been a bit, well....let's just say "wine shallow". 

I am thankful that I had the opportunity to attend the Chicago ZAP tasting.  And here are a couple of my key take-aways and comments:

1.  I was pleasantly pleased with the Moss Creek Zinfandel for a budget friendly price around $35.    Dogwood Cellars also offered a fine Zinfandel.

2.  Zinfandel offers extraordinary fruity flavors of dark cherries, boysenberry, blackberries.  I appreciated some of the subtle hints of vanilla, black pepper or caramel.  I love the zing, or the spicy tones that come through on this wine.

3.  While I never thought I would say this.... I was completely impressed with World Market.  Yes, their Zinfatuation wine was enjoyable, but it was their chocolate peanut butter pretzel bites that put me over the edge!  I can't help it...put peanut butter and chocolate together and it is a dangerous combination.  Compliment that with a good wine, it is fatal.  Plus, World Market was towards the end of my voyage around the room, so you can only imagine how happy I was at that point.

4.  While I loved the view from the 80th floor of the Mid-America Building and I thought ZAP had a first-class operation, I would implore them to offer more appetizers.  Besides the cheese table, I saw a rare appetizer make its way out of the kitchen, yet it was swarmed upon so quickly that I hardly believed I ever saw it.    The cheese and crackers were enjoyable though and is probably all I really needed.  We can't take away from the wines after all!

5.  Speaking of the pace that I was going...I will "dump" more next year!   It is just hard to "dump" when you are experiencing such an amazing thing, as learning you are enjoying Zinfandel way more than you ever expected. 

6.  Zinfandel is a great option with Barbecue!  Mmmm...!!!  And thus, it is great for a warm summer!