100 Chicago restaurants open Christmas Day 2011

You don’t have to cook Christmas dinner.

Molecular gastronomy showcased in Chicago premiere

“El Bulli: Cooking in Progress” screens through Thursday.   “The more bewilderment the better.” So said Chef Ferran Adria, creator of the erstwhile molecular gastronomy destination El Bulli. Spain’s most famous closed restaurant features in a documentary, “El Bulli: Cooking in Progress,” focusing on Adria’s unique culinary philosophy. The Chicago premiere screens through Thursday, Dec. [...]

65 Chicago places to eat Thanksgiving dinner, 2011

North Side, South Side or in the Chicago suburbs, you don’t have to cook your own Thanksgiving dinner. Chicagoland restaurants offer bountiful holiday feasts. Call for hours and menu details. Reservations are highly recommended if not required everywhere. Many restaurants also offer complete Thanksgiving dinners for carry out — several days’ notice is typically required. [...]

Eat this! Valdeon, a bold blue cheese from Spain

At Nia in the West Loop, Chef Antonia Asimis likes to use Valdeon with vegetables.

10 uncommon Easter events in Chicago

Try something a little different this Easter, with these out-of-the-ordinary options.

‘Iron Chef’ winners on the menu in Chicago

We can’t promise you a gig at Kitchen Stadium, but the next best thing is a chance to sample some of the winning dishes from “Iron Chef.”

55 Chicago-area restaurants open Christmas Day 2010

You don’t have to cook on Christmas Day in Chicago. Scores of restaurants and bars will be open to serve you, many serving special holiday meals. Call ahead to check on hours and menus; reservations may be required. 33 Club, Old Town, American 676 Restaurant and Bar, Loop, American Allgauer’s Restaurant, Alsip, American Ann Sather, [...]

Dine out to help the hungry

Your dining dollars can help end childhood hunger in America this week. Through Saturday, Sept. 25 scores of local eateries will donate a portion of their proceeds to anti-hunger organization Share Our Strength during the charity’s annual “Great American Dine Out.” The funds raised go to community programs across the country. Participating restaurants include: Brick [...]

Dog lovers, take your pet to Naperville

Now you can tuck into tapas right alongside your faithful companion. The Spanish spot Meson Sabika in Naperville has opened a special al fresco dining area just for dogs and their owners. A specialty menu offers doggie dinners with a choice of raw or cooked salmon, grilled chicken, and raw or cooked beef tenderloin, served [...]

Eat this! Longganisa, sweet Filipino sausage

What it is: Longganisa is Filipino sausage, typically flavored with sugar, black pepper, vinegar and garlic. It may be made from pork, beef, poultry or even seafood. Where it comes from: Longganisa can be found throughout the Philippines, although each region adjusts the spicing. Lucban and Vigan offer garlicky versions, while Cebu’s variety is extra [...]