There’s a reason why Chicagoans have embraced Middle Eastern cuisine in increasingly impressive numbers these days: because it’s delicious, and generally reasonably priced!

If you ventured outdoors at all last weekend here in Chicago, you know that summer is most definitely upon us.

As in many other large countries, Canadian cuisine varies widely according to region and the accessibility of local ingredients. But Canada is also more multicultural than many.

Did you know Chicago was once known as "The Candy Capital of the World?" This moniker was an apt one, as many of today's most popular candies had their beginnings here.

This week, we celebrate National Bourbon Day, in honor of a corn-based libation that has enjoyed a long and fascinating history. How long and how fascinating?

Say the word “summer,” and in certain areas of the country, the word conjures up images of carnival rides, livestock competitions, and (needless to say) fattening cuisine.

As with so many culinary innovations, it is unclear when and where donuts originated, but they may have been around since Biblical times — in the Book of Leviticus there is a mention of “cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.”.

The shocking news that Swedish meatballs actually originated in Turkey got us thinking: what other foods bear one name, but came from somewhere completely different (or are another thing entirely)?

Is there anything more refreshing than an ice-cold soft drink (or soda, or pop, or coke, or soda pop, or fizzy drink, depending upon where you hail from)?

How many foods can claim that they are a creamy, delicious treat, chock full of nutrients, and might just improve your health and prolong your life? Well, here’s one, known from its earliest days as “food of the gods”: yogurt.

G’day, mates! This week, we go to the land Down Under, Australia — a country that is also a continent; a place where sheep outnumber humans three to one; and a region that is home to the dingo, the didgeridoo, and Crocodile Dundee.

Nothing says “upscale party” quite like fancy hors d’oeuvres, right? There you are, in black tie or a little black dress, juggling a glass of wine or a cocktail and an artful bit of “finger food” (or several of them on a plate if there’s a buffet), while also attempting to carry on a convivial conversation. 

"Animal crackers in my soup Monkeys and rabbits loop the loop Gosh, oh gee! but I have fun

If there’s any dish more ubiquitous, adaptable to personal taste, and easier to make than salad, we don’t know what it is.

In honor of the premiere tonight of WTTW’s new cooking collaboration series DISHALICIOUS, from the creators of CHECK, PLEASE!, let’s look back at some of television’s intrepid (and unique) culinary trailblazers.

This week marks a highly anticipated event that for many, many Chicagoans is the harbinger of spring: Major League Baseball’s Opening Day! The game is paramount, of course, but what you eat while watching it in the stands is of vital importance.

Belgium tends to be overshadowed by its much flashier neighbors, which is too bad because the country has a lot to recommend it, especially from a culinary standpoint.

This refreshing and versatile “jiggly” food has long enjoyed its status as America’s most popular prepared dessert — a staple at neighborhood summer potlucks due to its bright colors and compatibility with fruits and whipped cream. Where did this cool non-fat treat come from?

“The Breakfast of Champions.” “Snap, Crackle, Pop!” “I’m Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs.” “Trix are for Kids!” “Magically Delicious!” “They’re GREAAAAT!”

If you were throwing the party and wanted to serve only foods that came into being in Chicago, what might those be? As it turns out, not only would you eat very well (and heartily!), but some of your options might come as a bit of a surprise. Here’s the menu…