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…

It’s almost impossible to find a food about which everyone is in agreement. But there might be one: everyone loves cookies.

Ahhh…St. Valentine’s Day. If you’re a Chicago history buff, the next word that comes to mind might easily be “…Massacre.” But of course, to most people, this red-and-pink hued holiday is an excuse to shower gifts on, and dine out with, the one you love.

Unless you’ve been living on Mars, you’re probably aware that the 2018 Winter Olympics are officially underway in Pyeongchang, South Korea. As we settle in to marvel at triple axels, giant slaloms, and curling competitions (or each country’s uniforms), let’s take a look at the area’s cuisine, which has taken hold in Chicago in a big way.

When Chicagoans think of Korean food, barbecue is most likely the first thing that comes to mind; of course, there’s a lot more to Korean cuisine than that. It’s safe to say, though, that all roads lead back to one ubiquitous and crucial element: kimchi, widely considered the national dish of Korea. It’s been around in some form since before the birth of Christ, and is culturally significant in both North and South Korea.

“The soul food version of the same dish has more flavor…it tastes better because of the ingredient called soul.”
— Restaurateur Edna Stewart, when asked the difference between Southern food and soul food

It’s February, and that means we are once again embarking on our annual observance of Black History Month — a time when we explore African American heritage, recall its most seminal figures, and celebrate the richness and diversity of its culture. This includes, of course, its flavorful cuisine, familiarly known as soul food.