Inspiring Kitchen, Author at InspiringKitchen.com

Jul 13
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view from hotel room at Renaissance

Where to Stay When You Visit Chicago: Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel

Posted by | Chicago, Hotel, Travel | No Comments

You’re coming to Chicago, but you don’t know which hotel to choose. I can help! I just stayed at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel and left feeling rested, relaxed and reminded of how truly beautiful this city is. This was the view from my hotel room. Gorgeous!

Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel Location

Located in the heart of the city, with incredible views, steps from Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, the theater and business district, shopping, restaurants, the Chicago River for boat rides and to wander the Riverwalk, this modern hotel offers the perfect place to call home while you are visiting Chicago.… Read more

May 25
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welcome to the national restaurant show signage

2025 National Restaurant Show Highlights

Posted by | Restaurants, Trade Show, Trends | No Comments

The 2025 National Restaurant Association Show was held last week in Chicago at McCormick Place. The Show runs from May 17-20 taking over three full halls at the convention center. The latest in culinary innovation, foodservice technology and operational strategy along with so much more was shared throughout the Show.  

The best way to learn about this industry? Walk all three halls! You will be introduced to every aspect of what it takes to be in the food service space now and anticipating future trends, opportunities and challenges. The convergence of AI, automation, sustainability, and flavor innovation is all around you.… Read more

Apr 22
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coopers hawk wines for blind tasting

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant Celebrates 20 Years with Special Wine Tasting

Posted by | Chicago, Restaurants, Wine | No Comments

In celebration of Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant’s 20th anniversary, they have launched Behind the Label. This blind-tasting challenge is designed to transform the traditional wine experience into a gamified event. Join the fun by visiting any of the 68 locations across the country throughout the month of April.

behind the lanel

Cooper’s Hawk was founded in Orland Park, Illinois, in 2005 by Tim McEnery. What sets this restaurant apart is their modern causal style with winery experience. Napa-style tasting rooms along with experiential dining plus a specialty market make for an engaging, delicious and entertaining restaurant ambience.  

When you hear about Cooper’s Hawk, what might first stand out is the community they have created within their brand.… Read more

Mar 12
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me in front of anniversary sign

The Inspired Home Show: Favorite Finds, Trends and New Products

Posted by | Celebrity Chefs, Home Design, Housewares, Trade Show | No Comments

The 125th The Inspired Home Show, formerly known as the International Home + Housewares Show, concluded last week after three action packed days at Chicago’s McCormick Place.  While I have been attending this Show for many years, this year was special.

I had the distinct pleasure of being invited to be an Ambassador for The Inspired Home Show along with seven other Social Media Influencers from across the country. This was a role that I was thrilled to be a part of as someone who loves the houseware and home design industry. After all, this is how Inspiring Kitchen originated!… Read more

Feb 04
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Rosemont Restaurant Week Chocolate cake

17 Restaurants to Visit for Rosemont Restaurant Week

Posted by | Chicago, Restaurants | No Comments
Get ready, foodies! The Village of Rosemont Restaurant Week is set to return Sunday, March 2 through Saturday, March 8, 2025. Diners can indulge in specially curated prix fixe, three-course lunch and/or dinner menus at a variety of participating Rosemont restaurants.Rosemont Restaurant Weel tortilla
“Rosemont Restaurant Week has become a highly anticipated annual event, bringing guests back year after year,” said Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens. “With so many outstanding restaurants participating again this year, it’s a fantastic opportunity to discover new flavors, revisit favorite spots and enjoy Rosemont’s exceptional dining offerings at a great value.”
 

2025 Rosemont Restaurant Week participating restaurants include:

  • Bub City
  • Carlucci
  • Carmine’s Rosemont
  • Crust Brewing
  • Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar
  • FLIGHT
  • Giordano’s
  • Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse
  • Land & Lake
  • McCormick & Schmick’s
  • Moretti’s Rosemont
  • Morton’s The Steakhouse
  • Saltwater Coastal Grill
  • SLYCE Rosemont
  • The Ashburn
  • Thorn Restaurant & Lounge
  • Truluck’s
Rosemont Restaurant Week menus and dining reservation information are available to view here.
… Read more
Dec 30
0
Homemade Bailey's Irish Cream

Homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream

Posted by | Beverage, Holidays, Recipes | No Comments

One of my favorite ways to celebrate the holiday season is to design special gifts that I make in my own kitchen. I have created everything from baked items to infused oils, candies and bottled drinks. Today I am sharing my recipe for Homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream. 

This rich and decadent liqueur is the perfect gift as it is a drink that you indulge in on special occasions. it is also the way to elevate your hot chocolate! Hint hint! 

The first time I ever made Homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream was many years ago when my friends were all gathered in my kitchen trying to come up with a way to gift everyone that mattered to us during the holidays.… Read more

Oct 09
0
countertop post title page

DIY Countertop Renovation Done with Ease

Posted by | DIY, Home Design | One Comment

Making a house a home is the beauty of home ownership to me. It is also a constantly evolving process as needs and trends are always changing. A recent project was to update a bathroom without actually replacing the countertop. Thanks to Marble Dreams Resurfacing Kit by Daich Coatings, I was able to easily redesign the space with a modern feel.   

If you have ever gotten to where you want to remodel a space in your home but the timing or budget isn’t right, I have just the solution for you.  I discovered a DIY method to updating your countertops without needing a plumber or spending all that money to buy and install new ones.… Read more

Sep 30
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slice lemon cake

Lemon Layer Cake with Lemon Infused Buttercream

Posted by | Dessert, Recipes | 4 Comments

There is something special about baking a cake from scratch. Creating a flavor and style all your own. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering or just have a sweet tooth, this is the perfect recipe to make. This Lemon Layer Cake with Lemon Infused Buttercream and Whipped Cream Topping is made from ingredients you probably already have in your home. 

Unlike cooking, baking requires us to follow specific measurements which is very different from my “a pinch of this and that” way of cooking. The good thing is this recipe uses your every day ingredients like all purpose flour, sugar, eggs and butter.… Read more

Sep 21
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Big Sky Country Montana

5 Ways to Explore Montana and Its National Parks

Posted by | Tourism, Travel | No Comments

These days, when people say “Yellowstone,” you can’t be sure that they’re talking about America’s first national park. More often than not, they’re referring to one of TV’s most popular series by the same name. Many tourists are visiting Big Sky country looking for the “Yellowstone” lifestyle even if the drama isn’t real. Here are five ways to explore Montana and its amazing National Parks. 

Explore Yellowstone and Glacier by RV

Discover the natural beauty of Yellowstone, Glacier, and more with the comfort and convenience of a new Winnebago RV, you’ll have the freedom to travel at your own pace and experience the great outdoors like never before.… Read more

Sep 06
0
Swiss Air Menu

SWISS Inflight Culinary Program Serving Taste of Switzerland

Posted by | Restaurants, Tourism, Travel | No Comments

SWISS to serve inflight delights from the award-winning FAHR restaurant in Canton Aargau.

For the next three months, SWISS (Swiss International Air Lines) will be offering travelers, on its long-haul services from Switzerland, culinary delights from Canton Aargau. The new First and Business Class meals are the creation of starred chef Manuel Steigmeier, chef de cuisine at the FAHR restaurant in the Aargau village of Künten. For Premium Economy Class guests, this latest chapter in the ‘SWISS Taste of Switzerland’ inflight culinary program also brings selected Aargau specialties that include the canton’s famous ‘Rüeblikuchen’ carrot cake.

The FAHR restaurant is the proud holder of one Michelin star and 17 GaultMillau points.… Read more