Inspiring Kitchen, Author at InspiringKitchen.com - Page 19 of 32

Aug 01
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Country Music and BBQ Shine at Windy City Smokeout Festival

Posted by | Festival, Foods | 16 Comments

As anyone who pays attention to the weather knows, winter in Chicago means one of hibernation. But summertime is another story. We are outdoors. Every day, if possible. One of the many reasons to love living in a city like Chicago are the vast assortment of summer festivals. Chicago has an abundance of them throughout the summer whether food, sports, art or music. No matter where you live, you will find one near you. In its fourth year, one of the most recent food festivals to pop up is Windy City Smokeout.

Country Music and BBQ Shine at Windy City Smokeout Festival

With the 23 Country music bands playing over the course of the weekend, attendees had the opportunity to listen to their favorites throughout the festival.… Read more

Jul 27
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9 Best Chicago Ice Cream, Custard and Gelato Shops

Posted by | Favorite Finds, Foods | 13 Comments

To this day, whenever someone asks you to get ice cream, does the ice cream jingle automatically start playing in your head? You know, the one that goes: “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!” I had never put much thought into why I think about that jingle or when I started reciting it until my friend must have finally heard it enough to ask me why. It got me thinking… after a few good reminiscing minutes, I proposed this question to my friend:

When you were a kid and you heard that beloved ice cream truck song, what did you do?… Read more

Jul 25
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A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

Posted by | Restaurants, Tourism, Travel | 13 Comments

Vacation. What does that mean to you? For me, it is something to look forward too. An escape from the real world of stress, work, traffic and just life. It doesn’t have to be long. Doesn’t have to be far away. Just has to be new scenery. In other words, days off but not staying at home as that is not a vacation in my eyes. You go SOMEWHERE.

Maybe you are able to get on a plane and land in a place that is your piece of heaven. Or maybe, you are lucky enough to have a small piece of sunshine just a short drive away.… Read more

Jul 15
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How to Blend Your Own Olive Oil

Posted by | Education, Foods | 4 Comments

The word “profile” can have a multitude of implications. Its use extends from someone’s Facebook page to food’s specific taste and all the way to the signature of a suspect being tracked by the stars of Criminal Minds. Despite the various applications of the word, they all have the same purpose: to describe something unique and particular.  My use of the word “profile” is strictly in terms of food – more specifically, the flavor profiles of olive oil. 

How to Blend Olive Oil

Walking into a grocery store and seeing the vast number of bottles of olive oil on the shelves may be overwhelming. The following information is intended to clarify how to best interpret the labels on each bottle.… Read more

Jul 13
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Exploring The Taste of Chicago Festival

Posted by | Festival, Foods, Restaurants | 15 Comments

“Summer, fun and food” could only mean Taste of Chicago, the world’s largest free food and music festival held in Grant Park along the gorgeous lakefront. 69 restaurants including food trucks and pop-up restaurants from across Chicagoland offered their signature dishes in full size and Taste portions. The Petrillo Music Shell hosting musical artists The Roots, Kongos, The Decemberists, Billy Idol and The Isley Brothers each evening of the fest. 

Chicago's Most Popular Summer Food Festival

As the culinary scene expands so do the diverse items being offered. You will find everything from classic food festival items, ethnic cuisine, sweet treats and gourmet choices.

 

 

Chicago's Most Popular Summer Food Festival

Sweet treats:

Chicago's Most Popular Summer Food Festival

 

Chicago's Most Popular Summer Food Festival

Some adventures choices from Chicago’s Dog House: Alligator smoked sausage and Rattlesnake, rabbit and pork sausage

Chicago's Most Popular Summer Food Festival

In case you thought food was brought to the festival already made…..Vee… Read more

Jul 07
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National Restaurant Association Show 2016 Trend Report

Posted by | Foods, Restaurants, Trade Show | 18 Comments

When you bring together a vast group of restaurant, hospitality and foodservice people, you will undoubtedly see a passion for the industry and the opportunity to learn something. This experience took place recently at the 2016 National Restaurant and BAR (Beverage Alcohol for Restaurants) show held at McCormick Place in Chicago.

nra bar show trends report

 

The NRA Show increased in size from last year without question from an exhibitor and registrant perspective. There were more than 67.000 registrants from around the world in attendance. While this show is not designed for consumers to attend, the outcome of what is learned and shared at this show plays a role in what we encounter when visiting restaurants and utilizing food service locations.… Read more

Jul 06
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Cocktails, Outdoor Dining and Ping-Pong in Chicago

Posted by | Restaurants, Spirits | 22 Comments

It’s definitely Summer in Chicago. Rain or shine, there are so many fun things going on to share with you.

Sunshine

Earl’s Kitchen + Bar

I learned about this restaurant last August at a Food and Wine Event that I wrote about here. I had no idea that this place was going to become my “go-to” place for a bite to eat and/or cocktails on the patio. Earl’s is located in a newly developed area called New City which is bordering Lincoln Park in Chicago. In this community, you will find restaurants, a movie theater, bowling alley, grocery store, furniture store and apartments among other stores to check out.… Read more

Jul 01
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The Secret of the Weber Grill Restaurants

Posted by | Housewares, Restaurants | 21 Comments

Everyone has heard of a Weber Grill, but few know the iconic history behind the company and how it changed the grilling game forever. This true American story takes place right here in Chicago in the early 1950s with George Stephen Sr. as the protagonist.

Weber Grill Restaurants

Prior to Weber Grills, the market only included open grills. These grills lacked covers, making grilling dependent upon the weather. This all changed in 1952 when George Stephen, Sr. had the revolutionary idea to create a dome-shaped grill. The roundness of the grill would seal the smoke in, giving the food that mouth-watering smoky flavor, as well as provide protection against the weather.… Read more

Jun 30
0

Red White Blue Sweet and Spicy Spinach Salad

Posted by | Housewares, Recipes | 17 Comments

I don’t know about you, but I am so happy to have a long weekend to just relax. A little cooking, a lot of sleeping and even some reading sounds like a perfect way to spend the tranquil days.

sweet and spicy spinach salad July 4th

 

Then, once rejuvenated, it’s time to have some fun with family and friends. BBQ, picnics, lots of laughter and music and hanging out on the deck sound just about ideal to me. Monday’s celebration includes that previously mentioned BBQ. For this gathering, I have been charged with making a salad. Doesn’t sound too exciting, but I have lots of ideas. 

sweet and spicy spinach salad July 4th

Since it is the 4th of July, I need to amp it up a bit.… Read more

Jun 22
0

Sustainable Atlantic Sapphire Salmon

Posted by | Foods, Recipe, Recipes, Restaurants | 26 Comments

Did you make a resolution to eat healthy this year? So many of us try to make smart decisions when it comes to food choices but it can get so confusing. We know that salmon is good for us but heard that it is being overfished and thus potentially declining in availability.

Inspiring Kitchen Atlantic Salmon

For that reason alone, I was intrigued to learn about a brand of salmon that is producing a delicious, nutritious and sustainable salmon. We know a number of things about salmon in general. Being low in calories and saturated fats while also containing high levels of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is considered extremely nutritious.… Read more