Inspiring Kitchen, Author at InspiringKitchen.com - Page 21 of 32

Apr 25
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New Restaurant Adventures in Chicago

Posted by | Restaurants | 10 Comments

In any big city, the opportunity to check out new restaurants is an ongoing adventure. Over the course of the last few months, I have been invited to visit some really wonderful places that I wanted to share with you. Each place has its own vibe and ambience giving you lots of choices for a great meal or fun night out.

Beef & Barley

If you are looking for a neighborhood joint that is comfortable and welcoming but with seriously good food, then, you need to try Beef & Barley. We visited for brunch and from the Bloody Mary’s with the endless bacon option to the punch bowls with a serious kick to the Mimosa Bar, you will start that morning off right.… Read more

Apr 21
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Marimekko Design Launches at Target Stores

Posted by | Designer, Launch | 19 Comments

If you love fabric and color, you may already be familiar with a brand called Marimekko. This Finnish company is now partnering with Target stores to bring their lines of clothing, home décor and kitchenware to its shoppers.

Marimekko launches in Target Inspiring Kitchen

The formal opening of the Marimekko collection launched Sunday, April 17. You can find the collection in both Target stores and online.

Marimekko launches in Target Inspiring Kitchen

(photos courtesy of Target)

There is so much about this brand that I just love. The rich colors, simple design and messages that represent the philosophy that define Marimekko. The company began in 1951 with the mission of bringing joy to everyday life.… Read more

Apr 01
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Fresh Healthy Vegetable Omelets To Go

Posted by | Bakeware, Housewares, Recipes | 44 Comments

Having a healthy breakfast is the way to start your day off on the right foot. But sometimes finding time to make it is the challenge. With the start of spring, my goal is to create easy, healthy, on-the-go types of dishes. Since eggs are perfect for any time of day, this was a great place to begin. 

Most people have muffin pans in their kitchen. Have you ever wondered if there is another way to use them? Well, how about making individual omelets that you can make and eat like you would a cupcake? No fork needed.

Inspiring Kitchen Omelets to go

This is the simplest recipe and something you can do to completely accommodate your family or guests’ food preferences.… Read more

Mar 24
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Chop Chicago: A Neighborhood Steakhouse

Posted by | Restaurants | 28 Comments

When you think of going to a steakhouse restaurant, what comes to mind? For me, I think of dark, clubby, more formal environments that can have a business feel to them. Well, since that wasn’t the purpose of my dinner this time, I was very happy to discover a new restaurant with a different ambience. Chop Chicago is a new steakhouse located in the South Loop area of Chicago adjacent to the ShowPlace Icon movie theaters in the Roosevelt Collection.

Inspiring Kitchen Chop Chicago Steakhouse

While you may see the dark booths, the rest of the space is an easy place to be in whether you are sitting at the table or at the bar watching a game.… Read more

Mar 22
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Favorites from International Housewares Show Part Two

Posted by | Housewares, Housewares Show, Trade Show | 9 Comments

As promised, this is the second part in my summary of the International Home and Housewares Show. There was just too many memorable items to be covered in one post!

For anyone interested in housewares, this past week’s show would have been your playground. The International Home and Housewares Show ran from March 5 – 8 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. At the show, you will find over 2,100 exhibitors from over 40 countries, educational seminars, cooking demonstrations at the show’s cooking theater, in booth cooking demonstrations, book signings and many other activities.

Coming to the show every year is something I genuinely enjoy doing.… Read more

Mar 18
1
How to tile a backsplash Inspiring Kitchen

How to Tile a Backsplash

Posted by | DIY, Home Design, Remodel | 16 Comments

Have you ever wondered how hard it is to do some of these DIY projects you see on TV or read about in magazines or blogs? Well, I am pretty adventurous when it comes to trying to do projects around my house. I just try to educate myself as much as possible beforehand. In this situation, it has to do with backsplash tile. 

TLC had a show called Trading Spaces where homeowners traded homes and did a remodeling project with the help of a trained interior designer. While there were definitely some questionable things done to their neighbor’s homes (grass on the wall???),… Read more

Mar 17
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An Invitation to Alzheimers Association, Rita Hayworth Gala

Posted by | Fundraiser, Restaurants | 12 Comments

Time is of the Essence. Every 67 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease. That’s a scary statistic. As someone whose family has been affected by Alzheimer’s disease, this cause is very close to my heart. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of so many doctors, researchers and the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association, we are seeing progress in better understanding this disease.

Inspiring Kitchen Alzheimers Rita Hayworth Gala

At last night’s “Time is of the Essence” Rita Hayworth Gala Kick-Off Party, more than 150 guests enjoyed the culinary talents of Chicago’s top chefs while celebrating the 29th anniversary of the Gala. Brian Enyart and Jennifer Jones Enyart from Dos Urban Cantina, Ryan Pitts from RL Restaurant and Paul Virant from Vie Restaurant and Perennial Virant offered their specialties of the evening:

From Chef Paul Virant:

Smoked Carrots, Creamed Spinach, Aillade

Inspiring Kitchen Alzheimers Rita Hayworth Gala

From Chef Ryan Pitts:

Beef Short Rib Burger, Truffle Aioli, Butterhead Lettuce

Inspiring Kitchen Alzheimers Rita Hayworth Gala

From Chefs Brian Enyart and Jennifer Jones Enyart:

Sweet Corn Tamal with Roasted Tomato Salsa and Charred Parmesan

Inspiring Kitchen Alzheimers Rita Hayworth Gala

Inspiring Kitchen Alzheimer's Rita Hayworth Gala

And Chocolate Cake (note that this cake’s name is so oversimplifying the depth of chocolate in this cake!)… Read more

Mar 14
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Top Finds and Trends from 2016 International Home and Housewares Show

Posted by | Favorite Finds, Housewares, Housewares Show, Trade Show | 29 Comments

For anyone interested in housewares, this past week’s show would have been your playground. The International Home and Housewares Show ran from March 5 – 8 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. At the show, you will find over 2,100 exhibitors from over 40 countries, educational seminars, cooking demonstrations at the show’s cooking theater, in booth cooking demonstrations, book signings and many other activities.

Top finds and trends housewares show 2016

Coming to the show every year is something I genuinely enjoy doing. I am fascinated by the new technology that is showing up in our housewares products. The color, design and creation of pieces that will make our homes, kitchens and cooking experiences so much more pleasurable.… Read more

Feb 24
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Tickled Pink Gala for Breast Cancer Awareness

Posted by | Fundraiser, Restaurants | 7 Comments

Tickled Pink. Cute expression, right? What if I told you that Tickled Pink Chicago has raised over $1.8 million since 2005 for breast cancer research and awareness? This fabulous event was started by the talented Jodi Fyfe, in memory of her beloved cousin, Carrie Kenney, who at a young age, lost her battle with breast cancer. Looking for ways to honor her vibrant cousin, she launched Tickled Pink Chicago creating an annual fundraiser to honor Carrie’s philosophy to celebrate life. In 2013, Tickled Pink Chicago partnered with Bright Pink, the only national non-profit organization focusing on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer.… Read more

Feb 15
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The Coffee Lover’s All In One Ninja Coffee Bar

Posted by | Appliances, Coffee, Favorite Finds, Housewares | 23 Comments

I love coffee. It’s not really a secret. I talk about it on Inspiring Kitchen and in social media pretty often. I don’t drink it for the caffeine. I drink it because I love the taste of good coffee. And that is the key: Good Coffee!

Inspiring Kitchen Ninja Coffee Bar

If you could see my kitchen, you would notice all my coffee machine vices. I like learning about new machines, how they work, and if they will accomplish my goals and make tasty drinks. With that said, let me share my newest discovery. The Ninja Coffee Bar. Have you caught the commercials yet? You know, the one with Sofia Vergara.… Read more