Inspiring Kitchen, Author at InspiringKitchen.com - Page 3 of 31

Oct 01
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Sofitel Chicago Hotel

Celebrate Wine Days at the Sofitel Chicago Hotel

Posted by | Chicago, Cocktails, Foods, Tourism, Travel, Wine | No Comments

Looking for a Fall getaway that includes delicious food and wine and a location that can’t be beat? Book a stay at the Sofitel Chicago located just off Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile for Sofitel Wine Days.

Sofitel Chicago Hotel Room with Wine

Sofitel Wine Days

If you are a wine lover, French wine in particular, then Sofitel’s Wine Days are for you. I attended the opening of their Faire la Fête wine tasting celebration which was hosted on La Terrace. From whites to rose to deep reds, these wines were delicious and oh so fragrant. Sofitel Wine Days from Terrace

violin girl at sofitel

sofitel la terrace

Sofitel Chicago Wine Days will continue through October 31 with seasonal fall wine dinners, which are part of the larger wine dinner series, and weekly complimentary wine tastings.… Read more

Aug 02
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Ford F-150 truck Lightning

The Design Features of the 2022 Ford F-150 EV Truck

Posted by | Chicago, Travel, Vehicles | No Comments

On the day I was invited to check out the new 2022 Ford F-150 EV Lightning™ trucks, I immediately thought of my truck-loving friend who always challenged me to consider buying a truck for my next vehicle.

Ford F150 Lightening

Well, Bob, I understand why after learning about the new F-150 Lightning all electric truck. Pickup trucks and electric vehicles were new to me so I have many takeaways to share. Take a look at this video to see the vehicle’s design and features. 

2022 Ford F-150 EV Truck

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning series has a number of different models. Some features are constant across the board.… Read more

Jul 26
0
Ice Cream Month Cones

The Scoop on National Ice Cream Month

Posted by | Foods, Ice Cream | 8 Comments

July is National Ice Cream Month, otherwise known as the sweetest month of the year. This means 31 days of creamy goodness offered up in endless flavors of decadently, delicious ice cream.  

With the goal of doing the “hard research” for this article, I dug deep to get the scoop on the latest flavors and brands in the market. After much investigation, I have compiled a list of classic and unique ice creams for you to sample, brand stories to tell, and organizations to support. Oh, and I found a couple surprises to share with you too. 

National Ice Cream Month

 

Adirondack Creamery

Adirondack Ice Cream

When the CFO of a NYC corporation takes his business knowledge and combines it with his passion for ice cream, Adirondack Creamery is born.… Read more

Jun 12
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Four Cheese Yellow Pizza

Piccolo Buco & Cooper’s Hawk Introduce Authentic Roman Pizza

Posted by | Beverage, Chicago, Cocktails, Foods, Restaurant Opening, Restaurants, Tourism, Travel | 4 Comments
Have you ever traveled to an international city on vacation and discovered the most amazing food and then tried to figure out how you can bring it home with you?  Well, Tim McEnery of Cooper’s Hawk had that same experience, only he made it happen! Read about how Piccolo Buco and Cooper’s Hawk are bringing Roman Pizza to Chicago.
 

Piccolo Buco by Luca Issa & Cooper’s Hawk

⁣Piccolo Buco Cooper's Hawk Roman Pizza

Introducing Piccolo Buco, by Chef Luca Issa of Piccolo Buco Roma and Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants, where you will find the most delicious and unique Roman pizza. 
chef luca issa
⁣The magic of Chef Luca’s pizza comes down to the extraordinary crust that is light and airy inside and yet has a tall crispy edge.
… Read more
Jun 08
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NRA sign

2022 National Restaurant Show Trends and Innovations

Posted by | Chicago, Foods, Restaurants, Trade Show, Trends | 6 Comments

The National Restaurant Show took over Chicago’s McCormick Place last week showcasing the latest restaurant innovations. This four-day event that brings together over 60,000 food service professionals came back to life after the pandemic as it introduced us to the latest trends in the industry.  What do you think of the 2022 National Restaurant Association trends?

NRA exhibit floor

Exhibitors and attendees alike were happy to be seeing colleagues once again and talking shop. There was definitely an energy throughout the halls to get back to business as we knew it. This is a very big show which means lots to see and explore.… Read more

Jan 26
0
shelfgenie title page

Kitchen Organization with ShelfGenie Custom Shelves: Installation Day

Posted by | Chicago, Home Design, Kitchen Design, Remodeling | 8 Comments

The day I have been eagerly waiting for is here!  ShelfGenie installation time. As I mentioned in Part 1 of my kitchen’s small renovation project, I discovered a solution to my cabinet organization challenges when I learned about ShelfGenie at a home design conference. 

ShelfGenie is a national organization with local outlets that provide custom shelving and design ideas to help improve the way your home functions. This could be in your kitchen, pantry, bathroom, laundry room or office. Working in the housewares industry, loving to cook and entertain friends and family but having limited storage means everything I have is stacked on top of each other. … Read more

Jan 09
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SWISSOTEL CHICAGO STAYCATION

A Staycation at the Swissotel Chicago Offers Rest, Relaxation & Stunning Views

Posted by | Chicago, Hotel, Travel | 10 Comments

The start of the new year isn’t so much about resolutions for me as it is about the need for a refresh. You know what I mean. A getaway to clear your mind even if just for a few days. The reason why a Swissotel Chicago staycation with the beauty of the city architecture seen from every window, relaxing environment and close proximity to all things Chicago is just the remedy to welcome in 2022.

A Swissotel Chicago Staycation

If you haven’t considered a staycation before, I highly recommend it. Whether you reside in Chicago or live in close proximity (driving distance if air travel is not being considered), you must book a stay at the Swissotel.… Read more

Nov 30
0
Caramel Corn goodie bags

Easy Homemade Caramel Corn

Posted by | Desserts, Foods, Recipes | 16 Comments

This post was sponsored by Truvia® Sweet Complete®. All opinions expressed in my post are my own. 

As soon as the weather has a chill in the air, my baking equipment comes out of the cabinet. Pantry shelves become filled with different varieties of flours, chocolates and nuts. And of course, I need a sweetness to make my desserts decadently good. Which is why I am sharing my first recipe of the season for my Homemade Caramel Corn using Truvia® Sweet Complete® Brown Sweetener.

Caramel Corn with Truvia

This zero-calorie per serving sweetener adds a warm brown sugar flavor using plant-based stevia. When you use it in your recipes, it measures cup-for-cup making it so easy to replace traditional brown sugar in your creations.… Read more

Nov 08
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shelf genie title

ShelfGenie: High Quality Custom Shelving for your Home

Posted by | Chicago, Home Design, Kitchen Design, Organization, Remodeling | 12 Comments

What’s your favorite room in your home? For me, it is my kitchen. No surprise to anyone who knows me or follows me on social media. In my houseware world and home design adventures, I learned about a company called ShelfGenie. And they really are!  

shelf genie booklet resized

A Genie that is. They can magically make cabinets and drawers a place of organization and not dread. I’m sure you know what I mean. You need to find an ingredient in your pantry but it looks like a deep cavern of boxes, bottles and bags. In order to find what you are looking for, you have to take everything out.… Read more

Sep 28
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NATIONAL COFFEE DAY

National Coffee Day 2021: 14 Coffee Beans and Flavored Treats to Try

Posted by | Beverage, Coffee, Foods | 5 Comments

Coffee lovers, our day is fast approaching! National Coffee Day is Wednesday, September 29 (and October 1 for International Coffee Day). Whether you are a fan of coffee from your local shop or brew your own at home, there is a cup waiting for you. Since I drink most of my coffee at home, exploring new brands and ways to enjoy my favorite beverage flavor is a challenge I welcome. So, on this special day designed for coffee fans, I am sharing a selection of 14 coffee flavored drinks, sweets and snacks for you to sample.

Now, some people drink coffee for the energy boost – thanks, caffeine!… Read more