Chicago Archives - Page 2 of 3 - InspiringKitchen.com

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 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

Jul 30
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Eli's Cheesecake

Eli’s Cheesecake: A Sweet Story of Dessert and Generosity

Posted by | Chicago, Culinary Event, Desserts | No Comments

When people talk about what food Chicago is famous for, the first thing mentioned is “deep dish pizza”. Well, another Chicago food tradition (and a personal favorite) actually started back in 1966 with the opening of Eli’s the Place for Steak. Chicago style cheesecake was introduced to diners at the restaurant in the late 1970’s as the signature dessert.

original mixer Eli's Cheesecake: A Sweet Story of Dessert and Generosity

Eli’s Cheesecake: A little history

Long time restaurateur, Eli Schulman, had successfully created two previous dining venues before opening Eli’s the Place for Steak just off the Magnificent Mile. He had a celebrity following from legends Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr.… Read more

May 28
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17 Finds from the 2019 National Restaurant Show

Posted by | Chicago, Foods, Restaurants, Trade Show | No Comments

eli's cheesecake from the National Restaurant Show

2019 is the 100 year anniversary of the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show. Record attendance with more than 65,500 exhibitors, restaurant operators, retail foodservice professionals, equipment dealers, food distributors and many others. This massive show takes over three halls at McCormick Place in Chicago. Given the demand, in 2020, their will be a fourth exhibit hall! 

17 Finds from the 2019 National Restaurant Show

Chicago’s own, Eli’s Cheesecake, created a 1,200 pound cheesecake that was cut during the opening ceremony. Chef Rick Bayless and LT. Governor, Juliana Stratton were present. 

Chef Rick Bayless, LT Governor Juliana Stratton

As I walked the show, my goal was to find new products, cooking tips, tabletop ideas and overall trends.… Read more

Apr 03
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Favorite Finds from the International Home and Housewares Show

Posted by | Chicago, Housewares, Housewares Show, Trade Show | No Comments

After five days of exploring the 2019 International Home and Housewares Show, I can honestly tell you that I still love going to this show! With more than 60,000 attendees and 2,200 exhibitors, there is so much to see and learn about. The show is held at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center in three of its enormous halls. 

What never ceases to amaze me is the creativity of products shown. Yes, all the major brands are there but so are small, soon-to-be-well-known (in my opinion) companies from all over the world. If you have ever wondered how a product comes to life, consider that someone had a need and made it happen. … Read more

Oct 03
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Highlights from Chicago’s Premier Food and Wine Festival – Chicago Gourmet

Posted by | Bon Appetit, Chefs, Chicago, Culinary Event, Illinois Restaurant Association, Restaurants | No Comments

Highlights from Chicago's Premier Food and Wine Festival - Chicago Gourmet

Highlights from Chicago’s Premier Food and Wine Festival – Chicago Gourmet – We ate, we drank and we #RockedTheFork at this year’s culinary event.

 

Chicago’s Millennium Park was the place to be as we celebrated the 11th year of Chicago Gourmet. The theme of #RockTheFork had hundreds of chefs, master sommeliers, wine and spirit makers and others sharing their specialties.

Chicago Gourmet Opening Ceremony

Highlights from Chicago's Premier Food and Wine Festival - Chicago Gourmet

Music played a big role in entertaining the more than 14,000 attendees with sounds ranging from guitar to the Blues to Mariachi’s to rock (of course!). 

Highlights from Chicago's Premier Food and Wine Festival - Chicago Gourmet

This world class culinary festival started off with an opening ceremony led by Illinois Restaurant Association President and CEO, Sam Toia, Bon Appetit’s Editor In Chief Adam Rapoport, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Illinois, Mike House, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, along with celebrity chefs Rick Bayless, Carla Hall, Lorena Garcia, Bravo’s Top Chef, Joe Flamm and others. … Read more

Jul 31
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Hyatt Cooks Up The Good Taste Series Culinary Competition

Posted by | Chicago, Culinary Event, Restaurants, Travel | No Comments

Hyatt Cooks Up The Good Taste Series Culinary Competition – Eleven chefs from Hyatt hotels compete Iron Chef style for winner to attend global competition.

If you are a fan of Food Network shows Iron Chef or Chopped or Bravo’s Top Chef, you can imagine how nerve-wracking it must be for the chefs competing to win that coveted title. Their culinary knowledge and creativity are all tested in a fast paced environment. To say the kitchen is “hot” is an understatement!

In the spirit of these shows, I was invited for the second time to judge a chef competition for the Hyatt Corporation. In… Read more

Jul 15
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Beer, BBQ and Country Music at Windy City Smokeout

Posted by | Chicago, Culinary Event, Festival, Restaurants, Tourism | No Comments
 
Grab your cowboy boots and hat and make your way to the Windy City Smokeout happening this weekend in Chicago. Gates just opened for the 5th year of this food and music fest with two stages filled with artists from around the country entertaining fans all weekend long. 

Beer, BBQ and Country Music at Windy City Smokeout

With over 25 country music bands playing throughout the three day festival

Beer, BBQ and Country Music at Windy City Smokeout

and 20 of the world’s best pitmasters sharing their BBQ creations, this is an event you just can’t miss. … Read more

Jun 18
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2018 Sweets and Snacks Expo Favorite Finds and Trends

Posted by | Chicago, Snacks, Sweets, Trade Show | 12 Comments

2018 Sweets and Snacks Expo Favorite Finds and Trends – Summary of the unique finds from the trade show including vegetable chips and puffs, dark and white chocolate additions, protein packed snacks, spicy and sour treats and so much more.

When you go to a trade show where the name is the Sweets and Snacks Expo, how excited would you be? The opportunity to sample a vast assortment of candy and salty snacks from well-known and new brands is bound to make anyone happy. The catch is only those who work in the channels that support this industry are able to attend.… Read more

Apr 03
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2018 International Home and Housewares Show Favorite Finds

Posted by | Chicago, Housewares, Trade Show | 2 Comments

2018 International Home and Housewares Show Favorite Finds – Sharing trends found at the show in coffee, baking, design, kitchen gadgets, cookware and creative ideas.

The 2018 International Home and Housewares Show lived up to its annual extravaganza with more exhibitors and trends than ever. So many creative concepts from colors to innovations to technology infused to eco friendly! A big focus on coffee this year as well which couldn’t have excited this coffee lover more.  

Latte art from Nespresso. My self-portrait! See how it was done. 

2018 International Home and Housewares Show Favorite Finds

Note the spatula wall from Tovolo which is what I wrote about in the About section on how Inspiring Kitchen came to be:

Coffee/Espresso

Espro makes the French press with two sets of filters to prevent coffee grounds from getting into your coffee. … Read more