Restaurants Archives - Page 5 of 5 - InspiringKitchen.com

Mar 24
0

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 17
0

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

Feb 24
0

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

Sep 02
0

Solution to Hard To Get Reservations

Posted by | Education, Restaurants, Technology, Tourism | One Comment

How often does it happen that you are on a business trip and in a city that has a restaurant you are dying to go too. But, when you call, there are no available reservations for weeks. No sweet talk or cajoling gets you that much-coveted table.

Well, Table8 has found a solution to this frustrating culinary challenge. A new restaurant reservation platform launched in major cities across the country that gives you access to the best restaurants in the city even if they are fully booked.

Inspiring Kitchen Table8 Reservations Solutions(Balena Restaurant, Chicago)

By joining the Table8 program, you will have the opportunity to dine at top participating restaurants across the country on short notice.… Read more

May 26
0

2015 NRA Favorite Finds

Posted by | Restaurants, Retailer, Trade Show, Trends | 25 Comments

The 2015 National Restaurant Show just ended leaving me with lots of interesting products and trends to share with you. While the NRA show is predominantly for those who work in the food service industry, there are definitely items that can be found from the consumer standpoint as well as giving ideas of trends that will potentially be in the retail world for consumers to purchase. The vastness of the show includes such categories as restaurant equipment, foods, beverages, table top (dinnerware, glassware, etc), decor and technology. What I am sharing below is a taste of what I saw that I think you might find intriguing.… Read more

Mar 02
0

Luxury Dining at Casa Velas Hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Posted by | Luxury, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, Restaurants, Travel | 34 Comments

When you think of an international culinary experience, do you think of Mexico? How about Puerto Vallarta? If you answered “no”, then you are missing out on a wonderful experience. I recently had the pleasure of dining at the lovely Emiliano’s Restaurant located in the Marina area of Puerto Vallarta. This Four Diamond restaurant is nestled in the luxury all-inclusive Casa Velas boutique hotel.

 Inspiring Kitchen Casa Velas Mexico entrance dining

 Entering the grounds of Casa Velas sets the mood for what the evening will be like. The meticulous landscaping, gracious staff, peaceful ambience and attentive service begin when you first enter the property and continue through out the night.… Read more

Oct 06
0

Food and Wine Event: Chicago Gourmet

Posted by | Culinary Event, Foods, Illinois Restaurant Association, Restaurants, Wine | 5 Comments

Just 7 years ago, Chicago launched its first food and wine event known as Chicago Gourmet. This past weekend, Bon Appetit presented Chicago Gourmet, a celebration of food and wine, showcasing more than 190 of Chicago’s finest restaurants and chefs, as well as hundreds of renowned vintners, spirit makers and premium breweries from around the world.

 Inspiring Kitchen Chicago Gourmet Bon Appetit Culinary heaven food

If you are into the food scene, you may already be familiar with food and wine shows that are held in Aspen or South Beach. They are shows filled with exciting restaurants, chefs both local and national and trends in the wine and food industries.… Read more

May 21
2

National Restaurant Show Favorites 2014

Posted by | National Restaurant Association, Restaurants, Trade Show | 13 Comments

This week, I had the opportunity to attend the National Restaurant Association Show as well as the International Wine, Spirits and Beer event in Chicago. These trade shows are intended to showcase products, operational equipment, services, food and beverage items from over 1800 exhibitors for those who have some connection to the restaurant space. As someone who is very familiar with the International Housewares Show, this show offered me a different perspective on the world of cooking and housewares.

 

Here is my list of items that I found while walking the show that you might find delicious/enticing/helpful and just fun to have.… Read more