Eli's Cheesecake Archives - InspiringKitchen.com

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

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

Oct 13
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Chicago Gourmet Turns Ten

Posted by | Festival, Restaurants | 10 Comments

Chicago Gourmet Turns Ten – Celebrating ten years, attendees enjoyed bites from prestigious Chicago restaurants, chefs, wine and spirit brands at festival.

The HOTTEST event of the year, both literally and figuratively, took place in Chicago’s Millennium Park September 23-24. Chicago Gourmet, celebrating its 10 year anniversary, opened to a weekend of soaring temperatures, blue skies and big crowds. The 94 degree temperatures made an already warm and welcoming group of people even more so. Chicago Gourmet Turns 10

Opening ceremonies for this momentous occasion included Illinois Restaurant Association president and CEO, Sam Toia, Chicago’s Mayor Rahm Emanuel and a wealth of Chefs from near and far.… Read more

Oct 07
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Dining and Drinking at Chicago Gourmet 2016

Posted by | Culinary Event | 5 Comments

The Fall season brings many wonderful things to Chicagoans. And nothing is more exciting for someone who loves the culinary scene more than Bon Appetit presents Chicago Gourmet. In fact, this is the 9th year of this upscale, diverse, educational, fun and delicious food festival.  

chicago gourmet 2016 inspiring kitchen

(Aperol Spritz – Aperol, Mionetto Prosecco, Splash of Soda)

Taking place in Millennium Park, Chicago Gourmet offers attendees a full weekend filled with activities, adventures and great food. You will find chef demonstrations, interactive wine and cocktail seminars, the best of the best restaurants offering samples of their creations, wineries, spirit purveyors and breweries pouring their specialties, food brands sampling new products, cookbooks being introduced and parties like Friday night’s Hamburger Hop and the exclusive Grand Cru tasting.… 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

Oct 01
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Culinary Heaven Chicago Gourmet Food n Wine

Posted by | Culinary Event, Education, Festival | 19 Comments

Chicago’s grandest food and wine event, Chicago Gourmet, took place this past weekend. Whether you are local or a tourist, dining in Chicago is always a fun and sometimes adventurous experience. For the eighth year, Chicago Gourmet was held in the heart of the city’s Millennium Park. The in-demand tickets sold out well in advance of the first day’s activities. (Heads up if you want to go next year!)

This culinary heaven showcases Chicago’s greatest chefs, restaurants, Master Sommeliers, wine, spirit and beer makers. In addition, celebrated chefs like Emeril Lagasse, Lorena Garcia, and Jean-George Vongerichten just to name a few, hosted cooking demonstrations on Bon Appetit’s Main and Culinary Stages.… Read more

Jul 16
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Experiencing The Taste of Chicago Food Festival

Posted by | Culinary Event, Festival, Foods, Tourism | 25 Comments

Chicago is known for so many amazing things from the architecture of the city to the beautiful beaches to the Magnificent Mile of shopping to the arts to our sports teams and of course, to the food and restaurant scene. For five days in July, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events welcomes everyone to the Taste of Chicago Food Festival held in Grant Park on Chicago’s glorious lakefront.

Inspiring Kitchen Taste of Chicago

Since 1980, visitors have been offered a wide range of food options, musical acts and cooking demonstrations among other reasons to attend the fest. This year, there were more than 60 restaurants, pop-ups and food trucks including 19 new restaurants serving their specialties.… Read more