Gin Archives - InspiringKitchen.com

A Culinary Exploration of Finland’s Food and Drink World

Posted by | Cocktails, Restaurants, Travel | 9 Comments

Traveling to Northern Europe to explore Finland’s food and drink world should be high on your list of culinary adventures given the enormous talent found in the country. 

Finland may be known for the Northern Lights, snowy-white winter beauty of Lapland, Salla Reindeer Park and Santa Claus Village, but there is so much more to be found in this stunning country. An under-the-radar culinary world that rivals that of cities far larger is quietly but powerfully making enormous impressions on those with an appreciation for the talent that creates dishes worthy of award recognition.

Without the glitzy fanfare of their neighbors, this low-key, yet sophisticated country has an impressive food and beverage space.Read more

Cocktails, Outdoor Dining and Ping-Pong in Chicago

Posted by | Restaurants, Spirits | 22 Comments

It’s definitely Summer in Chicago. Rain or shine, there are so many fun things going on to share with you.

Sunshine

Earl’s Kitchen + Bar

I learned about this restaurant last August at a Food and Wine Event that I wrote about here. I had no idea that this place was going to become my “go-to” place for a bite to eat and/or cocktails on the patio. Earl’s is located in a newly developed area called New City which is bordering Lincoln Park in Chicago. In this community, you will find restaurants, a movie theater, bowling alley, grocery store, furniture store and apartments among other stores to check out.… Read more

How to Build a Home Bar

Posted by | Bar, Education, Entertaining, Entertainment, Favorite Finds, Housewares | 16 Comments

Making cocktails for your friends and family doesn’t need to be intimidating or complicated.  You are all set in the kitchen with your ingredients and cookware, but what about your home bar? Do you have everything you need? Or is the question, do you know what you need? Having the basic components and equipment available is a really good start. Knowing how often we like to entertain this time of year, it seems appropriate to showcase how simple it is to build a home bar.

Inspiring Kitchen How to set up a home bar

I recently had the privilege of speaking with Mixologist Extraordinaire, Lynn House. Lynn shared her recommendations on what you might want to consider for your home bar.… Read more