The Blanchard Archives - InspiringKitchen.com

Rumi Spice Saffron Risotto

Posted by | Foods, Recipes | 18 Comments

Rumi Spice Saffron Risotto – Learning about the origination of Rumi Spice, it’s founders and how to harvest and use saffron in recipes like Saffron Risotto.

When you hear that a spice company was created by 4 military officers with Harvard and West Point backgrounds, what would you imagine the product is? If I told you that the company, Rumi Spice, works with Afghan farmers to bring the highest quality saffron to us, would you realize that their mission is to cultivate peace in Afghanistan? You would be right if you said yes.

I had the distinct pleasure of being invited to a dinner held at The Blanchard Restaurant in Chicago to learn about the company’s origination and more specifically how to use saffron in your dishes.… Read more

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