I first discovered Cuban food on a business trip to Miami. I instantly fell in love with the comforting flavors of this cuisine. I also found one of my all-time favorite foods – fried plantains! Don’t even get me started on Cuban coffee, café cubano, which is insanely addictive, and the only thing that kept me going each morning after late nights of enjoying Miami’s party scene!
Chicago definitely isn’t Miami, but I’m happy to have found some great Cuban restaurants, such as Habana Libre, Cafe Laguardia, and now 90 Miles …

Looking for someting to do this weekend?
Macy’s Culinary Council will be doing a food & wine pairing demonstration this Saturday, July 17 at noon.  Culinary Council Chef and Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson will be showing us the basics of proper food and wine partners.  Andrea will also be introducing her new line of stemware called “The One”, which is suitable for both red & white wines.  Culinary Council Chef and restaurateur Takashi Yagihashi will demonstrate how to entertain using seasonal ingredients.  Andrea will be available to sign her new cookbook, …

Ready for some eye candy? 
Take a look at some of the highlights from my trip to the Taste of Chicago.  While the organizers reported that numbers were down by as much as 700,000 this year, there was no evidence of that when I went on Thursday night – it was PACKED! 
Some people complain about the prices at The Taste.  Mr. Man and I shared 9 different things, and we did it all with only 4 strips of tickets – about $24.  Granted, we didn’t buy any alcohol, which is how …

YAY to Yelp Eats! for introducing me to a fantastic new restaurant.  If you haven’t been to Duchamp, put it on your list of places to try this summer.  Not only is the menu delicious, but the patio is the PERFECT place to spend a lovely summer evening.
Duchamp is in the old Meritage space.  While I do miss Meritage, Duchamp definitely makes up for it!  The patio has been re-done and has a much more modern look, but is no less charming.  I love the wooden communal tables.  The interior is …

Love it or hate it, the Taste of Chicago is starting this Friday, June 25 and running through July 4.
Right now you can buy discounted tickets for $6 a strip at Dominick’s.  Once The Taste starts, tickets will be $8 a strip.
The Taste is so much more than just turkey legs and frozen bananas!  Each year I find something new and delicious, and of course I also have a few favorites that I seek out each year.  I like to get tasting portions, so I can graze for a few …