dining out – In Good Taste

Where to Dine Gluten-Free in Chicago Restaurants

Maris Callahan — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 01:50:43 +0000

Last month, my cousin Kristin came to visit Brad and me for a weekend. She goes to University of Alabama and because she grew up in New York City, was clearly craving an urban adventure in the Midwest. Even though we’re about 15 years apart and didn’t grow up together, Kristin and I are so similar in so many ways. One of those ways is that we both love, love, love to eat. Usually, I have a go-to laundry list of restaurants to take out of town visitors. It includes deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s, tacos at Big Star, classic Italian food at Club Lago, Chicago-style hot dogs at Portillo’s, the list goes on and on. This trip was a little trickier because Kristin was diagnosed with celiac disease a few years ago, so she eats a gluten-free diet. When Kristin booked her ticket, I did some research to find restaurants with gluten-free menus or gluten-free options in Chicago. I thought it was going to be challenging, but it turned out that we were able to go to many of my favorite restaurants and make only minor modifications to our orders. It’s hard to believe that we fit this much eating into one weekend, but […]

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Must Eats: 9 Casual Restaurants in New York City

Maris Callahan — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 07:23:48 +0000

It’s easy to go to New York City and find 7,000 options perfect for when you want to go out for a really special dinner. It’s not easy to go to New York City and identify which bakery has the best cookies, which pizzeria has the best pizza, or which café has the best soups and sandwiches. I lived in New York and the surrounding area for a few years and I visit frequently, so I’ve racked up quite a few favorite places to eat, drink and hang out. Some of these restaurants would also befit a special night out, but are best known for their pizzas, sandwiches, brunches and other goodness that doesn’t require a dress code to enjoy. Here are a few of my favorite places to eat in New York when you’re looking for lunch, something quick and easy or a laid back meal that you know you’ll enjoy no matter what. Levain Bakery Everything you’ve heard is absolutely true. The cookies from Levain Bakery really are the best in Manhattan. I mean…the best that I’ve tried, and I’m a reliable source when it comes to cookies. Otto Pizzeria I know I said that New York City […]

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Bucks County: Caleb’s American Kitchen

Maris Callahan — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 21:33:55 +0000

It’s not often that I dine out and then think, “I could eat every meal here.” At Caleb’s American Kitchen, a BYO New American restaurant helmed by Chef Caleb Lentchner, I had this thought after every course. Lentchner, the former executive chef and general manager of New Hope’s Marsha Brown has created a bright, modern eatery with a menu inspired by all things American including steaks, burgers, lobster, shellfish, Creole, California and of course, local and regional farmers from nearby PA and NJ. Adjacent to Peddler’s Village in Bucks County, PA, this bistro style BYOB eatery is a distinct interpretation of what American cuisine should be: clean, simple, fresh and full of natural flavor, but representative of numerous regions and cultures. Caleb’s is built around the idea of showcasing signature dishes from around the nation — meats and cheeses from Iowa, Oregon and Pennsylvania, Kansas City Strip Steak, Maryland Crab, Hawaiian tuna poke. Using the ever-popular farm-to-table concept, chef cooks with tomatoes from his own garden and rotates the menu seasonally, so it’s difficult to recommend specific dishes. My party of three began with two salads, first being beet, goat cheese arugula salad topped with house pickled beets, candied orange segments, spiced goat cheese, toasted almonds tossed in […]

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Bucks County: Golden Pheasant Inn

Maris Callahan — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 19:54:04 +0000

If, living in a city, you find yourself driving to The Golden Pheasant Inn, you’re going to think to yourself: “why am I out in the middle of nowhere?” Then you’ll see the inn’s stunning wraparound front porch with picturesque views of the Delaware River. Around the back is an outdoor dining patio that has a luxury resort vibe, but is as comfortable as if you were sitting in someone’s backyard. That’s when you’ll know for sure that country living has some perks. And we haven’t even gotten to the food yet. The Golden Pheasant Inn is known for more than just its charm and hospitality. The beautiful building is believed to be the longest continuously operating commercial property along the Delaware Canal. Today, the inn retains its architectural integrity and continues to be used as a lodging facility—as it has for its entire history. Built in 1857, the Golden Pheasant Inn served as early commercial buildings constructed along the Delaware River and the Delaware Canal to serve mercantile traffic. An important gathering place, the tavern was the social hub for farmers, travelers, and later, canal men and vacationers. Now, registered on the National Registry of Historic Places, it’s a luxe lodging option for travelers and […]

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Chicago: Pork Shoppe – Andersonville

Maris Callahan — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 02:43:37 +0000

Most people flock to Chicago for the deep dish pizza, the Chicago-style hot dogs or the even a taste of Rick Bayless’ Mexican food – beyond what you can get at Tortas Frontera at O’Hare airport, which I will come right out and admit I like a lot. What many people don’t expect to find when they visit Chicago is a range of barbecue options, from North Carolina-style to low and slow Texas ‘cue. If you only have time for to hit one barbecue joint, or if you live here and are looking to broaden your horizons, Pork Shoppe pretty much has you covered no matter what it is you’re after. Pork Shoppe, in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood, arrived in spring 2015 following its first location in Avondale. It isn’t your typical barbecue joint, with an eclectic design that feels special but still comfortable with a vibe that would be appreciated by the neighborhood. “We wanted the rustic feel, but to incorporate a ‘shabby chic’ element, said owner Steven Ford. “The banquettes are made of wood with a caramel colored vinyl. We added some plaid table and plaid fabric to the other banquettes to make them pop. We also added the art around the room to tell […]

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