The entire city has been abuzz with the news that famed food writer Michael Ruhlman is coming to town this week to promote his new book, Ruhlman's 20. Several events have already sold out (including one that sold out the day it was announced) but there are a few great ways you can still meet up with him. more ›

Playing Santa to a foodie this year? Us, too. Cooking classes make great gifts, but in a city where many different restaurants and cooking schools offer classes aimed at educating the home cook, how do you choose wisely? Take pasta. You can learn to make it from scratch at two of Chicago's popular "recreational" cooking schools, the Chopping Block and Cooking Fools. To help you make an informed purchase for your fellow-foodie, we did some fieldwork at both spots. more ›

For more than 12 years, The Chopping Block, with locations in Lincoln Square and downtown Merchandise Mart, has been one of the most highly praised recreational cooking schools in the city. Their schedule of classes are taught by a strong roster of culinary school graduates leading hands-on cooking classes and demonstrations from sushi making to grilling workshops to full fledged two-week long culinary boot camps. We visited one of their most popular Knife Skills classes last year and we were so impressed we had to go back for a visit...this time to steal a few good tips for our readers. more ›

"Summer, Summer, Summer-time...Summertime" in big Willie-style is time to start brushing off your grilling skills and impress your friends. No skills? Check out a line-up of May grilling cooking classes around town. more ›

This time of year is probably the most bountiful for our farmers markets, with a litany of in season fruits and vegetables available for purchase before the weather truly turns. With pumpkins and other gourds ripening, apples and pears available by the bushel, and root vegetables ready for the spotlight it's also an exciting time for home cooks. more ›

Food more ›

Lots of festivals, tastings and food-related events this week, people. more ›

Award-winning food and drink writer Fiona Beckett will sign copies of her new book Food, Wine & Friends at the House of Glunz in Old Town this evening. The event runs from 5-7 p.m., and there will be a reception with wine and hors d'ouevres. Cost is $20 for the reception, $40 for the reception and a copy of the book. All you amateur sommeliers should be making a beeline to Sam's Wine & Spirits... more ›

we’re checking out the Chopping Block tomorrow night for a healthy cooking lesson. more ›

This week's theme: Cinco de Mayo. More specifically, the Anglicized version of Cinco de Mayo. Let's get on with it. Everyone Has An Opinion: In conjunction with National Hamburger Month, the folks at Yelp! have released a thoroughly underwhelming list of their top five places to get a burger in town. The site that brings together user reviews of all the "hidden gems, hot spots, and amazing small businesses you've never heard of or fanatically... more ›

Learn Something: Looking for a little culinary education in the coming week? Get your cheese and beer on at The Chopping Block in Lincoln Square on March 8. For an even forty bucks you get to meet Goose Island brewmaster Greg Hall and learn all about artisan cheeses and gloriously strong stout. New Chef: Never been to Boka Restaurant? Or perhaps you've been but weren't all that impressed. Well, Giuseppe Tentori is the restaurant's... more ›

We always tend to think other people celebrate holidays like the Griswolds in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – a week-long shopping, eating and bickering extravaganza with extended family. But for many of us, Thanksgiving and Christmas end up being an afternoon or evening of time with the relatives, and that night we’re back in the city twiddling our thumbs. more ›

This week is National Wine Week. For those of us who refuse to heed the sage wisdom of George Thorogood and drink alone, here are some ways to enjoy a bottle of wine around town, guaranteed to fall within any budget and get you out exploring the city: In honor of National Wine Week, each day Smith & Wollensky is offering a tasting of ten wines for ten dollars, along with the price of lunch.... more ›

If it isn't the taxes or the Trixies, the insanity that is finding a parking spot in Lincoln Park eventually drives everyone away from this formerly cozy little enclave. more ›

Those who do any holiday gift shopping before December 23 make the rest of us look like heathens because we haven’t yet placed a lick of thought into what we’re buying for those on our holiday shopping lists. Certainly not enough consideration to merit battling with the gobs of weekend shoppers on Michigan Avenue who easily rationalize their presence with self-satisfied statements like, “I can relax for the rest of the season!” more ›

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and Chicagoist is salivating at the thought of turkey, dressing and mashed potatoes. Can't hardly wait! To bide our time we've been surfing the interweb for all things related to preparing Thanksgiving dinner... and don't worry.. cooking Thanksgiving dinner from scratch can seem like a frightening task, but if Chicagoist can do it without making the entire family sick then anyone can! more ›