Growing up I was never at a loss for Brach's candies. Aunts, uncles and cousins on my mother's side of the family put themselves through school or started careers working at the former Brach's plant on the West side, and bulk candy from the plant was always a perk. One of my mother's jobs was working the midnight shift at the old Leaf candy plant on Cicero and Division. As an adult, I don't have an affinity for confections like candy corn, star brites, Brach's caramels or Whoppers, which were made by Leaf. more ›

Uh oh. We’re about to go up 3 pant sizes, because Scooter’s Frozen Custard re-opens from its winter hiatus today at 2:00 PM. If you’re not already a fan, wait a few days for the fervor to die down - but if you do decide to brave the crowd, you’ll see us standing there in line. more ›

Here's something different for Valentine's Day. Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy (600 W. Chicago Ave., Suite 860, 866-443-0437) in the old Montgomery Ward building is hosting a "Chocolate Date Night for Couples" tomorrow from 6;30-9:30 p.m. Learn to make chocolates and truffles from French pastry chef and Chocolate Academy head technical adviser Jérôme Landrieu, who will share some of his award-winning secrets. A special chocolate and wine tasting is included in the $200 per couple fee. more ›

Today a Chicago institution closes. The Maurice Lennell cookie outlet in Norridge will be selling its final pinwheels, butter cookies and other tooth-cracking monstrosities as the land on which the outlet resides is slated to become a Costco. Lennell is said to be sourcing its production to overseas companies. more ›