The October foodie calendar kicks off in a major way Monday night when Intelligentsia hosts a tasting of the fabled Panamanian Hacienda La Esmeralda at their Fulton Street roasting works. Last May, Intelligentsia made headlines for purchasing 100 pounds of La Esmeralda for $130 a pound at the Best of Panama auction (okay, carry the one … yeah! That’s a lot of money for coffee). It’s the highest amount ever paid for coffee. On October... more ›

Last May the Supreme Court ruled that states that didn't allow out-of state wineries to sell their product directly to customers (be it via phone, in person, or online) were violating laws protecting interstate commerce. The ruling invalidated laws on the books in 20 states, including Illinois. It was the correct ruling. Allowing direct wine sales to customers spurs growth in the industry. Wine consumers have a wider range of choices and prices to make... more ›