We've been waiting for a warm day to make cool drink from Mercat a la Planxa. Let the rum drinking begin! more ›

Carnivale University - the fantastic mash-up of a name the Chicago restaurant has given its occasional classes in mixology, Latin cooking and entertaining - met again on Wednesday evening for a basic introduction to the Mojito. Led by head bartender and house mixologist Daryl Freeman, Mojitos 101 gave the crowd of 50 or so students the tools and know-how to whip up this classic, fresh, fair-weather rum cocktail at home. more ›

Moresland isn't just for music, it also is one of the better comfort food spots in Rogers Park. more ›

Getting Fresh is a seasonal exploration of fresh herbs. From cultivation to cooking, join us as we get our hands dirty and add a little extra spice to life. more ›

• Mercat a la Planxa's Jose Garces flays Bobby Flay on Iron Chef [Philly City Paper]
• Applebee's "owns riblets." Wonderful; another reason not to go. [NYT]
• Joanna MIller delves into a vegetarian nicoise salad. [My Vegetable Blog]

We love a good mojito and aren't opposed to playing with the recipe just a little bit. Over the weekend we put together some strawberry mojitos to cool us down. Enjoy these outside as a nice twist on this hot weather favorite. And if you've never grown your own mint, this is the perfect to do so as you'll always be ready to whip up this fresh cocktail. more ›