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Chicago Treasures: Bayless and Pulido

By Andrew Jenkins in Food on Oct 30, 2006 8:44PM

No, "Chicago Treasures" is not a citywide treasure hunt. It’s a lecture series — spawned by the Chicago History Museum and hosted by "Eight Forty-Eight"s Steve Edwards — that brings together two influential Chicagoans for a conversation centered on a single theme. This Thursday’s segment will pair local chef Rick Bayless with Rafael Pulido, aka “El Pistolero,” a Spanish language radio personality, for a discussion about the deepening connections between Mexico and Chicago.

baylesspic.gifBayless is the owner of Chicago’s Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, and author of the cookbook "Authentic Mexican." We’ve generally enjoyed his restaurants, books and PBS antics for a while now. His partner on Thursday, however, has arguably made more headlines as of late. Pulido is host of WOJO FM’s morning talk show La Que Buena, which has been a popular source of information for various pro-immigrant rallies and marches.

We’re not quite sure what the two will chat about for an hour and a half, but if it involves a responsible U.S. immigration policy and something about Topolobampo’s Mexican raw bar, we’ll be entertained — and hungry. If you can’t make it on Thursday you could opt for a viewing of Bayless’ PBS show this Friday night. It probably won’t be as politically charged as "Treasures," but he will be discussing the history of Mexican breakfasts. Huevos Motuleños!

Chicago Treasures: Rick Bayless & Rafael El Pistolero Pulido — Thursday, Nov. 2, 7:00–8:30 p.m at The Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. Tickets, $12, can be purchased here, or by calling 312-642-4600.

Image via www.fronterakitchens.com.