tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54579932012-01-27T17:49:48.419-06:00Towards Eating Local in Chicago with side trips to various ports of deliciousnessVIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.comBlogger9961100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-69026320849416732852009-02-27T17:39:00.003-06:002009-02-28T08:11:59.686-06:00

A wise scribe once equated connoisseurship of food with appreciation of a good barber. Hear hear. In that vein, let me introduce you all to Victorio, a highly ideal barber and his shop in Elmwood Park.Does Victorio meet all my needs in a barber? I shall say upfront, I have certain barber-wish list items unfulfilled by Victorio. For one thing, a man deserves a decent shoe shine with his cut, but

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-51950637165930092352009-02-23T07:19:00.004-06:002009-02-23T08:05:49.559-06:00

I'd kvell about the new issue of Edible Chicago despite the fact that the Local Beet's Melissa Graham* gets a good write-up, and despite the fact that my name gets more than a bit of play. Ann and crew put together an issue making it very clear that local food in Chicago does not hibernate come winter. I picked up my copy at Fox & Obel. Green Grocer should have it by about the time you see it,

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-40810387793251909772009-01-26T20:31:00.003-06:002009-01-26T21:20:34.104-06:00

Really, it's not six course of local pork cooked up by Chefs Rob and Allison Levitt of Mado, with the assistance of Jason Vincent of Lula's soon to open Pilsen spot that has me avoiding dinner tonight. I mean I did nosh a bit at the Happy Anniversary party for Cassie's Green Grocer and ate one wee moon cake my family brought home for me from Argyle. Besides, I should treat the Mado family

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-58074255113501106882009-01-25T15:51:00.002-06:002009-01-25T15:56:17.152-06:00

Guess I did not check the one place I should have been checking when checking what was new (to check).The Local Beet welcomes it's latest blogger today. Vera V is a farmer, a wool spinner, an artist and a market vendor. I very much look forward to what she'll have to say at the Farmer's Almanac. She gives a little background today.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-15152146759141826442009-01-25T12:57:00.002-06:002009-01-25T14:05:19.691-06:00

If you wonder where the missives are, urging all to eat local, I blog almost daily at the Local Beet.Look forward to some forthcoming design tweaks at the Beet and more, a new blogger to the fray.In the meantime, enjoy the Beet's guide to 2009 CSA's.I think there's a space or two available for tonight's family dinner at Mado. The theme, duh, a whole pig. A very happy way to eat at Mado. I

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-52585860114244029622009-01-15T08:42:00.003-06:002009-01-15T08:49:51.159-06:00

Presentation Tonight (1/15/09) - Oak Park - Local Eating in the WinterA month or so ago, I was asked to participate in a presentation in Oak Park on winter local eating. There would be a grower, a market maker and me, the market shopper. I jumped at the opportunity like I jump at any opportunity to spread the eat local message. Then the week rolled in.On Sunday, we sent e-mails around. It would

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-58007105779790596232009-01-13T07:39:00.003-06:002009-01-13T07:54:47.123-06:00

Liquor'd UpIt came on the txt messenger, via e-mail and through the Facebook group. Cassie's damn happy to have received her liquor license. She promises local beer and North Shore Distillery spirits, and she's looking into Michigan wines. I, of course, as always, will be full of suggestions. Go have a drink with her.In the more mundane part of the store, Cassie received on Monday, local

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-59514635325175616442009-01-11T14:57:00.003-06:002009-01-12T07:28:54.872-06:00

They Write E-MailsI got this advice from chicagostylehotdog on some Wisconsin fish fries In your hunt for a close Wisconsin fish fry, I suggest Beer Belly's on Layton in Milwaukee. Great pan fried perch & blue gill. Wegner's St. Martin's Inn does a nice Friday night fish fry too. If you're headed up north into Vilas County, Birch Lake Resort on County W in Winchester, just north of Manitowish

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-50318410364692571942009-01-10T09:30:00.005-06:002009-01-10T15:34:50.676-06:00

I promised last week to provide many roadtrip ideas in 2009. The road allows you to explore regional cuisines, and it allows you to find foodstuffs to take home. A prime part of the regional cuisine end of the equation is to go north of Chicago for the Wisconsin fish fry. This local family, like many a cheesehead, is never unable to eat fish on a Friday. There's many sites out there dedicated to

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-32863599071289597022009-01-08T15:16:00.004-06:002009-01-08T15:29:06.167-06:00

I did not want to go to Caputo's. My wife and I needed Caffe Italia, both for a reprieve from the cold Bungalow and for a new pound of morning coffee. But my wife cannot be on that stretch of Harlem without going to Caputo's, and no matter how much I want to "get going" can I resist the need to see what's available local.There was.Michigan empire apples at 69 cents/lb and Mr. Tasty russet

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-59479677247479015162009-01-06T15:43:00.001-06:002009-01-06T16:20:32.427-06:00

It'll be another week until Green City Market re-convenes, and then will there be anything but pork? Eat local fans may think their options limited, but a bit of out and about finds plenty of options. Here's some of the things you can find locat at......Cassie's Green Grocer is always all things local. She's picked up the contract to sell interesting small producer cheeses from the Monroe,

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-56203064605280816432009-01-05T20:39:00.003-06:002009-01-05T20:43:21.133-06:00

For those interested in eating local meats, Arnold Farms will be at the forthcoming winter markets (details some other time). I've copied below, their latest e-mail. If you want ordering info or price sheets you can contact them at arnoldfarm@juno.com or contact me.[Passed along as a courtesy]Hi, Folks:I hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas season. I’m sure you are looking forward to a

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-3389085262881107212009-01-05T19:29:00.002-06:002009-01-05T20:23:12.734-06:00

The VI family spends a fair amount of time in Wisconsin. While we never tire of Madison, and have much of the state to explore still (whitefish livers in Bayfield here we come!), I am also ready to move on to a new state. As my post of the other day indicated, I'm game for Bloomington. I am very keen on Goosing the Market in Indianapolis, and I have at least two gristmills to try. On top of

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-89685411899981918082009-01-05T17:25:00.002-06:002009-01-05T17:32:05.449-06:00

This is not exactly a fresh piece of article, but when doing some research in Indiana last week, I did happen to come across this listing of some grocery stores around the US that specialize in local food. The post mentions Lionette in Boston. I have to say, I liked that store. but was much more impressed (as of last winter) with Plum Produce in Boston. Of course, what kinda person does

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-28355614976979722742009-01-05T09:28:00.002-06:002009-01-05T09:31:34.176-06:00

Is there anything more frustratingly annoying than turning on a computer that's been idle for two weeks? The 100's of e-mails loading, the thousandth new MS patch, virus scans, finding the annoying AOL files lurking in RAM.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-65879883951957835522009-01-02T09:11:00.002-06:002009-01-02T13:20:37.925-06:00

To BloomingtonThe more I wear a hole in my Priceline account, the happier I make my wife. She never tires of the road. We returned last night from various parts in Kentucky and Indiana (and almost Tennessee), and I know her wanderlust already brews. So, before recounting our experiences finding a water driven mill and eating amongst the chains, outposts, and hotels of Kentucky, let me start

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-41643542053518510272008-12-24T09:34:00.004-06:002008-12-24T09:37:54.031-06:00

It seems like just yesterday it was eggs drowned in soy sauce. Now, it's pig ear salad at Mado.NB: while pig ears and trout seem fine to her sensibilities, ragu bianco or a white ragu of pork and chicken livers was not try-worthy for her. It is still very much worth ordering. If I was tallying top dishes of 2008, that would have made the final cut.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-36634139983005470702008-12-23T08:28:00.004-06:002008-12-23T23:34:49.870-06:00

Semi-maudlin, quasi-spiritual Thanksgiving piece, check; holiday gift guide, check; the last step towards legitimacy, the year-end review. I am so there. Myself and my family found it easier than ever to eat local in 2008 because we had more sources than ever to buy local food.Needless to say, we ate more local food than ever. We narrowed our biggest gap in local eating, the lack of local food

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-59689239573010562782008-12-22T12:45:00.000-06:002008-12-22T12:48:42.012-06:00

Leftovers (of local food) or take the girlz to Five Guys.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-60383778492904182942008-12-19T16:49:00.002-06:002008-12-19T16:54:32.573-06:00

Freddy's TodayNice deal. We purchase a pork tenderloin sandwich, change of pace, with the red gravy; a very large prosciutto sandwich on focaccia (so large we bring half home); we get a free sample of several chicken ravioli, alfredo sauce (yum!). Two pops. We leave with three loaves of about the best of its kind, bread in the Chicago area + several more pieces of focaccia.Note: For a change

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-43264409740672856192008-12-19T16:47:00.001-06:002008-12-19T16:49:23.404-06:00

Via the Stew, a link to a whole host of Illinois food companies. I know some of these people, and would comment more if (or when) I have time.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-85554925938006031432008-12-17T12:40:00.002-06:002008-12-17T12:54:02.127-06:00

That's more like it, Blago the Bookie.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-2267436178717247442008-12-17T10:33:00.002-06:002008-12-17T10:43:45.301-06:00

I've heard (more than once) that Rodity's is the place Greeks/Greek-Americans visit more than any other in Chicago's Greektown. Despite my constant quest for authenticity, I have not been there myself. I do like what I see on the menu.Helen, you missed one way on the bottom of the page, and you wonder why I always say nice things about you.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-59600571525568415462008-12-16T17:30:00.006-06:002008-12-17T06:44:04.186-06:00

I was talking over the summer to a journalist. I asked why he did not have a blog. He said that he did not think he could do the daily chatter, getting regular posts up thing. He said he feared lists making and the such. I was like, blog filler, lists, holiday presents, top tens, bring it on. No one can fill the Internets with filler like me. I live for the bullet point baby. And what "

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-34003488715599666292008-12-16T09:47:00.001-06:002008-12-16T09:50:48.908-06:00

Quote of the DayHelpfulHelen describing China getting around to banning certain chemicals from their foods.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-74145221612597005792008-12-15T16:21:00.002-06:002008-12-15T16:27:31.995-06:00

I cannot believe I walked out of Freddy's today for less than $15 (less than $14 but who's counting). A big plate of pasta, pork tenderloin with giardinara, a slice of the porchetta, a big spoonful of roasted potatoes--why mine cannot come out that shade of brown, a roll for sopping and two pops. Some on the house.It's hard, then to say which I liked best. Like Mado, I do find myself oddly

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-72473966252878228402008-12-13T09:57:00.002-06:002008-12-15T16:21:15.841-06:00

Sure, I can eat local food, but these two woman, Robin "Winter" Schirmer and Cassie "Green" Green. Make it happen. Robin had good food at her winter markets last weekend and Cassie has plenty in her store.She writes in to say her produce aisles include:TomatoesCucumbersYellow ZucchiniChardBasilHerbs (just a few)Raspberries Who says we cannot eat local in December?

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-70235303634780976302008-12-13T09:01:00.003-06:002008-12-13T09:06:02.261-06:00

Great write-up and pictures of about the whole Mado night's menu on LTHForum (kinda reminds me of a certain scene in Diner).Even before some unnamed family member dropped the camera, I was short on food pics on the blog. I can share my Mado gluttony word-wise, but I trust these pics, likes these pics before, will also give an idea of Mado-goodness.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-10836968647622486222008-12-10T15:50:00.003-06:002008-12-10T15:52:47.845-06:00

Why Helen is the most beloved woman in food blogging, discussing the CTrib's Good Eating section: With the all-Blagojevich-all-the-time news cycle right now, we were surprised the Trib even ran a food section at all today. But then we learned from Bill Daley's twitter that the Good Eating team plans their story schedule literally a year ahead of time. Therein, we believe, lies the difference

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-84894569192377297742008-12-10T08:35:00.002-06:002008-12-10T08:54:08.201-06:00

When that five dollar pint of raspberries goes in one sitting, it's easy to think local food is more expensive. Surely if you price local meat, you will be tempted to turn vegetarian. Still, I contend that local food saves money. Moreover, the price of local food pays back in many ways.The key factor, more than anything, and Mado, Vie, Lula, etc., aside, local food is about cooking your food. The

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-16752618144902771782008-12-09T10:30:00.000-06:002008-12-09T10:31:10.241-06:00

With this to read.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-12190017432439251822008-12-09T06:34:00.003-06:002008-12-09T08:04:25.484-06:00

Two Big Thumbs UpI'm not saying I skipped eating yesterday, but a fairly light dinner of pasta with River Valley mushrooms and leftover beets (Genesis Growers) about did the it for me. My bloodstream was still oozing goose fat, the effects of Sunday night's family dinner at Mado. I'm stuffed.As I've said before, as good as meals at Mado can be, there's no better way to enjoy the output of Chefs

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-67188648327582227132008-12-05T14:22:00.002-06:002008-12-05T14:27:34.817-06:00

Annmarie at Freddy's today pointed me to this great set of pics of her place.(BTW, my latest food fantasy is to team up Rob from Mado with Joe from Freddy's.)Obligatory Freddy's disclosure: lunch of pork sandwich, giardinara, beef gravy; pizza ala Napolina and eggplant in Freddy's red gravy no match for doggy bag Joe sends us home with: pasta with clam sauce and much more eggplant.Freddy's1600 S

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-5459313389311047092008-12-05T14:17:00.001-06:002008-12-05T14:18:55.879-06:00

Roasting beets smell surprisingly goodLocal water is nicely cold this time of year

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-69884777658485439692008-12-05T13:19:00.002-06:002008-12-05T13:22:32.110-06:00

As I eagerly await Sunday's Mado goose dinner, some other goose thoughts crossed my desk. Hear what she has to say!

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-44462512574766332032008-12-04T12:49:00.004-06:002008-12-04T12:54:53.636-06:00

The best dressed man on the Local Beet team has turned in his latest dispatch. David "Hat" Hammond talks local with one of the localist of chefs in the area (and future Iron Chef Cheftestant). See what Paul Virant of Vie has to say at the Beet.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-13041681589694753182008-12-04T06:43:00.005-06:002008-12-09T06:52:51.041-06:00

How's the Thumb Thing Working?The VI family, especially the girlz of the VI family, love a good tea, especially a good tea around the winter holidays. One year in search of good tea we discovered the well designed Café des Architectes in the Hotel Sofitel just off of Rush Street. Impressed enough with tea, we returned for what we found to be a stellar brunch. So, when the Thanksgiving weekend

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-18352856612048667062008-12-03T15:32:00.002-06:002008-12-03T15:39:20.422-06:00

Saturday at St. Bens, in the AM with fresh, local, spring rolls and Sunday, in the afternoon, in Andersonville.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-32569536939450324272008-12-01T12:41:00.003-06:002008-12-01T13:05:09.483-06:00

I've described a bit on the Local Beet how we've been getting the stuff. The only throw-out last week was a yucky cauliflower. Tired arugula and fennel fronds and older celery all went into the stock pot. (Last inventory report here.)Here's the latest tally.Tomatoes - Catalina's holdoversMushrooms - crimini and oysterSalsify - The key find at the first winter market, five or so roots worth.Bok

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-19125169339304566532008-12-01T10:20:00.003-06:002008-12-01T10:29:48.576-06:00

I've mentioned before that as much as I like eating at Mado, I like eating best there during the family dinners. While I knew a family dinner was in the works, Rob and Allie were a bit late announcing the details. From a recent e-mail:it's time for mado's next family dinner!on sunday, december 7, 2008 we will be featuring goose from swan creek heirloom farm. look forward to goose sausage and

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-17480618470593988492008-11-30T09:02:00.003-06:002008-11-30T10:02:10.951-06:00

VI Restaurant Scale in Action - 8.5 ThumbsAs I explained the other day, this blog has now introduced its soon to be trademarked, patented, talked about late night on WGN, food score. The ten thumb system. We put it to use yesterday at Thai Avenue.Thai Avenue is not the flat out best Thai restaurant in Chicago (I'd say Spoon with more confidence if it has not been over a year since my last visit

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-63510186280038247632008-11-29T10:04:00.002-06:002008-11-29T10:07:11.925-06:00

Just as I ended my list of thankful's, I get a very new and nice present. Message on my voicemail yesterday from older daughter: Dad, I just wanted to tell you that my favorite dish at Thanksgiving was your carrot-jalepeno salad.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-37110613835019082692008-11-28T09:00:00.002-06:002008-11-28T09:36:41.672-06:00

Although the Oak Park Winter Market is probably more convenient to most of Chicagoland this Saturday, there is also another fine shopping option Saturday and all winter long, the Heritage Prairie Market in Elburn, Illinois. (NB: No Green City Market this weekend, but a full schedule of Green City Markets all December. And there's always the Geneva superstore on Saturdays all winter.)On the

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-51794786531128512582008-11-28T08:37:00.003-06:002008-11-28T08:42:45.605-06:00

Big supply of late season produce expected at this week's winter market in Oak Park. Winter Market @ Pilgrim Church, the same location as the regular farmer's market. Details here.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-37294802268379177482008-11-27T14:40:00.001-06:002008-11-27T15:34:21.720-06:00

+ Introduction of New VI Family Restaurant ScalePeople have their cherished Thanksgiving food traditions; a special stuffing, a way with the turkey. Growing up, my mother cooked a good dinner for sure, and when it was not her, it was an almost equally talented Aunt. My mother even has a dish, a cheesy, gooey, 60's style, with canned green olives, corn dish thing that's on the table each year.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-15153536930544034552008-11-27T10:50:00.001-06:002008-11-27T11:24:25.293-06:00

(Cross posted from the Local Beet, with links galore below)It aint fun to dwell on bad decisions made over the years. I like to kvel in the good ones, like the one to eat local. Eating local is something I like to celebrate over and over. For the most part (Nigerian eggplants aside), I know we eat exceedingly well in the Bungalow. I know we are doing our part to manage the Earth’s resources and

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-30449916253755869042008-11-27T10:18:00.000-06:002008-11-27T10:23:02.355-06:00

Just when I am putting the finishing touches on a post on all the things I am thankful for, I am sobered up with this e-mail reported on MikeG's web site on a fire in Wisconsin destroying the hard work of Arie McFarlan, raiser of the rare mulefoot pig.It is with the deepest and most profound grief that I write this message. At 5:30am November 19th, 2008, we awoke to our beautiful 100 year old

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-46731769138281205112008-11-26T16:42:00.000-06:002008-11-26T20:06:48.394-06:00

Great new stuff on the Beet.I always say that when I ditch the last twenty-five pounds around my midriff, I'm gonna write a million dollar, best selling diet book. After all, who'll buy such a book from a chubby guy. On the other hand, and I hope she does not mind me saying this, but Melissa has quite the, er, integrity to offer diet suggestions. She has some great tips on the Local Beet.Michael

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-68973337469284509672008-11-26T09:20:00.000-06:002008-11-26T09:35:42.497-06:00

While others around me will be whipping up big dinners, I plan on, tomorrow, whipping up a big post here and on the Local Beet on all the things I am thankful for (at least foodwise). High on that list will be the existence of Cassie Green and her invaluable Green Grocer. Still, before getting to that list, I want to put the word out from Cassie that she has tons of local produce and great

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-72604435295763819802008-11-26T07:03:00.000-06:002008-11-26T07:23:00.596-06:00

Like every aspiring food producer in town [ed. and out?], I'm pitching video projects at local food celebrity MikeG. While at lunch yesterday, the Sky Full of Bacon auteur confessed that he does not use winter squash in his repertoire. He blames it on Home Grown Wisconsin having sold out of their CSA shares. "If I was forced to use it, via my CSA, I'd use it," he says. Or was it just not

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-16518246988038596952008-11-26T06:30:00.001-06:002008-11-26T07:02:57.612-06:00

So, yesterday I went to the basement freezer for some meat. How could we stay a locavore family if my wife was grumbling about Kuma's. I'd make burgers to keep her. The 1/2 frozen state of the meat at dinner time, however, led to my version of keema instead of burgers with my secret sauce. But that's neither here nor there for the question at hand. As the supply of Bessie dwindles, we are left

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-4095833054731616472008-11-25T08:48:00.000-06:002008-11-25T09:14:40.489-06:00

One of the best things about this weekend's Family Farmed Expo was the Rick Bayless demo. We got an easy to make, seasonal recipe, and we got needed advice on where to hide some of the babies.Bayless spent most of the time on a potato soup. We got to sample, so I can tell you it's good, but he other thing he made, we made last night, a zip, zap zooey of a dish, and I can tell you it's good too.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-22232139872263429622008-11-24T10:02:00.000-06:002008-11-24T10:16:18.169-06:00

At the Family Farmed Expo panel on Thanksgiving, us locavores did not talk much about the upcoming holiday. Rather, we talked about living the local life generally, including how much Whole Foods could meet that need. There are options available still for a local Thanksgiving. See my latest Local Beet post. At the Slow Foods booth at the Expo, they would not give me a copy of their holiday

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-14990744371018996692008-11-21T14:49:00.000-06:002008-11-21T14:54:21.885-06:00

I'm gonna try to check in a few times over the course of the next few days from the Family Farmed Expo. Results at the Local Beet.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-77990500225508414422008-11-20T08:42:00.002-06:002008-11-20T08:48:09.980-06:00

I'm glad I'm on Helen's good side (for now, what she could say about my editing skills...). See here for some of the less fortunate at the very indispensable MenuPages Chicago.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-44751639307252423242008-11-20T07:38:00.000-06:002008-11-20T07:39:42.682-06:00

Opening a new jar of "good" peanut butter is not nearly as much fun as that first stab of Jiffy.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-89288628072058008702008-11-20T07:35:00.000-06:002008-11-20T07:37:31.719-06:00

Daily Herald discovers local food still around (h/t Ronnie Suburban)

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-68347345857601555192008-11-19T14:26:00.000-06:002008-11-19T15:57:36.053-06:00

Subtraction by SubtractionAs I mentioned on the Local Beet, the VI family went through one of its periodic local food purges. Too much ambition, too much travel, too much working, too much love buying. It was worst than first reported; yesterday I found more crappy food: collards, a few too soft pears, the rest of the grapes. We've subtracted quite a bit from the inventory, but we always manage

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-33917942005242976002008-11-19T09:08:00.002-06:002008-11-19T09:25:35.905-06:00

Sky Full of Bacon 06: There Will Be Pork (Pt. 2)Well, this is the video we have all been waiting for. MikeG takes us deep into the heart of darkness to (almost) witness the critical act between farm and table. What we do not see, we feel through the thoughtful words of Lula's Jason Hammel (who also provides an interesting twist on the celery of all things).I think it is good and important to have

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-89434712084952874282008-11-18T12:42:00.000-06:002008-11-18T13:07:58.544-06:00

Introducing the The Sustainable Cook By Melissa GrahamBefore I headed to Austin Texas, I promised a few new items at the Local Beet. Foremost, I mentioned that the Beet was adding a dynamic voice that would greatly expand the ideas presented. Melissa debuts her new blog on the Local Beet today. The spirit of her intentions are captured: We can impact the food world in big ways, by making lots of

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-49439621669704255492008-11-18T10:25:00.000-06:002008-11-18T10:30:30.454-06:00

You all know I'm very in to this forthcoming Family Farmed Expo. Well, I know that volunteers are still needed. Volunteer for a 2 hour shift at the Kidz Corner and get free admission to this great local food festival. From Purple Asparagus: On Saturday November 22 and Sunday November 23 from 11-4, Purple Asparagus will again be organizing the Expo's Organic Kids Activity Corner where you and your

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-63268211401186359432008-11-18T07:30:00.001-06:002008-11-18T08:18:42.871-06:00

I probably do not need a trip to the Green City Market tomorrow, but two of my favorite chefs are doing a demo there. Come meet Mado's Rob and Allie Levitt and see what seasonal dishes they have to show. It's a full day at Green City, with well known cookbook author Sheila Lukins, signing her new book, TEN: All the Foods We Love and the Perfect Recipes for Each. Mado at 10:30; Silver Palate at 11.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-26222896116098389992008-11-17T16:29:00.000-06:002008-11-17T17:14:24.489-06:00

Local Beet Editor in Chief Michael Morowitz is very enamored with the Home Grown Wisconsin CSA he subscribed to this year. He summarizes the experience, with totals, at the Beet.Me, whenever I hear discussion of a CSA, I have to give my lecture on all the great ancillary benefits of belonging to a CSA. Here's my comment to Michael's postGosh I wish I could be so organized! Very well done.I've

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-55308412932176544792008-11-17T07:30:00.000-06:002008-11-17T08:40:52.286-06:00

100's of Locavores, Chefs, Politicians, Activists, Retailers, Wholesalers, Farmers, Distillers, Butchers, Bakers and Candlestick Makers (and Combinations Thereof)If you have any interest in local food. Cooking it. Eating it. Finding it. Selling it. Building better systems. Getting better items. The impact on the environment. The impact on the government. Having your restaurants more green. Having

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-59274520036516709432008-11-16T09:46:00.001-06:002008-11-18T08:19:41.170-06:00

Meet My Farmer, Farmer VickiI should hardly say I have one farmer. I buy a ton of stuff from Chad Nichols at the Thursday Eli's Cheesecake market. I divide my fruit purchases between Hardin and Skibbes at Oak Park. I would buy more from Henry's Farm and Beth Ecles's Green Acres if given the opportunity, but then there is Farmer Vicki's Genesis Growers. She supplies me with a weekly box, Spring,

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-86240135728151387352008-11-13T17:48:00.000-06:002008-11-13T18:10:37.272-06:00

Newest in Sky Full of Bacon (and Reader)Not satisfied with starting with a stagnant hog head, Mike Gebert teamed up with the Reader's Mike Sula to follow three mulefoot hogs from farm to table. Sula's been writing about this for a while and does an excellent summation in the latest issue of the Reader. Go here for various versions of Mike G's mulefoot video (part 1).This is not just an adventure

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-50600010146303925512008-11-13T08:07:00.001-06:002008-11-13T17:48:32.099-06:00

Antipasto Lunch at One of the Reader's Best New Restaurants Mado announces their antipasto lunch:from 11am until 2:30pm tuesday through friday, we will be offering an antipasti platter. It will feature our vegetable antipasti, seafood antipasti and charcuterie, and will come with house-made bread and grain mustard. the platter will be $29 and will generously feed two or more.The Reader names Mado

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-65653755921453961462008-11-13T07:00:00.001-06:002008-11-13T07:17:24.188-06:00

November 16 2008 4:30 - 6 PM - Unity Temple, Oak ParkEating local IS about getting the best food; not just the food that tastes best, but the food that best serves your greater community. That community includes our wide blue earth. Us locavores believe we aid the earth by keeping our diets mostly local. There are many other ways to eat that reduce your carbon footprint; hence having an impact on

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-67622703474854048162008-11-11T07:10:00.000-06:002008-11-11T07:40:14.270-06:00

Why 18Ever get a check from a Jewish friend for $54. You scratch your head. $54. But it's three times chai, that's why! See, all Hebrew letters also have numerical values. This means you can add up the letters in a word to get a number. A lucky word, chai (pronounced with a hard ch), adds up to 18--chai, by the way, means life. Since chai = 18; 18 = life. As the Torah states, choose life, etc.,

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-64550315153186672562008-11-07T12:56:00.000-06:002008-11-07T14:05:57.174-06:00

I shall probably be off-line, or infrequently online over the next week as I forsake local food for Texas BBQ. Please stay tuned to the the Beet; lotsa new developments:Our resource pages are starting to come online. The great thing about the resources, is that the information is culled from our personal experiences, not just from Google.We should have an additional blogger up soon. A great and

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-76920303486571642392008-11-06T06:40:00.000-06:002008-11-06T07:00:20.249-06:00

Department of Better Late ThanThe VI family gets two papers each Sunday, the CTrib and the NYTimes. From these, I am surest to read the Trib's sport section (not missing the weekly poker column). Next in priority is usually the Times Travel section. Leisure brings, in no particular order, the Times Book Review, the Trib Travel, the Week in Review, the front sections and maybe something in

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-69967170868477908312008-11-04T10:32:00.000-06:002008-11-04T10:33:23.775-06:00

Weep here.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-87863598420809381012008-11-04T09:10:00.000-06:002008-11-04T09:23:23.777-06:00

This weekend brings the Chicago area the first of two winter markets organized by my hard working friend Robin "Winter" and the team at the Churches Center for Land & People.Chicago / Beverly - Saturday November 8, 2008 - 9am to 1pm - - Church of the Holy Nativity - 9300 S. Pleasant Ave.. Chicago, IL 60643 Elgin - Sunday November 9, 2008 - 1pm to 3pm - Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin39W830

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-69259529784026875052008-11-04T09:08:00.000-06:002008-11-04T09:10:01.774-06:00

Redesign out. Catch the Beet!

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-91619544919518962272008-11-03T07:23:00.002-06:002008-11-03T10:14:14.136-06:00

Inventory UpdateWhen the Localbeet's new design is up and running, you can see how this local family has continued to build its inventory for now and the foreseeable future. We eat some, set much aside, and process other to make it last. Some of the processing makes it last a lot longer, some of the processing makes it last a bit longer. For instance, of the last red bell peppers arriving, some

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-87370765064825727212008-10-31T09:43:00.001-05:002008-10-31T10:28:19.289-05:00

For those looking for their Local Family update, the Local Beet is down for now and for maybe the next couple of days, as we roll out our updated design. I think you will be well impressed with the new look, so stay tuned at thelocalbeet.com.I've already jotted down on the Beet, what I got at a last farmer's market yesterday (Eli's Cheesecake) as well as what came in the last summer CSA box. You

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-23849688903647961592008-10-27T11:33:00.000-05:002008-10-27T12:35:50.900-05:00

I've mentioned at LTHForum.com, that as much as I love Mado, I love it best when offered up family style. I have had the privilege of being there for both of Mado's "Family Dinners", multi-course affairs built around a theme and a farmer. The first one was a harvest dinner, with Nick Nichols of Nichols Farm. Last night it was George Rassmussen of Swan Creek Farm and a wild boar he procurred. I've

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-61187771659018543122008-10-25T21:30:00.000-05:002008-10-25T22:24:16.606-05:00

After dropping off several bags of product (and some yogurt) in our car, my wife and I returned for a second round of the final Oak Park Farmer's market of the season. I reminded my wife that at one time, the final weeks of the market consisted mostly of gourds and bales of hay (it seemed). Today, well there was so much food, it took us two good laps. Moreover, there were so many people, the line

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-42191357345918338152008-10-24T10:39:00.001-05:002008-10-24T11:10:22.101-05:00

On thelocalbeet.com, I listed all of the good local food recently gotten, both via CSA and through deals offered at the markets. I'll update the inventory here soon. For now, I want to remind you, firstly do hit the markets this weekend. Most Chicago area markets will close shop after this weekend. As I have reported, now is the time to wheel and deal. Then, after your area markets have closed,

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-82965094943195683022008-10-18T09:17:00.001-05:002008-10-20T08:04:52.030-05:00

Another week of CSA, the Saturday Oak Park Farmer's Market. We are loading the Bungalow with food. We make full use of the Bungalow and its fixtures to deal with this food. We have our basement "canning room", a room far from the furnace and close to the outside. Up until about September, this is the coolest spot in the house, so all onions, squash and potatoes went there. Generally, it is

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-11006221906406482482008-10-17T10:24:00.001-05:002008-10-17T10:32:20.065-05:00

Have I met Ken Dunn? I do not think so, although I might have. I am, however, very, very familiar with his works. I love the stuff they do at City Farm, right in the heart of Chicago, and that's Ken Dunn. I hear restaurateurs rave about his help in making them green, reducing their waste via recycling and composting with the Chicago Resource Center, that's Ken Dunn. I certainly know people who

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-76678034169843564152008-10-15T13:10:00.000-05:002008-10-15T13:28:16.082-05:00

The by product of eating locally is eating seasonally. Us locavores will not partake in the ample asparagus or strawberry supplies found around town. Nor would we think of eating a sugar snap about now. Would we?We would. Well, certainly not the asparagus, but what if there were local strawberries, local snow peas. Now. What if there was someone in Northern Illinois who planted fall crops of

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-24964736222417442272008-10-15T10:29:00.000-05:002008-10-15T10:36:37.480-05:00

Hey, I could have been like all the cool bloggers and got press credentials for the Chicago Gourmet Festival in Millenium Park. Noooooo. I was instead exercising my first press pass at a Midwest Wine Expo in Rosemont. I wanted to find out more about local wines. I have found enough to write something, either here soon, or maybe on thelocalbeet.com. Until I do, Bill Daley's talking local wine's at

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-25203996423723576272008-10-14T09:16:00.000-05:002008-10-14T09:17:50.111-05:00

Fall Harvest Party!Green Grocer Chicago (1402 W Grand Ave.) is in love with this time of year! Leaves are turning brillant colors, the air is crisp and the fall harvest is in full swing!!! Join us on Monday October 20th from 5-7 pm for our Harvest Party, an open house celebration of friends and food. There will be fresh fall produce, samplings from your favorite local food producers, the

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-391414825803496682008-10-14T08:09:00.000-05:002008-10-14T08:17:14.775-05:00

I've updated the inventory below. Here's how I got there.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-32577614353621468742008-10-07T07:18:00.000-05:002008-10-07T07:27:22.569-05:00

No sooner have I reported on our inventory, than I realize I forgot things. On top of that, we went and bought local food yesterday at Caputo's. The tally below includes kohlrabi gotten long ago and peppers gotten just yesterday.

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-10055221844527039602008-10-06T12:26:00.003-05:002008-10-14T08:08:30.097-05:00

Updated 10/7/08 and 10/14/08From December 2007 until May of 2008, I tracked how our eat local attempts were working by tracking the local food we had in the Bungalow. Starting in May, when eating local was more about what we purchased each week instead of what we had laying around each week, I took to chronicling our weekly acquisitions. Since the launch of the Local Beet, I have been reporting

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-3223617041085066562008-10-02T07:14:00.001-05:002008-10-02T10:25:26.993-05:00

My artistic ideas far out pace my artistic abilities. Luckily, like any good Chicagoan, I got my guy. My guy has a camera and editing software and very good abilities using them. And I got another guy. A Chef with a passion for whole beast eating but also the generosity to share his time. And this guy has a gal, his wife, with an equal passion for local food and a willingness to express it all to

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-46597092196880645292008-09-25T09:58:00.000-05:002008-09-25T10:30:28.103-05:00

The hardest thing about blogging is not getting the scoop on a new restaurant [ed., I thought we put this to rest here]. It is, obviously, getting regular content out. My blog stats clearly show the effect of regular posting. I confess, however, to being a bit distracted; by work, by the election (especially--access to cable TV during the day is a bad thing), by advocating for local food over

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-5057791815452502372008-09-22T08:50:00.000-05:002008-09-22T09:05:02.293-05:00

Julia Thiel in the Reader beat me to the, it's a lot harder than you think to roast pepper, post that I've had in my head since I roasted peppers last Friday. Julia and I use different methods. She broiled, the method advocated by the know-it-alls at Cook's Illustrated. I like the pyro thrill of the open range flame. Julia's problems included not having the best oil for broiling (a problem

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-86843752043600516002008-09-17T08:41:00.000-05:002008-09-17T08:56:38.772-05:00

Cassie, at her Green Grocer, is hosting a class tonight on preserving the harvest (via)."Preserving the Harvest"-6pm on September 17thEating locally is easy in August. But when Chicago's cold winds begin to blow in October, does being a locavore relegate one to a diet of potatoes? A little foresight and effort during the harvest will bring some sunshine to those cold winter days. In this class,

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-7672417517020462782008-09-15T16:42:00.000-05:002008-09-15T16:52:20.026-05:00

I post this because I know a few people from Ann Arbor read this blog, a few people might be willing to travel to Ann Arbor, and 'cause I love the La Quercia stuff. This Thursday at Zingerman's:The King of CureINCREDIBLY SPECIAL VISITORS — Herb and Kathy Eckhouse from La QuerciaThursday, September 18th, 7-9pm, Upstairs Next DoorCall 663-3400 to sign up. $20 in advance. $25 at the doorHow do you

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-14299261992329617842008-09-14T15:37:00.000-05:002008-09-14T15:46:51.634-05:00

Proving I can waste time like the best of 'em, I've been trying to blog regularly here and on the Local Beet. We are building content and history on the Beet even though it is far from it's official launch. Michael and I and new Mom, Cookie and a few other have been working behind the scenes to build an outstanding resource for those who want to eat Practically Local. We want to first lead by

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-49690874840759137202008-09-12T14:53:00.000-05:002008-09-12T15:50:36.597-05:00

As I said on the Local Beet this morning, the best way to convince you to eat local is to have you eat local. I am sure your first few days on the challenge have got you revved up to the deliciousness of the challenge. So revved that you need places to re-fuel, see my Local Beet post for places to shop local. As you visit these shops, take in some of these items.Some of these things are not

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-52205484107897092132008-09-11T07:44:00.000-05:002008-09-11T08:21:22.083-05:00

Local FishAre you satisfied so far with your eating options after a day of Localvore Challenge? Are tomatoes boring you yet. Too many scrambled eggs. Are you in need of protein ideas for your sustainence. Ennui in the diet will lead you off the local path. Keep your diet diverse. Do you know that fish can easily fit within the parameters of your Challenge requirements.I will confess, under

VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00402935982229335812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457993.post-8607088172032082562008-09-10T08:16:00.000-05:002008-09-10T09:07:32.101-05:00

Local Booze/Local Cold CutsToday begins the Green City Market Localvore Challenge, with rules or at least guidelines and all. As I wrote on the Local Beet, I am not exactly participating, but I also noted that I am not wholly against the Challenge. In that spirit, here's some ideas and insight to help you eat local now. If you have specific questions, raise them on the Local Beet discussion

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Chicago's Green City Market is sponsoring a "Localvore Challenge" [ed., still using that spelling huh?]. Last year they wanted you to eat local for a week; this year they are extending it a week. Eat local for two weeks!At the Beet, Michael wonders about the challenge:. I’m pleased by any attention brought to the idea of eating locally-produced foods, but I tend to bristle a bit at these

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Via, you can get a guide to Wisconsin cheese.

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Readers, I asked you a few weeks ago, the question of our times: Who the Hell Cans. I followed that up by asking you if you do not can, can you simply concentrate and freeze? Yet maybe to my warped mind, canning seems downright mainstream to question, who the hell dries their food. We have have a local chef popular and notable enough to be asked to compete on Iron Chef America, who is also

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Earlier this summer I learned about the efforts of Dean Zanella and 312 Chicago restaurant to run a zero waste kitchen. Chef Zanella suceeded so far that his cooking oil went back to fuel the tractors of the farmer's who supplied him. I knew of some other chefs who clamored to emulate Zanella. One who is now suceeding is future Iron Chef, Paul Virant of Vie. Paul graciously allowed me to re-print

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