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James Beard Awards 2025: Chefs, celebrities and notable Chicagoans walk the red carpet
To kick off the 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards red carpet outside the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Kristen Reynolds, the new president and CEO of Choose Chicago, made it loud and clear: Chicago has every intention of keeping the coveted awards in the city.
“We are definitely keeping the James Beard Awards beyond 2027,” Reynolds said...Read more

James Beard 2025: Here are Chicago's winners
Kumiko and Noah Sandoval of Oriole were announced as 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards winners at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago Monday evening, where the uncertainties of the country’s shifting immigration landscape hung heavy over the ceremonies.
Julia Momosé, who accepted the Outstanding Bar award for Kumiko, spoke of her ...Read more

Everything you love about Caesar salad in 4 easy recipes
You can always have confidence in Caesar salad, no matter the situation. It finds a way to shine whether you need it to step in as the main dish or take a back seat as a side.
Refreshing yet hearty and satisfying, its complex umami flavors are balanced perfectly with bright, citrusy notes.
And then there’s the “anchovy-ness” of it all.
...Read more

Quick Fix: Chicken Caesar Salad
Looking for a light and refreshing dinner to kick off summer? This quick and easy dish comes together in just minutes.
I tossed sautéed chicken and toasted walnuts into a classic Caesar salad, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crisp romaine, creamy tang of the dressing, and savory crunch of the walnuts make every bite ...Read more
Instant Italian Antipasto Skewers
These quick skewers bring the flavors of Italy to your finger-tips, no passport required.
Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes Mozzarella balls Basil leaves OlivesInstructions: Thread a tomato, mozzarella ball, basil leaf, and olive onto each skewer.
Repeat until all ingredients are used. Serve immediately.
...Read more
Starry Night S'mores Dip
Embrace the warmth of a starry night with this irresistibly gooey s'mores dip. As cozy and comforting as an evening spent around the campfire, this dessert brings the charm of the great outdoors to your dining table.
Ingredients 1 cup chocolate chips 10 large marshmallows, halved Graham crackers for dippingInstructions ...Read more
Morning Dew Pancakes
Wake up to the freshness of a new day with Morning Dew Pancakes. Fluffy, golden pancakes, drizzled with the sweet nectar of maple syrup, is a breakfast that's as cheerful and energizing as a morning dew.
Ingredients 1 cup of pancake mix 3/4 cup of milk 1 tablespoon of oil Maple syrup for servingInstructions In a bowl, ...Read more

Student-made wines debut at UC Davis after decades of legal barriers
It’s not uncommon to try crisp white wines and rich reds at a UC Davis viticulture and enology party. But at Wednesday’s soiree, the grapes were crushed, juices fermented, wines packaged and bottles designed entirely by students — and you can get a taste, too.
Wine production students are now getting the opportunity to share the wine they...Read more
Lightning-fast Lettuce Wraps
Journey to the East with these speedy lettuce wraps. They're a delightful combination of textures and flavors, all wrapped up in a crunchy lettuce leaf.
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken or tofu 1 bell pepper 1 onion 2 cloves garlic 1 head of iceberg lettuce 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp sesame oil Salt and pepper to ...Read more
Enchanting English Cream Tea
Relax and unwind with a classic English tradition. Enchanting English Cream Tea is a delightful afternoon respite.
Ingredients Scones Clotted cream Strawberry jamInstructions Warm the scones.
Spread with clotted cream and a dollop of strawberry jam.
This cream tea is a journey to a cozy English tea room, ...Read more
Hasty Hot Chocolate Fondue
This quick hot chocolate fondue is a fun and indulgent treat. Perfect for a speedy dessert or a party centerpiece.
Ingredients: 1 cup chocolate chips 1/2 cup cream Assorted fruits for dippingInstructions: Melt the chocolate chips with the cream in a pot.
Serve the warm chocolate sauce with assorted fruits for ...Read more
Fantastic Fajita Fiesta
These quick fajitas will transport you to a lively Tex-Mex celebration right in your kitchen. It’s all sizzle without the struggle.
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken or beef, sliced 1 bell pepper, sliced 1 onion, sliced 1 packet fajita seasoning 2 tbsp vegetable oil Tortillas for servingInstructions: In a large pan, cook ...Read more

Quick Fix: Mushroom and Onion Accented Steak Sandwich
With Father’s Day right around the corner, why not treat Dad to a hearty steak sandwich packed with bold flavor?
Imagine tender slices of juicy steak piled high on a crusty baguette, layered with sautéed onions and mushrooms, and slathered with a creamy mayo-mustard sauce. A handful of fresh arugula adds a peppery zing. When shopping for ...Read more
Afternoon Aria Greek Yogurt and Berries
Experience the aria of the afternoon with Afternoon Aria Greek Yogurt and Berries. The creamy yogurt paired with sweet, fresh berries sings an aria as soothing and satisfying as a bright afternoon.
Ingredients 1 cup Greek yogurt 1 cup fresh berries 1 tablespoon honey A sprinkle of granola A few mint leaves for ...Read more
Starlit Symphony Strawberry Shortcake
Experience the symphony of a starlit night with this divine strawberry shortcake. As delightful and refreshing as a star-studded sky, this dessert is a melodic blend of juicy strawberries and fluffy shortcakes.
Ingredients 1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced 1/4 cup sugar 8 ready-made shortcakes Whipped cream for ...Read more
Blooming Spring Strawberry Smoothie
Embrace the vibrant energy of spring with this Blooming Spring Strawberry Smoothie. Fresh, juicy strawberries blended with creamy yogurt and sweet honey creates a smoothie as refreshing and invigorating as a spring bloom.
Ingredients 1 cup of fresh strawberries 1/2 cup of yogurt 2 tablespoons of honey Ice cubesInstructions ...Read more
Magic Mushroom Pizza
This recipe is plucked straight from the fantasy world, where pixies dance in the moonlight and unicorns roam freely. Magic Mushroom Pizza, a food as enchanting as it sounds, brings a touch of the extraordinary to your table.
Ingredients Pizza dough Sliced mushrooms Mozzarella cheeseInstructions Preheat the oven to 450°F (...Read more
Joyous Jackfruit Tacos
Step into a tropical paradise with this exotic and flavorful meal. Joyous Jackfruit Tacos are a fiesta of flavors, encapsulated in a crunchy taco shell.
Ingredients Jackfruit Taco shells Barbecue sauceInstructions Cook the jackfruit with barbecue sauce until tender.
Fill the taco shells with the cooked jackfruit....Read more
Dazzling Durian Smoothie
Explore the exotic side of breakfast with this bold smoothie. Dazzling Durian Smoothie is an expedition into tropical flavour, offering an unusual taste adventure.
Ingredients Durian Coconut milk HoneyInstructions Blend the durian, coconut milk, and honey until smooth.
Serve chilled.
This smoothie is a bold ...Read more
Delightful Durian Toast
Venture into the world of exotic fruits with this unusual, yet flavorful breakfast. Delightful Durian Toast is for the adventurous foodie who dares to start their day differently.
Ingredients Bread Durian HoneyInstructions Toast the bread to your liking.
Spread a layer of durian flesh on the toast.
...Read more