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WIN $1000!!!
Posted:Tuesday, 03/09/2010 at 08:03pm by David J
I write alot about food and eating, well we're putting our money where our mouth is...and might I say it's pretty darn tasty!

Get yourself entered right now on this website...click through on the "Win Cash" banner on our home page. Then make sure you're here tomorrow morning at 9a when my friend Brian Peck will announce a name...I'll keep my fingers crossed that it's yours!

David J.

Eat Good, Feel Good: Silver Screen Celebration & Libation...
Posted:Friday, 03/05/2010 at 11:03pm by David J
The movies' biggest night is Sunday and many of us will be hosting our own "watching parties"...it's a given that tying the food you serve with movies or actors honored is a must. Keep an eye open for BBQ ribs on menus (Stanley Tucci; Best Supporting Actor Nominee - "The Lovely Bones") or anything having to do with blueberries or blue cheese (Best Motion Picture Nominee - "Avatar").

Now if you haven't guessed as to who I'll be pulling for in the Best Actress category...here's a hint, she's the most nominated actress of our time and portrayed the pioneer of the modern television cooking shows. To pay tribute to her great performance and honor the woman she so deftly brought back to life on the "Big Screen"; I will be mixing up and enjoying the cocktail which Julia in life and Meryl on film imbibed in.

You can find the recipe for Julia Child's "Upside Down Martini" here: www.utahmixologist.com/2009/08/upside-down-martini-recipe-for-julia.html

David J.


Eat Good, Feel Good: Chicago Restaurant Week...
Posted:Tuesday, 02/23/2010 at 11:02pm by David J
It's that time of the year to get out and support our local favorites...and save some money at the same time.

For a look at who is participating this year...www.choosechicago.com/eatitup/Pages/Restaurant.aspx

Happy Eating!

David J.

Eat Good, Feel Good: Game Time Grub...
Posted:Thursday, 02/04/2010 at 10:02pm by David J
The "BIG GAME" is this Sunday and I want you to kick the can...or the jar, if that's how you'll be serving up salsa with those crispy, salty chips and homemade guacamole. Making salsa is easy, it impresses the friends and family and you control what's going into it. Most of those nation-wide brands that are "shelf-stable" contain the preservatives that your freshly made bowl of goodness will not and that's something to feel good about as we all throw our good eating habits to the wind and partake in the feeding frenzy.

Here's a great recipe from Chicago's Maestro of Mexican Cuisine, Rick Bayless; which can be found on the website of the "Queen of Good Things"...Martha Stewart.

www.marthastewart.com/recipe/ricks-roasted-tomatillo-chipotle-salsa-salsa-de-chile-chipotle-y-tomate-verde

Enjoy the game...Go Saints!
David J.


Eat Good, Feel Good: Headlines...
Posted:Monday, 01/18/2010 at 11:01pm by David J
Nothing boils my blood more than reading the latest "studies" and "surveys" regarding the health of Americans. Here are some of the shining examples I've recently had the pleasure to read:

"Are Americans healthier than 10 years ago?"...here's the answer to that one, NO!

"The CDC said two-thirds of non-institutionalized U.S. adults were overweight or obese; the study found that only 39% of those surveyed called themselves overweight."...Welcome to the new reality; keep telling yourself what YOU want to believe.

"U.S. obesity rate appears to be leveling off, landmark study finds."...WOW, someone decided NOT to order another "super-sized" value meal.

You've read what I've said about the great responsibility we have in feeding others and ourselves (if not scroll down and read a couple entries); as a professional in the foodservice industry it is my responsibility to promote good and smart food choices...I need to recruit your help, spend some time talking with family and friends about our health and the fuel we put into our bodies. I'd like to be reading headlines like these in the near future:

"Americans are among the healthiest people on the planet."

"Recent survey: more U.S. adults say they are making healthier food choices for their families."

"Groundbreaking study shows the U.S. obesity rate is on the decline."

David J.


Eat Good, Feel Good: Iron Chef America
Posted:Monday, 01/04/2010 at 10:01pm by David J
You may not agree with her politics or the health care bill her husband is an advocate of...but last night on Food Network's "Iron Chef America" our First Lady spoke to both sides of the aisle and all Americans. Her message, simple - the importance of healthy meals for children at home and school and supporting local farmers markets, if this sounds familiar..well just read some of the entries below to refresh your memory.

At the start of the New Year, renew your commitment to provide freshly prepared and healthy meals for those you feed and remember...it starts with YOU, make YOUR food choices as smart as you would for others.

If you need help in making "smart" food choices, there are many websites to check out...just hit your favorite search engine or shoot me an e-mail, I'd be happy to help out.

David J.

Eat Good, Feel Good: Tiger Woods...
Posted:Monday, 12/07/2009 at 11:12pm by David J
Now that I have your attention...in an attempt to shamelessly jump on the Tiger Woods band-wagon, I offer up for your approval a recipe for Swedish Meatballs. With his family being dragged through the media gutter, Tiger best master this recipe for his Sweden born wife.

Okay you can stop belly-laughing (or more likely rolling your eyes), these little gems (the meatballs, not the women who have come forward to get their slice of the Woods' financial pie) are classic party food, who hasn't been to a relative's home where the Crock-Pot is bubbling away with these saucy beauties (again the meatballs, not the women). The holidays are here and it's time to dust off this piece of Americana and serve them to our friends and family and see how the conversation "tees-up".

I've chosen a great recipe from another cultural icon who is no stranger to getting skewered on late night TV, the gossip rags or SNL. Go to this address for the recipe, which can easily be doubled for big crowds: www.marthastewart.com/recipe/swedish-meatballs-freeze-it

Not one to miss the chance to "gild the lily", I suggest you order up a pack or two of these golf themed party picks, so your guests can do some skewering of their own.
www.retroplanet.com/PROD/29304?cpid=GDF100&prod=29304

David J.

Eat Good, Feel Good: "Insiders"
Posted:Wednesday, 11/11/2009 at 10:11pm by David J
This past weekend the Chicago Green City Market moved inside; into the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon Drive). This farmers market runs through December 23rd, each Wednesday and Saturday 8am-1pm. There will be no market on 11/28...I guess that after a long season these farmers might want to spend a holiday weekend with their families, come on give 'em a break.

There is a host of great fall produce to be had right now, including one of my fall favorites butternut squash. Also, the market is featuring some great chef demos this fall/winter; Wednesday November 18th you can catch the Maestro of Mexican Cuisine Rick Bayless.

David J.

P.S. Here's a great way to put that butternut squash to use, it's a Thanksgiving staple in my family.

www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/smoked-sausage-butternut-squash-and-wild-rice-soup-recipe

Eat Good, Feel Good: Training Camp
Posted:Monday, 11/02/2009 at 10:11pm by David J
Halloween is behind us now and the holidays are just about here...a time when we all throw any commonsense about our eating habits out the window and eat with reckless abandon.

Sweets seem to be, for most, the biggest obstacle in our way to a regret-free holiday meal. Now I'm not saying to avoid sweet treats, heavens know I couldn't and wouldn't, but with a "training camp" for our sweet tooth, we may be able to satisfy that craying with less of the sweet stuff.

So, with little better than three weeks until Thanksgiving give this a try. Starting today cut back on sugar...if you use a whole pack of sugar in your morning coffee, try half a pack. Do you add sugar to your cereal, give it a try without...or add fruit for that sweet kick. If you drink more than one can of soda-pop a day, replace one with water. Mid-afternoon at the office, can you be found in front of the vending machine pondering which candy bar is better for you, bring sensible snacks from home to work. You get the idea...with a little cut back on sugar, that pesky sweet tooth learns to do with less when confronted with a table full of pies, cookies and cakes.

David J.

Eat Good, Feel Good: What a Crock!
Posted:Thursday, 10/22/2009 at 09:10pm by David J
It's rainy, cold days like today, that makes me want to break out the Crock-Pot. The wonderful smells that greet you when you open the front door, after a day at work, of a long cooking stew takes me right back to my grandmother's home.

I admit that I don't "Crock-Pot" enough to be a seasoned pro...but you need not crock all the time to get great results. Plug "Crock Pot Recipes" into your favorite search engine and you'll find everything from savory to sweet.

Carving pumpkins this weekend or hosting a Halloween party? Give this simple recipe for mulled wine a try...adults only please.

5 cups apple cider
3 cups dry red wine
1/4 cup packed brown sugar or honey
1/2 tsp. whole cloves
1/4 tsp. whole allspice
1 stick cinnamon

Mix all ingredients in "Crock-Pot". Cover and cook on low for at least 3 hours. Remove cloves, allspice and cinnamon before serving. Need a "higher octane" beverage...add 1/2 cup of brandy to the list of ingredients.

David J.

Eat Good, Feel Good: National Pizza Month
Posted:Thursday, 10/01/2009 at 11:10pm by David J
October is the month that we as a nation celebrate one of my favorite comfort foods...pizza. Just place yourself back to Friday or Saturday nights when a piping hot pizza would show up and we'd sit in front of the tube with an ice cold soda-pop, a couple slices and watch The Love Boat, Dukes of Hazzard, Fantasy Island or Dallas. Nothing takes me back like a great pizza and no matter what New Yorkers say, we have a diverse collection of pizzas thick and thin crust, that is the envy of any city.

Here are just four of my favorite pizza "joints" in and around the city:

Pizzeria Uno, the original in Chicago for classic Chicago deep dish.

Spacca Napoli, Chicago, true to Naples pizza.

Home Run Inn, the original on 31st in Chicago, my favorite thin crust (the Darien location is also great and my home base).

Pequod's, in Morton Grove, a deep dish that must be tried to "get it".

In the "gone but not forgotten" category...Charlotte's, Palatine on route 14, was one of the best places to go with friends for a cold beer, good conversation, lots of laughs and darn good thin crust pizza.

David J.

P.S. Cheese and sausage for me...occasionally throw on some onions.


Eat Good, Feel Good: Go Go Gourmet...
Posted:Friday, 09/25/2009 at 09:09pm by David J
This weekend Millennium Park plays host to "Chicago Gourmet" a celebration of some of the nation's best chefs and wineries with an "A-List" of Chicago chefs on hand with the likes of Rick Bayless, Tony Montuano and Jimmy Bannos (Jimmy, the cloudy, rainy, cooler weather this past week makes me long for a big bowl of your gumbo).

I know that the ticket price is steep at $150 per day but along with sampling some great food, sipping new wines and rubbing elbows with our city's most influential food folks...you are supporting and participating in the promotion of Chicago as a food destination. We have a long tradition of outstanding restaurants and innovators in the culinary field yet we are often metioned after the two coasts as a true "foodie" city.

So, fly your foodie flag this weekend and treat yourself to some of the best our city has to offer...the rest of the foodie world is watching.

David J.

Eat Good, Feel Good: Hit The Books!!!
Posted:Friday, 09/11/2009 at 09:09pm by David J
Schools's back in session and as young minds are being developed with the "3Rs"; it's a good time for us cooks to expand our knowledge in the kitchen. Learning in the art of cooking is an on-going, never-ending process. I graduated from Kendall Culinary School in 2006 and I'm still growing my skills each day.

Below are 5 books which I recommend heading to the library and giving them a good "look over" and perhaps checking one or two out. I mention this because these 5 books tend to cost more than the average cookbook, reason being that they delve deeper into the skills and techniques needed in preparing food...they're not just books full of recipes.

Here's the list, the 1st 3 are great for the home cook and the last 2 take you into a professional kitchen:

"Martha Stewart's Cooking School" by Martha Stewart

"The New Making of a Cook: The Art, Techniques, and Science of Good Cooking" by Madeleine Kamman

"Jacques Pepin's Complete Techniques" by Jacques Pepin

"On Cooking: A Textbook of Culinary Fundamentals" by Sarah R. Labensky and Alan M. Hause

"The Professional Chef" by The Culinary Institute of America

Happy Reading!
David J.


Eat Good, Feel Good: You Say Tomato, I Say...Eat 'Em Now!
Posted:Wednesday, 08/26/2009 at 11:08pm by David J
We are right at the crest of tomato season...vibrant, juicy and full of flavor, this is the time to take full advantage of the way a tomato SHOULD taste, not the mealy, tasteless, pink wedges that sit aside salads mid-January in restaurants. If you do not have your own tomato plants from which to pick fresh from the vine beauties, search out locally grown tomatoes at farmers markets or hit up your neighbors for some of the bounty from their gardens.

Sliced thick with a drizzle of really good extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of sea salt and the slightest splash of red wine vinegar; served up with a loaf of crusty bread and a chilled bottle of Falanghina (an Italian white wine, go figure)...these are tomatoes I can call dinner.

Some local chefs and their restaurants are celebrating "Chicago Tomato Fest 2009" with Slow Food Chicago, by re-working an American classic the BLT. To get the scoop on this "Old School BLT Bonanza" and where you can get your hands around one of these unique takes on a comfort food we all grew up on, check out the link below. Oh, by the way...John, the chef at the market where I work, has put together a killer BLT with local pork belly, heirloom tomatoes, a summer herb aioli and topped with a fennel and peach salad. Stop by Panozzo's Italian Market in the South Loop and give it a try.

www.candidwines.com/slowfoodtomatofest2009.html

David J.


Eat Good, Feel Good: Julia's Wisdom...
Posted:Wednesday, 08/19/2009 at 11:08pm by David J
Had the chance to see "Julie & Julia" last week. It is very enjoyable, romantic, funny and at the end of the film I teared-up; I was taken back to my childhood and to great memories of watching Julia on channel 11 with my mother and grandmother...what a sappy Italian boy I am.

Inspired, after the movie I dug into my copy of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" for something to share with you. My choice, the single most versatile and valuable recipe in this classic of cooking...vinaigrette or as Julia called it "Sauce Vinaigrette". Yes the thing that we've been pouring on salads since we were kids, is the recipe that no cook can live without.

Below is link to Julia's original recipe...use it, master it, then experiment. Here's an example: keeping to her ratio of 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar, exchange the vinegar for lemon juice, add some garlic, oregano, parsley, salt to taste, warm slightly and you've got a classic Italian condiment for grilled seafood called salmoriglio.

www.bonappetit.com/magazine/2009/08/green_salad_with_sauce_vinaigrette

David J.

Eat Good, Feel Good: Lights, Camera...EAT
Posted:Thursday, 08/06/2009 at 10:08pm by David J
Sans the release of a new James Bond flick (the answer to your question is...yes, Connery is the REAL Bond), I have been anxiously awaiting "Julie & Julia" to hit the big screen. The movie, if you've seen any of the trailers, is based on two books, the movie's namesake "Julie & Julia" and "My Life in France" (written by Julia Child).

I have read the latter of the two and I fell in love with the story...a true one at that of Julia Child's time in France before she became the "French Chef". The book details her loving marriage with her husband and her discovery of a lifelong love affair with food.

I can't do justice to "My Life in France" you need to read it...it's really that good, foodie or not.

For a sneak peak at the movie check out www.julieandjulia.com

David J.


Eat Good, Feel Good: Wine, Dine and Culture.
Posted:Monday, 07/27/2009 at 10:07pm by David J
I had the chance to check out the new exibit at the Art Institue of Chicago, "A Case for Wine"...needless to say it was a great way for a foodie like me to spend an afternoon. If you fancy yourself a wine aficionado or aspiring wine snob, you need to check this out.

If you can, for a special treat before you hit the exibit, I suggest lunch at Terzo Piano in the new Modern Wing of the Art Institue, great food and wine list; all put together under the watchful eye of Tony Mantuano, chef-owner of Spiaggia.

Check out their website www.terzopianochicago.com

David J.

Eat Good, Feel Good: Tabouli???
Posted:Thursday, 07/02/2009 at 11:07pm by David J
Recently a friend asked me to recommend a salad that she should try out on a crowd that she had already wowed with her famous pasta salad. I responded with Tabouli...I was met with silence; she had not heard nor tasted this classic of middle-eastern cuisine. Tabouli is a Lebanese salad made with Bulgur wheat, lots of fresh chopped parsley, mint, scallions, tomatoes, olive oil and lemon juice. It is very refreshing on a hot summer day and goes great with grilled foods. There a many different interpretations of the recipe, epicurious.com has a very good traditional one to use as a stepping off point.

Finishing the story about my friend, the Tabouli salad was a huge hit even with the kids; in fact it sparked conversation on what you can add to the salad to jazz it up...I suggest a little feta cheese.

David J.


Eat Good, Feel Good: Farmers Market
Posted:Wednesday, 05/20/2009 at 10:05pm by David J
My favorite time of the food year is here...outdoor Farmers Markets. Green City, Federal Plaza and Daley Plaza markets already have a couple days under their belts, or should I say overalls. One of my favorite markets to hang out at on an early Saturday morning, the Oak Park Farmers Market, kicks-off this weekend (by the way DO NOT, miss the doughnuts). The weather looks like it will cooperate, so it should be a great day to check out the very best of what our local farmers have to offer this spring...radishes and asparagus are ready now.

For more details www.oak-park.us/farmersmarket/

David J.


Eat Good, Feel Good: A Cut Above
Posted:Monday, 05/11/2009 at 10:05pm by David J
If you already have a set of cutlery in your kitchen...you likely own the "must have" knives when it comes to handling everyday cooking duties.

If you are currently in the market for a set of knives or planning to upgrade your collection keep this in mind, most cooks need only three knives to get just about every task done and you need not spend a ton of cash on a cutlery set, some can set you back $2000.00 (which is way too rich for my blood). There are some good deals to be had at cutleryandmore.com.

If you choose to not buy a set and want to get only the "must have" knives here is what every good cook needs: 1-3" to 4" paring knife; 1-9" to 12" serrated bread knife; 1-8" to 10" Chef's knife. Also, honing and storing your new knives is important in keeping them sharp and safe...you will need a honing steel and a knife block or I prefer to use a magnetic knife strip (I like to show off my knives).

David J.

Eat Good, Feel Good: Keep Sharp!
Posted:Friday, 03/27/2009 at 11:03pm by David J
This week while watching Martha (yes, Stewart and you should hold on to this info, that I do watch the show, for blackmail purposes), she mentioned that all of the knives in the studio kitchen had been sent to the factory and sharpened. Well, even if you have the cash to do that, you need not be without your knives for as long as it takes to ship, sharpen and return them to you. We have many choices in the Chicago area that will do the sharpening while you wait. My favorite place is Northwestern Cutlery at 810 West Lake Street in Chicago; they do all of my knives and their shop is a cook's toy store, so you'll have fun while your knives are brought back to life. It's a small business and I like the idea of giving my dollars to the local guy.

Sharp knives are a must in the kitchen, not only do they make your work easier but safer...as funny as that sounds. A couple other things: that 10" steel rod with a handle that's been sitting in your knife block is not a sharpener, it's a honing steel and it should be used each time you use your knives and although there are "knife sharpeners" you can buy, your best bet is to leave the sharpening to the professionals for the best results.

David J.


Eat Good, Feel Good: What do DJs Talk About?
Posted:Thursday, 02/12/2009 at 08:02pm by David J
What do DJs talk about? Food of course, scrambled eggs in particular. When Megan Reed and I do get the chance to chat, the conversation turns to us talking about the latest recipes we've tried or great meals we've had.

One day we got on the subject of scrambled eggs...how something that seems to be so simple can go so wrong in the blink of an eye; burnt, rubbery or watery eggs are by no means a good thing to eat. Megan mentioned that she had tried a recipe from epicurious.com with very good results. I have long been a fan of this website, it is a good resource for cooking and food in general...give it a try the next time you are looking to change things up in the kitchen or when the simplest of dishes needs a little help with the "how to" technique.

David J.

Eat Good, Feel Good: Food Safety
Posted:Monday, 01/19/2009 at 10:01pm by David J
With all the news about salmonella tainted peanut butter, it's a good time to remind us that food safety is everyone's responsibility. Professionals in the food service industry are certified in proper food handling to help insure that what we eat is as safe for consumption as possible. However when the food leaves their establishment it is now in our hands to continue the safety process.

Here a couple things to keep in mind when you are handling food:

Keep everything clean. This includes proper hand washing, warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Clean utensils, can openers are notoriously dirty - take a look you might be surprised. Use cutting boards that are non-porous and wash them after each use. Clean those work areas and sink. Dish cloths and sponges, both should be cleaned weekly with a turn in the washing machine (hot water cycle, of course). Fruits and vegetables, give them a good rinse under warm water and if needed use a soft brush to remove any dirt.

Hot foods should be kept hot and cold foods should be kept cold. Disease-causing bacteria readily grow in temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit; perishable and prepared foods should not be kept in this "temperature danger zone" for longer than two hours, one hour if the room temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Please note, these tips will NOT prevent you from getting sick from the tainted peanut butter mentioned above.

For more information on food safety check out www.foodsafety.gov

David J.


Eat Good, Feel Good: Stop The Abuse
Posted:Wednesday, 01/07/2009 at 11:01pm by David J
Oprah continues to do battle with weight loss; within the past few days she has cited a couple different reasons for her struggles, one quote (from her website) struck me as very telling "It's not about the food. It's about using food - abusing food." With enough money to have a fulltime personal chef, nutritionist, trainer and the Bears offensive line guarding the potato chips, she has an advantage that most people battling day in and day out do not.

That said, I would suggest that there are plenty of ways to end abusing food without having a team of professionals on-call...in fact the two I'll mention are totally free.

First, study and learn how to really cook and prepare your own food. It is far too easy in our culture to pick up some piece of foods void of any value to our wellbeing and use it to fill that "emptiness" whatever it might be. When you are intimately involved with the preparation of what you take into your body and those of your loved ones, it becomes that much harder to continue abusing it.

Second, you need someone to hold you accountable for your food choices, you can walk into any of the thousands of fast food joints on every corner and justify (to yourself) shoveling in the "fill-in-the-blank" value meal...but just try to justify that same experience to an objective onlooker, I think you know what you'll hear. Recruit someone, not a loved one or family member, to be the person you talk to once a week about your choices bad and good; make sure they know what your goals are, you'll be surprised how focused this will keep you, if you're honest to that person and yourself. Oh yeah, Oprah I'm available to be that person for you, just shoot me an e-mail.

David J.


Eat Good, Feel Good: Big Goals, Think Small
Posted:Saturday, 01/03/2009 at 11:01pm by David J
If your resolutions for 2009 are many and present some major hurdles to get over, focus on one small habit to get into that will give big results for the long term. Here is just one food related habit that can have a big impact on your life in the New Year.

Purchase fresh fruit and vegetables once a week...I'm not talking about an eating schedule that you have to stick to, simply make the commitment that each week you'll have the freshest produce in your home for you and your family to eat. A walk through the produce section at the grocery can be inspirational (I know that might sound a little odd but trust me it CAN be) or drop by your neighborhood produce market, many times you'll find things that the big stores do not carry or some great savings on the staples. Even better go to a farmers market, not only will you be eating healthier but you're getting what's in season and you are supporting our local farming families.

All the best in 2009!
David J.