baiduhaiChicago News, Sports & Business

Home > Reviews

Author Image: Joseph Hernandez

Joseph Hernandez

All Stories

chicagotribune default image

5 things to eat, drink, do this weekend

1. An oyster happy hour Kick off your weekend right with an oyster "tasting menu" at GT Fish & Oyster. If you're lucky enough to snag a spot at the...
19th-century Viennese chef Franz Sacher would be pleased, I think, by the version of his eponymous chocolate cake served at Café Selmarie in Lincoln Square. First, the top of each slice of Sacher torte is decorated with his name, elegantly written in chocolate script. Second, the cake is a real looker: Layers of chocolate cake are mortared with raspberry preserve and chocolate buttercream; the whole thing is then frosted with more buttercream and wrapped in a smooth sheet of bittersweet chocolate — firm enough to be eaten on its own, if you like, with a fork. Third, every bite is delicious. The devil's food cake is firm and pleasant, while the raspberry offers a deep berry counterpoint to all the chocolate. $4.20. 4729 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-989-5595, <a href="http://cafeselmarie.com/" target="_blank">www.cafeselmarie.com</a>. — Bill Daley

5 things to eat, drink, do this weekend

You're a few days into your resolutions. How are you doing? Here are a few things around town that will help you keep them — and a few that might...
Kusanya Cafe is the kind of place where you can get a cup of coffee, check out the community board, print a school paper or simply jump on the internet. You'll see people huddled together over papers strewn across the wood tables or someone walking in simply to say hello to the small staff. Because the nonprofit cafe roasts its own coffee on-site in small batches, don't hesitate to order that lavender iced latte ($3.49) or a plain cup of coffee. The breakfast and lunch menu is lush with references to famous musicians, like the Lupe Tabasco breakfast sandwich ($2.29). It features a thin egg patty, with melted cheese and Sriracha on ciabatta, and you can add sausage, spinach and tomato for an extra charge. The cozy and brightly lit environment is exactly where you want to catch up on some work or meet up with friends. 825 W. 69th St., 773-675-4758, <a href="http://www.kusanyacafe.org/">kusanyacafe.org</a> — Grace Wong

How to open a Champagne bottle with a steak knife

Want to make a splash this holiday? Make like Belinda Chang and saber your Champagne. Put another way, if you're unfamiliar with sabering: Slash that bottle open with a sword,...
19th-century Viennese chef Franz Sacher would be pleased, I think, by the version of his eponymous chocolate cake served at Café Selmarie in Lincoln Square. First, the top of each slice of Sacher torte is decorated with his name, elegantly written in chocolate script. Second, the cake is a real looker: Layers of chocolate cake are mortared with raspberry preserve and chocolate buttercream; the whole thing is then frosted with more buttercream and wrapped in a smooth sheet of bittersweet chocolate — firm enough to be eaten on its own, if you like, with a fork. Third, every bite is delicious. The devil's food cake is firm and pleasant, while the raspberry offers a deep berry counterpoint to all the chocolate. $4.20. 4729 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-989-5595, <a href="http://cafeselmarie.com/" target="_blank">www.cafeselmarie.com</a>. — Bill Daley

5 things to eat, drink, do this weekend

Kick off 2017 with Champagne tastings, cooking classes, good-luck foods and plenty of confetti. 1) Pop bottles in Lakeview Still not sure which bottle of bubbles to drink at your...
19th-century Viennese chef Franz Sacher would be pleased, I think, by the version of his eponymous chocolate cake served at Café Selmarie in Lincoln Square. First, the top of each slice of Sacher torte is decorated with his name, elegantly written in chocolate script. Second, the cake is a real looker: Layers of chocolate cake are mortared with raspberry preserve and chocolate buttercream; the whole thing is then frosted with more buttercream and wrapped in a smooth sheet of bittersweet chocolate — firm enough to be eaten on its own, if you like, with a fork. Third, every bite is delicious. The devil's food cake is firm and pleasant, while the raspberry offers a deep berry counterpoint to all the chocolate. $4.20. 4729 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-989-5595, <a href="http://cafeselmarie.com/" target="_blank">www.cafeselmarie.com</a>. — Bill Daley

5 things to eat, drink, do this weekend

Fill the last few days before Christmas and Hanukkah with cocktails, pie, a seafood feast and more. 1. Toast to the 12 days of Christmas The Allis restaurant in Soho...
SOMETHINBG SPECIAL (Over $60) Ca'del Bosco Vintage Collection Dosage Zero 2010 (Lombardia; Italy $72.80) Bust this out to ring in the new year with style. Laser-focused with zero sugar added, it is zippy, fresh and eye-opening.

The best sparkling wine in every price range

As the year comes to an end, we optimistically look forward to the year ahead, and nothing signals this celebratory spirit quite like the cheerful "pop!" of a bottle of...