Joseph Hernandez – Page 29

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

7 Chicago restaurants going all out for Halloween

June 9, 2018 at 11:38 a.m.

Halloween is all about dressing the part — and some restaurants, bars and hotels are upping the ante beyond fake cobwebs and candy-corn shots. Check out the Chicago spots that...

To defeat Cubs curse, Q-BBQ serving smoked goat at Willis Tower

June 9, 2018 at 8:11 a.m.

As the Cubs head to the World Series for the first time since 1945, Cubbie fever continues to take over the city — and its food. Plenty of restaurants are...

Drink This: A wonderful pear beer to welcome fall

June 9, 2018 at 8:52 a.m.

One of my best friends was in town for the first time, so I was showing her my sleepy little corner of Ravenswood Manor. "There are a few breweries nearby,"...

Fifty/50 Group to open Bodega, a bar inspired by your favorite corner store

June 9, 2018 at 9:29 a.m.

If you're a groupie for all things from the Fifty/50 crew, you're in luck: The growing restaurant group — behind The Sixth, Steadfast, Roots Handmade Pizza and more — is...

Six wild Burgundian snails are the star of the wood-grilled escargot ($12) at Le Sud. The Roscoe Village restaurant's version of this dish is not hiding in a pool of garlic butter or served in a scalding hot dish. Presented on a skewer, the mollusks are brushed with olive oil infused with herbs de provence before they're grilled, absorbing a delicate smoky flavor that lingers in your mouth. Tender and buttery, the snails are served with a few generous pats of herb butter that melt, adding another layer of fragrance and lusciousness. A side of green salad dressed with olive oil, lemon and salt provides a bright contrast to the skewer and a hearty country bread serves as a foundation for assembling a makeshift toast point. The portion is small, so make your dining companions order their own. $12. 2301 W. Roscoe St., 773-857-1985, <a href="https://lesudchicago.com/">lesudchicago.com</a> — Grace Wong

First look at Bad Hunter, now open on Randolph Street

May 2, 2019 at 12:45 p.m.

Vegetables are the name of the game at tongue-in-cheek Bad Hunter, but don't expect a woo-woo playground for soy, tofu and faux meat. The latest opening by Heisler Hospitality (Pub...

5 things to eat, drink, do this weekend

June 9, 2018 at 9:53 a.m.

1. Vote ... for fried chicken Indulge in one of the best food pairings known to humanity: fried chicken and Champagne. Benefiting Kendall College Trust, which provides financial assistance to...

How to cook with pumpkin seeds, the unsung heroes of October

June 9, 2018 at 8:54 a.m.

I first encountered pumpkin seeds the same way a lot of American children do — in slimy fistfuls pulled from Halloween pumpkins. Of course, I immediately discarded the seeds, along...

Sample winter-ready whiskeys at Mash Bash.

5 things to eat, drink, do this weekend

June 9, 2018 at 11:41 a.m.

Lincoln Square and Ravenswood restaurants are teaming up for a week of sweet deals, while wine and whiskey fans can learn a thing or two while knocking back some glasses....

Nominate your favorite chefs and restaurants for the prestigious Jean Banchet Awards

June 9, 2018 at 12:00 p.m.

Heads up, gastronauts: Online nominations are open for the 2017 Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence. The prestigious awards celebrate local culinary talent in 14 categories. Nominees are decided through...

More details on Bar Lupo, ‘Italian pub’ opening soon in River North

June 9, 2018 at 1:50 p.m.

In a city famous for its Irish and American pubs, restaurateur Brian O'Connor is adding something new to the mix: Bar Lupo, a self-dubbed Italian pub coming soon to River...

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