Josh Noel – Page 53 –

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

Turning 25: Hopleaf and Map Room owners on building their iconic beer bars

November 10, 2021 at 1:40 p.m.

You used to think of thin, sticky Newcastle Brown Ale as "good beer." That's OK. So did Michael Roper and Laura Blasingame. Back when those Chicago beer luminaries opened two...

‘Amazing’ Illinois tourism ads aimed at adventurous millennials, Gen Xers

May 11, 2019 at 5:22 p.m.

When it came to advertising the charms of our state, Cory Jobe, the director of the Illinois Office of Tourism, had two challenges. Appeal to a new audience. And find...

Chef/owner Erick Williams likes salad, but he has what he calls a "philosophical issue" with croutons. They're usually too tough to spear with a fork, Williams points out, and splitting them is both noisy and messy. But crunch is a crucial element to a good salad, so what to do? With the Gem lettuce salad made with bacon, hard-cooked eggs and buttermilk dressing, Williams adds crisp-fried black-eyed peas. "It's a Southern staple," he says. "It adds crunch and earthiness, and it can be gluten-free." $10. 1462 E. 53d St., 773-947-8831, <a href="http://www.virtuerestaurant.com">virtuerestaurant.com</a> — Phil Vettel

15 most important Chicago beers ever — from Bourbon County to Big Shoulders

July 2, 2019 at 3:59 p.m.

Portland, Ore., is home to a legendary beer scene. Southern California's is one of the most ascendant. No area seems to win more medals these days than the breweries in...

Dark Lord Day tickets on sale Saturday at noon

July 2, 2019 at 3:59 p.m.

Tickets for craft beer's most legendary tote bag go on sale Saturday at noon. Three Floyds Brewing's tote bag will cost $180 this year — a $20 reduction from last...

Barb Kubas, left, and Marilyn Hermanek relax at Rustic Road Brewing Co.

Craft beer comes to life in Kenosha

May 8, 2019 at 4:36 p.m.

It was the most ordinary thing, but in a small city in southern Wisconsin, it seemed remarkable. Two locally made dubbels. Three breweries have opened in Kenosha during the last...

Goose Island’s Cooper Project puts fresh twist on bourbon barrel aging

July 2, 2019 at 3:59 p.m.

Strange as it may sound, the best thing about Goose Island's forthcoming Scotch ale aged in bourbon barrels is that it tastes like beer. It doesn't taste like licking the...

Goose Island to debut 1060 Wit beer at Wrigley Field on opening day

July 2, 2019 at 3:59 p.m.

Remember when Old Style was the good beer at Wrigley Field? Rough days. Since parent company Anheuser-Busch InBev struck a deal to become Wrigley Field's official beer sponsor in late...

Chicago’s ‘Rock and Roll Days Inn’ to become lifestyle-focused Hotel Versey

August 23, 2019 at 2:53 p.m.

The Days Inn hotel at the border of Lakeview and Lincoln Park is getting a new look. In late spring, the nearly 100-year-old building at 644 W. Diversey Parkway will...

Odell finally brings its beer to Chicago; IPA is good place to start

July 2, 2019 at 3:59 p.m.

Chicago is rife with quality beer made both at home and afar, but Odell Brewing Co. has long been on many of our drinkers' wish lists. Well, wish no more....

The most important American craft beer of all time was revolutionary when introduced in 1980: a hop-forward pale ale showcasing the spry citrus character of American-grown hops.

25 most important American craft beers ever

July 2, 2019 at 3:59 p.m.

Food & Wine had a great idea. I'm borrowing it. Last month, the magazine asked 21 beer industry luminaries to rank the most important craft beers of all time. Not...

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