Josh Noel – Page 61 –

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

New Chicago brewery Whiner skips the IPA, goes for sours

June 10, 2018 at 11:27 a.m.

Most breweries can explain their flagship beer with a simple word or two. "Pale ale" (Sierra Nevada). "IPA" (Lagunitas). "White ale" (Allagash). The newly opened Whiner Beer Co., on Chicago's...

Taking flight at the AF Vandevorst Haute Couture collection.

Why I miss technology-free travel

August 23, 2019 at 2:11 p.m.

I've been a travel writer for almost eight years, but here's the irony: I'm probably a worse traveler now. Back when I was freewheeling and in my early 20s, I'd...

A visit to new Dovetail Brewery is ‘a must for any serious beer lover’

June 10, 2018 at 12:10 p.m.

There are more breweries in the United States now than at any point in this country's history — more than 4,200 — and they mostly make similar beer using similar...

Dumb Donald beer a commentary on ‘ignorance, hate’ says Chicago’s Spiteful Brewing

June 10, 2018 at 12:23 p.m.

Angry Adam, Belligerent Bob, Chatty Cathy and Irrational Ian have all been Spiteful Brewing beers in recent years, but it's their new sibling that is creating the biggest stir. The...

After 2 more infected Bourbon County beers, will fans still line up?

June 10, 2018 at 11:10 a.m.

Buried at the end of a promotional podcast last month to address the massive recall of two of the brewery's iconic Bourbon County beers, Goose Island's brewmaster offered a further,...

A number of tourist attractions line Wisconsin Dells Parkway.

A first-timer from Chicago dives into the Wisconsin Dells

August 23, 2019 at 2:06 p.m.

I'm a dad now. Evan is just over a year old, with a joy for life and a daring spirit that compels him to dive headfirst off any bed, chair...

Drink This: Haymarket’s The Defender quietly becomes a Chicago beer legend

June 11, 2018 at 10:51 p.m.

Even with 10 guesses, it would be difficult to pick which Chicago beer is the most honored in the city's craft brewing history. The answer, as far as I can...

5 new beer and booze gifts a thirsty dad will love

June 11, 2018 at 10:11 p.m.

Father's Day approaches. You know what dad really wants? A tie! Just kidding. He wants booze! To celebrate, here are five options for the thirstiest of dads, all new (or...

Liliko'i Kepolo, a white ale by Avery Brewing Co., is lightly tart, which both refreshes and rejuvenates the palate, great for a hot day on the beach.
<a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/drink/ct-beer-of-month-food-0608-20160602-story.html" target="_blank">RELATED: Read our full review of this beer.</a>

Liliko’i Kepolo an interesting, refreshing hybrid from Avery Brewing

June 11, 2018 at 10:18 p.m.

What it is: A refreshing, summer-ready hybrid from the always-dependable Avery Brewing in Boulder, Colo., Liliko'i Kepolo (Hawaiian for "passion fruit devil") is a bright Belgian white ale that gets...

Craft Beer Week: The best discoveries among Chicago, suburban breweries

June 10, 2018 at 12:40 p.m.

Not long ago, Chicago Craft Beer Week was a time to celebrate an industry that drinkers support all year long. Now it's a time to catch up on the breweries...

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