Excerpts: Introduction, German Stores, Latin American Ingredients, Greek Stores, and Gourmet Stores |
Since the publication of the first edition of Cook’s Guide in 2002 (not that long ago in wine-years), a lot has changed. Chicago has become a more sophisticated food town in every way. There are new world-class restaurants, world-famous chefs, cooking schools, and markets catering to the cognoscenti. For once, my timing was right, and I’ve enjoyed being a part of this foodie frenzy. The journey has brought me nose to nose with the infamous durian (it doesn’t taste as bad as it smells) and alerted me to some things I never want to eat (water bugs and eyeball tacos). Mainly it has added savor and delight to my life in a zillion ways. My taste buds will never settle for ordinary again. I didn’t know I couldn’t live without mushroom soy sauce, pomegranate concentrate, or guava paste until I found them. Whether you just want to find semolina flour to make pasta or you want to explore a new cuisine every week, this book’s mission is to help you find your way and have a tasty trip. Wherever you may wander, I wish you a life filled with flavor.
from German Stores Meyer’s Delicatessen This is a real (wonderful) throwback to a time when sausage was made at the butcher shop and Lincoln Square was a heavily German neighborhood. The brats and wurst you find here are not anything like the grocery store version. They’re plump and still attached to each other. You can choose from knackwurst, veal and Sheboygan-style brats, blood sausage, and wieners (Meyer’s, not Oscar Mayer’s). It’s also the place to go for liverwurst, veal bologna, Black Forest ham, and Westphalian ham. The salesgirls speak German and wear little white lacy caps. The patrons frequently speak German, too. The deli is gorgeous and holds herrings and cheese, including quark (a mild, fresh cheese, also known as glumse) and Limburger (not so mild). There are some prepared foods, and you can pick up a spaetzle maker or springerle pin. There is a good selection of German and Alsatian wine, imported beer, and liquor. Don’t miss all the chocolate, European candies, and imported jams either.
from Latin American Ingredients Simple Mango Salsa 2 mangos cut into bite-size chunks Mix it all together, adjust the seasoning, and allow flavors to mingle for at least 30 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning again. Serve with grilled or roasted meats.
from Greek Stores Opah!
from Gourmet Stores
If you work in the South Loop, you’re probably acquainted with Blommer by the wonderful aroma of chocolate wafting through the air. They are one of the largest producers of bulk chocolate in the country. The tiny retail store sells baking chocolate in handy chunks or discs for easy melting. Blommer also offers high-fat Dutch cocoa, as well as many chocolate-covered goodies. Doesn’t dark chocolate-covered ginger sound divine? |