I love ahi tuna. I think it’s mainly because it’s super tasty and satisfying, but doesn’t make me feel heavy (so I am able to keep powering through my day). Also, having it be one of my favorite raw foods, the crisp coolness of the fish makes it my go-to in the summer. When I first started working with tuna, I felt extremely intimidated. Restaurants just make it look very simplistic and elegant in their preparation. Not saying I don’t trust myself, but this is just one of the many ... [ Read More ]
Rustic Apricot Tart
I don’t know about you, but when summer hits, I get this overwhelming urge to make pies for everyone (is that weird?). I just think they are so stinkin' cute and the perfect gift to bring any host when you go to a summer BBQ. I know what you’re thinking, pies are so much effort. Believe me, I couldn’t agree more. To make pie's a bit easier, I've created a recipe that will give you all the delicious flavor of a pie without all the extra time it usually requires. And let's face it, by not ... [ Read More ]
Restaurant Review: Del Frisco’s Steakhouse (FREE FOOD OFFER)
Last week, I had dinner at Del Frisco’s Steakhouse with the best friends you could imagine. Simply put, this evening was truly perfect. I hadn't gotten the chance to catch up with my friends in a while, so I decided to plan an intimate evening with them and attempt to dine al fresco (since we haven't had much outdoor time this summer). I really wanted to get together for a nice meal and chat about life (and obviously food). After serching high and low for rooftops in the city, I came across ... [ Read More ]
VH1’s Save the Music Event (with a dinner from Stephanie Izard)
I am SO excited to share that one of my favorite charities, VH1 Save The Music Foundation, has decided on Chicago for it's second pop-up dinner in their new event series, ‘Musically Mastered Menu’ on Saturday, August 1 during Lollapalooza weekend. I've always believed that keeping music and arts in the classroom is so important and the VH1 Save the Music Foundation ensures that happens. Since 1998, the foundation has raised over $2.14 million for new musical instruments so that Chicago Public ... [ Read More ]
Basil Burrata Dip w/ Fresh Tomatoes
Whenever I'm having any dinner party or BBQ, I'm always worried about making a memorable appetizer. Not only does the appetizer set the tone for the entire meal, but it's the first bite of food people are taking and you want them to be excited about the remainder of the meal! One of my go-to's is a super simple basil burrata dip with fresh tomatoes. Even though it's comprised primarily of cheese, it tastes really light and is great for a summertime starter. The best part? You only need 3 ... [ Read More ]
Mexican Elote
Every once in a while, I create a recipe that makes me want to give myself a hug. Well guys, this elote is one of them. It all started last weekend when my friend and fellow food blogger, Brett (www.hertastylife.com), said we should have a taco night. Since I'm always down for a good Mexican fiesta and I've heard rumors that this girl can make some serious carne asada, it was a no brainer to say yes. The only fear I had was that my side dish wouldn't live up to her famous tacos (if you ... [ Read More ]
Zucchini Noodle Pasta w/ RAW Tropical Marinara
Last week I did something pretty cool. I filmed a video recipe segment with one of my FAVORITE foodies, Bobby Parish, of Flav City. We had been tossing the idea of filming together for a while and when it finally happened, it turned out even better than I would have imagined. It all started when Bobby saw my recipe for Zucchini Noodle Caprese Pasta that featured the phenomenal Chelsydale peeler and the result was something incredible... A zucchini noodle pasta with a raw (yes raw) tropical ... [ Read More ]
Morel Mushroom & Pea Truffle Risotto
What if I told you that I made risotto from scratch for the first time this weekend? I know, it's kind of embarrassing, but at the same time, it came out perfect and should inspire you to give it a try yourself! I was always so scared to make risotto (don't ask me why), but when my husband requested it by name, I knew it was time to take the plunge. I was inspired to make this specific recipe as I was walking through Green City Farmers Market. I went early in the say and saw they still had ... [ Read More ]
Chicken Pot Pie Deep Dish Pizza (Thanks to Door to Door Organics)
When I find myself too busy to cook, it’s usually because I don’t have the time to grocery shop. Also, being able to get to a farmers market or organic grocery store takes a lot of time and effort out of my day. Well, today I am sharing my secret on how I am so busy, but still manage to make delicious, healthy and organic recipes. </br> I owe it all to my recent discovery of Door to Door Organics. Door to Door Organics partners with local farmers and grocers to bring organic ... [ Read More ]
Sriracha Coleslaw
Whenever I'm having a BBQ or picnic, I find that the sides are the most exciting part of the entire meal. The other day, I had a bbq with some friends and I was in charge of the coleslaw. At first, I was kind of bummed because how can you possibly make coleslaw not boring. Then, I started playing around with the dressing and created a miracle. Just by adding a little Sriracha and honey to my traditional coleslaw recipe, I made side-dish magic. You need to try this! Sriracha ... [ Read More ]
