The Inspired Goddess Cook Creates . . . .

FOOD IS LOVE

I went to visit my friend Tamir in Atlanta a few weeks ago. He had been talking to me for years about his family; and I was finally to meet them. Originally from Israel, Tamir told me about how much I would love his mother for she, too, had a passion for cooking.

When I arrived for dinner, she welcomed me into her home with open arms. I had not yet sat down before she was showing me pictures of her grandchildren. So filled with pride, her face reflected incredible love and pride. Tamir did not confirm withl her (for sure) that we would be there for dinner. The lack of knowing usualls sends a passionate cook into a tailspin. So, as a preventive measure, she cooked many dishes! We had borsht and its flavors filled my mouth with many years of tradition. It was only the second time in my life that I’ve tasted borsht (a soup filled with fragrant beets and beef) but it was clear that many years of making this dish in the moment transpired to create the delicate mix of taste and tradition. Then, the chopped liver that I had heard about for years was placed before me… a shrine of her culture and commitment to the theme food is love. All of the other family members eating the chopped live that night simply thought of it as a dish she always makes. But, I knew better, she put as much love as possible into that chopped liver; it is her signature dish!

Next, we were served a mixture of garlic infused ground turkey, softly fried eggplant and robust tomatoes This is Tamir’s favorite. To this day, I don’t know the name of this dish but I do know it would be extremely difficult to replicate.

I suggested that she consider giving her amazing grand daughters the gift of her cooking passion by writing down these recipes as a legacy for them. She listened, then said cautiously, “but I don’t measure, and have no real process when I cook”. We all volunteered to be the official recorder of her actions to ensure that these recipes carry on for her family and all those people who will share meals with their family as it grows in the future.

Keep the legacy of your cooking alive for others; write down your recipes.it’s a most precious gift!

Here’s one of mine...

TUNA PATE

1 1/2 = Packages Cream Cheese softened 16 oz or so

1 6 oz can tuna (in water) squeezed and completed drained of water

1 TBL minced onion

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Juice of 1/2 a lemon

Pinch of salt

Pinch of pepper

Pinch of cayenne pepper

1 tbl of chopped fresh parsley

Mix softened cream cheese, tuna and all ingredients. Refrigerate and serve with crackers or cocktail rye.

Enjoy!

WARM WEATHER in Chicago means dining outside! There are hundreds of patios to dine on in Chicago, however, not every restaurant should have a patio! I really don’t want to sit on a busy corner inhaling bus fumes and shouting over noise! It’s about ambiance! And these are a few of our favorite spots…

FULTON’S ON THE RIVER – 315 N. LaSalle. Fulton’s on the River is a classic Chicago Seafood and Prime Steak House with an unparalleled devotion to procuring nothing but the best quality ingredients. Seasonal oysters, fresh-from-the-water seafood and 100% USDA Prime Beef are all served with an unrivaled view of the Chicago River and the awesome Chicago skyline. Whether you’re a guest in the dining room, Murdock Lounge, exclusive wine room or on the outdoor Veranda, servers anticipate and accommodate, creating an extraordinary experience. Fulton’s on the River is a great place to celebrate!

CONRAD HOTEL – TERRACE – 521 N. Rush. I love chic rooftops! Who doesn’t?! The Terrace is inspired by the spirit of 1950s South Beach. Enjoy cocktails and tapas in large, comfortable chairs and couches. Sip on wine and enjoy the spectacular views! This luxury hotel is a hidden gem!

BEST KEPT SECRETS – HALSTED’S – 3441 N. Halsted (formerly X/O) and MEDICI on 57TH – 1327 E. 57th. These 2 gems have hidden treasures. Halsted’s patio is out back and Medici’s is out back and on the second floor! The host doesn’t always offer patio seating – sometimes you have to ask.

There are lots of others also, especially all around Rush Street, if you want to people watch and be part of the hustle bustle. And if you feel like a little sand and lake effect, there are great spots at Oak Street Beach and North Avenue Beach!

WHO DOESN’T LOVE CHOCOLATE ? AND WHO DOESN’T LOVE FRESH BAKED BREAD?
When it comes to chocolate, Chicago based Vosges Haut-Chocolat is on a mission is to create a luxury chocolate experience rooted in a sensory journey, bringing about awareness to indigenous cultures through the exploration of spices, herbs, roots, flowers, fruits, nuts, chocolate and the obscure. Vosges explores the many cultures, artists and theories of the world’s people through the medium of chocolate. Owner/Chocolatier Katrina Markoff personally chooses every spice, flower and chocolate brought into the Vosges Chicago kitchen.

DID YOU KNOW? Most truffles average $2.50-$3.00 each. But if you’re lucky, you can snag a box of 16 truffles for $16, every once in a while! Vosges has strict quality control but accidents happen! And a truffle may get bruised a little here or dented a little there, a nut may fall off the top…when they get 16 of those that don’t make the best of the best, they are boxed up and sold at a reduced rate. So of course, available quanities vary. Vosges has two locations here in town –

Chicago – Downtown 520 N. Michigan Avenue 312.644.9450
Chicago – Lincoln Park 951 W. Armitage 773.296.9866
(Also available in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace, in SOHO in New York City, and select Neiman Marcus stores).

Located in Andersonville, Swedish Bakery began in the late 1920’s. That’s some history! Traditional Swedish products continue to be made, as well as an infusion of other European and old fashioned American items are produced at this neighborhood institution. Pies, cakes, cookies, breads! It’s all here. Fresh baked warm bread melts in my mouth! But you can also catch some great deals here on day-old and two day-old breads, coffee cakes, and sweet rolls. Bread gets reduced to just $1 and sweet rolls and coffee cakes can be reduced from 25% – 50% off!

Swedish Bakery 5348 N. Clark, Andersonville, 773-561-8919