TASTINGS & BEYOND

The English poet and hymnodist William Cowper (1731-1800) said it best in his poem “The Task” (1785): “…Variety is the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavor...” In everything I approach, I do so openly and with a curiosity to learn from the experience.  Following are my latest reviews of cookbooks, cooking workshops, and restaurant tastings that exemplify these goals.  Enjoy!

~ Cookbooks ~

“The Greek Diet” (By Chef Maria Loi and Health-Journalist Sarah Toland) ~ Over the years, most of us have heard about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially by following a diet based on foods common to Mediterranean cultures.  Until this resource cookbook, however, I hadn’t fully appreciated the overall significance of such a diet, because other similar books didn’t fully explain the significance of such a diet from an historical, nutritional, and culinary standpoint.  “The Greek Diet” addresses all of these aspects in a straightforward, conversational way that is informative and motivational.  This book is a wealth of information and inspiration.  It shares historical references and examples on the Ancient Greeks and what their diet consisted of at that time, and the correlation between Modern Day Greeks and how very little has changed for their diet.  It shares the personal experiences of Chef Loi of how healthy food was an integral part of her upbringing.  It shares details on the Twelve Pillar Foods and their relationship with cultivating a permanent healthy regimen and lifestyle.  It offers a two and four-week meal plan begin the journey through this regimen and lifestyle.  It offers an outline as to what food items to stock in the pantry, including a shopping list, and what foods to discard and avoid that would sabotage your efforts.  It shares the nutritional components of the recommended foods, including caloric and protein daily intake stats, and explains why certain foods are best.  And, my favorite, it includes an extensive number of simple, fresh, natural recipes all created by Chef Loi.  All of these recipes are based on her lifelong passion for her culture and the culinary.  Each recipe transitions nicely into maintaining a healthy and nutritional diet and lifestyle, and includes recipes for all meals; there’s even a recipe on how to make your own authentic Greek Yogurt, which is based on a cherished family recipe; best of all, it’s easy to make and definitely more economical than the store-bought version.  http://www.chefmarialoi.com

“Homegrown Herb Garden ~ A Guide to Growing and Culinary Uses” (By Lisa Baker Morgan and Ann McCormick) ~ I love cooking with fresh and dried herbs.  I have an impressive collection of dried herbs, many I dried from fresh store-bought plants.  Every spring, I plant fresh seeds in new soil and try to nurture them into full maturity; I spray them daily and keep them indoors until they become of adolescent age (if there is such a thing for plants?); I also position them to get some afternoon sun from a southern exposure (I have lots of other houseplants, but I digress).  As soon as I see their little green heads poke through the dirt, I become hopeful that I’ll manage to get an impressive harvest.  Truth be told, they poop out and become another memory for next spring’s hope eternal.  Going through this book, I honestly couldn’t determine what the heck I was doing wrong; I’m cheap, so I always go the seed route…and realize herb plants would probably grow better…but, they’re pricey, at least the good ones.  Anyway, this book is a feast for the eyes.  I love how each herb has it’s own overview page to include categories like The Basics, Common Varieties, Care and Feeding, Growing in Small Places, Harvesting and Did You Know.   Main sections include In the Garden, which includes helpful tips on everything from herbs like Basil to Winter Savory; another section, In the Kitchen, delves into the intricacies of Cooking with Herbs and includes recipes for your fresh-harvested herbs.  Even if you think you know a lot about herbs, this book is the perfect comprehensive resource for the newbie or experienced herb gardener and culinary wizard.  http://www.amazon.com

~ Beyond Books ~

(Chef Mary Gail Bennett)

Out in my area, there are several libraries in neighboring towns that regularly offer workshops on a wide variety of topics.  My favorite workshops are those centered on food and cooking.  In recent months, I’ve enjoyed a number of these workshops.  Each one gave me a chance to obtain additional recipes and the chance to taste and sample the featured dishes, while networking with home cooks and the chef instructors.  Recent workshops were on Restocking Your Pantry with Healthy Food; Homemade Soup and Bread; Making Homemade Pasta and Sauce; and, Homestyle Comfort Food.  These cooking workshops, led by professional chefs like Michael Maddox and Mary Gail Bennett, and representatives from the Whole Foods Market Willowbrook, walked attendees through their recipe preparations, cooking techniques, and tastings of the featured recipes.  All of the workshops were held at libraries in Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale, Darien, and Woodridge.  In the coming months, I’ll be attending additional cooking-related workshops on Summer Party Food Ideas (Darien), Funky Foods of the 1970s (LaGrange Park), and Cooking From Your Garden (Clarendon Hills).  I enjoy opportunities that increase my base of knowledge, especially on cooking, so be sure to check the event calendars at your area libraries to see what’s cooking; most libraries don’t have a residency requirement, unless stated as part of the registration process.

~ Chicago Restaurant Tastings ~

From time to time, I receive invitations to media events that are held at trendy Chicago-area restaurants.  The size of these meetings can be anywhere from a small group of three, to a large group of thirty.  Food fare is sometimes off the menu, or a special menu customized to fit the occasion, with multiple courses and choices.  I’ve been very fortunate to dine at some of the city’s best.  These restaurants offer fresh, local and sustainable food-fare.  Following are glimpses into a few of these experiences.

Nellcôte ~ Although the food was tasty (Venison Tartare), the level of noise was unbearable at this trendy spot in Chicago’s River North area, and diminished the dining experience; I found myself having to raise my voice in order to be heard; it was also difficult listening to other conversations at my table due to the noise factor; our table was in the back of the restaurant and well-removed from the entry or bar areas; poor design and layout; noise levels bounced around the high-ceilings off of the floor.  I’d like to think that this restaurant is quieter during the luncheon service.  http://www.nellcoterestaurant.com

(Spring Pasta; image by Donna Bozzo)

NoMI Restaurant (Park Hyatt Chicago Hotel) ~ Every aspect of this restaurant was wonderful…food and service, and great views of Chicago’s Mag Mile and Lake Michigan.  New Spring Menu selections I went with included a delicious Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with Breakfast Radish, Marcona Almond Gremolata, and Sunchoke Chips; Spring Pasta with Ramps and Sugar Peas, Lemon Zest, and Preserved Lemon Thyme Butter; and, Citrus Panna Cotta with Seasonal Berries.  NoMI also has a great rooftop garden area.  http://www.hyatt.com/corporate/restaurants/nomi/en/home.html

Pelago Ristorante ~ No matter the function or meal I’ve enjoyed at Pelago, this is my favorite restaurant, and one I regularly recommend to business associates and others.  Located in the boutique Hotel Raffaello in Chicago’s Water Tower District (a few blocks east of tony Mag Mile), this intimate restaurant setting offers the finest in varied regional Italian cuisine that’s incredibly fresh and handcrafted…all of which is brilliantly crafted and imagined by Chef/Owner Mauro Mafrici.  One of my favorite dishes was their Homemade Linguine, Shaved Truffles, Truffle Oil, and Shaved Parmesan Cheese.   Warm weather makes their lovely sidewalk al fresco dining area a must for diners.  The overall restaurant design is beautiful, with an ambience that's familial; the food selections are always superb!  http://www.pelagorestaurant.com

Sepia Restaurant ~ This James Beard Nominee and Award Winning restaurant, offers creative cuisine crafted and imagined by Chef Andrew Zimmerman.  My delicious selections from a specially prepared menu (optional course offerings) included a Wild Baby Arugula Salad with Roasted Pine Nuts, Pickled Lemon Zest, and Shaved Grana Padano; Grilled Salmon, Wild Rice, Roasted Beet Root Vegetable in a Red Wine Reduction; and, Apple Cake with Green Apple Mousse and Caramel Sauce.  Dining here reaffirms why this restaurant has been distinguished in the culinary world multiple times. http://www.sepiachicago.com

Farmhouse Chicago ~ Although the food was tasty, the level of noise throughout this trendy establishment in Chicago’s West Loop diminished the enjoyment of the experience; had to constantly strain to hear conversations, as well as having to practically yell to be heard by my tableside mates; it was also nearly impossible to clearly hear all of the presentations at this event, and the event was on the second floor; there wasn’t any barrier to keep the cacophony rising up from the first floor to the second floor.  Menu included Seasonal Salad, Amish Cider Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potato Puree, and Assorted Desserts.  Here’s one of those restaurants that probably is more subdued during the luncheon service.  http://farmhousechicago.com

~ In Closing ~

Using fresh, natural and even organic ingredients for your culinary creation is always best and in the long run, healthier.  Both of the cookbooks I’ve reviewed focus on different culinary aspects, but the theme of fresh and healthy is something both share.  The book on “Herb Gardening” is a culinary accessory guide, while the book on “The Greek Diet”, is a culinary lifestyle reference guide.  Both books complement each other and would a great addition to one’s collection of cookbooks.

The reviews of the Chicago restaurants offer varied cuisines for diverse demographic and are based on my experience and may not be indicative of what others have experienced.  Before heading out to one of them, or any restaurant for that matter, make sure to do some research on the establishment to make sure your preferences and/or expectations will be met as best as possible…these might include location, price, hours of operation, alcohol, entertainment, family, dress code, cuisine, patron demographic, etc.  More importantly, however, try and talk to others you know who might have gone to the restaurant(s) you’re considering…doing so, you’ll probably receive a more objective assessment from them, versus reading a carefully culled (or phony) review from the restaurant you’re considering.

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to always celebrate yourself and your culinary curiosity.  Happy cooking…happy eating!

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN continues perfecting her passion for food and wine.  She has been covering culinary related for many years as it relates to wellness and a healthy lifestyle.  Her popular blog, Terry's Spa, Beauty and Wellness Go-To has featured formidable reviews of cookbooks, restaurants, wine and food, food prep and tools, chef interviews, and coverage of prestigious events such as the International Home+Housewares Show, the National Restaurant Show and the Sweets and Snacks Expo.  She has been published since the mid-1990s in both consumer and trade publications, and is regarded as an expert in spa, beauty, wellness, travel and lifestyle, and is frequently interviewed by publications for her expert content.  She has also presented at major industry conferences, and has served with distinction on numerous governing and advisory boards.  She has a background in strategic and qualitative management, consulting, and motivational speaking.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, “Terry’s Second Helpings”.  For additional information, email her at terry.herman@gmail.com.

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(Introductory photo credit from www.healthfamilyplus.com; all other photos as represented by the specific brand.)