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As a member of the Chicago Blogger Network, I was lucky to attend the Time Out Chicago Eat Out Awards at the Terzo Piano, located in the Modern Wing of The Art Institute. The event featured 15 awards going to the best bars and restaurants in Chicago, voted on by readers choices and critics picks. Terzo Piano was filled with the industry's top players, and it made for quite an exc
Avec is my FAVORITE restaurant in Chicago and for sure would be my last meal if it ever came down to it. When I used to live on Randolph I would frequent this wood-clan small communal seating spot all the time. However, no living in Wicker Park, with so many amazing new restaurants in Chicago and great foodie events, I rarely have a chance to eat at Avec. But when I do have time, I go;
Happy Meat Free Monday! The NCAA championship is on tonight and I want to watch the games at home. I going to prepare an inherently quick and easy dinner with uses black beans and goat cheese, two ingredients I have on hand. What a perfect marriage of flavors on a crisp quesadilla!Yields one servingingredients2 flour tortillas1/3 cup black beans, drained, rinsed and cooked1/4 cup of goat cheeseGua
Stephanie Izard shared this recipe with her guests at the Macy's Culinary Council cooking demo last week. It is actually an amazing dish featured on the menu at her vastly popular restaurant Girl and The Goat. The recipe consists mainly of roasted cauliflower, mint, pine nuts and pickled peppers. The pickled peppers are so good that after the demonstration I ran o
The magic of Macy's was blooming yesterday on State Street; it's store windows drenched Asian-inspired blooms for the Macy's Flower Show, "The Painted Garden". It gave your eyes a much needed awakening that spring is FINALLY here and in the air. While inside the store, The Macy's Culinary Council was hosting a cooking demo with Chef Stephanie Izard, further delighting one's se
Far too often in the mornings, we find ourselves rushing to the gym or the office or perhaps hitting snooze for a few more blessed minutes of sleep. And though breakfast is the most important meal of the day, we’ve all been guilty of making the excuse of not having enough time. Instead, we’ll grab a blueberry muffin or fruit-filled pastry from the local coffee shop out of convenience, or even wors
Tomato, red onion, and Maytag Blue cheese salad is simple,but is packed with lots of great flavor. I love to serve this delicious salad along with a great grilled steak. Steve and I made this salad for Bobby Flay, on Food Network's Bobby's Dinner Battle, along with a grilled flank steak. However, it was edited and not shown on TV. You have to make sure you are working with a ripe and seasona
Bavette's Bar and Boeuf is a European style steakhouse with a speak-easy look in Chicago's River North. The retro-chic decor and dimly light atmosphere remind me of dining in Paris. In addition to the incredible food and drink, I can't stress how much I love the decor, atmosphere, and the downstairs parlor. Bavette's is another creation of Brendan Sodikoff's, owner and operator of one o
When I was in college, I had the opportunity to live in Cuernavaca, Mexico. During my time there, I fell in love with Mexican cuisine, and to this day it has greatly influenced me as a home cook. Seemingly always I try to incorporate the freshness, flavor, and authenticity of these wonderful regional ingredients into any meals that I cook.... So when I found out about the CookTa
I am very excited to be attending the Common Thread's 10th Anniversary Chicago World Festival this year. Common Thread's "mission is to educate children on the importance of nutrition and physical well-being, and to foster an appreciation of cultural diversity through cooking. We help bridge cultural boundaries and strengthen our global family by teaching children about their
There are so many versions of tortilla soup, and I have an authentic Mexican tortilla soup recipe for you that's not gringo-fied! Sopa de tortilla. While I was in Mexico, Chef Pablo Ryler and I had a one-on-one Mexican cooking lesson. I love the flavor, and the preparation is very easy. This recipe calls for some authentic Mexican ingredients like ezapote, which y
Chicago's Best Wing Fest – Hands down the most fun and entertaining food festival in Chicago. It attracts die-hard wing fanatics. People whose top passion in life is to find the ultimate buffalo wing and sauce.It is tough to describe this festival, but it seems much more like a party. The fun starts in the parking lot where a full on tailgate is going on from about 10:00 AM
FridayBreakfast On-the-go: Siggi's coconut with fresh organic raspberries Lunch: with the hubby, Steve, at Dear Franks in Deerfieldsuper chicken sandwich,cheddar burger,cheese fries & dill picklesI happened to run into the #1 distributor, Mark, for Vienna Beef. We were obsessed with his custom hand-knit beanie. Top by Cynthia R
Since we have been dining out and attending events, we wanted to cook and stay at home for Valentine's day. We started with:Hibachi style shrimp Steamed King Crab Grilled Baby Lamb Chops Sauteéd Lobster Tail Famous "Bobby Flay" Grilled NY Strip Steak Cut against the grain and cooked to the perfect temperature Served with a side of sauteéd organic spinach &nb
Steve and I rang in The Year of The Snake at Sunda, for their celebratory menu recognizing the Chinese New Year. They offered delicious specials from Chef Jess DeGuzman along with a traditional Chinese Dragon Dance. Steve travels to China a lot and enjoyed the authenticity of the food and Chinese customs that were incorporated into the night. To drink, I started with a Billy's Super Fresh Sak
Steve and I headed to Monarch Chicago for our date night. It's located blocks away from our home in Bucktown/Wicker Park. It took over the former Uberstein location, with a royal face lift. I was very excited try Chef Andrew Brochu's, former chef at Graham Elliot and Kith & Kin, upscale bar creations. The menu offerings looked delicious and we wanted to order EVERYTHING! Dinne
On Food Network's Bobby's Dinner Battle, Bobby Flay gifted Steve and I a jar of Spanish olives with pimentos. I usually make this appetizer with a slow-roasted tomato but for the dinner battle challenge I substituted the slow-roasted tomatoes with Bobby's gift: Olives. Guests at my dinner parties always gobble these down however my competitor stated due to the rosemary sprig, my appeti
En Hakkore offers an adorable space with delicious, fast food. It has taken over Melt Sandwich Shoppe’s short lived home on Damen, just a few blocks north of the six corners. Chandeliers made of drying racks and a large oak communal table give this restaurant a casual cozy feel. As I walked in, I saw someone eating thebibim-bap; it looked wonderful! It isn’t easy ordering from this menu becau
"A Wicker Park couple will grace the small screen this month to show off their culinary and entertaining prowess on one of Food Network's latest series.Wicker Park resident and food blogger Kat Levitt and her husband, Steve, will be featured on an episode of "Bobby's Dinner Challenge." The cooking competition series revolves around host Bobby Flay traveling the country and pitting teams
As you may already know, I was casted as one of Chicago's Best Home cooks for Bobby's Dinner Battle on the Food Network. It airs tomorrow, Wed Jan.30th at 10/9pm Central.We (#teamkatandsteve) would love to hear what you think we "threw-down" for Bobby Flay?!!
Reno is exactly what the heart of Logan Square needed. This restaurant, which is conveniently located across the street from the Logan Square CTA blue line stop, offers a cozy space to spread out and get some work done while enjoying a meal made in house. While doing exactly this, I thought to myself, this is so much better than sitting in a coffee shop for hours getting wired and eating mediocre
While New Years Eve often gets most of the attention, its New Years Day that excites me. What's going to be my first meal of 2013??I'm starting my 2013 off right at Dragon Ranch Moonshine & BBQ, where they are serving up 64oz Epic Bloody Mary that will blow your mind, alongside what should be a spectacular brunch, Eater Chicago rated this hot spot for brunch & to get y
Mmmm beets. Roasted beet & goat cheese bites are perfect bite size hors d'oeuvres for NYE. I love a roasted beet and goat cheese salad, this is my take on a deconstructed version served as a finger food. Made like this, they're incredibly easy amd scrumptious. You can prepare the night before so they're ready to go when you're ready to impress your guests.ingredients4 medium b
With New Years Eve around the corner, I wanted to share some great appetizers to serve your guests and ring in 2013 in a yummy way. This is a dish that Steve's(my husband) grandpa was famous for. Supposedly he made the best clams casino ever. Thankfully, he passed this recipe down to Steve's mom before he passed, and now Steve knows it as well. This is a great appetizer that can b
New spot to Logan Square, Fat Rice draws Euro-Asian (Chinese and Portuguese) fusion with flavors and culture from Macao. Steve & I have both traveled to Macao and we were very excited to try Fat Rice's menu which offers exotic and lesser known ingredients like calamasi conserva, charred padrón, and parrano that we really enjoy! Many of the tables are communal, but we sat down at th
Is your house always filled with guests who are craving your amazing meals?YES! Do you throw the best dinner parties in town?YES! Are people always asking for your recipes?YES, THAT'S WHY I STARTED A GIRL & her FOOD I was approached with the opportunity to be casted for a new exciting Food Network series, working in teams of two, to show BOBBY FLAY that I have wh
As it is the last week of 2012, I wanted to share my favorite newcomers to the 2 dining scene. Since the world didn't end and if you live in Chicago and haven't been to these spots....you must try them ASAP! I would love to hear Which are your favorite new restaurants in Chicago of 2012?Antique Taco eat: Antique Taco SaladChili Cheese CurdsCrispy Fish Tempura Taco Rosemary's Margari
Polish Christmas Eve dinner is called Wigilia, every year it is hosted by a Girl’s Aunt and Uncle. When the first star in the sky appears, the family gathers at the table to begin the meatless feast to commemorate the birth of Baby Jesus. The table is decorated in a white tablecloth with a nativity scene on a layer of hay to remember the birth of Baby Jesus in the manger. Befo
A traditional and quintessential holiday treat, peppermint bark is really easy to prepare and can be done in a few minutes. I prefer to use the bitter dark chocolate instead of sweet white chocolate because of it's health benefits. I recommend using dark chocolate with a higher percentage of cocoa in the bar (I used a bar from Trader Joe's with 72% cocoa), it's a high-quality source of bioflavanoi
The joy of food is everything to the French and fundamental to their way of life, as it is to me and my family. Food and travel are a constant topics of conversation in my life. Growing up, family meals were an occasion in themselves, especially ones prepared by my Mother, where we would gather to celebrate one of life's most basic pleasures. My mother is the most amazing cook; all her
As I mentioned in my Greek potatoes post, Steve & I are regulars at Athenian Room in Chicago. I borrowed their concept and put a twist his favorite dish: Athenian Kalamata Chicken with fries. The chicken is very succulent as it soaking in the Greek marinade for hours, and the bites of the crispy potatoes topped with feta, onion and spinach will
As my friend Lauren and I were craving some hot soup on a chilly, rainy and dreary day in Chicago. We headed to the new Panera Bread on Division. (It has the best view of the Chicago skyline too!)I ordered a low-fat vegetarian garden vegetable soup with pesto. It was delicious and the tomatoes, grilled zucchini slices, yellow beans, Swiss chard, cauliflower, bell peppers & barley in a tomato b
I was recently lucky enough to be invited to make pizza with Scott Toth, founder of Pizzeria Serio. After learning that Steve Dolinsky, The Hungry Hound, placed Pizzeria Serio on his list of best pizzas in Chicago, I became very curious. This cozy pizza restaurant, equipped with a full bar, is nestled on Belmont Avenue in Lakeview. Upon first meeting Scott, it was very clear that he is
Pinch me please, was this all a dream?? I was a guest of Chef Graham Elliot for Mastercard's Priceless Chicago "Rock Your Palate" event. The evening was an one-of-a-kind experience, so priceless! "Rock Your Palate" blends Art, Food, & Music for a night filled with creativity that rocked all your senses! The series was held at Floating World
Steve & I are regulars at Athenian Room in Chicago. We love their Greek "wet" fries. Greeks enjoy fried potatoes as a meze, side dish, or as a main dish for a light meal. Steve has been in China and I wanted to make him my twist on his favorite dish at Athenian Room: Athenian Chicken with Fries. So, let's start with how to make the crisp & delightful
I love giving ornaments as gifts, stocking-stuffers, or as a gift tags on a beautifully wrapped present. The ornaments range from $4-$15 at Sur La Table. To purchase online, click on the link under the pictures. For your bagel lover/or for a Hanukkah bush:Bagel For the winos:Wine WineFor the martini lover:Martini Martini Shaker For the guacamole fanatic: Avocado&
Fête Chicago is an inaugural food and design pop up market created by, Heather Sperling, of Tasting Table Chicago. Fête is an indoor bazaar offering the city's cool vendors benefiting Fresh Moves, a non-profit group that converted a CTA bus into a fresh produce market on wheels! With the holidays around the corner, Fête will offer great local artisan gifts for your hostess or foodie! He
How well do you know your cheese?? I came across this article on Serious Eats. I thought it was interesting and wanted to share it with you. Hopefully, it will help you cheese shop for your Holiday cocktail and dinner parties. A Quick Guide to Cheese Shopping:How to Understand the Differences Between Mass-Produced and Speciality Cheeses[Photograph: Stephanie Stiavetti]When it comes to ch
Delicata squash is the most under-rated squash. Delicata's exterior is pale skin and green striations and it has a mild taste, but a bit sweet. I love all winter squashes, but with this squash you can eat it's skin. It's delicious! Delicata squash is full of Potassium, Iron, and Vitamins A & C. I like to make this as a vegetarian meal but feel free to adapt meat or pance
wish list by kelevitt on Polyvore
the story behind the name of The Office...once upon a time, in the decade of te 70's, when our peninsula was a remote and isolated place and a few visitors came to the region, the first -and at that time the only- palapa on the beach is built on the médano beach of Cabo San Lucas......on the virgin beach, this palapa, with it's small kitchen and unpretentious bar, tended to the needs of local
I apologize but a girl & her food is having technical difficulties. Please excuse me while I work through these issues. We will be up and running soon!
Sending warm Thanksgiving wishes from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico!
Thanksgiving is around the corner and I wanted to share some skinny in-season side dishes. I swoon over brussels sprouts and they supply you with vitamin C. This side dish can be prepared a day prior by trimming and quartering the brussels sprouts and slicing the onions up. It's guilt free because it's a low-cal & low-fat side dish! serves 8ingredients1 1/1 lb brussels sprouts, trim
"Cook with your heart, because cooking is celebration and food is love" - Padma LakshimiI know this recipe seems a bit labor-intensive, but it is well worth it when you want to impress your dinner guests with something spectacular. It is a definite crowd pleaser. The thing to remember is not to let working with the filo pastry intimidate you
Chicago is known for their "Chicago Style Hot Dog" and DA Bears. How can I pass up $1 Char dog & fries for a charitable Friday lunch with Chicago's Best hosts?? I am so there! I devoured Phil's Last Stand; it was amazing as always. viaI love Chicago's Best, I watch it religiously and I always check out the spots that Brittney & Ted feature. Chic
Happy Friday! I can't stress how exhausted I am. I had the craziest week ever. Life's giving me lemons but I'm not all sour-faced because there are good things happenings too! I have been busy attending some fabulous events this week, I can't wait to share them with you! My business cards finally came in today. I am so excited!!!
I am currently obsessing over this Sur La Table paella gift set as a Birthday gift for my husband, Steve. I think this is a great gift set for any foodie or home cook to create a classic Spanish dish in no time! I can't wait to eat some Spanish Cuisine at the Olive Oil from Spain event! Via Click here to purchase
The first of its kind Chicago Taste of Spain Week, presented by the Olive Oil Commodity Board from Spain (http://www.oliveoilfromspain.com), local restaurants including Vermilion and Mercat a la Planxa has begun! This week, the restaurants are offering special menu items which feature the Spanish olive oils in unique, unexpected ways. They will transform the
With the holidays right around the corner, CBN thought it was totally appropriate to fluff a girl & her food up for one of the most delicious times of the year! So, I was invited to celebrate new twists on holiday cooking hosted by celeb chef , Eden Grinshpan, from the Cooking Channel's, "Eden's Eats!" Eden demonstrated some of her fave holiday rec
