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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <head> <meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /> <title>Gapers Block : Drive-Thru : Chicago Food</title> <link rel="Shortcut Icon" href="/favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon" /> <meta http-equiv="pragma" content="no-cache" /> <meta name="robots" content="all" /> <meta name="MSSmartTagsPreventParsing" content="true" /> <meta http-equiv="imagetoolbar" content="false" /> <meta name="description" content="Gapers Block - A site about Chicago, IL." /> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/_styles/gb.css" type="text/css" media="screen" /> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/_styles/sections.css" type="text/css" media="screen" /> <script src="http://gapersblock.com/_scripts/core.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="http://gapersblock.com/_scripts/drop.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="/mint/?js" type="text/javascript"></script> </head> <body id="sections"> <div id="frame"> <script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({ google_ad_client: "ca-pub-4819986644249075", enable_page_level_ads: true }); </script>  <div id="masthead"> <div id="announcement2" style="text-align: center;"> <h1><a href="http://gapersblock.com/goodbye/">Gapers Block has ceased publication.</a></h1> <p><strong>Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit <a href="http://thirdcoastreview.com" target="_blank">Third Coast Review</a>, a new site by several GB alumni.<br /><span class="m">✶</span> Thank you for your readership and contributions. <span class="m">✶</span></strong></p> </div> <div id="masthead-left"> <h5>TODAY</h5> <p> Wednesday, February 26 </p> </div> <div id="masthead-mid"> <a href="/"><img src="/gfx/masthead.gif" alt="Gapers Block"/></a> </div> <div id="masthead-right"> <form method="get" action="http://www.google.com/search"> <h5>Search</h5> <p><input type="text" name="q" /> <input type="hidden" name="domains" value="http://gapersblock.com" /> <input type="hidden" name="sitesearch" value="http://gapersblock.com" /></p> </form> <p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/gapersblock" title="Like us on Facebook!"><img src="/gfx/social_facebook.gif" alt="Gapers Block on Facebook"/></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/gapers_block/" title="Browse the Gapers Block pool on Flickr!"><img src="/gfx/social_flickr.gif" alt="Gapers Block on Flickr"/></a> <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/gapersblock" title="Follow us on Twitter!"><img src="/gfx/social_twitter.gif" alt="Gapers Block on Twitter"/></a> <a href="http://gapers.tumblr.com/" title="Add us to your Tumblr dashboard!"><img src="/gfx/social_tumblr.gif" alt="The Gapers Block Tumblr"/></a></p> </div> <br clear="all" /> <ul id="nav"> <li><a href="/">Home</a></li> <li><a href="/ac/">Arts</a></li> <li><a href="/bookclub/">Book Club</a></li> <li><a href="/drivethru/">Food</a></li> <li><a href="/transmission/">Music</a></li> <li><a href="/mechanics/">Politics</a></li> <li><a href="/tailgate/">Sports</a></li> <li><a class="non-section" href="/archives/">Archives</a></li> <li><a class="non-section" href="/newsletter/">Newsletter</a></li> <li class="last"><a class="non-section" href="/about/">About</a></li> </ul> </div>  <div class="col-left"> <a href="/drivethru/"><img class="section-header" src="/gfx/section_header_drivethru.gif" alt="Drive-Thru" /></a> <div class="post"> <h4><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/foodporn/">Foodporn</a> Fri Jan 01 2016</h4> <h1><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2016/01/01/friday_foodpic_roasted_corn/">Friday Foodpic: Roasted Corn</a></h1> <p><img alt="8989798425_f304f0aa0e_z.jpg" src="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/8989798425_f304f0aa0e_z.jpg" width="512" height="432" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/reneerk/8989798425/in/photolist-eGp4Sz-bjAPdo-87GW6h-4LRhPm-dZvvhq-bbSjGH-o1N84N-b8RGoM-kenepP-bsZnVx-nHhhcF-bEakLy-edWo7L-8X2uRe-aK4Bvp-cU79Zu-AjzAPa-5EjTsJ-eGpAan-bRx23F-edQGmF-qcJwmX-b8QWKD-7Cav7C-dd4sPQ-c2UiLd-e7wNz6-e7wkhx-e7CQHW-9TrpEA-eGP3Lk-6Q3DNK-7Q6AR9-eGrWFh-eGNrfa-eGkNLX-8kYEEX-7Bkgpy-2TBSKZ-5xhAH4-mUH6Ho-pGLbwc-sjWijF-ng5Bhv-9jRLeA-brGiZj-brE74L-7bHp5e-7obpo5-6S5ZP5">Picture </a>by Renee Rendler-Kaplan from the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/gb_drivethru/">Drive Thru Flickr Pool</a>. Take care.</p> <p>— <em>Robyn Nisi</em> </p> </div> <div class="post"> <h4><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/feature/">Feature</a> Thu Dec 31 2015</h4> <h1><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/31/the_state_of_food_writing/">The State of Food Writing</a></h1> <p>In 2009, food blogging, social media and Yelp were gaining popularity, and America's revered gastronomic magazine Gourmet shuttered after 68 years in business. Former Cook's Illustrated editor-in-chief Chris Kimball followed with <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/08/opinion/08kimball.html">an editorial</a>, stating that "The shuttering of Gourmet reminds us that in a click-or-die advertising marketplace, one ruled by a million instant pundits, [...] experts are not created from the top down but from the bottom up," effectively mourning the birth of the social media influencer and the Yelp critic alongside the death of the old-guard food writer.</p> <p>Earlier this year, Chef Marc Vetri took similar mumblings public with his article, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marc-vetri/how-food-journalism-got-a_b_6551682.html">"How food journalism got as stale as day-old bread,"</a> insinuating that food media is awash in a clickbait and listicle crisis. He claimed that instant access to buzz content has forced "real journalists" to downgrade their standards by "pandering to the most basic, low-brow instincts of readers." Separately, Food and Wine launched <a href="http://fwx.com" target="_blank">FWx.com</a> -- a digital platform aimed at "food-obsessed" Millennials -- in 2014. The difference in brands was stark, from a completely different design showcasing editorials titled "How to make reindeer cupcakes." </p> <p><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/31/the_state_of_food_writing/#more">Continue reading this entry »</a></p> <p>— <em>Brandy Gonsoulin</em> </p> </div> <div class="post"> <h4><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/event/">Event</a> Wed Dec 23 2015</h4> <h1><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/23/mark_your_calendars_supper_club_doc_at_siskel/">Mark Your Calendars: Supper Club Doc at Siskel</a></h1> <p><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/140351543" width="550" height="310" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p>Fun fact I learned about the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Fashioned">Old-Fashioned</a> while watching Holly DeRuyter's <a href="http://www.oldfashionedthemovie.com/">documentary </a>"OId-Fashioned: The Story of the Wisconsin Supper Club": Korbel set up a booth at the Columbian Exposition of 1893 to introduce the world to their <a href="http://erikajanik.com/2012/03/25/where-the-old-fashioned-is-always-in-fashion/">brandy</a>, which became popular with the Fair's many German customers, who brought it north to Wisconsin. The state is still the top buyer of brandy today, because hey, an Old-Fashioned with whiskey is downright heresy. </p> <p>DeRuyter's documentary, which was crowdfunded (we enthusiastically <a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2011/03/09/old_fashioned_documentary_about_wi_supper_clubs/">covered</a> it back in 2011), makes its <a href="http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/oldfashioned">Chicago debut</a> on Jan. 23rd at the Gene Siskel Film Center (164 N. State) for two screenings. The film does a great job of tracing the origins and distinctive style of the (mostly) Wisconsin-based restaurant phenomenon known for its relish trays, ice cream drinks and fried perch, as well as the role the supper club plays in their community for being a beloved meeting spot for locals and tourists (even the Chicago gangsters of the 1930s <a href="http://www.wisconsingazette.com/wisconsin-gaze/the-north-woods-takes-pride-in-its-gangster-past.html">liked </a>them). It's hard to watch this on an empty stomach, so if you have a car, you can be at the Wisconsin border in an hour.</p> <p> </p> <p>— <em>Robyn Nisi</em> </p> </div> <div class="post"> <h4><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/restaurant/">Restaurant</a> Sat Dec 19 2015</h4> <h1><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/19/dinner_at_the_new_johnnys_grill/">Dinner at the New Johnny's Grill</a></h1> <p><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/johhnys02.jpg"><img alt="johhnys02.jpg" src="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/assets_c/2015/12/johhnys02-thumb-250x187-17679.jpg" width="250" height="187" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" /></a>Ah, the ubiquitous diner-- where one goes to meet friends, cure hangovers, and linger over endless cups of coffee. To me, the perfect diner provides a rallying point for its community. Johnny's Grill, the Logan Square mainstay, has always served up diner standards while offering the perfect position to people-watch across the square. When the original Johnny's Grill closed in summer of 2014, the iconic spot remained empty for a little over a year-- until August 2015, when it opened its doors again and the old-school Johnny's Grill signage remained untouched.</p> <p>In fact, most of the interior is very recognizable-- counter seating, vinyl bar stools, laminated menus-- just brighter, updated. Chef Sarah Jordan, mostly recognized for her previous work as a pastry chef, now has her hands in all aspects of the restaurant and seems to know what the people want. The breakfast menu features tried-and-true standbys such as "Johnny cakes" and a full Irish breakfast (Jordan herself is originally from Dublin). However, when I visited recently, it was for dinner.</p> <p><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/johhnys01.jpg"><img alt="johhnys01.jpg" src="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/assets_c/2015/12/johhnys01-thumb-250x333-17677.jpg" width="250" height="333" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></a>Along with updating the original Johnny's Grill space, Jordan also expanded into a defunct florist next door, creating the Flower Shop Bar-- a complete one-eighty from the old-school diner vibe. The Flower Shop is dim and quirky, with vibrant teal walls and light fixtures that seem to float above the bar. Drinks include cocktail classics, along with budget-friendly boilerplates and Moody Tongue beers on tap. Dinner options (also available at lunchtime) are varied and surprising: there's your double cheeseburger, yes, but also Irish Bacon Bap sandwich (thick-cut bacon, Swiss cheese, and giardineira) and, on my recent visit, a pleasantly spicy tofu Bahn Mi on a soft roll. Specials are ever-changing, and my friend and I polished off a bowl of fragrant red lentil dal. Definitely not a diner standby, but there was no complaining. On a past visit I also tried the fish and chips-- one of my personal go-to's-- and found it crispy but tender in all the right ways, and an appropriate diner portion (i.e.: large).</p> <p>Yes, it may take some time for some to completely come around to the idea of a "new" Johnny's-- there are significant changes at this new iteration, but at its heart, it maintains that greasy-spoon vibe (just with less actual grease). Most importantly, it serves up lovingly-made food with a dash of personality-- and that classic people-watching perch.</p> <p><em>Johnny's Grill is located at 2545 N Kedzie Blvd.</em></p> <p>— <em>Danielle Snow</em> / <a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/19/dinner_at_the_new_johnnys_grill/#comments" class="comment">Comments (1)</a></p> </div> <div class="post"> <h4><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/foodporn/">Foodporn</a> Fri Dec 18 2015</h4> <h1><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/18/friday_foodpic_eataly/">Friday Foodpic: Eataly</a></h1> <p><img alt="11245797465_89c7bf6595_z.jpg" src="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/11245797465_89c7bf6595_z.jpg" width="550" height="400" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinirvinechi/11245797465/in/pool-gb_drivethru/">Picture</a> by KevinIrvineChi from the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/gb_drivethru/pool/">Drive-Thru Flickr Pool.</a></p> <p>— <em>Robyn Nisi</em> </p> </div> <div class="post"> <h4><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/random/">Random</a> Thu Dec 17 2015</h4> <h1><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/17/food_and_drink_gift_guide/">2015 Food and Drink Gift Guide</a></h1> <p>If you're like me, last minute and holiday shopping go hand in hand. And if you're like me, the way to my heart is through my stomach. If you still have shopping left to do, these curated local food and drink gift ideas might make last minute not look so last minute at all. </p> <h3>Housemade Macarons from RM Champagne</h3> <p><img alt="RM Champange.jpg" src="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/RM%20Champange.jpg" width="550" height="275" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></p> <p>For the "likes finer things in life" foodie on your list, or the "I need something quick and easy that says thank you for doing business with me," housemade macarons packaged in a Tiffany's-inspired box from <a href="http://www.rmchampagnesalon.com/">RM Champagne</a> is a definite winner. They come available in quantities of 9 (for $10) or 12 (for $19) and you can even customize your own box with a mix of flavor choices such as violet and cocoa nib or classic favorites like peach and red velvet. Combine it with a bottle of bubbly and you're on your way to sealing the deal for 2016.</p> <p><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/17/food_and_drink_gift_guide/#more">Continue reading this entry »</a></p> <p>— <em>Brandy Gonsoulin</em> </p> </div> <div class="post"> <h4><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/cookbook/">Cookbook</a> Mon Dec 14 2015</h4> <h1><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/14/your_holiday_dessert_guide/">Your Holiday Dessert Guide</a></h1> <p><img alt="51kageoScaL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" src="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/51kageoScaL._SX258_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg" width="260" height="324" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" />Legend has it that Chicago-style cheesecake, known to be richer and creamier than its New York counterpart, was created in 1977 by Chicago restaurateur Eli Schulman. The happy accident came about because of a customer complaint that led Schulman to develop a recipe for a dessert that pleased everyone. The story behind the invention of one of the nation's most famous desserts and many other tales of the famous Chicago culinary icon's life are now preserved in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Elis-Cheesecake-Cookbook-Remarkable/dp/1572841826"><em>The Eli's Cheesecake Cookbook</em></a>.</p> <p>Beginning with the first cheesecake creation at <a href="http://www.elicheesecake.com/about/our-story/elis-the-place-for-steak/">Eli's The Place for Steak</a> in the 1970s, the book tells the story of how Eli's was not only a pillar of Chicago's culinary community, it was also a noted celebrity watering hole. The cookbook collects some of the Schulman family's favorite celebrity anecdotes, which also act as introductions to recipes.</p> <p>The release of the book coincides with the 35th anniversary of <a href="http://www.elicheesecake.com/">Eli's Cheesecakes</a>, and finally allows home cooks to make Eli's famous cheesecake for themselves. . .and just in time for all of your holiday parties.<br /> </p> <p>— <em>Jeremy Owens</em> </p> </div> <div class="post"> <h4><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/foodporn/">Foodporn</a> Sun Dec 13 2015</h4> <h1><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/13/friday_foodpic_chicago_botanical_garden/">Friday Foodpic: Chicago Botanical Garden</a></h1> <p><img alt="IMG_1954.jpg" src="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/IMG_1954.jpg" width="480" height="540" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" />Submit your pics to the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/gb_drivethru/">Drive-Thru Flickr Pool.</a></p> <p>— <em>Robyn Nisi</em> </p> </div> <div class="post"> <h4><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/beer/">Beer</a> Thu Dec 10 2015</h4> <h1><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/10/some_like_it_dark/">Some Like It Dark</a></h1> <p><img alt="bighugs-supershake" src="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/bighugs-supershake.jpg" width="560" height="360" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /><br /> Three big stout events this week, beer fans.</p> <p>Tonight at <a href="http://www.fischmanliquors.com/">Fischman Liquors</a>, 4776 N. Milwaukee Ave., <a href="http://www.lakeeffectbrewing.com/">Lake Effect Brewing</a> and Superdawg <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/443301162530339/">celebrate the release of SuperShake</a>, a chocolate malt milkshake-inspired stout that joins the line of collaborations between the brewery and hot dog stand. Starting at 6pm, stop by to sample SuperShake as well as SuperBier and WhoopskiBier. There will be Superdawg and Whoopskidawg samples to pair with their respective beers, ice cream to make SuperShake floats, and a raffle for branded glassware and other stuff. </p> <p><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/10/some_like_it_dark/#more">Continue reading this entry »</a></p> <p>— <em>Andrew Huff</em> </p> </div> <div class="post"> <h4><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/chef/">Chef</a> Thu Dec 10 2015</h4> <h1><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/10/chocolate_and_cannabis_a_edible_arrangement/">Chocolate and Cannabis: An Edible Arrangement</a></h1> <p><img alt="mindy segal edible product line.jpg" src="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/09/mindy%20segal%20edible%20product%20line.jpg" width="288" height="432" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" />Food heals, figuratively, but starting next year, figurative will become literal in Illinois. And it will be sweet. </p> <p><a href="http://www.crescolabs.com/">Cresco Labs</a>, Illinois's largest cannabis cultivator, and James Beard Award-winning chef <a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/04/21/cookie_love_gives_credit_to_desserts_best-kept_secret/">Mindy Segal</a> (<a href="http://hotchocolatechicago.com">Hot Chocolate</a>) announced early this week their partnership on a line of edible products. It is the first partnership for both in the medical marijuana edibles industry (that's a legit thing), and a bold move for Chicago. The line, which will include a chocolate brittle bar, infused granola bites and an infused chocolate drink intended to be warm, is set to roll-out at licensed dispensaries across the state starting in February. </p> <p>If your head is spinning, this is not a vision out of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120693/"><em>Half-Baked</em></a>; ever since Colorado legalized recreational marijuana, edibles have become what some call the future of the industry, by providing traditional non-smokers with an alternative way to ease the pain. </p> <p><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/10/chocolate_and_cannabis_a_edible_arrangement/#more">Continue reading this entry »</a></p> <p>— <em>Brandy Gonsoulin</em> </p> </div> <div class="post"> <h4><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/book/">Book</a> Tue Dec 08 2015</h4> <h1><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/08/foodie_fiction_david_bakers_vintage/">Foodie Fiction: David Baker's "Vintage"</a></h1> <p><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/vintage-david-baker.jpg"><img alt="vintage-david-baker.jpg" src="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/assets_c/2015/12/vintage-david-baker-thumb-250x381-17639.jpg" width="250" height="381" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" /></a>As of these past few weeks, window panes across the city of Chicago have begun to fog up and armchairs, left largely unoccupied during our lengthy summer, have begun to beckon once more. To me, winter months mean catching up on reading: more time spent on buses and trains (I'm quite the fair-weather bike commuter), less time going out as a form of entertainment.</p> <p>Luckily, I can turn to David Baker's debut novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1501278061/?tag=gapebloc07-20" target="_blank"><br /> <em>Vintage</em></a>, to satisfy my taste for adventure without the need to put on five additional layers of clothing. Sweepingly cinematic in scope, the story begins at a tucked-away restaurant in modern-day Chicago and whisks readers through French winemaking county, a rambling train through Alsace, musty German war archives and a Moscow prison. The objective: track down a long-lost war vintage, a wine lost to the Nazis during World War II that many had believed to be lost to history (or simply a myth).</p> <p><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/08/foodie_fiction_david_bakers_vintage/#more">Continue reading this entry »</a></p> <p>— <em>Danielle Snow</em> </p> </div> <div class="post"> <h4><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/event/">Event</a> Mon Dec 07 2015</h4> <h1><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/07/because_we_could_use_a_treat_right_now/">Because We Could Use a Treat Right Now</a></h1> <p><img alt="Bertha Palmer 1.jpg" src="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/Bertha%20Palmer%201.jpg" width="150" height="232" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" />Beginning at 11:30am tomorrow, the Palmer House Hilton (17 E. Monroe) will be giving out free brownies to celebrate National Brownie Day from its real, actual birthplace. Fun fact: in 1893, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bertha_Palmer">Bertha Honore Palmer</a> (pictured), wife of dry goods merchant and hotelier Potter Palmer, commissioned a simple, transportable "ladies' dessert" from the Palmer House chef to be served in box lunches at the Women's Building at the Columbian Exposition. Even more fun of a fact: brownies are <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/the-palmer-house-brownie-50027879">easy to make</a> and schlep to a holiday potluck. Bertha was a genius.</p> <p>— <em>Robyn Nisi</em> </p> </div> <div class="post"> <h4><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/foodporn/">Foodporn</a> Fri Dec 04 2015</h4> <h1><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/04/friday_foodpic_chriskindlmarket/">Friday Foodpic: Chriskindlmarket</a></h1> <p><img alt="23317332231_a2d2d5c133_z.jpg" src="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/23317332231_a2d2d5c133_z.jpg" width="550" height="500" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/garyegarye/23317332231/in/pool-gb_drivethru/">Picture</a> by Gary Eckstein from the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/gb_drivethru/">Drive-Thru Flickr Pool.</a></p> <p>— <em>Robyn Nisi</em> </p> </div> <div class="post"> <h4><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/tv/">TV</a> Fri Dec 04 2015</h4> <h1><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/04/top_chef_season_13_is_back/">Top Chef Season 13 is Back</a></h1> <p><img alt="top-chef-season-13-kitchen-tour-08.jpg" src="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/top-chef-season-13-kitchen-tour-08.jpg" width="550" height="367" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /><a href="http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef">Tom and Friends</a> are back on Thursdays at 9 CST!! This season takes place in cities across California, and while there are no Chicago chefs representing our glorious city, there is certainly no shortage of interesting contestants.</p> <p>— <em>Judy Wu</em> </p> </div> <div class="post"> <h4><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/event/">Event</a> Thu Dec 03 2015</h4> <h1><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/03/get_german_foodstuffs_at_christkindlmarket/">Get German Foodstuffs at Christkindlmarket!</a></h1> <p><img alt="Roasted_Almonds_Vendor_by_True_Shot_Studios.jpg" src="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/Roasted_Almonds_Vendor_by_True_Shot_Studios.jpg" width="500" height="334" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" />Strudel and pretzels, yah?? Yah. If you're in the Loop this December, stop by <a href="http://www.christkindlmarket.com/">Christkindlmarket</a> in the Daley Plaza. More than half of the vendors at the market travel from Germany to Chicago to share their traditional offerings, including hand-made holiday ornaments and wooden toys. </p> <p>For the <a href="http://www.christkindlmarket.com/vendors/food-beverage/">food-inclined</a>, there is schnitzel, pretzels, potato pancakes, bratwurst, freshly-roasted nuts, and sweet candies. Also look forward to imported German beer (because let's face it, Germans do beer really well) or Gl眉hwein (hot spiced wine)! </p> <p><strong>Chicago Location</strong>: Daley Plaza in the Loop (There's also a market in Oakbrook)<br /> <strong>Dates & Times</strong>: Friday, November 20 - Wednesday, December 23<br /> <em>Sundays - Thursdays 11am - 8pm<br /> Fridays & Saturdays 11am - 9pm</em><br /> Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Eve<br /> <em>11am - 4pm</em></p> <p>— <em>Judy Wu</em> </p> </div> </div>  <div class="col-right">   <div class="display-ad"> <div class="border white"> <a href="http://gapersblock.com/store/"><img src="http://gapersblock.com/ads/gfx/2014_gbstore.jpg" width="300" height="250" alt="GB store" /></a> </div> </div>  <div style="padding: 10px 10px 0px 10px;"> <h4><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/feature/">Feature</a> Thu Dec 31 2015</h4> <h2><a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/31/the_state_of_food_writing/">The State of Food Writing</a></h2> <h5>By Brandy Gonsoulin</h5> <p>In 2009, food blogging, social media and Yelp were gaining popularity, and America's revered gastronomic magazine Gourmet shuttered after 68 years in business. Former Cook's Illustrated editor-in-chief Chris Kimball followed with an editorial, stating that "The shuttering of Gourmet reminds...<br /> <a href="http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2015/12/31/the_state_of_food_writing/">Read this feature »</a></p> </div> <div class="dotted"></div>  <div class="dotted"></div> <div class="sections-col-two">  <h3>Blogroll</h3> <p> <a href="http://312diningdiva.blogspot.com">312 Dining Diva</a><br /> <a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.com">A Girl in Her Kitchen</a><br /> <a href="http://bakeanddestroy.net/">Bake & Destroy!</a><br /> <a href="http://www.blue-kitchen.com/">Blue Kitchen</a><br /> <a href="http://www.checkpleasetv.blogspot.com/">Check Please! Blog</a><br /> <a href="http://chicagoist.com/food/">Chicagoist Food & Drink</a><br /> <a href="http://www.chicagobites.com">Chicago Bites</a><br /> <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-396-Chicago-Dining-Examiner">Chicago Dining Examiner</a><br /> <a href="http://www.chicagofoodies.com/">Chicago Foodies</a><br /> <a href="http://www.chicagogluttons.com">Chicago Gluttons</a><br /> <a href="http://chitownontap.com/">Chitown Tap</a><br /> <a href="http://blog.diningchicago.com/">Dining Chicago</a><br /> <a href="http://www.chicagomag.com/Radar/Dish/">Dish</a><br /> <a href="http://www.drvino.com/">Dr. Vino</a><br /> <a href="http://www.thefeast.com/chicago/">The Feast Chicago</a><br /> <a href="http://blogs.chicagoreader.com/food/">The Food Chain</a><br /> <a href="http://foodloveswriting.com/">Food Loves Writing</a><br /> <a href="http://foodonthedole.blogspot.com/">Food on the Dole</a><br /> <a href="http://www.greensug.blogspot.com/">Green Sugar</a><br /> <a href="http://chicago.grubstreet.com/">Grub Street Chicago</a><br /> <a href="http://www.guysdrinkingbeer.com/">Guys Drinking Beer</a><br /> <a href="http://hungrymag.com">Hungry mag</a><br /> <a href="http://thekitchensinkrecipes.com/">The Kitchen Sink</a><br /> <a href="http://www.lottieanddoof.com/">Lottie + Doof</a><br /> <a href="http://www.lthforum.com">LTH Forum</a><br /> <a href="http://www.thelocalbeet.com/">The Local Beet</a><br /> <a href="http://mariobatalivoice.blogspot.com/">Mariobatalivoice</a><br /> <a href="http://www.onehundredeggs.com">One Hundred Eggs</a><br /> <a href="http://thepauperedchef.com/">The Paupered Chef</a><br /> <a href="http://probonobaker.typepad.com/probonobaker/">Pro Bono Baker</a><br /> <a href="http://www.sauceome.com/">Sauceome</a><br /> <a href="http://www.shesimmers.com">She Simmers</a><br /> <a href="http://smartcabbage.wordpress.com/">Smart Cabbage</a><br /> <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com">Serious Eats</a><br /> <a href="http://skyfullofbacon.com/blog/">Sky Full of Bacon</a><br /> <a href="http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/thestew/">The Stew</a><br /> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/chicago/section/restaurants-bars">TOC Restaurants & Bars</a><br /> <a href="http://twobites.wordpress.com/">Two Bites in Suburbia</a><br /> <a href="http://www.zagat.com/chicago">Zagat Chicago</a> </p> </div> <div class="sections-col-two border-left">   <div class="display-ad"> <div class="border white"> <a href="http://gapersblock.com/store/index.php#dont"><img src="http://gapersblock.com/ads/gfx/dontcallitthat_160.jpg" width="160" height="600" alt="GB store" /></a> </div> </div>  <p> </p>  <h3>Events</h3> <div class="dotted"></div> </div> <br clear="all" /> <div class="dotted"></div> <div style="padding: 10px 10px 0px 10px;">  <div class="flickr"><h3>Drive-Thru on Flickr</h3> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.flickr.com/badge_code_v2.gne?count=1&display=latest&size=m&layout=v&context=in%2Fpool-gb_drivethru%2F&source=group&group=12415485%40N00"></script> <p class="s">Join the <a href="http://flickr.com/groups/gb_drivethru/">Drive-Thru Flickr Pool</a>.</p></div> </div> <br clear="all" />  <div class="about-author"> <h3>About Drive-Thru</h3> <p><em>Drive-Thru</em> is the food and drink section of <a href="http://gapersblock.com">Gapers Block</a>, covering the city's vibrant dining, drinking and cooking scene. <a href="http://gapersblock.com/about/about_drivethru.php"><em>More</em>...</a><br /> <a href="http://gapersblock.com/submit/">Please see our submission guidelines</a>.</p> <p>Editor: Robyn Nisi, rn@gapersblock.com<br /> Drive-Thru staff inbox: drivethru@gapersblock.com</p>  <script type="text/javascript" src="/jump.js"></script> <table cellspacing="0"> <tr> <td style="padding-right: 20px;"> <form id="category" action=""> <p><strong>Archives</strong><br /> <select 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