Heather Lalley

Six wild Burgundian snails are the star of the wood-grilled escargot ($12) at Le Sud. The Roscoe Village restaurant's version of this dish is not hiding in a pool of garlic butter or served in a scalding hot dish. Presented on a skewer, the mollusks are brushed with olive oil infused with herbs de provence before they're grilled, absorbing a delicate smoky flavor that lingers in your mouth. Tender and buttery, the snails are served with a few generous pats of herb butter that melt, adding another layer of fragrance and lusciousness. A side of green salad dressed with olive oil, lemon and salt provides a bright contrast to the skewer and a hearty country bread serves as a foundation for assembling a makeshift toast point. The portion is small, so make your dining companions order their own. $12. 2301 W. Roscoe St., 773-857-1985, <a href="https://lesudchicago.com/">lesudchicago.com</a> — Grace Wong

Pumpkin pie variations play with a Thanksgiving classic

May 2, 2019 at 6:06 p.m.

Admit it: 2016's been a bit ... What's the word? ... Topsy-turvy? Unusual? Totally bonkers? So, why not shake up one of our most-beloved traditional holiday desserts in a manner...

Ramen Takeya devotes an entire section of its menu to "otsumami" or drinking foods — nestled among them the Japanese street snack takoyaki. The ball-shaped snacks are made with a batter that crisps up into a golden shell while remaining creamy and soft inside. Hidden away are Chiclet-size pieces of octopus, tiny surprises in the center of each ball. Six balls are served in a red and white paper boats and drizzled with sweet and salty Japanese barbecue sauce, creamy mayo, aonori (dried seaweed) and fishy-but-in-a-good-way bonito flakes (cured fish shavings). Between the crispy-meets-creamy texture and the sweet-meets-salty flavors, it's easy to see how a refreshing beer (or soda, for non-drinkers) would pair nicely. $6. 819 W. Fulton Market, 312-666-7710, <a href="http://www.ramentakeya.com/">ramentakeya.com</a> — Grace Wong

How to get flavor, texture of veggie burgers right

May 31, 2019 at 6:49 p.m.

Vegetarians and vegans have a love-hate relationship with the meatless burger. There's no beating the patties for convenience, and when done well, they're packed with flavor and texture. A bad...

Kusanya Cafe is the kind of place where you can get a cup of coffee, check out the community board, print a school paper or simply jump on the internet. You'll see people huddled together over papers strewn across the wood tables or someone walking in simply to say hello to the small staff. Because the nonprofit cafe roasts its own coffee on-site in small batches, don't hesitate to order that lavender iced latte ($3.49) or a plain cup of coffee. The breakfast and lunch menu is lush with references to famous musicians, like the Lupe Tabasco breakfast sandwich ($2.29). It features a thin egg patty, with melted cheese and Sriracha on ciabatta, and you can add sausage, spinach and tomato for an extra charge. The cozy and brightly lit environment is exactly where you want to catch up on some work or meet up with friends. 825 W. 69th St., 773-675-4758, <a href="http://www.kusanyacafe.org/">kusanyacafe.org</a> — Grace Wong

Elotes, the perfect summer food: Creamy, salty, spicy, tart

June 29, 2019 at 10:36 a.m.

It's hard to think of a more-perfect combination of summer flavors: Crisp, charred sweet corn. Creamy mayonnaise. Salty cheese. Spicy chilies. Acidic lime juice. It's a flavor combination well-loved in...

Here’s the rub: DIY is best for your grilling needs

June 30, 2019 at 11:27 p.m.

One surefire way to perk up this summer's grilled meals is with homemade rubs and marinades. Most can be made with just a few staple ingredients — all of the...

The meaty texture of jackfruit make it a good substitution in vegetarian dishes, such as this recipe for jackfruit and sweet potato enchiladas.

Jackfruit, meat substitute you haven’t tried yet — but probably soon will

June 12, 2018 at 8:13 a.m.

It's the world's largest tree fruit. And it's increasingly finding its way on plates and menus around the country as a super-healthy stand-in for pulled pork. Meet the jackfruit. Never...

Chicken is coated with butter, lemon and sage then is roasted over a bed of sweet potatoes and onions.

Chefs share easy dinner strategies for hectic holidays

July 1, 2019 at 7:08 a.m.

Finding yourself zipping through the drive-thru or ordering takeout too often during this harried holiday season? Sure, you've got social obligations, holiday cards to send and, of course, presents to...

Popcorn is elevated with a dill pickle seasoning from fresh dill, garlic powder and vinegar-spiked butter.

Picnic recipes that pack and go for Labor Day

May 31, 2019 at 6:42 p.m.

It's true you scarcely need more than a blanket and a few snacks to have yourself a picnic. But if your fare is limited to sleeves of crackers, plasticky cheese...

The banana dolphin that garnishes this banana Manhattan sports cloves for eyes and totes a maraschino cherry in its beak.

Bring the Tiki party home with easy drink recipes

May 31, 2019 at 6:42 p.m.

Take one dash of kitsch, two jiggers of rum, a couple shots of nostalgia. Shake over crushed ice and serve in a tiki mug. Forget everything you might (however hazily)...

Lemon cream is layered over strawberry perserves (or roasted strawberries) and topped with fresh berries in a chiffon pie recipe from Baker Miller Bakery & Millhouse in Chicago.

What to do with season’s first strawberries

August 23, 2019 at 5:28 p.m.

Is there a more beautiful harbinger of summer than the strawberry? Heart-shaped and crimson, these green-topped gems are one of our most-beloved fruits. Unless, of course, you're a baker. "Strawberries...

Grilling is "as close to a vacation you can take without leaving your backyard," says Elizabeth Karmel of GirlsAtTheGrill.com and CarolinaCueToGo.com. "Why do you think the guys have kept it to themselves all these years?"

Take the tongs away from the guys, and step up to the grill

June 15, 2018 at 9:04 p.m.

Grilling has traditionally been the domain of men. Why? Who knows. Blame the cavemen. It really doesn't matter. In any case, ladies, here's a summer 2015 resolution: It's time to...

All Stories