I admire anyone who starts a business from scratch; I’ve done it several times, and I know a whole lot about the pitfalls, anticipated and unanticipated, that can crop up. I double dog admire anyone who starts a business in a crowded space like coffee, but the nice folks at Pepper Park Coffee were apparently… Continue reading Pepper Park Coffee Review – Barrington, IL
Category: Hot off the Grill
Featured Stories of the Week
Microwave Magic Cookware – New Product
Kim Harvey may well be the woman of my dreams – inventor, entrepreneur, kitchen magician, bakery brainiac, yard yoda – she has all the bases covered. Ms Harvey reached out and asked me if I’d like to try out her “Microwave Magic” cookware – patented technology to cook burgers (and other foods) in your microwave in minutes.… Continue reading Microwave Magic Cookware – New Product
Dairy Mart Review – Huntley, IL
While certainly not a “Midwest thing,” independent burger shops seem to have a better record of longevity in the Midwest than other parts of the country I have traveled through. The “Dairy Mart” in Huntley, IL, about 50 miles west of Chicago, is one such local institution. Serving all the Chicago favorites, hot dogs,… Continue reading Dairy Mart Review – Huntley, IL
Better Bakery Ham and Cheese Pretzel Melt
New from Better Bakery, the Southern California specialty bread and pretzel manufacturer, is the Ham and Cheese Pretzel Melt, deli sliced ham, cheese within an enclosed pretzel roll. Oven or microwave prep is allowed, and I went with the former, 350 for 25 minutes, from a frozen solid state. It’s good, fast, and cheap. Salty… Continue reading Better Bakery Ham and Cheese Pretzel Melt
Papa Saverios Pizza Review
There is some relationship between two Chicago-based chains, Rosati’s and Papa Saverio’s, but there aren’t any clues to that online. I don’t think they share any ownership, but they both list the same Italian immigrant Papa Saverio Rosati,as their inspiration and recipe source. Probably some sibling or cousin dispute, but no matter. Rosati’s has really… Continue reading Papa Saverios Pizza Review
Think Jerky Review – New Product
Combine world-renowned chefs with sustainability experts and you have a winning formula for some kick-ass jerky. “Think Jerky,” a Chicago start-up is doing just that, with flavors like Ginger-Orange and Sweet Chipotle Beef Jerky, and Siracha and “Thanksgiving” Turkey Jerky. The brainchild of Michelin star chefs Laurent Gras, Gale Gand, and sustainability expert Chef Matt Troost,… Continue reading Think Jerky Review – New Product
Minions Review
Surely a candidate for numerous Oscars, “Minions” (3D) is one of the best movies of 2015. From Illumination Entertainment, the ‘prequel’ of 2010’s “Despicable Me,” follows the Minions from the first moment of their existence, then crawling out of the primordial ooze, to fulfill their destiny of serving the world’s most evil people,… Continue reading Minions Review
Braaitime South African Foods
South African meat treats available by mail in the US.
Fresh Grill Beaverton Reviews
There’s another new burger in town, and you say, so? The latest entry in the new segment of “not fast food – good food fast” are the burgers, chicken, and salads at Fresh Grill, in the out lot by Best Buy and Burlington Coat Factory, across 217 from Washington Square Mall. When you start with… Continue reading Fresh Grill Beaverton Reviews
Iltaco Pizza Puff Review
A family-owned Chicago food manufacturer founded in 1927, Iltaco (originally Illinois Tamale Company) makes frozen snack foods for retail, food service, and c-stores. They have two frozen pizza labels, “Big,” and “Bella,” sell frozen tamales and burritos, but probably their biggest presence is in the niche category of “Pizza Puffs ™.” A pizza puff is… Continue reading Iltaco Pizza Puff Review