It’s summer in Chicago–and that means plenty of outdoor cooking. Hamburgers, brats, Italian sausage, Polish sausage…but what about hot dogs? Yes! Go ahead, if you like: plop them on grill, hold them on a stick over a campfire. But...
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza: The Truth, The History & The Recipe
Anthony Bourdain struggled to call Chicago Deep Dish a “pizza.” For good reason, maybe. The late chef and culinary guru loved many things about Chicago: “…tall towers, hard corners, and sharp elbows. And, of course, food.” But that deep...
How About an English Afternoon Tea? Pip-pip! Cheerio!
English Afternoon Tea is something of a contradiction. On one hand, it’s elegant and refined. It comes with complicated etiquette, from start to finish. On the other hand, you eat with your fingers. Never mind the bountiful utensils surrounding...
5 Teas to Bring on Your Next Trip
Updated August 10, 2020. “A cup of tea would restore my normality,” wrote Douglas Adams in A HItchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. You don’t have to be British to enjoy a “cuppa,” although Turkey actually tops the list of...
Greek Vegetables: Forget That Green Bean Casserole!
Once you’ve had Greek vegetables, you realize how important they are to a meal. Not a side dish or a last-minute addition to a menu. No, they steal the show. Once you taste them, you’ll want to know how...
Cheap Eats in Seattle: A TravelSmart Woman Food Tour
Finding cheap eats in Seattle is easier than you might think. And surprisingly delicious. You just have to know where to look–and even that’s not hard. Seattle has always been pricey; it’s been at the top of “too-expensive-to-visit” list...
Blueberries: From North America to the World–and a Fresh Blueberry Pie Recipe!
Summer means blueberries. Yes, we’re fortunate that we can get them all year round, but there’s an undeniable thrill when they appear at the local farmers’ markets or grocery stores in mid- to late-summer. Maybe you have a place...
Greek Salad: Fresh & Easy!
Whenever you are lucky enough to find excellent tomatoes, immediately change the day’s menu to include a Greek salad. Yes, you’ll have to pay for a few other ingredients, but it would be crazy to pass up the opportunity...
Hog Island Oyster Company: The Perfect Picnic by the Bay
In Northern California or the San Francisco Bay area? Looking for a special food experience? Cross the Golden Gate bridge and head to Hog Island Oyster Company, on Tomales Bay in West Marin County. I was excited to be...
Chicago Food Halls: 7 Easy Ways to “Sample” the City!
Hungry in the Windy City? You shouldn’t be. One of the country’s top food cities makes it easy for you to sample its wares. Just pop into one of the Chicago food halls and try whatever you fancy. Come...