Category Archives: Culinary Historians of Chicago

After fall from Grace, Chef and Business Partner plan the best Ever

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An interview with Chef Curtis Duffy and
Business Partner Michael Muser,
conducted by Monica Eng, WBEZ radio

When Grace restaurant abruptly closed in 2017, the shutdown made national news. How could an eatery that had earned three Michelin stars, (one of only 14 restaurants in America to earn such status) so quickly cease to exist? Conflict with the restaurant’s chief funder apparently was the cause, and one of our country’s top chefs, Curtis Duffy, along with the restaurant’s gifted business manager were devastated. Continue reading →

The Last Night on the Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining & Style

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Presented by
Veronica Hinke
Food Historian, Author
With
Chef Gale Gand

All hands on deck! Come join us and drift back in time as author Veronica Hinke delves into the drinking and elegant Edwardian dining that set the Titanic experience apart from any other. Ms. Hinke will share little-known stories about the people, places and dining connecting Chicago to the ill-fated ship. She will also give us a look at the Titanic’s actual menus and recipes, which appear in her newly released book, “The Last Night on the Titanic/Unsinkable Drinking, Dining & Style.” Several renowned Chicago-area chefs contributed historic recipes to the book, including Gale Gand, who will join Veronica in the discussion.

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Bread Guru’s Never-Ending Quest for the Perfect Pizza

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Presented by
Peter Reinhart
Chef, Author, Teacher

Peter Reinhart has been writing, blogging, and video chronicling his ongoing search for pizza excellence for many years. His quest reveals more than just pizza tips and tricks but also valuable life lessons that this former monk continually shares with his readers and students. Continue reading →

Spicy Chicago Couple to Give Well-Seasoned Talk

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Presented by Patty and Tom Erd,
Spice Merchants and Proprietors of The Spice House

Anise-Almond Cookies
Cardamon Crisps
Spicy Pitas for Hummus

Throughout time, man’s destiny has been shaped by the search for the elusive spices coveted by nobility and royalty. The history of the spice trade reveals titillating tales of piracy, astounding adventures and fierce wars battled to control the spice trade. Exotic myths arose in explaining the astronomical costs of spice treasures. Continue reading →