Category Archives: Culinary Historians of Chicago

The Legitimacy and Legacy of Chinese Food in America

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Presented by Louisa Chu and Monica Eng
Co-hosts, “Chewing” Podcast

“Chewing” podcast hosts Monica Eng, left, and Louisa Chu. (Michael Tercha / Chicago Tribune)

Links to mentions in podcast:
Chewing episode where Monica talks to Raymond Lee
How Chinese Restaurants Nearly Became Extinct across USA
What A Murder In My Family Reveals About Chicago’s Chinese Gangs
Why do Egg Rolls in Chicago Taste Like Peanut Butter?

Chicago Tribune food reporter Louisa Chu and WBEZ reporter Monica Eng talk about 150 years of Chinese food in America, how it was shaped by social, political, and legal circumstances plus how it shaped their own families and lives. The co-hosts of the Chewing podcast will document the Eng family restaurant dynasty in Chicago and how it reflected the food and culture of the times. Continue reading →

How the Instant Pot Helped This Indian-American Forge Her Ethnic Identity

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Presented by Chandra Ram, Chef, Author, Editor

To be Indian-American means you have a foot in two cultures. For Chandra Ram, author of The Complete Indian Instant Pot Cookbook, America is home, but some part of her identifies as Indian as well. She didn’t want to let go of Indian culture as her parents were encouraged to do when they immigrated a generation ago, but she didn’t always know how to claim it for herself. Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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 →