Category Archives: Chicago Foodways Roundtable

Chef Louis Szathmáry and “The Bakery” Restaurant

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Presented by
Barbara Kuck

Podcast courtesy of WBEZ’s Chicago Amplified

Hungarian immigrant Lajos Istvan Szathmáry II Ph.D., better known to gourmets the world over as “Chef Louis” immigrated to the United States with $1.10 cents and five words of English. Educated as a journalist and psychologist in his native Hungary in a much-traveled life, he was an actor, newspaperman, soldier, marriage counselor, spy, prisoner of war, lecturer, author, TV & radio personality, adventurer and chef. Continue reading →

PRINCE CASTLE/COCK ROBIN: “DADDY OF THE DRIVE-INS”

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Presented by
Walter “Ted” Fredenhagen, Jr.

The story of Prince Castle and Cock Robin will answer the following questions:

  • Who developed and why did they use those square scoops?
  • What made their ice cream so exceptionally flavorful?
  • Why did they change their name from Prince Castle to Cock Robin?
  • What was their contribution to the development of milkshake, was it really “One in a Million?”
  • Just how did they make their hamburgers so delicious and memorable?
  • How did Prince Castle/Cock Robin influence McDonald’s? If imitation is the highest form of flattery, then you have just been offered a clue.
  • Why did Prince Castle/Cock Robin fade away?
  • What remains of Prince Castle/Cock Robin today?

Continue reading →

BEHIND-THE-SCENES OF FOOD TELEVISION

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Presented by
Louisa Chu

Podcast courtesy of WBEZ’s Chicago Amplified

What’s it like to be suddenly thrust on camera with Anthony Bourdain? Where was the eeriest location to sip pre-ban absinthe? How does the food actually taste on Iron Chef America? Louisa Chu, chef and food journalist, will answer these questions and more with first-hand reports from behind the scenes of food television. Continue reading →

VERMEER’S HAT:  THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY AND THE DAWN OF THE GLOBAL WORLD

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 Presented by
Timothy Brook

Lao Sze Chuan
2172 S. Archer Ave., 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60616
312 326-5040
website: http://www.laoszechuan.com

Dinner will be family style with tables choosing from the menu and sharing costs.  Please reserve in advance to allow adequate seating.

Johannes Vermeer’s paintings have haunted viewers with their beauty and mystery for centuries.  Continue reading →

GEORGE H. HAMMOND AND MARCUS M. TOWLE: FORGOTTEN PIONEERS OF THE BEEF PACKING INDUSTRY

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 Presented by
Richard Lytle

Podcast Courtesy of WBEZ’s Chicago Amplified

A few years ago, several Roundtable members attended the Hammond, Indiana Historical Society’s cemetery tour.  At the grave of Marcus Towle, we learned he opened a slaughterhouse with his partner George Hammond in 1869. Continue reading →