The Chicago Way: An Oral History of Chicago Dining with Michael Gebert

Posted on February 12, 2026 by Catherine Lambrecht

From a city associated with steak and the stockyards, Chicago has become a capitol of innovative, even avant-garde cuisine—but how? That’s the story that James Beard-winning Chicago food journalist Michael Gebert tells in The Chicago Way: An Oral History of Chicago Dining (Agate, $36.00). https://www.agatepublishing.com/97815728…/the-chicago-way/

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Rich History of Lebanese Baking with Maureen Abood

Posted on November 6, 2025 by Scott Warner

Join us on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 7 PM via Zoom

Podcast

Recipes:
Apricot Gems
Mocha Cardamom Snack Cake
Pomegranate Mousse with Lime Icing

Lebanon’s culinary repertoire includes a multi-faceted baking tradition that is influenced by the country’s history as much as by the diaspora the world over. Maureen Abood’s new book, Lebanese Baking, offers a sweeping, deeply personal guide to the baked traditions of Lebanon. With more than 100 recipes and detailed process instruction, this is the first English-language cookbook of its kind. A tribute to Lebanese baking in all its forms, the book provides a tour in chapters, photos, recipes, and stories of the many facets of baking that make up and express the Lebanese culture of hospitality, feasting, community, sharing, and family.

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Oakford Pecans – a story of discovery, Linda Eilks and Pumpkin/Squash update, Catherine Lambrecht

Posted on November 5, 2025 by Catherine Lambrecht

Podcast

Linda Eilks grew up on a farm outside of Oakford Illinois. After careers at both IL Extension and U.S. Department of Agriculture, she retired and moved into a home within the village of Oakford. There she was faced with an abundance of pecans falling from the trees in her yard. Continue reading →

Heartland Masala: A Sampling of Indian Culinary History

Posted on October 29, 2025 by Scott Warner

Presented by Jyoti Mukharji and Auyon Mukharji

Podcast

Come join us as a mother and son duo talk about the historical and cultural context of traditional and diasporic Indian recipes. They will base their talk on their new book, Heartland Masala: An Indian Cookbook from an American Kitchen. Continue reading →

Chinese Table Manners @ Sun Wah BBQ

Posted on October 22, 2025 by Catherine Lambrecht

Interpreted by Kelly Chang,
Co-owner and general manager of Sun Wah BBQ

Sun Wah BBQ was founded by Mr. Cheng who immigrated from China. His American
born children who are now Sun Wah’s co-owners: son Michael and daughters Kelly and
Chef Laura, who trained at Kendall College. The children have one foot in Chinese
culture and one foot in American, allowing them to convey Chinese table manners as
practiced at home. Continue reading →