Chef Ideas: March 2008 Archives
This gem comes to you chock full of flavor. Local Argentinean Lilliana Zecker has turned Tastybeat on to the diverse tastes of Argentina right here in Chicago. Here's the perfect itinerary for your next open afternoon:
First stop: El Mercado, a small market found on Southport. This corner store has been in the Di Sapio family for over thirty years. Lilliana recommends their outstanding, ready-to-cook chorizo sausage. Argentinean chorizo is a mild pork sausage with garlic and a blend of delicious spices. Lilliana also suggests bringing home their empanada wrappers so you can make your own fried or baked empanadas when the mood strikes. Lilliana has graciously shared her family's recipe.
Next stop: If you're getting hungry, head next door to the restaurant Tango Sur. Here, stylish owner Sergio Di Sapio serves up mouth-watering traditional meat empanadas. In Lilliana's words, when you eat Sergio's empanadas, "The grease trickles down to your elbows....so worth the experience!" And Lilliana shares this pointer: "Empanadas are to be eaten by holding the whole thing in your hand, and biting into it, no fork and knife."
Third stop: Now it's time to make your way to Buenos Aires Liquors and Deli. Here, warm and gregarious owner Mario Gimenez will greet you with a smile and a sample of one of his proud creations. Mario is famous for his triples de miga (simple, layered finger sandwiches), an Argentine staple. Tastybeat also recommends taking home these favorites:
Chimmichurri Sauce
This traditional condiment is made with parsley, oregano, garlic, salt, onion, red chile pepper, red wine vinegar and olive oil. Serve this flavorful sauce with grilled steak.
Empanadas
Mario serves empanadas daily, full of traditional ingredients—green olives, hard boiled eggs, red onions, raisins, paprika, red pepper, parsley, oregano, and garlic. Available with beef, chicken, or spinach.
Alfajores
A beloved popular dessert, alfajores are sandwich cookies made with flour and cornstarch dough. These baked cookies are filled with a sweet caramel mixture and coated with coconut. Mario bakes them fresh daily.
Wine
Mario recommends trying the wines of Argentina. He suggests a pleasant, full-bodied red Malbec with earthy notes. Or try the white Torrontes—a fruity, floral wine that's surprisingly dry. Mario is glad to help you choose the perfect bottle.
Happy Exploring!
Tastybeat
www.tastybeat.com
El Mercado
3767 N. Southport
773-477-5020
Hours
8:00am-8:00pm Monday-Saturday
8:00am-5:00pm Sunday
Tango Sur
3763 N. Southport
773-477-5466
BYOB
Hours
5:00pm-10:30pm Monday-Thursday
5:00pm-11:30pm Friday and Saturday
12pm-11pm Sunday
Tango on Tuesday nights after 7:00pm
Buenos Aires Liquor and Deli
3100 North Cicero
773-685-4241
9:00am-2:00pm Monday-Saturday
9:00am-2:00pm Sunday
With spring's promise in the air, what better place to celebrate than in our kitchens? For inspiration, we look to our French friends, known for their natural Joie de vivre (zest for life). The Thouvenots, who hail from Neuilly sur Seine in France and currently live in Evanston, have discovered many of their favorites away from home. If you too pine for that special joie de vivre, or if you just want to explore some fine French delicacies, here's a gem of a list:
- Reblochon cheese--a delicious cheese from the Alps region of Savoie. The soft, washed-rined cheese is made from raw cow's milk and is well aged with a soft center and nutty flavor that lingers on the tongue. This special cheese is traditionally served with a crusty baguette and a butter lettuce salad dressed with walnut oil, red wine vinegar, salt and Dijon mustard. Available at Whole Foods Market.
- Maille Dijon mustard and Maille gherkins--used as accoutrements with any meal. Can be found at Foodstuff's. Tastybeat Tip: While at Foodstuff's, consider picking up a container of decadent Aloutte creme fraise.
- Baratte butter--a high-quality European butter embedded with sea salt crystals called Fleur De Sel. Try spreading this flavorful treat on a good loaf of bread. You can find Baratte at Treasure Island.
- French Saucisson--a zesty sausage full of flavor and spice. This garlic sausage is made with chicken, pork, milk and cognac that together make a robust flavor. French Saucisson is typically enjoyed warm with a baguette and fresh roasted garlic. You can find it, along with a special selection of outstanding pates, at Schaefer's Market.
- Pineau de Charentes (pictured)--a special aperitif. Pineau de Charentes has a rather unique taste made from a blend of unfermented grape must and cognac brandy. Found at Schaefer's Market.
- Framboisier cake (pictured)--a vanilla cake bursting with a light vanilla cream and topped with fresh raspberries or a raspberry glaze (Tastybeat highly recommends ordering it topped with a layer of fresh raspberries.) Created by Dimitri and Keli Fayard of Vanille Bakery, this cake is a scrumptious treat for your eyes and palette. Be sure to check out Vanille Bakery's wonderful selection of French cakes, pastries, croissants, and of course, macaroons!
Bon Appétît!
Tastybeat
|
EVANSTON GLENCOE |
GLENVIEW LAKE FOREST |
Schaefer's Wines, Foods and Spirits
9965 Gross Point Rd
Skokie, IL 60076
P: 847-677-WINE (9463)
Vanille Patisserie
2229 N. Clybourn
Chicago, IL 60614
Tel: 773-868-4574
Fax: 773-868-0648
