Snazzy BBQ Grills at Bodum

These are the most stylish BBQ grills I have ever seen. Was surprised
to see BBQ grills at the Bodum booth because I associate the company with the French coffee press.

Helen Chen at Housewares

I talked to Helen Chen at the International Housewares Show in
Chicago. Helen, daughter of Asian food expert Joyce Chen, has her own
cookware line - Helen's Asian Kitchen. Even though we've been taught
in the US that Chinese traditionally use woks made of carbon steel, Helen
said that consumers in China now use non-stick woks that are flat-
bottomed. She said that today's American and Chinese consumers are too
busy to season their woks.

Chef Ming Tsai at Housewares

Here's me with chef Ming Tsai at the International Housewares Show at
the Kyocera booth. He signed a copy of his newest cookbook, Simply
Ming One-Pot Meals.

Chef Michelle Bernstein at Housewares

I'm at the International Housewares Show in Chicago. Just met chef
Michelle Bernstein at the Fagor booth S3425. She is cooking sliders
with melting cheese and bacon bits on her new Michelle B cast iron cookware.

Chicago Restaurant Week

Chicago Restaurant Week starts today and runs through February 27.
Three people wearing chef's hats greeted morning commuters at Ogilvie
Center to hand out the official guide to Chicago Restaurant Week 2011.
Lot of great lunch and dinner specials during this week. Blackbird,
Naha, Roy's, Wildfire (including suburban locations), Rhapsody, and
Coco Pazzo are some of the participating restaurants.
EatItUpChicago.com will have the full list. Bon appetit!

Palmer House Treetini

I had a Treetini cocktail at the Potter's Lounge in the Chicago Palmer
House Hilton a few weeks ago. Yummy for me though my colleagues
thought it too sweet. The hotel claims that a tree will be planted for
every Treetini ($12) ordered. The cocktail is made with Veev acai
spirit, St. Germain liqueur, pomegranate liqueur, and fresh lemon juice.

Al's Italian Beef

I finally went to the Chicago Loop (28 E. Jackson) location of Al's
Italian Beef. Loop workers eagerly waited for the fall 2010 opening
of this franchise. I had the Italian Beef sandwich with sweet peppers
(sweet peppers, giardinera are $0.45 extra each!) and french fries.
The hand-cut fries are billed as the best in the nation. I disagree
and found them too salty. That said, I ordered them after 2pm so I
should give them another try during lunch hour. Travel Channel's "Man
vs Food" featured a segment on Al's Beef. Check out
http://www.manvsfoodfans.com/illinois/als-italian-beef/