Dorie Greenspan: The Element of Surprise

By Margaret McSweeney | November 27, 2018 |

Dorie Greenspan is an inspiration.  I am so grateful to have met her early in my culinary journey.  Her genuine kindness and encouragement along with her passion for cooking brings out the best in others and in her recipes.  What a delight to recently have a Kitchen Chat with her in the Viking and La…

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Diana Davila: One of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs

By Margaret McSweeney | November 14, 2018 |

Chef Diana Davila, Executive Chef and Owner of Mi Tocaya Antojeria,  was recently named one of the Best New Chefs in America by Food & Wine magazine.   Her neighborhood Mexican restaurant is located in Logan Square in Chicago, and the meaning of its name even evokes the emotional connection between the guests and the…

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Ina Garten: Connecting in the Kitchen

By Margaret McSweeney | November 5, 2018 |

Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, has taught millions of people how to cook.  Her gracious hospitality welcomes Food Network viewers into her kitchen each week to experience comfort and a taste of home.  In her most recent book, Cook Like A Pro, Ina provides great tips and recipes for the home chefs to elevate their…

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Steve Dolinsky: Pizza City U.S.A.

By Margaret McSweeney | October 4, 2018 |

Ready to bite into some Chicago pizza? Steve Dolinsky, an award winning culinary media personality known for his weekly Hungry Hound segment on  ABC  7 News Chicago and his podcast The Feed with Chef Rick Bayless, has a new book called Pizza City, U.S.A.: Why Chicago is America’s Greatest Pizza City. This new book is…

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Gale Gand: A Passion for Pastries

By Margaret McSweeney | June 25, 2018 |

“I didn’t pick the restaurant industry.  It picked me.”   Chef Gale Gand on Kitchen Chat   Award winning pastry chef Gale Gand has a passion for pastries.  She has won two James Beard awards, including one for Outstanding Pastry Chef and one for Outstanding Service for her former restaurant Tru.  Gale Gand is a…

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Kevin Boehm and The Boka Restaurant Group

By Margaret McSweeney | June 18, 2018 |

“Chicago is a choice for me.  When I had a six table restaurant in the Florida Pan Handle in 1993, my dream always was that maybe some day I’ll be able to have a restaurant in Chicago and sit down with the smartest restaurant people around.” Kevin Boehm, co-founder of Boka Restaurant Group At age…

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What's Gaby Cooking

By Margaret McSweeney | June 12, 2018 |

Everyone on Instagram always asks @WhatsGabyCookin. Gaby Dalkin is the Pied Piper of the culinary world.  Gaby’s enthusiasm, encouragement, recipes and authenticity help her followers become even better home chefs all while having fun in the kitchen. Recently, Gaby joined Chef Jaime Laurita and me in the Viking and La Cornue Showroom at the Merchandise…

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