It was a late Thursday afternoon. I had been anticipating this all week, a chance to speak one on one with the iconic Doug Sohn, creator and owner of Hot Doug’s in Avondale. But when I walked in, it was completely deserted. Not a soul was in there. It was surreal to think about. The most popular hot dog stand in the city, one that is notorious for long waits, was empty. I thought I was the first person to set eyes on such an unusual thing.  (more…)

It is no doubt that adults love to travel back in time when they dine. Classic kids menu items are getting the “gourmet” make over at restaurants all over the place. Restaurants are making Mac and Cheese with asiago and truffle oil. Sandwich shops are making PB&J with homemade preserves and peanut butter. (more…)

It seems like I am constantly reading about how each generation of children is getting fatter then the previous one despite the catchy commercials with professional athletes urging children to get off the couch (we can talk about the irony of a television commercial filled with celebrities asking kids to turn the television off and go outside and play another time).  I blame the nacho cheese machine.  More specifically, the nacho cheese machine in my little sister’s high school cafeteria.  Don’t get me wrong, these kids still have their ridiculous metabolisms and can probably break into a dead sprint seconds after eating a Big Mac.  (more…)

It was a wonderful day in Chicago. It was 50 degrees and rainy with winds nearly 20mph in all directions. As I walked to the 11 City Diner, I realized that I must truly love deli since I was braving the elements to meet up with David Sax. David and I have a lot in common except for the fact that he was born in Canada, has written for countless national publications, and his scrapping good looks make him resemble a young Jewish Richard Gere. David had been on his “Save The Deli” book tour for a little over a week. (more…)