Kitchen Witch | Thursday, September 4,2003

That’s Italian!

The Hill offers a taste of Old World charm in modern-day St. Louis

St. Louis is a city with many faces, a rich urban tapestry with each neighborhood having its own distinct personality and history. Under the shadow of the celebrated Arch--and within easy reach

Kitchen Witch | Thursday, August 28,2003

The spice of lives

Now in its 30th year, the Ethnic Festival struggles in solidarity

By Penny Zimmerman-Wills

The Cajuns bid "adieu," the Celts spoke "slan," the Germans said "auf wiedersehen." One by one, the groups that had made Springfield's Ethnic Festival a success said goodbye. Now organizers are left w

Kitchen Witch | Thursday, August 21,2003

Cold caffeine

The rise of iced coffee

By Penny Zimmerman-Wills

For many of us, a cup of coffee is the perfect way to start the day. But now, particularly in the summer months, that jolt of java may be poured over ice, mixed with soy milk and hazelnut syrup, and t

Kitchen Witch | Thursday, August 14,2003

Fair food

Elk meat, fried twinkies, and other new offerings on a stick

By Penny Zimmerman-Wills

It just wouldn't be the Illinois State Fair without some new food items--shoved on a stick, of course. And this year the newest culinary treats tempting fairgoers run the gamut from the lean and heal

Kitchen Witch | Thursday, August 7,2003

King Korn Dog

Bob Vose has been a state-fair fixture for more than three decades

By Penny Zimmerman-Wills

Bob Vose says a lot of folks think of just three foods when they hear the words "Illinois State Fair": Sutter's Taffy, Culler's French Fries, and Vose's Korn Dogs--not necessarily in that order

Kitchen Witch | Thursday, July 31,2003

Refined retreat

The Illinois State Fair’s wine garden

By Penny Zimmerman-Wills

The Illinois State Fair may celebrate corn dogs, carnival rides, and country music. But how about sipping a glass of cabernet in air-conditioned comfort while listening to jazz? Tucked betwee

Kitchen Witch | Thursday, July 24,2003

Top dogs

Mark Anderson and Rob Deaton are devoted to the hot dog

By Penny Zimmerman-Wills

Three months ago, Mark Anderson and Rob Deaton opened the Wienerdog, a business dedicated to that quintessential summertime meal: the all-beef hot dog. The two were working at a local Applebee

Kitchen Witch | Thursday, July 17,2003

Eastside eats

Three family restaurants serve up the home cooking

By Penny Zimmerman-Wills

Within a four-block stretch of South Grand Avenue are three spots serving up some of the best home cooking in town. You won't find all-encompassing menus, breakfast burritos, or special action figures

Kitchen Witch | Thursday, July 10,2003

How sweet it is

Illinois corn festivals honor the golden grain

By Penny Zimmerman-Wills

Michigan celebrates cherries. Wisconsin loves cheese. In Illinois, it's all about corn. Next week 11,000 ears of corn will be consumed during the 30th annual Chatham Sweet Corn Festival, which ru

Kitchen Witch | Thursday, July 3,2003

Tea time

Two local businesses serve up an English tradition

By Penny Zimmerman-Wills

"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea." --Henry James One thing Josephine Datz misses about her native South Africa is a good