My kids tell me I’m a food snob, and it’s an accusation to which I cheerfully plead guilty. But my snobbishness isn’t about exotic ingredients or fancy preparations — either when I’m cooking at home or dining out. Sure, I enjoy those things; I love Michael Higgins’ carefully crafted dishes containing seasonal local ingredients at […]
Food & Drink
Posted inFood & Drink
Cheap riches
It was the summer of 1988, and it was stinking hot in Philadelphia. My pal El and I were brand-spanking-new college graduates and had no idea what we wanted to be when we grew up. Although we both were working in the food biz — she as a waitress, I as a gourmet-shop cashier — […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Time to pick and eat apples
We marked the first day of autumn just last week, but plenty of signs of the new season have been appearing — not the least of which the fact that the local Starbucks is featuring pumpkin-spice lattes. The number of vendors at the downtown farmer’s market is dwindling. Tables that featured fragrant white peaches and […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Yes, it’s the same ol’ D’Arcy’s
My friend Joyce, who now lives in Dallas, recently requested two food items during a visit to her hometown of Springfield: a Vose’s corn dog and a D’Arcy’s horseshoe, not necessarily in that order. Joyce isn’t the only one who knows that D’Arcy’s Pint has made a name for itself by serving some of the […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Restaurant Guide
Springfield offers dozens of places to grab a bite — from hot dogs on a stick to Eurasian bistros. Sure, we have all your favorite chain restaurants, but there are plenty of places that are unique to the capital city. Here’s a selection of some favorites. If you see the symbol by a restaurant’s name, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
New treats
Whether you see the Illinois State Fair as a dieter’s nightmare or a junk food lover’s dream, there’s no denying that it’s one of the few Springfield events to offer such a variety of culinary treats. This year, there are more choices than ever, including iced Thai coffee (coffee topped with heavy cream) sold by […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Guess what they’ve fried this year!
Just when I thought it was safe to go back to the Illinois State Fair — the food extravaganza featuring all things fried and served on a stick — comes a new concoction that will surely blow any diet. The deep-fried cheesecake, offered by Michael’s Concessions, is one of several new culinary entries at the […]
Posted inFood & Drink
It’s a wiener world
Hot dogs may just be the easiest, most accessible food around. Think about it: They’re one of a few foods sold and eaten just about everywhere, from discount and hardware stores to ballparks, gas stations, street kiosks, and, of course, restaurants. They’re cheap, they can be eaten on the run, and kids love them. People […]
Posted inFood & Drink
appetite
For the past five years, Brandy Kelty has enjoyed the Taste of Downtown by sampling a variety of foods and discovering new restaurants. This year, she’ll be hoping that many new customers find her as she serves thousands of beer-battered bratwurst bites and chicken wings at the tent operated by Sammy’s Sports Bar. Sammy’s — owned […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Elegant setting, splendid food
Until recently, only guests of the Oaks, a restored 19th-century Victorian mansion turned bed & breakfast, could enjoy lunch at this hidden jewel. The elegant building sits on a bluff overlooking Petersburg and the Sangamon River. Just driving up the winding lane through the parklike setting of oaks trees and flower gardens to the B&B […]
Posted inFood & Drink
appetite 6-30-05
Walking into the Dublin Pub, I had a strong sense of déjà vu. Of course I noticed the hints that something had changed: a new sign out front, a fresh coat of green paint on the walls, and some new menu items, such as pizza, gave it away. Plus, as a food writer, it’s my […]
Posted inFood & Drink
appetite 6-23-05
June is Dairy Month, an annual tradition that promotes the dairy industry and its many contributions to society. OK, besides giving us ice cream, milkshakes, and assorted other summertime treats, what has the dairy industry done to deserve a month of devotion? Well, consider that June is also Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month, Turkey Lover’s Month, National Accordion […]
