Steve Dolinsky's Audio Podcast

With the 4th of July upon us, most folks will be grilling hot dogs and hamburgers this weekend.  I have the just the story to get you into the mood: the best hot dog story ever produced on Chicago Public Radio.  This piece garnered a James Beard Award several years ago, as well as a Peter Lisagor Award.  It was masterfully produced by my former partner-in-crime, Justin Kaufmann - a mixing genius.  Enjoy, and don't forget: no ketchup!

The Trump International Hotel and Tower opens its drop-dead gorgeous Terrace tonight, and we had a little preview last night. With commanding views to the North, East and South, including a killer view of the Chicago River and Lake, it is without peer in Chicago. I spoke with the Trump's Food & Beverage Director about the new Terrace, and what they'll be serving out there.  More information at: www.trumpchicagohotel.com

In memory of my big brother, who passed away suddenly two weeks ago, I wanted to keep a part of him on my podcast site forever. This is one of his favorite pieces, the "Mars" movement from Holst's "Planets" suite. It's 100% Neil: intense, astronomy-related, brass-heavy and of course, in a minor key.

Bruce Kraig is a Chicago Culinary Historian, Kendall College Instructor and writer, but he's also a hot dog aficionado. He has just written "Hot Dog - A Global History," which answers just about every question you've ever had regarding the beloved red hot. I spoke with him this week in Chicago about our fascination with the frankfurter.

Chicago chef Takashi Yagihashi not only has a noodle kiosk in Macy's and a namesake restaurant in Bucktown, but a new book out as well. We spoke over a bowl of ramen about the inspiration for it.

This was a very brief interview with Mark Bitterman, owner of The Meadow in Portland, OR - www.atthemeadow.com - he's a salt expert who was attending the Food Writer's Symposium at the Greenbrier this year. He is the master of all things saline. French? Lava? Murray River? Mark is the man to ask.

I was one of the speakers at this year's Food Writer's Symposium at the historic Greenbrier Resort in W. Virginia. At one of my presentations, I demonstrated how to upload a podcast, and so I had someone take this picture, then I walked over to interview the Symposium's Founder, Toni Allegra, to talk more about why this event has become so important to food writers over the past 19 years. For more information about the 2010 conference, go to www.greenbrier.com

If I were a New York-based food reporter, this podcast would be a half-hour or more, since the 2009 Beard Awards featured mostly NYC restaurants. But Chicago (despite 17 nominations) only had two winners, (Cookbook From a Professional Point of View and Restaurant Design) plus another one by a chef who spent a lot of time in the city and still has an apartment here. Here are my three interviews with the Chicago winners.  More info: www.jamesbeard.org

Former Chicagoan Eric Partaker couldn't find any good Mexican fast food in London, so he reached back to his memories from home, creating a new concept akin to a Chipotle in two London locations. I spoke with him over a pulled pork burrito at his Islington store.

With four locations in London, Ottolenghi is more than a food store. It is a celebration of the freshest, seasonal ingredients, with a strong nod toward the owners' Middle Eastern roots. I was completely blown away with the display on offer at their Islington shop, and spoke with co-owner Yotam Ottolenghi about he and his partner Sami's committment to their craft. More info at: www.ottolenghi.co.uk