Steve Dolinsky's Audio Podcast

After 37 years on West Belmont, Gene's Sausage Shop has opened its second location, this time in Lincoln Square, in the legendary former Meyer Delicatessen space.  I spoke with Yolanda Luszcz, whose family has spent the past two years overhauling the space to turn it into a true European grocery store - complete with dozens of homemade sausages and other beef and pork-related products.  More info at www.genessausage.com

The third annual Pinot Days comes to Chicago this weekend, with wine dinners, private seminars and a grand tasting event at Navy Pier on Saturday, November 14th, from 1 - 5 p.m.  I spoke with Co-Founder Lisa Rigisich at Bin Wine Cafe about the annual taste-a-thon.  More info on tickets and events at www.pinotdays.com

The sophomore follow-up to their popular "Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day," authors Jeff Hertzberg, M.D. and Zoë François stopped through Chicago on their book tour to talk with me about their latest project.  This book has a lot of great information for gluten free bakers, by the way.  More information about the book at www.healthybreadinfive.com

It's not everyday a chef gets to go to New York City to cook at the legendary James Beard House, but two Chicago chefs are about to head East for a big dinner next week.  Chefs Rodelio Aglibot of Sunda, and his colleague, James Gottwald of Rockit Ranch Productions (and Exec. Chef of Rockit Bar & Grill) will be cooking at the Beard House on Nov. 6.  I spoke with them this week to find out what kind of prep is involved for such a dinner.

Fans of Urban Belly rejoice: Belly Shack just opened this week beneath the Blue Line stop at Western Ave. in Chicago.  The concept is Asian/Latin sandwiches, along with some creative soft serve.  I spoke with owner Bill Kim just two hours after he opened the doors, to talk about this new concept. More info at the Belly Shack website.

Three years ago last week, the great gastronome and New York Times writer/editor R.W. "Johnny" Apple Jr. passed away. The man was the last of a rare breed; pure old school journalist and boy, could he eat. Every year around this time, I replay one of the highlights of my career: having lunch at Topolobampo with the legend then interviewing him about his latest book about eating and lodging in North America.

For the second year in a row, Chicago pastry chef and instructor Mark Seaman is planning an International Pastry Tour through France, May 10-20, 2010.  If you have an insatiable appetite for macarons, chocolat and butter, this is the tour for you.  More information at www.markedfordessert.com

The city's 2nd annual food and wine extravaganza was a huge hit this year. Cooking demos, tastings and schmoozing with Chicago culinary elite made for a delicious weekend in Millennium Park. I spoke with chef Mario Santiago (May St. Cafe) about his participation, and the reaction from chefs at the event this year.

On October 4th, Chicago's Bin 36 is holding its annual "Harvest Fest," which gives people the chance to custom-blend and create their own wines (which will be professionally bottled in California).  I spoke with co-owner Dan Sachs about how it works.  For more information about the event, go to www.bin36.com

Seedling has become one of the biggest names on the local fruit scene in Chicago the past few years.  Owner Peter Klein is a Chicagoan who bought the orchard in South Haven, Michigan, and now has stands at just about every farmer's market, as well as a prominent place on many local menus.  This time of year - and with Rosh Hashana just two days away - his apple cider is especially relevant.  I spoke with Klein at the Lincoln Square Farmer's Market earlier this week.