Steve Dolinsky's Audio Podcast

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.