Eats

Looking for Restaurant Exclusives? Get Your Cheeky Card!

Moist Yellow Homemade Cake “Mix”

For the Baker with the Mostess

April 29, 2013
Make ahead yellow cake mix with chocolate frosting
by:
Lakesha Rose

Because I’m not a great baker, I needed help. So I turned to this fantastic recipe by Cooks Illustrated magazine that is fail safe for non bakers. I recommend making a second batch to freeze for a last minute cake or cupcakes in the future. *Remember to make two different batches, do not double up on recipe. Makes two nine-inch layers or 18 cupcakes: 2 cups (14 ounces) sugar 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) cake flour 1/2 cup (1 5/8 ounces) nonfat dry milk powder 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 16 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces and chilled 1 tablespoon vanilla extract   Directions: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Adjust oven rack to middle position. Grease and flour two nine-inch …  Read more

Blue Agave Tequila Bar & Restaurant

One Margarita, One Margarita, One Margarita, Floor!

April 16, 2013
blue
by:
Karie Hill

A few weeks ago, my favorite Chicago woman, Rebecca Niziol, invited me to Blue Agave for a margarita to celebrate a great night. A Wednesday Funday?! Count me in. Rebecca told me that Blue Agave has the best margaritas and warned me that I would only need one to feel great. I couldn’t wait to try this drink she made sound sooooooooooooo delicious. When we arrived, we said a cheers! to our first margarita and broke our spring cleanse to dive into the basket of chips and salsa. After one drink, I didn’t think I needed to listen to her warning. We both decided to ditch the one limit rule and ordered …  Read more

Almond Joy: A Sweet Excursion to Pan Hellenic Pastry Shop

Greektown: Go for the Gyros, Stay for the Pastries

March 31, 2013
panhel
by:
Rachel Dickens

If someone asked me to pick my last dessert on earth from the following options, my choice would be easy as pie: A yogurt parfait with fresh berries and agave instead of honey (half the calories, twice the flavor!) A family-pack of king-sized Snickers bars A scoop of fresh rosewater gelato with evaporated tea-tree granules A pan of double-stuffed Oreos, wrapped in peanut butter, coated in pretzels and enveloped in chocolate-chip cookie dough* *Was there even a competition? Point being, I’ve had a raging sweet tooth for longer than I’d care to remember, and when it comes to dessert, I’ve always subscribed to the adage that more decadence is better. But in light of an upcoming trip …  Read more