Chicago Cooks Book

Chicago Cooks Book
The Chicago chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier, which includes Spice House owner Patty Erd, has a new book!

Quoting the book jacket:

"Chicago Cooks is a fascinating and unique look back at the historic culinary explosion in Chicago over the last 25 years, as the city was transformed from a heatland stronghold of meat, potatoes, and ethnic favorites to one of the county's (if not the world's) culinary centers.

"This tale is told through the eyes of a unique group of women who helped make that history -- the Chicago chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier. These women (all leaders in the food and dining business) tell how the Chicago food scene grew and evolved; their survey includes dining highlights like Charlie Trotter's and Frontera Grill, the rise of new ethnic cuisines from around the world, and the proliferation of shops, markets, and classes serving the ever more sophisticated home cook.

"But that's not all. Also included are a bounty of recipes and tips for entertaining from this unique group of Chicago food authorities, chosen especially for this book. There are 75 truly outstanding recipes -- some tradtional Chicago classics (which include world-famous dishes like Shrimp de Jonghe and Chicken Vesuvio, among many others), and some arranged into menus tailored for entertaining -- and each includes wine suggestions.

"Covering everything from traditional Thanksgiving dinner and a decadent Valentine's dessert buffet to a simple spring meal or casual Moroccan affair, these recipes are sure to please. "Chicago Cooks" is a one-of-a-kind book for everyone who cares about Chicago, food, and cooking.

"Les Dames d'Escoffier Chicago's proceeds fromt he sale of this book will be donated to the Community Kitchens Program of the Greater Chicago Food Depository."