Isabella’s Estiatorio's Wine Dinner

Geneva, Ill., is a great town to visit. There's the river to take walks and the downtown area is cute with shops. Swedish Days just happened this past weekend, which is always fun to sample different foods and visit street vendors.

But, above all, Geneva boasts a number of great restaurants. One is Isabella’s Estiatorio, which is hosting a dinner event this coming Wednesday, June 27—with Landmark Vineyards Wine ($85 per person; 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)

Here's a peek at the menu:

Baked Cod, paprika pork belly, baby squid & chick peas
2005 Landmark Vineyards, Chardonnay,”Overlook”

Roasted Beet, Manouri, Candied Walnut Salad, Chive & Walnut Dressing; Orange Crème Fraiche
2004 Landmark, Chardonnay, Lorenzo Vineyard

Copper River Wild Salmon Pine wood scented, leeks gratin, fig jam, pine nuts pesto
2004 Landmark, Pinot Noir, Kastania Vineyard

Aegean spiced Kobe Short Ribs, creamy grits, roasted peaches, Kalamata olives, cured Meyer lemon
2003 Landmark Syrah “Steel Plow”, El Farolito Vineyard

Cambozola cheese cake with fresh glazed apricot
2003 Landmark, Chardonnay, Damaris Reserve

I'd go just to eat some more Copper River wild salmon...the fish is in season for a short time (I've already had it twice within the last week...once at Shaw's downtown Chicago and once at home). The fish is so fatty and full of flavor! Get some while you can!

If you want to read more about the winery, visit ww.landmarkwine.com/story.html; and if you want to learn more about Isabella’s Estiatorio, visit www.isabellasgeneva.com.

The restaurant is located at 330 W. State St. (630/845-8624)...call for reservations.

Happy Eating! Mr. Foodie

What the hey!

I know, I know. What the heck! I haven't had a post since mid February. I've been busy. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. I'm going to give it another attempt to post - not on a daily basis though - just when I cook something or go out to eat.

I do post on a weekly basis on www.kidscuisine.net, which is part of The Well Fed Network (www.wellfed.net). That's one reason I've been busy.

Talk with you soon.

Happy Eating! Mr. Foodie

Food/Cooking Conference

I've been at a food/cooking conference for the past several days, so I've been absent in updating the site ... my apologies. I'll shortly upload some wonderful pictures of the classes I attended (all about cooking lobsters and Vietnamese food). Tonight I have cooking school, so I'll update tomorrow evening.

Happy Eating! Mr. Foodie

Foodie Web Site - Well Fed

There are so many foodie Web sites to read, but one that you should bookmark is Well Fed ... http://wellfed.net.

Within this one site, there are 15 other sites that discuss topics ranging from kids cuisine to spirits and beverages to restaurant reviews to a whole host of food topics. The writers are from all parts of the world, so the posts are very diverse.

If you have time, check out Well Fed.

Happy Eating! Mr. Foodie

Hinsdale Cellars - Wine Shop

Valentine's Day is upon us, have you bought your sweetheart his or her present yet? It's not too late! Visit the Hinsdale Wine Shop and they'll provide you with the finest wines, chocolates, and accessories.

From wine, to chocolate, to gourmet coffee, they have a wide selection of gifts for you to choose from. WThey can even put together a custom gift basket for you, or stop in and choose a pre-made one!

Or, how about giving a gift that will give all year long - a year membership to their Wine Club! Every month, your loved one will receive two fantastic bottles of wine, access to member's only events, and a 10% discount on all purchases made in our shop!

Don't let the weather prevent you from giving a gift that will make your loved one smile! They are open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday - Saturday and Noon - 6 p.m. on Sundays.

You can find Hinsdale Cellars at 12 E. Hinsdale Ave. in Hinsdale; or e-mail sean@hinsdalecellars.com; or visit www.hindsdalecellars.com; or call 630/654-9862.

Happy Eating (and Drinking)! Mr. Foodie

Salmon Patties 1-2-3 Easy!

We all know how healthy it is to eat salmom - the fish is loaded with omega 3s. And, if you're looking for new ways to cook salmon, don't forget about the tried-and-true method of salmon patties. There are only a few steps to this recipe, which I've made several times by seeing what ingredients are in my fridge and going from there. Don't be afraid to work without a recipe...it's only food!

Here's what I used: 1 egg white (beaten), 2 tablespoons milk, either use 1 teaspoon of dried onion or 1 shallots (I prefer to use fresh shallots, because, one, it's fresh, and, two, they're sweet tasting), 2 teaspoons of dried dill or 1 tablespoons of fresh dill (again, use fresh dill because the flavor will be more intense), 1 7-ounce can of salmon (drained), 1/2 cup of wheat crackers (these type of crackers will also lend a taste of sweetness) or you can use bread crumbs and a touch of cooking oil or olive oil to saute the patties.

Here's a step-by-step view of the easy method.

In a medium bowl, combine the egg white, milk, shallot, dill and a pinch of black pepper (use freshly cracked if you can).

Drain the salmon, add it to a second bowl, and flake with a fork. Next, pour in the egg white mixture as well as adding the bread crumbs (I used Italian fine bread crumbs, because I didn't want the patties to be too mealy with chunks of crackers.) Mix thoroughly with a fork or spoon. I also added just a pinch of Kosher salt (use regular table salt if that's waht you have).

Use your hands (make sure you first wash them) and form about 3- to 4-ounce pattyies (I doubled this version recipe, so I was able to get five patties). I also rolled the patties in extra bread crumbs just enough to lightly coat them - not a thick coating. I find the light coating helps bind the patty, and this will brown the patty nicely.

Add enough olive oil to a non-stick skillet to lightly cover it (you do not want a lot of oil because you do not want to "fry" them), let the oil get hot and then add the patties (I got five in one skillet). Cook for about 5 minutes or until they begin to brown. Flip and cook again for 5 minutes or until the brown. You don't want to overcook them, or they will dry out. Dried out salmon patties is like eating sawdust and cardboard. Since the salmon is already cooked, all you're doing is warming the patties (and cooking the egg white to atemperature about 120F.)

And that's it. You can serve with a cheese sauce (use sharp cheddar) or a relish of your choice.

Let me know what you think, and pass along your salmon patty recipe.

Happy Eating! Mr. Foodie

Chocolate Heaven is Here!

If you're a chocolate lover, you'll want to head downtown Chicago for a fabulous event: For the Love of Chocolate. It happens this Saturday, February 10.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, The French Pastry School at City Colleges of Chicago is proud to present the second annual For the Love of Chocolate benefit. Top chefs from around the country will join together to transform the celebrated South Shore Cultural Center into a decadent chocolate wonderland that could rival even Willy Wonka's factory—all to help inner city high school students achieve their dreams of becoming the "superchefs" of tomorrow. Intricate chocolate clothing, dazzling chocolate body art, amazing chocolate sculptures and a sensual and luxurious "Cocoa Sutra" room will be on display during the extravaganza. For the Love of Chocolate will benefit Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP), a national nonprofit which prepares at-risk public high school students for college and careers in the hospitality industry. Managing the largest independent culinary scholarship program in the United States, C-CAP has awarded 1,850 scholarships, valued at over $17.8 million, changing the way many underserved high school students see their future and making a difference between a job and a career for more than 100,000 students. All the proceeds raised from the event will enable C-CAP to continue offering scholarships and programs.

The list of top chefs, pastry chefs, confectioneries is mind boggling! You won't be disappointed...I guarantee it!

For more information, visit www.fortheloveofchocolate.org.

Happy Eating! Mr. Foodie