“There’s as much subtlety with vinegar as there is with fine wine,” says Jim Vitalo of Herbally Yours in Willow Springs, Illinois. His small batched, hand crafted infused creations are steeped in tradition, “the aging is a family secret.”
Since 1989 Jim, along with the assistance of his wife Kathy and daughter Brenda, have created artisanal vinegars for cooking and herb rubs for grilling, that have been praised by the likes of many culinary critics and food lovers around the globe. And most recently, a nod in the 2013 Michelin Guide. Vinegar flavors such as Basil Oregano, Balsamic, Apple Cider, Rosemary Garlic, Thai Hot Pepper are just five out of the fourteen flavors offered. Some of the artisanal rubs include BBQ, Cajun, Greek Mediterranean, Lemon Pepper Vesuvio. And this year Jim is brings a Chicago Fire Hot Sauce to the table.
Vinegars are all natural ingredients, no fat. Bottles are repurposed and recycled.
Herbally Yours Vinegar Pairings:
Basil Oregano: Use on salads, tomatoes (in season) sprinkle over chicken or fish marinade
Balsamic: Pork chops, vegetable and pasta salads
Apple Cider: Cooking and marinating, BBQ and traditional Southern dishes
Rosemary Garlic: Use on meat ad poultry, sprinkle over cooked greens
Thai Hot Pepper: Chili, salsas, stir-frieds, BBQ sauce
Find Jim Vitalo at the Oak Park Farmers Market, Hines Veteran’s Hospital Farmer’s Market, Summit Farmer’s Market
More information visit: herballyoursvinegars.com
Wine lovers can discover a brand new relationship with Illinois wines with the unique opportunity to sample over 150 wines from more than 15 wineries on Saturday, June 1 from 1PM-9PM in downtown Oak Park. Location on Marion Street between Lake St. and North Blvd. A few of the wineries involved are Lynfred, City Winery, Gluntz, Illinois Sparkling Company, Cooper's Hawk and Wild Blossom Meadery. Easy trip from downtown Chicago on the Metra or "L" to the festival. Admission is $20 at the gate which includes a tasting glass for 7 tastings. Artisan food samples and live jazz music will also be part of the admission. Wine will be for sale by the glass and the bottle. All proceeds will go to Wonder Works Children's Museum of Oak Park: More information: Downtownoakpark.net.
The 4th Annual Chicago Craft Beer Week, organized by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild comes to Chicago for eleven days: 5/16-5/26. More than 200 venues which are mostly bars and brewpubs host more than 400 events including beer dinners, pairings, brewery tap takeovers including a West Loop Craft Beer Fest. The purpose of the event is to expose, educate and inform Chicagoans about great tasting beer made in our neck of the woods. Local participants include Goose Island, Two Brothers, Metropolitan, Half Acre, Revolution, 5 Rabbit and the newest on the block, Solemn Oath.
More information and scheduled events can be found at: chibeerweek.com.
There’s also a mobile app available for downloading: CCBW.
The Peterson Garden Project will host its second annual spring plant sale and bake sale fundraiser on Friday May 10 through Sunday May 12, 10AM-4PM at 4642 N. Francisco, Chicago. (adjacent to Francisco Brown Line stop).
Seedlings are locally-grown, organic and include vegetable and herbs. Baked goods from local pastry chefs and bakeries.
No charge and all proceeds will benefit the Peterson Garden Project learning programs.
Want to learn how to grow your own food? Sign up for classes, volunteer, or better yet start your own edible garden plot in one of five Peterson Garden Project sponsored gardens.
Learn more at petersongarden.org.
