Hello, all! How’s the week been? I just got back from a few days in Chicago, where I was speaking on the topic of food and grief at a wonderful organization for widowed people. As a 12-year member of this “club you never want to be in,” it meant so much to me to not only share my own perspective, but be in the company of such resilient, lovely people of all ages and backgrounds.
There was lots of eating, too. Chicago is one of my favorite food cities (make that cities, period). I also took a jaunt up Lake Michigan to one of the most charming towns on the Great Lakes. My quick guide to where to eat in Chicago, below.
This is also a celebration week, with Father’s Day and Juneteenth. So here are some recipes for breezy summer celebrating, plus a recipe plan to get you through the week, starting with my favorite summer salads.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone. Thanks, as ever, for being a part of Unpeeled Journal. —Lisa
Forget the bacon and lettuce. The tomato is all you need (plus a nice slather of good mayo). This simple classic is the best way to welcome tomato season.
I love this simple, light Tomato + Cucumber Halloumi Salad, tossed with (or without) salty, pan-fried halloumi. You can also substitute feta.
Grill something beyond burgers this Father’s Day. This Asian-style marinated flank steak with noodle salad is easy to make, but tastes straight from a top restaurant.
Every summer, I wonder what to do with All! That! Zucchini! And inevitably, the answer is this raw Italian zucchini ribbon salad with fresh mint and parmesan.
Juneteenth recipes and foods celebrate an important day in Black history — American history — with foods rich with meaning and flavor. Learn more, and get these inspiring Juneteenth recipes, from red cabbage slaw to strawberry shortcakes.
Here are some other great recipes I’ll be making in the days ahead. Click on the titles to get the recipes:
The Ultimate Overnight French Toast: start dad’s day off right this Father’s Day. Topped with a gooey pecan topping, this is insanely good.
Elote Salad: Perfect as a summer side for dinner or a barbecue, this Mexican corn salad is a favorite.
Italian-Style Chicken Tenders: A favorite for kids of all ages
No-Churn Cookies + Cream Ice Cream: grab some Oreos and sweetened condensed milk. This is as easy as buying Ben & Jerry’s, but a lot more fun.
This moist zucchini bread is summer’s answer to banana bread: homey, easy to make, and beloved by all. Just dump, stir, and bake!
I had a couple of days to eat my way around Chicago as part of a work trip this past week, and have some great food recommendations for you if you’ll be heading to the Windy City and its environs.
Below, here’s all about it:
My top 5 all-around picks for dinner out
The best Italian restaurants, including a clubby, special-occasion Italian restaurant
Where to get the most delicious (non-touristy) deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwich
The basement gastropub that gets my vote for the best salad in America
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I love Chicago. Every time I go, I want to come back. People are friendly, the museums are world class, the skyline against Lake Michigan is stunning, and the food is incredible. This time, I revisited a couple of old favorites, and discovered some new spots. Here’s where I recommend:
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