Having seen the trends in food photography move from the pristine to a more casual, messier style, I wanted to incorporate this into my work.  As well, I have been a big fan of  the work of Chris Court so I looked to him  as my inspiration. Using mostly natural light from a huge north facing window, I added just a pinch of speed light flash to give the pictures a bit of a “pop”.

It was the first time that I’d tried this technique — a bit of a risk given our fast turn around, but totally worth it. I love the way the pictures turned out. In fact, every time I look at them, my mouth starts to water. I think I’ll head over to Fritz now for one of their amazing ginger cookies. Maybe, I’ll see you there.

Taking photos of beautiful food (with the added benefits of tasting…), how could you enjoy anything more?

Fritz Pastry, reopened on Saturday, January 14th to much acclaim and relief of their loyal customers.   Their new chef James Gray, has revamped the “look” and “taste” of this neighborhood favorite!   First, most important, a little eye candy.

To say that it tastes as good as it looks is not an exaggeration.  With an easy going staff, Metropolis Coffee, and melt in your mouth pastries, I predict that the lines will soon be out the door.

The look is new, bright and incredibly easy on the eye. Using reclaimed wood and natural elements, the feel is organic and warm.  (All the seems to be missing is a cracklin’ fire in the corner, perhaps the renovations aren’t quite complete?)

Lastly, if you think it’s only for breakfast, you are in for a treat.  Laying claim to one of their chicken potpies, (more aptly named flaky, decadent chicken potpie empanadas) — swing by for lunch or an early dinner!

I’ll be seeing you…in line.

John’s chalkboard is the center of his kitchen and changes frequently as it demonstrates the  genius behind his burger creations.  Remind you of the “mad scientist” in gourmand attire?

To say that all of Burger Bar creations find a home in John’s numerous scrapbooks, may be a bit of an exaggeration.  But to say that they go beautifully with a cold brew is not!  The Tailgate Burger pairs beautifully with Goose Island’s Mild Winter. (Aptly named for Chicago’s unseasonably fantastic December-January warmth and sunshine).

And here it is:  The Tailgate Burger, available until the Superbowl 2012:  Bratwurst Burger, Gruyere Cheese, Homemade Bavarian Kraut, Goose Island Mild Winter Steamed Sheboygan Brat, and Smoked Brown Mustard.  We hope to see you at Burger Bar Chicago’s Superbowl party on February 5th, beginning at 3 pm.  Tickets available on the Burger Bar Chicago Website.

Willy’s restaurant, Cafe R.E.D. is a food solidarity network of local producers, cooperatives, associations, and small businesses in the south of Guatemala. At Café R.E.D., the focus is on developing local economies and creating sustainable business models.
Willy who migrated to the United States in the mid 1990′s for both political and economic reasons, is the co-founder and board member of the Economic Development for a Sustainable Guatemala (DESGUA), which seeks to “to create economic development by building an international network of Guatemalan community-run cooperatives in both Guatemala and the U.S. within the Guatemalan immigrant-communities and rural Guatemalan groups.” DESGUA’s work is helping to create a country to which Guatemalans want to return, to build happy and sustainable lives.

Willy’s restaurant, Cafe R.E.D. serves some of the best food in Xela. One of his most popular dishes, Rosemary Honey Chicken is made with Organic Honey produced within the DESGUA cooperative.

Willy first learned to cook from his mother. He spent time in the United States, refining his technique, while keeping much of his Guatemalan roots. We were very lucky to meet Willy’s parents and watch Willy and his mother cook together one afternoon at the restaurant.

We met up with Giovanni Lopez, a creative music force in Xela. Giovanni composes music in many genres under the name Phenomenon 1. We incorporated some of Giovanni’s music into the video.

We met friends Simona Rovelliand Fabio Carbone, a very talented Italian duo that often plays at the restaurant.

Simona and Fabio themselves help coordinate Comunità Impegno Servizio Volontariato’s organization in Guatemala. As non-governmental organization, CISV encouraging self-development of local communities with a specific goal Guatemala to reduce violence against women.

When I think back on our trip, having really only spent a few days in Xela, what resonates is how quickly we became a part of the Café R.E.D. extended family. On your next trip to Xela, you can’t do any better than to meet Willy and his team, dine at Café R.E.D., and embrace their goal to effect real change in Guatemala.

Café R.E.D – Act locally and think globally.

Femme Fatale A Concierge for Your Home Bar

“The restaurant: charming.