Celebrate National Tortilla Day with a healthy twist
We've had quite a lot to celebrate this month... the Winter Olympics and Mardi Gras, Canned Food Month and Potato Lovers Month. Yesterday marked National Banana Bread Day, tomorrow is National Chocolate Covered Peanut Day and today, well, today is National Tortilla Chip Day.
Thirty years ago most people didn't even know what a tortilla chip was. You may have seen them on the table at Chi-Chi's when you stopped in for an enchilada platter and jumbo margarita, but as far as finding them at the store, Doritos dusted with orange powdered cheese was the closest you could come.
Today masa-based chips in a variety of flavors and styles fill the snack aisle.
If you're looking to celebrate National Tortilla Day with a chip that's all-natural and lower in sodium than some brands, pick up a bag from Food Should Taste Good.
These chips, available at Whole Foods, Dominick's and Starbucks, are gluten free, cholesterol free, a good source of fiber, certified kosher and have no trans fats or genetically modified ingredients. There are 11 varieties; multigrain and lime are my favorites.
Salsa and guacamole are traditional pairings, but try dipping them in hummus, red pepper spread or blue cheese dressing.
Nuts about Brazil: If you want to learn more about the culture and cuisine of the country hosting the 2016 Summer Olympics, head to Timmy's Sandwiches & Ice Cream on Saturday.
The all-American eatery might seem like an unlikely venue for this international event, but chef Tim Almy will create recipes from Cristine Furbino, owner of the neighboring Casa Brasil import shop.
After a viewing of the documentary "Brazil Revealed" at 5 p.m. a Brazilian menu, including seafood stew, rice and passion fruit mousse, will be served. Children 5 and older can spend time next door at Artist@Heart learning about Brazilian artist Romero Britto and creating their own works.
Timmy's Sandwiches & Ice Cream is at Towner Green on Old McHenry Road in Long Grove Historic Village. The evening costs $23 for adults; $15 for kids (payment is due at time of reservations). Reserve a seat by calling Casa Brasil, (847) 793-0013.
Garden variety: Some of the Chicago area's top chefs will cook amid the tulips and trees during the Chicago Flower & Garden Show March 6- 14 at Navy Pier.
Free cooking demonstrations run four times a day except Sundays, when there are just three.
Opening weekend chefs include Paul Katz of the new Harry Caray's Tavern on Navy Pier, Gale Gand of Tru, Bernie Laksowski of Park Grill at Millennium Park and Ian Pinkney of Ina's. Other chefs scheduled to appear on the Garden Gourmet stage include Tony Priolo of Piccolo Sogno, Randy Zweiban of Province, Hearty Boys Steve McDonagh and Dan Smith, Michael Koury of Rebar at Trump Tower Chicago and Carlyn Berghoff of Berghoff Catering & Restaurant Group.
Show hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Adult admission is $15 weekdays; $17 weekends. Children 4-12 years get in for $5 every day. Get tickets online at chicagoflower.com (no service fee) or at the door.
• Contact Food Editor Deborah Pankey at food@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4524. Listen to her discuss food and restaurants on Restaurant Radio Chicago, 5 to 6 p.m. Saturdays on WIND 560 AM.