Category: Local Spots

At Summer’s End…Corn & Tomatoes

It is the middle of September here in Illinois. Our Summer (and what a summer it was) is winding down, but isn’t quite ready to surrender to Fall. As much as I love Fall, these last summer days are quite splendid. A most recent one was everything a day at this time of year should be; warm and sunny, and best of all very little humidity.

It was a day for an outing. Nothing big or extravagant, just some time to be out in weather that we will be wistfully looking back on in a few months. We ventured out to Oswego, a small town not far from home. Like many towns in this area it was originally a farm town that has succumbed to a bit of suburban sprawl in recent years. In spite of that, there are still areas that hold on to that small town charm.

Our first stop was at Fox Valley Winery. This is a family owned winery that we have visited for many years. Father and son have been making wine using mostly Illinois grapes for longer than that. While many of the wines are sweet, there are several that are delightfully dry, and one was the perfect choice for this day.This Rose is a blend of Landot Noir, Vignoles, and Chambourcin grapes all grown in Illinois. The result is a dry rose with a lot of body and just the right amount of fruitiness. Paired with a modest cheese plate  and enjoyed on the patio it was a delightful lunch. Even though the winery sits on the edge of a semi-busy highway, the lush hedges and beautiful surroundings make it easy to tune out the occasional road noise. When the colder weather does arrive, we will move inside to enjoy another wine, Petite Pearl, in front of the massive fireplace.

As we sat and enjoyed our wine and cheese, we mused about the plan for dinner. This is Illinois corn country and having grown up here we are corn snobs. While we will occasionally try “imported” corn, nothing tastes better than corn grown close to home. This is by the calendar a little late for corn around here, but this has been an unusual Summer and we wondered if  there might be a farm stand that still had corn. As luck would have it, a quick Google search told us that there was a farm stand nearby that might be able to help us out. That led us to Keller’s.

While not quite as big as some “Farm Stands” in the area, Keller’s does offer activities and wares three out of the four seasons. Like me, Keller’s is on the cusp of the changing seasons; offering the end of the summer bounty while constructing their Corn Maze and laying out their Pumpkin Patch. The barn was in transition as well. Bags of apples (they have a Pick Your Own Orchard) and bins of gourds, and mini pumpkins shared space with corn, tomatoes and peppers.

After a quick stroll around the barn, we headed for the corn table. We filled our bag with as much as we thought we could eat at one meal (Papa Diehl’s appetite for fresh corn is somewhat of a legend). Knowing that I was going to need the biggest pot in my kitchen, I opted to round out the meal simply with some fresh tomatoes. I figured that I would decide on the protein later. With our treasure trove of corn and tomatoes it really didn’t matter. The husked corn and ruby tomatoes were things of beauty.

Here is how I cook corn: Fill a pot big enough for the corn to have some room with water. Add the corn and about a tablespoon or two of sugar. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, turn off the heat and leave it on the burner covered for about 20 minutes (a little less time if the ears are small). Serve with butter, salt, and pepper to taste. That’s it. Pretty straight forward and it always works.

The tomatoes were so beautiful, sweet, and juicy that all they needed was salt pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.

So we toasted the end of summer with another glass of the Fox Valley Rose as we ate the corn and tomatoes to our hearts content. I think that there might have been some Grilled Country Ribs (that are now in the refrigerator) on the plate, but it really didn’t matter.

When I think back about this summer, this may be one of my fondest memories; sweet corn that has just enough juicy crunch to delight the palate and the sweet and salty taste of sliced tomatoes. So simple, so fresh, so perfect.

Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Market, a Love Story

This is a story about my relationship with Caputo’s Fresh Market. I realize that those of you outside the Chicago area will have no idea what I’m talking about, but I will try to paint a picture that gives you a feel for what this store is all about.

It was started in 1958 by Angelo Caputo, an Italian emigrant. He opened a store in Elmwood Park. Illinois that featured fresh produce, meats, and baked goods all with more that a casual nod to his Italian roots. It has now grown to 8 stores.

I first experienced Caputo’s in South Elgin. The array of produce was mind-blowing and there was something about choosing the best Melrose peppers while Frank Sinatra crooned overhead that enhanced my shopping experience. The produce  selection was rivaled only by the vast variety of pastas that spanned almost the entire depth of the store. Then there was the meat counter.. beautiful cuts of meat and a dazzling selection of homemade sausages. It was an Italian girl’s dream come true.

Sadly, a relocation put me farther away from that wonderful store, but as the chain grew so did other opportunities. Though it is not that close to where I live, there is another Caputo’s that is worth the 25 minute drive. We have dubbed the store in Carolstream the “Flagship Store” because it is the newest and the corporate headquarters appears to be right next door.

Carol Stream Store

They pulled out all the stops when they created this not so little gem. The layout is angular with specialty departments nestled along the perimeter. My first visit found me wandering aimlessly and finding things almost by accident. As time has gone on, I have learned to love the angles and alcoves while still discovering something new on each visit.

The produce is still without compare and if you can’t find an Italian specialty item, it may not exist on this side of the Atlantic. All this would make it a destination store, but then there is a little thing called  Bar Angelo, a sleek and simple bar and restaurant just off the produce department. You can get a glass of wine or even a cocktail, if you are so inclined. The simple food menu offers everything from appetizers to pizza and pasta. The prices are great and most everything is scratch made in the kitchen.

On our most recent visit, we had a quick lunch. Arancini stuffed with spinach and ricotta was beautifully presented in a pool of light yet flavorful marinara. We paired it with an order of Calamari Fritti that was tender and flavorful while being en-robed in a crunchy parsley flecked crust. A couple of glasses of truly decent house wine and we were ready to shop for well under $20.00.

I also need to comment on the employees. Either I am there on good days or everyone seems to enjoy their jobs. They are helpful, happy, and easily found (if you’ve shopped brick and mortar lately you know what I mean).  This recent visit put us face to face with a gentleman who makes mozzarella for a living (at least I think so). He was blissfully pulling and knotting fresh “mozz” into bocconcini as he made the perfect recommendation on a Fontina cheese.

Samples? Damn Skippy. There is nothing in the world that can compare to a freshly cut bocconcini that is still slightly warm, silky with brine, that almost melts in your mouth. It is a near religious experience. Did I buy some? Again, damn Skippy, how can one resist.

These little knots of deliciousness became the star of a simple Caprese Salad. There is no need for a recipe. Simply slice the most beautiful tomatoes you can find and layer them with fresh mozzarella. The only adornment is a drizzle of olive oil, some fresh basil, and maybe a bit of balsamic glaze.

This was a magnificent first course that wet or appetite for the main event. Rib Pork Chops (also found at Caputo’s) that had the extra cap of meat and fat similar to beef prime rib. This extra fat made them perfect for grilling and some Spinach and Tomato Pesto  courtesy of Cooking Light Magazine, was the perfect embellishment. A Grilled Green Bean and Potato  Salad was a delightful foil with its rosemary laced mustard vinaigrette.

This is a destination store that we will be visiting more often. If you are in the area check it out, if you’re not, it is worth the trip.