Hello from Chicago
Hi,
I am from the Chicago area and have been on this site for about two weeks. I have been baking most of my life, owned my own deli/bakery for 5 years and spent 2 years in culinary school, concentrating on baking.My father and grandfather were both bakers. My father was truly a Masterbaker, learning the trade initially in Sicily, working for his aunt at 15 yrs old. He came to the U.S. in 1950 and worked for a large commercial bakery for 45 yrs, eventually becoming their plant supervisor and consultant. We always had good fresh bread in the house. This is probably where I get my love of bakng. I very seldom buy store bought bread, since out here in the suburbs of Chicago it can be hard to find what I am looking for. I really enjoy all of the information this site has to offer as well as the insight and differing opinions.
Here is a photo of my second attempt at baguettes with/poolish.
John
Welcome to the site John.
Good looking Baguettes.
Eric
Hi John - welcome to TFL. Nice looking bread.
Will be leaving in the morning to spend a few days in the Windy City. Given your professional experience, do you have any recommendations for a good downtown bakery? We'll be staying a block from Grant Park, if that's of any help.
Hi LindyD,
Thanks! As far as bakeries downtown near Grant Park, you'll have a hard time finding one nearby. Most smaller bakeries are in outlying neighborhoods and some are in nearby suburbs. Through the years many small bakeries have gone out of business with the market being dominated by the likes of Panera Bread, Corner Bakery and Au Bon Pain.If you plan any excursions out near O'Hare airport, there is a bakery that although has moved several times and gone through several new owners, makes excellent Italian breads. The Sicilian Bakery www.sicilianbakeryinc.com My father worked part time there when I was younger and we loved their bread.
If I can help with any other info just let me know! Enjoy your trip!
John
I've never seen a Panera Bread, Corner Bakery or AuBon Pain, so if I run across one, at least it will be something new.
No plans for O'Hare, but I do know I'll be making my first visits to Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. Good thing we're driving as I have a hunch my Chicago purchases won't be fashionable except in the kitchen.
I can just hear my friends now: "What did you buy in Chicago?" Me: Flour.