Category Archives: Chicago beverage photography

The “Grand Tour” Rolls Through Chicago

Wine Spectator magazine’s much-loved Grand Tour hit Chicago last week and attendees were able to taste 244 of the world’s best wines. Under the glittering dome of Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom, the finest vintages from France, Italy, California, Australia and other wine locales were there for the sipping. If you don’t know your Le Clarence de Haut-Brion from your La Carte de Haut-Brion, this was your opportunity to taste them both and finally decide which goes better with your favorite rack of lamb recipe. 

Spiaggia food and wine pairings for Wine & Spirits magazine

Last January I had the delicious pleasure of photographing food and wine pairings at renown Spiaggia restaurant on North Michigan Avenue for Wine & Spirits magazine. Since its inception, Spiaggia has garnered a smorgasbord of awards for its food, wine selection, and chefs, including James Beard awards and a Michelin star. In addition to the food and wine pairings, I photographed the interior space, Chef Chris Marchino, and Sommelier and Beverage Director Rachel Lowe.

Cameron’s Steakhouse, a cut above

Cameron's Steakhouse dining roomService with a smile and a filetNo caption necessaryThe inviting bar at Cameron's Steakhouse Always time for a toast at Cameron'sFresh OystersSo much wine, so little timePrivate dining room at Cameron's Steakhouse

Chicago has always been known as a city where you can find an abundance of great steaks, but don’t think meat lovers are in any way deprived should they be outside the Windy City. If you are ever in the Detroit area, you might want to head toward the upscale neighborhood of Birmingham and check out Cameron’s Steakhouse.  I was there on assignment recently and I found it hard to concentrate on my work with all the incredible food to indulge in.  The fresh oysters, fine wine, succulent salmon, and of course steaks galore.  Cameron’s is an old-school, classy steak joint, the kind of place you might expect Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack to have their own private booth.  I don’t often tell clients that I will “work for food”, but after this job I was thinking of reconsidering that policy.

 

 

Chicago’s Athena Greek Restaurant

Located in Chicago’s Greektown, Athena has been serving tasty Greek food (“cuisine” might be too extreme) for 17 years. The enclosed patio is one of the biggest attractions, offering a bright and cozy environment in the dead of winter, or a cool respite on those hot summer days, all with a view of Chicago’s skyline.  I had the pleasure of photographing Athena recently, and it offered such a nice range of photo possibilities from the warm interior, the colorful central bar, to the cocktails and delicious Greek dishes. The fried calamari will blow you away–best I’ve ever tasted.  OPAH !!!

Jim Beam Drinks

Over the course of three days in June, I had the pleasure of photographing 98 Jim Beam drinks for the Jim Beam web site.  Some of these drink recipes were pretty incredible–drinks for every occasion, mood and season.  All photos were taken at the Barrelhouse Flat bar in Lincoln Park. Cheers.