Inspired by the popup’s newest home 8A5E (BASE), we are creating a posh indoor/outdoor BBQ experience called “The Smokehouse”. Everyone that know’s Chef Julius is aware of his love affair with BBQ. And this is the 1st time he’s created an formal BBQ experience in Chicago (Last time was in Napa, see pics below from Uptown Uncorked presented by Lexus & Uptown Magazine ).

There are two ticket options: Dinner which includes BBQ, Beer and Wine and Premium that includes BBQ, Beer and Wine PLUS Seafood and Champagne.

Here’s just a few menu preview dishes:

Mango Jerk Chicken

Memphis Dry Rub Ribs

16 Hour Smoked Beef Brisket

Whole Wild “King” Salmon – Premium

Grilled Garlic Shrimp – Premium

Smoked Stone Crab Claws – Premium

Smoked Beef Short Rib Mac & Cheese

Charred Brussel Sprouts

Very Corny Cornbread with Ramp Butter

Charred Heirloom Tomato, Chickpea and Cucumber Salad

Get your tickets NOW!!!

Tickets

Dinner Ticket: BBQ, Beer & Wine Service $85.00 USD Premium Ticket: Includes Seafood & Champagne $125.00 USD

As always, we are super excited to announce the date of our next PopUp! Our theme and menu are still in development, as we’re on our way to food and wine excursion to New Zealand that we’re sure will inspire new dishes! So stay tuned as we explore new ways to wow you! In the meantime, grab a ticket and SAVE THE DATE!

The Chef Julius PopUp Experience
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Location: 8A5E (BASE) – 1200 W. 35th Street

Doors Open for Dinner at 6:00pm
Dinner Starts at 6:30pm

Dinner Ticket Price: $125

Ticket Options

(1) Dinner Ticket $125.00 USD (2) Dinner Tickets $250.00 USD (3) Dinner Tickets $375.00 USD (4) Dinner Tickets $500.00 USD

Happy New Year, from all of us at Tale of Two Chefs!!! And thank you again for your support throughout 2017. We know that it’s time for everyone to bundle up and head back to work and say goodbye to the vacation mindset. We also know that with your hard work and CRAZY cold temperatures, you don’t always have the energy or desire to cook. Let us take care of that for you.

Here is the new menu for our Weekly Meals drop off service in January & February. We bring the order to home or your workplace. All you have to do is just heat and serve. Great dining made simple, we got you covered. Send us an email with your order to chefjulius@taleof2chefs.com and we will provide details on delivery logistics.

We look forward to you joining our Weekly Meals Family!

Stay Warm and Happy Eating!
Chef Julius Russell

Weekly Meals Menu

Cider Braised Chicken w/ Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli – $20

Chicken Marsala w/ Miatake Mushrooms & Fresh Pasta – $21

Ginger & Lemongrass Chicken Stir-Fry/ Jasmine Rice/ Charred Broccoli – $17

Pan Roasted Chicken with Potatoes/Sauteed Spinach, Kale or Cabbage – $20

Classic French Whole Roasted Chicken – $17

Turkey Meatloaf with Saffron Mashed Potatoes & Sauteed Spinach – $18

Your Favorite Chicken Burger/Quinoa/Charred Orange/Spicy Slaw – $12

Asian Cajun Turkey Burger Kit (Regular or Spicy*) with Roasted Potatoes – $12 (*add $3 for spicy)

Braised Cajun Turkey Wings, Scallion Rice & Sauteed Cabbage – $20

Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas/ Kitchen Rice – $16

Lori’s Chopped Salad  (Mixed Greens, Marinated Chickpeas, Duck Bacon, Chopped Eggs, Candied Pecans, Shallots, Sun Gold Tomatoes, Mango/Sauvignon Blanc Vinaigrette) -$16

Creole Shrimp with Parpadelle – $20

Blackened or Broiled Salmon/ Muffuletta Salad/Sauteed Cabbage – $20

Ginger Honey Glazed Salmon/ Coconut Rice/ Sauteed Broccoli – $22

Grilled Shrimp/ Ginger Rice/Hoisin Glazed Green Beans or Pea Pods – $22

Chicken & Chicken Andouille Sausage Gumbo – $22 (24oz)

Chicken, Shrimp & Crab Gumbo – $27 (24oz)

Creole Chicken & Vegetable Soup – $14

Butternut Squash Bisque (sage, apple & ginger) with SHE-crab – $18

Vegan & Vegetarian (16 – 24oz)

(V) Basmati Rice with Melted Leeks & Scallions – $8

(V) Kitchen Rice – $6

(V) Braised Country Greens with Bourbon Vinegar – $9

(V) Sauteed Kale with Garlic & Ginger – $9

(V) Cider Braised Cabbage – $6

(V) Black Eye Peas (shallots, garlic, fennel, sage, mushroom stock, white wine) – $9

(V) Lentils with Carrots, Fennel & Coriander – $9

(V) Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Saffron & Coconut Sauce – $9

(V) Pasta alla Roma (fresh pasta, ginger, garlic, unsalted butter, white sesame seeds, herbs) – $16

(V) Wild Mushroom Risotto – $19

We had a BLAST at WGN TV Morning News yesterday! We think the Anchor, Sean Lewis, really enjoyed the gumbo! His response is exactly why we do what we do!

Click Here to Watch the Weekend Brunch: After Thanksgiving Gumbo (includes recipe)

It’s been an amazing year and we can’t wait to wrap up 2017 with a grand celebration with our pop up family! We’re hosting this year’s event at a new venue and of course we’re bringing an entirely new menu! Well, there may be a return of a couple popular dishes… Below are the preliminary details. We will roll out more information in the upcoming weeks.

The Holiday’s are Almost Here!!! We are very excited about this year’s Holiday Menu.  As always, our goal is to wow your guests, and create unforgettable dining experiences. Place your orders early and let us do the work.  And enter the holiday season with one less thing on your To Do List!

Available October 30 – January 2nd. To place orders call 872-818-5368 or email us at chefjulius@taleof2chefs.com.

Mains

Fried Jerk Capon (7.5 – 9lbs) – $85

Fried Turkey (10-13lbs) – $95

Sweet Tea Brined Roasted Turkey (10-14lbs) – $80

Herb Turkey Breast Roulade (4lbs) – $40

Pancetta Turkey Breast Roulade (4lbs) – $50

Garlic & Clementine Turkey Breast Roulade (4lbs) – $40

Sauvignon Blanc Braised Turkey Thighs – $10 per person

Balsamic & Brown Sugar Game Hens – $15 each

Duck Confit with Root Vegetables – $14 per person

Duck Confit Stuffed Sweet Bell Peppers – $12 each

Turducken Bolognese Lasagna with Truffles – $70

Maple & Whiskey Brined Pork Loin with Whiskey Braised Apples (serves 8+) – $50

more…

FALL BACK INTO GREAT TASTING FOOD!

The Food You Want, Delivered To Your Door

Wow, this Summer was so nice, AND SHORT!  And we wouldn’t want you to develop any bad tasting food habits, since the vacations are done and the kids are back in school. The silver lining is that it’s so easy to still have great tasting food delivered to you. Let’s face it, YOU are a busy person that likes REALLY good food, right? If so, our “Weekly Meal Delivery Service” was designed just for you. Here’s how it works, you choose all the dishes you want for the week, and we handle the rest. Each week you will receive a list of menu options. When you email your order, we will verify any dietary restrictions and set up a time for drop off. Warming included with every order. It’s that simple. Email us at chefjulius@taleof2chefs.com or give us a call at 872-818-5368 to get started.

Here’s the full menu and a couple testimonies from our customers:

A Tale of Two Chefs Weekly Meals Menu Options presented by Chef Julius

“Chef Julius’ drop off service is extremely convenient, especially in the winter months. It’s like having a fine dining experience delivered right to your doorstep. I also love that the portions are large enough to share and are at an affordable price.” T., Television Producer

“For ten years Chef Julius has consistently provided amazing food. Whether it’s a Shonda night treat for myself, dinner for my family, catering for a special event or an amazing night out at a popup. I am always wowed by his new creations and comforted by my old favorites.” K., Educator

Chicken/Poultry

Chicken Tinga Tacos (3)/Kitchen Rice/Charred Peppers/Tequila Lime Slaw – $16

Chicken Tikka Masala/Herb Cous Cous/Fig Compote – $18

Chicken Piccata or Chicken Vesuvio/Caesar Salad – $22

Sweet & Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings/Thai Grilled Corn/Broccoli – $17

Pan Roasted Chicken with Potatoes/Sauteed Spinach, Kale or Cabbage – $20

Grilled Chicken/Ginger Rice/Hoisin Glazed Green Beans or Pea Pods – $18

Your Favorite Chicken Burger/Quinoa/Charred Orange/Spicy Slaw – $12

Duck Confit Carnitas with Heirloom Carrots/Arugula Salad – $30

Seafood

Salmon (8 Ways)/ Roasted Potatoes/Sauteed Spinach, Kale or Cabbage – $25

Blackened or Broiled Salmon/Muffuletta Salad/Sautéed Cabbage – $20 (pictured above)

Grilled Shrimp/Ginger Rice/Hoisin Glazed Green Beans or Pea Pods – $22

Coconut Crusted Shrimp/Rice/Ginger Bok Choy – $22

New Orleans BBQ SHRIMP & Truffle Grits – $27

more…

Let me start by saying that I don’t remember the last time I did a website/blogpost that wasn’t about our next menu or event. What’s slightly weird about that, is I truly enjoy writing. I enjoy reading even more. For those that don’t believe me, just ask Jada, Terry, Nick, Latice, Kesha or Cherie…#deyknow. I also encourage and help writers that reach out to me on how to translate their narrative. I will be the first to admit that when it comes to writing recipes, I often hesitate. I know…I know…I’m working on getting better. I am well aware that most of my social media posts deal with #foodandwine, #truffles, #music, #prince, #trapmusic, #rooftops, #Kanye, anti-#turkeybacon rants, going to the market, #paris, #chile, #NOLA, #barbecue or #popups. I’m sure there are more subjects but this post can’t be too long, you have other things to do.

My primary reason for this post is because I just want to take some time to recognize my hometown…#CHICAGO. There are some that would say this is a pitch, straight down the pipe, #whateverman. This summer has given me the opportunity to see my city in an even better light. We show up and we show out. Let me state that I am not looking at my city through #champagne filled glasses. We have our issues but so much of the energy within this city is strong and incredible. There is a fearlessness about Chicagoans and we will take chances ANYWHERE! I love the fact that from every industry of importance, we have greatness. And when you ask us where we are from, it’s like #clarkkent tearing open his suit to become #superman. We CANNOT wait to let you know where we are from. We don’t just stop at our beloved city, it’s a must that we let you know which side. Which is of major importance because of sports, pizza, barbecue and chicken.

It’s for these reasons and more why I say THANK YOU CHICAGO. I thank you for the daily support that you have shown me, my business and my team. In addition to that, your inspiration has served as a MAJOR platform for me to work and inspire others. You have shown me true evidence that greatness is measured by how much YOU give back, support and share. I thank you for fueling the desire to get better EVERYDAY at my craft…with NO APOLOGIES. And I love it! Chicagoans are always working to make it. For every level that we attain, we have our eye on the next one. Working hard is our #dna and the world already knows it.

I don’t get to hang out with you as much as I would love to. That doesn’t stop me from acknowledging your road to greatness. You do so much to change the dark stories told to the public for ratings. Our city is beautiful. Our people are beautiful. Our hearts are strong. Our neighborhoods are amazing. And for the short season of summer that we get every year, we are the most beautiful stage in the theater of the world. Thank You Chicago for being you.

Here are a few “Chitown at its Finest” Summer Highlights:

Chef Julius' Nu American Summer Pop-Up

The Massive Crowd at this Years Dinner en Blanc

Chi-Greatness at the 14th Annual Silver Room Block Party

VIP Rooftop Brunch Series in Bronzeville

Hey, hey we’re heading back to the Taste of Chicago next Thursday, July 6th at 4:30pm to whip up some yummy South American fare! We absolutely LOVE hanging out at the Lifeway Foods Taste Kitchen and as always we plan to provide a fun experience and great giveaways. JOIN US at the demo tent just north of Buckingham Fountain.

Chef Julius Russell’s Pop-Up Restaurant Experience Returns this summer with a next-level menu at a private roof location. Chef Julius and team will spend 8 weeks developing an 8+ course Soulful Nu American menu that blends the haute cuisine with high culture.

The first preview released features dishes from the appetizer service, which includes Duck Confit Tacos, Pollo Moruno Sausage with custom Mustard & Scallions, and the “New Classic” Chicken Burger, a complex spice blend new to the chef’s kitchen.

As with each pop-up, the curated wine pairings amplify the experience. After the menu is finalized, the chosen varietals from the top regions of the world are perfectly matched to enhance each dish.

Chef’s goal for the 1st pop-up of the year is to deliver the very best of what the season has to offer.