The Week at a Glance

Here's a wrap-up of last week's Elmhurst news, in case you missed it.

It was a busy week in Elmhurst, between hard news items like York's principal being told she was going to be demoted and an alderman storming out of a City Council meeting, to the easier stuff, like a heartwarming story about a dog trainer and a visit from Bill Kurtis. We've compiled some of the news from last week right here, just in case you missed it. And, as always, please send any news tips to karenc@patch.com. We couldn't do what we do without you. Here are the top headlines for the week: — Diana Smith told she will no longer be principal of York High School — Diana Smith will keep her position as York High School principal —Metra and the Union Pacific Railroad add safety upgrades, increase traffic on the West Line — PGA golfer and …

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Forever Fit

Bill Kurtis: Newsman, Conservationist, Cattleman

Veteran journalist Bill Kurtis, who was in Elmhurst last weekend, tells Tina why grass-fed beef is the answer to many health and environmental problems.

Do you ever stop to think about where that steak on your dinner plate came from?  You're probably imagining a herd of cattle grazing in the rolling pastures of cattle country, eating grass and wandering peacefully until nightfall.  The truth is that most of the beef we eat in America, unless labeled otherwise, comes from corn-fed, factory farm cattle. Advertisers tout this as a good thing, bragging that their steaks are from "prime, corn-fed beef." But how natural is it for cattle to eat corn?  Cattle graze in pastures; their stomaches are meant to digest grass, not corn.  There's been a slow-growing trend, though, towards grass-fed beef.  Renowned investigative journalist Bill Kurtis is one believer. He is the founder and chairman of …

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Tina Tuszynski

3:06 pm on Sunday, February 27, 2011

So true, Rach! I actually bought the Tallgrass ground beef and made a Meatloaf with prosciutto, spinach, carrots, and pecorino cheese rolled up inside. The beef was so red and juicy instead of that sickly gray color. And it tasted great!   more ›

Daily PatchCast

Daily PatchCast: Thieves Stealing From Charity, Principal Told To Transfer, Living With Cancer

A roundup of the region's news for Feb. 21.

Here are the top stories from Patch sites in your area: — Thefts from St. Charles Charities — Elmhurst Principal Is Being Transferred, But She Doesn't Know Where — A & E Crime Show Host Bill Kurtis In Elmhurst — Pottery Class More Than Just A Class To These Cancer Survivors

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Bill Kurtis Talks Tallgrass at Amano Boucherie

The Elmhurst butcher shop held its official grand opening Saturday.

Bill Kurtis stood in front of the meat counter at Amano Boucherie in Elmhurst Saturday afternoon. He snuck in rather quietly; many standing near him in the crowded butcher shop didn't immediately notice him. He checked out the Tallgrass beef behind the glass, and then began to explain how its marbling and color can only be achieved when the cattle is grass-fed. It was then that customers began to take notice. Kurtis, who is best known as a former Chicago news anchor and the host of A&E Network's crime shows, including "American Justice," "Investigative Reports" and "Cold Case Files," has been in the meat business for about five years now. He founded the Tallgrass Beef Company on his Kansas ranch after researching the health and …

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Forever Fit

Amano Boucherie and Local CSA Entice Elmhurst to Eat Local and Organic

So much to see, learn and taste at Amano Boucherie's grand opening Feb. 19; and Elmhurst resident Bob Vierow more than happy to share recipes with membership to his CSA.

Imagine biting into a ripe, juicy, luscious tomato picked fresh from the garden in August.  Your tastebuds explode with goodness as the sweet yet tangy juice runs down your chin.  Pair that with a fresh leaf of basil, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and homemade, creamy fior di latte (mozzarella), and there’s no beating this simple combination of fresh foods. Now taste a tomato from the grocery store today–it’s likely a sickly red inside and tastes like plastic.  While it’s convenient to have access to tomatoes year-round, the flavor of produce in season just can’t be beat.  It’s no wonder we mask many foods with salt and heavy sauces. The local food movement continues to grow in popularity as people increasingly turn to home gardens, …

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Tina Tuszynski

10:00 am on Friday, February 11, 2011

Silly! It's okay to eat desserts in moderation - especially if they are made from scratch. Have you ever tasted Marco's creme brulees? To die for!   more ›