Daily Local Finds

MC

Mateo Castillo

Food Columnist

Mateo Castillo has been writing about food for over 25 years. He believes that every dish has a story and that the best meals connect us to a time, a place, and each other. Before launching his celebrated column at Daily Local Finds, Mateo was the lead restaurant critic for the 'City Chronicle' and authored the book 'Culinary Roots,' which explored the immigrant influence on local cuisine. He seeks out authenticity, from Michelin-starred dining rooms to hidden food trucks, celebrating the chefs and artisans who make the city delicious.

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Culinary HistoryRestaurant CriticismFood CultureChef Profiles

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Eat & Drink

Latest Articles

Elegant patrons enjoying artisanal cocktails in a sophisticated, dimly lit Bay Area bar during a special event.

Discover the Best Bay Area Drinking Spots for 2026

Imagine committing to an 80-day, 20-challenge odyssey, 'Imbibe the World in 80 Days,' at East Bay Spice Company, costing upwards of $450, including tips, according to thebolditalic .

Jun 9, 2026 · 3 min read

A close-up, cinematic view of an All-Clad D3 frying pan and a Goldilocks Skillet on a kitchen counter, showcasing their premium and budget-friendly qualities.

Finding the Best Stainless Steel & Hybrid Pans

The All-Clad D3 Frying Pan: a culinary icon, consistently lauded for its featherlight feel and lifelong resilience.

Jun 9, 2026 · 2 min read

An elegantly plated comfort dish sits on a table in a dimly lit, intimate restaurant, hinting at Rye Bunny's exclusive dining experience.

Rye Bunny Adds Elevated Comfort Dishes to 2026 D.C. Menu

Despite its billing as a 'counter-service-hybrid' offering 'casual comfort dishes,' Rye Bunny will only accept two reservations per evening via OpenTable, each requiring a $25 booking fee.

Jun 9, 2026 · 3 min read

Olivia Rodrigo and Robert Smith performing their song 'what's wrong with me' together on stage at Primavera Sound festival.

Olivia Rodrigo debuts "what's wrong with me" with Robert Smith at Primavera

At Primavera Sound, pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo debuted 'what's wrong with me' with The Cure's Robert Smith, marking her first-ever collaboration.

Jun 8, 2026 · 3 min read

Futuristic music studio with glowing equipment, symbolizing the anticipation for Evilgiane's 'Giane 2' album set for a 2026 release.

Evilgiane Announces 'Giane 2' Album, Teasing 2026 Release

Just months after releasing a surprise 23-track mixtape, producer Evilgiane announced his next album, 'Giane 2', will not arrive until January 9, 2026.

Jun 8, 2026 · 2 min read

Gen Alpha children engrossed in their phones while holding trendy caffeinated drinks at a cafe, highlighting social media influence and health concerns.

Gen Alpha's Caffeinated Drink Trends Raise Health Alarms

A recent survey from Youth Trends Institute reveals a startling shift: 37% of Gen Alpha children, aged 8-12, now regularly consume caffeinated beverages, a dramatic leap from just 15% five years ago.

Jun 8, 2026 · 3 min read

A beautifully arranged spread of healthy meal ingredients featuring a bowl of hummus, fresh vegetables, crusty bread, and a jar of creamy dressing on a kitchen counter.

Whip Up Easy Healthy Meals Using Store-Bought Hummus Now

Forget the salad bar.

Jun 8, 2026 · 2 min read

Six wild bison graze on a sunlit prairie landscape, with a distant city skyline hinting at their proximity to Chicago.

Local Real Estate

Wild bison return to prairie 60 miles from Chicago

On December 5, 2025, a primal roar echoed across the Burlington Prairie, just 60 miles northwest of Chicago.

Jun 7, 2026 · 2 min read

Elegant attendees at a James Beard Foundation event, with a subtle view of an award statuette on stage, signifying culinary achievement and anticipation.

James Beard Foundation's 2026 Season: Early Events & Nods

In Phoenix, a $200 ticket already secures a spot at the James Beard Foundation's Taste America event on March 22, 2026, according to Culinary Agents .

Jun 6, 2026 · 3 min read

A symbolic representation of the Ben & Jerry's and Unilever dispute, showing a colorful ice cream tub against a backdrop of corporate gray.

Ben & Jerry's Faces Unilever Dispute Over West Bank Sales

In the fall of 2025, Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, resigned in protest.

Jun 6, 2026 · 3 min read

Interior view of Guillotine Bakery, a French-inspired establishment, showcasing a variety of freshly baked pastries and a warm, inviting ambiance.

French-Inspired Guillotine Bakery Prepares to Open in Chicago

A new 12,000-square-foot Greek-Levantine restaurant, Naia, has just opened on the Chicago Riverwalk, heralding a wave of ambitious and diverse culinary ventures.

Jun 6, 2026 · 2 min read

Panoramic view of Chicago's skyline from a new rooftop bar, 'The Skyline Social,' buzzing with patrons enjoying craft beers.

New Experiential Venues Explode in Chicago's Bar Scene

In Fulton Market, 'The Skyline Social' just opened, a new rooftop bar offering panoramic views and local craft beers, according to Modern Luxury .

Jun 6, 2026 · 3 min read

Close-up of glossy, macerated strawberries in a bowl, showcasing their juicy texture and vibrant red color with a hint of sugar and syrup.

Macerate Strawberries with Sugar for Sweet, Juicy Results

With just a tablespoon of sugar and 30 minutes in the fridge, ordinary strawberries transform into glossy, intensely flavored gems.

Jun 6, 2026 · 2 min read

A well-organized and inviting kitchen counter in a first apartment, showcasing essential cooking tools like a skillet and knife, ready for culinary adventures.

Essential Kitchen Items for a First Apartment

Imagine the sizzle of eggs, the golden crisp of seared chicken – all from a single, trusty 10-inch non-stick skillet.

Jun 5, 2026 · 3 min read

A refreshing margarita cocktail on a sunny patio table next to a bottle of Trader Joe's Organic Margarita Mix, perfect for summer.

Trader Joe's Organic Margarita Mix: A Cleaner Alternative

For just $3.99, shoppers can now grab a 32-ounce jug of Trader Joe's Organic Margarita Mix, challenging expectations for affordable cocktail ingredients, according to Bonappetit and Traderjoes . This

Jun 5, 2026 · 2 min read

Diners enjoying exquisite meals and drinks in a chic, contemporary Philadelphia restaurant, highlighting the city's vibrant 2026 dining scene.

Philadelphia's Top New Restaurants Shine in 2026

On June 14, Le Virtù's La Panarda event will challenge diners with over 40 courses and 10 wine pairings.

Jun 5, 2026 · 3 min read

A lively and modern Parisian restaurant interior at night, showcasing diverse diners enjoying innovative French cuisine, reflecting new dining trends.

French Food Experts on Paris Dining Trends for 2026

At Le Restaurant, chef Valentin Raffali has made securing a table one of Paris's most challenging culinary feats.

Jun 5, 2026 · 2 min read

A close-up of an innovative Taiwanese cocktail at a new Atlanta bar, with coffee and pastry elements subtly in the background.

Atlanta's New Bars Offer Unique Experiences and Flavors

At Lucky Star, patrons savor innovative Taiwanese cocktails alongside specialty coffee and pastries, signaling Atlanta's unexpected rise as a multifaceted bar destination.

Jun 4, 2026 · 2 min read

A variety of easy summer desserts, including colorful fruit popsicles and a slice of chocolate pie, displayed on a picnic table on a hot, sunny day.

Easy Summer Dessert Recipes for Hot Days

While home cooks are embracing two-ingredient watermelon popsicles, Costco is selling a single peanut butter chocolate cream pie that weighs nearly five pounds.

Jun 4, 2026 · 3 min read

A mason jar filled with vibrant, thinly sliced quick pickled red onions in a pink brine, ready to eat.

Whip Up Quick Pickled Red Onions With This Easy Recipe

Forget waiting days for fermented flavors: perfectly quick pickled red onions can be ready to eat in just 15 minutes.

Jun 4, 2026 · 2 min read