Captain Corndog

After lamenting on Twitter that they couldn’t get a good corn dog in Chicago, food writers John Carruthers (@UTChicago) and Seth Feldman (@BoozyBeggarChi) decided to throw a backyard party and make their own. More than 200 people showed up to that party, and Carruthers’s Vienna Beef hot dogs enrobed in a cornmeal batter were a hit. Now Captain Corndog — as the pair call themselves — is planning to appear at a handful of bars before the end of 2018 (watch Twitter for updates).

Matt’s Veal Parm

In his Wicker Park apartment, Matt Wachsman (and friend Jon Glaser) slings crisp-fried veal or eggplant Parmesan sandwiches for a couple dozen hungry patrons who follow him on Instagram (@mattsvealparm). The sandwiches, with a zesty homemade marinara sauce and a mix of ricotta, Muenster, and Parmesan cheeses, are pay-what-you-want; proceeds benefit Purple Asparagus, a charity that leads nutrition education programs in schools. mattsvealparm.com

Akahoshi Ramen

Mike Satinover’s accounts of his experiments with homemade ramen — mastering lush broths, tender cured eggs, and springy noodles — earned him a following on Reddit, where he goes by the name Ramen_Lord. Taste his divine work by signing up for one of his ramen feasts — branded as Akahoshi Ramen, which translates to Red Star (the symbol of the city of Sapporo, where Satinover first fell in love with the dish) — which he announces to followers on Instagram. instagram.com/ramenover