Article: TIGHT-LIPPED CHEF KEEPS RECIPE UNDER HIS TOQUE

I tried, people. Really I did.

But chef Carlos Amaral worked me over like minced garlic in a cream sauce.

"I can't give you the avocado dressing recipe because I keep it in the safe," he said, toying with me. "And we lost the keys to the safe."

I persisted, wheedling for top-secret clues. Is it pureed avocado and buttermilk, maybe a little lemon and olive oil? Some garlic and black pepper, too?

By the end, it was clear: Even though I've known Carlos for 15 years -- since back when he made his trademark avocado house dressing in the closet of his downtown restaurant, away from prying eyes; back when his bossy sister, Ilma, was managing the Brazilian restaurant -- my old friend wouldn't ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!