Early last summer, when the linden trees on Randolph Street were in full bloom, the honeybees at Kaiser Tiger rooftop went into a frenzy. Callie Roach, the general manager at Fulton Market’s Kaiser Tiger, took on the role of head beekeeper when the restaurant installed five colonies on its rooftop in the spring.
The lindens, particularly the Tilia americana species with their heart-shaped leaves, are a common sight in the city, especially along Randolph’s restaurant row. The delicate and mildly spicy honey produced by these trees is highly valued worldwide. The rooftop colonies, led by queens with names like BB Queen and Beeoncé, yielded around 110 pounds of excess honey during the season.
This raw honey, with hints of locust trees and clover, has a light color and a gentle flavor profile with a minty finish. Some of the honey is used in the kitchen at Kaiser Tiger and its sister restaurant, Max & Issy’s, where it is featured on the hot honey pepper pizza. Additionally, the honey is available for purchase at the restaurant and from the Good Things Vending machine.
As the season progressed, the bee colonies at Kaiser Tiger grew from 10,000 bees to over 60,000. This growth is promising for a more abundant harvest in the following year. The success of the rooftop apiary not only provides a unique culinary experience for patrons but also contributes to the local ecosystem by supporting the bee population.
In addition to enjoying the rooftop honey at Kaiser Tiger, food enthusiasts in Chicago have a plethora of dining options to explore. From late-night cafes catering to spiritual communities to monthly meal series celebrating South Asian cuisine, the city offers a diverse culinary landscape. Restaurants like Wax Vinyl Bar and Ramen Shop infuse Japanese cuisine with a twist, while events like Fat Plate Fridays bring unexpected dining experiences to the table.
Moreover, the Chicago food scene is not just about dining but also about community engagement. Events like the Chicago Urban Ag Crawl promote food solidarity and support Black and Brown farmers across the city. These initiatives highlight the importance of sustainable food practices and local food systems.
Overall, the Kaiser Tiger rooftop honey is a testament to the innovative and sustainable practices adopted by restaurants in Chicago. It showcases the potential for urban beekeeping to thrive in an urban setting while offering patrons a taste of locally sourced honey. As the city continues to embrace unique culinary experiences, initiatives like the rooftop apiary at Kaiser Tiger contribute to a vibrant and dynamic food scene in Chicago.
