Birchwood Kitchen- Chicago

While brunching this weekend in Chicago we spontaneously decided to check out Birchwood Kitchen in Bucktown. I instantly liked the warm cozy neighborhood vibe once we walked in. Although there was a bit of a wait (not unlike most brunch spots in Chicago) we were ushered to the back patio for free coffee and samplings of their banana chocolate chip bread. An amuse bouche under the sun while waiting? Yes, please! The rest of the meal was in-line w/ the lovely service and cozy atmosphere. Check it out for your next brunch spot!

Lazy Sunday: Apple Cake Receipe

This past weekend I went back to Chicago to visit some friends and family. Warren and I joined my sister and her fiance (congrats!) at their apartment for lazy Sunday cooking, watching football and relaxing. It was really the perfect day. My sis and her beau are quite the hosts and between the two of them they made an amazing dinner: 2-meat chili w/ macaroni, jalapeno and cheddar corn bread and apple cake all made from scratch. So delish!  Check out the meal and below a walk-through of Gwyneth Paltrow's  apple cake recipe my sister made. A perfect fall meal!

 

 The last picture is a very simple apple cake recipe she found on Gwyneth Paltrow's blog. Here it is below...

The apple cake completed the amazing Chili and  cornbread. Hope you get to celebrate fall in your own way!

Zushi Puzzle

You know what makes a meal an experience? Sharing food with people you genuinely enjoy being with. Nothing enhances the crescendo of course after course than having people around you to talk about life, politics, spirituality, you name it. To be able to go there with friends and leave the dinner table better for it. I'm reminded of meals I've had w/Chicago friends, and now here in SF w/ new faces but the familiar feeling that food brings people together. This meal was over some pretty fine sushi in the Marina district called Zushi Puzzle. I have to admit I don't remember names of each roll but one was better than the next. The staff, while abrupt at times, gets the job done. No complaints here.. I'd def. come back.

Giordano Bros.

Behold the best sandwich in San Francisco. Ok, the best sandwich (I've) had happens to be from a Pittsburgh bar in North Beach. If you want to challenge me send me some suggestions and I'll try them! :) Also, this sandwich spot is the perfect Sunday football location!