tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79283315278102712872024-03-12T21:17:03.739-05:00Restaurant CityShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-40810964630349738502012-10-11T00:49:00.000-05:002012-12-17T23:02:14.008-06:00Birchwood Kitchen- Chicago While brunching this weekend in Chicago we spontaneously decided to check out <a href="http://www.birchwoodkitchen.com/">Birchwood Kitchen</a> 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!<br />
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<span id="goog_146893074"></span><span id="goog_146893075"></span><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/2/1438581/restaurant/Bucktown-Wicker-Park/Birchwood-Kitchen-Chicago"><img alt="Birchwood Kitchen on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1438581/biglink.gif" style="border: currentColor; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-60668427897989756182012-10-09T22:18:00.001-05:002012-12-17T23:03:24.050-06:00Lazy 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 <a href="http://goop.com/journal/make/26/tamra-davis">Gwyneth Paltrow's</a> apple cake recipe my sister made. A perfect fall meal! <br />
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The last picture is a very simple apple cake recipe she found on Gwyneth Paltrow's blog. Here it is below...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hqnesXZSa4Q/UHTkAR3OjyI/AAAAAAAAB1o/jHkJWbftlDI/s1600/2012-10-07+03.33.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hqnesXZSa4Q/UHTkAR3OjyI/AAAAAAAAB1o/jHkJWbftlDI/s640/2012-10-07+03.33.03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The apple cake completed the amazing Chili and cornbread. Hope you get to celebrate fall in your own way! <br />
<span id="goog_609096761"></span><span id="goog_609096762"></span><br />Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-34640720197297773332012-09-27T23:34:00.001-05:002012-09-27T23:34:13.031-05:00Giordano Bros.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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! Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-30630582620458764302012-07-17T00:42:00.001-05:002012-12-17T23:05:40.606-06:00State Bird ProvisionsI realize I'm obsessed with food when my heart skips a beat at the thought of food à la carte... and the difficulty I have saying no to pretty people bringing me pretty food. State bird has a unique name but what's more unique are the concentrated flavors and unique pairings. Tapas style American food in a cozy atmosphere. I got to be my friend Steph's date, and what better way to celebrate her recent engagement than over amazing food and wine. Congrats dear! Thanks for introducing me to a new spot!<br />
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State bird is in Western Addition/NOPA neighborhood. Check it out!<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/6/1635537/restaurant/Pacific-Heights/State-Bird-Provisions-San-Francisco"><img alt="State Bird Provisions on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1635537/biglink.gif" style="border: currentColor; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-25715770466243985092012-07-08T22:46:00.000-05:002012-07-08T22:46:02.059-05:00Slurping Turtle - ChicagoLast time I was in Chicago my sister and I finally checked out Takashi's <a href="http://www.takashichicago.com/">Slurping Turtle</a> in river north. It's amazing how much of an empire Takashi has built for himself in Chicago. I've been to the food court at Macy's and Takashi restaurant and both were amazing. The restaurant was by far my favorite. Slurping turtle was pretty awesome too. The staff were friendly and the noodles were piping hot. Check it out.<br />
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Yums. I liked the lower one better, because the broth was spicy and the mushrooms were tasty. But both were very yummy. We also got the duck fat fried chicken which was way too rich for my liking. The lunch concluded with ice cream and a special appearance by Takashi himself, walking the floor. This will be my second Takashi sighting. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/2/1633491/restaurant/River-North/Slurping-Turtle-Chicago"><img alt="Slurping Turtle on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1633491/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a> <br />
<br />Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-28838656494575545502012-07-06T23:49:00.000-05:002012-12-17T23:06:13.228-06:00Happy 4th!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sorry for the lateness but happy 4th of July!! Here is a pic from my day at Dolores Park with friends, food and lots of interesting people watching. Hope yours was as entertaining! <br />
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<br />Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-90044645527577895932012-05-23T00:41:00.003-05:002012-05-23T00:41:51.415-05:00Lillie's Q - ChicagoCraving BBQ in Chicago? Well, you have plenty of options for authentic yummy BBQ which is going to hit the spot now that the weather is getting nicer. Last weekend while I was in Chicago Warren and I were feeling lazy so instead of our planned fancy schmancy dinner we decided to take a walk in his new neighborhood and check out<a href="http://lilliesq.com/"> Lillie's Q</a> on North Avenue.<br />
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Sorry for the grainy photos. My Canon wasn't with me. So on the table sits a variety of amazing sauces to personalize your BBQ. Lots to choose from and the servers will go into the specifics as you wish. And of course, beers and water in Mason jars (not a new concept in these parts).<br />
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I ordered the pulled pork (below) with a side of slaw and some pretty bomb mac n'cheese. It was delish! Loved the fluffy bun and moist pork. Warren got the tri-tip which was also amazing with a side of greens and sweet potato fries. I really have no complaints. The food was right on and really worth the hype. It was packed on a Sunday night and service was very friendly. Check it out for yourself! You can even do take out. Also, they are hosting BBQ classes. How fun! <br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/2/1541152/restaurant/Bucktown-Wicker-Park/Lillies-Q-Chicago"><img alt="Lillie's Q on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1541152/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-78594985102208411892012-04-23T23:48:00.001-05:002012-04-23T23:48:45.612-05:00Exploring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm kinda lucky to be living in the bay area. And I love having visitors because it gives me a great excuse to explore. Check out some recent explorations. <br />
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<br />Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-61411325019902159402012-04-23T23:34:00.000-05:002012-12-17T23:08:08.558-06:00Lavash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Found my favorite Persian restaurant in SF!! Ugh. So good. Bf and I went to check it out a few weeks back. We started with some tea and dough ( a yogurt drink) then kabob and fesenjoun (walnut lamb dish). It was so good we were stuffed. Love this place and I'll be back!<br />
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Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-82980764351787503192012-03-28T22:09:00.000-05:002012-12-17T23:09:24.145-06:00The Model Bakery - St. HelenaI don't know what show I was watching on the Food network that mentioned the English Muffins at <a href="http://themodelbakery.com/">The Model Bakery</a> but all I know is I had to try this place. So on the drive to Coppola Winery with my sis we had to stop and see for ourselves. How can a English Muffin be so good you say? Um. When they are dripping with butter, crispy and crusty and piping hot. Oh yea. This was the most amazing thing I've eaten in awhile. Check it...<br />
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Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-22302728232718301832012-03-28T22:01:00.000-05:002012-12-17T23:09:36.901-06:00Francis Ford Coppola WineryHey there! It's been awhile. Last weekend my lovely sister was in town to help me kick off spring break. She's kinda awesome, and I realize how lucky I am to have a big sis who always knows how to cheer me up and give me great advice. So she got a Gilt deal for a three course meal and wine pairings at <a href="http://www.franciscoppolawinery.com/">Francis Ford Coppola Winery</a> so we thought we'd make a day of it! Little did we know it would be a long, longggg drive North in the pouring rain! It's ok. It was still super fun to spend some time together.<br />
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Crazy drive through St.Helena and the country side. Note to self; see Napa in the summer time!<br />
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And the food...<br />
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The winery itself has Coppola's memorabilia for display and sits on land with a pool accessible for visitors. I wish it wasn't pouring, or freezing or else we would've come earlier in the day to enjoy the view. The prix fix menu was pretty good. We both got the steaks and zucchini fries to start. She had the Cesar salad and I had the house. The dessert was also lovely. The wine pairings were amazing and they didn't skimp on the pours. I really really enjoyed this meal. So fun!Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-54322034511557165992012-03-05T00:33:00.000-06:002012-12-17T23:09:59.793-06:00Arami - ChicagoThis is a late post - but I went to <a href="http://aramichicago.com/">Arami </a>for dinner with the bf when I was back over Valentine's Day. This place is so randomly hidden amongst the store front's on Chicago Avenue I realize I must have driven by it dozens of times without noticing. The interior is so cozy. There is a front bar area a middle dining area and a back atrium with more dinning space. Fireplaces and plants are all around, making for a cozy dinning experience. Here is what we got. <br />
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Mmm. So. Good. The noodles were bomb. And the sushi was to die for. Nom.<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/2/1542930/restaurant/Ukranian-Village/Arami-Chicago"><img alt="Arami on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1542930/biglink.gif" style="border: currentColor; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-87462047998831355582012-03-01T01:35:00.004-06:002012-12-17T23:11:09.578-06:00Picture{s} of the day...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Pics I took last weekend while my parent's were in town. They opted to stay at the Fairmont, SF in nob hill and the views were amazing.... <3Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-32914323604646516672012-02-17T01:39:00.002-06:002012-03-24T14:40:47.164-05:00Why I love Manhattans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aoco8ehrSEE/Tz4DwGVdKmI/AAAAAAAABqM/hhw8yiKx0gg/s1600/photo%2810%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aoco8ehrSEE/Tz4DwGVdKmI/AAAAAAAABqM/hhw8yiKx0gg/s640/photo%2810%29.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
So this past weekend I went back to Chicago to visit bf. We had a lovely time with our families and even had time for date night and a lovely dinner at Arami for Valentine's day (pics to follow). After dinner we had an impromptu cocktail at the Violet Hour. Among the Chicago bars - this is one of our favorites. I'm kinda obsessed with our date nights because they start all prim and proper and end up with my cutting a line at some club so we can have a dance party. But it's the local, chill, neighborhood spots like Violet hour, Bangers and lace, the Bedford, Bar Deville, or the Burlington which have a special place in my heart. Usually this involves the two of us sitting at the bar and getting to know eachother again. No, we're not alcoholics. Yes, we enjoy a nice whiskey concoction once in awhile (Tipping my hat to the late, amazing mentor who taught Warren how to make a Manhattan on his porch in Wisconsin, T.). My favorite part of our date nights is not knowing where the night will lead us. ... whether it's trying to hit a club, walking into the Aviary with jeans and flip flops, making a pit stop for the DJ at Bar Deville, finding hidden doors to speakeasies in the Tenderloin, or ending the night in a hail storm. xoxo to my favorite guy. Happy 4 year love.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-35980324208344785942012-02-09T00:23:00.000-06:002012-02-09T00:23:15.774-06:00Local: Mission EateryI love Sunday brunch. And I love familiar faces. So this past Sunday I was delighted to have an accidental meeting with my former Chicago roommate, while brunching with a Canisius alumni. First off, the Canisius alumni, Katie, recently moved to SF from NYC and I've been meeting up with her every so often to catch up and enjoy some good food. She just moved into an adorably quintessential SF apartment recently and I'm loving her Mission neighborhood. I can't wait for school to slow down (hopefully soon??) to visit her more often. So while we were eating a lovely brunch at <a href="http://www.localmissioneatery.com/">Local </a>in walks my old roomie from Chicago who I was supposed to meet up with later in the day. Long story short, Katie and I shared brunch with Liz and her new beau. It was a total random event that she happened to be walking into the restaurant but so fun enjoying a meal with old and new friends. <br />
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Cheers to brunch.<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/6/1514628/restaurant/Mission/Local-Mission-Eatery-San-Francisco"><img alt="Local: Mission Eatery on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1514628/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-47248901282672613172012-02-06T00:01:00.001-06:002012-02-06T00:03:00.450-06:00Jerry's SandwichesWhere can you get a tasty sandwich and the ability to wash it down with any beer you can think of? <a href="http://jerryssandwiches.com/">Jerry's,</a> duh. The name is an homage to Jerome John Garcia and the owners weren't always restaurateurs. In fact, the two owners originally opened up shop in front of a catering kitchen in the west loop attempting to function as a deli. From the tiny space grew what is now a large space on Division ave. hosting a large variety of sandwiches, 200 North American craft beers, 70 American whiskeys seating for 130 seats indoors and another 60 outdoors. Phew. Check out their sandwiches which all come with some tasty sides. Their specials include the likes of: Wild Boar & Fig Vinegar BBQ Sloppy Joes, Fried Tilapia, Blue Cheese & Mascarpone Stuffed Chicken Burgers. Seriously drooling. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/2/107260/restaurant/Bucktown-Wicker-Park/Jerrys-Sandwiches-Chicago"><img alt="Jerry's Sandwiches on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/107260/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-63880593108643402402012-02-05T23:50:00.000-06:002012-12-17T23:12:19.706-06:00Pano's- Buffalo, NYOh hey there!! It's been awhile but I finally have a little break to update some past eats. First up is Pano's in Buffalo, NY. For the past 9+ year's I've been going to Pano's I order the same EXACT dish! The Chicken Souvlaki. You think I'd be adventurous and order something else, but no. This dish is so good I can't pass it up. So while I was home over the holiday's it was the usual. And although Pano's did some demo and is unrecognizable compared to my memories of Sunday's brunch in college, the food is still great. Yum-o. <br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/42/461523/restaurant/Elmwood/Panos-Buffalo"><img alt="Pano's on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/461523/biglink.gif" style="border: currentColor; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-8179523711369048312011-12-02T22:09:00.001-06:002011-12-02T22:19:23.536-06:00{picture(s) of the day}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_I4ZrZA09xU/Ttmgkm6RiRI/AAAAAAAABms/HkquouLEa0Q/s1600/sf+nov+2011+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_I4ZrZA09xU/Ttmgkm6RiRI/AAAAAAAABms/HkquouLEa0Q/s640/sf+nov+2011+001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Have a great weekend! xxoxoShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-41669028741689123302011-11-30T13:58:00.000-06:002011-11-30T13:58:23.819-06:00Bonsoirée - ChicagoI'm on a blogging roll! Can you tell I'm on a break from classes? So while I was in Chicago over Thanksgiving boyfriend and I had an amazing meal at <a href="http://www.bonsoireechicago.com/"><span class="st"><em>Bonsoirée </em></span></a>in Logan Square. I've been getting emails from them regarding their underground Saturday dinners: new menu's that are introduced monthly and by invitation only. You can learn more about it <a href="http://www.bonsoireechicago.com/menu/">here</a>. We wanted to do another prix fixe menu and finally decided on <span class="st"><em>Bonsoirée</em></span>'s 8-course Fall menu. It also helps that this place is BYOB. I would recommend looking at the menu and even calling ahead to get some wine recommendations from them. I would also recommend taking a bottle of white & a bottle of red. Sorry for the fuzzy photo's but the tiny dim lit, romantic space did not call for flash. Enjoy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFUbHh0oOrU/TtaGUzToQ-I/AAAAAAAABl8/DK8Q5t4LOFU/s1600/DSCN5555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFUbHh0oOrU/TtaGUzToQ-I/AAAAAAAABl8/DK8Q5t4LOFU/s640/DSCN5555.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNundHMIngs/TtaGVyvLfnI/AAAAAAAABmE/JDLyImIyULI/s1600/DSCN5559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNundHMIngs/TtaGVyvLfnI/AAAAAAAABmE/JDLyImIyULI/s640/DSCN5559.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>So in my excitement at the climax of the dinner I forgot to take a pic of the Wagyu - braised beef that was slow braised for 72-hours (!). It was very delicious and I only wish I took a picture of it. I'll let you look at the fall menu on the website yourself otherwise it would take me forever to go over each one.<br />
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But some highlights: the Motoyaki, the lobster and thai curry bisque and the dessert. Motoyaki is a Japanese style of cooking that involves baked food served in an oyster shell. Here they used a scallop rested in the oyster shell. It was amazing- melts in your mouth. The texture of soft scallop and crusty topping was perfection. My boyfriend's favorite dish was the bisque. The depth of flavors really progressed as you finished it off. The Wagyu (not pictured) was also very good. The most interesting thing on the menu was the finale- the dessert. Our waiter called it a play on "a night out on the town". This involved a tobacco ice cream, bourbon infused cake (very reminiscent of red velvet) a beet reduction and some very nicely done chocolate bars. I apologize if I get some of the ingredients wrong. This was such a unique dessert and I loved it for that. The tobacco ice cream was very potent on it's own - but in conjunction with the other ingredients it was very tasty.<br />
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Overall it was a very nice dinner. The ambiance of the tiny, well hidden space was cozy and perfect for enjoying your company. The progression of the meal was nice - although I felt it could have used another protein dish in the middle. I love the concept of BYOB but would have liked some recommendations on their website. The dishes were spaced out nicely - but could have come out a bit faster. Also some of the temperature's of the dishes seemed off. I'm glad to knock it off my bucket list, but not sure I'd go back. <br />
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Check it out for yourself and let me know your thoughts.. I'd love to hear other people's takes on some of the dishes. xoxo <br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/2/10761/restaurant/Logan-Square/Bonsoiree-Chicago"><img alt="Bonsoirée on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/10761/biglink.gif" style="border: medium none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
<b> </b>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-61035683101926031582011-11-29T21:59:00.001-06:002011-11-30T00:03:22.811-06:00Noodles by Takashi - Chicago<a href="http://www.takashichicago.com/">Takashi </a>is slowly, and deliciously, taking over Chicago. You might remember<a href="http://restaurantcityum.blogspot.com/2011/01/takashi.html"> my meal last Christmas</a> at the Takashi restaurant which was amazing (and my favorite dinner experience thus far). Takashi has a convenient noodle shop in the food court on the 7th floor of Macy's on State street. During my weekend in Chicago I got to finally have some tasty noodles. And I can't wait for the opening of the Slurping Turtle which just opened the 28th. <br />
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The line was the shortest among the restaurants in the food court but the lure of a tasty, hearty bowl of noodles was a perfect respite from the madness of Black Friday. We got a sampling of apps - and two bowls of noodles. The broth in each of the noodle dishes were very tasty- and very different. Honestly I don't remember which was which but they both had ample broth and noodles. They could have used a bit more meat. I'm sorta obsessed with Takashi and his unique restaurants that are popping up all over the city. Now only to get him to open up shop in SF. <br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/2/15129/restaurant/Loop/Noodles-By-Takashi-Yagihashi-Chicago"><img alt="Noodles By Takashi Yagihashi on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/15129/biglink.gif" style="border: medium none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-24927441452561685942011-11-29T01:12:00.002-06:002012-12-17T23:13:40.566-06:00Thanksgiving in ChicagoHappy post-Thanksgiving! I spent the little break I had celebrating, and feasting with my boyfriend and sister in Chicago. Although- I was looking forward for some snow and only found mild temps and lots of rain! Ah! Hopefully there will be snow when I return for New Year's (careful what you wish for). I hope you all had a great, yummy, restful Thanksgiving! <br />
Enjoy some pics from my day on State street, the market at Daley plaza and an afternoon craving for sweets... <br />
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A pit stop at <a href="http://www.christkindlmarket.com/">Christkindlandmarket </a>for some lovely ornaments and to revisit my old lunch-time spot.(I actually miss the days of corporate Chicago).<br />
And finally an afternoon snack at Magnolia's (!!) that just opened up on State street. My bf just spent 6 weeks in NYC for work and raved about the banana pudding! It was sooo yummy!<br />
Cheers to the start of the holiday season! :)Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-44573788647494024042011-10-23T17:27:00.002-05:002011-11-01T22:08:45.351-05:00Next at Next<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9pmoE9W2htM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>I did <a href="http://restaurantcityum.blogspot.com/2011/06/next.html">Paris</a>, missed Thailand, would love to go back to Childhood. Wouldn't you?<br />
Update: Next's video is temporarily disabled due to copyright issues with the music. They hope to have it back up soon. Here's the menu instead...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EV0XGFCUYwQ/TqxRgQ84vZI/AAAAAAAABio/VRbR_inYWjs/s1600/1-76e9a006fd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EV0XGFCUYwQ/TqxRgQ84vZI/AAAAAAAABio/VRbR_inYWjs/s320/1-76e9a006fd.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-58473253423477420872011-10-12T01:24:00.000-05:002011-10-12T01:24:54.125-05:00{picture of the day}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2DGoQKUGMU4/TpUyBqo_ucI/AAAAAAAABic/cSogh3u_DFs/s1600/color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2DGoQKUGMU4/TpUyBqo_ucI/AAAAAAAABic/cSogh3u_DFs/s640/color.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I am seriously missing Chicago these days. I'm swamped with work and I really miss the days of getting lost in the art institute, the MCA or the Cultural Center. You don't know what you've got till its gone, right? Pictured above is the cafe at the art institute. I would highly recommend you get there while the weather allows you to enjoy the outdoor courtyard. Sigh. Miss you my little city.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-5760209478152172382011-09-21T00:25:00.002-05:002012-02-06T10:34:34.466-06:00{12 hours in Napa}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1SeQUI8d-N0/TnYl-k4PmbI/AAAAAAAABh8/zEg-kN2hwLY/s640/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+109.JPG" width="480" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A lovely view of the entrance of <a href="http://www.roundpond.com/">Round Pond</a>. One of my favorite spots of the day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRd0vjXxfwA/TzABDlEL7zI/AAAAAAAABoE/i9MAR1eo9_M/s1600/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRd0vjXxfwA/TzABDlEL7zI/AAAAAAAABoE/i9MAR1eo9_M/s640/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+087.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vr9EfrhiDas/TnYl0OKPpMI/AAAAAAAABhw/ZEbmQL6sZuE/s640/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+094.JPG" width="480" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wine tasting at Round pond, overlooking the vineyards and the owners homes. Their children live in nearby houses. How cute!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Wqnfsssa8o/TzAA7q_mAqI/AAAAAAAABn8/tN9Ysr2-N5k/s1600/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Wqnfsssa8o/TzAA7q_mAqI/AAAAAAAABn8/tN9Ysr2-N5k/s640/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+103.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--uIgydoVyPQ/TnYl4MLv7GI/AAAAAAAABh0/6zBy7gsxT3E/s1600/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--uIgydoVyPQ/TnYl4MLv7GI/AAAAAAAABh0/6zBy7gsxT3E/s640/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+096.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A trio of wine and samples of food picked straight from the garden. <3 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bKuTFfr6P-A/TnYl74J9vVI/AAAAAAAABh4/I6BhdZJAcoY/s1600/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bKuTFfr6P-A/TnYl74J9vVI/AAAAAAAABh4/I6BhdZJAcoY/s640/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+103.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Loved everything about this moment. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lEdBAGLI7YY/TnYmBPKbjSI/AAAAAAAABiA/TBNIGHByqcw/s1600/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lEdBAGLI7YY/TnYmBPKbjSI/AAAAAAAABiA/TBNIGHByqcw/s640/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+131.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">An incredibly delicious sampling of the 2007 vintage at <a href="http://www.opusonewinery.com/">Opus One.</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Cabernet Sauvignon 79%, Merlot 8%, Cabernet Franc 6%, Petit Verdot 6% and Malbec 1% = heaven.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-reB85ynaNk4/TnYmEeosNZI/AAAAAAAABiE/M4XU4w8pCmE/s1600/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-reB85ynaNk4/TnYmEeosNZI/AAAAAAAABiE/M4XU4w8pCmE/s640/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+151.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv11drntgbc/TnYmIPjyXyI/AAAAAAAABiI/d2xmJrnrRwA/s1600/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv11drntgbc/TnYmIPjyXyI/AAAAAAAABiI/d2xmJrnrRwA/s640/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+159.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7aklJWx03cU/TnYnU04yD0I/AAAAAAAABiM/-lCp5xdGsmo/s1600/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7aklJWx03cU/TnYnU04yD0I/AAAAAAAABiM/-lCp5xdGsmo/s640/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+110.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eDCMGKahYpk/TnYnYceLUiI/AAAAAAAABiQ/w6_Pm3CAPn4/s1600/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eDCMGKahYpk/TnYnYceLUiI/AAAAAAAABiQ/w6_Pm3CAPn4/s640/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+120.JPG" width="462" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A light snack at <a href="http://www.aubergedusoleil.com/">Auberge du Soleil</a> to keep us going. </div><div style="text-align: center;">For only $500-$700 a night you get an amazing view of Napa, and a pool fit for a Queen (or King). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCp-GdEPFyc/TnYn2Z_8f2I/AAAAAAAABiU/r5Q7BGKGA5A/s1600/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCp-GdEPFyc/TnYn2Z_8f2I/AAAAAAAABiU/r5Q7BGKGA5A/s640/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+168.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDw33EsvIyY/TnYn3WB1uyI/AAAAAAAABiY/d_AhrbYqKAk/s640/San+Fran+Napa+wknd+172.JPG" width="640" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a scenic drive from Napa to Sonoma, per recommendations we found our way to the <a href="http://www.glenelleninn.com/">Glen Ellen Inn</a>. And feasted on saffron mussels and grilled salmon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can't wait to be back... and to think I traded in the Kinzie bridge for the rolling Mountains? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">xoxo </div>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928331527810271287.post-16313490293322150702011-09-18T11:43:00.001-05:002011-09-18T11:44:10.634-05:00Shiva's - Mountain View, CABack to Cali I go! Sorry for the flip-flops but I'll be spending a lot of time eating in different places either in CA or IL. Last week my oldest friend Liz was in town to help celebrate my birthday. She happened to have work in Monteray so she took a pit stop to visit me then the two of us spent a whirl-wind 3-days in the peninsula, SF and Napa. It was amazing to have her and I'll make sure to post some pics from our weekend/ pre-bday celebration.<br />
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The first night she was here we hit the Mountain View art and wine festival. Which is basically the closest thing that I'll be getting to Chicago-style fests. The art/jewelry was great and we opted to sit at a nearby restaurant for a glass of wine. Later that evening we hit <a href="http://www.shivasrestaurant.com/">Shiva</a>'s for authentic Northern Indian cuisine.<br />
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We ordered the samosas to start. They were a little small, but packed with flavor.The garlic naan was delish. We also got the butter chicken and the veggie grill. The veggie grill was really flavorful and you could taste the char-grill from the tandoor. Tasty. But my favorite part of the meal had to be the butter chicken. OMG. The best dish I've had in an Indian restaurant, ever. It had honey-glazed tomato gravy all over chicken and it was to die for. I was surprised we finished all of our food since there was a lot , but it was so good we couldn't stop eating!<br />
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There are lots of Indiana restaurants to choose from in this region, do yourself a favor and stop here the next time your in the area. The butter chicken is to die for!<br />
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I'll post some pics from the SF / Napa weekend shortly! Happy Sunday!<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/6/90637/restaurant/Shivas-Indian-Restaurant-and-Bar-Mountain-View"><img alt="Shiva's Indian Restaurant and Bar on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/90637/biglink.gif" style="border: medium none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711088600871245817noreply@blogger.com0