Chicago Part III

The planets aligned Memorial Day Weekend and I found myself in the Windy City once again. Two times in one month is not too shabby, if you ask me.

This time around, we found ourselves in the South Loop, for a day of fun and learning at one of the best museums in the world: the Field Museum! I've been a few times throughout the years, but I feel like I wasn't old enough to enjoy it. This go-around, I was determined to make the most of everything, read everything, and do everything..We ended up purchasing tickets for the Vikings exhibit which was REALLY cool. Everything was on display from jewelry, to relics, to swords, and even the bare bones of an original ship. I even picked up a recipe for Vikings-era bread which may or may not find its way onto this blog in some sort of theme.

A little advice: if you're going to make a trip to The Field Museum, MAKE SURE you get there nice and early. If you don't, you'll spend more time waiting in line and saying "excuse me, I would like to see as well!" than you will actually seeing and learning about things. We got there after the museum had been opened for about an hour and a half, and it was supremely nice to be able to leisurely look at things without the anxiety of feeling like you're too slow for the people waiting behind you. And it's always so lovely to see the faces of the little ones pressing buttons to see things light up, and of course, looking up in astonishment at the beautiful sight that is SUE.

Once we'd toured the museum until our feet hurt, we decided to venture back out into the city in search of a place to eat. Something quick, something new preferably. But sometimes, it's hard to find hidden city gems when you're actively pursuing them (perhaps why they stay hidden), and after walking around aimlessly on a (semi) hot day, our eyes fell upon the sign for Good Stuff Eatery, and I just couldn't say "no" to going there again. It's fast, inexpensive, and DELICIOUS.  Gourmet fast food at its finest.

We spent the majority of the day at the museum, and by the end of it we were pretty exhausted and ready to go home. But I never, ever leave Chicago without a quick trip to Logan Square to Bang Bang Pie. Maybe that's my thing? At any rate, I finally ventured outside of French Silk and went for the Honey Pie this time, while my mom excitedly ordered the Chocolate Pecan Pie. Phenomenal as always.

Summer is quickly approaching, and that means more trips to the Second City are in the future!

Field Trip to Chicago!

 

Whenever I'm home, I make it a point to sit back and appreciate that Chicago, one of the best cities in the world, is just an hour away. And while it is an hour away, and with it thousands of opportunities, I've been there just a handful of times in my entire life. And when we go, we go as tourists; mainly sticking to the downtown area and Navy Pier. That had to change. It just had to change. Luckily, my friend Lafayette, who I've known for close to...TEN (oh wow.) years, just moved down to the Second City, and was nice enough to show me the real Chi-Town. I had a BLAST.

Bon Appetit is one of my favorite magazines, and my reading library has been so backed up that I've only JUST finished the "Travel Issue" from months ago. It was a good thing too, since they wrote a great feature on Chicago that gave me a few ideas of where to go when I went to visit.

First up was P.O.S.H. aka one of those vintage home goods stores that you thought only existed in your dreams. It's located in a swanky part of town with all types of stores that appeal to the hipster in all of us. P.O.S.H. is one part vintage, one part European, and one part etsy-esque all rolled into a beautiful package with a tiny conservatory in the back. Vintage hotel silverware and dinnerware, adorable one-of-a-kind tea towels, milk glass mixing bowls, vintage market baskets,  letter-pressed cards with clever sayings on them, and more fill the many shelves and tables that fill this place. And there is definitely something for every single person that walks in. If you're looking for a unique gift for someone that is fond of quality-made items that you just can't find anymore, try P.O.S.H. I declared that I was not about to leave that store empty-handed under any circumstances (thanks for being patient, L) and walked away with two cute gray plaid dinner plates that were even on SALE.  Lafayette even scored a deal on some awesome vintage maps, so I'd say that it was win-win for all parties involved.

Back in July when I was in New York, Eataly was at the top of my "must-see" list, but there were just too many other things I wanted to do (two pages worth in fact), that we never made it. When I was contemplating where to visit in Chicago, I made SURE that Eataly was on my (much shorter) list. And I have to say it: I was really disappointed. I don't know, maybe I built it up too much, or maybe I was expecting something a little bit more authentic. Mario Batali once described his vision for Eataly as feeling like you've just stepped into a classic Italian piazza, but that's not how I felt. I felt like I was in an upscale food mart. Don't get me wrong, the surroundings were beautiful, and the smells mouth-watering, but it felt too gimmicky for me to really get into it. But don't let this to deter you, go. Decide for yourself. It's worth a visit to form an opinion at LEAST. Bottom line: I'm happy I went, but I don't think I'll go back. I still love you, Mario!

One of the things I really like about Chicago is the architecture. To work up an appetite for lunch, Lafayette and I decided to take a walk around his neighborhood. I love any American city with European roots, and Chicago is no exception. We each picked out at least a dozen houses that we'd love to buy and live in. Someday, right? And another thing I've noticed? People in Chicago are actually....nice. What a concept, right? I think my years spent on the East Coast have hardened me, and I've forgotten my roots. People smile at you for no reason, and it feels so weird to me! In the Midwest, complete strangers talk to you like they've known you for ages. And honestly, when did friendliness become such a bad thing? I need to spend an extended amount of time in the place where everyone says "hello," and the grocery stores are deserted because it's Sunday and the Packers/Bears are on.

I'm getting pretty into Wicker Park, a very trendy neighborhood in Chicago, and I think I have Birchwood Kitchen to blame! Since it was a Saturday, and since we were in a city, the only logical meal to have was brunch (obviously) and Lafayette picked the best place! If you asked me to describe Birchwood Kitchen in one word, that word would be: FRESH. Seriously. I have never tasted anything so pure and from the earth as I did eating those splendid roasted potatoes, and beautiful green salad! I ordered the Breakfast Sandwich, Lafayette ordered the Croque Vert, and each of us grew a little quieter as there really shouldn't be so much talking when you're concentrated on the piece of culinary art and deliciousness that is in front of you. The atmosphere is cozy, modern, and very inviting. The staff is young and friendly, and the food...well, it just couldn't have been better. I plan on making many trips back to this place in the near future.

I had a train to catch in a few hours, but I just can't leave a new place without first checking out a popular bakery, and as soon as Lafayette casually mentioned the word "pie" it was settled. So off we went on the El, full as we were but not so full that we'd ever pass up pie, all the way to Logan Square to Bang Bang Pie Shop. When we walked in, the first thing I noticed was that everyone working behind the counter was a twentysomthing, and every single one of them looked like the coolest kids in Chicago. You want to be them, you want to make pies, you want to eat said pies, you just want to have it all. After reading the menu, and lamenting that the signature pie was already sold out, we decided on the French Silk, which was absolutely no one's consolation prize (PIEze, if you will). The French Silk is a winner, and my new first choice. It's everything that it should be: creamy, smooth, choclately rich without being so overwhelmingly rich that you get a tummy ache. AND THE CRUST. This pie actually brought a lasting smile to my face, for it has been quite a while since a bakery has really blown me away. And the feeling of discovering something new is really one of the best feelings. It was the best ending to a fantastic day trip.

I'll be back, Chicago. You haven't seen the last of me.

Address Me as "Your Majesty"

I'm the Birthday Princess! Today was such a simple, such a LOVELY day.

You know how people say that as they get older, they don't really care about doing it big for birthdays anymore? All they really care about is being with the ones they love? I get that. For some reason, there's all this pressure to have a good time on your birthday, making it incredible, and that's too much to live up to. I'd rather be close to the ones that I cherish, eat some good comfort food, then eat again. And take lots of pictures. So that's what I did. I took pictures, ate, laughed, ate, took more pictures, went in search of more food. And it was the best birthday yet.

I feel like Gourmet Dumpling House is one of Boston's best kept secrets. Tucked away in the heart of Chinatown, you'll pass by a lot of delicious options before you find this place. But there's a reason that the line runs out the door most nights. I can say without a doubt that those are the best dumplings in Boston. HANDS DOWN. And I have had many, many dumplings. I don't know what they do, but they do it well. It has been a staple dinner place in my friend group for many years, and those I take there know how sacred it is. And don't you dare leave until you've had an order of scallion pancakes. Good gracious, now I want some.

I also brought a disposable camera that I picked up from the pharmacy. I miss the days of using film, so I'm trying to get myself back into it. So far so good. Anna was kind enough to put up with me taking "artistic" shots from the crosswalk.

I know I'm so late to the macaron trend, but I can't believe how much one of these can change my entire day. We went in search of the Cameo Macaron truck and found it parked by Prudential. I memorized the walk because I think I'll be making it rather often this summer. We ate our cookies by the water and waxed nostalgic about how much we've grown and changed in seven years. She's graduating and going home soon, so being with her today made this  birthday so much better.

What am I going to do without my beautiful best friend? Ah well, we'll manage. We always do.

It's my birthday, and I'm drinking a mini bottle of Pink Moscato bubbly. This is the life.

Lunching at The Trade Lounge

We talked about owl bodily functions, we talked about state laws when it comes to deer on the side of the road, we talked about beer, and we talked about Anthony Bourdain. My work chums are simply the best.

Let me ask you a very, very important question: HAVE you been to the Trade Lounge?

If the answer is "no," put down what you're eating, and make reservations THIS INSTANT.

Go to Trade Lounge.

That is all.

Ladies' Brunch!

 

I'd been itching to have a party for a while, so when my friend Grace mentioned an article she'd seen solely devoted to french toast recipes, I knew that a Ladies' Brunch was definitely in order.

As much as I love cooking and baking, I almost never do it for myself. Cooking for one can be a little depressing, so when given the chance to cook for others, I dive head first. All the bases were covered: a cheese plate, (a chalkboard plate I got on sale at Crate and Barrel!) a Florentine Fritata (I got the recipe from Breakfast for Dinner),  delicious and crispy brioche french toast with baked berries and maple syrup (curtesy of Grace!), and last but certainly not least, fresh and giggle-inducing grapefruit mimosas! At my house, you go big with brunch, or you go home.

A good brunch always needs fresh flowers. It brightens up any room, and reminds you that Spring has sprung, and you must embrace it.

Trader Joe's actually has a great selection of cheeses from all over the place, for excellent prices. My local grocery store was trying to charge me almost double, for less product. I don't think so!

It took me 20 minutes to make the mimosas, and I had the best time doing it. Cutting up those grapefruits made the house smell so wonderfully citrusy.

I thank my lucky stars everyday that I decided to keep the champagne glasses I impulse bought at Goodwill last year. I hardly ever use them, but when the time comes, these beauties come in absolute handy.

I've caught the entertaining bug, and I'm thinking a nice, classic dinner party is next!

Grapefruit Mimosas

What You'll Need:

1 750 ml bottle of Prosecco, chilled

4 large grapefruits (should make 3-3.5 cups of grapefruit juice)

Optional Sweetener or Simple Syrup

1. Fill a large pitcher with your freshly squeezed and chilled grapefruit juice, then add the prosecco. (Make sure your pitcher is big enough to handle both the juice, and the contents of the bottle, plus the foam. The foam is what ties it all together!)

2. Add sweetener to taste. (I added a couple spoonfuls of granulated sugar)

Yields about six servings

Source: Jason and Shawnda

If loving brunch is wrong, then I just don't want to be right.

Happy First Day of Spring!

Last week I flew to Nashville to see Oscar and my family, and it was amazing. I needed it, and I also needed the 60+ degree weather. I got so used to the nice weather that now I've refused to accept that the temperature is in the 40s here. I will not switch back to my winter coat, I just won't.

It's officially Springtime, and I'm diving in head first!

Brunching in the South End Take Two: My Weekend in Pictures

I couldn't stay away for long. It only took me a week to get back to the South End Buttery for brunch because it is just. that. good. My roommate and I have made it a point to do activities together on the weekends, and I take it as an opportunity to show her parts of the city that I hold near and dear. And honestly, the places that I hold near and dear also happen to be places where I can stuff my face. And there's nothin' like stuffing your face with brunch food.

Since I went with sweet breakfast food last week, I decided to go savory this time around. The last time I was there, Tori offered me a piece of her Eggs Benedict, and I was absolutely hooked. Poached eggs with hollandaise sauce, on top of the crispiest, most buttery homemade biscuit you've ever tasted, is absolutely the right way to go. Throw in a side of crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside home fries, and you're set.

We sat at the bar again this time, and it must be said that our experience was a little bit different from last time. Our bartender was a character and a half, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. He's a fan of witty, slightly mean, banter. And lucky for him, so am I. While he hurled mostly harmless insults at us, I was happy to see that he is definitely a person who can take it as well as he dishes it. And hey, it made the dining experience a little bit more interesting.

South End Buttery is definitely my go-to brunch place in the city. It's officially official.

What'd you do this weekend?

Saturdays in the South End: My Weekend in Pictures

This weekend, one of my very best friends, Tori, came to town, and we, along with my other friend Grace, had the ultimate blast. After we met up at the train station (and I engulfed them both in a powerful three-way bear hug), Grace declared herself more than a little famished, so we headed over to the South End Buttery, a cafe and restaurant combo that I've been meaning to return to since stopping by this summer. Since Saturdays and Sundays are optimal Brunch days, the line was, understandably, pretty long. But it was no matter really; Tori and I decided to wait outside on a bench while Grace waited for her food.

There's something you really have to know about Grace and Tori: they are die-hard dog lovers. And when I'm with them, I become just as die-hard. If we so much as hear the possibility of a clinking dog tag, our heads swivel around so quickly, frantically searching for our next doggy encounter. And this weekend, I think I met the man of my dreams.

 I'm speaking of course about the bulldog.

It's a weird/interesting/funny story, I suppose. There we were, perched on a bench, admiring all the sights and sounds that go along with typical Saturdays in the South End, when all of a sudden we spotted him: Rocky, a 19 month old bulldog, happily trotting along with his owner. But the two were all the way across the street, and by the looks of the half-full basket of clothes in his owner's hand, it looked like the pair was right in the middle of Laundry Day. And I'm not sure of this, but either the man saw us eyeing his adorable puppy, or Tori and my uncontrollable cooing was more audible than usual.Whatever the case, Rocky and his owner made a beeline for our bench. And before I knew it, his owner had picked Rocky's front half up, walked him on his hind legs, and literally wrapped the dog's arms around my waist. I instinctively hugged him because, honestly, what does one do in this situation? But one look into those beautiful eyes, and I was a goner. Rocky is a rescue originally from Texas, and is featured in this great local book, Dogs in Thought. 

After meeting him, I totally want a bulldog. And he'll have a cool name like T-Bone, and wear muscle tees all the time. Or I'll name him Herbie, and he'll be a sensitive soul who wears sweater vests.

Welcome to my mind.

What's really cool about the South End Buttery, is that there are actually two locations. The first, is the traditional cafe, but the second, located just down the block, is a totally awesome little market. On the shelves are imported loose leaf teas, and locally made ice creams, and in the cases are the most delicious looking treats like cupcakes, quiches, and specialty cookies. Honestly, have you ever seen anything cuter than those Oscar cookies? Now I wish that I'd gotten one.

Finally. FINALLY after WEEKS of wanting to check this place out, I FINALLY made it Farm and Fable. If you haven't heard of it, it's this charming, freshly renovated, cooking boutique. It's got everything from vintage cookbooks, to antique copper pots, to adorable, independently made recipe and greeting cards. And that's just the upstairs! The lower level of the shop is equipped with a full demonstration kitchen, which is home to tons of events from a Cookbook of the Month Club where members each make a recipe out of the featured cookbook, to private cooking lessons.  I feel like I'm not doing this place enough justice, so here's a write-up about it in the Globe. 

We found ourselves feeling a bit peckish after the trip to Farm and Fable, and though the initial plan was to grab some Vietnamese food, Grace's breakfast sandwich looked way too good to pass up. I never say "no" to breakfast food, no matter the hour. So guess where we ended up?

If you guessed the South End Buttery, then you're a great guesser. Two o'clock in the afternoon, and we tucked in at the bar for a spontaneous brunch. There are only a few things these days that remind me that I still live in a big city, and one of them is brunch. No matter where you go in Boston, you will find brunch, or it will find you. There's no escape, so you just have to give in to it. And just LOOK at how fluffy those pancakes are! I have to admit (maybe I shouldn't) that I'm a bit of a pancake snob (she said pretentiously). Not everyone can do it right, and the South End Buttery did it absolutely right.

Those pancakes, mixed with the wonderful feeling of being tucked away in the back portion of the restaurant, mixed with delicious coffee, mixed with amazing friends who make you laugh so hard and loud that you feel slightly embarassed made for the best Saturday.

T's back home now, and I miss her already. BUT, for my birthday, I'm planning a trip to New York to visit her, and I CAN'T WAIT.

What'd you do this weekend?

My Weekend in Pictures

  On Friday, my co-worker brought in his cousin's dog to visit because he knew how much it would make my day. His name is Monty, and he's just the sweetest. As soon as I got into work, I was greeted with a nice hug, and an invitation to play a never-ending game of fetch where Monty pretends that he'll give you the ball to throw, but when you reach for it, he slyly pulls away. Monty decides when you throw the ball, not you. At any rate, we had such a blast. He's what's called a Springville Labrodoodle who, despite his size, sat in my lap, cradled like a baby, and now I totally want one.

On Saturday, I decided that it was finally time to take my roommate, Sophie, to my absolute favorite bookstore in the city: Brookline Booksmith. It's an independently owned shop right in the heart of Coolidge Corner that's been around forever, and is the place where I've met both Jim Gaffigan and John Krasinski. I have never left this place without buying something.I think it's because of the sheer whimsy and quirk of the place that makes you feel right at home. There's also a very impressively stocked used book cellar with amazing bargains. I picked up a used copy of Julie and Julia, (the movie is one of my favorites, so it's about time that I picked up the book) and a brand new copy of Food in Jars, because I really want to start canning! I'm starting small with a batch of vanilla extract, then working my way up. I am TOO AMPED to dive into this book.

I should really visit Brookline Booksmith more often. Seriously guys, if you can shop small, do it. Support your local businesses!It's funny, I live all the way across the city now, and yet I still very regularly find myself back in Allston. Part of that is because my close friends have remained, and another part is The Avenue. And more specifically: The Avenue Burger. Just picture it: Buttery, toasted bun, perfectly seasoned beef patty, melted swiss cheese, and the tangy deliciousness of the famous "Secret Sauce." I have been trying for months to figure it out, but no such luck. It's really no matter, I'll just have to keep coming back until i do. Also worth noting: Sweet Potato Tots with Maple Bacon Ketchup.

The Avenue is the perfect neighborhood bar, and one that's quiet enough during the day to keep me coming back. They have a TON of amazing beers and ciders on tap, and the waitstaff has always been nothing but friendly. Plus, if you're a sports fan, there's almost a TV for every table, give or take. If you find yourself on Harvard Avenue, find yourself at The Avenue. Burgers are only $1 on Mondays!

I'm feeling really inspired lately, so I've channeled that into my baking. I'm currently working on a double chocolate cookie recipe of my own, and I found myself diligently working on this Saturday night. I'm almost there, guys!

What did you do this weekend?

My Weekend in Pictures

This weekend I got to babysit my co-worker, Maggie.

We've known each other for three years now, and she's always there to greet me at the door at the start of the day. When her dad asked me to watch her for the weekend, I leapt at the chance. Not only am I seriously missing my dog these days, but having a pet around can somewhat validate the hundreds of times a day that I carry on conversations with myself. They can't answer, but at least they make eye contact!

You know a person has officially made it in a city when they have a dog, am I right? Like, you see a person walking down the street with an adorable pup on a leash and you think, "Wow, that person definitely has it together. That person has MADE IT." This weekend, I wanted to get a taste of what that's like, so Princess Margret and I, along with my roommate, Sophie, decided to hit the town.

We first hit up Polka Dog Bakery in Jamaica Plain. I wanted to get the Princess a little treat, and I'd heard that this was the place to go for fresh "pupcakes" and dog treats. This place has everything: cookies and pupcakes in an actual bakery case, a huge selection of treats and bones, lots of unique toys, and even a little section for cats. We also met a retired racing Greyhound name Rosy. (Or Nosy Rosy, as her friends call her.) Her owners were there to talk about a greyhound shelter that they're apart of in Mass. After talking to them, I was almost certain that I wanted a greyhound...until I considered how much they eat! Super cute though.

I decided on this ADORABLE "pupcake" because the delicate flower on top reminded me of Maggie. I also asked her if this was the one she wanted, and actually waited for a response that never came. Thankfully I was in an environment where that sort of thing is encouraged, so we're good. And as you can see, I couldn't resist, and bought her a little squeaky toy. I hope that when she plays with it, she thinks of me.

I don't think I've ever realized how cool Jamiaca Plain is. To be honest, I hadn't ever spent much time there. But after we left Polka Dog, we decided to go exploring. Sophie pointed out a bakery on the same block, and I made a beeline.

It's called Monumental Cupcakes, and it's the kind of bakery that people in the neighborhood would go to, to get their daily doughnut and coffee. It's on the small side, but there are a few tables tucked away in the corners. What caught my attention right away was the advertised Apple Cider Doughnut with a cinnamon sugar glaze. It was. Without a doubt. The best Apple Cider Doughnut I've ever had. The apple flavor was pleasantly pronounced (do they use magic apples?), the cinnamon sugar was an amazing complement and not too heavy, it was fresh, and didn't taste like a doughnut that's been sitting in the case all morning, and the edge had this satisfying crispness that you can only achieve when you're a fryer master. It had me wishing that there was more, and that doesn't happen often with bakery items for me. I highly recommend.

On the same block is a shop that is basically a real-life version of Etsy. It's called Aviary, and it's the rustic-chic shop of my dreams.

Aviary is a store that celebrates local and small business.  From their pieces on display from local artists, to clever cards hot off the letterpresses, to repurposed metal jewelry with pressed letters, to independent  magazines and newsletters., it screams "indie."The place is so charming and wonderful that you have this overwhelming feeling to buy something, anything, just to stay and take it all in a little longer. I got some adorable and unique "thank you" notes that are almost too pretty to use.

On the way to the bus stop we passed by a vintage furniture and housewares store called Yesteryear. That place is absolutely filled to the brim with household items, but it was closed! That's a store for another day, I suppose.

On the way home, we may or may not have gotten a little lost. We weren't far from home though, and got to enjoy a brisk walk through some nice neighborhoods.  We were starving by the time we made it home, and it made that doughnut so much sweeter.

I took Maggie home yesterday, and I miss my napping buddy already. Maybe this is a sign that it's time to get a baby of my own? Maybe not just yet.

What'd you do this weekend?