Le Bouchon: New Favorite Restaurant
Bobby and I had the most amazing date last night. We headed out in search of something yummy but with no actual place in mind. It was Friday night but we weren’t looking for a loud and exciting bar-type place, we just wanted to relax, chill and try something new. As we drove around Wicker Park/Bucktown for awhile, we realized we might need some local reviews to help us make our decision.
We pulled over to check out reviews on Yelp for Duchamp, Le Bouchon, and The Bristol – 3 places we hadn’t tried yet. Duchamp it seems is better in the summer for their patio and The Bristol had been rated really well but was also named “The Publican’s Little Brother”…we weren’t really in the mood for that style food either. We never eat French yet our last name is French so we decided that was a good enough reason to choose Le Bouchon.
Walked in around 9:30pm….it was packed but with one table open (what a coincidence). ;) We sat down and were greeted with wonderful service, welcoming smiles and a list of featured menu items for the evening. Bobby ordered the Boeuf Bourguignon (Beef Braised in Red Wine) and I went with a special of the night – Sauteed Skate Fish with Spinach & Boiled Potatoes. We both enjoyed a glass of red wine and bread/butter while we waited for the food to arrive, which was also delicious.
The food we ordered didn’t seem like anything too far out of the ordinary, so I assumed I would like it and didn’t have super high expectations, but Holy Wow! – I really cannot describe how tasty every morsel of it was….it was the perfect amount of flavors and textures and portions. We both cleaned our plates, as if we hadn’t eaten in weeks. I was almost a little embarrassed when the wait staff came over to take our plates – there was literally nothing left on them!
Sarcastically, she said “I’ll have this boxed up for you” as she picked up the empty plates.
Since we hadn’t planned on going out big that night, the plan was to just have a nice entree and glass of wine and head home, but after such a spectacular meal – we really couldn’t stop ourselves. The temptation of cappuccinos and cream puffs covered in chocolate sauce became entirely too impossible to resist. We gave in and indulged in some naughty after-dinner sweets that were literally the icing on the cake.
Walking out the door, we held our heads high – triumphantly, spectacularly dazzled by our food experience. What a beautiful way to end the week! Thanks Le Bouchon – we will definitely be back!
30th Birthday in Toronto = Excellent
Bobby and I just had a great dinner at the Green Eggplant Restaurant on Queen Street East – with the Hawks game in the background. ;) Nice atmosphere, great service, great food – I highly recommend it for anyone going to the “Beach”.
Orange Contemporary Brunch in Chicago
Enjoying some fabulous alone time and delicious coffee with my favorite person this cloudy and gray morning at Orange. He’s having the pancake flight that includes cakes from Barcelona, Tokyo, New York, and Paris. Wish I could get the Paris Hotcakes as a regular sized dish – they are Nutella-filled…really? Nutella-filled? Holy yum!! On top of that there are sauteed bananas – I’m jealous. I’m going to try to out do him with chocolate chip pancakes – probably the most unhealthy choice on the menu, whoops. ;) Continue Reading →
Valentine’s Day 2009
Just got back from grabbing dinner with Bridget and John at Handlebar on North Ave. We walked over there since it’s so close to our place…yummy food and of course good company always makes me happy. :)
Here’s a picture of me and my love at Bin Wine Cafe on Milwaukee on Valentine’s Day. We had an exceptionally good waiter (I gave him a high five lol) and a great experience – including the amazing food/wine flights. Valentine’s Day was packed with fun stuff considering it was Jess’s birthday and the biggest Hallmark Holiday of the year. ;)
Earlier that morning I picked Large up and we went to Pinky Nails to get a manicure/pedicure and then we decided to grab a bagel (and I got a heart shaped mini red velvet cake for Bobby) at Alliance Bakery. Then we went dress shopping for Large’s surprise night out with Sangwoo (at Japonais). I got home just in time to jump on the bus and head downtown to look at an apartment with Bobby and Kurt. (I’ll explain later.)
After apartment looking, Bobby and I did a power nap before our dinner reservations at Bin. Later on after we had our amazing dinner we rushed over to the movie theater on Western to meet Sang-woo and Jess for Underworld: Rise of the Lycans…which I must admit, not exactly my cup of tea, BUT it was Jess’s birthday and I know she loves the scary and bloody vampire movies. LOL
Then we went to Double Door to try and catch the Delta Spirit Show, but found out it was sold out. Boo~! So we went around the corner to another clubby club and danced and drank some drinks instead. :) It was a fun night had by all and I’m glad we did it. I think Jess had a nice birthday and I had a great Valentine’s Day. DING~!
CAD, Updates, MIA, Art Show, Condo, Broccoli Quiche
So, the Growing Up CAD show went really well and everyone had a great time. I’m glad Nick and Lee were able to come – we had a really fun night that night (except for the fact that I bumped my head really hard on Nate’s ceiling LOL) – you can see pictures from that night on my flickr set and you can also see the Chicago Art Department Photos here. Here’s cool shot of a couple checking out my piece. :) Bobby and I were really happy to have won one of the silent auctions and got to take home art from Jen Rosenthal. She was one of the original peeps in my Go Go Video class at CAD 3 years ago.
I’ve been a bit MIA lately – just have a lot going on. Doing artwork at home and selling it on etsy, planning a couple of art shows with a friend at work Nick Haas, working on some really huge projects at work that are taking up every bit of my patience, will power, and focus…in fact tonight I think I’ll be working from 7-10 on more designs that are due tomorrow. What’s fun and exciting is I get to go to New York for the design presentation in December…that will be a blast. :)
I absolutely cannot wait to go home for Thanksgiving and see my family and play with my nephew Alex and relax a bit – I’m hoping to get down to Delaware and visit with Jess and Josh for a night and celebrate their birthdays. Depends on if we have enough time to get down there and back without upsetting my family – it is the first time they’ve seen me in a LONG time. I definitely want to try and make it – I’d love to see you guys!
The condo is looking closer to finished now than I think I expected for November and that’s really exciting. :) We still have to wait until February to move in but some of the lower floors will be moving in in December/January. It’s gonna be so awesome to have our own place! yay!
I’m off to work or I’m never gonna get stuff finished for tomorrow! Hope everybody is doing great. And a big thanks to Kurt for the sweet a$$ brocolli quiche he made tonight. Yum in my tum! lol.
FrankenMeg
Check out this blog – FrankenMeg – I especially love the cooking videos. The girl who is the co-founder of this site is an old friend from high-school + I am assuming the guy is her husband. Of course this is interesting to me because its someone I know, but at the same time I love cooking and I’m totally into it…there’s one video on there for some kick ass BBQ sauce too. Very cool – I am inspired to cook Lobstah! And I am inspired to make more videos! Thanks FrankenMeg!
Lobster Roll: cook, clean and eat this New England favorite from FrankenMeg on Vimeo.
Hot damn, I’m cookin’!
I’ll explain.
I always had this impression that I couldn’t cook – or the delusion. Never really tried to do anything outside of the easy stuff like instant mashed potatoes, prepackaged meats/fish, and canned/frozen veggies. Well, I’m here to tell you, real food is so much better! In the past 3 weeks I’ve cooked a homemade dinner at least 6 times….and I’ve made a cake and a dessert for a couple of parties. I realize it’s not easy to do every night because most times I have to make an extra stop at the grocery store for real veggies/spices….but it’s way more fun when you just enjoy it. I didn’t think I would but I was wrong.
Growing up my mom always cooked and took care of absolutely everything and no matter how AWESOME that was (thanks mom!) – I think I just never thought about cooking, since it was always done for me. All through college I’d eat ramen noodles, mac-n-cheese, weird combinations of random things I found in the pantry, lots of snacks and fast food – I don’t know how I got through college on that and beer…it was neither healthy or energizing.
Well here’s the news – I THINK I”M A CHANGED WOMAN. ;) Last night I made yummy Cajun Pasta with real tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, asparagus, green peppers, cucumber, chicken breasts, and spicy sausage, all mixed with some olive oil, paprika, oregano, black pepper, garlic, linguine and Parmesan cheese. It was soooo good and yeah I had to cut up a lot of veggies and prep some stuff but it turned out perfect and tasted delicous. Yay!
The Violet Hour
Last night after seeing the Sex in the City movie (which was fabulous and unexpectedly very long) with the girls from work, Libby and I decided to check out the Violet Hour and have a cocktail or two. Neither of us had been there and I had never even heard of it. It’s right in the middle of my neighborhood but I never knew it was there because its disguised by a very abandoned-looking wood paneled exterior and a yellow light bulb, and it’s hard to find the entrance. It seriously looks like there would be nothing behind the front door, but when opened there are these beautifully luxurious curtains that you walk through to get to the host…he took our IDs and we went through another set of large draperies…it’s a sight to see once you get inside too…these very tall backed chairs, low lighting, sparkling chandeliers, candle lights and VERY pretty and delicious drinks. It looks like a cross between Alice In Wonderland and a very swanky club. We were pleasantly surprised by the story of the unicorn on the menu and the fun choice of music. It was definitely something I would recommend to people looking for a different experience. We had a great talk and laughed a lot and said goodnight. :)
Sweet Caroline…lol
So Good So Good So Good from missshellie on Vimeo.
Bobby and I went out with Bridget + John last night to a little Mexican place called “El Taco Veloz” and happened to sit down right as the Karaoke guy started to sing. I think everyone thought I was a little insane cause I was dancing and singing along in my seat…but it was pretty hilarious and hard to ignore….we were sitting directly in front of the speakers and it was so loud we couldn’t hear each other talk. Damn the food was good though, yum! I think that might be our new spot…used to be Aurturo’s on Western but this new place is just 3 blocks away from B+J’s house…and I think the food is better. DING.
Reheated Royale: La Brochette
I must say: This is quite possibly the most beautiful + delicious re-heated food I’ve ever had…my leftovers from Casey’s birthday dinner at La Brochette! Thank you to Bobby for his arrangement on the two small salad plates. ;)
Shopping with Large
Got to hang out with Large last night and today unexpectedly….which was a nice surprise. :) Today we went shopping on Division Street and tried to find some cool deals and fun stuff. Jess found some sweet jeans on sale for half price and a very nice smelling candle…and I got these sweet handmade earrings from Renegade Handmade that look like doylies hanging from my ears! haha. But they’re actually really pretty on…the picture on the site doesn’t do them justice (plus I got the silver color, not bright blue). Jess and I also stopped into Cocoa Rouge for some hot cocoa after our shopping exhibition for some rest and warmth! What a cool place…really decorated in a unique way and we both had some delicious (not so normal) cocoas. Jessica had the GIANDUJA cocoa, which is a belgian blend of chocolate and pureed carmelized hazelnuts with house-blended milk chocolate. I had the Chile Pepper Cocoa that was hot cocoa with a blend of cayenne pepper…I know, sounds terrible but it was really good – kind of sweet yet hot on your throat. Anyway, that little stop was delicious and relaxing!
Last night Bobby + I went to Fearon’s Bar with Bridget and John for Kat’s birthday party…we had a couple beers and some chicken wings but since Bridget was feeling crappy (she’s been sick all weekend…boo!) we went home a little earlier than expected….but we had fun while it lasted and took a late night stop to the grocery store for some cold medicine and kitty treats (my kitties were all out. haha).
Hope everybody had a great weekend!
My Valentine
What did you guys do for Valentine’s Day?
Bobby and I set up a cooking class at the Chopping Block at the Merchandise Mart downtown – we had champagne, lobster and watercress salad, pistachio encrusted scallops (those were sooooo good!), beef wellington, and for dessert we had chocolate expresso mousse parfait. It was only a demonstration class (not hands on) but it was really fun…it was nice to relax after work and not worry about cooking. We shared a table with a couple that actually lives down the street from us and they turned out to be really cool. I’m so glad because I would’ve been uncomfortable if we sat with strangers that didn’t talk to us! haha!
Anyway the class was awesome and we ate some awesome food! Oh and Bobby got me roses and a teddy bear – it was so cute! I walked off the train and he was standing there hiding it from me… I think I’ve been in denial about recieving flowers for a long time (maybe because I don’t usually get any!)
So anyway, moral of the story – I like getting flowers – even if they die soon after – its totally worth it. haha!
After our class we took a cab to meet Jessica, Sang-woo, and Allison at the movie theater on Western Ave. to see “Jumper” (wouldn’t recommend it) but we did have a really fun time anyway…I was a little tipsy from the wine at class…Jess was worried I might fall asleep in the movie. haha. (Oh another movie I do not recommend if you are not in the mood for crying your eyes out – is P.S I love you – wow, that was a tear jerker! My chest and throat hurt when I left that movie from all the heartbreaking stuff I had to watch!)
I’ll write more later, I have tons to fill you all in on.
:) shell