Sunday, February 27, 2011

Eat: Restaurant Week

This was a totally new concept for me!  Chicago Restaurant Week.  Can we all unanimously say BRILLIANT!  What other opportunity does a person have to dine in some of Chicago's finest eateries and do so in true style.  3 course dinner at a fabulous restaurant for $33?!  Done and done!

Let me paint a little picture for you (Since, sadly I did not take any photos.  Shame on me.).  The menu at Blackbird for Jen and Patti was:
Patti
salad of endives with baby lettuces, potato,
basil, dijon, pancetta and poached egg  (poached egg on anything is perfection)
---
atlantic cod with flageolets, pink lady apple,
fried pumpernickel and winter herbs  (the fish was like butta')
---
chocolate ganache with tahitian vanilla
gastrique and parsnip ice cream

I did utter...twice...my all time highest rating for a fabulous dinner "I am so happy right now."

Jen
seared diver scallops with pears, brussels
sprouts and powdered sauerkraut
---
roasted farm chicken and sausage with
cauliflower, maitake mushrooms,
kaffir lime and applewood broth
---
vanilla parfait with satsuma,
campari and almond

I am going to leave you with that happy mental image.  Now on to the picture perfect end of our evening.  We decided that the night was not complete without a drink or two at Girl & The Goat.  One of Chicago's hottest new restaurants.  I carry my camera with me everywhere and couldn't resist snapping a few pictures of the interiors for this amazing restaurant.  







We are a tad blurry but we're with Chef Izard!

Private Tables
We had such an enjoyable evening and have vowed to return to Girl and the Goat for more drinks and dinner very very soon.  

Say it with me now:
I'm so happy right now!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Good Morning Sunshine!

I may have quibbled with good old Oscar back in 1893 for writing that line.  Possibly over cafe au lait in some fabulous cafe, at breakfast!  I tend to think my friends and I are pretty brilliant at breakfast (well, maybe brunch).  And we're far from dull!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Wonderful Things

I can't think of a better way to spend my recent Saturday off than by brunching, treasure hunting and then capping everything off with a lovely glass of red wine and a little snack.  Can you think of a better afternoon?  Nope.  Didn't think so.  

My designer friend, Robert Northington, succeeded in twisting my arm (well, not really twisting...more a gentle cajoling) and convincing me that I must buy these fabulous little baubles during our trip to Hoard Antiques in Lincoln Square.

I already owned the 3 multi-metaled cuffs and the copper linked bracelet seemed so at home on my arm with the other three.  I just had to take it home with me!


The next stop was Ravenswood Antique Mart for a browse through their very well edited and inspirational collection of mid-century antiques.  I love this place.  Go there if you haven't already.  You won't be disappointed.
As the day progressed we drove past the Red Rooster Wine Bar in Lincoln Park.  It is like a little slice of Paris in our own back yard!  And I have to say again...if you haven't been...GO!  Check out our after shopping snack.  C'etait merveilleux!

 The bar is tres charmant.  As was the bartender.  He'd been there for 20 years!

Geraniums in February!

Doesn't Robert look happy?

This was our snack...escargots!!!

I was not wearing this amazing color...but it is wonderful, so I had to add it to my post.  Yves Saint Laurent - Red 02  This  is my newest lipstick color and I can't wait wear it out!