So excited for this year's restaurant week. I made reservations WAY in advance from my sad experience last year where some of the restaurant were already completely booked the week before the promotion went into effect. I think the restaurants that participated last year will turn things up a notch and I can't wait to see what they have to offer. My line up for this year:
Friday, 20th: Aja Steak (at the Dana Hotel)
Sunday, 22nd: Naha
Wednesday, 25th: Aigre Doux
Friday, 27th: Nomi (lunch)
Minus Aja Steak, I picked the other restaurants based value. I've been wanting to try Aja since they first opened so I can't wait to see what it's all about. I need to get to the gym if I'll be hitting up all these restaurants next week!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
you must...
go watch "Rod Blagojavich Super Star" at Second City this instant! My friend is a student at SC and scored two tickets to the pre-opener this past Tuesday. First of all, the musical aspect of the show was fabulous and the performance kept us laughing. I think Rod B (played by Joey Bland) was totally upstaged by his wife Patti B (played by Lori McClain). I mean, it wouldn't be Patti B without all the profanity and vulgarity - you can't make this stuff up! Everytime Sen. Burris came out Patti and Rod would exclaim, "It's Roland, Burriss..." in a James Earl Jones like theatrical seriousness. My words fail...I can't event explain the hilarity.
Please go watch it!
Please go watch it!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
great deals, good eats, old friends
An old friend of mine from pre-college summer camp at Amherst contacted me via Facebook (what an amazing and scary thing that site is!) that she was going to be in Chicago for residency program interviews. I hadn't seen her in over 8 years so I wondered what would be the best way to break the ice? A delicious dinner and lots of wine. One of my favorite places in Chicago is Sweets and Savories - the food is always at its best and the atmosphere is comfortable and casual making it the perfect place for a Sunday night dinner between two girls on a mission to fit in 8 years of conversation.
I was surprised at the menu - the prices had dropped significantly! My feeling is Chef David has taken cues from the current economic climate that people aren't as willing to drop 25-40 dollars on an entree anymore. All of his appetizers are priced below $10 and his entrees range from $17 - $19! I wondered if this meant a drop in the quality also, but that is never the case at S&S. I had the tomato bread soup and lobster risotto. The soup was so filling by the time I got my risotto I had to keep pawing big spoonfuls over to my friend who was really into her food also.
We shared the blueberry cobbler with white pepper ice cream - what a great dessert! The white pepper ice cream was a nice touch and added a kick to the dense cobbler.
After all was said and done we each paid $42 dollars for a glass of wine, two courses, a shared dessert and coffee. I'd say pretty good for the quality of food.
The next day we met at Blackbird to try out their $15 dollar lunch special. What another great deal! You get a salad, choice of white fish sandwich or short rib burger, and a cute little box with two warm donuts to go. The salad was a simple mixed green with vinaigrette dressing. The white fish sandwich was the best sandwich I had ever had. It came with homemade veggie chips. The highlight was the delectable donuts. They were like fried dough topped with chocolate - they went perfect with the intelligentsia coffee which is the house coffee. $15 + $2.50 for coffee and tip put us at $22/person. I plan on coming back once a week!
My friend also decided to put both U of Chicago and Northwestern as her #1 and 2 choices for residency programs. I like to think I had a part of that =)
I was surprised at the menu - the prices had dropped significantly! My feeling is Chef David has taken cues from the current economic climate that people aren't as willing to drop 25-40 dollars on an entree anymore. All of his appetizers are priced below $10 and his entrees range from $17 - $19! I wondered if this meant a drop in the quality also, but that is never the case at S&S. I had the tomato bread soup and lobster risotto. The soup was so filling by the time I got my risotto I had to keep pawing big spoonfuls over to my friend who was really into her food also.
We shared the blueberry cobbler with white pepper ice cream - what a great dessert! The white pepper ice cream was a nice touch and added a kick to the dense cobbler.
After all was said and done we each paid $42 dollars for a glass of wine, two courses, a shared dessert and coffee. I'd say pretty good for the quality of food.
The next day we met at Blackbird to try out their $15 dollar lunch special. What another great deal! You get a salad, choice of white fish sandwich or short rib burger, and a cute little box with two warm donuts to go. The salad was a simple mixed green with vinaigrette dressing. The white fish sandwich was the best sandwich I had ever had. It came with homemade veggie chips. The highlight was the delectable donuts. They were like fried dough topped with chocolate - they went perfect with the intelligentsia coffee which is the house coffee. $15 + $2.50 for coffee and tip put us at $22/person. I plan on coming back once a week!
My friend also decided to put both U of Chicago and Northwestern as her #1 and 2 choices for residency programs. I like to think I had a part of that =)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
vodka fest!
I read about the $1 Vodka 101 class at Brasserie JO on Gapersblock the other day and signed up myself and a group of friends for the event. The woman on the phone asked me for a credit card number - just for formality, but hey! For five people I'll certainly foot the $5 bill. Who wouldn't?
The event room was set up with display tables at the far end of the room and some high tops for guests to place their drinks and appetizers on. At 7 o'clock on the dot a flat bread appetizer started making its way around. Then came a beet soup topped with creme fraiche and mini burgers For dessert they offered a really nice flourless chocolate cake - very rich but nothing that I couldn't finish in one bite!
As for the cocktails were made from DiVine Vodka from Round Barn Winery & Distillery - one of 4 vodkas in the world made from grapes. The vodka is very smooth and clean compared to its competitors. There were 4 different cocktails made including the classic french martini. My favorite was the Grand Slam -
1/2 oz DiVine Vodka
3/4 oz Free Run's Muscat Ottonel
Dash of Round Barn Heart of Apricot
Artesia Sauvage Sparkling Wine
Very light and refreshing. It was a great night - educational and filling!
The event room was set up with display tables at the far end of the room and some high tops for guests to place their drinks and appetizers on. At 7 o'clock on the dot a flat bread appetizer started making its way around. Then came a beet soup topped with creme fraiche and mini burgers For dessert they offered a really nice flourless chocolate cake - very rich but nothing that I couldn't finish in one bite!
As for the cocktails were made from DiVine Vodka from Round Barn Winery & Distillery - one of 4 vodkas in the world made from grapes. The vodka is very smooth and clean compared to its competitors. There were 4 different cocktails made including the classic french martini. My favorite was the Grand Slam -
1/2 oz DiVine Vodka
3/4 oz Free Run's Muscat Ottonel
Dash of Round Barn Heart of Apricot
Artesia Sauvage Sparkling Wine
Very light and refreshing. It was a great night - educational and filling!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
food, fun, and philanthropy
One of my favorite restaurant row establishments is having a spectacular anniversary celebration. Looks like a good time!
Click on image for larger view:
Click on image for larger view:
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
denim bombshell!
I am so sad that I will not be around this year for this event...
Will be out of town at a wedding in Kansas. Yes, Kansas.
Click on image for larger view:
Will be out of town at a wedding in Kansas. Yes, Kansas.
Click on image for larger view:
Sunday, October 5, 2008
white truffle time!
My favorite restaurant:
Sweets & Savories Annual White Truffle Dinner Extravaganza!
Thursday, October 16th, 2008
$65.00 per Person
Opulent Seven Course Chef's Dinner White Truffles Everywhere Right Down to Sweets & Savories' Notorious White Truffle Ice Cream! Wine Pairing will also be Available. 2008 is being being refered to as a truely Vintage year for White Truffles, and Chef David can't wait to get his truffle shaver on these Jems!
Last year filled up Fast and we missed some of you, so please call early for a Reservation. We Hope Everyone has a Great Fall and Look Forward to Seeing You Soon!
Sweets & Savories is located at:
1534 W Fullerton Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: 773.281.6778 Fax: 312.573.1077
For more information (dress code, parking, map, etc.) or to make reservations at Sweets & Savories: http://www.opentable.com/restaurant_profile.asp?ID=5615&restref=5615
Sweets & Savories Annual White Truffle Dinner Extravaganza!
Thursday, October 16th, 2008
$65.00 per Person
Opulent Seven Course Chef's Dinner White Truffles Everywhere Right Down to Sweets & Savories' Notorious White Truffle Ice Cream! Wine Pairing will also be Available. 2008 is being being refered to as a truely Vintage year for White Truffles, and Chef David can't wait to get his truffle shaver on these Jems!
Last year filled up Fast and we missed some of you, so please call early for a Reservation. We Hope Everyone has a Great Fall and Look Forward to Seeing You Soon!
Sweets & Savories is located at:
1534 W Fullerton Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: 773.281.6778 Fax: 312.573.1077
For more information (dress code, parking, map, etc.) or to make reservations at Sweets & Savories: http://www.opentable.com/restaurant_profile.asp?ID=5615&restref=5615
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