Movin' On Up To The East Side....... (Okay actually south four blocks)

I cannot believe that it's less than a week until Christmas! The past month has been insanely busy, which is no excuse for no blog love I know but between Christmas parties, shopping, and cooking there has been little time.
Plus to top it all off I decided to move during one of the busiest times of year - yay me! However, this move isn't overly difficult as I'm only going four blocks down the street, yes, that's right I'm moving in with the S.O. When my current lease was terminated I did start to look for new apartments but we chatted and figured that it didn't make sense or dollars! that I get another place so here we are together and cohabitating. I'm not entirely "officially" moved in yet but by next weekend I will be and I'm sure his life will be vastly improved not only by my constant presence but also now by the constant presence of food in the refrigerator and an abundance of t.p. on hand (things that somehow didn't exist over there previously). I've never had a male roomie before so it should be interesting, but unlike my past female roommates I'm sure we will never fight for time in front of the mirror in the bathroom or decorating styles. The only issue so far is that I prefer to flip between GMA, VH1 and Saved By The Bell reruns while getting ready in the morning while his preference is Squawk Box, but after he's experience a few mornings with Diane and Robin or some Forgive videos at 7a.m. I'm sure that will all change.
A few other random asides:
I have been stating since the beginning of football season how I despise the pink, female jerseys that are worn by women. In my opinion if you are going to wear a jersey then you need to wear the real deal, not some pink and white combo, but even more importantly the pink jersey screams "I am a semi-trashy bimbo who doesn't even really know about sports" (I have yet to see someone in a pink jersey that disprove this theory.) Then to provide a classic illustration of this theory, who appears in a pink jersey last week? None other than Jessica Simpson - thank you, case in point.
I am bracing myself for a crappy Christmas gift season, to date, nobody that I expect to be receiving presents from has bought me anything yet - it's December 19th! Now I know the season isn't about presents, but let me be clear, I love presents, I take the time to pick out nice presents for people so please be kind and return the favor! I am going on the record now and saying that I may need to develop a Christmas list in October of next year and distribute it to those in need (and by in need I mean in need of a clue of what to buy me). Fa la la la la la la la la!

A Few Things

've been a bad blogger, I admit it. Although I have a personal mini-drama on my hands, I was told this month that my apartment building was sold and I have to move by the end of January!
Moving in Chicago in during the holiday and winter season how fun!!! There's also the additional fact that I loathe moving, it is such a pain, packing, unpacking - I despise it all. So needless to say
that has take up a majority of my time as of late - still no solution yet but hopefully soon!
In the meantime, two pet peeves that crossed my mind this week for you to ponder (and hopefully discourage in others).
Random spitting on the public sidewalk. It's 8a.m. in the morning, do you REALLY need to hawk a big loogie right in front of me when I've just had my breakfast. Honestly, unless you've just ingested something awful or poisonous there really is no reason to spit (unless you're playing baseball then I condone it, I don't like it but I condone it as part of the sport).
Women who don't observe the courtesy stall policy. Say there are five stalls and I am in stall three and the rest are empty, you do not choose options two or four, options one or five are the acceptable choices. If there's space available make use of it. Really, if men have mastered the art of urinal etiquette why can we not do the same?
That's all I've got for now!

Can You Tell Me How To Get To ...........

So it happened to me again this week so I felt that I needed to write about it - I get stopped on the street and asked for directions at least once a week. Since my office is right next door to the Sears Tower I can somewhat understand that I get approached for directions often as there's always a number of tourists wandering about on the sidewalk (and walking four wide during prime commuting hours) BUT this also happens to me in other parts of the city and here's the kicker, when I'm on vacation in other countries!
This as lead me to believe that either 1) to the general public I appear like woman in the know, someone who will definitely given them an answer or 2) the most non-threatening person in their line of sight. I prefer to think that it's option 1 because really, I don't want to look that non-threatening to the general public, I don't think that can lead to anything good.
I will confess though that my all-time favorite ask for directions was when I was in the Knightsbridge area of London and was stopped by two Scots who were asking for directions to Harvey Nicols, I was thrilled because they thought I was a Londoner - I didn't stick out as an ugly American! I was doubly excited because I also knew how to give them directions to where they were going, for a split second I contemplated responding in a British accent but I think would have known it to be fake and S.O. would have never let me hear the end of it.
So do I need to walk faster, look meaner or just enjoy the fact that one of the reasons I'm here is so assist those that are directionally challenged. And next time you're lost anywhere in the greater Chicagoland area or Western Europe just give me a call! )

A Thorough Examination

So just when I was thinking that I had nothing fun to blog about as of late, I had my annual gynecologist appointment today. (How many of you are just hating that you read that sentence right now!) Actually, it was a fairly quick and uneventful trip but as I am sitting on the examining table making the initial polite small talk (honestly if you can make small talk in that situation you should never fear cocktail parties - just a thought) the doctor pulls up my file on the computer and is just reviewing my file when he says "So are you still dating your boyfriend? It's been about four years, what's going on with that - when's he going to get to it?"
Oh no he didn't! I couldn't help but crack up and ask "what else do you have written in there!", so I can't wait to tell my "significant other" - he really wouldn't want his name tied to this post, that he lives in infamy in the computer system of Northwestern's gynecology department.

M. Herny - A Review - Three Stars

Now that it's that cozy, fall time of year I did one of my favorite things last Sunday, I went to brunch. Brunch is lovely all year round but you really don't want a big breakfast when it is 85 and 100% humidity so fall is the perfect time.
There's so many delicious places to go but for this trip I ventured to a new spot (new to me) called M. Henry in Andersonville. While not a locale I would typically venture to for brunch I recently had a friend move to the Ravenswood neighborhood or as she refers to it "the suburbs" so I thought I'd be nice and meet somewhere closer to her turf. We got there at 10 and I'm so glad we did because it was already packed although we were seated immediately (yay! bonus points for M. Henry right there!) but sadly that meant I was whisked away from the waiting area before I could peruse all the tantalizing baked goods on display - the smell of those alone is enough to make me want to come back.
A warm and welcoming spot, M. Henry is comfortable but a no-frills place, simple colors on the walls, minimal decoration and ample seating make for a snug but appealing spot for brunch. The menu isn't overly extensive but there were plenty of items to choose from, Benedicts w/out the egg, omelettes galore, quiche, pumpkin pancakes (they almost got me!), along with all your standards, egg/bacon, french toast, etc. My eye for some reason immediately went to the fried egg sandwich, (although to be fair you could put a fried egg on any type of sandwich and I would select it )and my brunching companion got the classic french toast with berries and whipped cream. M. Henry also has a full sandwich listing for those that interpret brunch with more emphasis on the the "unch" but that's not me - it's strictly breakfast all the way.
Both our dishes looked gorgeous and were quite tasty, the egg along with applewood bacon, goat cheese and sun dried tomato all served on a perfectly pressed pannini style sourdough baguette - can we say heaven? It was so good that I didn't even touch my side of potatoes - but to give them props they did appear to me perfectly crispy and delicious. The french toast was equally tasty per my brunching friend and from my perspective just plain pretty to look at - berries and whipped cream are beautiful! M. Henry was jammed but they didn't rush us out even after we had paid and lingered a bit at the table - a sign of a classy joint. So head out to M. Henry for a totally satisfying meal next time you are in the mood for brunch, just be sure to get there by 10 a.m. - the whole street was packed with would-be diners by the time we left.

Where I've Been Hiding

It's been an inexcusable three weeks since I've last posted but I was busy vacationing and the laptop just does not come with on vacation, that is a mandatory rule! I won't bore you with the details of my vacation, I know most people don't really care when they ask "how was your trip" but here it is in a nutshell. First went to Prague, gorgeous, colorful, classic European city - beautiful architecture, haunting setting, great local fare and beer - a must for anyone serious about seeing Europe. Next on to Vienna to visit friends, just the city you would envision it to be, lots of baroque, chandeliers, cafes, kuchen and more. I could easily envision Freud hanging out there in the day. If you visit definitely check out Schonnebruen (sp?) palace just outside of central Vienna, beautiful grounds and a zoo that will wow you! Finally, wrapped up the trip in Paso Robles, CA (can anyone say "jet lag"?) for a weekend celebrating the harvest in the Paso wine region. Lots of pinots, rhones and the like, while great, left me craving a beer by weekends end, a fun trip but I was ready to come home a nest a bit.
So now it's fall officially in Chicago after many weeks of glorious 70+ weather in October, I finally feel like cooking again and actually staying indoors during the weekend so I promise more faithful posting. I'll have a lot to discuss I'm sure, with half of my group of friends all being with child it provides for plenty of food for thought (and leaves me discussing breastfeeding far more often than I ever thought possible) .
That's all for now!

Saltaus Review : Two And A Half Stars

Another restaurant review coming your way, but before I progress I should provide some explanation to my rating system. The standard "1" is bad, "4" is the best scale doesn't apply here, my scale is modeled somewhat like Phil Vettel's (Tribune's food critic). 1 is okay, 2 pretty good, 3 a definite delight, I will be back and 4 means a place is made for you in my Chicago favorites list. So with being said, here's my review of Saltaus.
A restaurant also located on the West Loop restaurant row that is Randolph Street, Saltaus is a recently new edition opened for about a year and a half, located at the far west end of the strip of gastronomy. A contemporary American spot, Saltaus is housed in a very contemporary storefront, light woods, sparse white and black furnishing, a bit reminiscent of what Avec might be like if it were more spacious. The effect is sleek and modern, not at all cold as one might think. The menu is fairly brief with only about 5-6 items on the appetizer, first and second courses. However, this does not mean that the menu decisions were easy, I thought almost every entree on the list looked like a worthy selection. The salmon blinis with caviar tempted my palate but I was in a fall mood and went with a special for my first course, an heirloom pumpkin soup, it was tasty, I'd actually like to try and recreate it at home myself but the server failed to mention that the soup was served cold. While it didn't take away from the flavor of the dish I would have probably preferred a hot option instead. Since I'm on the subject of service, it was a bit lacking - we sat for awhile after being seated and then once drink orders were taken they promptly rushed back to take our dinner orders leaving me to finish my cocktail with my first course, not something that should ever occur. Back to the important matter at hand though - the food! All four of us dining opted for different entrees and everyone appeared to be quite happy with their choices, there was a beef fillet, pork tenderloin with accompanying entree du jour of late, the pork belly, a ricotta gnocchi so light and delicious I was happy to have been offered a bite and then my Colorado lamb chop on a bed pureed chickpeas with a hint of bleu cheese - I happily ate every last bite I am a bit proud and ashamed to say. Dessert was a bit standard, creme brulees, molten chocolate cakes, all fine but they could stand to notch it up a bit in the dessert department. My biggest disappointment with the evening was the wine selections, the server really wasn't that knowledgeable and most everything we tried to order off the list was unavailable as they were apparently in transition from summer to fall wine lists. (Suggestion: back that clear up front and have your sommelier provide some suggestions to the table rather than letting us suffer through only to be displeased with the option). The service and the wine list could both stand to grow up a bit but the food and sleek Randolph setting were enough to still make it a solid standout night in my mind. Next time I'll give them a try in a solid mid-season and be a bit more aggressive about wine preferences and I'm sure it will be a stellar night. Saltaus worth a visit next time you're considering a trip to Randolph's Restaurant Row.

Sepia - A Review, Two Stars

This past Thursday I finally checked out Sepia, the much-hyped new restaurant over the in the near West Loop. It had highly irritated me for weeks that I couldn't get a weekend reservation calling two weeks in advance, "hello, this is Chicago!" unless it's Trotter's or Tru I expect to be in given a two week notice, but no dice with Sepia. So I opted for the strategy of go after work on a week night with no reservations and hope for the best. It worked out, I arrived and my friend had snagged spot in the front, lounge/dining area so we were set. I had been reading about Sepia in the local press for so long, that coupled with the inability to get a reservation (I'm a sucker for anything that oozes a difficulty to obtain) and my expectations for the place were somewhat high. We started with the much touted flatbreads, which you are almost expected to order but they were tasty enough so I didn't feel too put out. True to it's name it's the flattest bread imaginable with peaches, blue cheese and prosciutto, the flavor combos were perfect but a tad greasy for my taste. My dining companion was a fellow food lover so we shared both appetizers and entrees as to not miss out on anything. The pork ritelle was interesting, I enjoyed the flavor and texture of the pistachio brittle that accompanied the dish but don't believe that I would order it again as it felt a little too much like scooping fat out of a dish and slathering it on some bread (alas, isn't this called butter?) but the grilled octopus with a reduced tomato sauce/compote, not sure which it was?? was excellent and on point. Entrees were a skate wing (lovely) with roots vegetables, cooked but nothing more (skins on, very rustic) and veal cheeks, never having had veal cheeks I must confess the cut of meat was not what I expected, fine, but not the cut of veal I would prefer. Both dishes were fine, not excellent but acceptable. Dessert was a lemon bread pudding, leaning more towards pudding than bread, probably could have passed on this summer item still lingering on the menu, but what kind of girl would I be if I passed up dessert?? The service was a highpoint, a very patient sever who tolerated our chatting and not ordering for quite some time but was always hovering in the near distance if we ever needed her. So after all the hype and frustration in trying to get in I must say that it was fine but didn't live up to my expectations, but then again, all those of the built-up expectations never do. Check out Sepia, but wait until it's become a neighborhood staple rather than the new thing to do.

Anteprima - A Review

This past week I had dinner at Anteprima, a relatively new Italian spot right in the heart of Andersonville. With a smaller but intimate front dining room and a lovely outdoor back patio the look and feel of Anteprima sets the scene, charming yet a bit rustic. The place started out on the right note, winning big points with me as I sat at the bar waiting for my friend and the bartender all of her own accord offered me several wine tastings to determine which Italian selection I'd like the best and then ended up pouring me a glass that wasn't even on the menu. Fabulous! (The pours are quite generous as well.) Anteprima's menu is not overcomplicated focusing on some simple, regional Italian dishes but that doesn't mean it's limited, there are a number of items that I would go back and try. I'm all about the movement to simple flavors and the focus on local ingredients and you get this at Anteprima. There were a number of specials that night and I shared one as an appetizer, some fresh figs that were deliciously in season with prosciutto, Gorgonzola and a balsamic drizzle - possibly perfection on a little plate. When going Italian I am usually a pasta girl all the way (and no surprise I was that night as well) but the menu had many intriguing meat dishes: quail, barramundi, veal - I was heavily tempted. In the end however I went with the bucatini with pea shoots, pecorino and seasoned with chili oil to give an interesting and welcomed quick, this was a light dish that still packed a punch. I also sampled the ravioli and it was melt in your mouth good.
Desserts, ours was an orange cake with sambuca whipped cream were so-so, I'd recommend skipping dessert and walking down half a block for a piece of confection perfection at Sweet Occasions bakery.
Anteprima: charming setting, solid service, simple and appealing flavors and most importantly plentiful wine! Definitely worth a visit.

Book Review: Into the Wild & Jen Lancaster

Into the Wild - Two and a Half Stars
The book my book club's reading this month is Into the Wild by Jonathan Krakauer. I thought the description of the book, a fresh-out-of-college guy from privileged middle class America hitches around the U.S. then treks into the Alaskan wild and mysteriously dies was interesting but I didn't expect to like the book as much as I did. Being a person who appreciates the outdoors but cannot understand why one would willingly choose to live in discomfort, I thought that I would be annoyed with Chris McCandless and the author's depiction of his story. It was just the opposite, retracing the steps he made during his final year was enthralling and what especially added to the story for me was Krakauer's deftly woven in quotes from numerous pieces of notable American literature that highlighted man's obsession with nature, beauty for beauty's sake and the value of self-reliance in a material world (although I AM a material girl - sorry couldn't help it.)
Krakauer wraps up McCandless's story in such a way that you aren't angry at him for his seemingly foolish and selfish choices, although my one bone of contention was the callous way in which McCandless dealt with his family who quite honestly did nothing to provoke such treatment. It's a great, quick read on a subject that most probably can't relate to but if Krakauer could make this city chick at least marginally relate to the urge to chuck it all and head for the woods then there has to be something to this book.
For a few fun, sassy reads from a Chicago author try Bitter is The New Black or Bright Lights: Big Ass by Jen Lancaster. The first book follows her fall from dot-com divadom to unemployment and (some) humility. Totally entertaining, I love Jen's attitude and writing style, especially her footnotes! This is an author I could go out for cocktails with and likely inspire a strange chapter in her next memoir. Bright Lights is life post "the crash" her attempts to become a full-time writer and all the annoying and endearing craziness that happens living in this great city.

Into the Wild - Two and a Half Stars
The book my book club's reading this month is Into the Wild by Jonathan Krakauer. I thought the description of the book, a fresh-out-of-college guy from privileged middle class America hitches around the U.S. then treks into the Alaskan wild and mysteriously dies was interesting but I didn't expect to like the book as much as I did. Being a person who appreciates the outdoors but cannot understand why one would willingly choose to live in discomfort, I thought that I would be annoyed with Chris McCandless and the author's depiction of his story. It was just the opposite, retracing the steps he made during his final year was enthralling and what especially added to the story for me was Krakauer's deftly woven in quotes from numerous pieces of notable American literature that highlighted man's obsession with nature, beauty for beauty's sake and the value of self-reliance in a material world (although I AM a material girl - sorry couldn't help it.)
Krakauer wraps up McCandless's story in such a way that you aren't angry at him for his seemingly foolish and selfish choices, although my one bone of contention was the callous way in which McCandless dealt with his family who quite honestly did nothing to provoke such treatment. It's a great, quick read on a subject that most probably can't relate to but if Krakauer could make this city chick at least marginally relate to the urge to chuck it all and head for the woods then there has to be something to this book.
For a few fun, sassy reads from a Chicago author try Bitter is The New Black or Bright Lights: Big Ass by Jen Lancaster. The first book follows her fall from dot-com divadom to unemployment and (some) humility. Totally entertaining, I love Jen's attitude and writing style, especially her footnotes! This is an author I could go out for cocktails with and likely inspire a strange chapter in her next memoir. Bright Lights is life post "the crash" her attempts to become a full-time writer and all the annoying and endearing craziness that happens living in this great city.

A Few Things

Some thoughts that crossed my mind today............

I have the perfect butt for the bustled skirt - if it were the 1880s I would be world-renowned super model (however when you have this realization in a pencil skirt it isn't the most uplifting thing). I might stop by the Art Institute and request that they paint me into Sunday at the Grande Jatte (aka the dot painting).

Why does plumber have a "b" in it? This is annoying me - I want to change it to plummer - don't ask why, it was just an irritant today.

And men should never wear a short sleeved "dress shirt" (kind of an oxymoron in my opinion) - the look is awful, unless you are trying to blend in at an assisted living community don't do it.

Mexx at Whiskey Bar - Three Stars

Last Thursday night myself and few stalwart friends braved the midwest monsoon and headed to Mexx on Rush Street for a pre-birthday celebration (for those of you that want to mark the actual date on your calendar for future reference it's August 24). Since it was insanity outside and I knew that my neighborhood in Lakeview looked like the tornado scene from Wizard of Oz I was more than happy to instead go out for some Mexican inspired drinks and dinner. Mexx is part of the Whiskey Bar chain and it's right at Rush & State, that's right, sitting right smack dab in the middle of the Viagra Triangle. About 360 days of the year I make fun of this part of town but every so often I get the inkling to make a trip over to the neighborhood and I'm glad I did for Mexx. In what used to be a dark, velveted bark that was total cheesiness that fit right in with the likes of Jilly's. Mexx has been redone into a more rustic, wood-hewn Mexican decor with big, chunky furniture with only the teeniest Mexican flair. While watching for the flock to come in from the storm I had a pomegranate margaritas, while delicious it really tasted nothing like pomegranate and more like the jungle-juice that I used to drink out of a garbage can at fraternity parties. This isn't necessarily a complaint - I loved the jungle juice - it led to many a fun night (I think, it also had the tendency to erase my memory) so needless the drink is strong but if you don't feel like reliving your college years before dinner then you might want to take a pass. As we ordered an appetizer and wondered how many of our friends had been swept away into the Chicago river, Mexx passed the first test for my "what makes a good Mexican restaurant" - they did not skimp on the guacamole!!! They brought a heaping dish in fact and sitting a table with several other chip and guac lovers we weren't even able to finish it. However, I'm glad I saved some room because my dinner was great. A ton of options looked enticing on the menu, ensuring that I'll be back but I went for the steak with some au-gratiny, poblanoey (love that description) potatoes and a light mole sauce - not only was it beautifully plated but it was also a treat going down. And while I didn't sample them the beef enchiladas and chicken poblano that others got at the table also appeared to be enjoyed by our water-logged group. The service was also a bonus, very attentive and friendly with the house manager stopping by several times to check in on everything. My one complaint -no candle in the dessert for me but I blame that on my dining companions rather than the restaurant how could they be expected to know my birthday (this year at least, for next year they better be ready).
Go to Mexx now if you are looking for a little VT vibe without having to inhale a side of beef.

Squirrel!

So this morning as I was coming back from the gym I parked my car and walked across the entryway to alley which is right next to my building, I looked down and the alley and shuddered for a moment when I saw what I thought was a rat. When I looked a little closer I realized it was just a squirrel and I was immediately relieved, but then I got to thinking "why am I so much more relieved that it was a squirrel"?
They are both furry, little rodents with gnawing teeth - why should I like one more than the other. The only two reasons I could come up with were that squirrels were a little cuter - they seem softer and fluffier. There is just something about that skinny rat tail that always seems so creepy and disgusting. My second reason was that squirrels seem cleaner but really I have absolutely no proof of that - they are both wild animals that forage in the city, I'm sure neither of them is all that clean.
So to quote my all time favorite show "squirrels are just rats with cuter outfits" - if this is the case then maybe you need to keep a more wary eye on the next squirrel you see or try not to freak out so much when you see a rat, I'll let it me your call.
(I'm keeping my eye on that squirrel.)

A few thoughts

Just a sampling of things that have run across my mind the past few days..........

Anklets- why are people still wearing these? Do your ankles really require special adornment? They scream "I am a trashy 80s throwback" - remove them immediately!

Grocery cart wheels never work - are they broken to begin with - I'm convinced they are.

How does the mail person have a universal key to get in everywhere?And how do we know they aren't abusing this power for evil purposes.

The 11th Commandment

So my last posting was a bit of a rant on Bonds and you may view this one as a rant as well but really it's not. It's an axiom that you should follow if you are a grown and classy individual regarding going out to dinner with friends.
It's my absolute pet peeve to have dinner with people then have the bill divided up based on "well I had the chicken and you had the steak" , etc. etc. or the more subtle approach to this same move, where the other party just leaves no additional money for the tip as their way of implying that you need to cover the rest because your portion was more. My answer to this behavior - do not go out to dinner, stay at home! If you are so concerned about that extra ten dollars then leave your butt at home. Not only does a move like this smack of cheapness but it really ruins the dining experience for those evolved individuals that are dining with you, I am not out at the diner with a bunch or 90 year old ladies on social security nor am I at Denny's with a bunch of 18 year olds (only cases where it's okay to pay for what's yours because you are scrimping by).
Otherwise if the urge to say "but you had an extra drink and dessert" rises to the back of your throat then just face the facts that you are not cut out for life as a dinner companion. Having a pleasant and civilized evening is what going to dinner is all about and besides if you think your dinner partners are "trying to pull one over on you" then I think you need to re-evaluate some bigger issues than the check.
This isn't sparked by any particular, recent even (for those of you that may have had dinner with me recently!) but rather an on-going irritation so I felt that I needed to clear the air with that one and put the rule out there. Rule #97 - thou shalt not become a cheapo when the check arrives!
(I think that was actually the 11th commandment as well.)

The Fat Head Doesn't Deserve the Accolades

I'm so annoyed with the whole Barry Bonds breaking the record. I wish they could revoke it from him because he's a big, fat (emphasis on fat- do you see that head!) - CHEATER!
I don't even care if they can't prove it, rumors are enough. It's kind of like being in high school or college, if the rumor goes around that you are slut even if you aren't, some people will
always associate that with you (for example purposes only - this was never said about the author of this blog!).
I hate that everything is tainted lately - even golf! It is a sad day when a sport that used to consist of mostly mildly out of shape WASPs who smoked a lot turn to the roids - although based on my description they appear to have the most legitmate, physical reasons.
So boo, hiss to all those lazy, sad athletes. You get paid millions of dollars to play a sport for a living and you can even rely on your own physial prowess to get the job done?? That would be like be like me using some Ph.D genius to do my work for me everyday, but I don't! 1) Because really the number of people I would honestly trust to be "smarter" is limited and 2) super smart people are never normal and socially adjusted, so that makes the average worker and the average athlete who relies on their own talents much more likeable - so Barry and all the neurosurgeons out there can take that!


Side note: while I'm on an apparent rant today. Another thing that's been driving me nuts lately - men who commute to work in flip flops. This is unacceptable because not only does it look dumb with your dress pants but also because your shoes are comfortable and FLAT! Women commute in flip flops because we wear heels which are hard to commute in, climb El stairs in and walk over sidewalk grates. If you are a guy you should be embarassed about doing this - put the Kenneth Coles back on and march yourself into work!
(I swear I'm in a good mood this week -really I am!)

I Heart NY

So I just came back from a long work/fun weekend in New York. I've only been to the city a handful of times but each time I go I love it even more. I won't bore you with all the reasons it's great (amazing shopping, food and people watching!) but I'll give you a few highlights from the weekend if you happen to be looking for something to do next time you're there (even though the options are limitless - so basically I'm just looking for an excuse to chat about my trip: )
On a friend's recommendation went to a restaurant called Hearth in the East Village on Friday night. They describe themselves as Italian but I would just classify them in the more general contemporary, American genre. A simple, yet inviting space on First & 12th, Hearth was definitely a find. Dinner consisted of a cold, corn chowder soup with some peekytoe crab and a grilled quail for Mr. Man who was with me. I did have any of the quail so I can't comment but my starter was delicious, anticipating our phat/fat Mario Batali dinner later in the weekend we both opted for lighter dishes for our entrees, me with the poached halibut and he with the scallops and as soon as those babies came out I had intense ordering envy - they were perfect! Great wine and a lemony/blueberry dessert combo topped off the evening - a definite recommend to anyone looking for a good, but not over the top spot in NY.
While I could continue to go into detail about the rest of my eating and wanderings that weekend, I'll just focus on the highlights. Upper East Side neighborhoods - so fun, lots of bars and restaurants to keep you endlessly entertained, Bergdorf Goodmans - I can't in good conscience buy most anything in there but it is glorious to walk around and see those beautiful things. We ended the weekend with a Sunday night dinner at Mario Batali's Babbo, that place must do an amazing business because I had to call like it was my job to get a reservation there. The restaurant itself is a little unassuming place on Waverly just off of Washington Square, located in an old townhouse, simple decor yet upscale just enough without being stuffy at all. The menu was amazing although if you expect standard Italian, lasagnas, meatballs, etc. don't come here. Batali is inventive with the menu - just a few of things I saw on there: brains, tongue, cheeks, feet - you get the picture. While it all looked fabulous we felt that we should pay service to the excellent pasta they are known for and we went with the pasta tasting menu - Yes! We went with the full-on carb-fest and I loved every minute of it A total of five pastas and three desserts in all (can you say decadent) it was a great choice (and I didn't eat all of any of the servings lest you think I am a complete glutton). Tagliatelle was black and fresh with charred sweet corn (my fave), raviolis with scallions, braised beef, delicious mushrooms - it was all wonderful. Of course you then need to jog around the entire island of Manhattan about 18 times to work off that dinner but well worth it. Staff was friendly and very knowledgeable - if you have a month in advance to plan for a reservation you should book it.
Each successive trip that I make to NY I love it more and more, that along with London - and I SWEAR I don't only love the most expensive cities in the world but if you can find me a cheap one that's just as fabulous please let me know.

The Gage Review - Two Stars

Recently I checked out a new, downtown "gastropub" one night after work this week. While the term gastropub has become as overused as small-plates and ceviches I do like the concept. A place
that is still essentially a bar but with a bit more upscale food, drink and decor. Why they went with the term gastropub when it could have been "fanci-bar" I don't know - maybe I'll start my own fanci-bar chain someday, but I digress....
The Gage is in a great location, directly across from Millennium Park on south Michigan Ave. and in what is primarily a tourist or non-descript office building strip this is a more appealing option for people looking for a decent but not over the top spot to head to after work prior to another evening event. The look is what you'd expect, dark wood, shiny fixtures, tiled floor - but all nicely done and a roomy bar area that is definitely a welcomed downtown addition. Having a drink at the bar prior to dinner, I enjoy the generous pour I received from the bartender (but that could just be because I'm cute!). We were in a bit of a time crunch so I didn't order any of the appetizers but they looked tasty and I would go back for those fondues, chips and curry gravy (fries for you non-Anglophiles) and one that I was interested in, an olive and pickle selection. The menu divided up into firsts/second/mains was all very tempting looking and I actually ordered a first and second and was plenty full with my selections. A cold cucumber soup, while only average was a find I wouldn't expect in a pub, albeit, a gastropub, so I felt compelled to try it. My entree was the caramelized lobster on a bed of lemony quinoa, the seasoning of the quinoa was great but I couldn't find proof that the lobster had seen anything close to carmelization but I managed to chock it down - hey, it's lobster!
Other's at the table had an aged Manhattan strip, duck confit and your standard burger spruced up with some fancy cheese and onions. The verdict: strip was good, duck was undercooked and the burger was also undercooked. While not a catastrophe and certainly easily remedied by the kitchen, it did end up putting a damper on the meal, we were on a time crunch to catch a show (which we had explained to the server earlier) so the fact that we waited quite awhile for our food which then came out undercooked really was an amateur's mistake made by the kitchen. I must say the staff was very courteous and apologetic when they realized what happened and took at least one of the items off the bill but their apologies actually became a bit irritating and overdone. So I am equating The Gage to that nerdy boy who likes you in high school, he's very nice and well meaning, your mom thinks you should like him but you just can't, at least not yet - give it some time, maybe till your class reunion or in the case of The Gage maybe another month or two.

So the majority of my sunny, 80 degree weekend was spend firmly engrossed in the last Harry Potter book. Do I feel slightly guilty for missing a great summer weekend, slightly, but
the enjoyment of reading the last book was well worth it. These things are like crack! I am thankful that I didn't start reading them until 2005 otherwise I would have had serious issues waiting for
so long between each book. I won't spoil the end for anyone since I am an abnormally fast reader - even my speed-reading boyfriend was impressed (or was that pissed?) with my skills - but to sum it
up, it was great, ended just as it should, although I am now fully depressed that there will be no more to come and wondering if I should start re-reading them again?
Since the news media has totally overdone everything Harry Potter these past few weeks I won't wax poetic about it too much here but I do need to say that I never expected to like
a "fantasy" type book but they have been wonderful, so entertaining, great charcters, a wonderful imaginary world that you can envision and simple but good messages that
we all need to be reminded of - so while there might not be another Harry any time soon (or ever for that matter) we should all make a point of trying to find those things that
make us feel like we did when we were reading about Hogwarts, mandrakes and muggles.

On The Road Again

I had the pleasure of a personal roadtrip to wilds of Wisconsin last week (hence my lack of blog postings) and it actually reminded me of some of the joys of roadtripping.
This came as quite a surprise to me because ordinarily I am someone who abhorrs long car rides, much less being the one who has to drive for the duration of the trip! Given
my need to be continuously entertained I usually find long drives boring and I am prone to nodding off - thankfully my main source of transportation these days is public, so no need
to fear for your safety on the streets of Chicago (at least due to my drving skills).
So as I was making my lonely, four-hour trek into the land of cheese and beer - I learned a few things about myself along the way. For example, randomly as I was searching through the radio
stations I discovered that I knew by heart the lyrics to some 1993 John Michael Montgomery song (this from a self-professed country music hater) - just a little piece of me that I forgot existed, that I wasable to enjoy for a brief 3 minute stretch. I also learned that I can be that jerk who drives in the left lane the whole way - not intending to hold up traffic but becoming so engrossed in my fabulousAmerican Idol Car Radio skills that I fail to pay attention to how fast I am (or am not going) - I like to think that this makes me a kinder, more understanding driver when this then happens to me butsadly I am not that evolved and still get mad at that stupid Taurus put-putting along in the left lane.
By far my favorite moment came on the return trip as listening to the radio I had the thought "I really need to download some Heart songs onto my iTunes" - now I ask you - would that thought have come across my mindnormally (perhaps) but now I will a richer iTunes collection thanks to that drive.So though much different were my joys than those of the typical, male roadtrip (no beef jerky or sunflower seeds were involved) - for a moment in time I liked the enforced, quite contemplation and enjoyment of random 80s tunes.
A little Rick Astley anyone???

Got To Hand It To Hillary

I've never been a big Hillary fan, she's just too severe for my tastes and I still am not loving universal healthcare but the other day it struck me - this woman is genius!
I was getting ready for work with Good Morning America on in the background (my daily ritual) and was listening to a panel of Hillary's advisers talk, they were trying to humanize her, say
she's fun, etc. and it just got me to thinking about all the she has endured since she was thrust into the political spotlight. While I have to imagine that it is hurtful and humiliating enough for the average Jane to have knowledge of your
husband's repeated infidelities, to have the entire world find about them, in detail, would really be too much to bear. Hillary did handle it like a pro though, you could tell she was furious but she kept her cool and was supportive and professional throughout those years. I always wondered what something like that did to her and Chelsea - they seemed to handle it with such ease, which I found to be kind of unbelievable to say the least. But, here is my revelation - Hillary has been plotting the sweetest revenge ever since that public humiliation. If your husband is the epitome of charisma, ego, and philandering and basically lives to have the spolight on him - what could be the best revenge on him? You got it, making him the "First Man", if Hillary were to win such emphasis and attention would be placed on the first female president, the ongoing press and place in history would be HUGE and what would Bill have to be doing? Sitting by her side, attending state dinners, planning social, diplomatic events - all the sexist, minimizing roles that have been traditionally served for a woman. I think it's brilliant and while I've not yet decided where my vote will be cast since November 2008 is still eons away - I must admit that seeing Hillary serve up the ultimate, symbolic, payback to the universal "cheating man" - makes me like her just the teeniest bit more.

Grow A Pair

Okay, as I've mentioned earlier, I am in the midst of the summer softball season, one of my favorite things. However, my co-ed 12 in. league also provides me with a MAJOR pet peeve - what is might you ask? Shockingly it's not that I get dirty or dusty when I play or even that the outfielders move in when I come up to bat (those fools) bur rather it is the terrible the awful, phenomenon of GUYS that WALK when they get up to bat. Hello?? How can you not just feel all of your testosterone dry up and fly away when you do that? Maybe if this was not a rec. league, and you were 17 versus 32 I could see you waiting for the perfect pitch, but come on! This is a large ball lobbed in the air and you're not going to swing at? This is unthinkable to me!I will swing at what I know is a bad pitch just to hit the ball because is SOFTBALL and you should be able to hit the darn thing. In the interest of full disclosure I must say that I am a pitcher so when these guys walk it irks me even more since they are walking on my pitches - how dare they! I can't even try to hide my disdain for them when they trot to first base, I think I will begin handing out tubes of lip gloss to them when they walk for any games from here on out. Terrible, shameful, all you Y chromosome walkers out there need to grow a pair!

Do You Have to Hear the Pitter Patter of Little Feet?

Lately a question has been on my mind, and it is purely a hypothetical question so after reading this please don't pick up the phone and tell my mom you're so excited that she'll finally be a grandma, but how do you know when you really want to have a baby? I ask this for several reasons, I have seen friends who have rigorously planned the "having a baby" process (I really don't need to hear about how much you are "trying" I get it), those that have wanted a baby but were a little freaked out about it so they just said "whatever happen" and then those that had the baby surprise drop on them (my favorite one of those is a cute 1 yr. old named Erik who lives a few blocks away : ). The little mini-me's came into the world in a variety of ways and of course all their parents are lovely and capable and doing a great job BUT this is not what I'm talking about - what I want to know is do you have this huge thought or feeling of "I must procreate now" or do you just assume you do because you are of a certain age, certain economic status and your peer group is beginning to do the same? I honestly can't say that I have ever had the "oh I want a baby" feeling, this could be because I am still in my 20s and unmarried -not necessarily factors that would block the possibility of baby-dom but still make it a little less likely that those thoughts would pop up. Do they eventually pop up though? I want a lot of things: a quilted Chanel bag, a miniature daschaund, the sparkly pair of Christian Louboutin pumps and before that I want a Marc Jacobs bag, a puggle and okay I still wanted the Louboutins but you get my point what I think I want and must have tend change quite a bit - I am fully self-aware to realize I enjoy the thought of things more than I actually enjoy the things themselves, what if this was the case with a little person!! I am sure I would love a little mini-me once it was here but that wouldn't mean that I wouldn' have the "crap, why did I do this - I do not like this new life" thoughts and you can't return a baby to Neiman Marcus (maybe to Nordstrom's their customer service is much better).
So is there a definitive I thought that occurs when one wants to have a kid or is more likely that is something that you do because you're kind of expected to and then you hope and assume it kind of all turns out for the best? I would really love an answer on this one.

But It's Summer!

I have been a really bad blogger lately but what can I say - it's summer! Chicago is only blessed with a few nice months so I just can't bring myself to sit in front of the computer at night when it's gorgeous out. I promise to try and be a bit more motivated- I have a lot of good things on my mind (when do I not?) I just need to sit down and put it out there - have they invented a computer you can just talk you words into instead? That would be ideal!

Another Duality - Just Eat Already!

Life if full of dualities, ying and yang, the haves and the have nots, Hatfields and McCoys , Cubs fans and White Sox fans. Recently thought while having lunch with a friend I stumbled into another duality – those who eat to live and those who live to eat. If you have been reading this at all there really is little question as to which one I am – me, the girl who schedules her life around the next dining event – I view time as those things in between breakfast, lunch and dinner, I derive sheer joy from thinking about a meal, reading recipes, planning the food at an event – I enjoying thinking about food as much as I enjoy eating it (on occasion the actual eating itself wins out). However, in this lunch with my friend who actually confessed that she totally forgets to eat sometimes then wonders why she feels like she’s going to pass out at 3p.m. , I fully began to realize what the lives of those others, those non-joy eaters, must be. Food is something that just happens to pop up in their path as something that will help them continue on and while I find this concept totally foreign, I think it would be interesting to go through life in this way. I would love to do a further study and see if these ‘eat to livers’ are planners, I’m inclined to think that they live more in the moment because unlike me they are obviously not planning the next meal, although I find this somewhat ironic as I am very in the moment when I am eating a meal!
So one of my new missions is to be more proactive with all those eat to livers that I know – no longer will you be faint with hunger because you’ll have lunch plans with me!

It’s That Time of Year Again

So I am now four weeks into my summer softball season and I can’t believe I’ve entry to write an entry about this! Softball has to be one of my all-time favorite things, I have been playing since I was seven years old and I am still excited to play every time there is a game, I am hard pressed to come up with something else in my life that I have been as consistently excited about (eating ice cream and doing my hair are probably are the only other two). I play in a 12 inch co-ed league and I am proud to say that we are so far undefeated – which obviously means that our athletic prowess and stunning physical ability have lifted us high above the competition or more appropriately we all just happen to hit the ball more often than we whiff it and occasionally catch those pop ups, which is really about all it takes in Chicago softball, slightly more focus on playing ball than drinking beer after the game and you are on your way to the league championship.
A few fun things that are pretty much constants for any rec league softball team: each team having that weird, older guy who takes the games SO seriously and wears actual baseball gear (although nobody on my team is like this yet – it’s not to say that it couldn’t happen in the future – I have my bets on who it would be but you’ll just have to wonder ; ), every team also has that “tough” girl who likes to prove she is as good as the guys, there is also that guy who strides up to the plate and looks out into the outfield, pretending to search for a gap and even further pretending that he has the skills to actually hit in the gap – I have yet to see a guy actually achieve a hit in the gap after giving “the stare”, my personal favorite, the guy who is willing to take a walk – if you are this guy in slow-pitch softball, stop now, just get out of the game and leave, if you don’t want a hit when you are up there you should go play t-ball. I don’t like to say the P word but when this does happen I am tempted to yell it. I’m sure that I’m missing some of the other key “positions” but hey the season’s not over yet – I’ll be back to tell you about our championship win in July!

Scylla - A Jewel of the Sea

A definite Bucktown treat that you don't want to miss out on, Scylla did not fail to impress yet again.
Scylla is a small, seafood-influenced spot in Bucktown that I have always enjoyed, however, I had not been there for a quite awhile
and upon returning was pleasantly surprised.
For how often is that a restaurant continues to deliver high quality food AND lowers their prices - unheard of right?! Well Scylla has bucked
convention and done just that - with a menu that is mainly of the sea (but several tasty options for you red and the other white meat eaters) most
of the selections are very light, but don't mistake light with lacking flavor. I had an appetizer of skate wing and pork belly, with a rhubarb compote, interesting combo, it was the rhubarb
that influenced my pick (my grandma made the BEST rhubarb and strawberry sauce - I am still sorry I never learned that recipe) all the flavors came together beautifully though. My boyfriend (there has been a group vote that S.O. is apparently an awful name) had the soft-shell crab starter and I was suffering from ordering envy, it came in a saffronesque broth with a tiny bit of proscuitto and fava beans - so tasty!
We stuck with the theme for dinner and each the halibut and sea scallops respectively- the sea scallops must have been so good that as I glanced over to check them out, they were already gone! The halibut on a potato puree with a slight balsamic reduction was also not to be beat. Dessert was a chocolate panna cotta with creme fraiche and raspberry sauce - I had to get aggressive with my spoon in order to get my due share if that tells whether or not it was any good. To top it off our service was very competent, the right amount of attention (interested but not hovering) and actually provided us with some great wine suggestions for individual purchases as we were chatting about the wine list selections.
If we hadn't ordered a bottle of wine and instead gone by the glass our bill for two starters, entrees and one dessert would have been under $100 and although I have been mocked for this statement before ....... that is a deal in this town!!!!

I Can't Help, I Still Like Lindsay

So I feel remiss in saying this but I still like Lindsay Lohan. I have no use for Paris, Nicole, any of those others but for some reason I don't totally laugh at the 20 year old party machine. Yes, she is a big cokehead and is in rehab for the second time in 5 five months but hey come on she is still only 20 years old and that is young. Being 20 you naturally can get into plenty of trouble, but take her case she has unlimited access to cash any everything and anything, I got into plenty of stupid situations when I was 20 in Valparaiso, Indiana and the only access I had was to copious amounts of Bud Light. So while I am fully aware that I'm buying into the celebrity machine on this one, I still can't help but feel for her a little because bottom line when you're 20 you're an idiot - so when every temptation is thrown in your face it just makes it all the easier. But I still think Paris and Jessica Simpson are awful so give me some credit !

Just a few thoughts

I'm still coming down from the long weekend so just a few thoughts.......

The mailman (or lady) how do they have a universal key to get in every house/apartment? I want to know and are they abusing this power?

Are there any female camera people working baseball games? I would like to get a pan of the hot guys in the crowd instead. I feel this is a fair request.

Forgo the Pretenses, Admit Your Annoyed

Recently I went out of town for the weekend to visit some friends of my S.O., since my S.O. is not as youthful as myself, several of his friends already have small children so I got to be exposed to the 2 and 3 year old set.
While I don't have any children myself, I like children just fine, they are cute, sweet, etc. but I think that parents out there are keeping a secret from us non-parents and I think everyone needs to fess up and admit that - quite often those 2,3, and 4 year olds are not likable little people. Before you get all indignant on me and say that I can't possibly understand (which you're right I can't) just hear me out. These kids, no longer babies, not quite fully functioning, interesting 5 and 6 year olds can really drive us all nuts. They can't articulate what they are thinking/feeling and therefore scream, whine and are generally irritating to the point of pulling your hair you - which is through no fault of their own, they are developing, it's natural - what's not natural is everyone else parents and the childless included just nodding politely and ignoring the fact that these kids are driving us crazy. I think everyone could benefit from fessing up to the fact that sometimes kids are highly frustrating/annoying - it would be cathartic. No longer would the mother have to slink away embarrassed in the store when her kid goes nuts - she can look others in the eye and say "yes, he is getting on my nerves too". Everyone should take the pressure off of themselves and quite pretending that little people who have only been on this earth 24 or 36 months are always delightful. God knows that we are all too ready to acknowledge that those our own age can be highly annoying so why not just extend that down to those in diapers?

I'll Always Look Younger Than Vivian

There is a phenomenon that I experience if not on a daily then at least a weekly basis and I'm convinced I live in some sort of time warp. Why is that when I look at pictures or film of people that are older than me but are at least the same age or younger than me in said pictures and film that they do not appear younger or the same age as me? This is truly puzzling. For example, I recently caught a glimpse of Pretty Woman on tv and while Julia Roberts can be no older than 20 in that movie, somehow when I look at her she still appears older than me (let's keep in mind this is all a mental thing - if we were to compare 20 year old Julia to 28 year old me I am sure there may be a few slight differences).
I just find it so curious that the brain somehow cannot process the image of someone you know to be older than you ever looking younger than you. Is this some sort of self-preservation mechanism that keeps us from running to the Botox until absolutely necessary? I am envisioning an older version of myself only watching 'classic' movies and tv in order to feel forever young!
Am I alone in feeling this way or was there a point when you were watching your Molly Ringwald movies and finally felt older than Andie, Claire or Samantha - I have yet to.

A Tradition That Needs To Go

I'm sure you can tell from my last post that I am in baseball mode again (just wait till I start playing softball too - it will get even worse!) So I have been watching a few Cubs games so far this season (not too many, no need to add to my stress level until at least late August). However, while watching these games something has struck me and I can't believe that it's never really dawned on me before - the ridiculousness of managers also wearing a uniform.
First of all most of the managers are middle-aged to pushing elderly and rarely even in shape, so just from a fashion perspective the uniform is not a good look for them (Lou Pinella even though they are vertical stripes they are not slimming!). The second and most glaring point - none of the other professional sports managers/coaches wear the uniform of their team while coaching - have you ever seen Bill Belichick sporting pads and short pants (must qualify here that this is equally bad as his current cut-off sweatshirts) or how about Charlie Weiss, maybe if he wore a uniform he could sneak into the game as a lineman. Phil Jackson - do we see him in the extra, baggy Lakers uniform complete with sweatband ? No! We don't - they wear suits or at least khakis and some sort of team logo shirt/pullover. They need to dress differently than the players 1) because they aren't players 2) because their team looks to them for direction and I don't care if you discount the power of the clothes/leadership connection, if someone is wearing a suit they will command your attention and respect more than someone in warm up pants (at least until they say something asinine). I personally would love a movement back to the 60s and have everyone decked out in suits and hats! Love the Tom Landry look - call me strange.
I think that baseball could also benefit from a little more disciplined coaching as well if managers had to step up their wardrobe a bit, would you sit idly and spit sunflower seeds in the 7th if you were wearing Armani - I think not!

Bud Selig - you can expect my memo on this shortly.

Chicago, fickle? Never.

Recently me and my S.O. were having a heated discussion about a recent Bill Simmons article (if you're not aware of Bill Simmons, go to espn.com right now - he is their sports columnist and is amazingly funny and knowledgeable about all things sports and pop culture related - if he wasn't married I would contemplate running away with him).
At any rate, the discussion (over whether or not fans actually like Roger Clemens) basically disintegrated into a conversation about Chicago fans, he claiming that they we are worse than New York or Boston fans and me exclaiming that we are far better than either of them. His argument was that Chicago fans are fickle, turning on any 'star' on the team as soon as they stop performing and then relentlessly heckling them, citing Sammy and Rex as examples of such behavior. The rationale for the "worse than New York and Boston fans" argument was that although New York fans are known for being harsh and critical, that at least their team gets results (but that's not really fair - we can control the spending habits of Chicago sports management) and while Boston fans were more pathetic, sticking with a sinking player for a long time, at least they earned some credibility in his eyes for not turning so quickly on their players (although now, with a World Series win under their belt I'd say that this too is changing).
Being the nice midwesterner that I am, I couldn't stand for a comparison that made us seem worse than New York and Boston (two of the rudest cities alive - second only to anywhere in New Jersey, don't get me started on New Jersey), so I argue that Chicago fans obviously better than either of the two. Sure, we may get upset and turn on star players but that's only because they aren't performing, not because we're angry that the owner dropped a lot of cash to stock the team - although perhaps we'll be throwing loose change at Soriano by the season's end if he doesn't perform. Keep in mind that the losing cross we bear is now the longest and the loneliest (at least in baseball) so we are far more suffering than any Boston fan can ever be, so if we appear anything but supportive it's because we're dealing with decades of loss, who can be expected to keep a consistently positive attitude when faced with years of experience that say otherwise - we're not fickle, we're realistic.
Bottom line, when your baseball stadium is the world's biggest bar and your football stadium is an outdoor one stuck in some of the most brutal winter weather there is it's impossible not to appear fickle to those that don't understand. Trying to consume as much beer as possible before the 7th inning cutoff can make the nicest person seem hostile and sitting in 10 degree weather watching your quarterback get sacked yet again might make you utter things that sound like a fairweather fan, but believe me, if you are at a Bears game in January, it really is anything but fairweather.

Erba - A Review

Discovered another delightful dinner spot this past week, Erba in Lincoln Square. I had noticed the place for the past year or two but had never heard a word mentioned about until recently so I decided that I must check it out.A small, modern Italian place that doesn't take reservations, set up along what is quickly becoming Lincoln Square's restaurant row (next to Tank and Bistro Campagne). They have a outdoor patio but sadly it was not yet open the night I was there even though it was easily 75 degrees out.
The menu while not lengthy, is carefully thought out and represents a modern take on some Tuscan fare as well as the Piedmont region of Italy (I personally had no idea there was a place called Piedmont in Italy - my new learning for that day).
While I waited for my dining companion I enjoyed a limoncello and soda, any place that serves limoncello automatically rises a few notches in my book (I never realized I had so much in common with Danny Devito). Since there were so many delicious options to choose from we decided to share a few, first a creamy polenta with mushrooms for a starter - I tried to be polite and only eat my share, really I did! Then for dinner we shared a light risotto (if risotto can be light???) with parmesan, lemon and artichokes, followed by scallops wrapped in pancetta served on pureed bed of cannellini beans. Both items were delicious and even though we were splitting the items they still brought us ample portions served individually. No room for dessert that night but they too are supposed to be outstanding. There was so much more on the menu that caught by eye, great pastas, veal, several appetizer nice and light and perfect for eating out on a patio - so if you want to try it for yourself, call me and I'll go again!

The Most Under Appreciated Man In Show Business

There is a man in Hollywood who I believe is firmly underrated, he's been around for quite awhile and although he's old enough to be my dad I still think he is fabulous. That man is Mr. Tom Selleck, not only is he the only individual who has successfully pulled of the mustache for over 30 years but he has also been able to remain and attractive and appealing to several generations of tv viewers. While I vaguely remember him from his Magnum P.I. days where he sported the Tigers hat and short shorts (again a tough look to pull off but he manages!) to his brief stint on friends. I believe that in a large part Tom is responsible for my belief that the mustache can be an acceptable form of facial hair. The other person responsible for that is my dad (I cried when he shaved his off finally - I think I was about 13 at the time - it was traumatic!). So mustache disgressions aside, Tom is an all-around nice guy, you never hear anything bad about him, he's never been involved in any weird sex scandal (to my knowledge) and come on, anyone who can remain hot from 1980 to 2007 - that should be rewarded in and of itself. So take a moment and appreciated the mustachioed man (see I used the word mustachioed - ten bonus points!) who is highly underappreciated, and then pull up your tv guide and see if there is a rerun of Magnum on the classic station.

What's The Fascination Gentleman ?

You've heard me chat about my book club on several occasions - I love book club for a number of reasons (excuse to drink wine, gossip and snack - isn't that enough?) but the one thing that I really love about it is the interesting conversation topics it brings up. Take last week's meeting it ranged from the miracle of birth, to an in-depth foray into circumcision (interesting) to the topic that really struck a chord. Specifically, men and their propensity to spend extreme amounts of time in the bathroom doing all sorts of activities. While I profess that I am not quite sure how we got onto this topic, I assure you, it was one of interest and amazement to our group. After a brief comparison of tales we all learned that the respective men in our lives love to camp out on the john. Reading, emailing, drinking coffee, talking on the phone - the variety of tasks they can engage in while otherwise indisposed was quite impressive. However, what really got us was the duration of their little vacation to the porcelain throne. Twenty, thirty, forty-five minutes - all times that have been clocked in various bathroom marathons around the northside of Chicago.
Why ????
We could not fathom what is pleasurable about hanging out in there for so long? Truly, it's puzzling. It's not the most comfortable seat in the house, there are definitely better smells in kitchen, there's no tv in there (at least to my knowledge) so why, oh why, is this such an appealing spot for the male gender to hunker down and camp out for some quality alone time.
Now I love to hang out in the bathroom as much as anyone else, but in front of the mirror primping, not sipping my latte and reading The Times, and to call a girlfriend for a little chat while I let it lie - unheard of!
So again, and quite unintended, I have unearthed yet another example of why we are really the most reasonable, rational sex. Are my girlfriends and I are missing some great meaning of life that lurks in the bano? What drives those with the Y chromosome into this tiled haven? I can find no logical reason for it!

What's Her Secret ?

So I had this thought pop, unprompted into my brain the other day "why has Paris Hilton not been in rehab yet?" - while it's probably disturbing that these are the random thoughts I have (although understandable given all my celebrity gossip reading), think about, I have a valid question here! This is the girl who made a sex tape that everyone in the free world has seen, has dated every starlet's ex-boyfriend, has been pulled over by the cops how many times, is in a fight with every famous female under 25 at some in time - and yet she is not the one who's been in rehab.
It's especially odd these days when going to rehab is apparently in vogue - so shouldn't she have gone already at least to remain fashionable ? So I think the real question is, is Paris more together than we actually think she is (scary!) or is she such a mess and so wealthy that she can avoid rehab indefinitely ? I have no good answer to this, but I'm inclined to believe the former - and what a world we live in if Paris actually deserves more credit thank we think!

What's Your Favorite Molly ?

The other night I was sucked into watching Pretty in Pink (I'm a sucker for any classic 80s movie) and although it was a fine way to waste two hours, at the end I knew it really was my least favorite Molly Ringwald 80s flick. So of course that led me to a deep introspection of the great film trifecta (no, not The Godfather series) but The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink - all 80s classics and all Molly Ringwald.
After a deep and intense mental debate, all of 30 seconds, I determined that Sixteen Candles is my favorite of the three, for a few reasons: #1 Jake Ryan (the name just sounds hot) was the best guy to have a h.s. crush on #2 The Donger, for his lines along this movie is a classic "Dong, dong - where is my automobile?" #3 Anthony Michael Hall, while we all like to think we were the Jack Ryans of the world, really AMH was more on par of what reality was (for you all I'm guessing : )
The Breakfast Club comes in at #2 because of it's classic h.s. stereotypes, Molly Ringwald applying lipstick hands free (I have tried this and, yes, I can do it) and the important message that detention unites us all! Pretty in Pink has to remain in third, while it does have a great soundtrack and I love the height of hideous fashion that Andie sports there are just a few things that aren't right. First of all Blaine, someone named Blaine is the love interest, come on, there is nothing appealing about Andrew McCarthy in this movie, he is a pathetic, scrawny rich kid, I would have picked Judd Nelson in Breakfast Club over Blaine in a heart beat.
And that's the Molly trilogy for you!

Book Review: The Red Tent 3 out of 5 Stars

Last week I finished my book club's April selection, The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. The story of Dinah, Jacob's only daugther, among eleven brothers was a wonderful one. The author took the briefest mention of an individual in the Bible and expands upon it to provide a full picture of what the life of Jacob's only daugther might have been like. I loved this concept, taking a brief mention in history and fleshing it out to provide us with a story that we would otherwise never hear. It also provided some additonal perspective on some of the well known biblical stories that I gre up with - I always envisioned the Donny Osmond version of Joseph (heretical of me I know) but this book provided a very different picture of what Joseph ultimately became. Another reason the book was so compelling to me was it's very detailed description of daily life in biblical times, these are the things I've always wondered about but things that were never touched upon in more known works: what did people do all day, what were the customs, what were the other gods they worshipped - all pieces that brought the puzzle of those lives and times together for me.
Finally, my favorite component of the book was the emphasis and strength of female relationships all throughout the novel. While the concept of Jacob's four wives, all of whom were sisters is fodder enough for a novel, it was the web of their relationships and how their unique gifts all came together to provide for their family that I found so fascinating and inviting. In what would definitely be material for the Jerry Springer show today, there was power and unbelievable capability among these women - I found myself being envious of the tightness of their relationships, when I live in a society today were women are so catty. The work also served as yet another example of all that women did and still do, Dinah and several of her companions were essentially the first OB/GYNs and what they accomplished all on their own amazed me.
If you're looking for a fresh perspective on an old biblical tale or an story that will leaving you feeling in awe of women then this is a must read for you.

If You Can Feel A Breeze It's Wrong

I mentioned in my last posting that I had the distinct pleasure of hanging out with an old friend this weekend, what I failed to mention was the not so distinct pleasure he had while we were out. Out enjoying some drinks after dinner, my friend had the unlucky seat right next to a group of very drunk women in their mid 30s (okay I'm being generous it was more around early 40s) and although their drunken state at only 10:30 at night was sad enough, it only got worse when suddenly one of women went crashing directly backwards off her stool and onto the floor (at 10:30). My friend, being the polite individual that he is, immediately bent down to help her up off the floor and back on to her unsteady feet. Once she was safely propped back up at her table we learned the really sad, and actually unacceptable, act of the evening - her drunken fall had revealed her lack of underwear.
While receiving an unexpected flash of a stranger's business is usually almost always unappealing (unless you're somehow into public urination or peeping toms - if so don't let me know), it's actually so much more than that. Nevermind this day and age of YouTube, camera phones and paparazzi frenzy, which means that one accidental moment can leave you forever imprinted online in the most up close and personal of ways. Fundamentally, you do not go out of the house without underwear on!!! I am quite fine with breaking most rules of etiquette and style to accommodate your own perogative but this is one that you cannot ignore.
Unless you were a dramatic DCFS case growing up, I am most assured that your mother always enforced the importance of underwear, especially clean underwear, in case any emergency situation should arise where strangers might see your drawers (although I think mom was thinking of the paramedics vs. the paparazzi). And don't scoff at this mother's wisdom because it's not wise - it is a common sense matter - cover yourself up! There is enough over exposure in the world as it is, I don't need to see more of you, in fact, I rather quite obviously know that you are wearing underwear, than fear that you're not. Pantie lines and fashion issues I also don't care about, I firmly stick to the belief that it's better to know that you have it on vs. having some tragic clothing accident that leaves you adam and eve'ing to the world with not so much as a fig leaf.

Renting to Own

So recently I got to thinking about the term 'dating' and more specifically, when does the term dating no longer apply to a couple? This came to mind due to several conversations that I've had with friends over the past few months, one specifically where I referred to a time when my boyfriend and I "were dating" in the past tense, when in fact we are still very mucht together. My involuntary phrase got me to thinking, if I don't consider that me and my boyfriend of four years are no longer dating, then what exactly should the term be for our relationship? I view dating as a the 'trying out period' when two people are together and it can last for quite awhile since it can take varying amounts of time before people feel as if they fully know the other individual and vice versa. I'm beyond this point with my S.O. (yes he is still anal about me giving his actual name on this blog - with it's huge readership and all : ) - we know each other and what we're all about, so for me, dating doesn't really feel like the right term.
Coincidentally, I also happen to be looking for a new apartment or possibly a condo right now and after perusing many a listing description and trying to figure out if I want to continue to rent and have some options or if I am ready to have a place that's fully my own, that reflects who I am and that I'm fully responsible for - I have also come upon the perfect term for when you're no longer in the dating zone but you're still not in the 'till death to us part zone', Renting To Own.
Think about it, Renting To Own, it implies that you're committed to place/person with the intent to commit even further but it's just a gradual, sensible approach so that you have time to fully realize what you're getting into.
So if anyone asks, for the moment, I'm renting to own.

The Weekend

Okay, I finally feel a bit more normal after two weeks on the job - still totally overwhelmed but I am adjusting to living in that state. So I was so excited to cap off another busy week with the John Legend concert at the Chicago Theater. It was fabulous! I thought he was a great artist to begin with but I was not prepared for how high energy his show would be - he sang for an hour and a half and I was enthralled the whole time. The only thing that would have made it better is if he had selected me to come up on stage for a little dance (although in retrospect he was pretty sweaty at that point so I am glad I didn't have John Legend sweat all over me - I'm sure I'll regret this later on). Corrine Bailey Rae opened for him and I wasn't expecting much from her since I think all her songs sound the same but she had surprising range and it is MUCH better live. So hands down - if you don't own a John Legend cd or at least a few of his songs on iTunes get on there today and get them.
The weekend just continued to get better as I also had one of my favorite all-time people in the world in town this weekend and we went to dinner Saturday at one of the best spots in Chicago ( at least in my humble opinion) - Avec. It's a very simple, very small spot just west of the Loop with lots of smaller plates and a somewhat Mediterranean menu. Their wine list is full of things you've never heard of before so I always just ask the very knowledgeable waitstaff for their recommendations and I'm never disappointed. Their menu tends to change and feature more seasonal items but if you happen to go there you must have the following: chorizo stuffed dates with a tangy tomato sauce (these have become somewhat overdone as of late but their's are still good), there is also the cheese selection which like the wine list is unique but always delicious, and finally the best item on the list, foccacia with taleggio, truffle oil and a bit of sea salt, you will not be able to even leave one piece of this on the table, I promise.
And if you're ever looking for anyone to go with you to try it out - I'm only a phone call or email away!

Would You Root for the Yankees of the Golf World ?

So yesterday was Easter, and nothing says "let's celebrate Christ's resurrection!" like 40 degree weather, eating ham and watching the Masters. Maybe it's not exactly what Mary Magdelene and the disciples had in mind but over the years but that basically sums up my day yesterday. Don't get me wrong, Easter is one of my favorite, if not most favorite religious holiday, I love the the joyfulness of it, lilies are gorgeous and it usually signals the end of dull, drab winter and movement into spring. Although, if I am asked to probe to the true reason why I love Easter it's probably because I associate it with getting a new outfit, since every year growing up I would get a new dress, and maybe a purse and hat if I was lucky (yes, I wore a hat and carried a purse at age 5 - does that explain a lot of things about me for you - I bet it does), and although patent leather is back in, I have not taken back to wearing those classic, shiny black mary janes with the frilly socks, though it's tempting.
Easter attire aside, it was a great day spent with family and friends, nothing I would change about. We capped off the day by watching the Masters, and while I was just glad that Phil Mickelson didn't win (I have an intent dislike for him - I won't get started on it here though other than to say, he's supposed to be a champion yet he is a sweaty mess - he's the Whitney Houston of golf), what I really focused on though was that everyone I was watching with was intently cheering for Tiger, which seems to be pretty normal for the average golf fan. However, once I got to thinking about it more, I decided that I am not going to cheer for Tiger Woods. Why you ask ? It's simple - Tiger is the New York Yankees of golf, he's loaded, he's talented, and if doesn't always win the big one he's at least in top contention for it. Now I can't stand the Yankees so why would I support the golf equivalent of the Yankees? I'll appreciate his skill but I will not watch another tournament and hope he kills it, instead I'll do the sensible thing and pick a new favorite player based on his name or how stylishly he's dressed (all highly relevant factors).
I am sure the even larger issue you're wondering about is - does she really watch golf on tv ? Up until this past year I never did, I swore up and down that it was THE most boring thing on tv, but that was until I took up golf last year and now it's a little more exciting, this will be my first, full official summer golfing though so stay tuned on how all that turns out, I've yet to really learn how to chip or putt so I'm sure I'll just be relying heavily on my ability to drive the ball straight to the tee (hmmm maybe I will cheer for Tiger after all).

Momentarily Tapped Out

I started a new job this week, and while so far it's been great, I must confess that I am exhausted! My brain is on overload taking in SO much new information, mentally I have been so spent at the end of the day that I haven't even had enough brainpower to watch a Law & Order rerun (gasp!) Thankfully I do have enough brainpower flip through an US Weekly - should this change though I will become worried.
So I'm afraid that I don't have the ability to conjure up anything highly or even moderately entertaining or insightful - so all I have is this, some of my pet peeves that I've noticed have been occurring with increasing frequency.
Peeve #1 - When you let someone in traffic and they don't give you the obligatory 'thank you' wave. When I don't get the wave that is the height of rudeness on the road! Wave when someone lets you in or face their future road rage in the future.
Peeve #2 - I like to linger over a meal when dining out as much as the next person but when I'm ready for the check I like the server to be readily available and prompt with closing out the bill. They hover around all night then instinctively once they sense I'm ready to leave they - poof - disappear for at least a half an hour. If someone was getting ready to pay me I would be sure to be all over that - why aren't they ?
Okay, that's all I've got after day 3 on the new job - we're lucky that I am still typing at this point in the evening.

A Few Days in Cabo

So I am back from my mini vacation in Cabo, a slightly darker shade of white, tan would be too strong of a term, and I’m sipping a new wine I discovered on the trip AND it’s 4:40 in the afternoon – I am really enjoying this no working thing!
After hearing so much about Cabo over the past few years, I decided that I needed to go and check it out for myself. Overall it was a lovely trip, very relaxing and great weather so it achieved it’s main purposes, but I am here to provide you more detailed than that! I am committed to providing you with the real scoop on wherever I go, so without further adieu……
The highlights of Cabo are definitely the weather, the days and nights are perfect, clear, not too humid and sunny and a little cooler in the evening – I couldn’t have requested better weather. It’s also a really easy place to maneuver, I know some people are apprehensive whenever leaving the country but this is not the case, they take U.S. dollars everywhere and if your Spanish is no more than the menu at Taco Bell, do not fear you can still easily converse. While there are no real huge cons to Cabo there were a few things that annoyed me (shocking I know), first being the prices, Cabo is not a cheap town and while I was expecting bargain basement deals it is still Mexico so I thought it would be at least reasonable, not the case, be prepared to drop some coin when there, on dining especially. Also related to dining, at times I was frustrated with the service there, while people appeared very eager to help sometimes there was just not enough understanding there, waitstaff especially.
We stayed at the Hilton in an area called the tourist corridor which is basically the strip of beachfront in between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. I actually think this is the ideal spot to stay in if you plan to leave your hotel on a regular basis (which we did). The Hilton was nice, great view of the ocean from their sweeping veranda, bar area and a nice infinity pool with good poolside accommodations and service. We did have the pleasure of staying at the Hilton at the same as the Creative Memories (aka crazy scrapbookers) annual sales trip so while our poolside company wasn’t my ideal it did make for some interesting people watching – who knew the world of scrapbooking was so full of intrigue ?
The two towns that make up ‘Cabo’ are Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, we checked out both and my favorite of the two is San Jose, it’s a little smaller and a little more authentic than San Lucas (i.e. fewer crappy t-shirt shops). While the towns themselves aren’t too much to write home about they make for a fine hour or two of wandering around, checking out stores, stopping at bodegas, etc. We ate two dinners in San Jose, one at Mi Cocina which was good, lots of fresh seafood and a few tasty authentic Mexican dishes and offered a flame-lit courtyard for dining. The other was Damiana, and while the food was just so-so the romantic back patio covered in plants and twinkling lights, complete with mariachi band provided great ambience making the dinner worthwhile. In San Lucas t-shirt shops, touristy bars and silver shops abound but it’s also a must to check out the main tourist attraction, Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo, if not for glimpse of Sammy jamming with the locale talent (we didn’t see him) then at least for a few beers in a fun people watching setting. We spent one night in San Lucas for dinner, a sushi joint of all places but it was surprisingly good (or maybe it was after a few cervezas) but nonetheless a fun casual spot to grab some fresh sushi after wandering around town all day.
There are a number of things you can do in Cabo, golf, para-sail, snorkel, deep sea fish, swim with dolphins, etc. Sadly, we did not try any of these out and were permanent sun bathers poolside (this was mainly my fault due to a travel injury – don’t ask!) But to be honest I think Cabo is best suited to relaxing by the pool and enjoy some beverages, if you are a big water sports person there are definitely other places I can recommend. Besides everyone needs to just have some R&R and be a pool potato sometimes.
So after several days laying by the pool we came to the close of our trip and my absolute favorite evening in Cabo – a dinner at the One & Only Palmilla.
The Palmilla is also located just down the road on the tourist corridor and it is actually the place we had planned to stay at when planning our last minute trip but word must be out on how fabulous this place is because we weren’t able to get a room, which after being there I can easily see why. The entire Palmilla resort is gorgeous, Spanish style architecture and landscaping with a prime hotel location that is just feet away from the rocky coastline and surf. The pool area is small but immaculately kept, I can only imagine that laying poolside you feel a bit like Cleopatra (where is my palm fan ? feed me grapes!). We went to the Palmilla because we wanted to check out what we were missing but mainly to go for dinner at C, a Charlie Trotter restaurant. Being the foodies we are (the other part of this ‘we’ being my boyfriend who has requested not to be named by name in here- because SO many people are reading this : ) we felt that we had to check out the Trotter’s spot and see how our local Chicago boy was doing in Mexico. We were more than pleasantly surprised. C is none of the reserved, formal French style that Trotter’s flagship is, rather the décor was cool, blues, silvers, whites and very modern, like dining inside a contemporary ocean. While the menu looked fabulous we opted for the tasting menu, being the true gluttons we are, the chef comes out (not Charlie) and requests your likes/dislikes and then goes to town. I won’t bore you with our whole menu but some highlights were a truffled risotto, possibly the richest dish on earth, along with a mini short rib in coconut foam that tasted like dessert, seriously it was the first meat I have ever had that was good enough to be dessert – how is that possible! We left feeling fully sated and wandered around the grounds which in the evening are lit entirely by candle, I can’t remember the last time I was in such a romantic place (Paris aside) I did not want to leave, the evening felt perfect, if I ever go to Cabo again I will only stay at the Palmilla.
So Cabo in a nutshell, great weather, a bit expensive, more chill than active and partying but still worth checking out.