Tac Quick in my TUMMY!

They've done it again. The apparently delusional people at Chicagoist think my writing is good enough to be published! Read my review of my recent trip to Tac Quick, but be warned there's no mention of Neighbor J in this write-up!

Still in disbelief that people read my writing!
♡M

Genius Idea

One day, I'm going to open my own bar. It'll be called sloppy straws. Why? Because instead of a cup you'll be handed a fruit and an [albeit, fancy] straw.

I'm talking rum and pineapple filled watermelons. Strawberry juice and vodka filled oranges. Mango juice and wine filled grapefruits.

Oh the endless possibilities....

a la kegworks.com

Read this review!

Hello readers!

Yours truly recently reviewed the Maxwell Street Market for the Chicagoist. Read about it here!

Ecstatic to be published,
♡M

Tasty Thai Treasure at Tac Quick

Last night, I asked Neighbor J to join me for dinner. Although we live only 1.5 blocks away from each other, we hardly see each other these days, as we've both become consumed amidst work, school and etc.

Being the dictator I am, I gave Neighbor J three options: Falafel (my favorite), Ethopian, or Thai. Neighbor J loves Thai, so it came as no surprise when we began heading on over to a well known Thai staple.

Tac Quick's sleek interior

Tac Quick is pretty well-known amongst Chicago foodies, although I hadn't had a chance to visit until now. I was taken aback when we walked in, to see the upscale interior where most of Chicago's Thai places are bare minimum decor. Our waitress was super friendly as she beckoned us to our table.

Crab Rangoon

I usually don't order crab rangoon. I feel like a traitor Asian, for choosing a menu item that has become so Westernized. I read in many reviews, though, that this was the appetizer to get, so we ordered it. OH MAN, it was good. Tac Quick makes their crab rangoon with, get this... REAL CRAB. Not to mention, there was a subtle kick of black pepper adorning the gloop inside.

Gyoza

This picture was taken after Neighbor J quickly each ate one, as they came to the table pipping hot. The dipping sauce was the star of this dish, as it was thicker than just plain soy sauce, and had pepper afloat.

Pad See Eiw

Neighbor J got this crowd favorite, which was presented in the most artful manner I've ever seen for a Thai place.

Kuay Teaw Tom Yum Muu Sab

Now this is the key to really enjoying your Tac Quick experience, order from the secret menu. I ordered the Kuay Teaw Tom Yum Muu Sab, a delicious spicy and bitter soup filled to the brim with rice noodles, veggies and pork on pork madness.

Just because I liked it so much, a close up

Portions were huge for this $7.25 dish, I barely finished half!

And because I'm sure you're wondering what my dear friend Neighbor J looks like, 

Neighbor J

Tac Quick is located on the border between Wrigleyville/Lakeview and Buena Park, just a quick three steps south of the Sheridan redline stop. It's BYOB, so make sure you stop at Sheridan L Liquors first!


A Tasty Thursday Treat for YOU,
♡M

Hiatus

So I've been taking a mini internet hiatus, as work and school pile up, and I began working on a new project. But even bigger, better news:

My best friend Miss S, is now engaged! And proposed to at the Effiel Tower at that, c'est tres romantique! Jealoux!

Happy for Miss S,
♡M

Hola, Zocalo

Zocalo: 358 W. Ontario

Anyplace that has "TEQUILLA" advertised in their name is alright by me! Zocalo is no exception, with it's dim drinks, soft live music and dangerously strong margaritas.

"Special" Margarita

I love when the servers mix the drinks at your table, and courtesy of Cointreau, we were each given the small mixer to take home, enabling dangerous "Glut with Guts Kitchen" possibilities.

We ordered the appetizer platter and the guacamole. For the portions you receive, prices were obscene, but then again, it's River North dining.

The appetizer platter was made of Zocalo's three signature appetizers: empanada con plantanos fritos, flauta capitalinas, and scalpion de res. Of all the appetizers our group shared, the best was the empanadas, a combination of savory fried dough, and sweet plantain filling.

Omnivores, beware. This restaurants only caters to the extreme ends of the spectrum: the picky plant-only eaters and meat devouring carnivores.

For my entree, I ordered the Tinga Poblano, a server recommended favorite. The first few bites were divine, chicken grilled to perfection slathered in the cool avocado salsa. Mmmm....

Then I realized that the chicken was sitting on a bed of chorizo and potato chili. Oh My God. There is so much meat on this plate. I looked around at my friends' plates and realized much of the same meat theme in all of their entrees. For example, a steak garnished with shrimp?

A little to meat-y for me, but no question, I'll be back for the soft music and strong margs.

swayin' to the beat,
♡M

Bad blogger, Bad!

Sorry all!

It's been a busy past few days with work piling up, grant proposals to edit and a possible new project underway.  I do promise to provide at least two more updated before the end of the week.

Thanks for your patience (although, I'm sure you aren't even aware or waiting)!


Come check back soon!
♡M

Lauren Launch

[GASP] is my forehead really this big?

I was recently mailed (what? snail mail still exists?) an invitation to attend the launch of Ralph Lauren's new handbag collection Lauren, which I almost threw out until I read the words FREE CHAMPAGNE. So of course I:

1. called and rsvped
2. called dear friends m and c to join
3. make friends with the server upon arrival who was in charge of the champagne tray that night


Being in Macy's the event was a bit shabbier than I assumed it would be, and welcomed in lots of (smelly) people from the street who wanted in on the free champagne (much like me).

purses and champagne, this grown-up girl's Thursday night

The event was a bit diappointing, and teh appetizers were beyond gross, but m, c and GwG (aka me) enjoyed the abundance of champagne, and the opportunity to get psychic readings.

psychic: ohhh... your aura is yellow.
m: uhh...  but i hate yellow...

psychic:  your aura reads that... the suede lauren handbag over on that top shelf would best fit your spirit
c: uh... thanks. But my spirit doesn't need a new $200 bag...

psychic:  your spirit is very, very close to the earth. you are an earth mother... you are more attune to this earth than others
GwG: really? I eat a lot, maybe that's why you're getting that reading? I eat lots of food from the ground? Oh wait... that didn't come out right....


Apparently there's new art in block 37? I'm loving the pop-up art loop revolution, I really think it does stop people in their tracks and draws people into inhaling and observing the arts.

Flowery Friday

Excuse me, dear readers, as I'm still waking up from my dental anesthesia Britney-fantasy-sequence. Mine was mostly of "Womanizer".... ???

Anyways, I thought I'd share my new project!

Flowery Frieda

Ok, I couldn't come up with a better/unique name so Frieda it is.

Indian Summer

I've been having some really intense vivid dreams. Ones that make my palms sweat and make my heart pound so hard that sometimes it wakes me up in the middle of the night. But then again, I might just be plain crazy, seeing how after seeing "Inception" the next month I woke up each morning, gasping for air whispering, "inception". So yes, I'm just damn plain crazy.

Last night was no exception. Lately my dreams have been of me as a crime fighting aficionado (think Jack Bauer, but asian... and short... and no actual fighting skills), which is strange since I've never in my life been in a fist fight, and failed miserably when enrolled in TaeKwonDo.

Yesterday's dream was filled with just as much action, but not much crime fighting. Commence dream:

I was running late to work, (a regular occurrence in reality)
But decided instead of getting ready for work in my apartment, (which I always do)
I decided time would be better spent if I showered at the gym (never do)
near my office building. (doesn't exist)
I showed up at the office gym (again, doesn't exist)
and my workout buddy was waiting for me (some gawky looking white girl, that I don't know)
she was panicked and told me that the gym was closed (why is this a big deal?)
and so I decided I would go back home and get ready (what?)
I had to dodge through traffic, weaving in between cars and bikes,
after realizing I would need more time (mind you, I had my workout clothes in hand.. why?)
to get ready for work and was starting to panic myself.
I looked at my surroundings, and attempted to hail down a taxi
only to realize....

I was in India, I didn't speak the language, I had no rupees, and no Indian taxi driver would stop for a crazed looking me.


Conclude dream. Wake up panicked (but earlier than usual, making me in reality 15 minutes EARLY to work this morning).

Your mess of contradictions,
♡M

Me, You, and M Henry = ♡

Friday, I'm in love... with breakfast. hahaha Breakfast is the best meal of the day, and according to scientists it's the one meal where you can be a glutton and feel... less guilty about it.

M Henry
5707 N. Clark St.

The patio at M Henry

And SINCE breakfast is the MOST important meal and the best meal to indulge in, that makes M Henry the breakfast palace.

Last weekend, (after a long night of party-ing) Neighbor J was in need of a pick-me-up, and I... well I'm always along for the ride anytime breakfast is involved. As we're both still new to the neighborhood, we decided to come check out the plethora of breakfast options on Clark in Andersonville. I love the versatility of Clark in Andersonville, as it could be breakfast heaven if you want, lunch love, dinner dash, delicious dessert, or devilish drinks... your preference is catered to on this versatile street!

Back to  breakfast. M Henry is the best. When Neighbor J and I arrived, we were seated immediately since we had asked to be seated in their back patio. This was a real treat since the weather was still warm but breezy and not yet freezing cold. We were just one of a handful of people who chose to sit outside, but it was better than waiting in front for an hour to get a table!

COFFEE... NOW.....

I love drinking coffee on the weekends, since I rarely drink it outside of the office. M Henry made it especially a treat, as their coffee had a slightly nutty taste. Apparently both Neighbor J and I loved it, since we each drank four cups each. The busboy eyed our table the entire meal to make sure our cups never ran low.

The Rustic Peasant Quiche

Oh me oh my. This quiche, completes me. I know I say that about everything (apparently also proving I use the Jerry McGuire reference way, way, WAYYYYY too much for someone living in the now), but this quiche was amazing. A perfect blend of egg and cheese, packed with veggies I love (asparagus, sautéed leeks, shallots, applewood bacon, gruyere and lorraine swiss).

M Henry is quickly winning my vote as breakfast heaven.

Beggin' for more Breakfast,
♡M

waiting for the weekend (part. 2)

Still seeking: a neighborhood Thai place to call my own. A place that knows my love for Pad Thai and the like, and can satisfy instant needs on a whim. I continue my search through Asia-land of the Northside, known as Argyle Street.

Thai Pastry Restaurant
4925 N. Broadway (Just south of Argyle)

The restaurants on Argyle always surprise me. They appear so small and quaint from the front, but as you approach and enter, it's a ballroom of a restaurant with bright colors and festive decor to welcome both you and your taste buds.

I love Thai food. As "plain" and as "non-cultured" it may be to order either Pad Thai or Pad See Eiw wherever I go, it's the one indicator I have to determine whether or not I can make this "MY" go-to Thai place. After I determine which will be "MINE", then I'll venture further into the menu, veering off path to see what other spices can delight my taste buds.

This is why you take a +1, someone who doesn't mind when you pick and grab at their food as much as you are from your own. This is why I probably am a glut with a GUT... because meals are taken from all ends of the table, and no friend's dish is safe from my eager fork.

Thai Pastry is BYOB!

Pad See Eiw... a great dish, but I'm still searching!

Remember: Always bring an adventurous dinner with you....

We brought our wine and ordered our meals,
Me: Pad See Eiw, my process for determining good Thai
+1: Red Snapper with Hot Peppers, the special for the day

The Pad See Eiw was decent, but I don't think it was my favorite, as I seem to have DRENCHED it in hot sauce by the end of the meal. The Red Snapper with Hot Peppers, on the other hand, has me drooling in my seat as I type these words.

The red snapper was grilled to perfection, and had been fried with it's skin in what I assume was a flour batter. It was crispy, but not overtly so and DEFINITELY not oily, a good combination for a fish. The hot peppers were hot, the sauce was saucy and the dish was infused with basil throughout.

Next time, I'm skimping on the noodles and headed straight for whatever is on their "specials" menu... but ofcourse leaving room (this time) for the immense number of pastries in their glass counter in front.

Still seeking tasty Thai,
♡M

waiting for the weekend

Being the horrible blogger I am, I'm updating y'all on the last weekend... now that the new weekend is quickly appraoching.


Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant
5631 N. Ashland

It was my cousin G's birthday... a month and a half ago. As a very belated gift, I took her to check out Lalibela on Ashland, an Ethiopian gem. Neither of us were very familiar with Ethiopian food, but were willing to check it out and desperately seeking something new to try.

Inside

I must say, I love this little place! The interior was so cozy, and the HUGE chairs made me feel like I was dining royalty. On a Friday night, this space was filled with couples and groups alike, but still felt intimate and quiet enough to share a conversation over our meal.

Dori Wot, Injera, Fitfit Salad

Now one thing I learned about Ethiopian food is that you share, you share everything. We ordered two entrees (Gored Gored and Doro tibs), which came with two sides (Dori Wot and the Fitfit Salad). We weren't sure at all what to expect and had just sorta guessed on what might be good to get.  Our dishes came out on a HUGE platter lined with injera, the semi-sour bread used with your hands to pick up each of the dishes. My cousin and I don't mind sharing (in fact, it was more fighting over the last pieces than it was sharing) and started in on our meal. The platter was so big, making the rest of the dishes look so small in comparison, but I was shocked when near the end of the meal, I WAS TOO FULL TO GO ON. What? Unheard of for this glut.

The foods were all scrumptiously savory and subtly spicy making me so so so so happy. I think my falafel craze will have to come second now, to my new love for Ethiopian food. Any of you who know the rate at which I inhale falafel know... that this food must be THAT good to take over the number one reins.

I wasn't sure what "Lalibela" meant so I googled it. I am so amazed at what I found! Lalibela is apparently an ancient world, comprising of 11 magnificent, medieval, rock-hewn churches, dimly lit passageways, hidden crypts and grottoes. The ancient city was carved into the red volcanic rock underlying this remote Ethiopian town almost a millennia ago by the Zagwe dynasty. Today that world remains, frozen in stone.

Lalibela, a monument of beauty and wonder

What an amazing story and (from what I could see via Google images), an architectural masterpiece. I just had some knowledge dropped on me. I'm adding this to my list of places to visit before I die.

Until I make it to Ethiopia, I can't wait until the next chance I get to grab my favorite bottle of vino (I recommend merlot for this meal!) and head back to Lalibela... or maybe make my way to Demera and check them out too!

Dreaming of Dori Wot,
♡M

HOT DATE

I had a hot date with a sexy, single man.... now only if I didn't love him like a brother and if he was more into my gender.. but small potatoes.

Jor and I go way back (as aforementioned in this blog!), having lived the poor student life. "Poor student life" mostly entailed drinking out dinner (cheap wine for dinner) and scrappy social hour ($1 drinks on Wednesdays at SPIN). It was tough times, but we made it work... and our livers apparently survivied.

Well Jor and I were separated after college, as I finished out my senior year as a workaholic (and not so much school-aholic) and Jor left for fabulous adventures abroad. He recently returned after two years trotting this vast globe and we met up to share in conversation and catch up on the many things that have happened!

Both having close ties to Korean-ness, we trekked to the new Korean fusion taco stand, Del Seoul in Lincoln Park. Hello hype! Del Seoul had been getting lots of attention from all sources across the Web and newspapers, and I was ready to hop aboard the trend train.

sacsac! i haven't had that in a while!

Shrimp and Pork Tacos

Gamja Fries... I accidentally ordered the wrong ones!

Spicy Pork Bah Mi

While both of us agreed that the whole idea of a fusion Korean-Latin taco thang was interesting. Something seemed... missing.

The tacos were great, but there was a lot more salad than there was meat (my shrimp taco had only two pieces of shrimp, one for each tortilla) and didn't have enough spice/kick. I wish there had been an option to include a hot sauce, or to choose a spicier option.

I had mistakenly ordered the gamja fries rather than the kimchi fries... a decision I regret to this moment. The fries were (temperature) hot, and packed a paunchy garlic pow... garlic ties all Korean food together.

I'm ready to head back and choose different items from their menu, but I think I've ruled out the tacos for now.

Trying to be a trending taco taker,
♡M

Guess What (part. 2)

Sometimes, I pretend to know how to cook:

My not-so-picture perfect curry

Now that I reside in an ethnic-grocery-store-friendly neighborhood, I find myself mustering up the courage to try making different foods from other regions because, well, it's $$$ having to go out to eat when I'm craving one dish or another!

Best part: I can scour my fridge and dump in whatever leftover ingredients (including a really really old potato I was hesitant to put in, but did anyways. I'm still alive, so I assume it was ok to eat!).
Worst part: It doesn't quite taste like.... what I assume it should.

You can probably tell from the dark brown color of the sauce... I made it a tad too salty, something I'm known to do and desperately trying to combat! My mother has never been one to measure, and I guess I've come to inherit this trait.. without really having any of the qualifications or experience to do so. Oops!

This "mis-measurement" doesn't apply only to salt. I kept thinking, "am I making enough curry?" and kept throwing in more and more ingredients, even though some probably didn't belong in there. Kept adding water, because I had made it too salty. Kept adding more carrots and zucchini since the added water made the curry look sparse. End result, too too much curry. I ended up eating curry for lunch/dinner about four days in a row. eek....

Still learning to count and measure,
♡M

Guess What...

This is why I'm fat:

PUMPKIN BUTTER

I recently made a trek to the farmers market in the Loop, since it's gettin' cold out there and the market will soon be closed for the summer. I was there to buy some squash and pumpkins and instead got roped into buying this: PUMPKIN BUTTER.

I'm certain this is my new favorite ingredient. I've forgone the usual jam for my morning English muffin, instead slathering it with pumpkin butter. Dollops of pumpkin butter have found their way into the Sunday waffles I make, and sometimes, it's the replacement for honey in my pomegranate tea.

Dear pumpkin butter,
How have I lived this long before without knowing you? The photo above is from when I first cracked the jar open, still weary of what it might taste like, afraid you'd be too sweet or too goopey. But then you suprised me, you were the perfect blend of all the things that are right with autumn, no.. what's right with this world. You complete me, and it scares me that only half the jar remains in my fridge.
You make my world go 'round,
♡M

Ravishing Ravenswood

Belated Update of dates in Ravenswood!

Mee Dee Cafe
4805 N. Damen Ave.

Run to Mee Dee!

Mee Dee Cafe is so adorable, but definitely not a place for large groups of friends! I would say bring one person along, there's only so much room! This bright and friendly interior was totally welcoming and quiet enough, and small enough to make this place intimate, but not cramped. Their website... is adorable!

Thai Heaven

We ordered the Lava Calamari, the Almond (what?) Pad Thai, and the Mee Dee Signature Curry. The Calamari was decent, nothing spectacular and not super impressive. The Pad Thai left me longing. Ever since I moved away from the walking distance of Noodles in the Pot in Lincoln Park, I've been looking for a new neighborhood Pad Thai to call me own. Unfortunately, the search continues.

The Mee Dee signature, on the other hand, is a dish not to miss! Both sweet and tart, savory and light, this dish was the best one we ordered.

Mee Dee Signature: Pan Fried Fresh Salmon with spicy and nutty flavor condense curry sauce, pepper, kaffir lime leaves.
Oh man. We ate every single last drop of the curry... so good! Did I mention? MeeDee is BYOB! I'm not sure I'll be hurrying back, but I'd venture here if I were in the area.

trees!

doves!

Apparently, a new community art place will soon be showcased in the Ravenswood walkway near Berwyn. I don't go through here often, but will make a mental note to come back and photograph the final product. I love local art!

I also love:

MACAROONs!

MAX! The puppy that loves me.... and I him.

weekend catch-up: 10.16.2010

Neighbor J and I spent a lovely weekend doing what neighbors do, pouring over our sad little apartments wishing for bigger, better places. So after a quick bite at the always amazing M Henry (review to come!) we made our way to target.

We lamented over the abundance of stuff we want and the lack of funds to provide for such. So we picked up a handful of items then we stumbled our way over to Gethsemane Garden Center.

Wow-EE! The place was so beautiful and Neighbor J and I ended up spending almost three hours there, pouring over potted plants and fresh flowers.

Flower Lettuce

Flowers in Bloom!

I bought a little lovely yellow flower for my window sill, which I've come to love already! More weekend updates to come.

Fresh Flowers Make My World Go Round,
♡M