Spotted: North Center

Spotted in the North Center neighborhood, a small sign no bigger than a square inch.

via Glut with Guts

Minna-made

Unpacking after moving has taken quite a bit longer than I had expected. This in addition to minor "issues" with our apartment have kept me hesitant from breaking in the new space. It's now week four in my apartment, and slowly but surely, things are coming together and I've started to feel a bit more at "home".

via moi

S came over the other day with two lovely new additions to my kitchen: basil and rosemary! After I wake up each morning, I scuttle into the kitchen and rub a leaf of each for good measure. They smell so great!

Moving out of my old apartment, I did a major purge of my things: I threw out boxes of old clothes, many bottles of lotions and sadly... a lot of kitchen stuff too. However, essentials at hand, I've started to cook once more.

via moi

I made my pseudo pad thai. I say pseudo (and probably should) about most/all my cooking as... I barely measure. This is a bad habit I've picked up from years of watching my halmoni (grandmother) cook in the kitchen... only I have no experience to back up my method. haha oh well.

I love "easy made" recipes. I hate when I pick up a cookbook filled with ridiculously obscure french names and processes or 'crazy' ingredients. I'm a simple girl, with simple tastes and would like a recipe to be blunt and show me how in 10 steps or less. No hand-holding, just slap it down on the table.

(Also, please ignore my washer/dryer in the background. My kitchen is cramped but functional and cute!)

Other weekend happenings: I'm loving my new neighborhood and all the foodie/wino nooks and cranies.

via Glut with Guts

Truffled eggs at Fork in Lincoln Square/North Center = HEAVENLY. Sitting atop a light puff pastry with a thin layer of mushrooms and goat cheese, this truffle flavor infused eggs made me happy and giddy. I don't think I spoke the entire time I was eating this and had my eyes closed like a freak after each bite.

Other notables from the Fork menu:

via Glut with Guts -- Duck Crostini

via Glut with Guts -- Orange Carrot Juice

After brunch, +1 and I went to our favorite breakfast/bakery place (that had a 2 hour wait for brunch! Hence why we choose the no wait Fork instead.) for some coffee.

Welcome to Lincoln Square:

via Glut with Guts -- Cafe Selmarie

via Glut with Guts -- The Fountain of Lincoln Square gets a washing!

via Glut with Guts -- Sunday Sprawl

via Glut with Guts -- Summer Sprigs! :D

Summer Lovin'

Overnight Chicago has skipped over the entire season of spring to come out guns ablaze with torturous hot and humid heat. The past two nights have consisted of me playing an intense (in my head) game of chicken: me v. the air conditioner.

With the even hotter months of July and August ahead, I wanted to conserve energy and psyche myself into thinking I can handle the heat. The idea of having the a/c unit on overnight seems like such a waste of our depleting sources of energy and since I sleep like a bear, temperatures in my sleep don't bother me.

Ridiculously minuscule mind battles aside, I'm pretty excited for this summer season! Summer and grilling are synonymous in my mind and has me wishing and wanting; I think my amazon.com wish list expands at a 30 items per minute rate these days. On my list include:

via Williams-Sonoma

The All-Clad Gourmet Double-Burner Grill for an on sale of $79.95 is perfect for an urbanite like me. Plus this piece is much easier to clean and maintain than a large grill pan/face/accessories.

via Sur la Table

And since we're add it, might as well as a Stainless Steel Stovetop Smoker, only $59.95 at Sur la Table.

**Note: I say things like "only" and "sale" as if I can still afford these things where as in reality, I'm a poor student with an addiction to shopping and dining in nice places, deeming most of these products unattainable. [sad face]

Dirty Betty's Deliciously Decadant Doughnuts

Early this morning, when most people are fighting the snooze button (which I'm usually up to myself) one thing made me jump out of bed and jump on the smelly train to Lincoln Park: Dirty Betty's opens today.

Doughnuts are definitely the new pastry craze. Move over cupcakes and macarons, there's a new kid in town. Each morning a long  line forms around the block at the Doughnut Vault, Scott Harris of Mia Francesca announced his move to open a small shop called Glaze and Dirty Betty’s the latest to join the game.

But with flavors like ginger doughnuts with key lime glaze, and blueberry doughnuts with a lemon glaze, how can one possibly resist?

ps. I love alliterations.
pps. I'm pretty sure I need to double my workout after this morning's "meal".

Taste of Peru

While their grilled seafood and meat entrees make great options, a must-try dish at Taste of Peru is the sopa de viagra soup. Albeit a pricier order ($25), this creamy soup with mixed seafood is truly unique in it’s broth filled with Peruvian spices. This dish with the funny name has serious flavor, and although it has no connection to the drug, it’s hearty portions of vegetables and nutritious seafood (known aphrodisiacs) combined with the romantic ambiance of live Peruvian music might just kick your libido into gear. 

Read more about this yummy soup and sezty zesty ceviche from Taste of Peru!

Photo Credit: Minna An

 

Brauhaus: Beers and Brats

I had a jovial time last weekend at Brauhaus, taking in some beer, brats, and a little boogie. No place on Chicago is quite like this welcoming atmosphere, drawing in everyone there in song and dance. But with the beers they offer, food that comes in abundance, and strudel to meet your bliss, who can resist a cheery little song and dance? I sure can't!

BEER ME! ..and you wonder why I'm a glut....

PROST, PROST, PROST!
♡M

Community Art

Mosaic on the Underpass to the Lake

Community art breathes life into the lives of neighbors, reflecting the joy and hope of the neighborhood it represents. After years of living in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, I made the move away from the cookie cutter walk-ups, and made my way to my new neighborhood, one that I've come to love and appreciate to no end. Each day as I jog (albeit, verrrrry slowwwwwly) past, it's a comforting feeling I get from seeing the heart that was poured into creating this art.

I wish more that our "western" culture would incorporate art into our lives. Many Muslim countries incorporate art into the most minute of details of their buildings, really bringing all viewers into a scared space of exaltation of the space.

My favorite activity when I was studying in Morocco was seeing all the different patterns of buildings, sidewalks, doors, ceramics, which is incorporated in really every aspect of Moroccan urban living. Here are a few of my favorites:

I loved hearing from guides, shopkeepers, my host sister (or really anyone in ear shot of my aloud-wondering) about the history and significance of each design. How one famous person or another commissioned one piece and the next. How the numbers used in these intricate tile designs were exaltation to Koranic verses. It was all so breathtakingly beautiful.

But I a fool, and always a goof:

Tile, tile, everywhere!

All about the art!
♡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

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.

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

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.