Memorial Day weekend is always the launch of the US Summer holidays, and we got off to a cracking start with a trip to Amsterdam. I hope everyone else had some great weather and good times with family & friends this past weekend. As soon as we unpack and settle in I will share some pics from our short adventure to the Netherlands.
May 29, 2012
Short URL Fave Finds, Mother Nature
Balena opened 2 months ago & has finally brought some well-respected life to the old Landmark Grill space in Lincoln Park. It is a unique room for Chicago & worthy of a visit if in the area even if for just a drink at the bar [Debbie makes a great cocktail]. We now have 2 default restaurants to turn to: The Bristol & Balena [same owners].
The menu is limited, but it changes frequently with some staples always featured, where possible everything is made in-house. The pasta, with closed eyes takes you directly to Italy. The desserts delicious, & we are looking forward to returning to try the pizza. Quick tip – this place draws a pre-theatre crowd so go after 7.30pm on theatre night & they also accept reservations.
May 21, 2012
Short URL Chicago Eats & Drinks, Food, Italian, Restaurant Chicago Eats & Drinks, EAT, Italian
We lasted visited Amsterdam in 2005, and we are excited to return this Memorial Day weekend [stretching it a little longer]. Catching up with friends from all over the globe, it will be a fun adventure.
Do you have any suggestions on what ‘to do’ or ‘to see’ or ‘to eat / drink’? Recommendations are always welcome.
May 17, 2012
Short URL Amsterdam, Memorial Day, Netherlands, Photography, travel Amsterdam, Netherlands, SEE
Went to the Publican for Brunch and ended up cleaning-out the wallet & the store at Publican Quality Meats. Look away now vegetarians this is not something for you. It is the ultimate butcher shop / deli, that happens to have a cafe too. We were here for the meat and the meat only.
Hello – where in the city can you get a 70-day-old dry-aged-ribeye! The selection of charcuterie alone is worth the visit, and you can also grab local farm & artisanal products including cheese and spreads and alike. The exceptional service & knowledge of the butchers, they totally saw us coming, they up sold & cross sold the store to us, but in a good way.
The feast was delicious [blood sausage, bone marrow, iberico jamon sliced off the bone, ribeye steak, & for later veal cheeks & white anchovies]. Looking forward to a return visit soon.
May 15, 2012
Short URL Chicago Eats & Drinks, Food, Paul Kahan, Review American, Chicago Eats & Drinks, EAT
My Mum is better than your Mum!
She let me do all sorts of cool stuff when I was growing up … she let me drink beer at weddings .. she let me have a horse .. and a pet lamb .. and several dogs, birds, cats, turtles and countless fish. She let me have friends over all the time … she let me get a perm [wait I think you made me do that actually] .. she knew to wear eye protection when cutting onions … she is super kind to all people. She is – well – awesome, and I am sure your Mum is too! Mothers are a special breed that hold the world together, that is why we love them SOOO much. Happy Mother’s day Mum, and to all the other Mums out there too.
I ♥ MY MUM!
May 13, 2012
Short URL Mother's Day, Vintage Fave Finds
