Pl-zeñ, a gastrocantina (cantina is bar in Spanish), located in Pilsen, Chicago, is great spot to grab some drinks with or without dinner/brunch. This unique restaurant and cantina is colorfully bright, featuring local artists' works on their wall and modern, industrial type decor that cozy with warm lighting and wood furnishings inside brick walls. The … Continue reading Pl-zeñ
Happy Fat Tuesday! It's pączki day (also observed on Fat Thursday, the Thursday before Lent), a Polish, pre-lenten tradition that everyone should celebrate! I came across an article about where to find these lovely indulgences, the Chicago Tribune's Pączki Day Specials from 37 Chicago Restaurants and Bakeries. Too many to choose from so I skimmed the list … Continue reading Scafuri Bakery
Hands down, one of my favorite restaurants is Stacks Bar and Grill in Valparaiso, IN. A library themed, cozy restaurant, making you feel comfortable with a good mix of classic fare and rotating, unique, weekly specials. Not to mention, they offer great cocktails, a huge, diverse craft beer selection that is updated frequently and … Continue reading Stacks Bar and Grill
I absolutely adore this little gem! Frida's Cafe and Gallery is a unique coffee shop that serves as a tribute to Kahlo while celebrating Mexican folklore though local art and cultural products. They not only serve coffee, light fare, and delicious sweets but display local art and sell Mexican novelties (i.e. jewelry, mugs), candy, etc. … Continue reading Frida’s Cafe
West Town Bakery is an eccentric local bakery that serves breakfast and lunch in addition to yummy baked goods. They strive to be green and sustainable and offer options for everyone (all main food allergies accounted for). I like what they stand for and it's a cool shop to visit, very colorful and unique inside. I'll … Continue reading West Town Bakery
This may be my favorite donut shop in Chicago. Do Rite Donuts and donut do wrong! I first tried this artisanal doughnut shop after the Big Ten 10k last year as a treat (: I went for the yeast raised, chocolate glazed. The texture was light and fluffy, with just enough chewiness. Also, the chocolate glaze was fantastic: … Continue reading Do Rite Donuts
I've been running 3 to 4 miles about 3 to 4 times a week since January. I usually take a break between Thanksgiving and Christmas mostly because of the weather, limited daylight (I'm not a treadmill fan and will avoid running indoors on one all costs), and some earned time off/recovery. I decided to run … Continue reading First Race of the Year
The 606 Trail, or the Bloomingdale Trail, is a former elevated railroad. The railroad used to run on Bloomingdale Ave. until it was elevated due to a Chicago ordinance in 1893 intended to reduce pedestrian fatalities. By the 1980s, freight activity was minimal and by the 1990s any freights still using the track were rerouted. … Continue reading The 606 Trail
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! ❤ My family had a Valentine's Day dinner on Sunday 🙂 I made dessert, of course. I decided on some red velvet doughnuts (my brother's request) and some chocolate covered strawberries. The strawberries were great! Easy enough, fresh strawberries and a mix of melted milk and semi-sweet chocolate with some extras: … Continue reading Red Velvet Doughnuts
This year, Chicago Restaurant Week, took place from January 27th through February 9th, celebrating 10 years! Over 300 restaurants featured special prix fixe menus starting at $22 for brunch (this was new this year) and lunch, and $33 and/or $44 for dinner. This excluded beverages, tax and gratuity. This was my first year, but not my first … Continue reading Chicago Restaurant Week 2017
