eat. (drink). pray. love.
I don’t realize how much I eat out until I’m doing a monthly recap…and all my food is in a restaurant setting. Thankfully the temperatures are starting to drop in the city, which means I need all the layers (even if some are under my skin). but what I’m learning…or trying to learn is to love it anyways. to love the food I’m eating rather than feeling the guilt. to love my body even if I’d want some things to change. to love the time I have with people, even if I’d like more. its taking a lot of practice, patience and prayer…
the tidbits
Duck Inn - these curds were legendary, layered ontop of bloody mary ketchup and hoppy mayo - they were the perfect combo of airy & fresh…who would have thought those would be words to describe fried cheese
Kaiser Tiger - an afternoon of drinks and a pretzel larger than my head
Sawada - my favorite spot officially opened back up, unfortunately I can’t post up there, but can at least snag a black camo.
Aroma Coffee & Wine - took a mini roadtrip to grab coffee with one of my best friends in crystal lake. i literally want my apartment to have all of these vibes. plus they had a golden latte, so thats extra bonus points in my book.
Cafe Robey - after a much needed staycation, my friend and I snagged brunch before heading to church. this was sneaky good. the herb cream cheese on the salmon toast was to die for and french toast was more like a dutch baby pancake…which is honestly a gift from god
Frida’s Room - a little mexican spot in pilsen. I’m not mad at anyplace that serves up chips & beans as an automatic side
Just doing some research
I’ve taken it upon myself to find the best pizza in chicago…these guys are becoming front runnerrs
Pizza Fried Chicken Ice Cream - i mean that name just tell you enough. these ricotta dollops and huge ny/neapolitan slices are exactly what your soul is missing. i hate to tell you about something that you can’t always get, but this is a specialty za. pfcic usually serves up sicilian squares, but on wednesdays only they grace us with a specialty. this coming up month it is a tavern style za…and you bet your bottom dollar I will also be giving that a try.
Duck INN - southside (aka meat heaven and hot giardiniera) & margherita with the best mozzarella I’ve ever had in my life.
Etta - got two pies togo. they even packaged reheating tips incase you took “the long way home”. i wasn’t expecting to love the summer corn as much as I did. the wild mushroom was amazing, but will have you breathing truffle the rest of the night.
you’re going to want to write this one down…
you know when people say “I have a secret, but I can’t tell you”? That’s kinda what I feel like I’m doing to yall here. I mean…I’m letting you in on the secret, but you can’t have it…and that might be worse. The boy took me to this place called Homestead on the Roof, and yes…it’s on a roof. They feature farm-fresh seasonal fare (from their 1,000 square foot organic rooftop garden) AND they rotate a chef every season…this summer it was Chef IVan Valdez (but won’t be for much longer)
I started with a marg that had a chamoy ice cube…if you like tajin you’ll LOVE this. We then ordered up three “small plates” …little did we know, they were not small: mexican street corn, fried quesadilla & skin on pork belly (which is something that I still dream about - the perfectly cooked crispy skin & creamy black bean puree…OH MY GOODNESS). We rounded out the night with chiicken thigh & mushroom tacos…and then I had to be rolled out.
….no but seriously, go here before this place changes up again.
new & old Friends
ask me to come hang out on a rooftop with wine & pizza…i will be there. our chef bekah made a crust from her sourdough starter & topped with dairy free cheese. my gut & belly were happy (yes…I get those are similar but you know what I mean).
My best friend and her kids headed off to greece, so I spent as much time as possible with them before I see them again…in 8 months!! I mean can we just see how cute they are?!
Get aways
I think we can all agree, this time is…weird. so whether its a mini road trip, a stay cation, or just changing up your scenery….get away.
the boy and I headed out to michigan for a quick trip out of the city. we had the cutest airbnb in a storage container, saw the absolute best sunset on the beach, and enjoyed time relaxing with vino. honestly, it was the best thing for my soul.
my friend and I did a little staycation at the robey in wicker park. ordered in small cheval and just stayed up chatting all night with some champagne. a good ol’ adult slumber party.
I am blesssssed with these city views. I loved posting up by the river with a book to start off my saturdays…unfortunately, it is starting to get a little chilly and my texas blood can’t last.
working from home is amazing for my mental health, but sometimes you have to mix it up - i have been able to dip into my friends workplaces (how freaking beautiful?!), grab a coffee at the hoxton, or just change up my seating in my studio.
self care
things that make the heart happy
channeling my inner wednesday adams…aka: dying my hair black
bought the most fitting sweater for me in my life.
Did the coolest thing with girls mentoring:
1. take a white canvas & write in sharpie all the lies you tell yourself or that people tell you
2. Cover in white paint (“clean the slate”)
3. place canvases next to each other and everyone gets their own color…continue to splatter paint all the canvases until your heart is happy (symbolizes how the love and positive energy we give spreads & covers the lies)
4. do an affirmation circle
5. write the affirmation that resonated with you the most
strolls through the green city market
baking RGE’s Skillet Cookies or my go to frozen smores. this has been a highly sought after recipe. so here. you. go.
Also made RGE’s GF Chicken Parm which was absolutely amazing, along side some goodies from the farmers market.
oh and a new pod episode…make sure to check out Xavier!
Doodles
Oasis has started a new series & I am so encouraged by pastor JP’s words and feel a very strong move in our family right now. I also feel very fortunate to say they have asked me to take photos of my notes throughout this series. Once again, I’m blown away by the creative brains in this house.
