Category Archives: ..and more

We pretty much had to roll ourselves out of Macy’s Friday night after making our way through the Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Ball in cocktail dresses and heels. Between holding our drinks, juggling tasting plates and salivating, it was hard to get a ton of pictures, but I did capture the lovely presentation of mini sweet and savory tarts from Fox & Obel. More than 60 chefs took part in the annual event, each creating one item to taste. We saw lots of pork, duck, mushrooms and fall veggies being used in dishes, and a few standouts included a pork tenderloin mole with guac from Adobo Grill, a bbq bacon burger from Marc Burger and a delicious stone crab bisque soup from Joe’s Seafood, Steaks and Stone Crab. I also loved sweet potato cupcakes from Bleeding Heart Bakery and chocolates from Sarah’s Pastries. We miraculously still had room for a final stop at the Berry Chill stand, and eyed (but resisted) the Frango mints on the way out.

Caramel crunch, lemon-cucumber, rhubarb and apricot walnut tarts from Fox & Obel

Look up and to the right, it’s a poll! I’d like to say that all this blogging has allowed me to tap very deeply into my tech-savvy side, and I was able to program the thing on my own. But alas, I did not. It’s a new option on wordpress and one that I am probably a little too excited about. Happy voting!

As I’ve expressed in past posts, I’m digging on some of the recent additions at Starbucks (don’t hate), and I was recently informed of their new salted caramel hot chocolate. Anyone try it yet?  I picture something overly sweet and headache-inducing, but maybe the salt cancels all that out. I’ll give it a try and report back. And speaking of hot chocolate weather, I figured I throw out some of my other favorite hot beverages around town. And by hot I mean caffeinated.

DRINK: Sencha green tea
WHERE: Work of Art Cakes, 1332 N. Halsted St.  
WHY: It’s the real deal and pretty potent. Ask them to throw in a slice of lime to cut the chlorophyll factor.

DRINK: Taro or almond milk tea with tapioca
WHERE: Saint’s Alp Teahouse, 2131 S. Archer Ave.
WHY: It’s heavy, bordering on bloat-inducing, but still makes a great sweet ending to a big meal, plus you get your own individual pot and a little spoon to scoop up the tapioca (see pic).

DRINK: Double soy medium latte
WHERE: Sip Coffeehouse, 1223 W. Grand Ave.
WHY: Sometimes the top of the foam comes with a cool espresso leaf design.

DRINK: Regular coffee
WHERE: Atomix, 1957 W. Chicago Ave.
WHY: It’s the cure to writer’s block. Be prepared to be wired. For a long time.

Tea from Saint's Alp

Unfortunately I didn’t get to experience it, but a massive roast beef carver sandwich with gravy-soaked mashed potatoes and frothy Guinness was enjoyed at the Emerald Loop (216 N. Wabash) for this week’s Big Sandwich Tuesday. Watch for reports from the next BST at Heaven on Seven..or Sultan’s Market..or La Pasadita? Extra delicious photos courtesy of BST regular Jeff Hottinger.

Without or without your votes, it’s carver sandwiches at Emerald Loop for this week’s BST. Unfortunately, I won’t be there but I’ve been promised big, gravy-soaked documentation.

The boys need their next Big Sandwich Tuesday! While I figure out how to create a poll in WordPress, cast your vote in the comment section below:

What should be the next BST?
1) Po’boys at Heaven on Seven
2) Carver sandwich at Emerald Loop
3) Hot dog at Hot Doug’s
4) Italian sub at Bari
5) Meatloaf sandwich at Jerry’s Subs