Archives for September 2007
Laughing it up in Chicago
Could there be a better place to be this weekend? I think not. The Cubbies clinched their division, the weather was summerish and delightful, and the food and comedy were superb…oh, and some shopping was done with you in mind.
Let’s begin with Friday evening. The moon over Lake Michigan was huge and irresistible. We all sat on the sofa and soaked in this view for quite awhile. Of course we were stuffed senseless with hotdogs and fries served up at our favorite joint, Portillos.
After a good sleep we headed out to a excellent brunch at Bistro Zinc. Their brioche french toast with vanilla mascarpone cheese might as well be called crack toast…it’s so damn addictive. Suffice to say all plates were practically polished when we finished and no, we did not lick the plates, but we wanted to.
We continued south to Sur La Table, my favorite cookware store in the midwest. I acquired a set of brioche molds, silcone cupcake cups, and a plastic knife that made GH happy (you may recall his fear of knives). So look forward to some tasty baking coming your way soon.
Next stop was MCA which is celebrating its 40th birthday with 40 days of free admission and cupcakes…I love free especially when accompanied by cupcakes. This morsel is a red velvet cupcake topped off with a dollop of cream cheese icing. It was created by Swirlz Cupcakes and it was spot on perfect. MCA has an absolutely killer exhibit on the art of rock and roll since 1967 and it was a blast to view it with the boys. The next stop was the Jazz Record Mart so GH could add to his collection. Then, with worn out feet, we cabbed back to the apartment for a nap.
By 5:00 we were well rested and finally hungry again. We headed for the Lakeview neighborhood to dine at La Tavernetta on Broadway at Wellington. All of our food was delicious but I think Dexter got the best dish, the gnocchi with sausage and broccoli. The food was good, Chicago Italian, like Aunty Sarah would make, and the service was great. There’s nothing trendy looking about it…but go,go, mangia!
We ate such an early dinner because we had tickets for Mark Birbiglia Comedy Central show at the Lakeshore Theater. It was a blast and we laughed for 2 hours…all the comedians were great but we especially loved Jeff Tate and Mark Birbiglia…check out his blog. We also stumbled on to this great music store called Reckless Records…so fabulous…Dex got some AC/DC and some Jimi, I got some new Iron and Wine, Matt Pond PA, Badly Drawn Boys, and some classic Allman Brothers, Alex got a Japanese Samurai movie. Loved it!
Now I’m back home, hoping you’ll understand that although I have some great chicken pot-pie photos from last week I haven’t written the recipe up yet, but I’ll post that on Tuesday. Until then eat some good food and laugh…it helps. Go Cubs.
Tart me up
This pear and tarragon tart was the most delectable pastry I’ve had in years. Created by the incomparable Tart Lady…I’m in love. You can find her most Saturday mornings at the Farmers’ Market located in the parking lot of the DOT building. Save some for me.
Don’t forget that tomorrow is Local Night Out here in Madison and we will be dining at The Old Fashioned. I chose them because I know their pork comes from Tony and Sue Renger’s Willow Creek Farm. All my Madison and Dane County readers get out there, eat well and and show your support of restaurants that buy local.
My favorite breakfast
Homemade yogurt with maple pecan granola and peaches. This is seriously delicious.
Maple pecan granola
4 cups old fashion rolled oats
2 cups pecan pieces
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup maple syrup
Preheat oven to 150F.
Put everything in a large bowl, stir it up well. Turn out onto a heavy baking sheet lined with a silpat. Bake for 10 minutes, remove pan from oven, stir the granola. Put pan back into the oven for 10 minutes and repeat the bake, stir process 3 more time. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Store in a glass jar.
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