Home Design Give-Away: Before & After Enticement

As if the give-away isn't enticing enough in and of itself, I thought I'd share some beautiful Before & Afters that just prove the potential hidden in a Design in a Bag. 

BEFORE:

LA MOTTE MATERIALS

AFTER, following the materials exactly

 BEFORE:

  

 BURGOYNE MATERIALS

AFTER (my personal favorite)

See Monday's post for details.  One more day to enter!

Chicago Gourmet 2010 ~ Retrospection

Ahh, the foodiest of weekends has just come and gone, and I myself am still on detox to make up for all the (delicious!) calories consumed. What am I talking about you ask? Well, Chicago Gourmet of course!

I enjoyed the pumkin and chocolate truffle, mocha macaroon and fruit salad gazpacho



Crab risotto cake was an interesting twist

I tend to agree with Phil Vettel, the fete did have its foibles, but overall it was an impressive event filled with fanciful bites from some of Chicago’s most loved chefs. Millennium Park was the perfect backdrop to it all, and I found myself often commenting on how beautiful the city looked. It was also so neat (read: I may have geeked out a couple times) to see so many Exec Chefs at the front of their serving tables interacting with the crowds, something I’d only ever seen the likes of on Top Chef.

Watched Art Smith create a lo mein noodle dish, while admiring the beauty of the city and Pritzker Pavillion

One very important piece of feedback I'm surprised didn’t make Vettel’s list, is the suggestion (read: Pretty pretty please do this next year) to have signs indicating the restaurant and food one was waiting in line for. In one line, I befriended a vegetarian who just hoped she wasn’t waiting in line for a piece of meat! Yes there are maps to be studied and schedules at each food tent, but with the crowds which swarmed the tables it was often impossible to get a glimpse of the chef, food, or restaurant name until you made your way to the front.

 

LM restaurant put out a terrific rice pudding reminiscent of my childhood

With the variety of tents and pavilions to explore, there was never a dull moment for my little trio. We strategized over what to hit up first, then set out on our merry way. And with the wine, beer, and liquor tents being front and center (and in abundance!) there was never a problem finding a pairing to go with the tasting plate of the moment.

Chicago Gourmet is indeed a foodie mecca. I hope to attend for many years to come, and watch this Chicago “baby” grow into an even more phenomenal event.

Design Give-away!

With the number of friends and blogs talking of recent DIY projects, my ears perked up when I heard of a new Chicago-based company for interior design.  Design In A Bag is created by designer Rebekah Zaveloff and focused on  bringing the look of an interior design expert's well-crafted work into the D-I-Yer's home.

For kitchen or bath, the selections Rebekah pairs are perfection.  Each bag is an interior design recipe for a room, and includes all of the necessary elements to help you create a stylish and successful design for your new kitchen or bath.  After falling in love with several of the choices, I snagged Rebekah's time for a few questions, because let's face it, we all want to be inspired by a posh designer.  Read on to hear what Rebekah had to say, and then enter the give-away for your chance to win!

Where do you find inspiration for fresh ideas?
Travel and restaurants first and foremost. Just getting out of my comfort zone makes me look at everything in a new way. If I can’t travel physically, I travel mentally, by looking at old tear sheets (if I loved it 2 years ago and it still catches my eye, it’s really a keeper!), looking at European magazines, old copies of both domestic and European mags, and design blogs.

What advice do you give people just embarking on a design project?
Try to be as honest with yourself as you can about your tolerance for change and upheaval and do what you can to pre-empt discomfort…you’ll have more fun. And most importantly, have confidence in your gut instincts, but also be your own discerning critic who’s not afraid to edit. Edit, edit, edit. Use the rules from high school composition class! I couldn’t stand editing my writing back then, but I love editing designs. Don’t be afraid to try something, and then pitch it and give it away if you’re not loving it a few months later, or donate it, sell it…but taking risk is its own reward. Our fear of making mistakes is what stifles creativity.

What do you think it takes to make it as a successful entrepreneur in Chicago?
It’s the city of big shoulders after all. Being a hard worker…being available and being engaged. Authenticity. Really caring about your clients, and meaning it. Referrals are what it’s all about, and follow through is how you maintain referrals. Oh, and maximizing your time in traffic, whether it’s listening to music to decompress, NPR to catch up on news, or making phone calls (on speaker of course!).

For your chance to win, simply visit the Design In A Bag website, select your favorite design style and bag, and leave a comment here on the blog to let us your selection.
 
One lucky reader will be chosen at random on Friday, Oct 1.

Good luck!

xo

Savory Sunday ~ Irish Beef Stew

It's hearty, healthy, and made me happy ~

Get out your heavy dutch ovens dear readers, because it's time we all made some Irish Beef Stew.  Remember when I had a call out to all you at-home-chefs out there to send me a favorite recipe?  Well Anne of Shepwell Kitchen takes the prize for her tasty recommendation.  Not only is this stew delicious, made with a Guinness and beef broth base, but Anne was sweet and recommended a meal I could make with the beautiful new Le Creuset pot I've been having fun with.

Hop on over to Anne's blog to check out the recipe here, and while you're there please tell her I say hello and a big thank you!

Happy Savory Sunday~

P.S. ~ Don't forget to check back here tomorrow for a give-away!

A City Girl's Review ~ one sixtyblue

Last week found the husband and I trying to enjoy the last moments of summer. And on Monday night, we were persuaded to forego the gym in turn for some time on one sixtyblue’s new outdoor patio.

I had been eyeing the restaurant’s American Table $32 Prix Fixe menu all summer, and it did not disappoint. But what's more important, this sampling of their fare showed off the talent of Chef Michael McDonald, and has me vying to go back to dine on their full menu and experience their indoor dining.

I surprised myself with my order, opting for bolder flavors, while the husband went for the more delicate dishes which is usually my style.  We were both raving over our choices, a sign of how delicious everything truly was.

My choices:

 

Cheddar & Beer Soup ~ An elegant take on a hearty soup, poured over delicious bits of house-made kielbasa sausage and served with a crunch of pretzel.

Chanterelle & Lobster Mushroom Ravioli ~ These mushrooms were rich, earthy and seriously delicious.  It was paired with (we did the optional 3-course wine pairing for just $20) a distinctive chardonnay, which was more earthy than buttery and played with the mushrooms beautifully.

Fuji Apple Tart ~ The kicker of this scrumptious plate was the insanely rich buttermilk ice cream spiced with nutmeg and paired with pecans.  I could have forgone the shortbread and crumble and just had a little bowl of this to lick clean... though that would have given me serious guilt for skipping the gym ;)

On top of the refined food, the service was some of the best we've seen.  Every person we spoke with was approachable, knowledgable, and attentive.  And while I appreciate it's a semi-formal dining setting (trust me, I'm a girl who loves to get dolled up for dinner), I welcomed the opportunity to eat outside in a more casual atmosphere and take advantage of the prix fixe menu that had me feelin' we were stealin'.

One sixtyblue has just made my destination list for fall / winter, and I'd recommend it be on yours too.  They have a number of great week night specials as well ~ Monday Night Flights, Fried Chicken & Champagne and Burgers, Beers and Beats?  I'm intrigued.

Happy Foodie Friday~

P.S. Who is excited for Chicago Gourmet this weekend?

Farm-to-Table Dining Trend + Terzo Piano (A Chicago Favorite)

Do you remember when I spoke of the very cool (in my book anyway) farm-to-table dining trend?  Or how about when I raved about the architecturally stunning not to mention fantastico fare of Italian restaurant Terzo Piano (see here)?  Can you imagine what it would be like to combine the two?  Can you?

Terzo Piano is orchestrating two upcoming events that may just seem too good to be true.  After all, we are talking about my favorite restaurant to lunch in the city.  Had I not told you that before? 


a view from the Terzo Piano piazza ~ the perfect way to enjoy the city

On September 28, the restaurant will hold their second annual Eat Local Challenge, in which Terzo Piano invites guests to join the restaurant for a three-course tasting lunch menu with all ingredients sourced from within 150 miles of Chicago.  And guess what?  I have a sneak peek at the menu to entice you even more (not that you aren't already)

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010

All ingredients for this menu, with the only exception being salt, are from within 150 miles of the restaurant

~ Tomato salad with petite greens and herb vinaigrette ~

~ Hand crafted potato gnocchi with lamb ragout and sheep’s milk feta cheese ~

~ Sweet corn cakes with bacon, apple-pear slaw and maple syrup ~

$30 per person

Ingredients provided by the following local farms:

McWethy Farm (tomatoes)

Heritage Prairie Farm (whole wheat flour, cornmeal, petite greens, honey)

Nichols Farm (potatoes, onions, root vegetables, corn)

Pinn-Oak Ridge Farm (lamb)

Prairie Fruits (sheep’s milk cheese)

Phil’s Eggs

Seedling (apples, pears)

Dreymiller and Kray (bacon)

Terzo Piano (herbs, red wine vinegar)

Reservations can be made by calling 312.443.8650

 ~ I cannot think of a more chic place to dine ~

If that is not enough for you, how about a dinner in which you'll be able to speak with the chefs themselves about their focus on sourcing locally, using seasonal ingredients, and the ease of bringing the farm to your fork?  On October 11, Terzo Piano will host local chef friends and diners in a walk-around event, named Farm to Fork Fest, to prepare tasting dishes with beverages provided by local distilleries and breweries for guests.  Oh this has me just overjoyed at the thought!  For more information and to make reservations, visit the Terzo Piano event calendar.

If you can't tell already, I'm a huge advocate of all things Terzo Piano.  Every time I go I have an amazing experience ~ whether for a cooking class, private event, or dining!

As they say, buon appetito!

Furnishing Fix ~ Serena & Lily

I am one of those who can appreciate the beauty in other’s homes, fashion, beauty, etc. but am so terribly critical of my own I can have a hard time finding items I “love”. Browsing home furnishings today I found a couple items I’m not sure I can live without from Serena & Lily.

Dove Gobi Frame Rug

[via]

This might just be the perfect rug for my living room ~ I'm a sucker for clean, geometric design

Senegalese Storage Baskets

And how about these beautiful baskets?  I can so easily imagine them perched on our living room shelves

[via]

Where are your favorite places to shop furnishings?

Savory Sunday ~ A White Chili to Warm You

As the weather turns from summer to fall, the crisp air turns my attention to warm dishes that provide all the comfort Mother Nature decides to eliminate this time of year.

[via]

Therefore I’ve reinstated my cool-weather routine of cooking up comforting cuisine Sunday evenings to also eat as a left-over meal later in the week.  And last Sunday, it was a delicious ‘white’ chili – named such because it calls for ground turkey (or other white meat) and cannellini beans, and has no red sauce as in traditional chilis.  The perfect traditional football season fare, but with a unique spin to make it stand out from the crowd.  And it certainly is a crowd pleaser.

The verdict?  It is as delicious as the 5-star rating it currently holds.  As it was my first time making it I followed the recipe pretty completely, which can be found here.  I learned not to hesitate in topping it with lime and greek yogurt at the end, for it certainly added another layer of flavor which elevated the dish even further.  Next time I might add a bit more spice, but season and taste as you go and you'll be sure to get it to your tastebuds pleasing.

Happy Savory Sunday~

The Unexpected Rowboat ~ Newfound Favorite Chicago Street Art

Yes, it’s Tuesday, which on CGC usually means a Tasty Tuesday posting of a newfound favorite recipe… but I was too excited to share this Chicago street art discovery. Tasty Tuesday will just have to wait.

If you read here often, you know I have an affinity for some unexpected street art (see post here). The stronger the impact and / or message, the better. Street art is not just “pretty graffiti”, but takes talent, thought, and well-crafted execution.

Driving down Ogden Ave the other night, I noticed something lit up underneath the viaduct near Grand.


Driving past it can be easy to miss, until you notice the glow

I had to strain to see, and then realized, it was a very cool, well-constructed rowboat! Its whimsy, unexpected placement, and execution just put this on the top of my list of favorite street art.


The aura it has is incredible

It reminds me of something out of Redmoon Theater’s productions, which btw, have a very cool comic book-esque production going on now at the MCA, called The Astronaut’s Birthday.

I love finding unforeseen enjoyment in unanticipated places.

Have a Terrific Tuesday ;)

The Girls Went Ga Ga for Girl & The Goat

Wednesday night proved to be better than most. Somewhat chaotic, immensely fun, and a true feast fit for a king (or queen). Where was I? Sitting at the chef’s table of Girl and the Goat with a gaggle of girls from college’s past. Sure, there was catching up on college gossip, but moreover there was reuniting and bonding over really tasty food. Including pig’s face. Yes, you heard me.

Goat pizza ~ need I say more?  Just look at those colors!

The restaurant provided the perfect bustle to complement our bunch. Flanked along the open kitchen two chef’s tables stand – and after calling about six weeks ahead, our group of eight sat down happy to eat and watch the flurry of chef activity. We were hoping for some Quality Time up close and personal with chef Stephanie Izard, Top Chef Season 4 winner, not to mention chef we admire... majorly. Alas, she had the night off, probably working on what I’ve heard rumored will be an amazing salmon dish soon to be debuted on the G&G menu. Bummer. We still had fun, and Chef Stephanie, we still adore you.

Pig's face ~ looks more elegant than it sounds, eh?

Let’s see if I can recount all of the 16 platters we dined on (this is probably just as much an exercise for my memory as it is for your knowledge): Roasted Cauliflower (2), Chickpea Fritters (2), Sauteed Green Beans (2), Seared Scallops (2), Seared Summer Flounder (1), Smoked Goat Pizza (2), Rabbit Rillette (2), Pig Face (1), Pan Roasted Chicken (1), Short Ribs (1). PHEW! The genious gastropub is small-plates shared family style, so while a table should be sampling multiple plates, these 16 platters proved to be a challenge for us rather petite girls to get through. A tip from the (now) wise: there is nothing wrong with ordering a group of plates and then putting in an additional order after you have gauged the size of the dishes and the room in your belly. With everything being so delicious, it's very hard to leave anything on the plate ~ even for leftovers. I’m pretty sure we all left completely stuffed.

Here’s what you need to know: The food is excellent. There’s a reason she’s a Top Chef winner. The place is bumping ~ make reservations weeks ahead of time to guarantee the day and time you want.  The open kitchen is not quite properly ventilated yet.  Don't wear your finest threads, because you're inevitably going to leave smelling just like the chef in the kitchen next to you.

Dine on readers!  Dine on.  And Happy Foodie Friday~

Foodie Friday ~ Pave your Way to Chicago Gourmet

Chicago Gourmet just may be my heaven on Earth. I’m not quite sure yet; but I have a hunch – and I’ll find out September 24-26. A celebration of food, wine, and merriment, all housed within the beautiful Millennium Park. It’s Taste of Chicago on steroids, for people who value fantastic fare and creative chefs. There will be food, wine, spirits and beer tastings, celebrity chef demos, educational seminars, book signings and more. It may set you back $150 for a day (or $250 for two), but in my book it’s worth it.

Just take a look at the long list of participating chefs to see for yourself. There will be food included from every corner of the city – and beyond!

And as an avid a wine lover, I’m also enticed by the Grand Cru Tasting ~ held on Saturday and Sunday for an hour and a half, 200 guests will enjoy some of the “finest wines from around the world”. This will set you back an additional $175, but serious vino aficionados will abound.

Look at these views from Millennium Park!

Don’t want to fork over the coins for a ticket? You can earn a free pass for general admission simply by dining five times at any one of the participating restaurants. Many restaurants are including a Chicago Gourmet Prix Fixe menu to entice you. So get on it ~ you have from now until the big day to eat your way to a Chicago Gourmet ticket!

Happy Foodie Friday all~