Crap

Rain all you want today and {maybe} tomorrow, but DO NOT RAIN on Friday! It's my birthday wish {and the wish of thousands of students}.

May 25

Thu 26

Fri 27

Sat 28

Sun 29

T-Storms	Rain / Thunder	Mostly Cloudy	Partly Cloudy	Partly Cloudy
73°F	57°	59°	73°	76°
High	High	High	High	High
53°	45°	51°	62°	64°
Low	Low	Low	Low	Low
Chance of Rain: 80%	Chance of Rain: 70%	Chance of Precip: 20%	Chance of Precip: 20%	Chance of Precip: 20%

Foodie Frenzy

For the past few weeks I've been looking forward to the Better Homes & Gardens Chill & Grill Festival. The festival was held in good ole' Lincoln Park right by Green City Market and featured celebrity chefs, cooking demos, book signings and tasty food from some well-known restaurants in Chicago. 

Hubster and I bought a punch card for $15 (12 total punches) and we were able to cash in punches for samples of food. I was pleasantly surprised that most food were only 3 punches. We were able to sample 4 dishes. = ) 

{ live cooking demo } 

{ my favorite dish } 

{ this actually tasted just like hot chocolate! delicious } 

{ Stephanie Izard walked right past me... we practically bumped elbows } 

{ for those of you who don't know who Stephanie Izard is, you clearly don't watch Top Chef } 

Tonight!

Coffee Time

Yesterday I met up with a friend/old co-worker for a cup of coffee. I ventured north (way north) to Metropolis. This was my first time going to Metropolis and I have to say I'm a fan. The location was roomy, yet quaint. My only gripe is that I sat in a very hard folding chair. 

I love trying new coffee places, but find that I rarely have the time to sit and truly enjoy a cup of coffee. At Metropolis, I ordered a slice of the lemon bundt cake and wish I took an additional piece to go. It was fantastic. Without giving it much thought, I ordered a medium nonfat mocha. To my surprise, the barista poured the mocha into a low, round cup and made a fancy design in the cream. = ) 

I have a new appreciation for coffee shops that that take the time and give their customers a wonderful visual delight. It was so nice not to drink out of a paper cup for once! I just wish their was a Metropolis closer to my place. 

It was so nice to catch up with my friend Alex. It was long overdue and we'll have to do it again soon! 

Cubs Squared

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending two Cubs games. I went with a bunch of co-workers to the game on Friday and the Cubs managed to pull out a big W. The day started out great... 70 degrees and sunny. By the time we left for the game, it was 52 degrees, cold and windy. That's Chicago for you. Temps can drop 20 degrees in a matter of 30 minutes. Typical. 

The seats weren't great, but they were free... can't beat that. 

This year one of my *favorite* pizza places in Chicago started selling mini deep dish pizzas at Wrigley. Diagastinos (aka DAGs by locals) is one of the best places to eat pizza in the city. The mini deep dish cost $6.50 but I consider it a steal at Wrigley. So delicious and filling. Next time you visit the Friendly Confines, I highly recommend you eat a DAGs pizza. 

I also went to the Cubs game on Saturday for my BFF's birthday. I'm embarrassed to say this, but we all left after one inning. Crappy does not even begin to describe the weather. Cold, windy, and wet... the rain was more of a mist, but it was blowing right into us and our amazing section 235 row 1 seats. There was no way I could sit through the whole game in that weather. 

{ K was trying to make the best of the situation... the others were just trying to stay warm } 

We ended up going to a local bar to have some birthday drinks and cake. All in all, it was a fun night with some great friends. 

Alfresco #1

Last night hubster and I enjoyed our first night of al fresco dining this year. One of our Groupons was set to expire the following day so we just had to go out to eat. About a year ago, we stumbled upon this restaurant by our condo called Rocco Ranalli's.  They have a great outdoor dining patio, a delicious selection of draft craft beer and the pizza is awesome!

First up we ordered chips and guac... a staple in my household.

Next, we each ordered a flight (4 small samples) of craft beer. I have to say, every single sample was delicious. I'm kind of a beer snob in the aspect that I prefer a good hearty beer over a can of Bud or Miller. I also respect the local breweries and their work. If you're in the mood for a good craft beer, I highly suggest you hit up Ranalli's.

Finally, the pizza. We opted for a medium pan with sausage. It never fails... the pizza was awesome.

What a great start to the summer season! 

Morning Treat

I had quite the lovely morning.

I got up at 7am ... ran 2.5 miles ... showered ... walked to work ... and picked up a grande passionfruit shaken iced tea. It was a scorcher this morning and I need something cold and fresh to cool me off. = )