Winter Wine Soiree Review

Happy Hump Day!

I had a fabulous time last night with my friend Connor at our first Winter Wine Soiree at Boarding House. I had posted about the event earlier this month and it finally took place last night from 6pm to 8pm in the The Cellar, filled with ten different wines and an assortment of foods to accompany them.

Connor and I both got stuck in the lovely rain storm on our way there but was greeted by the gorgeous glasses on the ceiling when entering the restaurant. The whole place is just gorgeous with the glasses above and the clean bar.

 We made our way down to check in at the Cellar on their lower level. Master Sommelier Alpana Singh greeted us downstairs and encouraged us to start trying while everyone arrived. Once everyone was present she stated that this is the first of many wine tastings that they will begin to host. Our tasting was focused around the ten red wines that are perfect for the winter but will also be a great fit for a spring picnic.

The Cellar

We were able to taste almost all of the wines that were available and my favorite were the three below:

Chateau Thivin, Cotes de Brouilly, Beaujolais, France 2011

Cepa 21, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2009

Bethel Heights Pinot Noir, Oregan 2010

It was a perfect way to spend our rainy Tuesday night and I encourage everyone to try out some of the other tastings that they will have available. I will make sure to alert you on the ones coming through to buy your tickets ahead of time because they do sell out fast. Also, a good tip would be to make sure to get the food right away when it begins, otherwise you'll fight with the vultures for the food if you wait too long!

Thanks for the sending through the event Con! We'll be sure to go again!

Hackney's

Today I bring you a review of a must try place for those who love burgers and haven't ventured south to Hackney's yet. Hackney's has been run by the same family for over 70 years.

Right off the Harrison Red Line stop you can venture in for one of their famous Hackney Burgers right in Printer's Row. I got to try it out last Thursday and was impressed. It is your standard bar with a seating area on the other side to enjoy their tasty burgers. We sat on the dining side and tried out two different burgers, The Inside Out burger, which is stuffed with bacon and Cheddar Cheese and the Pretzel Burger, caramelized Spanish onions and provolone cheese on a pretzel bun. I'm a sucker for pretzel buns so I couldn't refuse!

Both were so delicious and perfectly cooked. The fries that were an option to come with were also very tasty. The burgers are pretty big so be ready to take home a doggie bag!

The Inside out burger was rated on Guy Fieri's Diners, drive-ins and dives as one of the best burgers in Chicago and he adapted the recipe and features it on the Food network now if you want to try it out at home: Hackney's Inside Out Burger

Go ahead and check it out! The red line makes it very convenient to stop on by after work. Make sure to get there before 6:30 or 7pm before all of the regulars fill up the place!

Weekend Recap

Hello Friends!

What a great weekend celebrating a Birthday, trying a new dinner place and catching up with one of my favorites. Please excuse some of my pictures from this weekend, I really need to work on my skills.

Friday night I headed to Tortoise Club with two of my favorite ladies to have a fancy ladies night. It is the cutest place, with great ambiance and delicious food. I was in love with this Red Room and recommend going for drinks, apps and or dinner.

I'm in love with this room! There is where we sat for dinner and it is just gorgeous! The food was very delicious but a bit pricey for our ladies night taste :) We all started with the Tomato Soup and they both had the pasta carbonera and I had their cali mac (cauliflower mac and cheese) that was to die for. So rich and creamy. We finished up with sharing a brownie with a scoop of home-made vanilla ice cream that was the perfect end to a fabulous night out with the girls.

It is a great location on State to go for after work drinks on our cold winter nights ahead!

Saturday we celebrated our good friend Holly at Stout. I love this bar and grew more in love with it Saturday night. The crowd was a little interesting towards the end of the night at 1AM but from 9-midnight it was a great time with lots of good jams and drinks. Here are some pictures of the crazy night.

 The Birthday girl and Con

Some of the group!

 The drinks were kicking in for some of us :)

Sunday I went to brunch at Orange with a great friend and caught up with her and her trip to Antigua then spent the rest of the afternoon snuggled under a blanket watching TV with the crazy weather.

Get ready for this week! Connor and  I are heading to Boarding House tomorrow night for the Wine event and I have some other reviews from last week as well.

Have a fabulous Monday!

Weekend Guide

We Made It!

It's officially Friday, and I cannot wait to get out of work. I have fun weekend plans ahead and can't wait to start them.

Here are some great ideas to spend the weekend:

FRIDAY:

It's Whiskey Week (Jan 24th -Jan 25th)
Head on down to Untitled for a two hour Whiskey tasting. Who wouldn't want to sample Whiskey in this speakeasy.


SATURDAY:

All-Out Rager in Logan Square for the Numbered Days  block party with an hour of free Revolution beer at Stan Mansion. From 9pm -1:30 AM.


I'm heading to the Tortoise club tonight with two of my best gals! I'm so excited to try it out and catch up with the two of them.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend!!

A Tribute to Stadium

Hello Friends! Happy Thirsty Thursday.. I'm going to need a drink or two after this day. Short weeks are amazing for the extra long weekend but not so much the 4 days..and I got some sad news the other day... my favorite bar at Miami just got bought out and could possibly turn into apartments :(

I was so sad when I received the text yesterday and wanted to just do a little tribute to some of my favorite times at Stadium.. bare with me if you have never experienced the amazing, drunk nights with me....

My 3rd home at college (2nd was Brick Street)

 Me and my brother while he was still in school 

 $1.00 Pitcher nights Senior Year (miss these all the time)

 My last photo ever at Stadium (I can't handle this!!)

So long Stadium!! Love you!

10 Best Chicago Coffee Shops to Try

Hello All! It's only Wednesday but I'm in some serious need of Caffeine to get through this day. Check out this great list of the ten hot coffee shops to stop in and try.

1. the Wormhole Coffee, 1462 North Milwaukee Avenue (between Evergreen Avenue and Honore Street)

2. Filter, 1373-75 North Milwaukee Avenue (between Wood and Paulina streets)

3.Big Shoulders Coffee, 1105 West Chicago Avenue (at Milwaukee Avenue)

4.Star Lounge Coffee Bar, 2521 West Chicago Avenue (between Campbell and Maplewood avenues

5. Bridgeport Coffee Company, 3101 South Morgan Street (at 31st Street)

6. Asado Coffee, 1432 West Irving Park Road, (between Janssen and Southport avenues)

7. Caffé Streets, 1750 West Division Street (between Hermitage Avenue and Wood Street)

8. The Coffee Studio, 5628 North Clark Street (between Bryn Mawr and Olive avenues)

9. Kickstand Coffee & Tea, 824 West Belmont Avenue (between Clark and Dayton streets)

10. Ch’ava Café, 4656 North Clark Street (between Wilson and Leland avenues

Yum! Please bring me a extremely, large mocha to Merchandise Mart :)

Weekend Recap: A long weekend of new

Welcome back from the long weekend! It was extra special to have the extra day. I kicked off my weekend by hearing the best news, my sister is engaged!! Daniel popped the question Friday night when she came home from work and surprised her with all if the food they had on their initial dates. I'm so thrilled for them!

After that wonderful news on Friday, the weekend continued to be a success. I tried out another Barre Bee fit class on Saturday morning, more of a mix of dancing and toning. It felt great to workout in the morning and be ready for the beautiful weather we had on Saturday. My friend and I made our way to the field museum to see the Maharaja exhibit. It was gorgeous! I highly recommend checking it out before its gone the 2nd week in February. They don't allow photos but I did manage to snap these elephants in the lobby.

After the exhibit we walked back to Streeterville and enjoyed the sun while walking. Next stop was Mahoneys in River West to watch the Hawks bring home a victory!

We then celebrated by trying out TWO on Grand. It was unbelievably delicious. We tried three plates between the two if us and it was perfect. The place was packed but we squeezed in at the bar and ran into an old wright wood bartender. Small world for sure. Check out TWO here.


Sunday I joined a coworker and her boyfriend for brunch at Angelina's. It is the cutest Italian place on Broadway and Addison and their brunch is a must try. $21 will get you unlimited champagne and any brunch item. They are very generous with the champagne and we had our fair share. We tried the frittata and Jess had the eggs Benedict. Both were delicious. Make sure to get there before 11:30 because it gets extremely crowded but worth it.

It was such an action-packed weekend filled with lots of rest on MLK day. Let's now get ready for a crazy week ahead!

Weekend Guide: Long weekend Style

Happy Friday Everyone!!

It's finally the weekend, and a three-day weekend for most of us! Here are some things to check out this weekend!

FRIDAY:

Fire & ICE at Vertigo Sky Lounge: Take shots form a custom ice bar

The weather is getting colder and why not party at a winterized rooftop patio returns this weekend, steadfastly protecting you from the elements with fire pits, fur blankets, and Flaming Dr Pepper shots prepped behind a 12ft ice bar that Mr Freeze thinks is quite cool. Also, an ice place to spend the evening

Dolphin is Back and changing it's tune.
Hit up the 13000 sqft of thumping dance music club with the guy behind the Boom Boom Room. There is a LED light show every night and tonight's kick off party includes The Crystal Method.

Sumi Robata:
Reserve one of the hottest seats in River North. Their soft opening is offical for this Japanese grill with a 35-seat dining room with Charcoal Bar downstairs.

Johnnie Blue In Logan Square:

A new fireplace-equipped lounge, named for a certain Scotch of which the Lebanese owner is particularly fond of. The place combines Mediterranean flavor and a deep selection of brown liquor.

SATURDAY:

French Classics Cooking Class:
Sat. Jan. 19, 1 p.m.
Mon Ami Gabi, 2300 N. Lincoln Park W. 
Learn how to make three classic French dishes under the instruction of Executive Chef Ben Goodnick.

BLACKHAWKS ARE BACK!

Watch the opener at Park Tavern as they take on the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. They're offering half-priced apps and $3 brews.

SUNDAY:

Check out South Water Kitchen's new look and bar bites or savor their brunch. Re-opened after a renovation that saw it outfitted with '20s trappings like a tin ceiling, white subway tiles, and brass rails, SWK's bar is also sporting a fresh menu of bites like house-pickled baby veggies, deviled eggs topped w/ applewood bacon and mustard seed caviar, and duck jerky, also a comedy CD that just consists of loud, abrasive quacking at unsuspecting business owners.

MONDAY:

Celebrate MLK Day with Flutes and Frites
Mon. Jan. 21, 5-9:30 p.m.
Atwood Cafe, 1 W. Washington St

Barre Bee Fit: Feel the Burn

Hello Everyone!

First off I have to brag a little bit about Miami..Huffington Post just released the 12 Top Colleges for Undergrad teaching and Miami is one of them :) Love and Honor!

Miami has a special place and my heart and I'm so lucky to be able to still be with a lot of my fellow Miami graduates here in Chicago! We're gearing up for the big Winter Classic Hockey game about a month away on Soldier Field. It will be freezing but so much fun! My little brother, also a Miami Alum, will be in town with all of his class as well.

Miami alums are everywhere here in Chicago. I ended up running into a fellow alum while I tried out Barre Bee Fit for the first time Tuesday night with my friend Meghan. I have been dying to try their classes forever and they now have a studio in the Gold Coast just a good 5 minute walk from my apartment!

We tried out the Barre Bee class with Melissa Tuesday night at the Gold Coast Studio. She was a doll and I really enjoyed the class. They have a variety of classes, this one being their original class, a 60-minute full-body workout, targeting the arms, abs, thighs, and glutes and includes intermittent blasts of cardio conditioning. It was quite a class! The planks were working last night, my arms are pretty sore this AM.

Each class incorporates different props and equipment  to aid in resistance and stretching. Tuesday we used weights and you could use a band for stability while on the bar as well. The class was challenging with a mix of isometric holds, heavy repetition and deep stretching in order to shape and lengthen muscles. It was a lot of fun, with the pump up music and how you can really feel your body being worked throughout the class.

I'm totally hooked! I recommend anyone that is looking to try. They offer an $8 first class for newcomers and I just signed up for an unlimited month for only $80 (normally around $99 plus). Check out their other classes and website here: Barre Bee Fit

I will be trying two other classes this week and I'll keep you posted on my favorite. If you're looking for a different class other than Pilates  or need a little extra from yoga, these are the classes to try. I'm really excited to check out their kickboxing class as well.

Almost to the long weekend! We can do it!

III Forks: Wind Down Wednesday

All of this Restaurant week talk has got me excited to try all of the new places but I just stumbled upon the best deal at one of the places I wanted to try...III Forks.

They're offering to expand your palate Wind Down Wednesday, launched just last week on January 9th. Local wine reps and the Lakeshore East restaurant's wine director pour and discuss six different types of wines. You can sample as much as you want while you snack on appetizers from chef Clark Grant. It will only cost you $15 and is on from 5 -7pm.

Check it out!

Weekend Recap & Winter Wine Soiree Event

Happy Monday Everyone!

I feel very well-rested after a very lazy Sunday, but I'm so thankful for it today with the week ahead. I had a wonderful weekend catching up with friends and I hope you did as well.

My friend hosted a lovely wine and cheese party to welcome us to her new Apartment in Streeterville. We then brought out the Whiskey after the wine. Who could resist in this gorgeous decanter.

The hostess also had the cutest creatures to keep our drinks separate. I loved my pink bunny alien.

Whiskey Time!

After the fabulous housewarming, we ventured out to Tavernita to grab a drink with some friends. This place was pretty packed at Midnight when we arrived. I loved the bar scene where you can get little tastes of all of the appetizers and the drinks are delicious. I tried the Booty Collins and it was so refreshing! It's made with Green tea-infused Vodka and is a must try! We then ventured into the club-like scene in this enclosed curtain and I only lasted about 5 minutes, not my scene but looked like fun if it is!

We then attempted to try Bub City, the one I have mentioned before on Clark Street in between Hubbard and Illinois. The line was about 20 people deep and we only lasted about 5 minutes before we caved and went to Boss bar. If you haven't been to Boss bar, please go and experience it. One of my favorites in the city, a great dive bar but great service all the time.


I'm especially excited this morning to tell you about an upcoming event at Boarding House. I have to send a BIG Thank You to my friend Connor who sent me the link this morning. It just about made my week! I've been looking to try out Boarding House for quite sometime but this event just might be the way to do it!

On Tuesday, January 29th Boarding House is hosting a Winter Wine Soiree from 6 - 8pm. They've asked us to beat the winter blues and join Master Sommelier Alpana Singh for a tasting of red wines from around the world paired with passed appetizers. It sounds like a great way to meet some fellow wine lovers and enjoy the cozy wine driven ambiance of The Boarding House.

I cannot wait and just purchased a ticket for the event. It's $38 for the night, which is sure to be a success! Here is the link to join us: The Boarding House Winter Wine Soiree

Weekend Guide: How to Fatten up this Sunday

Happy Friday!

This is about the time that we all tend to give up our New Year Resolutions, and if you want to pig out this weekend I have a couple great places to try. If not, I apologize and go ahead and try later in the year.

1. Special Fried Chicken Plate at 25 Degrees features specialties like collard greens or mac 'n cheese packed with four types (4yr cheddar, vella toma, blue, and Weinless cheddar), but if that is not enough, get a Parm-breadcrumb crust on top. Don't worry you can still order their famous burgers and have a side of Friend chicken if you can't decide between the two.


2. Family Dinner at GATHER: This new Lincoln Square is offering up a shared Sunday special perfect for families/groups with classics like bowls of spaghetti & meatballs smothered in "Sunday gravy", roasted chicken with sweet brussel spouts, and sweetness like glazed sticky bun bites w/toasted walnuts. YUM!




Activities:

Chicago Boat, Sports and RV show with a pool-aided standing paddleboard and kayak fishing demos, a dude who can teach you to start a campfire with Doritos and a chance to win a three-day kayaking trip to the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin. Taking place at McCormick place until Sunday.

Maharaja Exhibit at the Field Museum: The Splendor of India's Royal Courts

This is where I will be this weekend with the ladies. The exhibit brings royal life in India from the 1700s to the 1940s to life.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Where should you travel in 2013

It's officially been two weeks since I've been back from Paradise and I'm still bitter and wish I was still there or somewhere other than my office "half cube". Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy my job but I'm just nervous about the upcoming Chicago Winter. We've been lucky enough to have gorgeous, sunny, weather this week and for this weekend but I'm just trying to prepare myself for the worst down the road.

I find that the best thing to do while daydreaming at work now, is planning my next vacation. I'm planning to go to DC to visit one of my best friends and visit Nashville for the first time in February for a ladies weekend trip. I'm so excited for both of these trips and I'm looking to plan some more for the rest of the year. I received a great article on where to go for 2013 from AFAR (full article here).

Here is there list:

Sri Lanka

Chile

Colombia

Oslo, Norway

Burma

Estonia

Israel

Portugal

Amsterdam

Namibia

Brazil


Australia


Puerto Rico

I'll go to all and any! Let me know if you want to join!

Also: Please note the comment from yesterday's post on another great offer for you gentlemen...Tie Society!

Try the original and largest Netflix-style rental ties and menswear service: Tie Society! Also, you guys can get 50% off your first month's membership using the discount code "WINTER". Check us out at www.tiesociety.com. 

Netflix for Neckwear: Calling all Gentlemen

Happy Hump Day Everyone!

I love this idea and had to pass along to all the gentlemen I know!

FreshNeck

FreshNeck's is basically Netflix for formal accessories  it's the Rent The Runway for your Necks! They offer tiered subscription plans where members can rent up to three ties, bowties, pocket squares, or cufflinks at ta time for their designer-heavy inventory that includes everyone from Hermes to Rag & Bone. Then you get to send them back like us ladies in a pre-paid package when ready to swap in some new ones!

This is absolutely genius and I highly recommend you to try it!! For all of you ladies, they offer gifting subscriptions which is a different idea for an upcoming birthday.

Also, for those of you that are thinking of signing up, Thrillist is offering 50% off your first month membership with the code THRILLIST.

Please try this and let me know what you think!

Back to Work: Upcoming Restaurant Week

Hello Everyone! Happy 2013! Today is my first official day back at work after two and a half weeks and I'm already struggling. I can't believe how long it's been, it was some  much needed time away and it might be hard to get back into the swing of things. Wish me luck!

Here is a recap of my Holiday along with the link to the Chicago Restaurant week in February. Make sure to mark which places you're going to try and sign up quickly! It is the best way to try all those fancy places for such a great price.

Christmas was amazing with Lucy.. even though it was on Friday, December 21st. She couldn't tell the difference. It is her favorite holiday and she loves opening the presents, even if they aren't hers :)

After a very fun (early) Christmas we got on the plane a the wee hours of 8AM the next day to Paradise (Barbados)

 We stayed on the West Side of the island in Merlin Bay. It was a beautiful property with 8 total villas to rent with 3-4 bedrooms each. We all shared the beautiful pool above and the beach.

 The Ocean was fantastic. It did rain almost everyday but you could find our whole family either in the pool or Ocean in the pouring rain. You could tell that we don't get out much and most of the other families in the property thought we were crazy! We just wanted to soak up the nice water.

 Our Villa with Sue babe

 Kid picture. One of the best sunsets ever.

It was the best 12 days, despite the rain for most. I feel completely rested and ready to take on 2013.

 Our New Year's Card picture of the kids.

Wishing I was still in this water just about now...

Now that we're back it's that time of year again to start hunting and reserving your places you want to try for Restaurant week!! It's one of my favorite times in Chicago, especially when it's February and what is better than trying out fabulous restaurants for a quarter of the price.

Here is the link to the restaurants that are participating this year:2013 Restaurant Week: Chicago

I'm hoping to try out the following throughout the time but we'll see how far I get. 

Carraige House

Balsan

BellyQ 

Embeya

III Forks

Saigan Sisters

Table 52

Vermillion

Hurry up and set your reservations even for Lunch! These places will book up soon!

Have a fabulous Monday everyone! I'm off to go meet some new clients, let's hope my vacation brain isn't still there when I meet them.