Holy Humidity

Well it went from thirty-five degrees last week to ninety-five degrees this week! Chicago weather is unreal. It is painfully humid and hot now. I wish I was laying in the sun by a pool somewhere. It would really be the only appropriate activity.

How! What? I Mean Really...

There is a crazy, sideways blowing, slushy, cold snow storm in Chicago today. I know! What the? It is just nuts. It is late March right? It was 70 degrees yesterday...right? I don't think I was dreaming. I can't believe I have to dig back out my heavy winter coat already!

Nerd Alert

{via Audrey Hepburn Complex}

Ed and I got up an' attem this morning to head downtown to check out the infamous dying of the Chicago River (they dye is bright bright green every year in honor of St. Patrick's Day). Though I have lived here all my life, I have never seen the verdant river in person - not sure if I love it or hate it, but I digress...I plan to spend the rest of the day doing laundry, cleaning out my closet, and reading a book.

What I Ate: Belly Shack

After going to the dentist today for the first time in (eek) years (!), Ed and I decided that if we did not have any cavities, we would treat ourselves to the hip new neighborhood eatery in Chicago called Belly Shack. So guess what mom - No Cavities! The decor is skater chic. The music is dj-riffic. The food is delish.




The cuisine is an unusual combination of Latin and Asian. I indulged in seasoned fries served with curried mayo, hot and sour soup (make with chicken, cilantro, and hominy - a steal at $4.00), and finished with the tilapia 'sammich' (my favorite).

It is conveniently located under the blue line stop at Western Ave - which makes this a perfect quick bite after a long day of work. The center of the space features a single over sized communal table of rich dark wood surrounded by industrial backless stools. You order at the counter, and they quickly bring the food out to your table. Lots of layers of flavor is the name of the game here.

Check out their sister spot Urban Belly on north California Ave for satisfying bowls of noodles!

What I Ate: Treat Restaurant

Last night I went out for a lovely evening with all of mine and Ed's best friends. We were celebrating both of our birthdays that took place earlier this week. We ate at a small place called Treat in Logan Square here in Chicago. It is a unique contemporary joint with heavy Indian influences in all the dishes.


I had the curried gnocchi (served with gingered raisins, mint, and spinach), but I had more than my share of bites from a friend's plate who had the special - tandoori Cornish hen served with couscous, fava beans, and cranberry chutney. Many guests at the party got the lamb burger (which comes dressed in roasted red peppers, cilantro chutney, and herb aioli). Best part - it is BYOB, which makes the price point just perfect! And, I can't wait to go back on a Saturday or Sunday to try their brunch (half orders of French toast is the most genius thing I have ever heard). They do a great job here, and I would definitely recommend it to someone looking to try something a little off the beaten path.

Winter Storm Warning

Just got word that there is a severe winter storm warning in Chicago going for the next day and a half. Yesterday was so sunny (I actually though spring might be around the corner)!

All I Want To Do...

is eat rock shrimp all day every day. Rock shrimp is in the shrimp family but has a hard shell (like a rock) and tastes much more like lobster. My dear friend David took me to lunch at Sunda yesterday, and their rock shrimp appetizer is one of the best thing I have ever eaten. They are battered and fried, tossed in a creamy sauce, and served with walnuts and frisee. So So So yummy.


Old Oak Tap here in Chicago also has an absolutely delicious rock shrimp dish that is a bit spicy. Yum!

Yumzies

There is a new company called Macaron Chicago baking up some delectable sounding varieties of the traditional French merinque cookie - Macarons. Currently, they are only selling them at the Logan Square Farmers Market or through mail order. I can't wait to try them, what with flavors like apple cider, pecan honey, chocolate orange, and caramel fleur de sel - my mouth is watering!



On a similar (but separate) note - apparently Starbucks carried this adorable package of French macarons throughout December. The location nearest me still has a couple boxes on its shelf, but from what I have read they are just so-so. I can't imagine a mass produced and shipped package of this type of cookie would work so well, as they are fairly delicate and stale quickly. Maybe if they go on sale, I will try them...



Check out my previous post about Laduree that made these cookies famous.

To All A Good Night

I am off to San Diego tomorrow for Christmas vacation! Ed's parents live there, so we will be staying with them. I can't wait to feel 70 degree weather, and to spend time with his family. I definitely will NOT miss the blistering Chicago winter, but I will miss my friends and family here. I hope everyone has a safe and cheerful holiday this week!

Chicago French Market!

I am so excited for the new year-round indoor French Market that opened here in Chicago yesterday!!! It sounds like there are a ton of great vendors participating. I can't wait to check it out!

Faux Eiffel Tower

The view from out the window in front of my desk is a smokestack way in the distance. I pretend it is the Eiffel Tower - I know it is a stretch but I do what I can...

Real Wedding: Andrea and John

This is a gorgeaous wedding designed by Jesse Deckard of Botanicals, a branch of HM Designs that took place last week at the newly renovated Blackstone Hotel here in Chicago. I am so in love with this hotel. Every corner of it is the perfect balace of modern (and quirky) mixed with uber traditional (you can't see the tounge and cheek floral patterned carpeting in this ornate ballroom in these pictures, but it certainly adds an unexpected punch of color to the space).

The centerpieces for this wedding blended so nicely with the existing decor. Jesse used silver gilded garden urns topped with precise pavés of open white roses as the central point of the design. Surrounding the arrangement was a trio of unique crystal globe candleholders elevated on shiny silver risers. Additionally flickering votive candles on the table top completed the look!

Real Wedding: Gemma and Stephen

I worked on the design of this wedding with Jesse Deckard of Botanicals, a branch of HM Designs. This gorgeous event happened this past July at the historic University Club here in Chicago.

The ceremony and reception took place in the stunning Cathedral Hall, and the cocktail hour was held in the intimate and warm library. I love the gothic details that this venue provides as the backdrop. I mean, look at those stained glass windows, chandeliers, etc...yum!
Jesse enchanced this already beautiful space with loads of candles (down the aisle, on the existing fireplace mantle, and across the place card table.)

Each guest table was piled full of lush arrangements presented in elegant curved glass vases. Featured flowers included open purple iris, lush purple delphinium, and fluffy Dutch hydrangea. The addition of flickering candlelight and unexpected custom mirrored tabletops completed the look.


This is a perfectly unique look for an traditional yet urban wedding!

Real Wedding: Marian and Michael

This is a beautiful wedding that took place a few weeks ago at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art. I worked on this clean and almost zen design with Jesse of Botanicals.

Place Card Table Decor (loads of tall and thin birch logs anchored by piles of fresh dusky succulent blossoms):

Cocktail Table Decor (a single fragrant gardenia blossom nestled atop natural river rocks in a white ceremic dish - on of my favorite designs!):

Centerpiece Design #1 (a block of varied square glass vases filled with crystal clear water topped with floating candles surrounded by touches of offset fresh orchid blossoms):

Centerpiece Design #2 (Elevated vases soaring with leaning and integrated bundles of variegated alocasia leaves, Hawaiian dendrobium orchid sprays, and hanging amaranthus):





The tables were lined up down the main corridor of the museum which currently houses Olafur Eliasson colorful exhibit (which I have gone back multiple times to see)!

Photos by: Erica Barraca
Wedding Planner: Lauren Carter of LOLA Event Productions

The Windy City

There is a wind advisory today in Chicago. I hope everyone says safe and warm...me - I am going to make some hot chocolate and read my Julia Child book.

Real Wedding: Samantha and Scott

I wanted to share some pictures that recently came in from the photographer of a wedding I helped design this past July. The couple's main concern was to keep their special day as 'green' as possible. We acheived this by adorning the various tables with loads of wooden boxes planted with colorful and seasonal plants. Following the wedding, each of these were donated (with the help of Chicago's Mayor's Office) to local senior homes. What a great way to celebrate while also giving back! The historic Field Museum housed this impressive and thoughtful event. I loved the combinations of soft lavender, deep purple, vibrant yellow, and (of course) rich greens! The selections of hand picked plants ranged from violets to ferns to lavender. Loads of flickering candlelight set the mood for this unique evening.






Event Planner: Lori Stephenson of LOLA Event Productions
Senior Designer: Jesse Deckard of Botanicals, a branch of HM Designs
Photographer: Sarah Alair Photography

Real Wedding: Kate and Scott

Here are some lovely photos of a wedding I worked on with Jesse Deckard of Botanicals, a branch of HM Design. It took place a couple months ago at the iconic Drake Hotel here in Chicago. The whole event was pulled together by the charming Lauren Carter of LOLA Event Productions.

A unique round topiary of fresh plums designed atop a gold guilded urn served the perfect focal point for the place card table:

This is the bridal toss bouquet - a smaller version of the exquisite bridal bouquet. A textural combination of golden ranunculus, fluffy lisianthus, open roses, lavender scabiosa (one of my favorites!!!), and unexpected chocolate brown fern curls.

The Grand Ballroom was done up in a soft and romantic combination of metallic gold and silver with accents of bold purple. Lacey textured lighting on the dance floor added to the moody atmosphere.

Each table was draped in platinum pintuck linens and surrounded by gold Versailles chairs complete with deep eggplant cushions and napkins. The centerpieces were a combination of both tall elevated arrangements as well as low and lush pieces. Featured flowers included fluffy hydrangea, open roses, wisps of delicate jasmine vine, and fresh clusters of black grapes. The designs were presented atop ornate gold gilded risers, and amber votive candles completed the look.


Photos by my dear friend Erica Baracca.

Grilled Tapas

I went to dinner tonight with my dad, and in an effort to be healthy - we chose a Cafe Iberico (a tapas restaurant here in Chicago). It is a large restaurant in a bustling part of the city that manages to feel intimate due to its various rooms. I know, I know - tapas isn't necessarily healthy - BUT - we chose all items that were grilled including veggies, salmon, pork, and calamari. Fried calamari always gets the attention, but I love love the delicately flavored squid when it is grilled and then squirted with fresh lemon!

999

In honour of today's date September 9th, 2009 (09/09/09) I thought I would write about a Vietnamese Pho restaurant in Chicago called Pho 999! Around the corner of Argyle and Broadway there is a whole cluster of Vietnamese restaurants.

Pho is a delicious bowl of soup (essentially) that is typically made with beef (though a ton of different flavors are available). The broth is seasoned with an array of unique spices such as anise, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger. The most fun part is the collection of garnishes they bring you to add as you wish (jalepenos, lime wedges, bean sprouts, etc.).



I also have a weak spot for the crazy strong Vietnamese coffee.

Enjoy!

Merz Apothecary

I am currently obsessed with this little apothecary in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago. I stumbled upon it recently and my jaw hit the floor. This European store has been in business since 1875, and is complete with a hand-carved wooden exterior, leaded glass windows, parquet floors, tin ceilings, solid oak cabinets and the store's original antique pharmacy jars and herb containers. They carry quality natural medicines and treatments as well as luxurious European soaps and body products. You can read the complete history of this family owned business here and puruse their amazing selection here.