Did you forget to make reservations for Valentines Day? No problem! There are still some great restaurants in Chicago with availability on Friday. I've done all the research for you, and here are my picks for Valentines Day spots that STILL have 1 or 2 reservations open... 1) Le Colonial: This place is SO romantic. The fact that they have any spots open should make you feel super lucky! Just check out my review on them. 2) Chicago Cut: Not only is this steak house known to be one of ... [ Read More ]
Restaurant Review: Japonais by Morimoto
The other night, I had the privilege and pleasure of dining at the new Japonais by Morimoto. This River North restaurant recently re-opened and has completely transformed and upgraded the atmosphere, food and ambience. Frankly I couldn’t be more impressed. From the moment I walked in until the moment I left, every detail was executed perfectly. When we sat down, our waiter, Maro noticed I was wearing black pants and offered me a black napkin (love it) and then asked the table about our culinary ... [ Read More ]
Restaurant Review: The Grid
This winter has been horrendous. Whether you live in Chicago like me or even down in Florida, the temperatures have never been this low. In my 27 years on this earth, I have never in my life experienced a more awful winter. Growing up, I was always told when life hands you lemons, you've got to make lemon meringue pie (I don't like lemonade) and therefore I've found a silver lining in all of this pain-staking cold. Enter, The Grid. This River North gem is located at 351 W Hubbard and is ... [ Read More ]
Low Carb Chocolate Peanutbutter “Poptarts”
I know what you're thinking. How the heck can a chocolate ANYTHING be low-carb? I have two words for you, Quest Nutrition. Since my recent discovery of Quest Protein Bars, breakfast has become a whole lot healthier, tastier and satisfying! If you've had these bars before, you know that they are decent (not amazing). Despite their average taste right out of the package, these babies turn to pure pleasure when you bake them in the oven for a couple of minutes. Oh and did I mention they all have ... [ Read More ]
Tangy Asian Slaw with Ramen
Whenever I make an Asian inspired dish, I'm always looking for a healthy side to help make me feel better about eating all the sweet sticky sauces and carb-laden rice dishes that typically come with the territory. Enter, my new asian slaw. This crunchy slaw is easy to put together and uses ramen noodles in a really unique way. It's topped with an insanely delicious (and from scratch) citrus vinaigrette that you'll probably want to bathe in. </br> Whisk together all the ingredients ... [ Read More ]
Homemade Butter
Last night I did something I thought only the Amish could do. I made butter. This recipe took me 10 minutes and only has 2 ingredients. I used my Vitamix, but I've read all over the internet that you can use a standard blender/food processor to do it as well! Homemade Butter This is much healthier than regular butter because you control the amount and quality of the ingredients. No additives here! 2 cups Cream (1 pint)Salt to Taste Pour the cream into your Vitamix (or ... [ Read More ]
5 Tips To Getting a Table at Chicago’s Popular Restaurants (without waiting a month)
Ever since moving to Chicago, I am totally dumbfounded by how long it takes to eat at some of Chicago's best restaurants. I never heard of needing to wait up to 3 months just to get in somewhere! Whether it's Girl & The Goat, Siena Tavern or one of Chicago's other ultra exclusive and hard to get into restaurants, I have 5 easy ways that can help you skip the line and dine at these restaurants any time you'd like! 1. Eat at the Bar/Lounge: One of the easiest ways to eat at any popular ... [ Read More ]
Chicken Francese
Who doesn't love a delicious piece of tender chicken francese? I know I do! I live for that chicken with a soft, puffy coating covered in a delicious lemon sauce. I've been making this dish for years and every time I make it, I wonder why I don't make it more often. It's really easy to make and a great way to have an Italian guilty pleasure right at home! My version is insanely delicious. It's so moist and tender! If you cook it right, you won't even need a knife to cut through it. Enough ... [ Read More ]
Homemade Nutella
Last week, my friend Jess sent me a recipe for homemade Nutella and asked me if I wanted to give it a try. Normally, I'm not much of a recipe follower, but I figured why not give it a try (plus, I'm always down for a girls night). I have to be honest, the recipe we followed simply didn't work out. It was chunky, thick and didn't have nearly the same flavor or consistency as the Nutella we all love. Luckily, I was able to re-work the recipe a bit and come up with my own recipe that simply ... [ Read More ]
Cheese & Potato Pierogi
I grew up on pierogi. This traditional polish dish is basically an unleavened dumpling that is stuffed with potato and cheese (or other filling varieties) and served with cool sour cream or applesauce. They can be boiled, pan seared in butter or baked and they are just so delicious! Unless your from Western Massachusetts and are lucky enough to get Millies Pierogi in the refrigerator section of the grocery store, you will typically find these guys in the freezer section. Since I haven't lived ... [ Read More ]
