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 ]
8 Things to be More Patient About in 2014
Let's face it. We live in a fast paced society where the mentality is always to rush everything. With 2014 approaching, I encourage everyone to stop for a minute, take a deep breath, and read through this list of things you should be a little bit more patient about next year (trust me!): 1) Losing Weight: There is NO healthy way to lose weight fast. Losing weight and changing your body takes time and a shift in lifestyle. Don’t give up if you don’t see results from healthy eating and exercise ... [ Read More ]
What We Can Learn From Dogs
This morning I was inspired by my 2 year old dog Brady. That little guy really knows how to live life. Sometimes I sit and think I could learn a lot from him. I know you may think this sounds crazy, but here are a few things we could really learn from dogs: Enjoy the little things: Dogs are so appreciative and happy! The smallest thing, such as rolling down the window for Brady so he can get a fresh breeze on his face, can make his entire day. Last time someone rolled down the window for me I ... [ Read More ]
Ask Erica: Where Can I find Your Utica Greens Recipe?
Hi Erica, I'm not on Facebook but would like to know how to get your recipe for Utica Greens. Thank you . -Bill _________ Hi Bill, Thanks for writing in! You can find my Utica Greens recipe here. I think you will really enjoy them. I've been told that they are every bit as good as the ones you'll get at Georgios and Chesterfields! Also, I wanted to take this time to point out that you can search ANY of my recipes using the "Search" bar on the right of the page. I ... [ Read More ]
How to Chop Onions Without Crying
Since I pretty much put onions in EVERYTHING, I think I've developed eyeballs of steel. That being said, I've had many readers ask me if I had any tips and tricks to help stop the burning/crying when cutting them. Over the years, I think I've found 3 ways to help with this problem. Each way on it's own is helpful, but if you can do all 3, I can almost garuntee you won't shed a single tear! 1) Put the onion in the fridge for 1-hour before you cut it. Without getting too technical, the stuff ... [ Read More ]
Happy Thanksgiving: 5 Things I am Thankful For
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your families! I wanted to take this opportunity to express the 5 things I am most thankful for (besides my blog, which you all know means more than anything to me). 1) My Parents: Where would I even be without them? I literally don't think I could have more supportive and loving parents. I am so proud of the way they have raised me and l can only hope to raise my kids half as well. They've always believed in me, talked to me like an adult (even when I was ... [ Read More ]
That time I got Fired from Subway Restaurant…
When I was 16, I was told (like most other 16-year olds), that I had to get a summer job. My parents said that the free-ride was over and it was time for me to support my extra spending habits when I wasn't in school. While most kids went out and became a camp counselor or a life guard, I decided I was going to take my summer and work at one of my favorite fast casual restaurants, Subway. At the time, I was VERY proud of this job and took my role as a sandwich artist (I actually put that ... [ Read More ]
Ask Erica: What’s the Deal with Olive Oil?
Hello Erica, I love your blog and I think you are definitely the right person to ask one of the things I've been ashamed to ask others: What the hell do I do with olive oil? I've seen it and used it when following your recipes, I keep hearing how good it is for cooking, I sometimes use it for salads, but I'm not really sure if it's a "good for everything" kinda thing. What do you think? How do I know when it's a good idea to experiment with it? Thank you! Heather _________ Hi ... [ Read More ]
Ask Erica: Cheese-free Appetizers Please!
Hey Erica!! Loving your new blog, hope you are enjoying life in Chicago!! Question for you: I know you remember my deep, deep disdain for all things cheese. Whenever we have people over to hang out for game night, or get invited to a party, I ALWAYS end up making an appetizer I won't eat. Whether it's a buffalo wing dip, a cheese and crackers platter, bacon tomato cups, they ALL have cheese. I'm sick of making things everyone else compliments while I eat my plate full of plain potato ... [ Read More ]
My Journey with Food
Since a lot of you are just starting to get to know me, I figured I'd give you a little more background and insight into who I am and what drives my passion for food and cooking. I was raised in Western, MA and lived with my Mom, Dad and Sister. My upbringing was pretty traditional and my family always had a blast together (and we still do). My Dad is a self-made entrepreneur which meant he worked a lot (like 14 hour days). My Mom spent her mornings working as a perfume consultant at a ... [ Read More ]