SheddBLU is one of my favorite events of the summer. This was our fourth time attending the annual fundraiser for the Shedd Aquarium, and it was incredible as always. Somehow the weather is always perfect, and the combination of bites from Chicago restaurants, cocktails, dancing, skyline views, and an entire aquarium to explore make for (read more)
chicago events
Charles’s List of Best Beers
Today’s blog post is coming your way from my dreamy British husband. Charles and I had the idea for this post months ago, and I finally got him to sit down and give me a list of his favorite beers. It seems fitting to also include some of our favorite beer bars in this post. (read more)
Duck Duck Goat, Chicago
I was a fool for waiting so long to dine at Duck Duck Goat. The atmosphere is casual but still stylish and fun, and the food which claims to be “reasonably authentic Chinese” is extraordinary. The night before I set off for Serbia, I joined my friends (and fellow food bloggers) Jenny and Jocelyn for an (read more)
Pulled Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes
Charles goes nuts over baked potatoes. They are one of his favorite foods, so I figured, why not sure them into a complete dinner? I created an easy recipe for Pulled Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes that combines slow cooked pulled pork with twice baked potatoes. It was a hit. He devoured the meal immediately. I (read more)
Quiz: What is Your Perfect Vacation Destination?
It’s Friday, so let’s have a little fun! I created a little quiz to help give you inspiration for your next vacation. This six question quiz will tell you which travel destination is right for you! Once you get your results – you can read these blog posts to help you plan your trip! Charleston (read more)
10 minute Sun Dried Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Most tomato sauces need to simmer for hours, but I have found a delicious shortcut. This 10 minute Sun Dried Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is a quick and easy alternative to making marinara sauce from scratch. Instead of simmering tomatoes for hours, this sauce is made in the blender with sundried tomatoes! It (read more)
Cochon555 and The House of Angostura Cocktails
Charles and I went to Cochon555 for the first time, and we loved it! The event is centered around 5 chefs from local restaurants who each prepare a heritage pig from nose to tail. The chefs compete against each other to win votes from the judges and attendees to become the Pork Prince or Princess. (read more)
Chef Kevin Hickey on the Farm to Table Trend
Chicago Gourmet took over Millenium Park last weekend, and one of my favorite parts of the event is getting to listen to local chefs’ perspective on food. Country Financial kicked off the weekend with a chat between “Check Please!” host Cat De Orio and The Duck Inn‘s Chef Kevin Hickey. Country Financial provides a wide (read more)
Pre-Brands, STK, and Chicago Gourmet
Chicago Gourmet is the foodie event of the year. It falls perfectly at the start of Fall when the weather is agreeable and all you want to do is spend time outside. And what could be better than spending a day (or a whole weekend) surrounded by food from the city’s top chefs? This year, my (read more)
Picnicking with West Elm and Snap Kitchen
When Snap Kitchen asked me to host a picnic in Oz Park, I instantly said yes because I am a huge fan of their so-delicious-you-don’t-even-realize-it-is-healthy food. When they mentioned that West Elm was providing decor, I didn’t quite expect it to involve dining room tables and the most elegant tablescapes I have even seen. Let (read more)