The Rundown v. 32

Hello! I am in the middle of a 10 day stretch of time at home in Chicago! I love traveling, but there really is nothing like sleeping in my own bed. I have greatly enjoyed spending time with friends, and catching up on work. And while I am happy to be home, I am extremely excited for my next adventure – Charles and I are leaving for Iceland on Wednesday. We are going to climb glaciers and lounge in the Blue Lagoon, and I can’t wait – it’s been a while since Charles has joined me on a trip.

Before I jump into a recap of my life lately, I want to let you know that next week I am kicking off The Kittchen’s first ever TRAVEL WEEK! I have posts about NYC, Maine, Finland, and Utah coming your way, PLUS a giveaway for one of my favorite travel essentials – so come back next week to check it all out! And as promised, here are some of the ways I have spent my time recently…

WCBC hosted a wonderful brunch on the patio at The James Hotel to celebrate their new art project. The hotel partnered with Chicago-based artist Alexander Valentine and Johanna Projects to create an art installation on Rush Street featuring two large vertical geometric pieces in metal frames (as seen in the above photo).

I dined on a perfectly executed classic breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, and potatoes – with a glass of sparking rosé. There is something so luxurious about having someone else make you breakfast, right?

The lovely folks over at Luc Belaire very kindly sent me some rosé and brut, which I drank on the roof with my friend Lauren. According to GQ these sparkling wines from Southern France are also quite popular with rappers – even though they retail for about $30-$50. We loved the rosé and I would certainly recommend buying it, it has the red fruit flavor I love, without being overly sweet.

Our British friends Emma and Tony invited us over for a Pimm’s Cup Party. I was unfamiliar with Pimm’s, but I loved the strawberry mint Pimm’s Cups that Emma made. They were fruity and refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day.

Remember when I told you that my parents opened a inn? I went to visit earlier this month and I love their new home so much that I don’t even miss the house I grew up in! If you are going to Maine you should check it out. (P.S. I am always happy to help readers plan their stay in Maine if you would like suggestions).

The Public Hotel hosted a party at their Ava Rooftop Suite to celebrate the launch of their new cocktail menu. I especially liked the cocktail made with strawberry and rosé.

After Maine, I headed to Utah, and words can’t even begin to do the experience justice. I can’t wait to tell you all about it – until then I will tease you with this photo.

The day after I arrived home in Chicago, my sister came for a 16 hour stay. We had a leisurely brunch at The Allis before lounging at the pool (I definitely got a sunburn).

The next day I headed to the United Fresh Produce Convention. I looks like the  avocado trend is still going strong, and sweet peppers seem to be gaining steam. It was fascinating seeing all of the booths at the convention and seeing which new trends are developing.

I ate Magnolia Cupcakes for dinner at an event the Bubbles & Blazers event hosted by Donna Mondi Interior Design and Two Penny Blue. I was in awe of the private home on Lake Michigan where the event was hosted.

My friends Yarn played at Beat Kitchen, we were friends back when I live in New York City, and make a point to see them play every time they come to Chicago.

My friend Jocelyn and I spoke at Conversations with Ed Tracy at the Skokie Theater. Ed led us through a conversation about travel, food, and social media. It was also recorded as a podcast and I will be sure to share a link once it is ready.

Then the next night Jocelyn and I tasted samplings from the new menu at Allium at the Four Seasons Chicago. The evening started with champagne and passed appetizers in the cocktail lounge, before we moved to the dining room for dinner.

Next we had Colorado Lamb with fresh peaches, heirloom tomatoes, and arugula. The pairing of lamb and peaches was unexpected, but successful.

And the evening ended with a trip to the pastry shop where we tried several desserts. The chocolate dipped brownie with peanut brittle and popcorn and a mini butterscotch milkshake on the side was my favorite.

This weekend I am heading to Rachel Ray’s Feedback festival at the Lincoln Park Zoo – Grace Potter is playing, and of course there will be lots of food and beer. Are you going?