The Rundown v. 22 and Erin Ate It Episode 3

Can we slow down time? Summer is buzzing by too quickly. In the past few weeks I have been to Lollapalooza, Maine, and a lots of restaurants. I am trying to savor every moment of summer, since I know it could be snowing by November in Chicago.

Last weekend, Charles and I went to my hometown in Maine for a wedding. We had a blast at the wedding – my whole family made it to town for the festivities.

I started my trip with happy hour at Davids KPT. This restaurant has the best happy hour specials in town, and it’s located just beside the river. I always make a stop there – and order the potstickers – when I am in town.

The next day I took Charles to The Clam Shack were he dined on Clam Chowder and a Lobster Roll. Charles cannot visit Maine without having lobster at least once.

The weekend before was spend at Lollapalooza where I ran around snapping photos of all the food. Highlights included Paul McCartney’s 32 song set, which was simply unbeatable,

watching Lord Huron from backstage, seeing James Bay perform in the sweltering heat, and going to an after party where Zella Day delighted the crowd with some fun covers.

One of my favorite parts of Lolla is getting to spend time with friends. This year I spent lots of time hanging out with my friend Lauren. On Saturday morning we got ready together and Stylisted very kindly sent a hairstylist to my home to do our hair. Stylisted is a service that brings hair and makeup services to your home, and I loved the low key twisted braids they put in my hair.

I tried a bunch of new (to me) restaurants this month too! I lunched at Bar Takito with my friend Margaret, where we loved the tacos.

The Windy City Blogger Collective tried the new sushi menu at NoMI, and sipped on rosé sangria.

My friend Maya and I ordered way to much food at SoHo House… We love going to Chicken Shop, which is one of the restaurants on the first floor that is open to the public.

I checked out breakfast at Chicago Cut Steakhouse, a restaurant beside the Chicago River known for being a celebrity hangout. They serve a great breakfast seven days a week. I tried a good portion of the menu and loved the Surf and Turf Benedict and the Breakfast Sandwich.

I attended a private dinner party thrown by Chef Charles Webb at a private residence on Astor Street (a street with some of the most stunning residential architecture in Chicago). At the party Chef Charles served 12 small bites inspired by his recent trip to South America.

My favorite bites were the grilled palmito with catalan romesco and mico thyme, and and Flourless Chocolate, with doce de leite com morango, made with the most expensive chocolate in the world. I promise, it was as wonderful as you could possibly imagine.

The home itself was a three story, $6 million dollar home, with a large private garden, where a deejay was spinning. I loved that Chef Charles was at the center of the action, entertaining the crowd as he cooked, and happily answering any questions. He is a private chef, and he throws events around the city. I will be sure to let you know when he has another event, since I want to go back! The people at the event were really fun, and the food was incredible. I loved the concept of serving enough passed bites to make an entire meal. It would be fun to use this concept for a wedding reception.

I joined a bunch of blogging friends at dinner at the Commons Club at the Virgin Hotel. I had a great time catching up with some friends, and snacking on beautiful seafood pizzas with caviar.

I had lunch with my friend Soraya at Summer House, one of my favorite spots in the city. I had the cobb salad, one of my recent favorite meals, and an Arnold Palmer – you know those are my addiction.

Charles and I had a lovely date night at Intro Chicago, a restaurant that changes chefs and concepts on a regular basis. If you like fine dining, you need to try Intro, we loved the experience and the meal.

And I tried dinner at Rural Society at the new Loews Hotel in Streeterville. The restaurant is helmed by Chef Jose Garces (an Iron Chef), and the Argentinian cuisine at Rural Society is outstanding. There is an entire section of the menu devoted to potatoes, and you must try the Nury potatoes that are a cross between a hasselback potato and a french fry. I also loved the carpaccio, beef empanadas, and the Choclo Pizza which had roasted corn, crab, roasted peppers and asiago.

Plus, Erin and I finally have a new episode of Erin Ate It to share with you!

Yesterday I cooked up a storm – so I have some great blog posts coming your way next week, including a really easy recipe for Bourbon Peach Pie.

Another thing I am working on? Planning our trip to Europe. Charles and I are heading to Munich for Octoberfest (Charles spent half of his childhood in Munich), and we are going to go on a couple of side trips too.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!