Academy Awards Viewing Party

Some pictures from my 2nd annual Academy Awards viewing party! We filled out Oscar ballots and played Oscar bingo, drank champagne and seriously strong Manhattans, and snacked on caramel corn, puppy chow, rice crispies (I used this recipe), cheese and crackers, and sourdough pretzels with mustard dip. Thanks, friends, for a fun evening!

Fat Tuesday Paczki

Talitha and I snagged the last Chocolate mousse and banana paczki from Cafe Selmarie after a challenging yoga class on Tuesday. It was a delicious reward for surviving 15 minutes of sun salutations and downward dogs.

Wishbone

For breakfast this week, we went to Wishbone, a northside diner serving southern cooking. It was unusually busy for a Monday due to President's Day. We ordered an eggs benedict special with cheese grits and cornflake dipped french toast. The presentation wasn't too exciting and the food was good, but not great. We did get a bit excited about the cheese grits, though. 

Spoon Fork Bacon

Holy cow, this site is awesome. Amazing food styling and photography, not to mention delicious recipes. Check it out!

Images Via {Spoon Fork Bacon}

 

Turntable Kitchen

The Turntable Kitchen Pairings Box Experience from High Beam Media on Vimeo.

I signed up for this monthly music and food pairings box from Turntable Kitchen over the weekend. What a genius idea!

Fun

I can't get this song out my head and I've been dancing around my apartment to it all weekend. Too bad their Chicago show is sold out.

Taking it easy

I took a cue from Pablo and was a major coach potatoe this weekend. After a fun recording session on Saturday at Mosaic Studios, I spent most of the weekend relaxing around the apartment catching up with a good book, watching shows from my Netflix cue, and discovering some new music.

Reading: Zeitoun, Dave Eggers

Watching: Damages

Listening: Fun, Gotye, Young the Giant

Spoon Thai

Last week, Talitha and I decided to shake things up a bit and meet for thai food instead of our normal breakfast. We headed to Spoon Thai and took advantage of the very affordable lunch specials. For the price of a value meal at McDonalds, we got a generous serving of yummy noodles and an appetizer of spring rolls. I think I'm partial to Opart Thai House just down the street, but some additional research may still be needed. Arroy Thai, also in Lincoln Square/Ravenswood, has become one of my favorite spots for take-out. Do you have any favorite Thai restaurants in Chicago? 

Heart shaped Sugar Cookies

In honor of Valentine's Day, Bonnie and I baked these converstion heart cookies on Sunday using this recipe. We popped open a bottle of champagne, played Whitney Houston's greatest hits, and had a great time decorating the cookies with pretty pastel icing and cheeky phrases.



Treat yo Self Part 1

Bonnie and I had a great time on Sunday treating ourself. What did we treat ourself to? A motivational Body Pump class with Martin, champagne and brunch at Cafe Selmare, sugar cookies and more champagne, and of course lots of laughter. Looking forward to Part 2!

Lucky Platter

This weeks breakfast was at Lucky Platter, a diner in Evanston with a quirky collection of art and bizarre tinfoil covered ceiling. We decided the tinfoil balls must be there to prevent aliens from reading our thoughts. The omelette was nothing special but we both agreed we could live on the Montana Hash, a 3 cheese, roasted vegetable, and potatoe hash. The cinnamon glazed bacon wasn't too shabby either. Have you noticed we kind of like bacon?

The Artist

Talitha and I viewed the charming silent fim, The Artist, last week at the Davis Theater. Despite living in Lincoln Square for over two years, I had yet to see a film at the Davis. Well, I can say now that I'm hooked. There is something about the small, imperfect theaters that totally appeal to me.

Luminous Field

Interesting new public art installation in Millenium Park.

Good Reads

These bags made me laugh.

Interview with Maurice Sendak on The Colbert Report.

Directory of all active photobooths in Chicago.

Teensy Obamas for your terrarium.

Baby Otter at the Shedd Aquarium.

McDonald's in France adapts to French eating habits.