I took a break from posting while traveling and hadn’t written an update since September. I’ve already shared stories from Kansas City, Munich, Piedmont, Monaco, Nice and Kohler, and I have posts from Napa and Sonoma coming soon. But I haven’t written much about life at home in Chicago, so here are a few highlights from the last couple of months.
One of the best moments was seeing Glen Hansard at the Chicago Theatre. If you know him from the film Once, you know he puts on an incredible live show. We’d seen him before in a pouring rainstorm at Lollapalooza, and I remain completely obsessed with his music.
I attended the Global Food Tourism Conference and learned a great deal about the growing food tour industry. Organized by Shane of Food Planet Tours, the conference brought together operators from around the world. Food tourism has exploded over the last decade—people increasingly plan trips around culinary experiences. I’ve now done food tours in San Juan and Kansas City this year and both were trip highlights. It was inspiring to meet so many people turning food tours into sustainable careers.
I also attended BlogHer Food and caught up with blogging friends—old and new. This photo was taken after a group dinner at Formento’s, and it was lovely to reconnect with people I don’t see often.
Charles and I have become regulars at Bar Siena. It’s rare that he requests brunch, but lately he wakes up asking to go to Bar Siena—especially for their avocado toast. We’ve also fallen for Bombobar, their walk-up window selling bomboloni with different fillings. Salted caramel is my favorite, though the vanilla custard is excellent too.
I don’t get to the gym as often as I’d like, but the Windy City Blogger Collective organized a class at The Bar Code in River North. The studio was welcoming, the instructor energetic, and the 45-minute session was a great workout.
I attended an event for Balvenie’s Rare Craft Collection and had the chance to see Anthony Bourdain speak. The collection highlights artisans who take pride in handcrafting their work, and Bourdain emphasized the value of striving to be the best at your craft.
I attended the opening of Saks Fifth Avenue’s new Contemporary Floor and then had dinner at Sophie’s with fellow bloggers. The mushroom and short rib risotto was unforgettable. It took a lot of restraint to leave without buying something—the Halston dresses were particularly striking.
Erin and I went to our first Blackhawks game, which was an awesome experience—thanks to the Scottsdale Tourism Board for hosting us.
Erin, Emily, Blair and I also filmed a segment for the Whitney Reynolds Show. It will air nationally on PBS in the spring; I’ll share details once I have them.
Charles and I spent Thanksgiving with my family in Kennebunkport and enjoyed wandering through my charming hometown.
We toured my parents’ new house and I was pleasantly surprised by how lovely their new place is. I had mixed feelings about them selling the home I grew up in, but their new home in Kennebunkport won me over. As the oldest child I apparently scored the best room—thanks, Mom and Dad!
We also saw my friends Yarn play at the Beat Kitchen. They visit Chicago once a year and Charles and I always look forward to their show. This time our friends Dave and Whitney joined us.
Lately I’ve been hibernating at home and ordering a lot of delivery. Caviar has become my go-to since they deliver Velvet Taco—Charles swears the Bacon Burger taco is the best he’s ever had, while I prefer the buffalo chicken taco. They also deliver from spots like RPM Italian, Bub City, Chicken & Farm Shop, Umami Burger and Davanti Enoteca, so it’s easy to stay in and enjoy great food. As I write this I’m actually waiting for an order of eight Velvet Tacos to arrive.
