Happy Monday! I hope everyone is having a fantastic end to the summer. I can't even tell you how excited I am for fall; as much as I've enjoyed our fairly mild summer, I am soooo ready for leaves, apples, cider doughnuts, and bonfires. And of course, I WANT ALL THINGS PUMPKIN!
The last two weekends have been spent cramming in all sorts of late-summer fun. As per usual, I spent my Labor Day laboring (i.e. grading), but really, I can't complain too much after I spent that entire Sunday with a group of fabulous women. We brunched at Carnivale, clapped and sang our way through Million Dollar Quartet, and dished some gossip over Garrett's back at Diana's house. In fact, we had such a great time that we decided to form an informal ladies who brunch club. :-) This past weekend was just as fab with a brunch at Gaudi Cafe, an entire day spent power shopping at Renegade (which is always one of my favorite days of the year!), and a deeeelicious dinner at Honey Butter Fried Chicken.
Here are a few random food highlights from last few months (follow me on Instagram for even more!)...
Oktoberfest media preview dinner at The Berghoff: pretzel with beer cheese sauce, bratwurst, quinoa & veggie salad, pork stew, and apple strudel. Of course, don't forget the beer, beer, and more beer (the Oktoberfest was definitely the best!). I know there are still two weeks left of summer, but this meal just screams fall to me... bring it on!
Pork belly, Amish chicken, and chorizo tacos from Cookies and Carnitas. They were all delicious, but the chorizo taco... *whew*. That taco had a starring role in my foodie dreams for days afterward!
Sweet Millet & Corn Pudding: served warm with coconut milk, fried banana, pineapple, toasted coconut & roasted cashews (vegan and gluten-free!) from The Cheese Factory Restaurant. I'm usually more of a savory brunch person, but this was so satisfying and delicious!
Bacon Bianca at Craft Pizza: mozzarella, pecorino romano, grana padano, garlic, herbs, olive oil & cured bacon (heck yeah!!). The newest artisanal pizza joint in Wicker Park is definitely awesome!
Craft Margherita: tomato sauce, whole milk & fresh mozzarella, pecorino romano/grana padano, EVOO & fresh basil with added prosciutto from Craft Pizza. Pizza perfection!
Jumbo day boat scallops with risotto, chayote, spinach & cilantro pesto from Maya Del Sol. Soooo fantastic!
We finished off our spectacular meal at Maya Del Sol with an *amazing* Salted Caramel Cheesecake Mousse: pecan shortbread crust, cheesecake, salted caramel mousse & candied pecans.
ETA: Cookies and Carnitas has closed.
Love me some Maya Del Sol. Usually too full for dessert, but that looks amazing!
ReplyDelete@Jacky: We were *so* stuffed, but really wanted to try the dessert. It was worth it!
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