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travel essentials
We leave next week on our European adventure and it’s time for me to start packing. My requirements for the ultimate travel uniform are simple – comfort and warmth. I start with a comfortable pair of skinny jeans and a t-shirt then I toss on a jacket for those unpredictable temperatures, a versatile scarf and a nice pair of flats that are easy to walk in – flats are also great with a skirt or a dress on another day. A few other things I never travel without – a cute pair of sunglasses, my Kindle because I really like to use the quiet time on long flights and train rides to catch up on my reading and a bag that is roomy enough to carry all these items plus snacks, my iPhone, a map or small guidebook, my DSLR camera and a notebook for jotting down directions or must see spots. I also never forget to leave a little room in my suitcase for all the treasures I hope to find along the way. Do you have any must have travel essentials or packing tips? I’d love to know!
scarf | sunglasses | backpack | sleep mask | jacket | flats | iPhone case | shorts
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Share on Twitterlet’s eat and drink | west loop chicago
photo credit nathan michael
When it comes to the Windy City, Chicago is best known for its deep dish pizza and ketchup-less hot dogs, but there’s so much more. Today I’m covering the West Loop, and this version of let’s eat and drink could take awhile. The West Loop has some of the best food in the city. There are so many amazing spots, and I know I’m going to forget a few so I will add to this list and I’d be happy to update it with any of your suggestions.
There are dozens of cafes, wine bars, small plate options, sushi bars, Mexican taquerias, Italian trattorias and French bistros, among many other exotic cuisines. There’s a stretch of Randolph Street from Halsted to Ogden called Restaurant Row with so many great options including Stephanie Izard’s Girl & The Goat and Little Goat restaurants. Sub-neighborhoods within the West Loop include Fulton Market, Greek Town and Randolph Market. Let’s eat and drink –
photo credit nathan michael
Au Cheval – Stop in here for a quick lunch. Also a great late-night spot. Signature plates include fried bologna piled into layers on a brioche bun and a burger that stacks two thin patties with melted American cheese and lots of mayo – some people claim it’s the best burger in the city.
Girl & the Goat – Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard opened this small plate hotspot in 2010. It’s probably the most popular West Loop restaurant so reserve your table at least three months out. Goat dishes are the specialty here and I can’t get enough of their bread – they have their own in house bakery where they make fresh bread daily.
Little Goat – This place is Izard’s follow up to Girl & the Goat and serves up her take on classic diner dishes. You can order a simple plate of eggs, bacon and toast here, but most of these classic dishes come with a twist like kimchi in the pancakes or goat chili on the cheese fries. Check out the bakery next door – it’s called Little Goat Bread and it has some of the best coffee in town.
De Cero – Quaint little Mexican café specializing in hand-pressed, made-to-order tacos. This place is a true West Loop gem.
Vivo – Sleek, sophisticated atmosphere and the menu is loaded with traditional Italian entrées. Last year for my birthday we came here and sat at Table 70 which is this table in an old elevator shaft that overlooks the entire restaurant. We had the most delicious meal and I highly recommend Table 70 for special occasions.
Maude’s Liquor Bar – This place is great for cocktails. Inside it’s like taking a trip to Paris – leather banquettes, weathered farmhouse tables and elegant fixtures. Fun place to go with your girlfriends. I recommend the Whiskey Smash.
Grange Hall Burger Bar – Looks like a cute little barn and has a no reservations policy. Menu headliners here are the scrumptious grass-fed beef burgers and don’t leave without having a slice of pie – this place features one pie every month.
Nellcote – Elegant interior inspired by a French Riviera mansion and some really unique Italian dishes. This is one of the newer Restaurant Row hotspots but it is highly recommended. Order one of their wood fired pizzas – I like the sunny side up organic egg.
RM Champagne Salon – Tucked behind Nellcote is this super swanky champagne spot. This place can be a little pricey but they have a large selection to choose from so just splurge a little.
Haymarket Pub & Brewery – Easygoing, reasonably priced place to chill out, try a new brew and watch a game. I love the exposed brick and vintage mosaic tiled floors. They specialize in classic Belgian and contemporary American beer styles.
The Publican – Large community tables, casual with a fun vibe. Try the oysters, grilled country ribs or the smoked trout. Also a popular place for brunch.
Publican Quality Meats – Warm interior design with floor to ceiling tiles and rustic wood furniture, laid-back and a great spot for lunch. This place is also a butcher shop, cafe, bakery and gourmet market. Can’t go wrong with any of the sandwiches here.
Glazed and Infused – Every time I go here there is a new donut to try and I love that about this place. The maple bacon long john will start your day off right and the raspberry glazed is so simple but so delicious!
Vera – A tiny little wine bar just off the beaten path with a Euro heavy wine list and a menu full of bold Spanish flavors served up on small plates. The vibe here is fun and relaxed – a fantastic date night spot.
Belly Q – The focus is Korean barbecue. If you go, try to snag one of the booths – they are the only seats with tabletop grilling. It’s honestly hard to go wrong here. I like the thai style fried chicken and all of the pancakes. Don’t leave without ordering the peanut butter and jelly soft serve icecream for dessert.
JP Graziano Grocery – Chicago is serious about their delis and this place is no joke. Try the spicy or the Mr. G sandwich. The food selection isn’t huge but this is also a great place to buy imported cheeses, olive oils and fresh pasta.
City Winery – Excellent wine selection, ofcourse. Also a great place for a spontaneous date night – grab dinner, drink wine and enjoy live music. You can sign up for wine classes here too.
Wishbone – I love this place for brunch. Dig into southern themed items like corn pancakes or shrimp and grits.
Porkchop – This spot has a casual vibe. The interior is strange but the food is legit. Menu favorites include the pork belly sliders, baby back ribs or the classic southern fried chicken.
Aviary – Talk about innovative drinks – think dry ice and steam! It’s pricey but this place is otherworldly and should not be missed.
Next – This place is like no other restaurant and offers a very unique dining experience. There are four different menus each year and they are inspired by various moments in time – like Paris 1906 or Chinese Modern. Don’t plan on making reservations here – you have to buy tickets online.
Lone Wolf – It’s a new spot in the neighborhood and I would recommend it for beers and savory pot pies. You can choose from the Cowboy Queue (smoked brisket and beans), the Steak and Ale and the Mac Daddy (mac and cheese, bacon and onion).
Avec – This tiny wine-focused restaurant opened over ten years ago but it hasn’t lost its appeal. The menu is inspired by North African and Mediterranean flavors and includes items like roasted swordfish with yellow lentils or a crispy focaccia stuffed with taleggio. Go for a bottle of wine under $30 here – bargain bottles are their specialty.
CH Distillery – this place serves their own craft spirits in classic and creative cocktails. One of their signature drinks is called The Tradition and it’s a shot of cold vodka with rye bread and pickles. I recommend the Czech Mate which is a combination of cinnamon infused vodka, grapefruit juice and honey syrup. It’s delicious!
studio update | preparing for art fair season
This time of year is so busy. I am in full production mode preparing for art fair season – Wells Street Art Fest is less than two months away. I want to have at least 50 original paintings. I am over half way there with almost 40 paintings. I am sketching, drawing and painting like crazy. I’ve been really happy with the decisions I’ve been making lately and just overall feel better and less stressed out than I usually do this time of year. The hardest part is storing all my work before the fairs (especially this year with our temporary living situation) and my stuff is scattered everywhere – different piles for different paintings and projects. Over the weekend I finished a new Home painting. I made a few changes and I really like how it turned out. It’s fun to reinvent your ideas. I’ve been planning how I want my booth set up this year and I think its going to look better than ever. I can’t wait to see what new thing Marc makes for me this year – I’m so lucky I have a talented wood worker at home.
photo credit kate zitzer
european adventure
photo credit olivia rae james
We’re heading abroad next month for a little European adventure, and I couldn’t be more excited. First up on the journey – Munich. I’ve never been there so I’d love any recommendations on shopping, cafes, markets and museums. Then from Munich we are taking the train to Salzburg and then on to Berlin. I’ve also never been to either one of these beautiful cities so I’d love to hear your suggestions, favorite spots, boutiques, restaurants or anything at all we should do while we’re there. Then from Berlin we are flying to Paris for the last part of our trip. I’ve been to Paris and I love it. I mostly hung out in Le Marais. Have any suggestions for other must see spots? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the best way to experience Munich, Salzburg, Berlin and Paris so please send them my way!
weekly wander 01
photo credit we are the rhoads
Slowly but surely it’s beginning to feel like spring around here. There’s something in the air and I’m ready to explore and go on an adventure. I just keep thinking about packing my bags and taking a long road trip somewhere – great food, beautiful scenery, quirky boutiques, anywhere is good and everything is new. Here are a few things inspiring my wanderlust this week –
Traveler’s guide with an insider’s feel – Wildsam is a series of small books filled to the brim with information including interviews, hand-drawn maps, reflections and essays. Travel aficionados and natives will both love these little books which are equal parts travel guide and tribute. Wildsam has already released guides for Nashville, Austin and San Francisco and have plans to release four new field guides this year – Detroit and Brooklyn in the spring and another two in the fall.
Charming corner store – Amber Clohesy and her husband Ben run the neighborhood shop The Woodsfolk Family Store in Melbourne, Australia specializing in home goods and sweet gifts. The store stocks a wide range of products including locally handmade items such as dream catchers, cushions and tea towels, dozens of items from the US like greeting cards, leather goods, bags and camp stools and their entire line of products from their wholesale business Down to the Woods. I have a feeling I could spend hours in a shop like this.
Take me away – I love these photos taken by photographer Jennifer Chong from her recent trip to Argentina. Just looking at them makes me want to jet off to an exotic location. Iguazu Falls is high on my list of adventures the next time I find myself in South America. See more of Jennifer’s travels here.
