Filed In: travel
nashville
My first trip to Nashville was a success. We spent most of our time eating and drinking, eating and drinking. We frequented Broadway Street as much as possible, day and night, and squeezed in quick tours at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Ryman Auditorium before heading home. A few favorites – Noshville’s classic American breakfast and Hot Hattie B’s spicy fried chicken, the Redneck Comedy Bus Tour was touristy but hilarious (and BYOB), and for live music and cold beers The Stage, Tootsie’s or Honky Tonk Central. Next time I’d love to explore the 12 South and East Nashville neighborhoods.
photo credit kate zitzer
apple picking
A few photos from last weekend when Marc and I spent Saturday afternoon apple picking with four of our friends – there were endless rows of apple trees and the sweetest tasting fruit, apple spiced doughnuts and homemade pies, creamy fudge, caramel apples and freshly pressed apple cider. There was a teeny tiny glimpse of blue sky, and there was a storm that rolled in and almost caught us. We had to pack up and run, narrowly missing the downpour.
For Chicago folks who want to visit, it’s called Kuipers Family Farm and is located on 1N318 Watson Road in Maple Park. It’s about an hour outside of Chicago, a few miles west of Geneva, and it’s right off the road with a big sign so you can’t miss it.
photo credit kate zitzer
diamond lake
We got home Monday evening after a few days at the lake. We stayed in a cozy little cottage and spent the days out in the sun returning in the evenings with warm skin and tangled hair. It was a hot weekend – perfect for dipping into the cool water. We had some fantastic meals – my sister is always in the kitchen and has a way of making everything she touches so delicious. It was really nice to get away from the city for a little while and to catch up on some sleep and hangout with my family too. Being at the lake forces you to slow down and it’s nice to just relax. It was hard getting back in the studio yesterday and seeing all the work I have to get done.
photo credit kate zitzer
summer’s end
We’re at the lake for the long weekend – its such a peaceful place. The past few weeks have been pretty hectic so it’s nice to find time to just sit still and be quiet. These summer days are quickly slipping away – what a crazy summer it has been and strange temperatures too. Soon the air will turn crisp and it will be time to pull out the sweaters and jackets. It’s amazing how fast the seasons go by but for now I am just trying to enjoy what’s left of summer. I am constantly trying to make the most of my days and not waste them – to find balance, to be adventurous, to enjoy life and enjoy making art and living in the city and working toward new goals.
photo credit kate zitzer
let’s eat and drink | chicago
We’ve been soaking up summer in the city these past few weeks – riding bikes, shopping and trying new restaurants. It’s been really fun and it makes me feel like a tourist in my own town. So here’s a few notable Chicago spots – some new to us and some old favorites –
Antique Taco – this place is happening! I went with one of my girlfriends a few weeks ago for lunch and this place fills up quick. It has rustic decor, mismatched tables and chairs and a pretty hip vibe. There’s a lot of unique flavors so you won’t be disappointed with the taco selection and order the guac and chips to share.
The Bongo Room – people really rave about this place! We rode our bikes here two weeks ago. I got the croissant sandwich with melted muenster, crisp bacon and an over easy egg and house potatoes. If you have a sweet tooth, I recommend the white chocolate and caramel pretzel pancakes. There will probably be a long line but it’s well worth the wait.
Xoco – a Rick Bayless restaurant with delicious Mexican food and quick service. We got the Baja chicken tortas – garlic chicken, homemade chipotle mayo, radish slaw and black beans on top of warm crusty bread. We also had some of the best guacamole I’ve ever tasted!
Yolk – it’s a great place for brunch and they have a few locations in the city. I always order the bacon quesadilla wrap – smoked bacon, scrambled eggs and green onions rolled in white flatbread with cheddar and jack cheeses served with salsa, sour cream and red diced potatoes. I’ve also had my eye on the banana blue crunch cakes with granola and fresh blueberries topped with bananas and drizzled with honey.
Black Bull – a tapas bar and a great place to go with friends. There’s a little outdoor patio too and they sure don’t slack on presentation – the food is served on wood boards. There are dozens of options but we loved the croquetas and grilled prawns and the sangria!
Farmhouse – it’s a relatively new spot in our neighborhood. It has a great natural interior design and these pretty cool sunflower mobiles hanging over the bar. The food blew our minds. Marc had the half roasted amish chicken with fresh apricots, roasted onions and sweet pepper sauce and I had the fish and chips and as an appetizer we had the warm pretzel with spicy brown sugar mustard. Next time I am going to have to try the maple brined pork chop with collard greens and ham glaze.
Let me know if you try out any of these spots and fill me in on any of your favorite Chicago restaurants!
photo credit kate zitzer
