This failed experiment is going on official hiatus, because as of tomorrow, I am no longer unemployed. Seven months TO THE DAY after leaving my last job, I start a new one as an intern for the Chicago Public Library, running the Summer Reading Program in the parks. Just for the summer, so I'll have another month of joblessness before I start school.
I blame the embarrassing lack of posts on, well, just being too busy to keep up. Since quitting my job I've, in no particular order:
- traveled to Antarctica, Chile, Argentina, the Falkland Islands, Turkey, Costa Rica, Montreal, New York, and Los Angeles
- road-tripped to Buffalo
- learned to play the accordion
- played said accordion on a stage in front of strangers
- applied and got accepted to grad school (with scholarship!)
- went to the Westminster Dog Show
- started volunteering at 826CHI
- worked as a freelance graphic designer and writer
- fallen prey to TiVo
- had my bike stolen
- acquired a new, better bike (sorry old bike)
- still not learned how to cook
- joined a book club
- read more books than i did all of last year
- gone to six museums, five on free days
- been to one matinee (The Lives of Others, which was beautiful and moving and sad and scary and funny).
See you in August.
13 June 2007
08 May 2007
The Ghetto Gourmet
Last Friday, I went to the Chicago edition of the "Ghetto Gourmet," a bit of a renegade fine dining experience. I just wrote out my recap in an email to some friends, and thought it might make a good post. Sorry, no food photos...
Here's the scoop...
---> the setting: gallery space on milwaukee ave, in the epicenter of wicker park, next door to heaven gallery. tables were about a foot off the ground. it's BYOB, and BYOFloorCushion. they were very necessary, and ranged from throw pillow to couch pillow to straight-up beach chair. there were four tables with about 10 people per, each set with wine glass, plastic cup for water, and the night's menu. hold on to your utensils b/c you only get one set.
---> the vibe: super chill, laid-back, friendly, diverse (age, race, and style) mix of folks. the emcee/host/co-runner of the operation is a guy named david. really positive dude. there was a good amount of time between courses so you could really digest, hang with your dinner companions, and wander through the space and out on to the roof-deck.
---> and of course, the food: it did not blow me away, but it was good for sure. the only real issue was that i felt it could have been a touch warmer. however, given that there were two chefs and four servers for 40+ people, i really can't complain too much because the service was excellent. even with the "ghetto" set-up, they could accommodate a vegetarian.
course-by-course:
- our amuse bouche was a juicy grape rolled in blue cheese and nuts. really good, and i don't even like bleu cheese.
- first course was two empanadas, mine with mushrooms instead of pork, both with apples and cherries. i think these were the best part of the meal. flaky crust, flavorful moist filling.
- second course was soup. everyone else had meatball with plaintain dumplings in a rather watery broth. i had carrot and leek which was delicious and creamy and a little spicy.
- turns out that my "soup" was also the sauce for the main dish, stuffed shells. the filling was acorn squash, chihuahua and feta cheese, pumpkin seeds, and fresh basil. the pumpkin seeds totally made it for me because it was such a contrasting texture. i'm big on texture. could have used some added spice, and definitely could have been warmer.
- dessert was great. ice cream sandwich with homemade chocolate cake, vanilla bean ice cream, sitting on a bed of chocolate mousse and caramel. it was almost too rich for my blood. almost.
oh, and when you arrive, you get an envelope with your name on it so you can leave comments, questions, and, of course, tips at the end of the night. our host informed us that the GG will be back in chicago sooner than later, and might even be setting up a residency in july. i will definitely be back.
Here's the scoop...
---> the setting: gallery space on milwaukee ave, in the epicenter of wicker park, next door to heaven gallery. tables were about a foot off the ground. it's BYOB, and BYOFloorCushion. they were very necessary, and ranged from throw pillow to couch pillow to straight-up beach chair. there were four tables with about 10 people per, each set with wine glass, plastic cup for water, and the night's menu. hold on to your utensils b/c you only get one set.
---> the vibe: super chill, laid-back, friendly, diverse (age, race, and style) mix of folks. the emcee/host/co-runner of the operation is a guy named david. really positive dude. there was a good amount of time between courses so you could really digest, hang with your dinner companions, and wander through the space and out on to the roof-deck.
---> and of course, the food: it did not blow me away, but it was good for sure. the only real issue was that i felt it could have been a touch warmer. however, given that there were two chefs and four servers for 40+ people, i really can't complain too much because the service was excellent. even with the "ghetto" set-up, they could accommodate a vegetarian.
course-by-course:
- our amuse bouche was a juicy grape rolled in blue cheese and nuts. really good, and i don't even like bleu cheese.
- first course was two empanadas, mine with mushrooms instead of pork, both with apples and cherries. i think these were the best part of the meal. flaky crust, flavorful moist filling.
- second course was soup. everyone else had meatball with plaintain dumplings in a rather watery broth. i had carrot and leek which was delicious and creamy and a little spicy.
- turns out that my "soup" was also the sauce for the main dish, stuffed shells. the filling was acorn squash, chihuahua and feta cheese, pumpkin seeds, and fresh basil. the pumpkin seeds totally made it for me because it was such a contrasting texture. i'm big on texture. could have used some added spice, and definitely could have been warmer.
- dessert was great. ice cream sandwich with homemade chocolate cake, vanilla bean ice cream, sitting on a bed of chocolate mousse and caramel. it was almost too rich for my blood. almost.
oh, and when you arrive, you get an envelope with your name on it so you can leave comments, questions, and, of course, tips at the end of the night. our host informed us that the GG will be back in chicago sooner than later, and might even be setting up a residency in july. i will definitely be back.
13 April 2007
And...
The reason I quit my job, which is the reason I'm unemployed, which is the reason this blog (barely) exists, was so I could focus on completing grad school applications, and completing them well. A few actually let me in, so in the fall I will start a dual Master's degree program at the University of Chicago. (This bird does not fall far from the nest.) I officially accepted my admission offer(s) yesterday, so..... mission accomplished. Time to get a job.
Oh, The Irony
It is a beautiful, beautiful day in Chicago. Sunny, bright blue skies; warm in the sun, cool in the shade; light jacket or a hoodie kind of weather.
In other words, the perfect day to play hooky.
And of course, of the little work I am doing lately, I have deadlines and meetings today.
So I will be basking in the warm sun from the wrong side of the windows, propping them up to bring some of that outside in, and working the day away under a roof, like the rest of the world, save for bike messengers. (Incidentally, today is exactly the type of day where that line of work appeals to me.)
In other words, the perfect day to play hooky.
And of course, of the little work I am doing lately, I have deadlines and meetings today.
So I will be basking in the warm sun from the wrong side of the windows, propping them up to bring some of that outside in, and working the day away under a roof, like the rest of the world, save for bike messengers. (Incidentally, today is exactly the type of day where that line of work appeals to me.)
06 April 2007
Today's Moment Of Zen
At the bank, paying bills, watching my account balance rapidly go south and panicking that i need a job post-haste, when "Money Changes Everything" by Cindy Lauper pumps through the speakers.
09 March 2007
Sugar Sugar
I've had my fair share of fancy desserts — from shortcakes and tortes to Gale Gand's sweets extravaganza at Tru — but to these taste buds, nothing tops the classic sweet and salty chocolate chip cookie. I've been known to bake a batch just to sate a single cookie craving. However, after scratching the sugar itch, I often eat the remaining 23 cookies. In the interest of maintaining my waistline, I've decided to hang up the apron and find Chicago's perfect chocochip fix. Lucky for me, I live in a neighborhood heavily populated by coffee and sweets shops. Here are the results of my highly scientific, statistically accurate survey:
THE CONTENDERS
Alliance Bakery. Chocochip cookies come in "mini" size, but are larger than Chips Ahoy. Crunchy, crumbly, and with small chips, the cookie has the consistency of shortbread. Little too stiff for me, so dunking is a must. They do taste good, but I'll stick to my poppyseed strudel next time. $0.32
Letizia's Natural Bakery. Waaaay undercooked. The edges weren't even close to crisp. Pale, pasty beige color, very chewy, very floppy. The chocolate was decent, with chunks on the top, but I didn't even finish it. THAT says a lot. About two bucks.
Artemio's Bakery. Shortbread cookie with chocolate chips plunked on top, not mixed in to the cookie at all. It was fine. Similar to the Alliance cookie in consistency and feel, but less flavorful. I bought half a dozen pastries and cookies, and my total bill was $1.75, so I'm guessing these are about $0.10.
Corner Bakery. Man, when I first moved to Chicago, I thought Corner Bakery was the bees-effin-knees. Then I ventured off Michigan Avenue. It's still a fine cookie fix, with a nice firm edge to it. Just a little too sweet, if that's possible. $1.29
Red Hen Bread. Surely a bakery that's mastered every flavor of bread could handle a measly cookie, right? Theirs have crunchy edges (though sometimes a little too crunchy), a cakey middle, chunks of dark chocolate and just the right amount of salt to leave you craving another. And the color? A perfect spectrum from bronze to gold. At about the size of a CD, this thing was breakfast. Seriously, I don't know why anyone else bothers. $2.30
August Grocery. This adorable grocery just opened down the street, and I'm taking full advantage while business lasts. In addition to the lovely cheese, fish, and veggie displays, they have a bell jar of sweets to tempt you at the register. I always give in, and it's always amazing. After the first taste, I asked if they bake the cookies in-house... Nope. Red Hen delivery. Of course! But here's the trick: Living in the bell jar softens up the cookie juuuuust enough to make it that much more perfect. And? They're $1.75.
WINNER? Red Hen, by way of August Grocery.
Some people spend $8 a week on cigarettes; I spend it on chocolate chip cookies.
THE CONTENDERS
Alliance Bakery. Chocochip cookies come in "mini" size, but are larger than Chips Ahoy. Crunchy, crumbly, and with small chips, the cookie has the consistency of shortbread. Little too stiff for me, so dunking is a must. They do taste good, but I'll stick to my poppyseed strudel next time. $0.32
Letizia's Natural Bakery. Waaaay undercooked. The edges weren't even close to crisp. Pale, pasty beige color, very chewy, very floppy. The chocolate was decent, with chunks on the top, but I didn't even finish it. THAT says a lot. About two bucks.
Artemio's Bakery. Shortbread cookie with chocolate chips plunked on top, not mixed in to the cookie at all. It was fine. Similar to the Alliance cookie in consistency and feel, but less flavorful. I bought half a dozen pastries and cookies, and my total bill was $1.75, so I'm guessing these are about $0.10.
Corner Bakery. Man, when I first moved to Chicago, I thought Corner Bakery was the bees-effin-knees. Then I ventured off Michigan Avenue. It's still a fine cookie fix, with a nice firm edge to it. Just a little too sweet, if that's possible. $1.29
Red Hen Bread. Surely a bakery that's mastered every flavor of bread could handle a measly cookie, right? Theirs have crunchy edges (though sometimes a little too crunchy), a cakey middle, chunks of dark chocolate and just the right amount of salt to leave you craving another. And the color? A perfect spectrum from bronze to gold. At about the size of a CD, this thing was breakfast. Seriously, I don't know why anyone else bothers. $2.30
August Grocery. This adorable grocery just opened down the street, and I'm taking full advantage while business lasts. In addition to the lovely cheese, fish, and veggie displays, they have a bell jar of sweets to tempt you at the register. I always give in, and it's always amazing. After the first taste, I asked if they bake the cookies in-house... Nope. Red Hen delivery. Of course! But here's the trick: Living in the bell jar softens up the cookie juuuuust enough to make it that much more perfect. And? They're $1.75.
WINNER? Red Hen, by way of August Grocery.
Some people spend $8 a week on cigarettes; I spend it on chocolate chip cookies.
20 February 2007
Rodin Never Used Rutabagas
My remote control is cozying up to The Food Network. First there was the onslaught of chocolate-themed shows (perhaps the only worthwhile aspect of Valentine's Day); then there was Ace of Cakes. Even got into Iron Chef on that ill-fated jetBlue flight.
Then TiVo brought me this: The Fantasy Fruit Sculpture Challenge.
I'm not even mad that TiVo accidentally recorded this instead Ace of Cakes, because it's that good. I am mad that it stopped recording before the big finale.
This is the type of random, awesome skill I want to be learning during my temporary semi-retirement. If there is a food sculpting class anywhere in Chicago that doesn't cost $895 (I'm looking at you, French Pastry School), please let me know! I love sculpting; it was my favorite medium in college, but it's just not practical when you live in a bitty apartment with no yard. And fruit is a lot cheaper/neater than alabaster.
Then TiVo brought me this: The Fantasy Fruit Sculpture Challenge.
I'm not even mad that TiVo accidentally recorded this instead Ace of Cakes, because it's that good. I am mad that it stopped recording before the big finale.
This is the type of random, awesome skill I want to be learning during my temporary semi-retirement. If there is a food sculpting class anywhere in Chicago that doesn't cost $895 (I'm looking at you, French Pastry School), please let me know! I love sculpting; it was my favorite medium in college, but it's just not practical when you live in a bitty apartment with no yard. And fruit is a lot cheaper/neater than alabaster.
19 January 2007
Encased Meat Mecca
I finally made the pilgrimage to Chicago's legendary bastion of encased meats: Hot Doug's. Seriously, I don't know why I hadn't made the trek to the corner of Roscoe & California sooner (oh right, I had a day job, and HD's has notoriously limited hours). But one thing led to another, and there I was crammed in the backseat of an overstuffed station wagon on my way to hot dog heaven.
Vegetarian? Me too. Fret not, there's a veggie dog! You can even dress up the plain v-dog with any of the daily special (and rather gourmet) toppings, or go the ol' kraut and ketchup route (my fave). There's a veggie corn dog for two bucks, too. Mr. Doug himself greets you at the register to take your order, and is quite the model of customer service.
My meal:
- Veggie Dog with Sun-Dried Tomato Mustard, Caramelized Onions and Smoked Mozzarella Cheese
- Veggie Corn Dog
- Cheese Fries (oooooooh the cheese fries...)
Also, depending how veggie-strict you are (like say, you'll eat stuff cooked near or in animal products, but just don't want to eat the flesh itself), there are the infamous duck fat fries, only avail on Fridays and Saturdays. Fried in (duh) duck fat, they have a different texture than regular fries, maybe to help the grease stick to the lining of your arteries better.
I feel a little more like a true Chicagoan today.
Vegetarian? Me too. Fret not, there's a veggie dog! You can even dress up the plain v-dog with any of the daily special (and rather gourmet) toppings, or go the ol' kraut and ketchup route (my fave). There's a veggie corn dog for two bucks, too. Mr. Doug himself greets you at the register to take your order, and is quite the model of customer service.
My meal:
- Veggie Dog with Sun-Dried Tomato Mustard, Caramelized Onions and Smoked Mozzarella Cheese
- Veggie Corn Dog
- Cheese Fries (oooooooh the cheese fries...)
Also, depending how veggie-strict you are (like say, you'll eat stuff cooked near or in animal products, but just don't want to eat the flesh itself), there are the infamous duck fat fries, only avail on Fridays and Saturdays. Fried in (duh) duck fat, they have a different texture than regular fries, maybe to help the grease stick to the lining of your arteries better.
I feel a little more like a true Chicagoan today.
14 January 2007
Failure to Launch
I just finished my fifth and final grad school application. Two grant applications to go, then Operation: Free Days and Matinees kicks into high gear. Or any gear, really. Tumbleweeds been blowin' through this blogotown.
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