Jerry's : land of too many decisions

My vacation from the kitchen continued through lunch today as I met friends at Jerry's Sandwiches on Division. It was a running Sunday lunch tradition to meet at Jerry's at 11:15 on the dot. At this point we don't even need the menu to sort through the 100 + sandwiches. As usual, Jerry's did not disappoint and our waitress let us sit for  an extra hour to talk after we had finished eating.


Jerry's Sandwiches

Plight of Buying Dress Pants

I was shopping for new dress pants today and got beyond frustrated. Why can't I find dress pants that fit how my jeans fit? Is that too much to ask?

Bluebird

Saturday was another snowy day. After a productive morning at the gym and sleepy afternoon at my sister's I was not motivated to make dinner. Instead we went to Bluebird, a self described beer bar. It's a great date spot whether you are going for dinner or just drinks. We were fortunate to sit next to a couple that was reconnecting. At first we didn't notice them, but as the drinks started flowing we heard some real gems from their conversation. "I should have called you more...I really didn't treat you right" he told her. "But now you are here and you are glowing. You seem like you have changed, have I changed?" Fortunately the room started filling up more and his comments faded into the background. 

The food was delicious. I got mussels steamed in Blanche de Bruxelles beer and was even able to snag a warm pretzel roll. Anything to do with pretzels make me happy. My beau was craving a burger and was completely satisfied by his order. The waitress recommended the Gouden Carolus Ambrio beer which complimented the mussels well, but the 2 beers at 8% alcohol content helped push me over the limit later in the night. From there we headed to Louie's to watch some bad karaoke and eat sleazy popcorn. Very classy.

 

Gilt-y & an Irish Friday

On Friday I met my friends at Gilt Bar for happy hour. Our attempt to eat there was foiled by the booked dining room, which had about 20 empty tables when we talked to the hostess. But I was able to sit at the bar for awhile and enjoy the ambiance. In that time I managed to drop my cell phone and then my laptop on the ground. Not my finest moments in a classy place. Luckily the bartenders were entertained by my clumsy antics. I would definitely go back, but have solid reservations next time.

After Gilt Bar, we headed over to Moe's Cantina before heading to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Center to see The Chieftans play, who were celebrating their 50th year of playing together. My friend got the tickets as an early St. Patrick's Day celebration. The best part was seeing Irish dancers in all their glory. They even brought out a drum and bagpipe group. Definitely a great way to spend a Friday night and made me wish I could dance or play music, beyond playing Heart & Soul on the piano. Definitely a great way to spend a Friday night.

Gilt Bar Chicago

Axe Hair Gel

To say my dad is an interesting character is a huge understatement. He came into the city yesterday and asked if I could pick up some hair gel for him. You know, so he could keep up with the other guys at work. He does not have long flowing locks, or even a lot of hair to gel. He has the basic short, salt & pepper look that can't really be styled. I'm not a hair expert myself, so when I walked into Walgreens I was at a loss looking at the products. But to entertain myself, I decided to go with the Axe Sleek Smooth & Sophisticated gel. Watching my dad put it in his hair was well worth the $9.99, but no, he did not look more smooth or sophisticated after using it.

Bistro Campagne

Once a month for the past 5 years my friends and I have gotten together for dinner club. Each month we rotate who picks the restaurant and the neighborhood. We have become pros in group dining. The only rules we keep are to be on time and bring cash.

This month's pick was Bistro Campagne in the heart of Lincoln Square. I have yet to visit Paris, but I imagine them to be as quaint and intimate as Bistro Campagne. From the front it seems small, but as you walk towards the back it splits off into three separate areas keeping the noise level low even with the french music in the background. The 8 of us enjoyed the fresh crunchy bread before dinner in which 6 of the 8 ordered steak frites. To say the least, the frites were well worth the calories. We splurged on dessert as well because we figured why not. The apple tart, profiteroles and chocolate cake were the perfect ways to end the night. I highly recommend it and can't wait to go back and take advantage of bottomless mussels Tuesdays and the outdoor seating area. Summer please come soon.

Bistro Campagne

I want it that way

The highlight of Tuesday's work day was hearing "I want it that way" during lunch. Backstreet Boys never disappoint.