Eats & Drinks

A blast from the past, Benihana is back

in Eats & Drinks • October 3, 2017

Benihana returned to the Chicago market last month with a new restaurant fit for a hibachi king! Located in the distinguished John Hancock Center, the restaurant features 22 teppanyaki tables, a sushi bar, and an outdoor patio. The Japanese-inspired restaurant is best known for pioneering the communal dining model where guests are seated around a teppanyaki grill while chefs prepare meals and provide entertainment. As a fan of this type of dining, I grabbed my girl Ada and we headed to the grand opening. Upon entering, I was instantly flooded with memories of life’s 3 F’s: family, friends, and food. As a young adult... Share this: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

A Weekend in Pittsburgh with Cambria Hotels & Suites

in Eats & Drinks • May 30, 2017

A few weeks ago, I flew to Pittsburgh for a quick weekend getaway with my friend Carly thanks to Cambria hotels & suites. We had talked about getting together since our Mexico trip, so when the opportunity to participate in the #CambriaBloggerShuffle came up, we were both super excited. We had the chance to swap cities with the bloggers from eatPGH, who provided us with some wonderful suggestions in their hometown. It turned out to be one of the best weekends ever with shopping, sight-seeing, and eating our way through the... Share this: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

Recipe: Shishito Peppers with Peapod + GIVEAWAY

in Eating In, Eating Out, Eats & Drinks, Giveaways, Health, Recipe • February 28, 2017

There seems to be a notion that food bloggers enjoy extrava gant home cooked meals 7 days a week and have all the time in the world to go grocery shopping. But in reality, there are only so many hours in a day. Hence my happiness when my friend introduced me to Peapod few weeks ago. Founded in 1989, they are the country’s oldest online grocery delivery... Share this: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

Gift Guide: Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her

in Advice, Beauty, Eats & Drinks, Fashion, Lifestyle, Style • February 12, 2017

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, here are some ideas to help you with your last minute shopping. #1 Kate Spade Ring: A monogram ring? This is dainty and perfect to wear year round. #2 You’re My Everything Card: The perfect card for your sweetheart. #3 Chloé ‘Drew’ Leather Crossbody Bag: This saddle bag is the epitome of relaxed modernity. #4 Voluspa Prosecco Rose: Voluspa candles make the perfect charming and luxe gift. #5 Clinique Crayola Chubby Stick: Is for the makeup lover in your life. #6 Sriracha2Go Combo Pack: Whoever decided to put Sriracha into... Share this: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

Travel: Cancun, Mexico Recap

in Eats & Drinks, Travel • February 2, 2017

A few weeks ago, my friend Gina and I decided to be spontaneous and plan a last minute girls trip to Cancun, Mexico. It was the perfect way to recharge after the holidays. We ate tons of fresh seafood, got to relax on the beach and had the chance to see one of the seven wonders... Share this: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

Recipe: Matcha Green Tea Spinach Smoothie Bowl

in Eats & Drinks • January 19, 2017

Smoothie bowls have been quite the buzz for a while and I can’t believe it has taken me this long to get on board – apparently, it’s because I... Share this: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

Recipe: Korean Soft Tofu with Kimchi Stew (Soon Du Bu Kimchi Jigae)

in Eating In, Eats & Drinks, Recipe • November 30, 2016

There seems to be a notion that food bloggers enjoy extravagant home cooked meals 7 days a week. But in reality, at least for me, I’m constantly eating out during the week. Because at the end of a full work day at the office, I’m exhausted to be in the kitchen. As of late, to cut down on eating out during the week, this Soon Du Bu Kimchi Jigae aka Korean Soft Tofu with Kimchi Stew have been in constant rotation at our house. I grew up eating this soup and it’s a staple in any Korean kitchen. It’s an all-in-one meal with a... Share this: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

Recap: A Taste of Culinary Heaven at the 2016 Chicago Gourmet Food Festival

in Eats & Drinks • October 12, 2016

Chicago Gourmet is the premier food festival for any self-proclaimed foodie. Located on the gorgeous grounds of Millennium Park, my own version of culinary heaven features 150+ internationally renowned chefs, master sommeliers and winemakers. The fine-dining affair celebrates food and wine via gourmet tastings, wine seminars, and cooking demos. Cooking demonstrations were conducted on two main stages furnished by Thermador. The innovative appliance company punctuated its 100-year anniversary by providing world class appliances for Chicago’s best chefs. From amazing food and drink to premier kitchen accommodations, here are my favorite moments... Share this: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

A Day in the Life of ChicagoFoodGirl – McDonald’s Style

in Eats & Drinks • August 22, 2016

Disclosure: I received a complimentary trip to McDonald’s to facilitate this post. Review and opinions are my own. My very first meal in America was a Happy Meal. I can still picture the toys that accompanied our dinners so many years ago. From that first day in America, to summer family road trips and late night college cram sessions, McDonald’s has been a focal point to many fond memories. 25 years later, I remain a fan of the food, and today a proud partner of the world’s foremost fast food chain. As a satisfied customer (more times than I can... Share this: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

Fun Getaway to North Lake Tahoe, Nevada

in Beauty, Eats & Drinks, Health, Style, Travel • July 11, 2016

In desperate need of some R&R, I recently traveled west to Nevada/California. My boyfriend and I spent the first few days enjoying the outdoors in Lake Tahoe before making our way to The Biggest Little City in the World, Reno, NV. Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular destinations on the west coast and is famous for the wonderful scenery. Voted America’s best and most beautiful lake, there are many ways to enjoy the vast terrain. The cultural scene in Reno has some amazing art and music venues. Along with world-renowned food and wine, it’s one of Nevada’s best destinations. Check-out my photo journal below.