Chicago Food Girl

EATS & DRINKS // Quinoa with Baked Sweet Potato and Cranberries

in Uncategorized • November 4, 2014

Despite the fact that I love cooking in the comfort of my own kitchen, I also understand the reality of my busy lifestyle. And, I also understand that many other people are in the same situation – us food bloggers love to eat and I try to cook healthy at home, when I can. I have been wanting to try a new healthy recipe with the new cast iron I brought last week. Since I had three bags of quinoa sitting around, an idea popped in my head. Why not add... Share this: Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Share on X (Opens in new window) X Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Print (Opens in new window) Print Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

How to Throw the Best Halloween Party

in Eating In, Eating Out, Eats & Drinks, Events • October 30, 2014

Are you terrified of throwing a Halloween party? There’s absolutely no need for you to be scared – follow my tips on throwing the best Halloween bash. Although there are many holiday themed parities throughout the year – you can’t ever go wrong celebrating witches and the day of the dead. I ended up inviting a few of my closest girlfriends last weekend for a Halloween brunch and we all had a scary good time!

EATS & DRINKS // Brussels Sprout Hash with Sweet Potato and Fried Egg (Kimchi, optional)

in Eating In, Eats & Drinks, Health • October 29, 2014

I have been wanting to try a new recipe with the new cast iron I just brought earlier this week. Since I had four bags of brussels sprouts sitting in my fridge, an idea popped in my head. Why not make brussels sprout hash? (I know, I’m a genius, hehe). Hash is typically made up of your choice of protein, eggs, onions, potatoes and it is often served as a breakfast dish. Since brussels sprouts can be bitter, I decided to pair my hash with sweet potatoes to balance things... Share this: Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Share on X (Opens in new window) X Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Print (Opens in new window) Print Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

STYLE // ALL ABOUT LAYERS FOR THE FALL

in Beauty, Eating Out, Eats & Drinks, Events, Outfit of the Day, Style • October 28, 2014

Happy Tuesday everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend full of relaxation, adult beverages and fun! My weekend was full of eating delicious foods at Hutch Chicago, Weber Grill Restaurant, hosting a Halloween brunch for my friends with a DIY waffle and mimosa bar and lastly, meeting up with with one of my favorite Chicago Fashion Bloggers, Jennie Wold of Actually, Just Jennie . This past Saturday was our first time meeting up and we bonded over our love for our favorite 2 “Fs” – food and fashion. Jennie and I had some time to kill before our brunch and... Share this: Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Share on X (Opens in new window) X Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Print (Opens in new window) Print Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

EATS & DRINKS // A Taste of Culinary Heaven [at the 2014 Chicago Gourmet Food Festival]

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks, Events, Festivals • October 15, 2014

One of the best times to visit Chicago is during the fall when all 24 acres of Millennium Park is transformed into culinary heaven, featuring more than 150 of Chicago’s greatest restaurants and chefs, including hundreds of spirit makers and premium breweries globally for the seventh annual Chicago Gourmet. Presented by Bon Appétit Magazine, the two day food festival is necessary for all dedicated foodies and people that love a cocktail, or two. The Park’s Great Lawn is transformed with chefs cooking and presenting their beautiful mini-plates, presenting live cooking demos and seminars on different stages allocated throughout... Share this: Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Share on X (Opens in new window) X Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Print (Opens in new window) Print Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

STYLE // GETTING WILD WITH LEOPARD AND ANIMAL PRINTS

in Beauty, Outfit of the Day, Style • October 13, 2014

Everyone and anyone that knows me knows I love leopard, colors in my closet and a great bargain, especially on clothes. I was thrilled when I scored this gorgeous one-shoulder Nanette Lepore 100% Silk Leopard Dress for only $27, originally $398 at my favorite TJ Maxx store in Evanston few weeks ago. This one-shoulder leopard-print silk dress features a sweetheart neckline and a knot detail at the bust with draping at hip and pleating at the waist. I knew this was the perfect dress when our eyes met considering I could mix it with different pieces in my wardrobe. It... Share this: Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Share on X (Opens in new window) X Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Print (Opens in new window) Print Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

My Beauty Routine and 3 Tips to Flawless Skin

in Beauty, Health, Style • October 8, 2014

I get so many compliments on my flawless Asian skin but it’s not all genetics. I believe your beauty always starts with what you put inside your body, what you put on the outside only enhances your overall look. My go to products tend to be all natural and organic route when it works for me, but I also use plenty of conventional products too. I try not to be too obsessive about any one product since I love to experiment — you never know when you’ll pick up something new and it’ll change your perspective. Here’s my beauty routine and a... Share this: Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Share on X (Opens in new window) X Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Print (Opens in new window) Print Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

Health & Wellness Brought Back to Chicago via Be Healthful: A Holistic Health Retreat

in Eating Out, Events, Festivals, Health • October 6, 2014

It’s WELLNESS WEEK at Chicago Food Girl. Read and learn more about our recap at the Be Healthful Retreat we attended few weeks ago and my 1-month ClassPass experience, an alternative to a gym membership. With ClassPass, you get access to the best boutique fitness classes in your city. There are over 1,000 classes available to ClassPass members, including cycling, pilates, yoga, strength training, dance, martial arts, and more. For $99 a month, members get unlimited classes to use at studios in the ClassPass network. GUEST BLOG POST BY STEPHANIE SIMNICK Few weeks ago on September 14th, I... Share this: Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Share on X (Opens in new window) X Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Print (Opens in new window) Print Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

Red Gold Tomatoes Giveaway

in Eating In, Eats & Drinks, Giveaways • September 27, 2014

Who else is happy for layers and boots season? In honor of fall finally arriving to Chicago, Red Gold Tomatoes, is giving away a variety-pack of tomatoes (2 cans crushed tomatoes, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can diced w/ green chilies, 1 diced with lime juice and cilantro and 1 diced with garlic and olive oil), an apron, wooden spoon and recipes to jump start your fall cooking to 1 of my lucky readers! As soon as I got my kit, I decided to make a hearty chili stew. My... Share this: Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Share on X (Opens in new window) X Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Print (Opens in new window) Print Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

Crockpot Turkey Chili

in Eating In, Eating Out, Eats & Drinks, Giveaways, Health • September 27, 2014