Chicago Food Girl

Top 3 Tips to Become a Better Blogger

in Beauty, Outfit of the Day, Style • July 28, 2015

“I believed I could, so I did” – Kate Spade A little over a year ago, I decided to lock myself in my bedroom to launch my blog. 3 hours later, a domain and a hosting site was purchased and the rest is history, as they say. The truth is, blogging is more than just sitting down in front of your computer every week about your niche and topics. I don’t consider myself a blogging expert, but in the past year I’ve definitely learned quite a bit about it – enough to... 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

Filini’s Summer Menu Preview Dinner

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks • July 28, 2015

It’s probably safe to say that my favorite sport is cooking. Coming from a long line of home cooks, I was one of those kids who grew up in the kitchen pretending to host a cooking show. I dreamed of creating magical dishes that fed people’s bellies and hearts. I developed a longing that the food I would create would nourish bodies and souls, gather people together around a table, and produce in them a feeling of... 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 Top Five Milwaukee Must-Do’s

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks, Events, Festivals, Travel • July 17, 2015

I recently traveled north to check out Milwaukee (less than a one-hour drive from Chicago) and take-in the city’s keystone summer celebration. Summerfest is an annual music festival held along the lakefront in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The World’s Largest Music Festival attracts the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. For 11 days, more than 800 acts play on 11 sponsor themed stages throughout the grounds, including the 23,000-capacity Marcus Amphitheater. On any given day, attendees can enjoy alternative, rock, country, hip-hop, pop, EDM headliners and much more. I was lucky enough to take-in two of... 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

A Chicago Food Girl Guide to Chicago’s Best Hair Experts

in Giveaways, Health, Style, Travel • July 13, 2015

One of the worst things in this world is waking up and having a ‘bad hair day’. How often have you woken up, started getting ready for work and realized that your hair just isn’t going to co-operate with you? Since many of you have asked who does my hair, here are my top go-to when it comes to hair in Chicago: Blow-outs I don’t trust anyone else with my blow-outs hair but Blohaute. What is it? It’s as simple as one, two, three. Book an appointment online and then wait for your dedicated style expert to... 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

A Complete Guide to Kokopelli’s in Wicker Park

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks • July 10, 2015

If you haven’t found your favorite neighborhood authentic Mexican eatery, it’s because you haven’t yet been to Kokopelli’s. Nestled on Milwaukee Avenue, Kokopelli’s is welcoming – semi-casual and unassuming. From their beginnings in Tijuana as a thriving food truck business, they chose Chicago as their first North American location, fitting well into Wicker Park with its varied ambience, art and menu options. The creative lighting manages to highlight the giant, original chalkboard murals and the beautiful hardwood floors throughout…not to mention the vast tequila bar serving over 40 high-end... 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

Ranalli’s New Pizza Menu Preview + FREE GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks, Giveaways • July 2, 2015

One thing’s for sure — Chicago is hardly lacking in top-notch pizza spots. From our renowned deep dish to cozy, neighborhood trattorias, serving both coal-cooked and wood-fired pies in the Neapolitan-style, Chicago-style and more. Located off of the busy intersection of Lincoln Avenue in the heart of Lincoln Park, Ranalli’s is the perfect place for locals. The Four Corners Tavern Group first opened the restaurant with the idea that it could become a neighborhood spot with a real feeling of community and since they first opened their doors, it has become just that,... 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

NOODLES & COMPANY ADDS MUSCLE TO ITS MENU WITH NEW BUFF BOWLS + RECIPE

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks, Giveaways, Health • June 14, 2015

No carb-loving foodie wants to skimp on pasta, especially not at an eatery with a name like Noodles & Company. Yet the national fast-casual restaurant chain has given us permission to go sans pasta with its new BUFF Bowls. The entrées feature four of Noodles & Company’s most popular pasta dishes – in the nude! The bowls consist of an extra portion of veggies, topped with protein, and served on a bed of spinach in place of noodles. Without pasta, the emphasis is truly on the... 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

What Breakfast Dreams are Made of: Oui Oui to Cochon Volant

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks • June 8, 2015

This past weekend, Cochon Volant invited me to experience acclaimed James Beard winning chef Roland Liccioni of Les Nomades and acclaimed chef Matt Ayala of Gilt Bar, Schwa & Moto’s new brunch menu. Cochon Volant, (which translates to “flying pig” according to Google) features “French” cuisine. This hot spot located on Loop and Monroe and Clark streets offer all-day menu highlighting French specialties such as croissants and a combination menu that features French classics steak frites, escargot, mussels, roasted chicken, and even a seafood bar with fresh oysters. The inside of Cochon Volant is... 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 Top-Top experience with Autre Monde

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks • May 26, 2015

I recently was asked by Top-Top, a new reservation booking service to serve as a brand ambassador. Top-Top lets users book reservations at top Chicago restaurants, $2.50 fee per person, for diners to be treated to ‘week-of’ availability and the capability to select the table of their choice. Anyone can get the Top-Top treatment by booking reservations through their site (use promo code “toptopinfluencerCFG”). Why do I love it so much? The first reason I love Top-Top is that they asked me to dine at Autre Monde.... 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

Rioja Wine Festival and Chat with Bodegas Muriel Winemaker

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks, Events, Festivals • May 15, 2015

Photo: Bodegas MurielPhoto: Bodegas Muriel Wine lovers, foodies and chefs from around the world met in Chicago on Saturday, May 2nd for the Rioja Wine & Tapas Festival. Spain’s most prominent wine region hosted its biggest event of the year in Chicago first nationally celebrated festival featuring Rioja’s best winemakers and notable U.S. chefs in the stunning atmosphere of Chicago’s iconic Union Station on Canal street. This food and wine festival showcased nearly 200 vibrant wines from Rioja, ranging from Blancos to Rosados to Gran Reservas, all accompanied by... 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