chicago

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: 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 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: 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 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: 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

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: 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

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: 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

Rioja Wine and Tapas Festival Review

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks, Events, Festivals • May 11, 2015

Photo: Chicago Food Girl (Nikon D90) Photo: Chicago Food Girl 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... 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

Interview with Executive Chef Tanya Baker, 2015 James Beard Award Finalist and a Rising Star in Chicago

in Eating In, Eating Out, Eats & Drinks, Events, Recipe • May 4, 2015

Most Chefs will tell you that they don’t cook for money but rather for the love of food. Executive Chef Tanya Baker of The Boarding House in Chicago is no exception. For the first year in a row, she’s a finalist for one of the food world’s most prestigious awards: the James Beard Foundation Rising Star Chef of the Year Award, given to a chef age 30 or younger who demonstrates an impressive talent and who is likely to have a significant impact on the industry in years... 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

Salero’s Spring Menu Preview Dinner

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks • April 23, 2015

People always ask me what I love about being a food blogger. A few reasons I can think from the top of my head is that this has been an amazing outlet to pursue my love for photography and writing. I love all of the different types of people I’ve encountered paths with and find this blogging community incredibly inspiring. But one of the things I really love about being a food blogger? Being able to try new restaurants.

Need something to do this weekend? Venetian Contessa launches prosecco line in Chicago

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks, Events • April 9, 2015

Are you looking for something fun to do? It deals with adult beverages as well. Venetian cooking school founder and author Contessa Enrica Rocca uncorks her debut line of Prosecco this April, following its successful launch in Europe. Made from the finest Glera grapes, Enrica Rocca Prosecco is produced through delicate synthesis of sparkling winemaking traditions in a small vineyard in the Veneto. Both varieties, the classic Brut and the sweeter Extra Dry, were created in compliance with the highest standards of viticulture, resulting in a DOCG (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin)... 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

Blaze into Spring with this Chic Jacket

in Beauty, Outfit of the Day, Style • March 16, 2015

Happy Monday, all! Spring has finally arrived to Chicago, thank goodness. I love incorporating bright colors and staple items into my closet, such as this chic pink blazer. I absolutely love them since they are the perfect combination to wear to the office then straight to happy hour with girlfriends in the city. What’s your favorite spring staple? SHOP THE POST BCBG Pink Blazer (similar) // AG Jeans // Fyre Black Boots //... 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