12.31.2011

Vesta

Best meal of 2011: Vesta in Astoria, NY.

Started with housemade bocconcini di mozzarella, greens + crostini ($10); slow braised meatballs, parmigiano cheese + tomato sauce ($12); vintage Bavette steak, sweet potato puree + asparagus ($24); penne pasta with butternut squash, brown butter, and sage ($14); cavatappi with cauliflower, mint, seasoned breadcrumbs & shaved parmigiano ($13); lasagna three-meat ragu ($15); a perfectly baked + pureed brown sugar date cake drizzled with toffee sauce and served with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream — called the Baby Jesus Cake; and finally, a pumpkin cheesecake ($10).

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12.27.2011

@SweetMandyBs sugar rush.

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Every day needs a quick cupcake and milk fix; $4.50.

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12.24.2011

12.22.2011

Holly days.

Various homemade pates and foie gras ($20) by Laurence Mate; assorted cheeses from Art Mart ($20); organic egg nog ($4); and fresh lemon juice ($9) for a real Old Fashioned.

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12.18.2011

Brunchin' @LongmanAndEagle. (pics)

Market scramble: Werp Farms arugula, mushrooms, fromage blanc and served over a croissant with a side mixed greens ($12) and an excellent croque madame ($12).

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12.16.2011

Long time coming @BigStarChicago. (pics)

Al pastor + 2 tacos de panza ($9), sonoran hot dog ($7), vegetables en escabeche ($1), an old fashioned + a Bakersfield Buck ($7),  and late, but, piping hot queso fundido ($7).

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12.14.2011

@firstavenue stars.

Outside: a wall full of past performers. Inside: the big star for Prince's Purple Rain.

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5-8 Club in Minneapolis.

A juicy lucy is unique to Minneapolis. It is a half pound burger stuffed with cheese. Basically, it is a cheeseburger and not all that special, $6; and a bowl of chicken noodle soup, $4. Not impressed, Minneapolis.

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12.11.2011

Preparations.

Mise en place with house made maraschino cherries and candied ginger for cocktails, knives, and a homemade mozzarella with braised pork and arugula pizza; $40 for six.

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12.06.2011

Earrings from @WolfbaitBGirls.

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Stones, unicorns, and black feathers on long earrings from Wolfbait & B-girls by The Hunters Kiss, $40.

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12.05.2011

Giving thanks.

Glenlivet, pumpkin pies, turkey, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, Sunday gravy + mostaccioli, and a bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape ($37).

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12.04.2011

Bears!

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Tickets to the Bears game for Caleb's 30th birthday; $175.

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12.02.2011

Las Palmas (@laspalmasdining) on North Avenue.

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Pan-seared tiger shrimp over creamy chipotle sauce with sautéed spinach, baby carrots & saffron rice.

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