Consumed with Discretion

Everything is beautiful at the ballet.

2012-02-25T20:16:00.001-06:00

"The utterance of life is a song. The symphony of nature."

The Joffrey Ballet's performance of Winter Fire at The Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, $50.

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The French Diet.

2012-02-25T08:32:00.001-06:00

Outside of the dessert pancakes from Bongo Room in Chicago, Cafe Campagne in Seattle has the most decadent brunch menu I've ever experienced. I ordered a Bloody Mary ($8) and the Ouefs en Meurette ($16). The meal was a fois-gras and red wine sauce served over two poached eggs on top of garlic buttered croutons with pearl onions, champignons, bacon, and a side of pomme frites. 'Twas truly outstanding.

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Warm your insides, @PikePLChowder (pics).

2012-02-22T00:44:00.001-06:00

From Pike Place Chowder: Dungeness crab roll ($12), a hot bowl of chowder ($7), and a piece of sourdough bread.

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All it takes is one smell at Tartine Bakery (pics). @LizPrueitt + Chad Robertson.

2012-02-16T21:50:00.001-06:00

An open faced croque monsieur sandwich ($9.75) with the bread soaked in béchamel. Topped with smoked Niman Ranch ham gruyere, thyme, and pepper; and one rocher with toasted almonds (85 cents) for dessert.

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Brunch at Feed Restaurant in Humboldt Park.

2012-02-15T20:34:00.001-06:00

Table for four, please?

Egg machine (25 cents to play); Feed's menu; macaroni + cheese with corn pudding and collard greens ($15 with chicken); mashed potatoes + gravy ($2.19) with cheese grits ($2.19); a whole rotisserie chicken; fried green tomatoes eggs Benedict with ham ($9); and the chorizo tacos ($9).

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28.

2012-02-14T16:58:00.001-06:00

The 28 bus ($2) is a magical ride once it turns around on the 101.

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You've come a long way, baby.

2012-02-14T16:10:00.001-06:00

A whole Dungeness crab ($15) at Sabella & La Torre in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf.

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Clams, oysters, King crab, + a tail @BobChinns (pics).

2012-02-12T11:23:00.001-06:00

Friday night was a seafood throwdown in Wheeling, Illinois at the famous Bob Chinn's Crab House. We ordered: one big serving of piping hot New England Clam Chowder in a bowl ($8.50); a dozen oysters ($13) with their complimentary garlic rolls; three perfectly steamed select Alaskan "red" King crab legs (20oz, $61) with fried pork rice; and three seasoned South African lobster tails (3oz per tail, $35). All shared between three hungry family members.

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Dinner + 1/2 glasses of wine @RMRestaurant with the ladies. (pics)

2012-02-07T22:10:00.001-06:00

Ladies night dinner at Radio Maria in downtown Champaign. We ordered: broiled chevre medallions roasted in a sauce of pumpkin seeds, and spices ($7) and the torta Maria: roasted poblano peppers, mole, corn, sweet potato, goat cheese layered between flour tortillas with a vanilla bean sauce, and salsa roja ($15).

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Pancake + syrup by @SethFein.

2012-02-04T10:41:00.001-06:00

Woke up to two pancakes waiting for me! Pancakes made with Bob's Red Mill organic 7 grain pancake + waffle whole grain mix ($4 for a bag) with extra flaxseed meal ($4 a bag).

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Salumeria Rosi Parmacotto.

2012-02-03T14:51:00.001-06:00

Eating healthy is not an easy feat — especially when you have a seemingly endless penchant for fatty, cured pork. When I'm in NYC, I visit Salumeria Rosi Parmacotto every time I find myself near the Upper West Side. A quick peep at their extensive selection of thinly sliced salumi would make anyone go Pavlovian. I could go for a few nibbles of their delicately flavored spicy soppressata, the twenty four month prosciutti ($6.50 for 1/4 lb), or some of the smoky speck right now. I'll say this much — it travels long distances well. So, if you're in the area now, please mail me some. STAT.

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Proteins and greens.

2012-01-31T17:55:00.001-06:00

Tonight's meal: striploin steak from Laurence Mate ($8 per lb), collard greens ($4) with grilled onions and mushrooms ($3), and a farm egg ($4 a dozen).

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El Asadero in Tulum, Mexico.

2012-01-30T22:50:00.001-06:00

El Asadero has the finest cuts of steak in Tulum. We ordered: 500 grams of arrachera or flank steak ($140 pesos = $10.75 USD) with a grilled onion ($15 pesos = $1); and two tacos — a nopal + an arrachera with cheese ($34 = $2.50). We were given a variety of salsas with chips, too. I miss Tulum already.

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Cooking Indian with @FlatlanderFood.

2012-01-27T20:42:00.001-06:00

Prepping spices, ginger, and garlic for a big Indian dinner on Saturday night.

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Cooking Indian with @FlatlanderFood.

2012-01-27T19:14:00.001-06:00

Prepping spices, ginger, and garlic for a big Indian dinner on Saturday night.

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Diner in Williamsburg.

2012-01-25T11:05:00.001-06:00

Diner is so cool they write the daily menu on the table. Vikki and I shared a beet salad with yogurt and grapefruit slices ($10) and the best damn fried chicken sandwich topped with chili lime aioli + a pickled egg on sweet potato focaccia ($14). We both agreed that there's nothing quite like this perfectly arranged chicken.

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Midday aliment @GrazeMadison.

2012-01-24T19:32:00.001-06:00

One and a half deviled eggs with mustard + smoked paprika aioli ($3); a selection of house pickles from beets to squash ($6); BLT ($11); and ramen noodle bowl with braised pork shoulder and pork belly ($10).

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Mateo's en Tulum. (pics)

2012-01-12T18:40:00.001-06:00

Tacos de pescado y fresco de coco ($7).

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@Le_Barricou? Oui, s'il vous plaît! (pics)

2012-01-08T08:53:00.001-06:00

A vegetarian, egg white omelet with sauteed vegetables, chipotle peppers + goat cheese ($9.50) for both me and Drew. The Bloody Mary was for Monika ($8).

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Not how I like it.

2012-01-07T22:36:00.001-06:00

Wanting to sink my teeth into some fresh seafood, I chose the mayo-based lobster roll ($18) from Fish in NYC. After my first bite, I quickly learned that I happen to prefer butter only. Oh, well. Call me a purist.

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Mile End (pics from @mileendbrooklyn).

2012-01-06T22:28:00.001-06:00

Smoked meat sandwich ($12) and matzoh ball soup ($8) in Boerum Hill.

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Grilled lobster tails.

2012-01-04T17:33:00.001-06:00

Spinach, radish, and grapefruit salad with a split, grilled lobster tail ($14 on accidental sale).

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Starting off on the right foot: lamb ragu.

2012-01-02T19:39:00.001-06:00

Homemade pasta noodles ($5) + braised lamb ($15). Happy new year epicureans!

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Vesta

2011-12-31T14:22:00.001-06:00

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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@SweetMandyBs sugar rush.

2011-12-27T15:27:00.001-06:00

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

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A Rio Madre Rioja kinda Christmas Eve.

2011-12-24T17:27:00.001-06:00

Bottle of wine with friends at Buvons; $15.

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Holly days.

2011-12-22T13:57:00.001-06:00

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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Brunchin' @LongmanAndEagle. (pics)

2011-12-18T11:41:00.001-06:00

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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Long time coming @BigStarChicago. (pics)

2011-12-16T15:54:00.001-06:00

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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@firstavenue stars.

2011-12-14T15:51:00.001-06:00

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.

2011-12-14T14:37:00.001-06:00

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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Preparations.

2011-12-11T17:09:00.001-06:00

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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Earrings from @WolfbaitBGirls.

2011-12-06T17:23:00.001-06:00

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

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Giving thanks.

2011-12-05T18:12:00.001-06:00

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

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Bears!

2011-12-04T19:40:00.001-06:00

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

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Las Palmas (@laspalmasdining) on North Avenue.

2011-12-02T09:33:00.001-06:00

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

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A whimsical Midwestern supper.

2011-11-27T21:14:00.001-06:00

Angel Food goat cheese ($8) from Prairie Fruits Farm, crackers, apples, and a homemade sunchoke ($2) + leek ($3) soup. For dessert: a warm, roasted honey crisp apple ($1) topped a scoop of brown butter almond brittle ice cream ($9) from Jeni's.

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A long way for ingredients to travel.

2011-11-26T12:38:00.001-06:00

White bean ($1.50) and kale ($3) stew with roasted pork ($8 per lb) brought home from Guavate, Puerto Rico.

How it was made: sauteed an onion, an Anaheim pepper and kale stems in olive oil and chicken stock. Simmered cannellini beans with the kale.

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Flo

2011-11-22T12:12:00.001-06:00

When I went to Flo Cafe this weekend, I ordered the best Huevos rancheros ($6.95) I've ever had. How it was prepared: a heaping ladle of red chile on top of enchilada filled with cheddar cheese and surrounded by two soft fried eggs, with black beans, pico de gallo, and a folded tortilla on the side.

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On the cerdo trail, in Guavate.

2011-11-20T14:44:00.001-06:00

More and more, stateside Americans are learning about this small village in the Puerto Rican hills. Bourdain and Zimmern have both reported on it, and both declared it to be the best pork known to man kind.

Having eaten it today, I concur. It's simply marvelous.

What we couldn't believe was the lack of gringos around. Literally, we were two of maybe six white folks walking around. The rest were nationals. And loving every minute of it.

The town starts jumpin' around noon on weekends. You park your car in the main strip (though there are Lechoneras -- pig roasts -- all the way down HWY 184), and start in. Any one you choose will be good, but we went with El Rancho Original (the first around) and Los Pinos, which had great musc being performed live.

But that all matters little.

The food:

1/2 lb of cerdo (roasted hog)
1 oreja (pig's ear)
1/4 lb of pavo (turkey)
1/4 lb of pollo (you betta comprende)
1 piece of morcilla (blood sausage)
1 piece of longaniza (pork sausage)
1 bowl of cuajo stew (pig's innards)
1 Medalla cerveza

All that for $23. Just silly.

And then, a pina colada ($4.50), and a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink called a coquito, which is a rum and milk based cocktail akin to something like a Mexican orchata: $4

What a place. I am full.

I am going to sleep now. Bye.

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Mag Mile lights from the 16th floor.

2011-11-19T17:53:00.001-06:00

Staying at the Hyatt Regency ($300 per night, compliments of United) with my aunt during her 48 hour layover on her San Diego Chargers charter flight.

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Egg heaven @YolkChicago. (PIC)

2011-11-19T11:47:00.001-06:00

Eggs Benedict ($10) is my number one choice for breakfast. These bad boys had a huge cut of Canadian bacon. I've never had so much food on one plate this early in the morning.

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A day in the life in Puerto Rico

2011-11-18T07:59:00.001-06:00

On Thursday, we packed it in.

The morning found us trailing Andrew Zimmern to La Bombanera, a local's favorite pastry shop for Mallorcas, a Spanish sort-of soft yeast roll, filled with jamon y queso and jugo de acerola, a tropical fruit, freshly squeezed ($14.50 total).

We made our way over to the Coliseo to watch the Boilers pull out a heart-stopper (2 tickets were $29.56, because Old Man Fein gets a Senior discount). We sat with reserve 2 guard Terone Johnson's family and I made buddis with his Grandma, Wilma.

Next, we took th long way to Hipodromo Cameraro to watch horse racing. We bet $14 total on 9,2, and 3, boxed, for a Trifecta, and a Win/Place.

We lost.

Famished, headed to Pinones to eat at aroad side stand, where we munched on Cuedo Parrillada skewer and a ceviche of Cocha del Rey ($11.34).

Still hungry, we dined at Marisqueria Atlantico, drank wine, and ate Pulpo Churrasco y Mariscos Parrillada ($43.50 total).

A quick pit stop at the condo, and then off to the casinos for a small night of gambling. Verno walked off the blackjack tables after 2+ hrs with a rake of $45.

I broke even with him, and while waiting to play Hold 'em (never made it on), I won $65 playing roulette. Hit. 35 to 1 bet on the number 16, bet for the birth date of this blog's owner, Justina Bursonida.

A full day, indeed!

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Mofungo con Conejo and Arecibo Observatory

2011-11-16T12:36:00.001-06:00

A Puerto Rican delight. Plantains are mashed and steamed and mixed with freshly stewed rabbit and peppers. $16 for two at El Traino on the road home from Arecibo Observatory.

The owner, Egna, treated us to uno cerveza local, as well.

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Treif in Williamsburg.

2011-11-09T14:43:00.001-06:00

"Treif" is the Yiddish word for all things non-kosher, ritually unfit to be consumed, and forbidden by Jewish law. We ordered: 3 cheese plate: pierre robert, robiola, cabra; elderberry & cherry marmalades, marconas, figs ($9); crispy pork belly, cauliflower, peperoncini, romesco, parsley-garlic ($9); confit of moulard duck leg, beluga lentils, crab apple, red wine ($16); seared foie, fingerlings, ham chips, sunny egg, maple, hot sauce ($17); Joe’s chopped chicken livers, balsamic-bacon toasts, rosemary & shallots ($8); and BBQ, braised short rib sliders, sweet potato fries, smoked paprika aioli ($9)

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Another Cheesus Christ @RobertasPizza, puhleeeze! (pics)

2011-11-01T17:22:00.001-05:00

Wood-fired pizzas at Roberta's range between $8-$10. Let me tell you — they are worth every penny. My personal favorites were the Cheesus Christ ($14) with mozzarella, taleggio, parmigiano, cream and black pepper and also the Good Girl ($15) loaded with taleggio, pork sausage, crispy kale, garlic, and chili.

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Richardson, again! (pics)

2011-10-30T20:04:00.001-05:00

Me and the ladies about to chow down on a muffaletta; $11 and a goat cheese sandwich; $9 with some sinners on horseback; $5.

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Photo of Justin Timberlake on Letterman.

2011-10-26T15:40:00.001-05:00

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If only every night could be @Eataly's simple beauty. Thanks, @MarioBatali! (pics)

2011-10-26T12:50:00.001-05:00

A quiet, late night meal is the way to go at Eataly: the grande piatto misto salumi e formaggi without mortadella; $22, the classic mozzarella; $11, the crudo plate; $18, and Briccotondo red wine; $33.

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Leave no lobster behind @lukeslobster.

2011-10-25T11:19:00.001-05:00

Taste of Maine: 1/2 lobster roll, 1/2 crab roll and 1/2 shrimp roll with two empress claws; $22 and a cup of clam chowder; $7.

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Shake Shack on the Upper West Side.

2011-10-24T15:33:00.001-05:00

Such a rip off of California's In-N-Out Burger ... pretty good, however, In-N-Out is WAY better. ShackBurger, hold the tomato and add onion, please; $4.50 with a chocolate-strawberry shake; $5. Snapshot of the table that reads: "Handcrafted in Brooklyn, NY this surface was once part of a bowling lane."

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On the rocks + a nibble or two @HundredAcresNYC.

2011-10-24T14:45:00.001-05:00

Blantons on the rocks; $12 with basementmade pickles; $6, breakfast radishes with anchovy butter; $4, and a glass of prosecco on the house.

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Satisfied by @gtgorganics in @central park_ny (pics)

2011-10-22T13:41:00.001-05:00

Applewoods' chicken and apple sausage with spicy brown mustard and local sauerkraut, $6.50.

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Maison Premiere oysters in Brooklyn.

2011-10-22T10:55:00.001-05:00

Dollar oysters for the happy hour special and a few house cocktails, like the carondelet, for $10.

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Yes, that's a grand piano in the center of Washington Square Park.

2011-10-21T13:16:00.001-05:00

Free performance in front of a fountain, in a park in NYC. How romantic! I never want to leave!

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Found heaven in Chelsea Market.

2011-10-20T13:49:00.001-05:00

$70 for a shit ton of Nutella at Buon Italia.

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Hand-pulled noodles @xianfoods. (pics)

2011-10-18T16:05:00.001-05:00

A gigantic bowl of spicy cumin lamb noodles ... hand-pulled in front of us; $6 for two.

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Mama would be proud of the @TheMeatballShop + @meatballers. (pics)

2011-10-18T12:47:00.001-05:00

Four juicy, spicy pork balls with a strip of focaccia smothered in classic tomato sauce; $7 and a side of white beans; $4.

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Hit the spot, @saigonshack114!

2011-10-17T14:16:00.001-05:00

I have plenty of leftovers, too! Vegetarian summer rolls and grilled lemongrass chicken vermicelli bowl; $14.15 at Saigon Shack.

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Nineteen year friendship @ Terminal 5.

2011-10-16T00:35:00.001-05:00

My ladies at Little Dragon, $20 tickets.

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Comfort vittles @peterssince1969.

2011-10-16T00:34:00.001-05:00

Meatloaf with a side of collards, mac 'n cheese, a cup of lentil soup. and a mini cornbread muffin; $9.74. The guy even walked downstairs to find me honey for my cornbread. Hell yes.

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Ida Red's in Saugatuck, MI.

2011-10-13T06:37:00.001-05:00

Fresh fruit, $3; French scramble with mushrooms, tarragon + baby Swiss cheese, $7; and a meatball sandwich, $7.50

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Michigan vacation.

2011-10-09T14:41:00.001-05:00

Adam and Ryan enjoy the sunset...

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#Artprize in Grand Rapids.

2011-10-06T18:23:00.001-05:00

Free downtown art show around downtown and inside the museum.

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#Artprize in Grand Rapids.

2011-10-06T17:47:00.001-05:00

Free downtown art show around downtown and inside the museum.

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Cubans.

2011-10-06T12:36:00.001-05:00

Made Cuban sandwiches for dinner yesterday from all the leftover hog we had. Ham from Triple S, $6 and lentil salad from the co-op, $5.

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Deluxe vittles @CarmonsBistro in @dtChampaign. Pics from soft opening!

2011-09-27T22:30:00.001-05:00

Carmon's Bistro is about to open their doors to the public. Tonight was day two of their soft opening — and we had a preview of what's to come. We ordered: pumpkin soup with wild mushroom + caramelized onions and a crostini, $8; charcuterie plate with pork terrine, chicken liver mousse, pork rillettes, mostarda and pickles, $9; 1/2 dozen Malpeque oysters with horseradish, orange and Tabasco caviar, $15; steak frites, Drew's mustard truffle fries, caramelized shallots + blue cheese butter, $21; blanquette de veau with peal onions, wild mushrooms + potatoes, $22; creme fraiche ice cream with profiteroles and chocolate sauce, $6; vanilla and buttermilk Bavarian cream with grape sauce + peanut brittle, $6; and finally, creme brulee made from blueberry compote, $6.

A round of applause to the sensational staff and many thanks to Thad and Josh for the honest-to-goodness, delectable feast!

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The menu + more at Spence Farm Dinner Harvest Feast!

2011-09-26T11:44:00.001-05:00

This is only a teaser of the other photos to come from the dinner at Spence Farm in Fairbury, Illinois. So, if you're looking to take a peek at what we ate, click here to link to my blog and see more photos. I even made an animated GIF of Old Town Social's Jared Van Camp slicing up salumi and you know you wanna see that action.

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Polaroid of @cutcopy. @pygmusicfest #pyg2011

2011-09-23T16:22:00.001-05:00

Mitchell, Dan, Tim and Ben.

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Posole by Don. #pyg2011

2011-09-23T00:08:00.001-05:00

Green room chow by the greatest bartender around!

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Post-Pyg dinner at 2am. #pyg2011

2011-09-22T18:39:00.001-05:00

Had enough energy in us to stay up another hour after we drove Explosions to their hotel. Salmon ($14 per lb) and onions ($2) and poblano peppers (from the garden) in white vinegar.

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@pygmusicfest tote bag stuffing party!

2011-09-19T21:13:00.001-05:00

Giveaways for the first 500 full festival pass holders! Free medium drink Espresso Royale, buy one get one at Chipotle, Under the Radar magazine, and more!

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EAT @longmanandeagle. (PICS)

2011-09-19T09:50:00.001-05:00

At Longman & Eagle: 1+2 their menu, 3 rabbit paté, giardinière, sourdough tartines, $9; 4 roasted marrow bones, red onion jam, sea salt, and sourdough crostinis, $10; 5 Nichols Farm pot of pickles, summer vegetables, La Boulangerie marble rye, Wüthrich butter, and sea salt, $8; 6 salad of compressed melon & fig, Werp Farm greens, Humbolt Fog chevre, toasted pine nuts, honey-chili vinaigrette, $11; 7 pastrami cured sweetbreads, Gruyere, pumpernickel, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing $13; 8 Slagel Family Farm goat sausage, eggplant baba, compressed apricot basil, and black olive caramel, $13; 9 seared Hudson Valley duck testicles, peas, bacon, romaine, pickled cherries, and mushroom puree, $14; 10 Slagel Family Farms burger, aged Widmer’s cheddar, Neuske’s bacon, beef fat fries, and brioche, $12.

I probably wouldn't recommend the duck testicles — not because of WHAT they are, but simply because they felt like and tasted similar to cannellini beans. I wish they had more flavor + oomph. The must order items on the menu? My vote goes to the roasted bone marrows — they were quite unctuous and succulent in the best possible way. The rabbit paté is the other "yes, please" on the menu. The lightness in this dish is created by the additional fat — making it seem ALMOST healthy enough for one to devour the entire order on their own.

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Irazu with @bralts!

2011-09-17T19:45:00.001-05:00

Gallo pinto with plantains, $6.

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Obligatory post on Chicago.

2011-09-15T16:45:00.001-05:00

Back in the city again. Taken from my car window...

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Mere sides make a meal.

2011-09-14T16:58:00.001-05:00

I'm not writing a description for this one. Seth already managed to do it last night on his Facebook page: "Jack Daniels fired crimini mushrooms ($5.29 lb) with Laurence Mate guanaciale ($7) and Blue Moon Farms shallots on top of creamy polenta from Common Ground Food Co-op with Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery chevre, backyard jalapenos, and homemade butter. I have no picture. Justine B does that. It's fucking delish though."

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Makin' posters for @PygMusicFest at the @LivinLettrPress.

2011-09-13T18:37:00.001-05:00

Today, Molly and I completed the second layer of the Pygmalion Music Festival posters and we finished the backs of the "Midwest is Best" postcards. They turned out really well! The Pygmalion 2011 posters will go up around town on Thursday evening + will also be available for sale at the festival. Full festival passholders will receive one Midwest postcard in their gift tote bag.

I'd like to thank Molly and John for their time and effort to make this happen. Printing on a real letterpress was a dream come true! Check out their Facebook page for The Living Letter Press and please follow them on Twitter! And if you own an iPad, you should spend the $6 to try out their LetterMpress app.

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Hardest one yet.

2011-09-07T14:58:00.001-05:00

You're right, Gramps we have our dreams to be together now. Grandpa's funeral: open-casket with cremation, $7k.

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Shorty's

2011-09-01T10:47:00.001-05:00

Uptown Normal, Illinois barber shop.

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LetterMpress for @pygmusicfest.

2011-08-30T16:06:00.001-05:00

Arranging type and designing a layout with Molly at LetterMpress for a Pygmalion Music Festival poster. I can hardly wait to print on a real letterpress with this gal!

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We can do vegetarian, too. Al fresco style.

2011-08-28T19:20:00.001-05:00

Mixed greens salad with raspberries ($3) and a small wedge of goat cheese from Prairie Fruits Farms ($8), with a hunk of eggplant parmesan (thanks to Blue Moon Farms, $2 for eggplant and $3 for tomatoes) and basil pesto made from our backyard.

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Comfort food.

2011-08-26T16:06:00.001-05:00

Basil tortellini with sun dried tomatoes, kalamata olives and aged cheese ($3.08 for half lb).

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Family style.

2011-08-23T19:38:00.001-05:00

Whole grilled whitefish ($3!) with market and backyard peppers ($5) and three-year aged gouda from Art Mart ($7).

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By moi.

2011-08-22T21:08:00.001-05:00

Whole roasted brined chicken, stuffed with market peaches ($2) and rosemary from the garden ($12) served on a cutting board with braised market Swiss chard ($3) and a side of pan gravy.

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The best we can do.

2011-08-21T20:49:00.001-05:00

A homemade lobster roll ($15) on brioche ($4) from Pekara.

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Dreams do come true @FishguysNYC (The Lobster Place) in @ChelseaTwitter (Chelsea Market).

2011-08-18T09:52:00.001-05:00

Finally got my lobster roll ($17) from The Lobster Place inside of Chelsea Market. I had been waiting for one all weekend and it was so good.

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I miss you, Central Park.

2011-08-17T11:21:00.001-05:00

Boarded the plane at 8 am and New York City already seems so far away.

Here's a photo of the lower end of the park when I went for a walk by myself.

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Desire: Metallic fiber lace dress by @Alice_Olivia at @Bergdorf.

2011-08-16T15:22:00.001-05:00

Alice + Olivia dress in XS, $595.

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The Richardson in Williamsburg.

2011-08-15T12:45:00.001-05:00

Warm muffaletta with olives and pickles, $11.

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NYC!

2011-08-11T19:38:00.001-05:00

We are here!

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Sunny day in the big city.

2011-08-11T08:59:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Chicago. I'm ready to go to New York!

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The birthday girl requested...

2011-08-05T20:56:00.001-05:00

Cracker Barrel for lunch. I was distracted by the huge variety of candy in their gift shop.

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Burgers and baseball.

2011-08-03T20:30:00.001-05:00

Homemade burgers with Triple S meat ($9) and a Danville Dans game with friends ($6).

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So full at the Bongo Room.

2011-07-31T14:40:00.001-05:00

White chocolate and caramel covered pretzel pancake ($10) and BLT eggs Benedict ($14).

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Derby.

2011-07-29T21:16:00.001-05:00

Sitting in our fancy box seats at the demo derby, $7 per ticket.

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$2 bill y'all.

2011-07-25T22:01:00.001-05:00

Ice cold Jameson with tonic and lime for $2 and a free water for the pooch at Blind Pig Brewery.

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Kahan from @thePublican2008 will fatten you up (PICS).

2011-07-25T14:53:00.001-05:00

Click here to see the other plates!

We had: complimentary bread, full charcuterie plate ($24 — see pic! The morteau sausage was perfection); frites with organic eggs ($5 — nothing too special); beets with burrata and balsamic ($7 — sadly the beets were not very firm); and a ham chop “in hay” ($42 — a Thanksgiving dream. The first order was accidentally given to another table. The punks hadn’t even ordered it. But, they managed to eat it). Due to the error, we were given a side of the daily pickles and one beer pairing… and those were mighty tasty.

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Real life Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots.

2011-07-24T19:04:00.001-05:00

Invented by a guy in Texas. (Go figure.) You can play these bad boys at Putt Putt on Prospect Avenue in Champaign, $3.50 per game.

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Too hot.

2011-07-22T17:15:00.001-05:00

A single dip of vanilla custard with M 'n M's in a waffle basket for one ($4.50).

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Lurve me some @hounddesign.

2011-07-19T10:42:00.001-05:00

Starboard skirt ($114) and equinox blouse ($124) have arrived! I cannot describe how much I adore Jen's designs. Superb in every way...

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