Just You 'N' Me: An evening in Logan Square

After another long day at the shoe store in Andersonville, I was so looking forward to an evening with one of my favorite humans on earth. My dear friend Bridgid is from Chicago, lived in the Twin Cities for about 1 minutes 15 years ago, and we have been super close ever since. I love that when I am in Chicago for work I get to spend some time with her.

Bridgid is a bartender in Boystown (more about her bar next week: I will be spending the evening there and it's gonna get pretty real) and has been for the past 12 years. So needless to say she doesn't get out to new places very often, especially if they are only open for dinner. So we went through a list of places she has been wanting to try. We decided on a place in Logan Square: as there are also some great bars in that area we could hit up post dinner.


Analogue opened in 2013, mostly to be a cocktail bar and dance party, from the articles I have found about it. It has a New Orleans-inspired menu in an open and airy space. We were the first ones there, it was a super rainy Sunday evening and also pretty early. Bridgid and I snagged a high top and settled in.

We decided to start with a little bubbly: and a basket of biscuits. I mean, who doesn't want a basket of biscuits? I know I have been on a tear when it come to southern food, and it is about to get even more epic since I am now sitting in Durham, North Carolina. But why not start off my second southern adventure of April with biscuits in Chicago?

                                                                          

This basket of biscuits comes with 3 lovely biscuits, creamy butter that is made with syrup, and hot pepper jelly. Bridgid took one bite and said, "I want to drink this every day". Sweet, hot, flaky, spicy. All of the things one would want in a biscuit experience. Paired quite well with our dry cava.


We then shared a green salad and the mushroom french fries debris po' boy. Bridgid is a vegetarian (I know, so many vegetarians in my life) and these were basically the only vegetarian items on the menu.

The salad was exactly what I wanted, fresh and bright, lots of dill with a creole mustard vinaigrette. A little feta really brought the whole salad together. The Po' Boy was good: not nearly enough mushroom debris. The bread was tasty, and the flavors were all good but I feel like the filling was just lacking. It probably didn't help that I was just in New Orleans eating the true stuff, but I think if they just stuff that sandwich more, it would be a world of difference.          

                     


In Summation: A cool joint! Probably I would be back for cocktails and snacks, not for a full meal. Not when there are so many other choices in Logan Square for amazing food.


Bridg and I decided to hit up another cocktail joint about a block and a half away, The Whistler.  This is a super popular bar in Logan Square, and both of us had been here before. They make really inventive and delicious cocktails, and we wanted to see what they were up to this season. The bar that Bridg is a bartender at doesn't really allow her to flex her cocktail making skills: it's more a RUM AND COKE! BEER! JAG BOMB! kinda place. So she loves to see what other bars are doing, since there are so many interesting cocktail lounges around Chicago.

There were two cocktails I really wanted to try here, but I ended up with The Pastry War. I mean, how could I not get a drink called pastry war? It was tequila, cognac, apple, almond, cinnamon, beetroot and lime. WHOA. I was a little nervous, as that is a lot of crazy in one glass. It was pretty sweet, but very good. An ideal way to start our night off.

In summation: I will always go The Whistler. Better early when it is not wall to wall people, it does get completely insane in there. 

We then moseyed down the block to a bar neither of us had been to but have always meant to: The Owl. I have always loved the sign for this place, it is super old school and the eyes have lights that blink. So great. We went in and found a HUGE bar, and we were the only people in there (again, it was early: like 8pm on a Sunday night). We bellied up to the bar and checked out the cocktail list. 

Bridgid and I chose the same cocktail, not something that normally happens. It is called The Gem: sarsaparilla whiskey, rye, ginger beer, lemon juice and bitters. Welcome to my new favorite drink. This thing is perfection, warm and dark but with bright notes. We may or may not have had 3. Each. And a shot of four roses with the bartender for good measure. 

In Summation: New favorite bar in Chicago, now that Bonny's 4 a.m. is no longer. The Owl is homey like the bars in Milwaukee with cocktails and staff that are excellent. Thanks The Owl! 

See you in 5 days, Chicago! Off to The Triangle to Visit Jecca and Eli!

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

I can hardly keep my eyes open long enough to post this: I am so crazy tired and full. It was a beautiful and long day of work, eating and friends.

I had to be at the shoe store I was doing an event at early, so I made sure I got to the bakery/cafe I wanted to check out early. I got there too early: 10 minutes before they open! Ooops. I pulled up to Baker Miller in Lincoln Square. I hung out in my car until they opened: and turns out I wasn't even the first one there! I maybe should have stood in line with these folks:

I have been following Baker Miller for a while, it is the original owners of Bang Bang Pie Shop. They decided that they wanted to make their own flours, so they left Bang Bang and started Baker Miller. They ground their grains and make flours and grits which you can buy in the store and online. I have been following them on facebook and instagram, and the photos are stunning. I had it in my head that I was gonna get the grits with corned beef, pickled cabbage, coriander mustard and and soft egg. I got up to the counter and asked the super helpful counter lady. I told her I was fluctuating between the grits and the ploughman's breakfast. She said Ploughman's, so that is what I went with. 

I am so glad I did. A perfectly soft cooked egg, 4 bread soldiers, a local sausage and perfectly dressed arugula. They also make from scratch marmalade and hand churned butters. I took a bit of the satsuma marmalade and the cherry honey butter (apparently I am on a honey butter kick). All of it was bursting with flavor. Simple and well done. A perfect and hearty breakfast. Next time I am gonna get the Toast Platter: as they have toasters on each table! 

In summation: bright and airy space with hearty, healthy goodness within. 

I then went to work and slung shoes all day. Busy and fun, as it always is at the store I was at. My friend Natalie came to the store to meet me and take me to a new candy store down the street from where I was. I needed to find some new fun gummies for the Vlog. Many awesome things were purchased, and then Natalie had the fantastic idea to grab dinner at one of the best vegan restaurants around.

The Chicago Diner has been around since 1983. It is a full on diner: burgers, fries, shakes and the like. However, it is 100% vegetarian, mostly vegan. Natalie is vegan, and I am a huge fan of this place. It is so hard for me not to get the same thing here every time, and today was no exception. Country Fried Steak: vegan style. Battered seitan, country gravy, mashed potatoes and steamed veggies. It is so so delicious: veganlicious I would say.  I sent a picture to my husband Ben and he was super jealous. Natalie and I also shared a vegan peanut butter cookie dough shake. That is some sweet lovely stuff right there. Thanks, Chicago Diner, for making vegan food so delicious. 

In Summation: even your non vegetarian friends will love chicago dinner. 

Okay, this is when I probably should have gone back to me hotel and kept it mellow. Instead I met up with the fantastic Rajani and Vijay at a new place in Logan Square. Lost Lake Tiki is a bar that is connected to a American-Chinese take out counter called Thank You. So you can order from your server at Lost Lake anything from Thank You. One of the many reasons I love Rajani and Vijay is they eat like me: they want to try anything and everything and are always up for it. My favorite thing is when Vijay said: we should just order one of everything. So we did. 

This is the cocktail I had: It's called the Pool Rules. Bourbon, Rum, Curaçao, Cinnamon, Allspice, Vanilla, Angostura Bitters. Cutest fish glass!!

Here is the link to the : and photos of everything!

 

 

Holy Moses. Our favorites: the long beans, the fried rice and the Mongolian beef. This place is also open til 4am on the weekends, how fantastic is that! 

In Summation: Makes me want to move back to Chicago for the good food. 

Tomorrow: meeting up with my girls Bridgid and Diana, so it's gonna get good.

Now Playing: Comedy Bang Bang Podcast 

Suck the Head: New Orleans

DISCLAIMER: this post is not gonna be the same as others. Since I was with my friends on vacation and a little booze soaked at all times I wasn't as diligent about taking photos and notes. But I will do my best! 

New Orleans, you are a blessing and a curse. I could get lost in this city for ever if I wasn't careful. I know I am not the only one, it is known for delicious decadence. When my sister, Jecca, suggested that she and I meet up there to meet our (yes our, we are good at sharing) best friend in New Orleans I immediately responded with OBVIOUSLY.

The last time I was in New Orleans was for said best friends wedding 6 years ago. Siobhan and her fabulous wife JV lived there at the time, moved back to the Twin Cities, now have an amazing little boy (Hi R!) and then recently moved back to NOLA. Since Jecca, Siobhan and I all now live in different cities (yet again) this was a great opportunity to have some time to hang out and celebrate Jecca!

I got it on Jecca's actual birthday, took a cab to Siobhan's house and we had a plan to hit up a drive thru daiquiri place. Yes, that's right, DRIVE THRU BOOZE. Apparently they can't be in the city limits of NOLA anymore but right outside: there they are! Here is me in the back seat of Siobhan's car with my cup of booze.

For Jecca's birthday dinner we went to a place called Mat and Naddie's that S and JV are fans of. Jecca and Siobhan are both vegetarians, JV is both gluten and dairy intolerant, so this place could accommodate all of our needs. It is in a house with a beautiful patio, and we sat in what they call "the clubhouse". It was a glorious night, and we had a fantastic meal. What did we eat? I can't even start to remember. But it was all delicious. I did take a picture of the pie: lemon icebox pie! Southern goodness.

We then hit the bars: there was champagne and whiskey and fun.

The next day we went to Magazine street: to brunch at Surrey's. Shrimp and grits and strong iced coffee is just what I needed. Another winner!

Okay now things start to get a little fuzzy: so here is just a list of goodness and some photos. GET THEE TO NEW ORLEANS. You will be happy with whatever you do there.

-The Franklin : craft cocktails
-Cafe Du Monde : BEGINETS
-13 Monaghan : debris and frozen irish coffee
-K-Jeans: all of the boiled seafood. crawfish for days.
-Superior Seafood : oysters
-Molly's at the Market : dive bar goodness
-Fiorella's Cafe : fried chicken. no really. FRIED CHICKEN. do not miss this.

Hon? Prowler Needs a Jump: 24 hours in Fargo

If you are from the Upper-Midwest and have traveled anywhere, when asked where you are from you will 9 times out of 10 get a Fargo quote thrown at you in a poorly done Minnesota accent. It's usually just a YAAAA SUUUURE YOOOOU BEEETCHA, however it will be done (side bar: when I first went to New Zealand my flat mates all watched Fargo before I got there to prepare. Bad Minnesota accents done by 20-somethings with thick New Zealand accents? Now that is something to behold).
Strangely enough, even though I am born and bred Twin Cities, I had never been to Fargo until I started with this job. I had never been to the Dakota's at all, which is kind of strange. I know a lot of folks from Fargo, but had never had reason to go there. Well, now I go there at least twice a year, so I am making up for lost time.

Now one of the cool things about going to Fargo is that I do have some great people up there: yay for tour guides! This round was even more so, as my previous boss, Steph, who is from Fargo was also going to be in town. It was her mission to show me that Fargo (in her words) "isn't super lame".

I was to meet up with my girl Wendi at about 6, she is a new mom so she was more like 6:30. No matter, I can always belly up to the bar and get myself a cocktail. She suggested we try a new place: Wurst Bier Hall. I am all up for new: so I got there and ordered a drink. WELL: tried. Sadly, just beer at this joint (guess I should have guessed with the name). I am so not a beer drinker, but I am up for new stuff so I perused the extensive beer menu. If I am going to have a beer, it's gonna generally be a dark one. There were a multitude of choices, I went with the Minnesota brewer Brau Brothers Moo Joos. It's a creamy Oatmeal/Milk stout. It was lovely: I could only have the one for sure, though. Beer is just so heavy to me! Give me whiskey or give me death! (okay not really, but you know, for drama sake.)

Wendi arrived and we grabbed a table. The menu at Wurst Bier Hall is full of local and Midwestern made sausages, some burgers and German specialities for entrees. Wendi had heard that the house made pretzels were delicious: so we started there. We each ordered a sausage as well: I went Chicago made Polish with kraut and she went with a locally made Philly cheesesteak sausage. We also each got a side of Spaetzle Mac and Cheese, cuz  SPAETZLE MAC AND CHEESE. The pretzels indeed were great, warm and fresh with a side of cheesy dipping sauce. I am never mad at that. The sausages were also good: but MAN. They are served in giant French roll, like half a baguette. That is a lot of bread for a smaller sausage. I would say if I were gonna do that again, I would go no bread. The Mac was good: but I am pretty convinced it was made with Velveeta. I am a good Midwestern girl, so Velveeta Mac and Cheese has a very big soft spot in my heart, but at a restaurant? Not so much. 

In summation: If you are a beer drinker, this is your place. Large beer selection, good bar food and a pretty fun atmosphere. 

But don't think the night ends here! No, dear reader, off to the next place we go. 

I have always been told about a couple of things in Fargo. One is the Aquarium, where the rock shows happen. The other is the Hodo. The Hotel Donaldson, or the Hodo, has been around since 1894, and has gone through many lives. Fancy, flop house, now artist designed, The Hodo is a staple in Fargo downtown. Wendi and I met Steph and her brother Derek there for a few cocktails in their bar/restaurant. They are know for their martini's and craft cocktails, which was an extensive list. I was feeling like my usual (Jameson, Soda Water, Lime: incase anyone wants to buy me a drink), but Wendi had a Caramel Apple-tini and Steph went with a Bazilikom: a cocktail of Prairie cucumber vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and basil. This is something I for sure would get in the summer: I love a cucumber vodka when it is hot! So refreshing and lovely. We had a couple of cocktails here and talked in depth about 90's bands (we are all excited about Babes in Toyland playing again!!). There was one more place we had to hit, and I was also getting a little hungry again so the next joint was perfect. 

In Summation: The Hodo is awesome. I look forward to getting back there in the summer to hit the rooftop bar. 

Across the street from the Hodo is a place called Vinyl Taco. Now, Derek told us that when it first opened it had a Now Playing and Coming up shelf so you could always know what the next record they were going to spin was. They have abandoned this a bit, they are still playing records but it's more like classic rock greatest hits records. Kind of a bummer, but away we went. 

They have an extensive menu of tacos and other Mexican/American fare, and a huge cocktail list. I love love love it when a place has moonshine. I know, it sounds crazy, but I became enamored with it when I was in New Orleans 6 years ago (hint: a huge amount of New Orleans post to come: I will be there in a couple of weeks!) and so when I see it on a menu I am apt to get it. Here was no exception. I got the peaches & cream cocktail: made with Ol' Smokey Peach Moonshine, simple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon. YUM. APPROVED.

We all got some foods: I got the chicken chicharrones, the pork belly taco and the chicken tinga taco. All delicious, the chicharrones were my fave of the three. Salty and crispy with a couple of dipping sauces, a lovely "I am drinking" snack. The pork belly was a little tough and strangely smokey, but good. The chicken had some good heat to it, even by Midwestern standards. 

In summation: a really cool joint! I feel like it should be open at bar close though, it is the perfect going home from the bar food. 

You Eat Breakfast Yet, Margie? 

I had to work the next morning with Wendi, and I don't like to go to a store empty handed. What better after a night of drinking then donuts? Nothing I say! I had noticed a place when we were out the night before that looked cute, so I decided to hit it in the AM to bring the gang some treats.

And I am so glad I did! Sandy's Donuts  in downtown Fargo is just adorable. They have tons of wacky flavors, but I went with the standards. A good soy vanilla latte as well (a must have for me, as we know). I forgot to bring my phone in for photos (I know, total blogger fail) but the box is pretty cute too!

In summation: YES AND YES. 

PHEW! That was a long one! This week: back to Milwaukee and Madison. I have a sausage party date, let's see how that goes...

OH! I also decided to tell y'all what I am listening to in the car when I am on the road. I have discovered that I don't do music well on long drives by myself: I need someone to talk at me. So: here is what I listened to on this trip:

Denzel Washington is the Greatest Actor of All Time Period podcast

Doug Loves Movies Podcast

The Smartest Man in the World podcast

Never Not Funny podcast