pickles and ornaments

The Christmas Markets are a tradition that originated in Germany, but have spread to other parts of the world. In Germany, attendees top 2 million, and date back to the 15th century.

I had the pleasure of attending Chicago's very own Christmas Market, located on Daley Plaza on Washington between Clark and Dearborn, which runs from November 24th to Christmas Eve. Potato Pancakes with sour cream and applesauce, fried donuts, and who can forget the meat...sausage!! I loved the exhibits of darling hand made gifts ranging from customized beer steins to wooden gifts for children; although who are we kidding, what child asks for building blocks when Santa might bring a PS3 instead?


My favorite part of the market was looking at the ornaments, not only because they were housed inside warm bungalows on a wet 10 degrees day, but for the stories each ornament represents to each and every family. Like the ninja ornament. Or how about the good ol' story about the pickle? The parents hide a pickle, the child who finds it receives an extra gift from St. Nick. Um, can't say I've ever played that game. What's your family's holiday tradition?

star city:

The Second City. Since the 1890s, when Chicago was awarded the dramatic pleasure of hosting the World's Fair, struggling to prove it's place in the world, the city has long been the red headed step child of New York City. Fret no more. We are on the Michelin 2011 map! The Michelin Guide's ratings for the most scrumptious worldwide restaurants were leaked a day early and awarded stars to twenty-three very well-deserving Chicago restaurants. Three stars were awarded to L20, which was recently added to my Yelp bookmark list after watching a rerun of Anthony Bourdain's visit to Chicago, and Alinea, the creation of culinary artist Grant Achatz.

Two Stars were awarded to: Avenues at the Peninsula Hotel Chicago, Charlie Trotter's and RIA at the Elysian Hotel.

One Star to: Blackbird, Boka, Bonsoiree, Crofton on Wells, Everest, Graham Elliot, Longman & Eagle, Naha, NoMI, Schwa, Seasons, Sepia, Sixteen, Spiaggia, Takashi, Topolobampo, Tru and Vie.

I have a lot to learn about this city, but if learning requires checking off my Michelin Guide to do list, I think that I'm going to be juuust fine. Two down, twenty one to go. First up on my to do list consists of the $58 4 course dinner at Bonsoiree, a comfort food brunch at Longman & Eagle and Sunday noodle specials at Takashi.

Cheers to the creative genius of Grant Achatz and Laurent Gras!

helloooo chicago:

I arrived in my new home on a beautiful August day and, in preparation for staying in everyday during the frigid winter, spent as much time possible enjoying activities outside the house. I started this blog to work alongside one of my dearest friends at In Love With San Diego and share what Chicago has to offer this San Diego transplant. Today is one of the first of many cold days, so I thought I would snuggle up with a cup of my favorite local Intelligentsia coffee and sum up the last few months! Rooftop views of the city, mass hot dog consumption, a concert at the Aragon, Vintage shops on Milwaukee, relaxing in Millenium Park and tennis with a view. So much more to come!