ruxbin

So. Worth. The Wait. After the third attempt to get a table at ruxbin, without being slapped with an hour and a half wait, we finally got in. The bottles of wine were in my purse the first two times, but of course, the time that we did get a table, I left that sucker at home. God I love you my BYOB crazy city and promise I will be more diligent to take advantage of an $8.99 bottle of red that I stash in my purse. My yummy yummy meal consisted of Americanized Tonkatsu for an app and Hanger Steak with crispy Crispy Greens, and ohhh yeah, egg yolk makes everybody happy now doesn't it?

muffin top(s):

The great thing about moving to a new city is exploring it with visiting guests. I have attempted to save all touristy destinations just for these occasions. My dear friend told me that her and her hubby planned to visit over MLK weekend, and despite severe push backs from the boyfriend(who argued the weather would claim everything fun from us), they ended up coming and having a blast. Of course we did the typical Millennium Park, Art Institute hoopla, but the food was WHERE IT WAS at this weekend.


Bonsoiree. 'Nuff said. I couldn't bring myself to take pictures of the preceding six dishes as I was far too busy fantasizing about licking every drop of flavor off of each dish. Well, the restaurant was also very intimate, so I was a tad embarrassed to do so! My favorite dishes included an oil poached tako seaweed salad, porcini bisque topped with truffle oil and of course the 2"x2" square of pork belly. We also celebrated our mens' birthdays with a macha risotto, topped with banana bread (my man pushed half of his aside because he wanted it to be his very last bite of the seven courses) and sweet popcorn.


We went for the Pork Belly, but the Crab hot pot ended up being my favorite dish at MingHin's, a new spot, in China town. Pretty fancy decor for a China Town spot, I must say. Silly me, let me zoom out so the steam doesn't mess up my photo.


And what tour guide doesn't take their guests to Hot Doug's? We waited in the rain and arrived at 3:30. I prayed to the encased meat gods that they wouldn't close the doors on us by the time we made it to the front, but we weaseled our way in right at 4:00pm. I was rewarded for waiting with a Pork Creole sausage with Olive Pate and Swiss Cheese (cheese fries and muffin top not pictured).


Order your pizza ahead when you make your resos. They don't have a website, so make sure to visit Urban Spoon to find the PDF version of their menu. They'll have it ready when you arrive!


Quick beer from the vast selection of microbrews at Simone's in Pilsen.

Come visit me anytime, I have plenty of spots left in my tourist pipeline to go.

howlin' for 2011:

Okay, so we may be 21 days into January, and obviously I am a little late wishing everybody a Happy New Year. But hey, I have seen several, still lit, Christmas trees displayed in windows all over the city. I have to say I don't feel too badly wishing everybody a belated Happy New Year at this point.

Traditional Japanese dinner, Toshikoshi soba, symbolizing longevity with their long noodles. Swarovski crystal chopsticks from Tokyu Hands in Tokyo.

We celebrated NYE by ringing in the new year with the Black Keys at the Aragon Ballroom!
I was eyein' these babies from the moment we walked in.




The countdown begins.....three...

...two....

....one!! Happy New Year Chicago!


Cheers to a full year of exploring amazing food, people, music and culture in Chicago!