dear chicago

Day two, Chicago. It won’t take most of you long to realize that I don’t possess the same wit and literary genius of my traveling companion; I do, however, hope to entertain you. So, relax and settle in for the ride. Please keep your hands and feet in while the train is operating.

The day started with a much needed sleep-in (thanks Kyle and Edie). Of course this was heavily impacted by the looming clouds…and quite possibly the four hours of sleep we got the previous night. Those that know me will not be surprised by this, as I have a self-diagnosed case of pre-travel-I-hope-I-have-everything-packed-that-I-need syndrome.

Eventually we made our way to the suburbs to meet up with Aunt Nancy, a most hospitable host. Luckily, Aunt Nancy also offered to be our fearless tour guide. So, off we go into the city. We had a lovely stroll around Millennium Park while the weather worked with us. Lunch in the park was an unexpected treat (Park Grill). Beginning with a burrata, shaved white asparagus, radish, and prosciutto flatbread. (in case you haven’t heard, burrata is the new black.) I ordered the black bean and farro burger – in a restaurant known for its burgers, it seemed the obvious choice. Though it’s a personal struggle not to order falafel whenever I see it on a menu. I made the right choice. Amy and Aunt Nancy went halfsies on a chop salad and a ham Panini with fig mustard and burrata (see). They enjoyed their meals very much. We all did. We continued our park venture, including a visit to the Lurie Garden and the Bean AT&T Cloud Gate…as much of a tourist destination as it is, it’s still pretty amazing. Don’t worry, we took pictures. I know, shocking.

The weather continued to be on our side, so we continued on foot throughout the city. We did a lot of walking. All of that walking eventually led us to Nordstrom on Miracle Mile. I’m going to leave the source of that destination a mystery. We exited Nordstrom right in time to battle the rain. Seasoned Chicagoans carry umbrellas in their pockets – thankful for Aunt Nancy and her multiple umbrellas. The rain was brief and we were saved by the sunlight. At this time we changed direction to meet up with my friend Dawn – a new Chicago resident (by way of Tampa and L.A.). Dawn, her four inch heels, and her roommate Kris accompanied us to Navy Pier. Though we could have chosen a quality establishment like Bubba Gump or Magaritaville, we drifted into the Navy Pier McDonalds for a beverage and break. A much needed break. I know Dawn’s feet would also agree with that statement. I’m sure $8 flip flops never felt so good. I think most Floridians would agree that Navy Pier feels a little like the beach. Same vibe, water views, boats, seagulls (apparently they enjoy lakes and seas). This Floridian welcomed the fresh air that drifted off of the water – quite a difference from the summertime Gulf of Mexico breeze. Navy Pier was the perfect end to our daytime adventure.

You know what happens when you get when you add a Joellen, 3+ miles of walking, and heat? Yeah, me neither. In a matter of 45 minutes I lost and found my money twice. I think Amy stole my car keys and then strategically (and invisibly) put them back in my bag. Thankfully, I recovered and was able to get ready for dinner in 20 minutes. It’s a skill that very much compliments Amy’s talent for getting ready.

Dinner was a long-awaited Chicago plan. We (I) chose Girl and the Goat. We are food people. I’ll save the special story of our bonding via food for another time. Really, I think that might be the story. So, you’re welcome. Anyhow. Dinner. Stephanie Izard was the winner of Top Chef Season 5 (Chicago). This is her restaurant. I’ll admit that this meal was for Amy. I wanted her to have a culinary experience by which to remember Chicago. And, I’d like to think my mission was successful. We started with Corny Goat Bread – a sourdough loaf baked with corn kernels, served with goat butter and a corn relish. A gastropub, its menu consisted of small plates organized into vegetables, fish, and meats. We initially indulged in the Squash Blossom Crab Rangoons (served with a chive yogurt). This was a first, but long overdue squash blossom experience for me. Tasty. Amy’s first course was the Goat Carpaccio. Thinly sliced raw goat meat served with goat tongue and olive vinaigrette and topped with smoked roe. Thumbs up from Amy, I think I even saw a little eye rolling. Next was my main dish, a Chickpea Fritter dish with a duo of green and fried chickpeas, eggplant and tomato caponata, and local mozzarella. The fritter was delicious. Creamy and flavorful. Thumbs up from me. The excitement really mounted as Amy’s main dish arrived. Hold on for this. Pig Face. Now that I’ve heard it explained a few times, I think I get it. Pig cheeks smoked and topped with very thin potato sticks and a well salted sunny side up egg. – all resting on a tamarind sauce and a drizzle of maple syrup. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel watching this consumption (I’m a vegetarian, for those of you meeting me for the first time via this blog). I made it. And I believe that she enjoyed this very much. Again, clean plate. We do that. We ended the meal with a wonderful Goat Cheese Bavarian cream atop an almond cake and topped with a caramel-almond brittle and blueberries. We’re both goat cheese fanatics – there couldn’t have been a more appropriate and delightful finish to the meal (and day). Sadly, Stephanie was not there. We stole the paper napkin ring and specials menu to compensate. It helped. So did the wine.

This concluded our day. Also, this brings my very brief summary of the day to a close. Please, no tips.

We’d like to thank Kyle, Edie Esme, Pascal (the Fire Breathing Dragon), the weather, Aunt Nancy, Bogart, Eileen’s bed, Dawn, DKM’s not-so-sensible shoes, Kris, McDonalds Fountain Coke, the sacrificed goat and pig, and Chicago for making this day special.

Joellen

and, we’re off!

Today marks the first day of our road trip and so far there has been no blood or tears.  The drive up was relatively uneventful.  We stopped in Shelbyville, IN for gas and to stretch our legs.  There was a really intense poster by the bathroom about how meth tears lives apart; really makes you want to put down some roots when that’s the first thing you see in a town.  Not long after, I fell asleep in the car, waking up for a few moments to see some windmills, then back to sleep before we made it to Fair Oaks Dairy Farm.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect before our arrival, but I think it was along the lines of a quaint farm ran by an old couple with a nice view of a pasture.  This idea was completely incorrect.  What we found when we arrived was something closer to The Cracker Barrel, but with more specific souvenirs.  We were greeted by a cow, above which was a sign for Fair Oaks Dairy Adventure (I’d say that is a bit generous for a place that doesn’t even sell soda), underneath which was a sign that read, “A Dairy Good Time For The Family.”  That part was also debatable.  While I really enjoyed the samples and cow paraphernalia, I did not enjoy the twenty or so children who all got very angry once they finished eating their dairy treats.

For those who did not have to suffer the wrath of a cranky 5-year-old, however, the farm did offer a dairy good time. We shared the classic grilled cheese (one cheddar, one swiss) and a scoop of the mint chocolate chip (HEAVEN in a waffle cone) and went off to explore.  The grilled cheese was pretty good, although not the best I’ve ever had (who only offers one cheese choice per ‘wich??) and the free samples were reason enough to stop (cheddar cheese curd, I love you).  We opted out of the wrist band, which as far as I can tell would have not only gotten us admission to the birthing barn (don’t worry, we’ll be able to see lots of that at the Minnesota State Fair–we will also write about it in great detail), other buildings involving milk and the attraction I can only describe as a bounce house minus the safety walls surrounded by gravel, the Dairy Air (HA!  I really like puns).  Instead, we walked around and enjoyed the garden that was rather beautiful but also pretty saturated from the season’s rain.  The guy in charge of the garden allowed me to pilfer some tomatoes (let’s face it, I probably would have anyway, but it felt better to have permission) and showed us some photos of the garden in full bloom.  This place is definitely worth a stop if you’re passing through, but don’t expect a quaint operation offering scrumptious meals made with love.

We then headed to our final destination of the day: Chicago.  I drove (woo hoo), which is the first time I think I’ve driven outside of Florida, and we made it safely to Brookfield, a suburb of Chi Town.  We settled in Kyle’s (Joellen’s high school friend’s) house and relaxed before heading out to dinner.  We landed in La Grange at a great little Mediterranean place, Grapevine Mediterranean Cafe where we ordered way too much food before heading back home to crash on the couch (which is what I will be doing in about thirty five seconds).  Overall, a wonderful first day, and I can’t wait to explore Chicago tomorrow!

❤ Amy