Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Gilt

Last night I went to Gilt Bar to celebrate a friend's birthday. Obsessed. Not only with the food, but the cozy atmosphere with chandeliers, candles, re-purposed wood for texture and tufted leather banquettes, this place is perfect for a date night, or a night out with the girls.



The gnocchi with brown butter sage sauce. I am craving it as I write this.

The birthday girl, Lindsay, was surprised with a giant piece of lemon meringue pie.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Fall Wish List Part Deux


The Modern Farm Table


West Elm Modern Farm Table

There was.... an incident with our dining room table. It involved a big vase of sunflowers and some of my boyfriend's friends. So, I've been perusing. I love the idea of a farm table- a big, open space where friends and family can gather to eat, sit and enjoy a nice evening together. There are so many options! A bench (pictured above), different shaped, colored or textured chairs, pretty much anything goes. It's a blank slate. I don't, however, love that many of the farm tables out there lean more on the traditional side. Que the modern farm table. I first saw it at West Elm, but want to explore more options. Any other suggestions?

Friday, October 15, 2010

Frantic Friday


No real post today. I've got lots of actual work to do- blah. I promise I will make it up to you!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Fake It

I love this season's fur {and I especially love that it's faux!}.

Rachel Zoe's Pick at Piperlime

World Market

West Elm Ombre Faux-Fur Throws

Monday, October 11, 2010

Bitchin' Kitchens

All of this cooking has got me dreaming up my perfect kitchen....


Love the contrast of the marble and the dark wood.


Sunday, October 10, 2010

Sunday Night Dinner


Sunday nights are usually my cooking nights. Tonight I made seared scallops with pumpkin soup. And, yes, it is as good as it sounds. It's super easy and looks pretty impressive. Here's the recipe:

12 oz fresh sea scallops
1 can (15 oz) unflavored pumpkin puree
2 Tbsp roughly chopped hazelnuts
8 to 10 chives, chopped
1 cup chicken broth (I use vegetable)
1 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive

Toast chopped hazelnuts, either in the oven (10 minutes at 400°F) or on the stove in a stainless-steel saute pan (5 to 7 minutes over medium heat, shaking often so they don't burn). Set aside.

Combine pumpkin, honey, butter, and broth in a medium saucepan, and heat the mixture on low until it's warmed through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the mixture warm.

Preheat a cast-iron skillet or saute pan over medium-high heat. Pat scallops dry with a paper towel (this part is essential for a good sear) and season them with salt and pepper to taste. Add oil to the pan, and then add scallops. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they're firm, browned, and caramelized.

Pour soup into wide-rimmed serving bowls. Add scallops and hazelnuts, and garnish with chopped chives.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

VOLO Wine Bar

Last night the boyfriend and I went to VOLO Wine Bar in Roscoe Village. We had been there before, but sat inside because it was winter. This time I made a point to sit out on their oh-so-romantic back patio. There were cabanas, white canvas curtains, lanterns, candles and exposed brick. The menu changes according to season (as it should). Go, you'll love it.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Fall Farmers Market Finds

Fall at my local farmers market is the best- pumpkins of all different shapes, colors and sizes, mums, sunflowers, apples... you get the idea. It's a fall harvest! Here are a few things I picked up yesterday afternoon.

How cute is this pumpkin?

Thursday, October 7, 2010

OrangeBeautiful

I was walking down the street last weekend, coffee in hand. It was pretty nasty out, but through a store front window I saw so many beautiful things! I looked up and realized that it was the new letterpress/paper store, OrangeBeautiful. This Chicago based company sells on Etsy and just recently opened a store at 4658 N. Damen Ave. The owner does all of her own letterpressing in house. We ended up chatting and they're thinking of doing classes. I would be first in line with some of my girl friends - how fun?! Here are a few of my favorite items.



http://www.orangebeautiful.com/

The Oh So Yummy Gaztro-Wagon

I've been hearing about this infamous Gaztro-Wagon and was lucky enough to run into it last weekend! Cara and I were pursuing the Ravenswood Art Walk and checking out a venue for her wedding next Fall when we spotted it.

We enjoyed a naan filled with roasted butternut squash, mascarpone, hazelnuts and caramelized onions. Yum.

Cara- thanks for taking pics while I was stuffing this deliciousness into my face!

Follow the Gaztro-Wagon on Twitter to track its whereabouts @wherezthewagon. I highly recommend it!


Monday, October 4, 2010

A Trip to the Apple Orchard

Yesterday we took a trip to the apple orchard to get our fall fix. I now have more apples than I know what to do with. Here's what I'm thinking...

Apple Crumble

I use this recipe from Food52.com and alter the fruit for an extremely easy and seasonal desert. It's especially yummy with some vanilla ice cream.


I just read about this one and can not wait to try it. How amazing does that look? Any other suggestions?