Simpler Times

Bucktown | Chicago: Food & Drink, Honorable Mentions

First, I tried to adhere to the strict confines of Bucktown, but believe my previous list included some Wicker Park spots (according to the map above). Tocco and Violet Hour appear to be Wicker Park establishments.

Second, wanted to include some 'honorable mentions' since so many people seemed to appreciate my previous blog.
Food: The Bristol, Jane's, Handlebar, Spring, Sultan's Market, Piece

Drink: Lemmings, Green Eye (+ order a Vella pizza), Floyd's Pub (customer appreciation day rocks!)

Breakfast & Coffee Drinks: Vella

Bucktown|Chicago: My Top 10 Food + Drink Picks

Cleos (^): Good 'old fashion bar food/friendliest staff/brilliant specials/

Coast (^): BYOB (go to Olivia's or Red & White for wine + beer)/great sushi for 'beginners' selection/love the spicy miso/
Maproom (^) : Best beer selection in the city/free BBQ on weekends with the purchase of a pint/International Night draws a crowd of more free food lovers (not me)/

Bluebird (^): So, the food still hasn't won me over - but nothing beats their fries with curry ketchup and a great glass of wine or mircobrew/love the interior/

Club Lucky (^): Throw-back Italian joint/we love to eat at the bar/don't miss the jukebox or the antipasto plate/

Violet Hour (^): Go early, go on weeknights/Order the dark and stormy

Mado (^): New BYOB joint/focus is on seasonal ingredients/ever-changing menu = no culinary boredom/

Tocco (^): Modern Atmosphere/comfort + contemporary Italian food/

Irazu (^): This little Costa Rican joint is a total gem/BYOB (go to Red & White across the street)/I always get the steak w/ shredded cabbage, beets, plantains and Costa Rican rice/

Duchamp (^): Favorite new place/impeccable design - food & interior/lovely service/

New Missoni Hand Towels

Finally stopped by Stitch (Damen Ave. in Bucktown); it's really close to our apartment, but somehow we've never gotten around to going in. I'm glad we did. The Missoni handle towels I had pining over @ Unica were available here - no shipping + instantaneous gratification.

I'm clearly trying to 'buy myself' out of this depressing winter.

Another "Gilt"y Purchase: Stella McCartney for LeSportsac

Gilt Price$98.00
Original Price$250.00
EARTH FRIENDLY COLLECTION made with 100% recycled polyester and eco mesh material. Large shoulder bag with 2 exterior side pockets with magnetic flap cover closures. Twill shoulder strap with faux leather trim. Goldtone hardware throughout. Top opening with zipper closure. 2 large compartments with magnetic closure. Includes interior removable pocket made from 100% Eco Mesh and interior recessed zipper pocket. Includes metal/wood Deer charm.

Gilt Invite:

http://www.gilt.com/invite/brookemccaughrinedit

Keeping the Economy Going - 1 Tretorn at a Time

While mother is boycotting all things Tretorn, that's not stopping me. I'm in love with all of my new shoes that I got for 30 bucks a pop! Check out there sale items for great deals.

Bogie's Red Period

Bogie's Blue Period

Ladytron / International Dateline

Summer Song 2008

The Sweetest Girl in Chicago

Speaking of Cute Notebooks...

These may soon replace my Rhodia obsession. I love writing on grid-lined paper.
http://doanepaper.bigcartel.com/

New Pen Obsession: Sharpie Retractable Ultra Fine Tip

Nothing makes me happier than Sharpie pens & markers and cute notebooks. Simple pleasures.

CFO Candle Pick: Voluspa

As a total candle freak: Favorite candle, hands down - Voluspa 3 wick candle pots (100 hr burning time and manage to permeate our entire apartment (which is wide + open vs. tons of small nooks)).

New Favorite Restaurant: Duchamp

A couple of friends from out-of-town joined David and I to try Duchamp last Saturday night. It quickly become a favorite Chicago restaurant - the design of the interior to the design of the service and food is flawless.

//David & Brooke Menu//

S: White Pizza, Maine Lobster, Royal Trumpet Mushrooms, Taleggio, Lemon Zest

BE: Return to Thailand Bouillabaisse of Chilean Sea Bass, Mussels & Rock Shrimp

DE: Duchamp Havarti Cheese Burger with Tomato Rémoulade

http://www.duchamp-chicago.com/

Favorite New Fragrance

David refers to my role in the HH as CFO - Chief Fragrance Officer. I'm extremely scent-sensitive and need pleasant smells surrounding me at all times (go figure why we got a Pug). Last night, I had the experience of having my eyelashes dyed and finding my new favorite fragrance Maybe Baby by Benefit. Sounds like the perfect Valentine gift to me...just sayin...