Crazy for Pops

So for most Chicagoans, this is coming extremely late. And as a serious champagne lover, I have no idea why it took me so long to go to Pops for Champagne. But anyways, I finally made my way over there for a birthday cocktail with a few of my favorite ladies and it was clear after our second bottle, we would all be coming back. We ordered a bottle of one of my absolute favorites (AND it's affordable!), Mumm Napa, and headed for the apps, which to our surprise were 37% off from 3:00pm-7:00pm! Sadly, I'll probably only order food at Pops when it's 37% off because the proportions are very tiny (we are talking the smallest slivers of cheese ever) but at least it all tasted good. Our second bottle was something of the Spanish variety and was forgettable, but all in all, Pops for Champagne was the perfect after-work escape. I highly recommend grabbing some girls and heading over there... just don't order food after 7.

Rick Bayless Never Lets Me Down

As an avid and very vocal fan of Frontera Grill, naturally I've been curious to try the sister restaurant next door, Topolobampo. Owned and operated by famous Mexican food chef (and fellow Bucktown/Wicker Park inhabitant) Rick Bayless, Topolobampo was rumored to be a little nicer and more adventerous Mexican dishes. Needless to say, I was thrilled when Rob pulled up outside as a surprise for my birthday dinner. And Rick and his crew did not disappoint! We had their version of tortilla soup and chile rellenos which were superb. I can tend to be a semi-safe, or as most of my friends say - boring, eater, so I literally told the waitress to surprise me with an entree. Rob ordered a lobster dish and the waitress brought me the duck. The duck was prepared two ways - seared and pulled and I honestly couldn't tell you which was better, they were both just that good. To top it off, I had an amazing Champagne Margarita and my go-to Mojito. I was thoroughly impressed with the creative menu and the interesting way they incorporated Mexican spices and traditional foods into inventive, gourmet dishes. Last year's birthday meal was at Frontera, so I'm very pleased with this tradition we've started. The meal was amazing. Mexican food lovers that are a tad adventurous, Topolobampo is a must.

festi..vals for the rest of us

Considering how sick of winter everyone in Chicago is by this time, it's no wonder why there are so many summer festivals in town. There are so many to choose from, so below are a few that caught my eye.

• Chicago Mayfest, May 15-17: In Lakeview and includes live music by Hairbangers Ball, a personal favorite, and a Sunday pet parade, which obviously will be amazing.
• Do-Division Street Fest, May 30-31: 10-block section of Division in Wicker Park will hold shopping deals.
• Old Town Art Fair, June 13-14: 260 artists, plenty of good food and drinks along Lincoln Avenue for the 60th annual event. Tends to be really crowded, but it's a great time.
• Taste of Chicago, June 26-July 5: Huge food and music festival including music by Counting Crows, Wallflowers, Barenaked ladies and Ne-Yo in Grant Park.
• Chicago Pride Fest & Parade, June 27-28: Salute the GLBT community with live music, food and drinks on Halsted Street and Waveland Avenue.
• Chicago Outdoor Film Festival, July 14-Aug 25: Tuesday night screenings in Grant Park.
• Pitchfork Music Festival, July 17-19: Purchase tickets to see a variety of bands at Union Park.
• Venetian Night, July 25: 52nd annual procession of illuminated and decorated boats on the lakefront. Have yet to experience this one, but am hoping to see it this year.
• Taste of Lincoln Avenue, July 25-26: 5 stages of live music and 350+ food, beer and art vendors along 6 blocks.
• Wicker Park Fest, July 25-26: Haven't been to this festival yet, but it's in my hood so I'll report back!
• Northalsted Market Days, August 1-2: This annual Boystown bash is sure to not disappoint - it's a blast.
• Lollapalooza, Aug 7-9: Sadly, I'll be out of town this year but had the best adventures last year.
• Retro on Roscoe, August 1-2: Windy City Chili Cook-Off and live bands. I probably won't go to this, but I love chili so it caught my eye.
• Taste of Greece, August 29-30: Since I'm obsessed with hummus, this one was obvious. Heading to Greektown for this extravaganza.

BYO... jug?

Some of my favorite girls in the world came to visit so we decided it was time to reunite one of our favorite college traditions, the Wine in a Jug Club. The tradition started back in our sorority house so naturally we were all feeling a little Carlo deprived. When I was thinking of a good BYOB spot, Lucia's immediately came to mind. Only a block away from where I live in Bucktown, Lucia's has amazing Italian food and for a good price. Best part of the night was when we assumed we would be the only ones there with a jug, we poured our glasses under the table - then the waiter informed us that Carlo Rossi jugs are the table wines they keep around for people who forget to bring anything. Just another reason I love this place!

My lovely TCU friends and I at Lucia's. Please come to Chi Town more often!

Our fine Chianti for the evening and my delicious Capellini Alla Checca - basic dish but yet quite amazing.

Don't Judge This Book By It's Cover...

So if you happen to get lost while driving around northern Bucktown, or for some reason really want authentic, and I mean authentic Mexican food, you might wind up around the Armitage and Western area. The Mexican food is okay, but the real find is my favorite ice cream in Chicago: Margie's Candies. It's been around since 1921 and let's be honest, it looks as though they haven't changed the decor since. But that's just part of it's charm. They have over 50 sundaes that are presented in huge shell bowls with your choice of toppings warmed and waiting on the side for you to pour on at your discretion. Make sure not to leave without trying the boxed candies at the front counter. The chocolate turtles. Wow. Another highlight that I discovered while making a sad attempt at eating healthy and am now obsessed with: Diet Coke Floats. Bottom line: The ice cream and sundaes are so great you'll forget the tacky atmosphere and the dumpy neighborhood. Make the trek at least once!

Chocolate Raspberry- definitely in the Top 5.

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Rob enjoying his Swiss Chocolate concoction and clearly loving

every minute of this touristy moment.

T-Minus 47 days until St. Pat's!

I understand this post is a little premature, but we're only a little over a month out from one of Chicago's most popular celebrations: St. Patrick's Day. St. Patrick's Day is on Thursday, March 17, but the parades have been scheduled for the Saturday prior... including the dying of the river! (Great pics of the process) I'll post local bar specials and parties soon, but for now feel free to brush up on your green egg making skills. (Thanks for that one, Kristin!)

Celebrating with my college gals in 2008. I can't wait for them to come back again, with some new additions! I vow that this year will involve even more green.. if that is possible.

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My favorite quote that you'll hear from at least a dozen people about our not-so-beautiful Chicago River, "If they can dye the river green, why don't they just dye it blue the rest of the time?" Seriously people.

TRU-ly Excited!

Just made reservations for Tru for my dad's 60th birthday bash, a restaurant I've been longing to go to since I moved here! Tru gets consistently amazing reviews as one of the best restaurants in Chicago, not to mention Rick Tramonto is a god in Chicago and the restaurant was featured on Top Chef. To top it all off, they have an original Warhol Marilyn (see below) in the dining room. So far, the review will be phenomenal. Stay tuned!