Bookish Liaisons – Page 10

Chicago Cultural Center

July 10, 2018September 8, 2019 RaeAnna

I used to work in downtown Chicago. I walked passed the Chicago Cultural Center more times than I would care to admit without ever going inside. I blame this on the fact I thought it would cost me money and my laziness of not looking to check.

As we were walking around downtown, we had some time to kill before lunch. The Chicago Cultural Center has a bronze bull outside its front door. After taking a couple funny pictures, we decided to go inside. Suprise! It’s free and absolutely beautiful.

There are art displays, but mostly the architecture is what you should go for.

The staircases are bonkers. Up one stairway at the back of the building there is a large hall with a huge stained glass dome. Of course, there was some laying on the ground to capture the whole thing.

A courtyard has a super cool display made up of wooden ladders and walkways. It made me want to climb around.

Another really interesting exhibit was … I’m not sure how to describe it. Very architectural. It’s pictured. Anyways, it was metal in a hallway of windows, so the shadows and sunlight were really visually appealing.

The highlight for me was the main staircase into a hall. When you enter there is a large, white, imposing staircase with shades of green mosaics that sparkle in the sun. The balcony of the staircase looks out onto a busy Chicago view, but you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The hall has another impressive dome. The arches in the halls have names of philosophers, scientists, writers, and more historically important men. There are also two quotes about books in the mosaic walls along the stairway.

If you have a couple minutes to spare, stop in. It doesn’t take long to walk through, but you could spend a good deal of time taking it. I highly suggest, and I will be back!

Instagram: @chiculturcenter
78 E Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602

Travel, Travel Eats

The J. Parker

July 10, 2018 RaeAnna

I went to The J. Parker, a rooftop bar, at the Hotel Lincoln in Old Town Chicago. I really want to love this place, but I really can’t.

Last weekend, was my little sister’s birthday. She wanted to go to a rooftop bar in downtown Chicago to celebrate. As the loving person I am, who is also always up for fun, food, and cool pictures, I said, “Absolutely! Whatever you want.” So four of us headed to The J. Parker around 1:15 on a Friday afternoon for a fun girls day. I am completely aware this will be a busy time, but that is no excuse. I was a waitress and bartender for years while my freelancing worked on becoming lucrative. I know the business, and I know how hard it is.

When you enter the lobby of the hotel, there is a guy standing behind a podium to the right. He checks ID’s to make sure everyone is 21 and legal before you hop on the elevator to head to the rooftop. There’s a hostess at another podium, who will tell you to take a seat anywhere. First and foremost, the view is to die for. There’s a covered patio, an uncovered patio, a covered patio bar, and a fully enclosed bar. We sat at the bar first to wait for a table outside to open up.

I’m not a drinker, but their mocktails were great and reasonably priced at $5. My friend’s said their drinks – for normal people – were yummy. I wouldn’t call them cheap, but they are what you would expect from an upscale Chicago bar. When we claimed a table with a view, our waitress came up, took our order, and we never saw her again. I had to track her down to get the bill for our food. If I was a lesser person, it would have been very easy to leave without paying. Not even kidding, we didn’t see her for over an hour. She never checked to see how the food was or if we wanted more drinks. We would have spent quite a bit more money on drinks, but decided nah because, frankly, we weren’t being served.

The food was sub par. I ordered a fried chicken sandwich with fries and cheese curds. The flavors were good, but the chicken was only on half of the bun. There was a really thick, gross layer of chicken skin and fat covering the whole piece. It looked disgusting, and made the sandwich pretty much inedible. Not pleasant. I did like their fries and chees curds, but it’s hard to fuck up french fries and fried cheese. My friends had identical experiences with their food. The prices are reasonable for the city, but I do not suggest eating there unless you hate yourself.

They are absolutely banking on the fantastic view and good drinks. However, the service is the worst I have ever had. It was busy, but not busy enough to warrant our AWOL waitress. I suggest it for the Instagram pictures and a fun place to drink with friends, but do not eat there or have a waitress. Just go to the bar.

Instagram: @jparkerchicago
1816 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 254-4747

Travel, Travel Eats

La Fournette

July 10, 2018 RaeAnna

My best friend has been talking about La Fournette for longer than I’ve known her. I finally got to go. After a less than pleasant experience to The J. Parker, we decided we needed to have something exceptional. So Kelsey took us to La Fournette in Old Town Chicago.

I love macarons and coffee. The first time I had macarons was when I was living in Southern France. Not to sound uppity, but I have high standards. La Fournette is owned and run by a French family. There macarons and eclairs are authentic. Nothing to fear here.

They had some really inventive flavors like Moscow Mule and Tequila Sunrise with more traditional pistachio, espresso, raspberry, and a whole bunch more in between. I only ordered three because they are surprisingly filling. Also the macarons are very reasonably priced at $1.80. I can hardly find any in Houston for that price! The coffee is strong and yummy.

The atmosphere is lovely. There is a lot of wood giving a rustic french vibe with sun streaming in through the windows. The music was strictly in French. I loved it!

Instagram: @lafournettebakery
1547 N Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 624-9430

Books

Kitchens of the Great Midwest

July 8, 2018 RaeAnna

Read Meh
Length 310
Quick Review Through the eyes and flavors of many, the story of a great midwestern chef, Eva Thorvald, is told from her childhood to success. I enjoyed it because I’m a Midwestern girl.

I snagged Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal because I am a born and raised Iowa girl. I lived in the Midwest for 25 years. It was on the title alone. It was an enjoyable read. Many of the cities mentioned I have spent time in. The recipes, culture, and flavor were all familiar.

Eva Thorvald has good food in her blood. She moves throughout the Midwest collecting flavors along with experiences that contribute to her culinary success. Only the second chapter is told from Eva’s point of view. The other chapters are told from people who encounter or are close to her. The plot begins before Eva’s birth with each chapter jumping years into the future. I did enjoy how each chapter was left on a cliffhanger leaving you wondering. Though, the cliffhangers were on the predictable side.

There were a lot of interesting aspects to the novel. I’m not sure if I liked it or not. I thought the ending was nothing special and largely guessable. It was interesting the Midwestern foods Stradal chose to highlight. Throughout the novel there are classic recipes most of us middle-americans are familiar with.

Though Eva is the main protagonist, she plays a minor role in most of the stories comprising the novel. The other characters range from likeable to abhorrent. Each character plays a role in Eva’s journey whether she is aware of it or not. Overall, the book is a lesson in someone being a sum of all of their parts, as well as, it’s a small world. I think it’s a state of mind most Midwesterners share.

I suggest reading it. Although, I wish there were a few Midwestern recipes he left out.

Memorable Quotes
“Iowans knew how to appreciate the two most precious things in life – family and warm weather.”

Title: Kitchens of the Great Midwest
Author: J. Ryan Stradal
Publisher: Penguin Books
Copyright: 2015
ISBN: 9780143109419

Travel, Travel Eats

Fly-By-Must-Eats in Chicago

July 5, 2018 RaeAnna

I love Chicago. I lived in the area for two and a half years. I worked in downtown for a while. It’s a city I can’t spend enough time in. There are so many things to do and see and taste. Seriously, it is a foodie’s city. So many amazing restaurants, and infinitely more I haven’t been yet. I could probably talk about the food in Chicago for just about ever, but I won’t.

I want to talk about four of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. I could dedicate an entire blog to the food I love in Chicago, so I’m just including my fly-by-musts for when I’m home for a day or two.

Naf Naf Grill

I LOVE Naf Naf. I found it when I worked in downtown. I ate it all the time. Almost every day. This is not a hyperbole. It’s cheap. It’s quick. It’s healthy. It is beyond scrumptious.

I love Middle Eastern food. They have a garlic sauce I still crave on a weekly basis, but the tahini is excellent too! The shawarma and steak are great, but honestly I eat strictly vegetarian here because the falafel is that good. Have it in a pita or a bowl with rice, lettuce, hummus, or couscous and top it with great stuff. You have options. The lentil soup is worth a try. Everything is cooked in house and in plain view. I love watching pitas made in their bakery.

Naf Naf means ‘fan the flame’ in the context of bringing people together for a sense of community over a shared meal. They come through. I have never entered without being greeted and treated well. Their staff is attentive, kind, and full of personality. #Nafon

In downtown Chicago, you can spend a pretty penny on food. You won’t at Naf Naf. Unless I felt like eating myself into a coma, I would never spend more than $9. Believe me, you will leave stuffed. Hold my pita, I’m going back for seconds!

Davanti Enoteca

This is my favorite restaurant. As the foodie I am, I do not say that lightly. So much so, I am dedicating a whole post to this place.

Authentic Italian food in Little Italy. I accidentally happened upon it one day several years ago. I keep going back because everything is amazing. A testament to this, is they are always busy. So make a reservation. The menu is always changing. Thankfully, my favorite dessert, the Brown Butter Blondie, is always there! Plates are made to share, although I don’t always.

I wouldn’t call this a cheap restaurant, but you can find far more extravagant in Chicago. Go for a beautiful meal and leave a few pounds heavier.

Portillo’s

Portillo’s is an institution in Chicago. Have you even been to Chicago if you didn’t eat Portillo’s? I didn’t grow up in Chicago or Illinois, so I don’t have that innate love for the place natives do, but I always stop by.

Known for their Italian Beef, they also have hot dogs, salads, desserts, and more. I suggest an Italian Beef Sandwich dipped. I get mine with cheese on it because cheese. Dipped means they dip the sandwich in “gravy” or what the rest of the world would call the juice. It’s a messy sandwich. Roll up your sleeves and dig in. You won’t regret taking part in this institution.

I don’t think I have ever been to an empty Portillo’s. There are always people and usually a line. The drive-through around-ish lunch or dinner consists of two lines with quite the wait. It’s worth it. Everyone thinks so.

Argo Tea at Connors Park

This one isn’t a restaurant so much as a specific little cafe I love to visit. You can definitely grab a cup of tea and a nibble, so it counts. I found Argo Tea while living in Chicago. Their tea shops are all over. The tea is great. It’s yummy, and there are tons of unique flavors hot or iced. Buy a cup of tea, tea leaves, bottles of tea, or stock up on some swag. They brew the tea in front of you and offer yummy snacks.

This specific little gem is located in downtown Chicago at Connors Park. In a historic area full of beautiful architecture, it stands out. Modern and made of glass, it’s perfect for a respite. I found it one frigid winter day as I was wandering. My hands and nose were numb. I saw it and dashed for the door. Inside the transparent walls, I felt warm and cozy like I was in a greenhouse. A fountain only added to the affect. I love going and sitting because I feel like I’m watching the city without having to be a part of it. Also the tea is delightful.

I highly suggest taking a break from the bustle for tea time. It’s small, but you’ll love it. It’s hard to find, so here’s the address.

Argo Tea at Connors Park
871 N. Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

Lifestyle

Off Goes My Wandering Soul

July 3, 2018 RaeAnna

Happy Tuesday Truth!

I have a wandering soul. I majored in languages at university for so many reasons. A big one being my love for travel. Seeing the world, communicating with people in their native language, and experiencing a culture the way the people do held an immense appeal, so I dedicated a huge portion of my life to learning languages.

A dream of mine for as long as I can remember: finding a way to make traveling my job. I quite literally want to go everywhere, taste all the food, and hear everyone’s story. Nothing trips my trigger quite like setting off on a new adventure.

I’m a freelance editor, writer, and translator. My job doesn’t include traveling; however, I can travel and do my job. I abhorred working in an office with two weeks of paid vacation a year. I was suffocating. I quit very quickly. Freelance was never on my radar as a possibility. Until it happened. It’s been a long road to being a self-sustaining freelancer… Sometimes, I wonder if I’m even there yet. For arguments sake: I arrived! My work can go anywhere, so I do. I go everywhere. I travel so much I wonder if my bed misses me.

One of the attractive things about being a blogger is the fact I can write about my travels. In a way, I am turning traveling into my job! No one is paying me… yet! I remain hopeful. I am always open to collaborating with an five star hotels with a spa.

On Saturday, I left Houston for a month long trip. (I’d be so fired if I had an office gig.) First! I’m in the Chicago area visiting family, enjoying the city, seeing friends, and going to a drag race. Over the weekend, I will be dropping my dog, Beau, off with her grandparents in Iowa as I head to Colorado! I’ll be there doing a whole bunch of outdoorsy shit and content creation for a week and a dayish. Lastly, I’ll be spending time with my family in Iowa for two weeks before my little brother gets married.

So be ready for lots of book reviews, travel posts, and other updates! I have a busy, busy month! I am so excited to bring you along on this big summer adventure of mine! Off to picturesque scenery I go. My wandering soul will be so well traveled after the month; I may just be ready to go home! For a little while anyways.

Title: Kitchens of the Great Midwest Author: J. Ryan Stradal Publisher: Penguin Books Copyright: 2015 ISBN: 9780143109419

Title: Kitchens of the Great Midwest
Author: J. Ryan Stradal
Publisher: Penguin Books
Copyright: 2015
ISBN: 9780143109419