5 Chicago restaurants I loved!

There's no denying the Chicago food scene is on fiyah! And...I've been fed well as of late! It's only fitting that I share some of my favorite meals in the last couple months with you. From breakfast to cocktails to dinner...I feel lucky to live in a city with such a diverse and burgeoning group of culinary genius'. Say that 10 times fast! 

Without further ado:

Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club: Known for "modern American eats" we went for a family brunch and fell in love immediately. I ordered the vegetarian skillet and it was loaded with gorgeous, colorful veggies that did not weigh me down. Key for a Sunday with the kiddos! I recommend going super early because lines form as early as 8:00AM!

Jay Lovell's: Brunch again! It's rustic chic with a heavy dose of friendly. I ordered a customized omelette and my kiddos had pancakes with loads of bacon. The staff is friendly and they serve up a killer lunch with a pretty awesome wine selection, too. Just super fresh farm to table ingredients and never ending coffee.

GT Fish + Oyster: An oldie but a goodie. We went here after the Opera. It was a girlfriend date so we did plenty of sharing. Starting with the tuna poke and moving on to the grilled prawns and finally the lobster roll. I was licking forks and plates.

Salero: This Spanish-style tapa concept is positively scrumptious. It was a double date hence we ordered a plenty. Fantastic wine list coupled with chorizo stuffed quail (dynamite), octopus a la plancha, roast squab and a hangar steak. I was rubbing my belly and thankful for a dress!

Parson's Chicken & Fish: It's not a newbie but it's always consistent. We went this past weekend for friend chicken and hush puppies and it did not disappoint. The patio atmosphere is so laid back we could spend all day there. And what's not to love about a slushy Dark & Stormy? Go while the weather holds out and bring a sweater...it's the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

* Check out today's links ups: Mix & Match Fashion, Penniless Socialite, Sincerely Jenna Marie, Living in Color!

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See you @ Neiman Marcus Oakbrook tomorrow!
See you @ Neiman Marcus Oakbrook tomorrow!

Please join me on Thursday, March 30 from 5-8pm as Neiman Marcus Oakbrook presents the #MakeSomeNoise CUSP Fashion panel and runway show. The event celebrates women that have made a positive impact on the world both personally and professional. 

Fearless Friday: Graham Kostic
Fearless Friday: Graham Kostic

Graham has a magnetic personality. I've only met about eight people in my life like this. He has a vision and it's precise and if you ask him to execute something, he will...full force, 100%. But it's that vision part that I admire. Anyone can see this when they scroll the pages of his popular Glossed + Found e-zine. It's fashion, it's editorial, it's video content - all on steroids. The best, most colorful steroids ever to illuminate your computer screen.

5 Remedies for the Nasty Cold.
5 Remedies for the Nasty Cold.

Apologies for the radio silence. I have been bitten by the winter flu bug and I'm still not 100%. But there is no rest for the weary...or moms...as you know. Really, that applies to all parents. But that's a different story for a different day. So! Today's post is not related to fashion but rather, remedies!

Wrapped in warmth.
Wrapped in warmth.

I can't imagine a winter that didn't involve heavy coats and multiple layers. It's all I've ever known. And if you talk to any good Midwesterner, they'll be extraordinarily candid about how important a good coat can be. Take it from someone who is looking forward to 40 degree temps today. And yes, you read that correctly. We were in the negatives just 48 hours ago, my friends.

Underneath the Big Top.
Underneath the Big Top.

Quality time with my kids is somewhat a challenge before the holidays. There's a lot of craziness and running around...and events. We usually average about two weekends of "absolutely nothing" before we turn into spinning tops. Sound familiar?

Well, recently we got to hit the "pause" button and take our kids to the circus for the first time. Honestly, we had forgotten how good it was! Or maybe as adults, we've come to appreciate what a production it is. And our kids...they loved it!

Fearless Friday: Corri McFadden
Fearless Friday: Corri McFadden

Corri has been an unstoppable force in the fashion community for years. Her story has inspired young women and fellow entrepreneurs for years including myself. Not only has her brand, eDrop-off, withstood multiple economy shifts but it continues to thrive. She's a knock-out, a rocker, a momma, a #bossbabe, a fashionista and more. Check out what makes Corri such a fan favorite in the Chicago community!

Fearless Friday: Lindzi Shanks
Fearless Friday: Lindzi Shanks

It's always nice when you meet a fellow color lover like Lindzi. She is unapologetically vibrant and girlie to the core. I often think to myself...if you're gonna be a girl...go big! That Lindzi does. With two FT businesses, I don't know how she comes up for air but such is the life of a #girlboss. From sassy tees to a well curated collection of whimsical paper goods and coffee mugs, you can find a gift for just about every lady on your list. Perfect timing for the holidays! 

Fearless Friday: Elizabeth Williams
Fearless Friday: Elizabeth Williams

When you meet Liz, her warm smile will undoubtedly be the first thing you notice. She puts everyone at ease. There is a twinkle in her eye that never dulls and, in fact, gets brighter when she talks about her husband or her kids...and now her newest baby, Coat Check. 

Having lived in Chicago followed by a short stint to New York only to find herself back in Chicago once more...Liz is the perfect addition to the emerging fashion scene in Chicago.

September depicted via Instagram.
September depicted via Instagram.

September came and went in a flash but there were many memorable moments. It also marks my husband's birthday, a new school year and a change in seasons. Truly my favorite time of year, this month was chockfull of memorable moments and events. 

Last call...
Last call...

The evening light is changing and there's a different scent to the air. I smell Fall. Last call for Summer.

Food + LifestyleJohanna Grangechicago, review, blogging1 Comment