Our apartment is a tribute to the glory of Chicago. Chi-town is home and we love it- you can’t blame us. But Ryan is from Baltimore and it is time we diversify a bit- if anyone can tell me how to get the photo in this pic, I would so appreciate it. I need to hunt it down for Ry’s birthday- I love our home but I also love crab cakes and love is allegedly about compromise.
Breakfast meeting in Birmingham, MI kicked off my Friday and will hopefully fuel me through what will likely be a packed weekend visiting Ryan’s friends and family in Maryland. It’s funny how when you travel a lot for work, you acquire “favorite spots” in cities that aren’t yours. Commonwealth in Birmingham is definitely up there for me- such a vibrant scene all day long, legit coffee, really unique salads and sold breakfast. Put it on your list if you make it metro-Detroit way.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
My boyfriend knows my love ‘o Christmas so, so well and has been texting me photos of the progress of theelves construction workers hard at work building Kristkindlmart on his walk to work this week (bf high five!). 2 weeks from today and this German open air market will be open for business spiced wine and streusel!
I voted absentee ballot a few weeks ago. Ryan went to the polls before going on a run this morning. I woke up to 2 hot Starbucks coffees and a boy jumping around the apartment like a kid on Christmas morning. It’s Election Day and here in our household, we are excited!
(Image via)
I hosted a dinner party for 6 on Saturday night to celebrate my birthday. Actually, it was more of an excuse to spend time with people we love, drink good wine and eat good food. Chianti braised short ribs, roasted chicken, prosciutto wrapped asparagus, stuffed shells and Grandma Ida’s Potatoes were on the menu, with MORE cupcakes for dessert. All were dishes that baked so everything was very make-ahead, no muss, no fuss. Ryan and I even snuck down to Pops for Champagne for a cocktail 2 hours before our guests arrived.
The easiest and my favorite of what we served was Grandma Ida’s Potatoes. This dish has been made in my family for as long as I can remember and is always what I request for my birthday dinner. It’s not fancy, it’s about as basic as meals come actually but it’s good. There’s just something about tradition that is comforting, especially as the temperatures drop and the holidays draw near. Oddly enough, Grandma Ida wasn’t my grandma. She was an aunt. I don’t even know if she was my aunt even. Someone’s aunt. Anyways.
Recipe for Grandma Aunt Ida’s Potatoes:
Slice 5 large potatoes half an inch thick. Do the same with 4 zucchini. Layer them in a glass baking dish, cover with a jar of tomato sauce and bake for 3+ hours, the longer the best. Serve with warm Italian bread.
The bad news is my rental car wasn’t available yet for my work trip. The good news is that holiday everything is back at Starbucks. As long as I make my meetings in time, I’ll call it even.
Happy November!
October 31st, the Driehaus Museum.
Daley Plaza respects holidays- this Hi-C colored ode to Halloween today, the Christmas on steroids that is the Kristkindlmart in 3 weeks. Awesome.
I love my tailor/dry cleaning lady. She is so nice, does a great job and accommodates my “I know I should have brought it in sooner but can it be done by tomorrow?” requests. It’s at the point where I get excited to go in there to pick up or drop off- they’re that nice. Joyful, even.
As it turns out, their motto is “Be Joyful Always”. Kathy and her cleaners know what’s up.
