Restaurant Thursday: Osteria Via Stato

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Back in May, Neal's aunt & uncle were in Chicago for a few days for business. We were happy to meet them for dinner, and since they had never been to Chicago, we picked the restaurant. There weren't any near their hotel, so we all took a little walk - okay it was a mile away - to Osteria Via Stato. Neal & I had never been there before, but Italian seemed like a safe bet. Osteria is actually attached to the Embassy Suites. And normally, I wouldn't choose a hotel restaurant. However, I'm glad I didn't know it was right next to Embassy's lobby, because it was scrumptious.

Osteria is known for their 'Italian Dinner Party' where the table shares anitpasti and pasta, and everyone gets an entree. It's a set price and the first two courses are family style. While that option seemed tempting, we chose the ala carte menu.

Neal's uncle picked out a nice red that we all enjoyed. I had the seasonal greens with walnut vinaigrette and the warm, crusty bread. For my main course, the braised beef short rib ravioli. One of my top 10 meals of all time. The short rib filling was flavorful, tender and topped with a perfect sauce. I wanted to lick my plate.

The atmosphere was warm and homey. Our waitress was pleasant and knowledgeable. We could have a conversation easily without shouting or worrying that we were disturbing other patrons. In a word: divine.

I would definitely go back. In fact, the bride from last Sunday's wedding is coming to Chicago next week. We're going to grab dinner after work one evening. And I might just take her here. I've been dreaming about that ravioli ever since May.

Strawberry picking

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Tomorrow Neal & I are going strawberry picking! I've never been and I'm super excited. He wants to get a lot for cheap so he can make jam. And I am hoping to convince him to whip up a batch of strawberry custard that we can churn into ice cream. After his last ice cream experiment, things are looking good.

I also get to celebrate a lovely friend who is getting married in 21 days! The festivities are a surprise to the charming bride, so I can't give any more details. But I'm so looking forward to having fun with her and the rest of the ladies.

And, as if this weekend couldn't get any better, Neal & I are finally heading to the newly opened Chick-fil-a this evening for dinner! You might remember I was just a little excited for it to open.

To top it all off, we get to enjoy the Fountain Square Art Festival in downtown Evanston on Sunday after church. And then see a showing of X-Men: First Class with some fellow Virginians. What a wonderful weekend ahead! Do you have any fun plans?

Restaurant Thursday: 5 Guys

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I recently added a new page to my blog: Favorite Restaurants. Currently it lists the name of the restaurant under a category and has a link to the restaurant's website. But I want to expand. I was inspired by one of my favorite blogs, which debuts a sandwich every Monday - cleverly calling it Sandwich Monday - to review/give ordering tips about the restaurants on my list. Most restaurants are located only in Chicago, so many of you might not be able to frequent them. But it'll just give you another reason to visit Chicago!

Luckily, today I'm reviewing 5 Guys which is now in more than 40 states! So it's likely you'll be able to find a location near you.

Oh how I love 5 Guys, let me count the ways.
1. The chain started in Virginia!
2. It's delicious.
3. It's cheap.

5 Guys burgers are great, not too greasy and topped with all of your favorites at no extra charge. In fact, you can get more than 15 toppings, if you so desire. For the average person (not included: growing teenage boys, pregnant women, persons with extra-large appetites) I suggest getting the Little Hamburger. It has one beef patty = approximately 1/4 lb. The Hamburger has two beef patties = approximately 1/2 lb. Fries are a must. And the Regular size feeds two people. That doesn't mean when I go to 5 Guys alone I don't ordered the fries. I get fries and end up throwing half of them out. If you go with someone and share a drink, you've got dinner for two for around $13.00 (depending on the tax in your state).

It's a great bargain for delicious food. Sure, you don't want burgers everyday. But when you are craving a burger, check out 5 Guys.

Burnt Sugar (and butter) Ice Cream

Shelburne Falls

Last summer when Neal & I were visiting his family in Massachusetts we drove to Shelburne Falls, MA and spent the afternoon enjoying the quaint town. There is a lovely pedestrian bridge, the Bridge of Flowers, which the locals maintain with many varieties of native plants and flowers. It's absolutely gorgeous and even has its own website!

We happened upon an ice cream shop along our walk through town. And who can resist an ice cream shop? Especially one that serves homemade ice cream? Not this girl. And what do you know, I found my new favorite flavor: Burnt Sugar and Butter. Smooth, just the right amount of sweetness, satisfying after taste, delicious. I've never found it anywhere else, which is a tragedy. Because it is so good. And everyone should have access to it.

About a week ago, Neal found a recipe for Burnt Sugar ice cream in Martha Stewart's The Martha Stewart Living Cook Book: The Original Classics. I was convinced it wouldn't be the same - it was only burnt sugar, not burnt sugar and butter - but excited to try it all the same. Neal labored away; apparently it's very difficult to make the burnt sugar custard. Burning the sugar just enough but not too much is a tricky task. But the result is a slightly bitter, light rust colored concoction that tastes like...burnt sugar. I know, that's a terrible description. It has a distinct burnt flavor, but also a sweet after taste. It's truly unique. If you have the patience, or a wonderful husband to make it for you, I highly recommend it.

However, I'm still on the search for burnt sugar and butter ice cream.

Looking forward to seeing you again

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A month from today Neal & I will be making our way to Lincoln Park (the actual park) to the annual Green City Market Chef's BBQ. We were lucky enough to go in 2009, but had to miss out last year since Neal was out of town. It's no fun to go alone.

The Chef's BBQ features 100 local chefs serving up tasting portions for 2 1/2 hours. Also serving up concoctions: local breweries and wineries. The last time we went, I was nervous we wouldn't get to try every tasting station. So I made Neal run around like a mad person - "We have only two hours! We have to go!" - and we scarfed down everything in sight. But got full very quickly.

This year the plan of attack will be slightly different. I plan to savor the tasty treats and indulge in some cocktails along the way. It's such a fun event to look forward to and only a month away. I can't wait!

Dream come true

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Now I really can Eat Mor Chikin. Chick-fil-a opened its first Chicago location today at the corner of Chicago & Wabash. (Remember when I got a little worked up a few months ago?) It just so happens it's right on Loyola's Water Tower Campus. And steps away from the Chicago Red Line stop. I'm just a little bit excited.

I plan on going this weekend. I also plan on bringing my elbows and a little sass as I'm sure it's going to be cri-zay-zy up in there. Don't worry, it'll be worth it. I can almost taste those waffle fries. Mmmm.

Check out all the people who lined up to win Chick-fil-a for a year.

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I don't think my mom will know what to do when I come home now since the first stop I request is always Chick-fil-a.

Love letter to the (Evanston) farmers' market

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Dear Farmers' Market,

Thank you for returning. I admit, the winter months seemed longer with your absence. But that's behind us. Now that you're back I get to enjoy your bounty each week. I look forward to your sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, crisp apples, tart blackberries, fragrant peaches, tangy cherries, plump blueberries and many more treats. Thanks for making room for the bakeries; I'm a big fan of Bennison's monkey bread. I'll meet you every Saturday morning. Deal? Be kind to my potato guy and the pepper man. Also, thanks for not allowing pets; keep up the good work. I'll try to work it out so the weather stays nice, but I can't make any promises. See you tomorrow. I'll be the one with a satisfied smile on her face.

With love,
Bryn

Happy Easter

 (Photo courtesy of Neal Dugre)

Neal & I had a lovely Easter. Our church plays special music on Easter Sunday before the service starts, so we arrived at 10:00 am to get a good seat. As I mentioned before, the music minister is retiring, so I was expecting the music to be over-the-top. Jerry did not disappoint. He had an eight-person brass section with trumpets, trombones and french horns. The choir sung two songs and used handbells - all before the service started.

The service was great, with some of my favorite hymns: Christ the Lord is Risen Today, Thine Be the Glory, Up From the Grave He Arose and Now the Green Blade Rises, (which, little known fact, is also the same tune to Sing We Now of Christmas, a popular Christmas song). And we got to visit with some friends afterwards. We also stopped by the fellowship hall to snack on some delicious bread that a church member makes every year for the Easter Vigil service. It was great to tide us over before our Easter lunch.

Master chef Neal prepared a honey baked ham with a bourbon glaze, peas sauteed with scallions, butternut squash puree, apple sauce (from last fall. Thanks, freezer!) and homemade oatmeal bread. We had our friends Jenn & Dan over and it was a lovely meal. Unfortunately, we wanted to dig in when it was ready, so I don't have any pictures of the feast. But trust me, it was delicious. We also have enough ham left over to last us awhile. So we'll be enjoying this meal for some time!

I hope your Easter was just as wonderful!