What do you get when you mix Pitchfork music festival, Uber, Nellcote and Birchbox? Free brunch! Intrigued? Keep reading.
West Loop hot spot Nellcote is going all out to celebrate their new weekend brunch (known as Weekend Review) and it’s all happening Pitchfork weekend (July 14th & 15th). There will be a DJ spinning both days plus free Uber rides to Pitchfork! And if that wasn’t enough, I’m giving away a free brunch for Saturday, July 14th at Nellcote.
Over the weekend I dined at the latest Graham Elliot establishment–g.e.b (Graham Elliot Bistro) in West Loop.
With an open kitchen (my favorite!) and loud rock music playing, I was immediately intrigued. The music was interesting because they played everything from Bob Dylan to MGMT and even dubstep (after 10pm). Graham has a whimsical aesthetic when it comes to food and he’s also a little bit “rock ‘n roll.” Both of which I associate with designer, Betsey Johnson. Both Graham and Betsey seem to not care what others think, but they just want to create something fun that people will enjoy…and they do.
After sitting down and realizing the menu was on an old record, I was sold. Didn’t even have a morsel of food yet and I didn’t care…the menu was rad and I knew the food would be even better.
Here’s a look at what I ate…
Beet, burrata and arugula salad
Asparagus, egg and gremolata
Calamari with chickpea and espelette
Chicken with buttermilk and tarragon
Chocolate hazelnut beignets + poundcake with strawberries, rhubarb, basil
This meal was not only delicious but it was just a super fun experience. Although I’ve never attended myself, it seems like Betsey’s shows are the most fun to attend during fashion week. And dining at a Graham Elliot restaurant is always a fun thing to do in Chicago.
Have you dined at g.e.b. yet? Would love to hear what you think!
Over the weekend I went to Takashi with my best friend Jennifer (who by the way is on my favorite fashion app–Pose). As always in life, I’m thinking about two things–fashion and food. There was something about the creativity, approachability and restraint of the dishes at Takashi, which is the feeling I get when I look at Altuzarra’s Spring 2012 collection. It’s exciting, yet doesn’t go over the top…and it’s overall just so damn cool. Everything about the restaurant and the designer is flat out awesome.
Don’t believe me? Take a look…
Course 1: The Winter Roll. Crisp and refreshing…with a little kick from the chili vinaigrette (kind of reminds me of the long sleeveless sweater and leather dress pairing later in the post)
Course 2: Grilled Calamari. If it’s grilled and in the squid family, I am so down.
Course 3: Scallops & Gnocchi. Most people consider Takashi to be an Asian restaurant, and although some dishes have an asian flare, this one couldn’t be far from! So decadent it was almost sinful to eat it (like I care…that thing was gone in like 30 seconds).
Course 4: Seared Maine Skate Wing. Who would have thought to put skate wing over braised red cabbage, with a side of butternut squash agnolotti…with a cider-caper reduction? Chef Takashi. That’s who. Genius!
Desserts (yes, we got 2!): Sheep’s Milk Yogurt Panna Cotta with Yuzu Gelée, Peach Compote, and Green Tea Shortbread (this tasted like an adult dreamsicle). Valrhona Milk Chocolate Sticky Cake with Caramelized Bananas, Drunken Raisin Puree, and Graham Cracker Ice Cream (yes, this actually happened). The perfect balance of sweets for the end of an amazing meal.
So how does this relate to Joseph Altuzarra? He’s a French designer in the American fashion industry plus a restaurant doing contemporary French-American cuisine (with a Japanese twist…but you get the picture). The atmosphere at Takashi is not too fussy, just quaint and cool…and located in one of the raddest neighborhoods in Chicago. And when I think of Altuzarra “cool” and “rad” are the first two words that come to mind.
And having nothing to do with the post (except it was taken at Takashi with my bestie), I had to share this sweet instagram.
#PointedToeShoesAndStars…yes!
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As closing note…I can’t emphasize how incredible of a designer Joseph Altuzarra is (and I’m not just saying that because he used to work at Proenza…it’s true!)
But to make him even cooler than he already is…this is what he was recently quoted in the Washington Post: “It’s a very French thing: I never exercise and I love pastries.” I’m not French, but I couldn’t agree more!
THE PLACE
Once a bank and now one of Chicago’s hottest restaurants, The Bedford is the place to be in Wicker Park. With a gastro-pub feel, this neighborhood dining destination is far from ordinary. Have you had a cocktail inside a vault while staring at safety deposit boxes? Probably not…unless you’ve been to The Bedford of course.
THE FOOD
With casual bar snacks like deviled eggs and chicken wings, seafood staples like mussels and oysters, and even dining delicacies like duck confit and rabbit, there is something for everyone at The Bedford.
My meal went like so…
Fried green tomatoes with baby arugula & creamy giardinera
Mussels steamed with chilies, garlic, spring onions, Schlitz & a touch of cream
Grilled cheese on toasty dark rye with onion jam, roth kase gruyere and aged cheddar
THE COMPANY
It’s not just just about the food…having great company makes the dining experience that much better. Plus, the dishes are meant for sharing, so why not bring a friend or two? 🙂
My best friends Jennifer & Emily
Jennifer & I
THE PAIRING
A trendy hotspot (that I predict will last longer than most trends) with delicious food incorporating familiar aspects with a slightly sophisticated twist…what does that remind me of? Rag & Bone of course. Designers Marcus wainwright David Neville are the epitome of casual cool. Their collections always include classic silhouettes and versatile garments with their own downtown chic elements added to each. They make wardrobe staples that are actually exciting.
Rag & Bone Resort 2012: Style.com
Laid back, cool and familiar but still unique enough to buy into…nothing goes better with The Bedford than some Rag & Bone.