I just received the sad news that Domino magazine is closing its doors - just one more issue and that's it. The only thing at this moment that can make me feel better is word that there is a new bakery in town - Batter Bakery. I am headed there in the next few to nuture my sad soul. Ummm cookies....
Yummy delicious bakery ventures by some really cool Chicagoans.
The Bleeding Heart Bakery - Once I got past ooing and awing over the bakery's awesome name (have to admit, they almost totally won me over right there), I discovered that this place really does rock. Punk rock lovers of all things sweet, organic and savory, owners Michelle and Valentin Garcia started the first and only FDA certified organic retail bakery. As often as possible, the Valentin's use all local ingredients. Handmade candies, chocolate mousse with Fleur de sel, absolutely gorgeous cakes - Yummy! I am so there.
Located at 2018 W. Chicago Ave. 773.278.3638
Bobtail Ice Cream and Coffee - With three generations of Wilcoxon family recipes, Jeff Wilcoxon and Chris Hill opened the first Bobtail location on Broadway Avenue in 2004 and have now grown to five additional locations. Bobtail combines small town ideal inspired by Grandpa Wilcoxon old ice cream delivery business, tried and true recipes and a cute retro ice cream parlor decor. This touches home a bit- ice cream parlors always remind me of my Grandpa, sitting on the ice cream stools and eating milkshakes with a spoon. Grandpa loved his ice cream. Surely this place would have been right up his culinary alley.
Sometimes it is hard to stick to my Monday-Friday posting promise. Especially when your whole Thursday is spent serving jury duty (well trying to get out of jury duty is more like it) on one of the most beautiful days of August. While I actually would like to be on a jury, now is not the time for me so I creatively, of course, convinced everyone I was unsuitable. Yeah, success! Well what a girl to do but join friends to celebrate later that night at probably one of the best bars in the city, The Alembic. I am so mad that I didn't ask to take a picture of the prettiest mint julep I have ever seen - frosty faux pewter cup with brutally crushed ice, fresh local mint and yummy WL Weller whiskey. It tasted darn good. The bartenders are brilliant when it comes to spirits and really know how to lead a whiskey novice like me to a satisfying little cocktail. Although, I do sometimes resort to my fall-back plan - just pick the whiskey with the most charming name. So far it has worked every time! The ambiance is great, the artists behind the bar are super knowledgeable and my little crush on the cute tattooed male mixologist keep me coming back. Oh and oh so very important - they use local ingredients, support local distillers and breweries and will be growing their own produce for the delicious small plate menu. Did I create another convincing story on my posting absence?
Thanks to Seannarae at Flickr a photo exists!
