High Tea in Chicago

I have learned a lot of things from living and surviving winters for the past 22 years in the Midwest.  I can spend the entire winter complaining about the frigid weather and string of cloudy days.  Or, I can embrace the fact that my Florida blood has indeed thickened and that I am going to enjoy winter.  Each winter season I begin with this enthusiasm.  This year I am going to last the entire season with that same positive outlook!  Ok, check back with me in February...but, this IS the year I am planning on LOVING winter!  I will get out and about and not completely hibernate...not that I could, but I have entertained that idea of hibernation.  Ha!  So, I am sharing a couple of hot spots (get it) to stay warm in Chicago by partaking in high tea!  One fancy and one hip, but both a delicious way to spend some time watching snowflakes fly while catching up with your family or girlfriends.

We have started a new tradition of partaking in high tea in the city during the Christmas season.  The girls love it and so does the hubby.  If his girls are happy, he's happy.  :)  Each has a fabulous atmosphere and offers the traditional finger sandwiches, scones and fancy cakes with a wide variety of teas.  Trust me.  You think you won't get enough to eat?  No way, there is plenty!  We have even had to take goodies home.

So, let's look at The Allis first.

Tall ceilings and amazing chandeliers! The Allis is located in a very hip neighborhood of Chicago, nestled in the SoHo House Hotel.

Lots of teas to choose from and just look at the selection of tea time treats!

Start at the bottom with the savory finger sandwiches and work your way up to the scones and macaroons to the most amazing chocolate cake.  The Allis is located off Randolph street in the West Loop.  You know what that means?  FREE PARKING!  The price per person is also extremely reasonable.  Make sure to hop on over to The Allis website to learn more and find out about the other restaurants and bars within the hotel.  It is quite the trendy spot in the evenings.  Stay for high tea and then maybe a cocktail later.  No need to rush away since you have free parking.  There is also valet parking too.  You will want to make reservations to make sure there is a spot for you. 

Moving on to longstanding tradition of  high tea in The Palm Court of The Drake Hotel.

Reservations are a must! This fancy high tea location even has a harpist playing while guests converse in the winter wonderland.

This tea is much more expensive, but well worth it.  The atmosphere is magical as are all the finger sandwiches and seasonal pastries.  I think the cream puff swans are just adorable!

Located on Michigan Avenue on the North end of the Magnificent Mile, there is plenty to do and see in this area of the city.  You will have to pay to park, so make it an afternoon of activities.

I hope you enjoyed our newest Christmas tradition.  If you are local or visiting Chicago, make sure to stop by one of these places for a spot of tea while enjoying the magic of Winter!  See, my positive winter outlook sounds fabulous!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,

Christine

Want to create your own tea time at home?

Follow my Pinterest board for all kind of ideas!

Follow A Sprinkle of This and That's board Treasured Tea Time on Pinterest.

Latinicity Fieldtrip

One of the newest additions to Chicago's State Street is Latinicity located on the 

3rd floor of Block 37 at the corner of State and Randolph.

Latinicity is a food hall and lounge full of Latin American street food.  If you are heading to Chicago, this is a must stop! The aroma will draw you inside.  It's perfect for a quick bite or for lingering over tapas.  Check out the Christmas windows and then head inside to warm up with tortas, ceviche, empanadas, plantains, tacos and so much more!  

You can even order a mojito or a glass of sangria!

Once you enter Latinicity, you stroll through a busy marketplace with all kinds of cheeses and spices with a Latin American flavor.

As you pass through the market area, you enter all the various kitchens cooking up different foods.

Foods influenced by the flavors of Latin America, Spain and Portugal abound!

Each had a different specialty.  Tortas and Cocas had a chorizo and shrimp plate that caught my eye.  A Sushi and Ceviche Bar with amazing choices is right next store.  A classic Peruvian street food dish was being served at Chaufa Wok.  Saladero,a Latin Grill, offers many grilled meats.  I noticed a chimichurri sauce that looked soooo good.  There was an area making salads, fish dishes and a Taqueria with guacamole, chips, tacos and burritos.  Have I whet your appetite yet?

Choose your own table, but get a big one.  You are going to want to sample lots of food.

If you want more of a sit down type restaurant, they have that too with tapas, sandwiches and wraps.  There is even a burger area with a little bit of a Latin spin to the burgers.  Order a glass of sangria and stay awhile.  Sit by the windows and watch the busy city down below.

So many choices...I ended up choosing a Pork Carnita Taco with juicy slow roasted pork as well as some guacamole.  Both had an amazing flavor!  But, I will need to go back.  Like I said, so many choices.  If you want a quick bite, Latinicity is perfect and you can do it for under $10.  However, I recommend you order a variety and spend some time sampling.  After all, is one glass of sangria ever enough?  Besides, it gets pretty cold in The Windy City and what better way to stay warm.  Christmas windows across the street and the Christkindlmarket is steps away.  

Great location!  Great food!  Great ambiance!  Go check it out!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,

Christine

You may also like these other Chicago foodie hotspots:

Pastoral Market

City Winery

Andersonville

Eataly the Savory Side

Eataly The Sweet Side

Farm to Table Restaurants

It's time for another fieldtrip!

That's what summer is all about:  exploring your world.

I love, and I bet you do to, going to restaurants that have their own gardens or source a lot of their ingredients from local, organic farmers.   Over the summer we traveled to the beach.  It's 2 long days to and fro, so to break up the drive we stopped at a restaurant with their own garden.  Talk about a great way to break up a long drive!  So, we are going on a fieldtrip!  

Let me tell you all about this place.

Firefly Grill is located in Effingham, Illinois, about 3 hours south of Chicago.  A perfect respite on our long drive.  What is great about this restaurant and many other farm to table restaurants, is that it is organic...no herbicides or pesticides.  Many of the ingredients they grow themselves, right next to the restaurant.  The rest?  Locally sourced farmers join the team.  An open viewing kitchen is part of the dining area, they compost and use the pond to irrigate their gardens...I could go on and on.   Firefly is exactly what a farm to table restaurant looks like!

The structure itself is even made of recycled steel and reclaimed barn wood.

Right outside is the garden!

We even got a tour of the garden...shhh...the gardener let us sample too!

He talked about how the chef creates recipes to serve based on what the garden is producing and what can be found from local farmers.  Quite the operation!

The food was amazing!  Talk about seasonal simplicity!

We tried Garden Squash Blossoms.  These were tempura fried squash flowers stuffed with herbed goat cheese and a chili lime aioli.  I have never had this before and can't wait to try it next year.  I missed the blossoms this year.  Who knew they were edible and incredibly good! Totally part of my garden to table plans at my house next year.

My husband had a meatloaf sandwich made from grass fed beef from a local farm.

I had  a goat cheese and mushroom pizza made with Fontina cheese, goat cheese, truffles and Portabella mushrooms.  It was so good.  Since the cheeses came from local farmers and the mushrooms were grown right out back, I can't describe to you just how fresh and flavorful this all tasted.

I know what you are thinking.  I don't live anywhere near that restaurant.  That's ok.  My point is to seek out those farm to table restaurants in your area or while you are traveling.  You will never be disappointed by the freshness, quality and underlying purpose farm to table restaurants have.  They are all about fresh sustainable food.  

And...if you travels ever take you near Effingham, Illinois...definitely make Firefly Grill a stop.

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,

Christine

Follow A Sprinkle of This and That's board Farmer's Market Recipes on Pinterest.

Green City Market

The Green City Market in Lincoln Park, Chicago has been on my bucket list for quite awhile.

There is a local farmer's market in my neck of the woods, but the one in the city is like the queen of farmer's markets.  It runs twice a week outside from May through September, so really there should have been no excuse to get down there!  The rest of the year it is inside.  Well, this past Saturday we decided to make a visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo and check out the market.  Oh my gosh!  It's my new favorite market and will be worth many, many future visits!

Pack your reusable bags and a big appetite!  Whether you live in the 'burbs or are in town for a visit, here's a fabulous foodie experience you need to take in the big city!  Green City Market is located just outside of the Lincoln Park Zoo at the Southwest end.  Just a train and bus ride away or drive down and park in the parking lot for the zoo so you can spend the day in this area of the city.

We parked in the zoo parking area and walked to the market.  Is that beautiful or what?  Surrounded by big city life, yet in the peacefulness of the park!

Let me tell you a little about the Green City Market...

Their vision statement says it all, "Green City Market is a nationally recognized marketplace model for distributing, promoting and educating about local sustainably-grown food."  The market is full of seasonable produce from locally grown farms.  Each booth has a bio about the farm and it's location from the city.  You would think that would be enough, but no...there's more...so much more.  I told you to bring a huge appetite.  Booths with fresh pastries, breads and even a crepe making booth.  Let my pictures do the talking.

Veggies to fruit...yum!

But this is what really got my heart beating faster...

I think I could've had one of everything!

And then there was the crepe making booth...Abby's Crepes.

A peach and blueberry crumble crepe and a caramel crepe.  Breakfast!!!

There are many booths with prepared food as well as all the booths with organic produce.  Everyone is extremely knowledgeable about their product, so ask questions!

There's more... 

Green City Market also schedules chef demonstrations and "talks."  On our visit, Ina Pinkney of the famed Ina's restaurant in Chicago did a chef demo.  She is known as the breakfast queen and cooks simple recipes.  Who knew how funny she could be? 

She whipped up a Whole Wheat Apricot Cake that is just perfect for what is in season.  I'll post her recipe at the bottom.  It was so easy, yet tasted super yummy.  The recipe really allows the apricot flavor to come through.

What a fabulous morning at Green City Market.  Make sure to click the link to learn more.  Breakfast was satisfied and off for some exploring at the zoo before needing more food!  I have a suggestion!  Of course, right?  Check out Basil Leaf Cafe just a few blocks away on Clark Street.  Wonderful food, atmosphere and service.  A quiet, pretty restaurant where 98% of the menu is gluten free!

A spring mix berry salad with a light honey vinaigrette with a flavored water hit the spot!

Always fun to be in Chicago!  Now you have a event to check out too.

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,

Christine

Looking for other ideas when in Chicago?  Check out where I like to go!

Follow A Sprinkle of This and That's board Chicagoland Hang-outs on Pinterest.

Ina Pinkney's Whole Wheat Apricot Cake

Ingredients:

1 stick unsalted butter

1 1/2 lbs apricots, pitted and sliced

1 1/4 cups plus 2 Tbsp whole wheat flour

1/2 Tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Lightly grease a 9 x 13" pan.  Place the apricot slices in a bowl and gently toss with 2 Tbsp whole wheat flour.  In a separate bowl, combine the remaining flour with the baking powder and salt.

In another bowl, beat together butter, sugar and vanilla until combined.  Add the egg and beat until thoroughly combined.  Add half the flour mixture to the egg/butter mixture.  Pour in the milk and continue beating.  Then, add the remaining flour mixture.  Scrape the dough into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.  Scatter the apricots on top. 

Sprinkle with the 2 Tbsp sugar.  Bake at 400 degrees for 35-40 minutes.  Cool and dust with powdered sugar.

printable recipe

Beach "Daze"

Hi everyone!

We have just returned home from our family beach vacation.  The place we travel to is our absolute favorite beach location.  It is a place where we all unwind and relax, spending the entire day sitting under a beach umbrella and cooling off in the crystal blue waters.  Tough, right?  Anyhow, we have returned home to mountains of laundry, weeds thigh high (ok, ankle high) and a lawn that looks like a jungle.  But, as much as I love our favorite beach spot, there is no place like home and being away makes you appreciate where ya live even more.  So while we play catch up and shake this beach "daze," I thought I would share with you our favorite beach spot.  You know, it's kind of like sharing a sweet fishing spot.  Besides, there is still time to squeeze in a summer vacation or plan ahead for next year.  You may want to even pin this for later and in the dead of winter, check out someplace warm and beautiful!

Please note, I was not compensated in anyway.  Seaside, Florida is located along the Gulf Coast on the Panhandle of Florida.  In the early 80's dreams for a idyllic planned community began.  Off 30a, this community took shape.  Victorian beach houses all centered around a town square popped up.  The hubby and I have been going since the beginning and have continued to vacation here as the girls have grown up.  Sugar white sands and crystal waters...just beautiful!

You can stay on the beach or in a gingerbread like house just a 2 minute walk away from having sand between your toes.  Each house is unique and set among white picket fences and shaded paths that all lead to the beach.  Many of those home have towers in which you can easily see the beach and possibly a pod of dolphins passing by.  Yes, we saw quite a few groups of dolphins.

Once you park your car...no need to leave.  Modica Market has everything you need, restaurants will keep you full, lots of shops for that beachy look in your home or for your wardrobe, beach umbrellas and chairs, beach bike cruisers...everything you need is right there.  We have stayed in many cottages, so if you need referrals, just message me.  Otherwise, explore the Seaside, Florida website to find the one just right for you.  The virtual tours really give you a sense for what the house is like.

The town square is where it all the action takes place.  Outdoor concerts and movies are surrounded by food trucks, ice cream shops, restaurants, a bookstore and so much more.  After a day of relaxing at the beach, head on over here for more family fun.

A farmer's market is a Saturday morning treat!  Full of flowers, veggies and all kinds of treats.  Ok, let's get real here.  A farmer's market with all kinds of whoopie pies?  Now that's a farmer's market!  Which ones did we choose?  Couldn't decide, so 1 of each kind.  They were so fun and yummy!

What to eat?  So many choices!  Here are my recommendations...

It's Heavenly for ice cream, gelato and chocolate covered key lime pie on a stick.  Oh my gosh, the chocolate covered key lime pie on a stick is to die for!
May have had that a few times, but I won't tell.

The Modica Market has food items to cook as well as many prepared items too.  Every morning we walked over for some pastries for breakfast.

The Meltdown on 30a is a grilled cheese food truck.  Not only do they have the regular grilled cheese, but come on, you are on vacation and you need something special.  I chose the Cuban Sandwich grilled cheese.  Watch for the recipe!

Awesome barbecue at Barefoot BBQ.  Smoothies and juices at Raw and Juicy.  Need coffee?  Check out Amavida.  How about a refreshing sno-cone?  Frost Bites will have the flavor you want!

Bud and Alley's Taco Bar is festive and has delicious tacos and queso nachos.  The Pizza Bar by Bud and Alleys is set into the dunes and has a lounge like atmosphere.  Great pizzas and pastas!

The Great Southern Cafe...awesome seafood!  Grits a Ya Ya is their specialty.  "Blackened‎ shrimp, sauté of applewood-smoked bacon, spinach, portobello mushrooms, & cream on a bed of smoked Gouda cheese grits."  My plate was squeaky clean...I ate every last morsel!

But there was still room for a Mile High Key Lime Pie!

Of course there is a wine bar.  45 Central has quite a selection and the servers make recommendations too.  Paired with some tapas and you have an awesome evening dinner.

Lobster Roll sliders on grilled Hawaiian Bread rolls...a perfect seaside meal.

An amazing paella made right there in the square! 

Seaside, Florida...relaxation.  Every sense is tantalized!  The beauty of the ocean and beach, the sounds of the surf, the feel of the sand between your toes and the aroma and flavor of all the food.

Spend the day at the beach observing schools of fish, riding the waves on a boogie board, floating on an inner tube, catching some rays, reading a book under your beach umbrella or just walking along the shore.  Your evenings?  Watching the sunset, having a relaxing dinner, shopping, joining in town square events or searching for crabs with your flashlights.  Then repeat...

Seaside is new urbanism at it's best...a pair of flip flops and your bathing suit are all you need.

And with that sunset, another beach vacation full of memories comes to an end.

Until next time...

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,

Christine

Follow A Sprinkle of This and That's board Life Along 30a on Pinterest.