Magnolia Bakery in Chicago

Anyone that knows my Kristina knows she is in love with baking and cupcakes. We
passed by a brand new Magnolia Bakery in the newly rehabbed block 37 and had to
stop in. The cupcakes are upscale at about $3 each but boy are they tasty.
The original Magnolia Bakery opened in 1996 in New York City's Greenwich
Village. It was envisioned as a cozy, old-fashioned shop where people could come
for coffee and something sweet. With its vintage American desserts and decor,
customers often remark that walking into the Bakery is like taking a step back
in time. Just by walking in the place, we knew it was going to be good. I took
a picture of the New Years cupcakes that they were just finishing up!

Garrett's Popcorn

We walked in the rain downtown today and decided to duck into Garrett's to pick
up some Chicago Mix (cheese and caramel mix). Garrett's has been around Chicago
since 1949 and has become a famous stop for us. There are about 9 stores
throughout the Loop and the closest one to my house is a kiosk at O'Hare. The
popcorn is to die for and this mix is both sweet and salty-if you decide to eat
this yummy delight, you better have some wet paper towels nearby to wipe off
your cheesy & sticky fingers!

Room Service

So because this is somewhat of an online journal, I needed to capture this room service fruit and cheese tray. I love the way it was arranged. Looks like I will be "stealing" this idea because I have the perfect glass tray at home. It was accompanied with a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon that was really yummy!

Elephant and Castle

We are in downtown Chicago on our annual after Christmas trip. Tonight we wanted to stay close to the Chicago Theater because we are seeing A Christmas Story the Musical. Elephant and Castle is an English Pub style restaurant. I had the meatloaf with red mashed potatoes and green beans. It was delicious full of flavor and fresh ingredients. The place was dark so the picture isn't the best.

The Royal House

Char grilled oysters at they Royal House
Tom's favorite
He's in heaven
Excellent

Morton's Steakhouse

Brussel sprouts with bacon in a fabulous vinaigrette- again at Morton's
Really really really good

Morton's Steak House

At Morton's last night
Bone in filet mignon
Probably the best ever but it's a little
Pricey at $61 but what the heck
Even their house salad was amazing

Morton's Steak House

Morton steakhouse bread

Central Grocer the Muffuletta

Awesome

Muffuletta

The greatest muffuletta

Cafe du Monde

I have to say I couldn't imagine what all the fuss was
about over these beignets...but after checking this out
I am now a follower. We bought the beignet mix and
they are exact - it was just like being in NOLA again.
So, see some things you can take home and do-over!

Cafe du monde
Coffee and beignets
This restaurant has been open 24 hrs a day since the early 60's
$7.95 for 2 coffee's and an order of beignets
Not bad
but boy are they good

Acquaviva winery
Gnocchi with vodka sauce topped with fresh Motz
The gnocchi was filled with cheese
Tony had this!
Loved it

Acquaviva winery
Fettuccine alla Sarda
Katie and I both had this and
Brought most if it home:)

Acquaviva winery
Tavolata di Salumi e Formaggi
Fresh sliced Italian deli meats & cheese

Dinner 2

Tom Matt randy John mark all loved it email mark and John recipes
But they can find the recipe on our sister site
Itsallaboutthedish.blogspot.com

Dinner

Add sour cream and mustard simmer

All dished

Plate with noodles

Add sour cream and simmer

Mushrooms

Add. Butter

Relieving pressure

Add noodles cook 8-10in

Add salt to boiling water then noodles

Still cooking plus fire

Stroganoff is cooking

Well be serving on the original camping plates

Pressure cooker relief valve

After venison is browned add beef broth red wine s&p close lid bring heat up until steam is emitted gently and cook30 min

Add the venison and nrown

Onions and garlic in pressure cooker

Mushrooms

John cutting onions and mushrooms

The Arlington Cake Box

The Arlington Cake Box located in Arlington Heights is the best bakery in town.  It's been around since 1949 and is family owned and operated. My favorite is the chocolate chip coffee cake.  I've shared a couple of them with Tom & Debbie, now Tom is hooked! This place has an old time feel to it-just like Grandma used to make. Don't forget to try the sauerkraut rye bread, it is to die for!

Linguini and white clam sauce
Tom gets this everywhere and said this is one of the better dishes since they don't skimp on the clams

Cavatelli with meat sauce

Veal parmesan
Also excellent

Fetuccini al la Salerno
With a cream sauce and ham
Amazing

Appetizer-calamari
It was very good

Tonight takes Pam and I to Salerno's on the Fox in beautiful downtown
St Charles. Its like going back in time to visit Salerno's. I think they have
the same everything as they did 30 years ago..but the food has always been
excellent!

We will send our reviews of all the dishes!

Pequod's Pizza

Last night we went to one of my favorite hole in the wall pizza places in Morton Grove called Pequod's. Their pizza was recognized this summer in Food Network Magazine, Fifty States 50 Pizzas as a must try! The pizza is baked in well seasoned cast iron pans-the cheese is melted and caramelized resulting in a crust that's to die for. We always call ahead to order; this time around was a sausage, mushroom and onion pie.

Gordon Biersch

Oktoberfest is in full swing everywhere. Last night's dinner was at a Gordon Biersch in Tempe, right in the heart of Arizona State University's downtown. I ordered the Jaegermeister plate which the breaded pork was delicious! It was served with a braised red cabbage and spaetzel. In keeping with the German theme, a Hefenweiss beer paired perfectly!

Queen Creek Olive Mill

So today we took a road trip out to Queen Creek Olive Mill in where else? Queen Creek Arizona. It was interesting to learn the process that makes olives into oil. Extra Virgin is the only way to go! After tasting some; a few fun combination bottles are coming home with us. I can't wait to play with the chocolate, yes chocolate olive oil.

Breakfast @ The Buttes

So here's my first attempt at blogging through email on my phone to The Traveling Dish! Made to order omelet was to die for & just what I needed after a real long night at O'Hare and trying to get to Scottsdale.

Frutti di mare at Acquaviva Winery
Maple Park, IL

Welcome to our traveling food blog

Welcome to our traveling food blog.

Thanks for visiting our food blog. As we travel around, we will be posting food pictures often.
Of course we will getting the recipes for our favorites when possible and will blog about them on our Itsallaboutthedish blog.