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