Entries Tagged as 'goat cheese'

Calm Before the Storm?

October 14th, 2005 · 1 Comment

Mac's
Mac’s, Wicker Park, Chicago

The last week it’s been really gray and gross here but yesterday and today were like the most perfect end of summer/early autumn days. Low to mid 70s, sunny, a slight breeze, a fresh crispness in the air. This is my favorite time of year… and luckily for me I had today off so I could enjoy it.

For lunch I just wanted to be outside so I grabbed a book and headed down Division to see who still had their outdoor seating out and more importantly, where the sun was hitting that seating. I ended up at Mac’s with my most favorite salad ever. In fact, I just had this same salad for lunch yesterday at Nordstrom Cafe. And I have made it at home over the summer too. Probably nominated as my #1 favorite lunch of the year. It’s got mixed greens, grilled chicken (at Mac’s the chicken was still warm from being so fresh off the grill), strawberries, goat cheese, candied nuts, and a balsamic dressing. There’s something about the sweet nuts and fruit mixed with the tangy goat cheese and dressing.. YUM. I could eat this all day. Especially on a nice day like today.

I’m afraid that winter is going to happen any day now!

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Pre-Show Dinner at Platiyo

July 3rd, 2005 · 1 Comment

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Platiyo, Wrigleyville, Chicago

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Erin :: Platiyo, Wrigleyville, Chicago

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Sam :: Platiyo, Wrigleyville, Chicago

When I called Platiyo to make our reservations for dinner before the Late Night Late Show, the man who answered the phone was really nice and we actually chatted for quite a while. I’d requested to sit on the patio and he said it was going to be a beautiful night, great for the patio, and said the forecast didn’t predict rain until next week. I told him I didn’t care if it rained next week because I’d be on vacation in Hawaii. Just normal, whatever, chitchat.

When I got to the restaurant the man was at the hostess stand and remembered me from the phone. I was early and Sam and Erin were running a little late so I had a drink at the bar. The bartender was really friendly, and the man who took my reservation turned out to be the manager/owner of the restaurant. He stopped over a few times and kept telling the wait staff that I was going to Hawaii. I was actually having a good time with them all.. when usually sitting at a bar by myself is something I really, really hate. I was thinking how great the wait staff was and hoping that the food at Platiyo was also good because it’d be a shame to have friendly, attentive service and crap food.

Well, we weren’t let down. The appetizer we shared was a baked goat cheese that was Mexicanized and served with corn tortillas. Not very authentic, but you can’t go wrong with baked goat cheese. While I was sitting at the bar I’d discussed what I wanted to get with the bartender and when I ordered, our waiter, Miguel, said I got the best thing on the menu. It was Seafood en Mole Amarillo – Shrimp, bay scallops, crabmeat, braised in Oaxacan yellow mole, with rice and seared vegetables. Super good.

I’ll be back to Platiyo! Thanks to Benjella for the awesome recommendation!

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