Entries Tagged as 'wicker park'

Todd’s New Years Eve Party

January 2nd, 2012 · No Comments


Vanessa, Chelsea, Kelly, Todd


Dallas & Marty


Damian & Rachelle


Kelly’s concoctions


We played a lot of Pictionary.


The girls won!


Big man, little dog.


Poor Bella


Larry & Adam


Getting ready to ring in the new year.


Noisy Kelly


One champagne, one sparkling wine.


Lilia & Larry just after midnight


Kelly & Todd


Rachelle & Dallas


Chelsea & Kelly


Marty, Josh & Lynda


Kelly, Brett, Lynda, Rachelle (& Todd)


I don’t know what happened to Steve here.


Adam & Katjie


Adam & Dallas

Around 9:30 we left Jen and Chad’s party and headed down to Wicker Park where Todd was hosting a party. We did this same thing two years ago when Todd hosted a party, and sort of did last year, except the party was at Frasca, not Todd’s house. Dallas brought our Wii over the night before and we all played that. We also played some good, old-fashioned Pictionary. We each put in $10 and the girls won all the money! Kelly made some delicious jello shots with real cherries in them and some fantastic mystery punch.

At midnight we toasted with Dom Perignon and some Sofia by Francis Ford Coppola Winery. A few people have asked me how the Dom was, since it’s known to be expensive and one of the best champagnes. To be honest, it tasted like champagne. Good champagne, but it was the only one at the party so I couldn’t compare and I’m not a huge connoisseur of champagne. Katjie, on the other hand, said she loves champagne and that it was great, so I’ll take her word for it. I also really liked the Sophia sparkling white.

I don’t know what happened after midnight. It’s a bit of a blur. Haha. Someone (ADAM!?) had my camera and took about a thousand photos. Dallas said I took them, but I’m in a lot of the photos, so that can’t be. Anyway, fun party. Great New Years Eve overall.

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Big Star

December 16th, 2011 · 5 Comments

I tried to go to Big Star once when it first opened and basically we walked in looked around and walked out. The place was packed and we didn’t feel like waiting for a table. What a scene! Dallas kept reminding me that they do have a window where you can just walk up and order tacos to go, but I was never around there at the right time. Meanwhile, he’d go late at night and bring tacos home to eat while I was sleeping in bed! And all I’d get in the morning was a stupid chicken lollipop.

Since it’s been open for a couple years now, it’s not quite so crazy. Jess and I went once over the summer and got tacos at the window and ate them at their picnic tables before the Mr. Skin party. Another time I went when Sara got laid off (sad face). She had about 20 friends there that night and we were able to get two booths next to each other without much problem or wait.

And? To be honest, I think I enjoy the tacos at our taqueria better, but Big Star definitely has a better atmosphere. I guess that’s what you’re paying for there. That and to be seen!

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Dave’s Surprise Birthday Dinner

November 15th, 2011 · No Comments


Dave & Brian


Bob, Cat, Dave


Brian, Dave, James

For Dave’s 40th birthday his wife, Cat, and his friends planned a surprise birthday dinner for him at Francesca’s Forno. Cat took the kids and went out to her sister’s house in the suburbs, making Dave think he had a free night to go out with the guys. Dallas and Andy and Brian hung out with him and played bags in the backyard – it was unseasonably warm for November. Then they convinced him to go to Flat Iron to play pool at about 7:00. Flat Iron is right across the street from Francesca’s, which maybe wasn’t the best idea, since everyone else had planned to meet at the restaurant at 7:00. Francesca’s is right across the street from the Damen Blue Line and as I crossed, I just about ran right into Dave and Dallas and the group. I swore that Dave looked right into my eyes, but I quick dashed out of the way and turned a corner. Whew!

So, the rest of us met inside Francesca’s. The guys left Flat Iron to go to get some wings at Northside. As they were passing by Francesca’s they said “oh, Brian texted me and is here for a drink, let’s stop in” and so they came into the restaurant.* The funny thing is that Brain was there… sitting at our table, a table with Dave’s wife and friends… and Dave saw him and the first thing he said was “wow, Brian is here with a big group!” And then it hit him. He was so surprised!

For dinner we had a ton of appetizers for the table – pizzas, charcuterie, cheese, meatball sliders. I was almost too full to order an entree. I got a grouper in browned butter with capers and crispy potatoes and really liked it. I love capers. And the potatoes were great. Dallas got the seasonal risotto and did not like it. He said it wasn’t cooked right and it was way under seasoned.


Other than the risotto, we liked of the food we had. I’d only been to Francesca’s Forno one time before and it was years ago. Since then they’ve done a whole remodel and overhaul of the restaurant. I liked it.

After dinner we went to the Northside, but most people only stayed for one or two drinks. It was packed in the bar and Dallas and the guys had been drinking beers since 3 p.m. We called it an early night and went home at about 11.

* I think this is what happened but I’m not 100% clear! The important part is that they got him over there and it was a surprise. Also, Dave does not remember looking right at me.

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This Bicycle Appears to be Abandoned.

November 4th, 2011 · No Comments

You think!??!

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Hold on to Your Children

September 18th, 2011 · No Comments

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