Windy Adventures

It’s been awhile since I posted. Usually I say, “I’ve been busy”. It’s true this time, but I also have a valid excuse for my MIA stint: first I was away for most of December, then I was dealing with rather intense and debilitating eye infection. That’s what you get when your autoimmune condition affects the eyes – a normal “pink eye” becomes a monster, so I literally couldn’t see out of my eyes. I’m feeling much better now so I’m contemplating which recipe post I should do next.

Over the past year, I’ve made a few trips to Chicago, staying there for weeks at a time (mostly for medical treatments but I happily mingled with extended family too – my uncle’s family always takes such a great care of me!). The last time I was in Chi, I stayed there for almost a month between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and The Windy City was quite hospitable – no snow, except some dusting shortly before I left, and no polar vortex temperatures (summertime weather was pretty good too when I was there earlier in the year).

The feel of the city was a bit “moody” at times, and it looked rather empty, comparing to NY crowds, even with Christmas shoppers walking around, but I always feel that Chicago’s downtown is roomier than Manhattan’s crazy foot traffic, no matter what season I happen to visit it in. I love the space even though my mind is screaming, “where are all the people”?!

I can’t say that I had many culinarily adventures during my stays in Chicago last year as I was rather busy and pressed on time (I was going to daily medical treatments and maintaining almost a full load of my practice, continuing working with patients remotely), but I did manage to have some yummy indulgences along the way (and one that was a total flop).

My favorite time was early morning quietness or just before my afternoon/evening sessions would start. I’d park myself in this breakfast nook with coffee and a snack to contemplate life and watch people going by on the quaint West Town streets.

The evening would bring a different kind of a healthy snack. It’s all about balance, right?

On occasion I had an unhealthy affair with Do-Rite Donuts that carry three gluten free flavors: cinnamon, chocolate and sprinkles. They were so good!

 

I obviously had to have some Chicago deep dish, aka pizza casserole in the eyes of New Yorkers (anything that’s thicker than a quarter inch is not a pizza!), and Lou Malnati’s made a pretty good gluten free version of their regular deep dish. And, to end the pizza wars – the best pizza is in Rome!

I did fully enjoy gluten free flatbread pizza Margerita from LYFE Kitchen and got it often along with soup or salad. That was my busy days staple when I didn’t have time to cook. Thumbs up for this deliciousness!

The best meal overall, which was also due to a lovely company, was at Chicago Cut Steakhouse. Delicious steak medallions and roasted Brussels with shaved Parmesan went rather nicely along with spending time with great friends and creating new memories.

We hit a German style Christmas market afterwards so it was a nice afternoon overall.

Now let’s mention a couple things that were a flop. I visited Scoops Dessert Bar on N State Street as everyone was raving about their gluten free and vegan sweet things. Well, to say that I wasn’t impressed is to say nothing. I was actually turned off. It was inedible. Sorry, Scoops! Everything tasted so overwhelmingly sweet that you couldn’t even taste what flavor it was. I’ve made gluten free and vegan desserts, and it’s absolutely possible to make them taste good without adding a pound of sugar per every cookie. I do not understand the need for so much sugar (unless you’re masking something that doesn’t taste good to begin with). To double check if my taste buds were correct, I asked my mom to try a cupcake. Her answer? “Why are you shoving this terrible thing in my mouth?! Yours are so much better!” Yeah, I agree. So, here are Scoops’ offerings looking pretty but tasting like a sugary murder. If you’re in Chicago, go try them and let me know what you think.

Another perplexing choice was at Stan’s Donuts location right off N Michigan and E Grand (maybe other locations have the same offerings). They carry “low gluten” donuts, which basically means donuts are gluten free but fried with non-gluten things, so what’s the point of this?! Therefore only people who abstain from gluten for health reasons can have their donuts, but for people will celiac, wheat allergies or other gluten sensitivities, it would not be safe consuming them. To me it felt like a missed opportunity as most people seeking out gluten free food would not choose a low gluten variety as it’s not safe. They told me they didn’t have a separate fryer for gluten free donuts, but, if I were them, I’d invest in getting one and selling gluten free donuts like hot potatoes. Otherwise, they were just sitting there and not being sold. Such a pity as they did look very yummy just like everything else in the store. If you’re okay with cross contamination, go try those donuts and let me know if they’re really good.

I flew back home right before Christmas. I always pack my own food for my travels. Here’s a soft brioche bun by The Gluten Free Bakery with Violife feta cheese, lettuce and tomatoes, plus apple juice courtesy of United.

I’m back to stomping my own ground. 787 Coffee on 14th and 2nd Avenue has really good coffee, including an excellent decaf choice. Go visit them!

I actually bought a bag of their decaf beans to brew at home. And I’m drinking it from this cup. Look at this overwhelming cuteness I got for Christmas! It’s a custom made The House of Dee cup! 🥰

Thank you, Chicago, for being a wonderful host, and hope to see you again soon!

For now I’m happily hanging with my girl Afina after being away for so long.

‘Tis a good day to dance and celebrate, and to have some dessert, as today is the 16th anniversary of my “cancer dancer” journey. And, I’m absofuckinglutely still here!