I can't believe that another Chicago Gourmet has come an gone! It is seriously one of the best weekends of the year. I had such an amazing time (as I always do) and ate so many delicious bites from some of Chicago's best restaurants and chefs! This year was also extra special for me, because I was asked to emcee two different cooking demos! I seriously felt so honored to be asked! It's crazy to me that just 3 years ago, my brand was nothing more than a distant pipe dream in my head. Now, ... [ Read More ]
Elia’s First Family Day Trip: Apple Holler
For the last 3 years, Dan and I have made an annual trip out to Apple Holler to go apple picking, stock up on apple cider donuts and just get out of downtown Chicago for the day. In fact, I distinctly remember on our trip last year, I had a conversation with Dan about how this may be the last time we here as the two of us. Well, I was right!This year we had our permanent plus one and it was a totally different experience than it has been in the past (and we loved every second of it). I had so ... [ Read More ]
A Farm-to-Table Chat w/ Chef Kevin Hickey
WOW, I can't believe Chicago Gourmet has come and gone. To be honest, I am still on a high from this incredible weekend. It's my favorite event of the season! This year was extra special, because I kicked it off by attending an amazing Q&A session with Chef Kevin Hickey about the farm-to-table culture in Chicago. This awesome program was courtesy of COUNTRY Financial who have an exclusive partnership with Chicago Gourmet. This partnership is actually a perfect fit because COUNTRY ... [ Read More ]
Calling all Chicago Entrepreneurs with the Next Big Idea!
Have you ever watched the show, Shark Tank, and thought, "I could've TOTALLY done a better job! or "I have an idea that would totally win!"? Well, now is your chance to prove it. RedEye Chicago and Jack Daniels are presenting the 3rd annual, Big Idea Awards! Once again, they are looking for Chicago-based entrepreneurs between the ages of 21-34 to enter their idea in this one-of-a-kind competition. If you think you have the next big idea, I suggest you submit it ASAP! There are four ... [ Read More ]
Wholly Guacamole Tour & Festival Recap!
Last night, I rocked out at the Live Wholly Tour and Festival event hosted by Wholly Guacamole at the Elbo Room in Chicago. The concept is just too cool! Basically, Wholly Guacamole is traveling across the country to Nashville, Chicago, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis in search of the best musicians. In each city, a line up of contestant compete in an open mic competition to win $500 and the chance to go on to the final round to win $10,000 and open up for a big music act at the ... [ Read More ]
The Ultimate Kids Birthday Party (for my 30 year old Husband)
This past weekend, my husband, Dan, turned 30 years old! Planning a birthday party while almost 9 months pregnant is not an easy task to begin with. When I asked him what he wanted to do, he was really vague and just said he wouldn't mind hanging out with me and a few friends at his favorite adult arcade, FTW (For The Win) in Streeterville. Since it was a big milestone birthday, I knew I had to make it special for him. Dan has always been a little kid at heart, so I thought, "why not throw ... [ Read More ]
My First Chicago Gourmet (and the best things I ate)
It's true, this year was my very first Chicago Gourmet! Now, before you start freaking out and saying, "How is it even possible that this is your FIRST Chicago Gourmet?!", allow me to explain... I moved to Chicago in June of 2013 and didn't start my food blog until October of that year (after the first Chicago Gourmet). The following year, I was out of town, but seeing all the incredible photos from the weekend gave me a huge case of FOMO (look it up) and I knew I had to clear my schedule for ... [ Read More ]
A Fun, FOODIE Mother/Daughter Weekend in Chicago!
This past weekend, my amazing Mom came to visit me in Chicago. Not only was it so great to spend time with her, but I finally got to share my passion for food with her. She got a glimpse into my new career as a food blogger, my inspiring friends and life that I've built in this incredible city over the last two years. We had a whirlwind of a time and got the opportunity to eat at some amazing spots. If your mom is coming to town, I highly suggest you go to these 6 spots I'm going to tell you ... [ Read More ]
VH1’s Save the Music Event (with a dinner from Stephanie Izard)
I am SO excited to share that one of my favorite charities, VH1 Save The Music Foundation, has decided on Chicago for it's second pop-up dinner in their new event series, ‘Musically Mastered Menu’ on Saturday, August 1 during Lollapalooza weekend. I've always believed that keeping music and arts in the classroom is so important and the VH1 Save the Music Foundation ensures that happens. Since 1998, the foundation has raised over $2.14 million for new musical instruments so that Chicago Public ... [ Read More ]
Top 5 Sushi Spots in Chicago
Every single time I meet someone in Chicago, they always ask me what my favorite restaurant is. Given the nature of what I do, this isn't a strange question, however for me, it's a fully loaded one. With all the incredible restaurants and so many different genres of food in Chicago, how could I ever possibly narrow it down? My follow-up question is always, "Okay give me a type of cuisine." 90% of the time, they say sushi. Having recently come back from a trip to Tokyo, my sushi snobbery ... [ Read More ]