The Weekend

This weekend was part of the reason that I decided that it is about damn time I sat my ass down and started writing again. I had some killer experiences trying out some new places in the city and reconnecting with people I haven't seen in days (days meaning 6 months, you'll learn the lingo, trust).

I honestly don't remember what I did Friday night. I'm pretty sure the night consisted of Noodles and Co. and decorating the apt. for Halloween. And don't hate on that holiday decor, I firmly believe it rekindles that excitement you feel as a kid that an upcoming day is in fact more than just a day (or an excuse to but another pair of small shorts and tube socks) and actually something to look forward to. A mini milestone on the month calendar. Anyways, I put some purple,orange, and green lights on the tree in the living room and it is lookin real FC (Fuckin Cute).

Saturday was the day though! I worked all day and finished a project (nothing makes me happier than finishing projects, well some stuff does, but it ranks high on the accomplished/happy meter). That night however I met up with my friend/old boss Chris and our friend Josh. The rule of the night (as stated by me) was no Halsted bars as I'm on a long hiatus and enjoying every second of it.

Bucktown ended up being the winning Locale and a cab ride led me to making the call between a place called Hot Chocolate and a place called Blue Bird for dinner. In situations like this I recite both names in my head and think about which one sounds douchier. Generally the"douchier" one wins based on the concept of mere amusement in saying the name (similar to how I felt the first time I walked with an iced coffee and functioning blackberry in either hand and loved laughing at myself for being "that guy"). Blue Bird sounded too soft but Hot Chocolate sounded perfect for trying to retell a story later.

After getting into Hot Chocolate I knew that A)it is more than likely owned by a lesbian and B) I was going to enjoy myself. The main artistic focal point in the "waiting area" is merely a ladies ass. Just a big ass put on shout to get you nice and hungry.

The restaurant itself though was very good. I got a cold hot chocolate as my first drink and it was a great chocolate martini with shaved chocolate on top. Real nice. And yes, I am aware that a chocolate martini has little to no class factor, BUT, after a long day of work some chocolate milk that comes with a buzz sounded perfect so please don't hate.

The restaurant is a sustainable restaurant so it uses all local area farms. That is a concept I completely stand behind, and though I don't make sustainable dining a priority I def. see it as a bonus.

The place is also the kind that Top Chef style plates are presented to you. I watched countless large plates with swooshes and dots of sauces and a 2 inch by 2 inch piece of chicken walk by so I played it safe and got the burger. A kid needs to eat, ok? Burger was phenominal.

The place is also known for it's desserts so we collectively dug into various mouses and doughnuts and I ordered a 6 dollar artsy peanut butter cup milk shake. The milk shake was nothing but it came paired with two legit nutter butter style cookies and those I could holler at time and time again. Like two cookies made from scratch with a peanut butter mouse filling. You know my fat kid disposition was in full effect. I do not play around when it comes to shit like that, please believe.

Then Brian from the old work came and met up, and then he apparently knew Patrick the pastry chef (as did Josh) and next thing you know we have more desserts sent to the table and I had to just put up the white flag and acknowledge that Hot Chocolate over in Bucktown is in fact, the shit. The desserts, paired with the quirky waitress, and a drunk guy farting real loud while Brian was using the restroom all contributed to me being way ok with that place.

After Hot Chocolate was done, we then decided to head next door to Blue Bird for some drinks. The place seemed chill and we got a bottle of pear champagne but other than that there was nothing that great for me. There was a chubby white girl laying lazily diagonally on the bench next to our table so that was fun to look at. But other than dim lighting and champagne, I have nothing else to report on the place except that it is a good stop between Hot Chocolate and wherever else you go.

The night wrapped at Violet Hour. I was great seeing Josh's reaction as I grab a door handle in the middle of a large piece of graffiti and it was real nice standing under a heat lamp waiting for our table. If you don't know about Violet Hour, the whole concept is of prohibition era and so the place is hidden from street view, plays jazz music and does not carry a traditional bar selection as they use bitters and stuff like that to try and make the experience as authentic as possible. I have never seen photos of a chick from the 20's rocking an asymetrical haircut and tattoos of Paul Frank characters, but it works. They also only allow the amount of people in that they have seating room for. the place is worth checking out and I wish I could write more excitedly about it but I had been there before so that initial awe just wasn't there for round 2.

The night ended on a happy chill note. I was able to come home and climb in bed and watch some tv before crashing. Granted, I was woken up by an underwear clad roommate talking about uterises but still.

The next day (Sunday) was started off by brunch with Keri and her husband at Tavern on Rush where I was treated to aCrab Cake Benadict and great convo. The Hostess also decided to not give us good seating (even after I asked if any of the window tables were available) so after watching some stay empty and some filled over the course of breakfast I had fun giving her "the look" every time she came near. I don't enjoy being an asshole (sometimes) but it was like come on! Keri's husband was in from out of town and I don't think it is that crazy to give prime seating if available. I have my own other side issues with homegirl (nobody that models in Chicago has annnnnnnny right to think they are better than anyone. Let's take some pictures chica and see whose come out better. thanks.) but still, brunch was great.

I then went to the mall with Skip out in Woodfield which was such an amazing escape from my 18 block city bubble that I live in. Returned a sweater, got some coffee, found some art that I liked... all in all a good trip.

The night was finished at the Mint Male magazine launch party at Sky Bar here in Chicago. The event was for a new upstart magazine and they have come into Penguin and extended themselves to us and have told us they would love to work with us. These kind of events can translate into freelance work (sometimes paid, sometimes for credit) so I got all done up in Original Penguin clothing and went to the party to represent both the brand and myself. The Mint Male staff was amazing and the night consisted of champagne and step and repeats so if anything it sounds good on paper. I was pretty spent though so I called it an early evening but was happy I went. I found out upon arrival at the door that my former employee is no the venue's GM so I'm sure there will be stories to come from that establishment as well as pictures from the party.

Come Monday I was back at work and all was well in the world. Well, after my morning iced coffee that it.