August 20, 2010

Jewish Penicillin

However much I'd like to follow that title of the blog and talk about something like Matzo Ball Soup (like that which Van Wilder gives to sick boy in that fantastic film), I regret to inform, that's not so much the case. I have been feeling really drained despite my healthy eating (minus a couple of glasses of wine here and there and a slight obsession with gummies and/or dark chocolate). It's probably a result of my over-planning my schedule (which I'm working on...I even got a new planner to better manage my schedule) and consequential lack of sleep, I'm also putting myself on a new regimen, effective starting earlier this week, which comprises of a few components:
1. Supplement: In addition to eating healthy, I'm going to include more vitamin and mineral supplements to test out if these products have any affect on my well-being. I purchased a couple of items this morning at CVS Pharmacy (and although they were not included on my FSA--Flex Spending Account--Card, I feel as though they were well worth the purchase price). I purchased items that I remember I used to take living with my dietitian mother growing up, so figured I was on the right track with my selection.
  • Calcium Chews: Bone strength
  • Vitamin C: 500 MG, supports immune system health
  • B-12: 250 MG, supports circulatory and nerve health (heard it helps with hangovers, which unfortunately, I should probably try since I do love my wine as I mentioned earlier)
  • One-A-Day Women's Vitamins: I used to work on this brand when I was employed at my previous place of work. Although I hated working there, I did enjoy their products.
  • Protein: I try to always remind myself to have enough protein. If I was stranded on an island, I could probably survive on carbohydrates and sugar. Give me a loaf of wheat bread and a pack of Twizzlers and I would be happy as a clam. I'm a huge fan of protein bars, an item I'll blog about in the near future. One of my favorite types are Zone Bars, Fudge Graham flavor and also Peanut Butter flavor.
2. Chug: I'm constantly reminding myself to drink more water (at least 4-6 20 FL OZ bottles per day at work, which is more challenging than I had originally anticipated). Especially if I workout in the morning, I try to have at least 2 smaller water bottles of refills before 10:00am. Yes, I pee a good deal, but my headaches went away, so it's an equal trade off in my opinion.

3. Find New Muscles: If you like to "plank" then you should try Dailey Method (I wish I could afford to do it daily). Even if you hate planks (I'm included in this categorization) this is a "must." Thanks to a co-worker of mine, I've been able to re-discover my inner thighs, my upper triceps, my core, and my butt. Walking out of these classes, I feel like 1 million bucks. They are challenging yet relaxing at the same time, given that they incorporate stretching & strengthening at the same time. Although they aren't necessarily cheap, I feel as though they are well worth it. I feel rehabilitated and realigned after doing (what I originally thought was) an hour of semi-awkward movements wearing mini booties on my feet and standing in a room filled to the brim with Lulu Lemon tanks. Never fear! Dailey Method is here. Sign up online. I highly recommend.
View the Dailey Method Site.

4. Organize: I have always been an organized person. However, I recently moved to Wicker Park, and somewhere in there, my organization took a pause. I felt more overwhelmed if I didn't remember that I had agreed to a dinner or plans with a friend, got really exhausted, and just decided to purchase a new teal planner. It starts with the "normal" size dates on September 1 2010 (so what I have filled out that is partially visible in the photo is my notes to myself on the final weeks of August). I actually ended up heading over to Barnes and Noble after some all day drinking (nice) and picked up this little inexpensive $20.00 planner.
Visit the Barnes and Noble Site for the simple bright colored planners here from roughly $15-$40 dollars. A steal if you ask me! My Type A self is back on track again. Phew!

August 18, 2010

The Roof! The Roof! The Roof is on Fire!

Shout out to any New Trier Trevian out there who remembers chanting "the roof is on fire" during football games or basketball games. Speaking of the roof, let's talk about my experience Tuesday night at Zed 451. We ventured to that location for a work party to celebrate launching new web pages for our company, by consuming large quantities of alcohol. I have always been extremely impressed with the rooftop at this venue, and would highly recommend it to anyone searching for a good party location with a group of anywhere from 20 people to 40 people. We were lucky enough to pick a night where it was supposed to rain but fortunately it only sprinkled for 2 minutes and then stopped. Transportation from our place of work to the happy hour was an easy feat, given that free shuttles were provided and one was waiting outside our building at 20 S Wacker. It was early (which was nice) so Type A Mish was happy. If anyone has seen ridiculous looking black painted shuttles with meats and fire on them, it would certainly be a Zed 451 bus. Not as bad as the Brazzaz outdoor billboard advertisements with Ozzie on them holding meat skewers, but it's still on the medal stand. I must say that, although borderline unnecessary, those darn things certainly help to publicize the restaurant.

Our event planner for the evening (who was wearing a low cut champagne colored crop top at 11:30am when my co-worker and I made our way over there to explore and reserve the space-well done) explained that customer typically start their evening with a choice of salads, soups, charcuterie, and breads from their "Harvest Tables." Shortly following, the entire table of people will receive an unlimited sampling of Zed 451 signature dishes (fire-grilled over charcoal). Obviously that's not exactly what our experience was with 30+ people on the roof Eastern area, but we did enjoy a sampling of a multitude of dishes. I couldn't blog about them yesterday, considering that I was soo hungover I didn't really even remember walking home from the blue line, seeing a co-worker on the blue line (or taking the blue line in general--what other person, aside from a penny pinching Jew, would decide to take public transportation from a work party after 6+ glasses of wine?).

Our Menu:
Goat Cheese Flat Bread
Veggie Flat Bread
Meats and Cheeses (the Goat Brie was amazing)
Mini Crab Cake Sandwiches
Mini Veggie Burger Sliders
Mini Steak Sliders with Caramelized Onions
Fried Lobster Bites
Marinated Figs
Apricot Brie Yummies
Corn Salsa Crackers
Veggie Flat Bread
Mango Chutney
Mini Cupcakes (Red Velvet was the best)
Mini S'More bites

Here is the link to the Zed 451 Blog.
Here is the link to the Zed 451 Entertaining Floor Plan(s).

Cheers (and my advise is to not take public transportation home after visiting this venue).
Mish

August 16, 2010

That's What She Said


I bought a melon baller and used it for the first time on Sunday. As an understatement, I was excited to use this new tool (to the point where I choreographed a dance routine to our sorority pseudo "anthem" called "Percolator"and changed out the words from "it's time for the percolator" to "it's time for the melon baller."). I kind of felt like I had become my mother, in the way that we'd sometimes give her funny looks when she would be doing jazz and or tap dance moves while cleaning the kitchen floor to Annie Lennox. I far surpassed that on Sunday afternoon while rhythmically making balls of melon. What a perfect transition to link back to the title that I chose for this post....basically, when it involves the melon baller, there is no way to talk about the end product without a handful of (much enjoyed) snickering comments ending with "that's what she said, Mish." (Example 1: Would anyone like some balls? They are cold and wet! Oey vay.)

We decided to have a very casual Sunday for some of Doug's (and now my) friends to stop over and join us on our roof deck to listen to the Top Gun Soundtrack and watch the final day of the Air and Water Show (while celebrating the inaugural usage of Doug's new meat smoker!). Welcome to Chicago Blair, Marc, and Brian. I couldn't help to write their names on the chalk board. I like when people feel special!

Smoker and baller united for rooftop greatness. What an excellent Sunday. I took the lead with the side salads and the hosting aspects of the day, while Doug focused on the smoking of the ribs that he purchased a few days earlier (from this really sketchy meat market in the West Loop that is one big fridge basically, and people on the website blog said it reminded them of a morgue--sounds li
ke a place any guy would dream of with meats hanging from the ceiling).

I have included the Martha Stewart Recipes I used below from the book "Great Food Fast." It's absolutely excellent. Click Here to View the Book & Purchase. In addition, I added in the cilantro recipe below. I just wanted to put a photo of Doug's ribs, since that was the main purpose of our Sunday (the salads below were just a fresh and healthy side to contrast the smoked meat).


Cantaloupe Mint Salad
Ingredients:
1 Ripe Cantaloupe
8 ounces (1 container circle size) of mozzarella balls (fresh)
1/4 pound prosciutto, cut it into strips & I pull off excess fat from the ends
1 tablespoon (I added a tad more) of lemon juice
Salt & Pepper
1/4 cup chopped mint (it says to tear it, but I used a knife)

Directions:
1. Use that melon baller baby! It's time for the melon baller! (Make balls out of the cantaloupe. Put them into a bowl).
2. Cut the mozzarella balls in halves. Add them to the bowl.
3. Mix in the strips of prosciutto.
4. Add in the salt, pepper, lemon, and mint. Mix with your hands.
5. Enjoy handling the balls to ensure they are coated evenly. That's what she said. (Who started that saying anyways. It's pretty stupid but for some reason it apparently stuck).

Cucumber Radish Slaw
Ingredients:
2 seedless cucumbers
6 radishes (one bunch)
3 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Teaspoon Splenda (or regular white sugar. I just love Splenda. Sorry I know it's not great for you).

Directions:
1. Cut the skin off the cucumbers. Cut them in half short-way. Get out a grater. Trust me on this. Use the side that you'd typically utilize to grate cheese into shreds. Use it on the cucumbers and grate all 4 pieces.
4. Use a spaghetti strainer & strain the cucumber shreds. They have too much water on them for the salad to actually be good and not get soggy within the first 5 minutes it sits out. If it helps to pat it with paper towels, DO IT!
5. Mix in the radishes. Cut the radishes in thin disks. If there is a secret to doing this, then let me know if you find out. I'd like to know.
6. Refrigerate until serving time.

Cilantro Pesto
Ingredients:
3 Garlic cloves
2 cups fresh cilantro (I used a little more because Doug is obsessed)
1/4 cup olive oil drizzle
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1/2 a lemon worth of juice
salt and pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon each)

Directions:
1. Place garlic and cilantro into food processor. PULSE IT.
2. While pulsing, add in the oils, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
3. Put in the fridge along with the cucumber slaw.

August 15, 2010

A New Leaf: Served Good Fish & Beef


Friday wedding. Never been to one before. After changing in my work restroom (super classy) and plugging in the good old straightener at the white counter top (like my close friend co-workers and I do before venturing outside the building walls) I was was ready to head to Lincoln Park for a 6:00pm reception. A friend of Doug's from his Australian Rules Football Team was getting married, an interesting character sporting a euro-mullet and unshaven face (just the way his bride preferred, I learned--one of many reasons why they are a great match). I tracked the 11 bus, which could take me pretty darn close. I think after this weekend especially (I used the CTA buses for all transportation) I may do an ode to joy regarding the CTA Bus Tracker and how helpful and cost effective it proves to be! I arrived at a new leaf, fixing my makeup after being in 98 degree weather and walking in a silk dress (better than Doug's seersucker suit & worse yet, his friends' wool suit that he wore on Friday!).

Overall, the venue was a gorgeous spot for a smaller event--just note that, unlike some venues, there is little space to expand past a certain volume of people (how nice that we--Doug--was included in this special occasion!), since there really isn't any extra room on the dance floor, which we later found out. The space is split into a few different areas: front entry way (4+ smaller tables of 4 seats each for socializing and/or eating later in the night), two stair cases leading to a platform on a second floor containing a wide stairway (which we pretended to dance like Frank Sinatra while walking up and down like really cool people) to the dance floor. The dance floor definitely wasn't necessarily big
in size, but what I thought was hilarious and fitting to the funny crowd of wedding guests, was that they decided to include a bar in that area as well (obviously a priority to the family and friends of the bride and groom, which I certainly respect). Dance floor size aside, we were certainly able to fit in a good amount of (really bad) dance moves, like the sprinkler, etc. My neck is still sore a few days later, so apparently the space didn't hinder any kick ball changes or the fact that we decided to do "double dutch" on the dance floor.

The space is very simple, which can be an excellent opportunity to personalize the walls, coloring, lighting per the look and feel of the event. It's mostly exposed brick walls, which I absolutely love. I can also envision an interesting opportunity for some fabric to be incorporated into the overall look and feel (maybe fun stripes could further set the mood depending on the event). There was a gorgeous centerpiece where the buffet was located. I included it in a photo that I took from near the dance floor (above it) so I could capture how gorgeous it was. An aspect that I was slightly skeptical about given the smaller size of the venue, was the food selection. However, my second guessing was not necessary. The fish was fresh and well prepared, the steak was nicely done and not overcooked, and the side dishes (corn rice dish, side cranberry salad, and mashed potatoes) were simple and worked well with the overall menu selection. It wasn't a formal si
t down dinner, but rather guests had the option of eating in the smaller area outside (with white lights strung, very "homey") or at one of the tables upfront. We ate outside for a bit before it was about to downpour. Then of course, I got some Twizzlers from my purse (no shock). I had to include a photo since they really hit the spot (I know they are tacky, but I'm the queen of "I have food and a survival kit in my purse"). A further demonstration of how much I enjoy a good sweets table at weddings.

Overall, A New Leaf is a warm and quaint spot that's easy to personalize. It's in a great location (not too far North, not too far South) in a fun neighborhood. I would recommend this space for any important life moment (50th Birthday, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Graduation Party, or Fundraiser). Click to view Venue Photos

I can't wait to plan an event here!

Cheers,
Mish


Welcome to the (Cuticle) Danger Zone.


I decided to relax on Friday and get a manicure, somewhere close to work. I NEVER treat myself to manicures. Maybe it's because my Jewish father always told me "not to spend my money in one place," and I always felt guilty shelling out the extra $20.00+ for someone else to paint my nails. Thus, the reason I was extra excited to reward myself for helping to carry boxes up 6 flights of stairs and clean the floors constantly to wipe up the trail movers and delivery people had left behind. That having been said, I decided to do so since I had a wedding on Friday (our first Friday wedding at A New Leaf in Lincoln Park) and had been moving over the past 2 weeks (and just wanted to not feel like my hands were just soaked in battery acid & clean up my cuticles). I took a trip across the street from work, to a small yet generally well reviewed place called the Nail Station (at Ogilvy Transportation Center). I made my way over to this venue and was helped immediately, and got right in for an appointment. I felt pretty good about it. I was ready to just have someone else make my hands feel pretty again.

Not so fast, Mish! Someone is going to cut your cuticles. And by cut I mean, make the skin on my ring finger bleed. Yes, bleed. Horray! What a great lunch time surprise! I know that I probably only have about 10 friends who read this blog, but if you happen to be one of them, I highly advise you to stay away from the cuticle danger zone, i.e. Nail Station at Ogilvy. The people there seriously don't really pay too much attention to what they are doing because they are so concerned about turnaround time between customers. Of course, that's understandable given that it's in the train station & people don't have tons of time to waste. However, that's not translation for "Please stare at customers walking in the door while you are working on my manicure so that you accidentally cut me. Thanks!"

I would not suggest a visit here. Just wait until the next day and go to another location with better reviews, perhaps not in a train station. Sorry to over share, but it hurt. Photo for proof! See my ring finger? Ouch!