Embracing Thirty: A Week of Reflections, Culinary Dreams, and Cherished Finds

What a whirlwind week it has been! The past seven days have unfolded with a remarkable blend of travel, creative work, and a significant personal milestone. I just returned late Sunday evening from a rejuvenating trip to California, where the vibrant landscapes and refreshing change of scenery provided a perfect backdrop for contemplation. Shortly after settling back in, I was thrilled to share my newest recipe video, a project I poured a lot of passion into and which I hope brings a little Mediterranean sunshine to your kitchen. But the absolute highlight, or perhaps the most thought-provoking event, was celebrating my thirtieth birthday on Tuesday. Yes, the big 3-0! I won’t sugarcoat it; stepping into a new decade feels undeniably surreal.

For weeks leading up to my birthday, I found myself wrestling with a mixture of excitement and a touch of disbelief. While everyone seems to offer glowing reviews of this next chapter of life, I have to admit, I haven’t quite wrapped my head around it. The twenties, a decade filled with so much growth, learning, and self-discovery, are officially behind me. It’s a strange sensation, knowing that a significant era has concluded, paving the way for the unknown adventures of my thirties. Though I typically find birthdays to be a bit anti-climactic, this one truly felt different, marking a profound shift. Our actual birthday celebration was a quiet affair, a testament to both Connor’s busy work schedule and our preference for a more intimate moment. We opted for a quick take-out meal from one of our cherished neighborhood spots – a place that feels like home with its comforting flavors – and toasted to the new decade with a small, celebratory bottle of champagne. It was simple, heartfelt, and exactly what we needed to mark the occasion without all the fanfare.

Anticipating Culinary Excellence: A Michelin-Starred Experience at Grace

The true celebration, however, has been carefully orchestrated and is scheduled for tomorrow! Months ago, we meticulously planned and secured a reservation at Grace, nestled in the heart of Chicago’s renowned West Loop. My excitement is barely contained; I can hardly wait for this experience. Grace holds a special place on my culinary bucket list, a distinction it shares with only one other establishment in the entire city: it is one of just two restaurants in Chicago to have been awarded the coveted three Michelin Stars. Since moving to this incredible food city, dining at Grace has been a dream, a pinnacle of gastronomic artistry I’ve yearned to experience. To further fuel my anticipation and provide a deeper understanding of the restaurant’s ethos, I recently watched the compelling documentary For Grace on Netflix. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it; it offers a fascinating glimpse into the dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of perfection that defines such high-level culinary ventures. The film not only heightened my appreciation for what goes into creating an experience like Grace but also underscored the incredible talent and sacrifice involved in achieving such accolades. I’m already envisioning the meticulous plating, the innovative flavor combinations, and the impeccable service that awaits us. I promise to share all my thoughts, observations, and perhaps even a few tempting snaps on Instagram stories next week, detailing every unforgettable moment of our Michelin-starred adventure.

My Weekly Obsessions: Kitchen Discoveries, Style Staples, and Creative Inspirations

Beyond the personal milestones and grand dining plans, this week has also been rich with delightful discoveries and cherished items that have truly elevated my daily life. Here are a few things that have captured my affection and made my week a little brighter:

Clever Kitchen Upgrades & Culinary Delights

• Game-Changing Mason Jar Lids: During my California trip, I stumbled upon a fantastic culinary store in Oakland called Preserved. As the name suggests, it’s a haven for all things fermentation – think rows of beautiful jars, starters, and unique tools. While browsing, I discovered these ingenious plastic replacement lids for standard glass mason jars. They are an absolute revelation and a huge improvement over those notoriously annoying, rust-prone metal lids. If you’re like me and use mason jars constantly for everything from storing leftovers to making overnight oats, these durable, easy-to-clean plastic lids are a must-have. I’ve even heard whispers that they can be found at Target, making them even more accessible! This small switch has brought an unexpected level of convenience to my kitchen routine.
• Comforting Zucchini Pasta Bake: This week, I found myself drawn to a recipe for a zucchini pasta bake, and it did not disappoint. It’s incredibly cheesy, satisfying, and exactly the kind of hearty, comforting dish I crave after a busy day. The hidden zucchini adds a nice touch of vegetables without compromising on flavor, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The melty cheese, tender pasta, and fresh zucchini create a harmonious blend that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Garlic Confit: Earlier this week, I made a fresh batch of my favorite garlic confit, and I’ve been incorporating it into everything imaginable. The slow cooking process in olive oil renders the garlic cloves incredibly tender, sweet, and spreadable, while the infused oil becomes a golden elixir of flavor. It’s a true kitchen workhorse! I’ve been using the soft cloves and fragrant oil to elevate simple tomato sauces, giving them an instant depth of flavor, adding a gourmet touch to my homemade hummus, and, of course, for dipping crusty bread – a simple pleasure that never gets old. If you haven’t tried making garlic confit, I urge you to; it’s a small effort that yields tremendous culinary rewards.
• Irresistible Cherry Ice Cream: When I saw the mention of making cherry ice cream with roasted fruit, I didn’t need to be told twice. The idea of deeply flavored, caramelized cherries folded into a creamy, cool ice cream base sounds like pure summer bliss. Roasting the fruit intensifies its sweetness and brings out an incredible depth that fresh fruit alone can’t achieve, promising an unparalleled dessert experience. My sweet tooth is already tingling at the thought!
• Effortless Korean Short Ribs: These grilled sweet and gingery Korean short ribs instantly reminded me of a beloved dish at one of our absolute favorite local restaurants. The blend of sweet, savory, and a hint of ginger is simply addictive. What’s even better is how surprisingly easy they are to prepare at home, making them a fantastic option for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend barbecue. The tenderness of the short ribs combined with that distinctive marinade is pure perfection.
• Craving Battered Avocado Tacos: You know those cravings that hit you hard? Well, I desperately want to devour these beer-battered avocado tacos. The idea of crispy, golden-brown avocado, nestled in a warm tortilla with vibrant toppings, sounds like a textural and flavor explosion. The richness of the avocado paired with the crunch of the batter is a combination I simply cannot resist. Do you feel me on this one?

Style & Home Finds

• My Favorite Black Leggings: I finally caved and ordered a new pair of these black leggings, and I have zero regrets. I purchased a different color last year, and they quickly became the most comfortable, flattering, and versatile pair of leggings I own. They strike the perfect balance between softness and support, making them ideal for everything from lounging at home to running errands or even a casual workout. Investing in quality basics like these makes getting dressed so much easier and more enjoyable.
• Exquisite Sarah Kersten Ceramics: As a treat for myself, I splurged on two absolutely gorgeous speckled egg Sarah Kersten ceramics. I discovered them at a tiny, beautifully curated shop in my sister’s neighborhood in California, and it was love at first sight. The craftsmanship, the unique speckled glaze, and the elegant forms are simply breathtaking. These aren’t just functional pieces; they’re true works of art that bring immense joy every time I look at them. I adore them so much, and honestly, there are no regrets about this delightful acquisition. They bring a touch of artisanal beauty to my kitchen.

Inspiration & Beauty

• A Lifesaving Summer Reading List: My summer reading has been, well, practically non-existent as of late, unless you count the stack of cookbooks by my bedside (which, let’s be honest, I often do!). So, this incredibly helpful reading list has been a godsend for sparking new ideas and helping me carve out time for actual literature. It’s filled with compelling titles that promise to transport me to different worlds, a much-needed escape from daily routines. I’m eager to dive into some of these recommendations.
• Captivating Cafe au Lait Dahlias: While visiting my sister, I spotted these absolutely stunning cafe au lait dahlias at her local farmer’s market. Their ethereal, blush-toned petals and impressive size instantly captivated me. They have officially claimed the title of my new all-time favorite flower. I truly cannot deal with how beautiful they are; their delicate yet dramatic presence is simply mesmerizing. They perfectly embody the quiet beauty of summer.

This past week has been a powerful reminder of how much can happen in such a short span of time – from significant life transitions to simple, everyday joys. I’m looking forward to embracing all that the thirties have to offer, starting with tomorrow’s grand culinary adventure. Stay tuned for more updates, and I hope you found some inspiration in my weekly loves!