Unforgettable Chicago Weekend: Air & Water Show Spectacle, Culinary Delights, and Joyful Family Reunions

Weekend Waffles: A Taste of Chicago and Beyond

What an absolutely incredible weekend it has been! My heart is truly full with the joy and laughter that comes from having family visit from afar. My wonderful oldest sister, Alessandra, and my equally fantastic brother-in-law, Cassidy, made the trip all the way from vibrant San Francisco, and we’ve truly packed every single moment with unforgettable experiences. It was a complete and delightful coincidence that their visit perfectly aligned with the annual Chicago Air & Water Show – a truly iconic event that transforms our magnificent city skyline into a spectacular aerial theatre. Yesterday, we were lucky enough to witness the legendary Blue Angels soaring and performing breathtaking, precision maneuvers right through the majestic Chicago skyline. And let me tell you, we had the absolute best vantage point in the entire city, watching from one of Chicago’s premier rooftops! The thunderous roar of the jets, the incredible precision of their formations, and the sheer scale of the performance against the backdrop of glittering skyscrapers was nothing short of awe-inspiring. It was an experience that truly left us speechless, a moment of pure wonder that I’ll cherish forever. If you were following along on Snapchat, you might have caught a glimpse of the exhilarating action – I shared a ton of clips! You can still find them if you follow me @blogoverthyme.

Beyond the exhilarating air show, we immersed ourselves fully in the vibrant spirit of Chicago. We embarked on the renowned Chicago Architectural Foundation River Cruise, an absolute must-do for anyone visiting or living in the city. Gliding along the Chicago River, we gained an entirely new perspective on the city’s magnificent architecture, learning fascinating historical anecdotes and intricate architectural insights about each towering skyscraper. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable, and the experience of seeing these urban marvels from the water is truly unparalleled, offering a unique blend of history, design, and breathtaking views. Later, embracing the beautiful summer sun, we enjoyed a refreshing swim in Lake Michigan from the lively Ohio Street Beach. There’s something uniquely invigorating and utterly refreshing about swimming in the vast, clear waters of the lake with the iconic city skyline as your backdrop. It’s a quintessential Chicago summer experience that never gets old!

Our culinary adventures were just as exciting and diverse. We indulged in incredibly flavorful tortas at Rick Bayless’s famous XOCO. This was actually my first time back since we moved here, and it was a delightful reunion with their authentic, rich Mexican flavors. The tortas are legendary – perfectly toasted bread generously filled with succulent slow-cooked meats, vibrant salsas, and crisp fresh toppings. It’s a true explosion of taste and texture in every single bite, a sensory experience not to be missed. And the fun isn’t over yet! We have even more planned for today, including a much-anticipated brunch at River Roast downtown. Known for its stunning riverside views, lively atmosphere, and delicious, shareable plates featuring contemporary American cuisine, it promises to be a fantastic culmination of our weekend festivities and a perfect spot for memorable family dining.

To add to the already overflowing excitement, my parents are actually flying in today for a lovely short visit that will extend through Wednesday! This means even more opportunities to explore, dine, and create wonderful memories in this incredible city, sharing all my favorite Chicago spots with them. I’m so thrilled to have them here and introduce them to more of my Chicago life. Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Snapchat to catch all the fun clips, behind-the-scenes moments, and, of course, every delicious meal and scenic adventure we’ll be enjoying all over the city. It’s going to be a packed, but incredibly joyful and memorable week!

Amidst all the family fun, city explorations, and delicious meals, I still managed to keep an eager eye on some truly amazing culinary creations and brilliant ideas popping up across the web this week. Here’s a curated list of things that have genuinely captured my attention, from indulgent desserts and clever cooking hacks to savory delights and inspiring reads. Get ready for some serious inspiration and perhaps a few additions to your “must-try” list!

• There’s been major excitement this week in the baking world, and Adrianna from A Cozy Kitchen is always at the forefront of delicious innovation. She made an absolutely show-stopping big ass doughnut that literally looks like it belongs in a whimsical cartoon, complete with equally big, vibrant sprinkles! It’s such a fun, playful, and utterly delicious creation that begs to be made for a grand celebration or just to bring a huge, unexpected smile to everyone’s face. You absolutely have to check out her post to see this magnificent, oversized treat in all its glorious, sprinkle-laden beauty.
• With summer peaches at their juicy, sweet peak, I’ve been craving all things peachy, and Jocelyn’s buttery peach crumb bars from Grandbaby Cakes look absolutely divine. Imagine a tender, sweet, and incredibly juicy peach filling nestled perfectly under a rich, buttery, and irresistibly crumbly topping – pure comfort and a perfect way to celebrate the season’s magnificent bounty. Her recipe promises a dessert that’s not only easy to make but also utterly impossible to resist, ideal for sharing at a family gathering or savoring during a quiet, sunny afternoon treat.
• Speaking of unexpectedly indulgent dishes, I spotted this gorgeous and surprisingly luxurious take on succotash from the New York Times, elegantly elevated with the addition of fresh, succulent lobster! This isn’t your average succotash; it’s a sophisticated, vibrant dish combining the sweetness of corn, the creamy texture of lima beans, and other fresh summer vegetables with the delicate, rich sweetness of perfectly cooked lobster. This needs to happen in my kitchen immediately – it sounds like the perfect elegant side or even a light, impressive main course for a special summer occasion.
• My dreams of homemade jam-making have always been tempered by my notorious lack of patience, which is precisely why Billy’s ingenious peach rose quick jam from Wit & Vinegar is an absolute game-changer. This recipe perfectly fulfills my desire for homemade, artisanal jam without requiring hours of meticulous canning and boiling. The delicate floral notes of rose water, beautifully paired with the sweet, fragrant essence of peaches, sound absolutely exquisite. Why, thank you, Billy, for creating such a genius and accessible recipe that even I, with my limited patience, can master! It’s perfect for slathering generously on toast, swirling into creamy yogurt, or even dolloping onto pancakes.
• Just spotted this incredible-looking Kung Pao cauliflower on FoodGawker, and my mind is completely blown! As someone who absolutely loves vibrant, flavorful vegetarian dishes, this recipe from Circus Gardener immediately jumped out at me. It brilliantly transforms humble cauliflower into a spicy, savory, and utterly addictive dish reminiscent of classic Kung Pao chicken, but entirely plant-based. The crispy texture, bold, aromatic flavors, and satisfying heat make it an ideal weeknight meal or a fantastic side dish that will undoubtedly satisfy even the most ardent meat-eaters, proving just how exciting vegetables can be.
• Um, how utterly amazing and uniquely captivating does this smoked sugar ice cream with fig butter swirl from Bojon Gourmet sound?! Seriously, so creative, incredibly intriguing, and utterly sophisticated. The innovative combination of smoky sweetness with the rich, earthy, and fruity notes of fig butter creates a truly sophisticated and utterly unique dessert experience. It’s an elevated ice cream flavor profile that I simply cannot wait to try for myself. This recipe is a true testament to inventive dessert making and promises a memorable taste adventure that will linger on the palate.
• Todd from Honestly Yum consistently makes the most beautiful cocktails ever, and his meticulously crafted banana daiquiri is certainly no exception. Beyond being visually stunning, this recipe comes with the added bonus of a DIY banana rum infusion, which takes the flavor profile to a whole new level of depth and complexity. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience – perfectly suited for a relaxed summer evening, a special celebration, or just to unwind in sophisticated style after a long week. His meticulous approach to mixology always inspires me to elevate my home bartending game.
• One of the consistent challenges for any home cook is keeping fresh herbs vibrant, fragrant, and flavorful for as long as possible. The Kitchn always comes through with practical, brilliant advice, and their article on the best way to preserve fresh herbs is an absolute lifesaver. These five smart, easy-to-implement tips are invaluable for reducing food waste and ensuring you always have fragrant, potent herbs on hand for all your culinary creations. It’s a simple hack that makes a huge, noticeable difference in the kitchen, saving you money and enhancing your cooking.
• My kind of green beans involves bright, bold, and invigorating flavors, and this recipe from Shutterbean for green beans with ginger and lime perfectly fits the bill. It’s a fresh, zesty, and utterly delicious way to transform a humble vegetable side dish into something truly exciting and memorable. The vibrant combination of pungent, warm ginger and tangy, refreshing lime creates a brilliant counterpoint to the crisp-tender beans, making it an ideal accompaniment to almost any meal, especially during the warmer months when light and fresh flavors are most desired.
• Are you familiar with Sarah’s incredible, visually stunning dessert blog, The Sugar Hit? If not, you absolutely should be – it’s genuinely amazing and overflowing with vibrant, creative, and utterly irresistible sweet treats. I was so incredibly thrilled and fortunate to receive her new (and soon-to-be-released!) cookbook this week, and it has already completely blown me away. Seriously, it is hands down one of the coolest, most inspiring, and beautifully designed dessert cookbooks I’ve ever seen. From its stunning photography to its innovative and approachable recipes and witty writing, I basically devoured the entire thing cover to cover in one sitting. The recipes are approachable yet exciting, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for fresh inspiration. I am planning to share a fantastic recipe from the book in the next few weeks once it’s officially launched, but in the meantime, I cannot recommend it enough – you should absolutely pre-order it now so you don’t miss out on this absolute gem when it hits shelves!

What I was cooking one year ago… And speaking of inspiring meals and looking back, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane to what was cooking in my kitchen exactly one year ago today. This particular recipe has remained a firm favorite for excellent reason!

• My Farmer’s Market Hash with Poached Eggs! This remains one of my absolute favorite breakfast or brunch options, especially during the peak of summer and early fall. What I love most about this versatile dish is its incredible flexibility and how beautifully it celebrates seasonal produce. You can truly switch it up with whatever fresh, vibrant veggies you discover at your local farmer’s market this weekend. Think crisp sweet corn, colorful bell peppers, tender zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, or even some earthy leafy greens – anything goes, making it endlessly adaptable! The beauty of a hash lies in its hearty, comforting nature, and when topped with a perfectly poached egg, the rich, runny yolk creates a luxurious sauce that ties all the fresh, savory flavors together. It’s a nutritious, deliciously satisfying, and endlessly customizable meal that perfectly captures the essence of fresh, local ingredients. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed, and it’s a fantastic way to use up those farmer’s market finds!

As you can tell, it’s been a whirlwind of activity, incredibly delicious food, and cherished family moments, with even more excitement still to come this week as my parents arrive. I hope this peek into my weekend adventures, coupled with a generous dose of culinary inspiration from around the web, has brought a little joy, sparked some ideas for your own kitchen experiments, or perhaps inspired your next getaway. Stay tuned for more updates on my social channels, and please don’t hesitate to share your own amazing weekend highlights or favorite summer recipes in the comments below! I always love hearing from you.