Weekend Culinary Adventures: Chicago Restaurant Week, Birthday Feasts & Inspiring Food Finds

This past weekend was an absolute whirlwind of flavor and celebration, truly a memorable experience. We marked Connor’s birthday in style, indulging in not one, but two fantastic dinner outings! Taking full advantage of Chicago’s renowned Restaurant Week, we embarked on a culinary journey across the city. Friday evening saw us at Balena, an exquisite Italian-inspired eatery known for its vibrant atmosphere and inventive dishes. The following night, Saturday, we ventured to Tete Charcuterie, a charming spot celebrated for its artisanal charcuterie and elevated American cuisine. Chicago Restaurant Week is always a highlight on the city’s gastronomic calendar, offering a unique opportunity to explore diverse culinary landscapes at special price points, and this year certainly delivered.

At Balena, the star of the evening was undoubtedly their squid ink tagliolini. This visually striking pasta dish was a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring delicate strands of black pasta perfectly al dente, tossed with succulent crab meat and a luxurious touch of sea urchin. The briny sweetness of the crab combined with the subtle, creamy notes of the sea urchin created an unforgettable umami experience that truly captured the essence of the ocean. The ambiance was lively, yet intimate, making for a perfect birthday celebration. Moving on to Tete Charcuterie, we were equally impressed. Their lamb vindaloo meatballs with aloo gobi custard were an unexpected delight, blending bold Indian-inspired spices with sophisticated culinary techniques. The meatballs were tender and packed with aromatic flavor, while the accompanying aloo gobi custard provided a creamy, subtly spiced counterpoint that harmonized beautifully. Each meal was a testament to Chicago’s thriving food scene, providing not just sustenance but an immersive dining adventure that left us feeling utterly spoiled and inspired.

Beyond our delicious dining experiences, the week was also filled with discovering a plethora of inspiring recipes, thought-provoking articles, and exciting new products. As I often do, I’ve curated a collection of my favorite links and findings from the past few days, ranging from innovative breakfast ideas to intriguing insights into our culinary habits. These are the gems that caught my eye and sparked my imagination, and I’m eager to share them with you.

• Savory oatmeal with roasted butternut squash! For those who typically associate oatmeal with sweet toppings, this recipe is a game-changer. It transforms a breakfast staple into a wholesome, satisfying meal that can easily double as a light lunch. The combination of creamy oats with the sweetness of roasted butternut squash, fragrant sage, and the nutty crunch of walnut pesto creates a complex flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. I am absolutely into this idea; it’s a fantastic way to introduce more vegetables and diverse flavors into your morning routine, proving that oats are far more versatile than traditionally perceived.

• This coconut blood orange lassi has my name written all over it. The vibrant color of blood oranges combined with the tropical richness of coconut milk sounds like a dream. Lassi, a traditional Indian yogurt-based drink, is typically refreshing, and this vegan version offers a delightful twist. It’s perfect for a healthy breakfast, a revitalizing afternoon pick-me-up, or even as a light dessert. The zesty sweetness of the blood orange paired with the creamy, subtle sweetness of coconut creates an exotic and utterly delicious beverage that’s both hydrating and incredibly flavorful. I can almost taste the sunshine in every sip!

• An incredibly fascinating article from The Atlantic delves into the surprising link between taste preference for healthy foods and income level. This piece sheds light on the complex socioeconomic factors that influence our dietary choices and preferences, particularly from a young age. It explores how access to diverse, high-quality, and often more expensive fresh produce and nutrient-dense foods can shape an individual’s palate over time, creating a preference for healthier options among higher-income demographics. The article prompts important questions about food education, accessibility, and the broader implications for public health and nutrition policy. It’s a thought-provoking read that goes beyond simple food choices to examine systemic influences.

• Prepare yourselves for the most insane fries ever. Seriously, these are not your average French fries. We’re talking about a glorious mountain of crispy fries smothered in buffalo chicken, then generously drowned in a rich, bubbly beer cheese fondue. This is the ultimate comfort food indulgence, perfect for a casual gathering, a game day spread, or simply when you need to treat yourself to something utterly decadent. The combination of spicy buffalo chicken, savory cheese, and crispy potatoes is an explosion of flavor and texture that is completely irresistible. It’s a culinary masterpiece for those who believe that more is definitely more.

• With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, these cute linzer heart cookies are the perfect treat to bake and share. Linzer cookies, with their characteristic cutout centers revealing a sweet jam filling, are not only delicious but also incredibly charming. This heart-shaped version, likely filled with a vibrant cherry jam, makes them an ideal festive gift or a delightful addition to any romantic celebration. The delicate, buttery shortbread-like cookie combined with the fruity sweetness of the jam creates a classic flavor profile that everyone loves. They’re a lovely way to show affection through homemade goodness.

• This article from The Atlantic offers a fascinating defense of the phenomenon that is instagramming your food. In an age where every meal seems to be documented, this piece delves into the cultural significance and personal enjoyment derived from sharing culinary experiences online. It argues that food photography can be a form of artistic expression, a way to connect with others, and a method of preserving memories. Obviously, I’m guilty of snapping a few (or many!) food photos myself. The article really resonated with me, prompting me to consider the broader implications of this modern habit. What are your thoughts on food Instagramming? Is it a beautiful art form, a fun pastime, or an annoying trend?

• Roasted cauliflower soup. Yep, I definitely need this in my life. Roasting cauliflower brings out its natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that boiling simply can’t achieve. This soup promises to be creamy, comforting, and incredibly wholesome, making it a perfect meal for a chilly evening or a light, healthy lunch. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy vegetables, transforming a humble cauliflower into a luxurious and satisfying dish. I envision it garnished with some fresh herbs or a drizzle of good olive oil, a perfect embodiment of simple, elegant cooking.

• More cardamom things are always a good idea, especially when they come in donut form! Cardamom is one of my absolute favorite spices; its unique, aromatic, slightly citrusy, and floral notes add an unparalleled warmth to baked goods. These lemon cardamom spiced longjohns sound like a truly elevated donut experience. Imagine a soft, fluffy donut dough infused with fragrant cardamom, perhaps glazed with a bright, zesty lemon icing. It’s a sophisticated twist on a classic treat that would be perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. This recipe is definitely moving to the top of my must-try baking list.

• Did you guys happen to catch this olive oil piece on 60 Minutes a few weeks ago? If not, it’s incredibly insightful and absolutely worth watching! The segment exposed some shocking truths about the olive oil industry, particularly regarding mislabeling and fraud in the market. It highlighted the importance of knowing how to identify and purchase high-quality, authentic extra virgin olive oil, which is crucial for both flavor and health benefits. The documentary offered practical tips for consumers and shed light on the rigorous standards truly premium olive oil producers adhere to. It completely changed the way I look at my pantry staple, emphasizing the value of investing in good, traceable olive oil.

• I basically want to drink this smoothie every single day. The idea of a toasted coconut creamsicle smoothie conjures images of tropical paradise and refreshing indulgence. It sounds like a perfect blend of creamy coconut, bright citrus (like an orange creamsicle), and the irresistible warmth of toasted coconut flakes. This smoothie promises to be not only delicious but also a fantastic way to kickstart your day or enjoy a healthy snack. It’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors that would be incredibly satisfying and invigorating, perfect for anyone craving a taste of summer in the depths of winter.

• These wine braised short ribs would make an absolutely fantastic Valentine’s Day dinner. There’s something inherently romantic and luxurious about slow-cooked, tender short ribs bathed in a rich, aromatic wine sauce. The long braising process yields incredibly succulent meat that practically melts in your mouth, infused with deep, complex flavors from the wine, herbs, and aromatics. To truly complete this elegant meal, soft polenta is absolutely required. Its creamy texture provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up all the exquisite sauce, creating a harmonious and utterly delightful culinary experience. It’s a dish designed to impress and comfort.

• My talented friend Lindsay has once again proven her culinary genius by turning some of my favorite ingredients into a gorgeous layered cake. This chocolate chip passionfruit naked cake sounds like pure bliss. The concept of a “naked” cake, with minimal frosting on the sides, highlights the beautiful layers and fillings, creating a rustic yet elegant aesthetic. The combination of classic chocolate chips with the tangy, exotic brightness of passionfruit is unexpectedly brilliant and perfectly balanced. It truly feels like she can read my mind or something, creating exactly the kind of dessert that perfectly marries comfort with a touch of the adventurous. It’s a showstopper that I’m eager to try.

• A gorgeous charred salsa verde that is absolutely calling my name! The act of charring the tomatillos, onions, and chilies before blending them adds an incredible depth of smoky flavor that elevates a simple salsa to something extraordinary. This method intensifies the natural sweetness of the vegetables while introducing a rustic, savory dimension. Salsa verde is incredibly versatile, perfect for topping tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, or simply serving with tortilla chips. This recipe promises a vibrant, flavorful, and wonderfully authentic Mexican condiment that is far superior to any store-bought version. I can already imagine its zesty kick!

• I love the sound of this polaroid printer and, more specifically, how she uses it for journaling. In an increasingly digital world, there’s a unique charm in having tangible photographs to cherish. This portable printer allows you to instantly print photos from your phone, transforming digital memories into physical keepsakes. Its application in bullet journaling is particularly genius—it provides a wonderful way to visually document experiences, add a personal touch to your daily entries, and preserve memories easily and creatively. It’s a fantastic tool for anyone who loves scrapbooking, journaling, or simply wants to bring their digital photos to life in a fun, accessible way.