Weekly Mix: Settling In, Savoring Chicago, and Global Discoveries
Embracing Change: Moving Day and a Grateful Pause
The exhilarating chaos of moving day has finally arrived! Today marks a significant milestone as we officially transition all of our belongings to the new apartment. My ambitions are high for diving straight into unpacking, hoping to transform stacks of boxes into a home as quickly as possible. This period of transition, while incredibly exciting, has also brought its fair share of challenges, and I’m eager to share more about our new space and the journey of settling in very soon. The process of packing and relocating has certainly highlighted the effort and meticulous planning that goes into creating a comfortable and inspiring living environment, and I’m excited for the fresh start.
I want to extend a massive thank you to each and every one of you for your incredible patience and understanding. The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of international travel, intense packing, and dedicated work on exciting future projects, all of which unfortunately led to a less-than-usual posting schedule. Between the lingering effects of jet lag from our recent travels, the daunting task of packing up an entire life, and deep dives into new creative ventures, the demands took a greater toll than I had anticipated. Your continued support, even when things are a bit quiet on my end, truly means the world and fuels my passion for sharing engaging content. I appreciate you sticking with me through this busy period!
Savoring Chicago: Culinary Journeys and Local Gems
Despite living amidst a veritable tornado of boxes and bubble wrap these past five days, there was a truly remarkable experience that offered a wonderful escape and a dose of inspiration. Yesterday, I had the immense pleasure of joining my dear friend Teri from No Crumbs Left for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour at one of Chicago’s most revered food institutions: Publican Quality Meats. This establishment holds a special place in my heart, known for its exceptional quality, commitment to sustainable sourcing, and dedication to craft, making this invitation an absolute highlight during an otherwise chaotic week. It was a perfect reminder of Chicago’s vibrant and diverse culinary landscape.
A Deep Dive into Deliciousness: Charcuterie and Artisanal Bread Production
Our visit to Publican Quality Meats was nothing short of spectacular, an immersive experience into the heart of artisanal food production. We were treated to the most breathtaking and spectacular charcuterie board I have ever seen – a true work of art brimming with an exquisite selection of house-cured meats, artisan cheeses, beautifully pickled vegetables, and fresh accompaniments. Every bite was a testament to their unwavering commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients and executing with masterful precision. It was an unforgettable culinary experience that perfectly showcased the richness and innovation of Chicago’s dynamic food scene, highlighting how a focus on quality truly elevates simple ingredients.
The absolute highlight for this self-proclaimed bread fanatic was undoubtedly our comprehensive visit to the bakery next door. Here, Publican Quality Meats’ dedicated team works tirelessly to produce an astounding 9,000 pounds of fresh, naturally fermented bread every single week. Witnessing the scale, the meticulousness, and the pure passion of their operation was genuinely inspiring. From the careful mixing of the dough to the precise shaping and baking, every step is a labor of love that results in exceptional quality. If you followed my Instagram stories from the event, you might have recognized the head baker, Greg Wade. Greg is prominently featured in the new Netflix documentary, Sustainable! – a show I highly recommend watching, especially if you are local to Chicago, as it offers incredible insights into sustainable food practices and the passionate individuals driving them. To see such a master at work, crafting loaves with such care and expertise, and understanding the philosophy behind truly sustainable bread production, was a profoundly exciting and educational moment for me.
Global Adventures and Upcoming Guides: Japan and Chicago
Aside from these recent local culinary adventures, my attention has also been firmly fixed on the incredible memories from our recent trip to Japan. I’m currently embarking on the monumental, albeit enjoyable, task of sifting through roughly 3,000+ photos and countless notes from our unforgettable journey! This is a true labor of love, and I promise a comprehensive full recap and a detailed travel guide in the next few weeks. I’m diligently curating all the best tips, must-see spots, and culinary recommendations to help you plan your own dream Japanese adventure, ensuring you have access to the most authentic and memorable experiences. Expect insights into vibrant city life, serene landscapes, and, of course, unparalleled Japanese cuisine.
But before we journey to the East through our travelogue, I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that next week I’ll be sharing my very first, highly anticipated Chicago restaurant guide! This project has been a long time coming, driven by my deep love for this city’s food scene, and I truly cannot wait for you to see it. If you’re a resident of this incredible city, or if you’re planning a visit soon (and let me tell you, with the warm weather and outdoor dining, this is absolutely the best time of year to explore Chicago!), you will definitely want to bookmark this guide. It’s packed with my personal favorite dining experiences, from hidden gems to iconic establishments, designed to help you navigate Chicago’s diverse and delicious culinary landscape with confidence and excitement. Consider it your essential companion for truly savoring Chicago.
Weekly Wonders: Inspiring Discoveries from My Feed
Amidst the ongoing whirlwind of moving and content creation, I always find a moment to gather a few things that have truly caught my eye and sparked my interest this week. Here’s a curated mix of inspirations, insights, and delightful finds from across the web that I think you’ll enjoy, offering a moment of calm and discovery amidst the chaos:
Cinematic Exploration: The *For Grace* Documentary
During our flight back from Japan, I had the invaluable chance to watch the new For Grace documentary on Netflix. If you have any interest in the intricate and often grueling world of fine dining, or simply love learning about the sheer dedication, sacrifice, and grit it takes to run a high-end restaurant – especially building one from the ground up – then I wholeheartedly recommend it. The documentary beautifully chronicles the incredible life story of head chef Curtis Duffy, offering a profound look into his passion, his personal struggles, his relentless pursuit of culinary perfection, and the immense pressure that comes with Michelin-starred ambitions. It’s a truly moving, inspiring, and eye-opening watch for anyone fascinated by the culinary arts and human resilience.
Food Culture Commentary: The Unicorn Frappuccino Debate
On a lighter, but equally thought-provoking note, the recent craze surrounding the new unicorn frappuccino certainly made waves across social media and beyond. I must admit, I share the same sentiments as the Starbucks barista whose candid reaction went viral. While colorful, visually striking, and undeniably Instagrammable, the sheer complexity, sugar content, and difficulty in preparation seemed to generate more chaos and stress for baristas than culinary delight for customers. It’s an interesting reflection on current food trends, the power of viral marketing, and the often-unseen demands placed on service industry professionals by fleeting fads.
Simple Pleasures: The Art of a Perfect Cheese Plate for Two
Sometimes, simplicity truly is key to achieving perfection, and this elegant cheese plate for two truly embodies perfection on a plate. It’s a wonderful reminder that elegant dining doesn’t always require a grand gesture, but rather thoughtful curation of quality ingredients and beautiful presentation. This concept is absolutely ideal for a quiet, intimate evening in, offering a sophisticated and delicious way to unwind, connect, and savor good company without any fuss. It’s about celebrating the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients.
Exciting Culinary Announcements: A Must-Have Cookbook
I am beyond excited for this cookbook announcement. The premise and proposed recipes sound like exactly the type of cookbook that has been conspicuously missing from the culinary world – one that promises both innovation and approachability, making home cooking an absolute joy rather than a chore. It often feels like there’s a gap between overly complicated gourmet recipes and overly simplistic quick meals, and this sounds like it will bridge that perfectly, inspiring creativity and confidence in the kitchen. Yes, this is definitely going on my pre-order list!
Sweet Indulgences: Mini Strawberry Pistachio Turnovers
These prettiest little strawberry turnovers caught my eye not just for their vibrant colors and delicate presentation but for their absolutely delightful combination of flavors. The pairing of sweet, juicy strawberries with earthy, slightly savory pistachios in a flaky, golden pastry sounds like a dream come true. They would be perfect for a sophisticated spring brunch, an elegant afternoon tea, or simply as a light and refreshing dessert that impresses with minimal effort. Their visual appeal alone makes them an instant favorite.
DIY Delights: Minimalist Soap Bottles Project
I’ve always loved a good, affordable DIY project that brings both function and aesthetic appeal, and I just ordered the supplies (which are incredibly cheap and accessible!) to make these DIY minimal soap bottles. The idea of transforming everyday essentials into stylish, personalized home decor elements is unreasonably exciting to me. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in creating a cohesive, calm, and aesthetically pleasing home environment, something I’m particularly focused on achieving as we unpack and organize our new apartment. Simple, elegant, and budget-friendly – what’s not to love?
Timeless Recipes: Reconnecting with Garam Masala Carrot Soup
Has it really been a year since I first shared this warming and flavorful carrot soup? Time seems to literally be disappearing before our eyes, speeding by faster than ever! This recipe remains a firm favorite in my kitchen, a testament to its deliciousness, comforting qualities, and ease of preparation. It’s a wonderful reminder of how certain dishes can truly stand the test of time, becoming go-to recipes that continue to bring joy and nourishment with every spoonful, regardless of the season or what new trends emerge. Sometimes, the classics are truly the best.
Personal Musings and Wishing You Well
In other, more amusing news from my family life: my adorable 2-year-old nephew, Arthur, decided to christen me “Auntie Water” (which vaguely sounds like Laura, bless his heart, he’s still learning his sounds!) earlier this week. However, demonstrating the unpredictable and wonderfully cheeky nature of toddlers, he charmingly updated my name to “poop” yesterday. Good. Great. This is life with a toddler, I suppose – keeping you humble and entertained in equal measure! It’s these little moments that truly add color to the everyday.
And with that, dear readers, I’m out! I hope this weekly mix, blending personal updates on our big move with exciting culinary discoveries, inspiring finds, and a dash of family humor, brings a little joy and fresh perspective to your day. Thank you again for your patience and for being such a wonderful part of this community. Wishing you all a truly fabulous, relaxing, and restorative weekend, wherever you are!