Tavern at the Park

Ok, so I didn’t end up checking out that sushi place (see below). Believe me, we had every intention of doing so, right down to packing my giant purse with the Riesling and sake that Dad recommended. We met my dear friend and colleague for drinks and appetizers at a wonderful place across from Millenium Park called (appropriately), Tavern at the Park, where “drinks and apps” turned into probably the equivalent of a bottle of wine each between myself and Ms. Catherine, and my date/man-friend probably had a few (good) shots of brandy in his Brandy 7’s.

Then, our host, Ms. Catherine of Viacom fame (I’m being vague so as not to incriminate, ha), announced she happened to be practically related to the O&Os of said eatery. There were introductions and by the end of our “apps” (which ended up being an order of [amazing!] calamari, some mussels and pepperoni (at their recommendation – LOVED it!), and the shoestring fries/onions), the friendly folks at The Tavern had comped two rounds of champagne and a monstrous dessert! The three of us split some sort of white chocolate fondue business, complete with pokers for our bananas, strawberries, pretzel sticks, marshmallows and even Rice Krispy treats!

All in all, an AMAZING experience, great wine (and since the point of this whole thing is to note good wines, I’ll have to dig out the scrap papers where I wrote down the names of them!), and fantastic company (my date is HOT, and Ms. Catherine of Viacom is one of the sweetest, smartest, and most wonderful people with whom I’ve ever had the pleasure of both a professional relationship and friendship.

So we’ll do sushi next time. I’ve still got the sake.

Friday

Friday was the 6+ hour road trip… out of Cottage Grove, across the state of Wisconsin, through about $4 worth of tolls, and into the sprawling suburban landscape of Naperville (-Lisle-Warrenville), Illinois. We got into town with enough time to check into the cozy hotel, get cleaned up, changed and pretty to head to the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. The dinner was amazing – hosted by Mike’s folks at a cute Italian place called Suparossa (go here for the website) where we had this AMAZING eggplant parmesan (almost as good as mine!) and other fancy Italian fare.

After dinner we had the opportunity to go out, but we were so beat from the road trip that we just decided to watch Sportscenter and crash. Ok, he watched Sportscenter; I crashed.

If I Hear Sweet Caroline One More Time…

Between a wedding, a cover band, and a dueling pianos bar this song was one staple of many (Brown Eyed Girl, Baby Got Back, and Piano Man) that we heard more than once in our trek through Naperville and Chi-town. Details to come, but long story short: the trip was awesome, amazing, and adventurous. Here’s a preview of the fun to come:

This is me and Andy under the bean thing at Millenium Park. We went from here to an awesome restaurant across the street called Tavern at the Park, which I’ll give more about later.

Coast Sushi – BYOB!

How cool is this? I’m going to check out this place while in Chicago this weekend. They don’t have a liquor license, but encourage you to BYO. I picked up a bottle of sake and a bottle of reisling to pair with the fresh fish, veggies, and spicy wasabi that my taste buds will be enjoying!

Coast Sushi Bar
2045 N. Damen Ave., Chicago
Tel: (773) 235-5775

Everyone’s talking about the “Coast crab” maki that this hip Japanese restaurant serves up to a trendy but in-no-rush Bucktown crowd. Consisting of spicy mayo, tobiko and flavorful king crab, it’s easy to see why. Nosh on dishes like orange tamarind duck or wasabi- and ginger-glazed tuna. Starters include salmon rolls, asparagus beef and sesame-crusted scallops. Coast’s BYOB policy makes dinner all the more appetizing.
The interior is a classy one, making this date-worthy spot one that’ll cost a wee bit extra. But with a large menu of fresh nigiri; signature rolls like $15 po’ boy maki (white fish tempura, unagi, cream cheese, masago, spicy sauce, scallion, avocado, tempura crumb and eel sauce); and a handful of desserts that include the Choco Sticks (mango, strawberry, kiwi on stick in warm chocolate sauce), you’ll forget you’re paying more…in some ways, you’re paying less (than what you’d fork over at an equally scene-y liquor-filled place). Note: There’s often a wait, but the hostess will gladly open your bottle to help pass the minutes.

Here’s the hootch I picked up:
Rihaku Nigori Sake Dreamy Clouds

Weingut Alfred Bonnet Pfalz 2004 Riesling Spatlese
I couldn’t find a picture, but my dad, the wino, recommended it!

Happy Vacation to me!