Vrai Amour - Value Wines and Specialty Craft Beers - Chicago

Vrai Amour Wines

As we finished our gourmet hotdogs on Saturday afternoon, we decided to stop in this wine store a few blocks south of our apartment.  It's a very unique little store with a great selection of Michigan wines.  The owners try very hard to keep their prices low so they avoid higher-priced Napa Valley and French wines.  They had a great selection of craft beers and Michigan wines, as well.  The owners are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable.  The store was very simple and peaceful.  It made me feel as if I were back in Napa/Sonoma.  I tried Brassfield Estate Sauvignon Blanc.  It was very light and crisp, without being too sweet.  (I refuse to launch into full-on wine-snobbery as I am out-matched by many of my well-informed friends.)   It was delicious.  A side-note: it is also a screw top. I don't feel quite as bad drinking wine out of a screw top bottle when it costs more than $10 ($15.00 to be exact :) )  That, my friends, is the extent of my wine snobbery.  

My husband decided to put together his own mix-n-match six pack of beer.  He got to try several unique beers, including an apricot ale.  We will definitely be back.  Yum! 

Old and new

We had an amazing time with our families on vacation last week.  I love going back to all of the places I've loved over the years.  Somehow, we managed to hit them all during our week-long roadtrip to KY, IN, and MO.
We started in Indianapolis with our friends from our med/law school days.  They just purchased a beautiful home and were so excited to entertain houseguests.  My girlfriend and I had a blast at TJ Maxx/Homegoods, as well.  However, she has a serious lamp addiction that should be addressed.  I, on the other hand, picked up

Lilly Pulitzer "Charlotte" sunglasses


and a sleeveless pink and green Lilly tunic top, along with a bright pink open sweater, also courtesy of Lilly.



We met up with some old friends for cocktails and dinner before heading south to Evansville for a few days.

We had a great time eating and spending time with my husband's family.  We got lots of sleep, as well.  I'm also pretty sure that we ate bacon five days in a row . . .

More on our vacation later.  Next stop, KY!

Homemade chicken stock

Dinner!

Franks 'n Dawgs

http://www.franksndawgs.com/

In a word, YUM.  This place was absolutely delicious.  We've seen shows about it on the food network and it is across from the grocery store we visit each week.  We've never made the effort to try it until this past weekend, as the lines stretch out the door and down the street most weekends.


I had the Tur-Doggin - 
Turkey & date sausage topped with duck confit, herb garlic aioli, house pickled onion relish & pickled carrots.  It was amazing.  The restaurant makes all of its own sausage in-house.  I spoke with the manager -- who was running the register (I love the personal touch!)-- he was thrilled that his chefs made way too much of the turkey and date sausage last week because it's his personal favorite.  


My husband had the N'awlins Dog.   
Andouille sausage, polenta battered okra, fried shrimp, spicy ketchup & chives


We also shared an order of Triple Truffle Fries.  Perfection. 
They were pretty tasty.  


The best part is that I didn't have that icky feeling I normally have when eating processed food.  The quality of the ingredients and the restaurant's commitment to using fresh, local products result in an excellent end product.  We will definitely be visiting this place again soon!! 

Gemini Bistro

Chicago chef week dessert - Yum!

Super Shopping: Inkling

Inkling is spectacular.  Chicago has its fair share of boutiques and unique neighborhood shops.  It never ceases to amaze me how quickly cute shops pop up around the city.  Inkling is located in the Lakeview neighborhood, a mile or two north of downtown Chicago.  2917 1/2 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657.  It has a great assortment of local arts and crafts, vintage cards and stationery, plus great accessories and baby gifts.  I'm in love. Here is a link to its Yelp! page.