Lots of black leggings but only with tunic length tops.
As it has warmed up here, camel is the new neutral. Also more beige and brown.
In the stores for the young: a lot of ivory and dusty pastels. Don't really like the dusty colors and haven't seen many wearing them.
Very few ear buds, almost everyone wears headsets, many in cool colors.
We were in a different neighborhood yesterday and all the men were wearing grey or black suits with light blue or lavender shirts. Suits were not as expensive looking. We think it was a government building area.
Except for children and young teenagers, no one wears t-shirts with writing or graphics.
Almost no one wears hats except for some eccentric looking guys who appear to be part of the art scene (e.g., also wearing red velvet jackets).
Many more people wear glasses but only cool, trendy glasses, even the 70 year olds. The frames of my glasses are from France and that seems to be enough for storekeepers to assume I am French and start talking to me non-stop in French. Never happened to me before given my blond hair.
One strange trend: pants with harem trouser bottoms. These are made out of every imaginable fabric, including what you would use for a pin stripe suit. And being worn by stylish looking women of all ages. They aren't everywhere but around enough to be noticeable.
Have been busy shopping. Clothes still very expensive here and hard to find my size. Found some good discount shopping areas so all is not lost. Haven't bought harem pants so not to worry.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Fashion Update from Paris: Dispatch 1
Big news here is that high heels are out for daytime, except for short boots or if you are wearing a skirt suit with a very short skirt. Heels come out at night again with short skirts. Hose and tights are in; bare legs not so much except with sandals. Many colors and textures. But also plain. Even many boots are flats right now.
Every woman, almost, wears a scarf. Rectangular only. All types of fabrics, plain and patterns. Most men also. However, they tie them differently.
Coats are really cute with interesting details. Fabulous collars, belts, embroidery and silk inserts.
Jewelry is either modest (gold, silver, pearls) or big ethnic style pieces.
See a lot of shorts with tights. Many of those who are wearing them shouldn't be.
Lots of patterns in tops and dresses. For juniors, it is small florals and ethnic. For women, more geometric prints, large florals and ethnic. White with horizontal blue striped tops are everywhere.
Color of note is dark melon.
Lots of layering but under layers are generally not longer than outer layers.
Black is always in.
Jeans are skin tight. Vans (shoes) are everywhere. More skirts and dresses than in the states.
Women my age (50’s) wear a lot of blazers/jackets that are very well tailored.
Men’s suits are generally dark blue with subtle external stitching. Lots of purple/lavender ties. White shirts.
Young men wear narrow long jackets, with lots of pockets, with everything.
Very few hats on men or women. Handbags are pretty similar to the U.S. - Big and slouchy with gold trimming. Attractive tote bags (to carry your baguettes).
Speaking of baguettes, time for breakfast.
This dispatch also posted on http://www.womanroadwarrior.com/, with me as guest author.
Every woman, almost, wears a scarf. Rectangular only. All types of fabrics, plain and patterns. Most men also. However, they tie them differently.
Coats are really cute with interesting details. Fabulous collars, belts, embroidery and silk inserts.
Jewelry is either modest (gold, silver, pearls) or big ethnic style pieces.
See a lot of shorts with tights. Many of those who are wearing them shouldn't be.
Lots of patterns in tops and dresses. For juniors, it is small florals and ethnic. For women, more geometric prints, large florals and ethnic. White with horizontal blue striped tops are everywhere.
Color of note is dark melon.
Lots of layering but under layers are generally not longer than outer layers.
Black is always in.
Jeans are skin tight. Vans (shoes) are everywhere. More skirts and dresses than in the states.
Women my age (50’s) wear a lot of blazers/jackets that are very well tailored.
Men’s suits are generally dark blue with subtle external stitching. Lots of purple/lavender ties. White shirts.
Young men wear narrow long jackets, with lots of pockets, with everything.
Very few hats on men or women. Handbags are pretty similar to the U.S. - Big and slouchy with gold trimming. Attractive tote bags (to carry your baguettes).
Speaking of baguettes, time for breakfast.
This dispatch also posted on http://www.womanroadwarrior.com/, with me as guest author.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Chicago Restaurant Week: Boka
Boka during Chicago Restaurant Week: $33 for a three course dinner at at one star restaurant. Can't beat that deal. Of course, my husband had the foie gras upgrade so his was $44. Also got to use our Open Table certificate. Once you achieve 2000 points on Open Table, you can have a $20 gift certificate sent to you which can be used at any Open Table restaurant. In case you aren't aware of Open Table, it allows online reservations at restaurants in many major cities.
For an appetizer, my husband had the Main Diver Scallop , plus the added fois gras. I had the Amish chicken thigh. Both appetizers and main course included a variety of vegetables, purees and sauces. The flavor combinations are subtle but tasty. I know our combinations varied a bit from the menu on the Chicago Restaurant Week site, but the effect was similar. For the entree, my husband had braised pork belly with deep fried oysters. I had sliced angus sirloin with a mushroom croquette and braised cabbage. Portions are not huge but we didn't go away hungry
For dessert we had a ginger kulfi with a flourless chocolate cake that was more like a dark mousse. I really like the kulfi but my husband wasn't as impressed. We both loved the cake which had a kick of spice in it. I thought the dessert was the most interesting.
We tried four different wines by the glass and all were intriguing. The best were the White Night Viognier and the Arista Pinot Noir. The Viognier was full bodied and minerally, not floral. The Pinot Noir was very lush, full and mellow.
For an appetizer, my husband had the Main Diver Scallop , plus the added fois gras. I had the Amish chicken thigh. Both appetizers and main course included a variety of vegetables, purees and sauces. The flavor combinations are subtle but tasty. I know our combinations varied a bit from the menu on the Chicago Restaurant Week site, but the effect was similar. For the entree, my husband had braised pork belly with deep fried oysters. I had sliced angus sirloin with a mushroom croquette and braised cabbage. Portions are not huge but we didn't go away hungry
For dessert we had a ginger kulfi with a flourless chocolate cake that was more like a dark mousse. I really like the kulfi but my husband wasn't as impressed. We both loved the cake which had a kick of spice in it. I thought the dessert was the most interesting.
We tried four different wines by the glass and all were intriguing. The best were the White Night Viognier and the Arista Pinot Noir. The Viognier was full bodied and minerally, not floral. The Pinot Noir was very lush, full and mellow.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Gilt Bar and As You Like It
We needed an early reservation before going to As You Like It at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Also wanted to try another Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant and needed a location that wasn't too hard to get to with the construction going on in Chicago. Ended up at Gilt Bar (don't click on this link at work unless your sound is on mute). Before my Michelin crusade I probably wouldn't have thought to try it.
We arrived literally as it opened at 5:45 and they rolled up the metal door. Expected to use the valet but he wasn't there yet. Ended up in a lot around the corner for only $10 for the night. Great deal. Needless to say we were seated right away. At most restaurants outside of the theater district, we would have been on our own for the first hour, but here people were swarming in. Most were in their 20's or 30's and most had come with reservations, to eat. An hour later the place was full! It definitely has a bar feel with an eclectic music track (country, indie, you name it). High energy but not so noisy you can't talk. Not sure why this attracts a younger crowd so early. We are used to leaving restaurants about the time the 30 somethings start arriving. But we didn't feel out of place all the same. There is a club/bar in the basement but it was empty while we were there.
This time it was only my husband and me so we didn't get to try as many items, but it was one of my favorite meals this year. I started with a pear and blue cheese salad that was out of this world. The server told us the blue was from Wisconsin. It was outstanding and was balanced well by the other ingredients. For a light eater this could be a meal. My husband had a simpler salad of endive and frisee with preserved lemon and dijon vinaigrette that was also well executed.
My main dish was pork belly with braised lentils. Ever since hearing Anthony Bourdain and Tom Colicchio rave about pork belly, I was determined to try it. I have had it recently at both Girl and a Goat and the Publican, but I think this is my favorite preparation. Think high end pork and beans. My husband had the special which was a striped bass, perfectly cooked.
The server had explained that all the plates were shareable. We thought that meant more like tapas. He just meant that everything was easy to share. With two salads, two main courses and a vegetable side, we had more food than we could finish. Our side was roasted brussel sprouts with bacon. Very good but we left that rather than the main dishes. The wine selection by the glass was great. I had a great rose. We were too full to try dessert but we plan to go back again.
Our adventure that evening was that we decided to walk from the restaurant to Navy Pier. There was a big show there that day and we had been warned that the traffic might be crazy. It was a long, brisk (make that very cold) walk. But it helped work off potential sleepiness from the food. We have subscription tickets to Chicago Shakespeare (the one subscription we kept when life with two kids got too full for more than one). So we are big fans, but this performance of As You Like It was one of our favorites. It is a comedy and a very silly one at that. The timing and the acting along with the regency era costumes made it feel modern. If you like period romances like Emma or Pride and Prejudice, you will probably enjoy this production.
The long walk back was even colder but it was fun to see the city still hopping despite the hour and the cold. Plus we felt virtous for only spending $10 for parking.
We arrived literally as it opened at 5:45 and they rolled up the metal door. Expected to use the valet but he wasn't there yet. Ended up in a lot around the corner for only $10 for the night. Great deal. Needless to say we were seated right away. At most restaurants outside of the theater district, we would have been on our own for the first hour, but here people were swarming in. Most were in their 20's or 30's and most had come with reservations, to eat. An hour later the place was full! It definitely has a bar feel with an eclectic music track (country, indie, you name it). High energy but not so noisy you can't talk. Not sure why this attracts a younger crowd so early. We are used to leaving restaurants about the time the 30 somethings start arriving. But we didn't feel out of place all the same. There is a club/bar in the basement but it was empty while we were there.
This time it was only my husband and me so we didn't get to try as many items, but it was one of my favorite meals this year. I started with a pear and blue cheese salad that was out of this world. The server told us the blue was from Wisconsin. It was outstanding and was balanced well by the other ingredients. For a light eater this could be a meal. My husband had a simpler salad of endive and frisee with preserved lemon and dijon vinaigrette that was also well executed.
My main dish was pork belly with braised lentils. Ever since hearing Anthony Bourdain and Tom Colicchio rave about pork belly, I was determined to try it. I have had it recently at both Girl and a Goat and the Publican, but I think this is my favorite preparation. Think high end pork and beans. My husband had the special which was a striped bass, perfectly cooked.
The server had explained that all the plates were shareable. We thought that meant more like tapas. He just meant that everything was easy to share. With two salads, two main courses and a vegetable side, we had more food than we could finish. Our side was roasted brussel sprouts with bacon. Very good but we left that rather than the main dishes. The wine selection by the glass was great. I had a great rose. We were too full to try dessert but we plan to go back again.
Our adventure that evening was that we decided to walk from the restaurant to Navy Pier. There was a big show there that day and we had been warned that the traffic might be crazy. It was a long, brisk (make that very cold) walk. But it helped work off potential sleepiness from the food. We have subscription tickets to Chicago Shakespeare (the one subscription we kept when life with two kids got too full for more than one). So we are big fans, but this performance of As You Like It was one of our favorites. It is a comedy and a very silly one at that. The timing and the acting along with the regency era costumes made it feel modern. If you like period romances like Emma or Pride and Prejudice, you will probably enjoy this production.
The long walk back was even colder but it was fun to see the city still hopping despite the hour and the cold. Plus we felt virtous for only spending $10 for parking.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Gas fireplace
We live in a Victorian home. The fireplace was originally coal fired. Therefore too small to serve as a wood fired fireplace. So, years ago we had it refitted to be gas fired. We never got around to figuring out how to use it. Tonight as the potentially biggest blizzard in IL since 1967 descends upon us, we decided it was time to make sure it worked in case we lose our electricity. It is these little things that we now are catching up on as empty nesters.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Michelin Bib Gourmand Chicago
For the last few years, while our daughters were in high school, we got lazy and ate local (suburban) most of the time (to better be able to shuttle and supervise). Now with our youngest at college, we want to rediscover Chicago. My New Year's resolution is to try as many of the Chicago Bib Gourmand restaurants as possible (along with a few of the starred restaurants as well). I have had amazing response to this idea, including requests to blog along the way, so here goes my first blog.
Many of you may have heard of Michelin starred restaurants. We have made a point to visit Michelin starred restaurants in Europe and are very excited that they are now reviewing Chicago restaurants. To earn those stars require a level of cuisine that puts the price at most such restaurants out of reach for the majority. But Michelin also has a category called Bib Gourmand which means both great food and great value. 46 restaurants in Chicago recently received this distinction. "A Bib Gourmand rating means the restaurant is an inspector's favorite for good value. For $40 or less, you can enjoy two courses and a glass of wine or dessert (not including tax and gratuity)." We are pleased that we have been to some of the restaurants already, but I am off to a great start on my resolution as I made it to two Bib Gourmand restaurants this week (don't count on this pace every week). Michelin Bib Gourmand Chicago list
Friday night we went with another couple to Mexique which was part of the the Chicago Originals restaurant week which is different from the February Chicago Restaurant Week sponsored by the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau. We were able to get three courses each for $29.11, but only because we knew to ask for the special event menu. The cuisine is Mexican/French fusion. The location is an unassuming storefront in the West Town neighborhood with street parking available. While we were there we notice a group of six chefs arriving. Turns out they are Mexican chefs in town for a competition at Kendall. The chef/owner circulates through the restaurant answering questions. Wine choices were very nice and they reportedly have great Sangria, though we didn't try it.
For our first course we got the Trio of Sopes (shrimp, escargot and plaintains) and Tinga de Pollo. Our favorite sope was the plaintain with the Xico mole. The Tinga was also excellent, spicy, but not too much so. For main dishes we tried a Chile Relleno stuffed with vegetables and Chihuahua cheese, Flank Steak with vegetables and goat cheese fondue, Pork with mole sauce, sweet potatoe puree and ratatouille and Salmon with corn porridge. Everyone loved their own so much not much sharing happened. High points were the mole sauce, chile stuffing and corn porridge. Everything was well executed. Dessert included a chocolate enchilada with a spicy kick, a deconstructed tarte tartin and an guacamole pastry cream. Not a bite was left of any of them at the end; but I thought the apple dish was really spectacular. The guacamole was more a dish for foodies, demonstrating an interesting combination of flavours. The enchilada was the waitress' favorite and would satisfy any chocoholic.
All in all an incredible value. You will have to wait till next year to match the price, but all the dishes are on the regular menu. Mexique will also be participating in the Chicago Restaurant Week, but that menu hasn't been posted yet. We have eaten at a number of the high end Mexican restaurants in the Chicago area and this one clearly holds its own among them.
Next post: Gilt Bar and As You Like It
Many of you may have heard of Michelin starred restaurants. We have made a point to visit Michelin starred restaurants in Europe and are very excited that they are now reviewing Chicago restaurants. To earn those stars require a level of cuisine that puts the price at most such restaurants out of reach for the majority. But Michelin also has a category called Bib Gourmand which means both great food and great value. 46 restaurants in Chicago recently received this distinction. "A Bib Gourmand rating means the restaurant is an inspector's favorite for good value. For $40 or less, you can enjoy two courses and a glass of wine or dessert (not including tax and gratuity)." We are pleased that we have been to some of the restaurants already, but I am off to a great start on my resolution as I made it to two Bib Gourmand restaurants this week (don't count on this pace every week). Michelin Bib Gourmand Chicago list
Friday night we went with another couple to Mexique which was part of the the Chicago Originals restaurant week which is different from the February Chicago Restaurant Week sponsored by the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau. We were able to get three courses each for $29.11, but only because we knew to ask for the special event menu. The cuisine is Mexican/French fusion. The location is an unassuming storefront in the West Town neighborhood with street parking available. While we were there we notice a group of six chefs arriving. Turns out they are Mexican chefs in town for a competition at Kendall. The chef/owner circulates through the restaurant answering questions. Wine choices were very nice and they reportedly have great Sangria, though we didn't try it.
For our first course we got the Trio of Sopes (shrimp, escargot and plaintains) and Tinga de Pollo. Our favorite sope was the plaintain with the Xico mole. The Tinga was also excellent, spicy, but not too much so. For main dishes we tried a Chile Relleno stuffed with vegetables and Chihuahua cheese, Flank Steak with vegetables and goat cheese fondue, Pork with mole sauce, sweet potatoe puree and ratatouille and Salmon with corn porridge. Everyone loved their own so much not much sharing happened. High points were the mole sauce, chile stuffing and corn porridge. Everything was well executed. Dessert included a chocolate enchilada with a spicy kick, a deconstructed tarte tartin and an guacamole pastry cream. Not a bite was left of any of them at the end; but I thought the apple dish was really spectacular. The guacamole was more a dish for foodies, demonstrating an interesting combination of flavours. The enchilada was the waitress' favorite and would satisfy any chocoholic.
All in all an incredible value. You will have to wait till next year to match the price, but all the dishes are on the regular menu. Mexique will also be participating in the Chicago Restaurant Week, but that menu hasn't been posted yet. We have eaten at a number of the high end Mexican restaurants in the Chicago area and this one clearly holds its own among them.
Next post: Gilt Bar and As You Like It
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