Off to Ireland...

T and I are headed to Ireland tomorrow for a week long trip! Very excited to explore the Emerald Isle!Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I'll be sure to post all about my culinary adventures upon my return!

Friendsgiving

Each year, my friends and I gather for "Friendsgiving." Going strong for 6 years now, this serves as a time for us to get together, eat great food and reflect on the good times we have had throughout the year. They have managed to talk me into making the turkey each year. I have to say, I think it gets better with each try I give it!

For those of you looking for a yummy beverage to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering, a friend of mine gave me an awesome Cider Sangria recipe to try. It was a big hit and oh so perfect for a cool Fall day! It looks like I will now have turkey and sangria duty for future Friendsgivings!

Sandeman Ciderhouse Sangria

Ingredients

1 bottle of Sandeman Founders Reserve Porto

24 oz apple cider  

3 oz rye whiskey 

1.5 oz maple syrup

2 Granny Smith apples

2 pears 

Directions

Dice apples/pears and set aside. Mix all ingredients together in pitcher. Add in apples and pears. Let sit for at least 12 hours (or overnight). 

Happy early Thanksgiving everyone! May you spend it surrounded with friends, family and loved ones!

xoxo - Tiff

Restaurant Spotlight: Arami

Dinner at Arami tops as my favorite sushi experience to date.  The freshness, execution, and quality of the sushi and sashimi was phenomenal, and the presentations are literally a work of art! Located on Chicago Ave. just east of Damen, you may pass the unassuming front and think it’s nothing special, but THIS is a sushi restaurant you have to try!  

We started off with the special of the night - Aji or Japanese Horse Mackerel. I had no idea what to expect, as I have never had this type of fish. It's a sustainable fish with an oily flesh (think omega 3 and all the good stuff) and is abundant in Japan (thank you Google!) Some might be deterred by being presented with a whole fish at your table, but I was blown away by the artful presentation.

Next we were presented with the Toro Tartar bite and the Uni Shooter. The tartar is minced fatty tuna, chives, caviar and the house special soy sauce, served on a white spoon.  Fresh and with a delicate smoked finish, the bite melted in my mouth. Now the Uni shooter took some more convincing for us to order. I had never tried Sea Urchin and I wasn’t sure if I was ready. Our amazing server Megan, told us to just go for it, we wouldn’t regret it. Served in a shot glass with diced cucumber, shiso leaf and again, the house special soy sauce, I don’t even think I can describe to you what it tasted like. It was certainly different, but unexpectedly good!

We also ordered the other special of the night, Ebi Yake, which is Maya shrimp, miso butter, and black garlic. The shrimp was cooked perfectly and the miso butter added extra deliciousness to the dish!

We ordered several rolls and all were impeccable in freshness and flavor. The Zuke Saske Hotate is a roll of spicy scallops wrapped with salmon. The flavors were so layered and everything complemented each other so well! Yum!

I love soy and lots of wasabi, but Megan suggested we try the rolls sans soy. We were a little hesitant but gave it a shot and WOW. The Shrimp Tempura Asparagus with fried shrimp, asparagus and spicy salmon was delicious.

Last, we had the Maguro Kani -  Spicy king crab wrapped w/ a fresh piece of eel and topped w/ toasted almond slices. The spicy crab inside is warm, so you have warm, cold, and crunchy all in 1 bite!!

Order the triple gelato item for dessert. It's from Black Dog Gelato. You can thank me later.

Needless to say, I cannot wait to go back to Arami! The wait staff is awesome, welcoming and knowledgeable. Megan seriously knew about everything on the menu. She thoroughly impressed us! The ambience is perfect and the food alone is reason to go! What are are you waiting for??

1829 W Chicago Ave.
(between Wood St & Wolcott Ave)

(312) 243-1535

http://www.aramichicago.com/ 

**Congrats to Arami for just receiving a Bib Gourmand!
http://chicago.eater.com/archives/2011/11/09/michelin-guide-announces-2012-bib-gourmand-picks.php

Dining in tonight!

Butternut squash farfalle, zucchini and truffle butter. Hit the spot on this daylight savings Sunday. I purchased the freshly made pasta and truffle butter today at Dose Market. Pasta Puttana, your pasta is so delicious!

Have a great rest of your Sunday everyone!



http://dosemarket.com/

http://pastaputtana.com/

Thank you Crumbs Bake Shop!

Last night I met with Wish child Reece for a celebration send off! Reece has Retinoblastoma, which is an eye cancer. Reece wishes to go to Disney World to meet the princesses! She will be whisked off to Orlando in 2 weeks! And a party isn't a party without cupcakes! Crumbs Bake Shop generously donated a bunch of cupcakes, and even put her name on a special chocolate and sprinkles one!

A big shout out to River North Store manager Tracy! Thanks for supporting a cause near and dear to me! Reece thanks you too!

Crumbs Bake Shop
346 North Clark Street

312-755-0701

http://www.crumbs.com/ 

Lobster & Lamb!

Yum! Another scrumptious meal at Mercat!

I heart you Mercat!

http://www.mercatchicago.com/