Celebrate Good Times At Pizzeria Due

Pizza is a Chicago tradition. There isn’t anything more historical than the deep dish pizza at Pizzeria Due! Pizzeria Uno may be the original but Due carries on Ike Sewell’s grand recipe very well.

On a cold Chicago afternoon we entered the restaurant, looking at the walls we were surrounded by history and you could smell the delicious aroma of pizza through out the Victorian mansion.

Diners are given many choices from their extensive men. Vegans can enjoy sandwiches, salads and even a veggie pizza. Gluten free? They’ve got you covered, and new to their menu a vegan cheese pizza. Delish! Everything is made with care and the freshest ingredients. You definitely won’t go away hungry. On our visit we tried Due’s meatball sandwich it had a garlicy homemade flavor that paired perfectly with their marinara sauce, the sandwich was covered in sauce and gooey cheese. It was so filling I had some left for lunch the next day. it was definitely a delicious winner in my book.

There’s plenty for everyone with a salad bowl, lettuce sprinkled with a savory wine vinegar and olive oil dressing. Next was pizza! We decided to try the thin crust since we’d previously sampled the deep dish, the true winner was the Windy City Works. It was a supreme pizza with that tasty crust. Our lunch ended with a large slice of Chicago cheesecake. Yum!

Did you know you can introduce visitors and newcomers to the deliciousness of Uno and Due? How you ask? Planning your next meeting or maybe a party? Become a superhero with catering from Uno or Due. Want details just ask for Howard!

Pizzeria Due is located at 619 N Wabash Ave, steps from the mag mile. Go grab a piece of Chicago history today.

A New Year A New You

The beginning of the new year is the perfect time for a change, it allows us to make decisions and start fresh. We all become that bold, fearless woman, we feel invincible like nothing is impossible and we have 365 days to get it right.

With this motivation, I headed to Lakeview and Sine Qua Non Salon. These gals know hair and have been voted Chicago’s best hair salon in 2019 by The Chicago Reader. I knew they were serious about when I saw the antique blow dryers mounted on the wall. This salon actually had a drink menu. Tea, water, wine and beer are served to ensure a relaxing and pleasant experience.

With glass in hand, I was escorted to a chair to get my new cut, my fresh start. My stylist Angela was fun and friendly, every one at Sine Qua was! She was knowledgeable and willing to ask my opinion. With the help of her teacher, Lo they sculpted the new me, my new style makes me younger and thinner. I was so happy with my new bob! My hair went from being dead to alive! I owe it all to Angela and all the gals at Sine Qua Non Salon.

Don’t mess around with an amateur salon go to the best and be treated like royalty, go to Sine Qua Non Salon at 3417 N Lincoln Ave in Lakeview right across from the Paulina brown line stop.

Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar Brings Texas Size Fun To Rosemont

Arriving from the lone star state is Rosemont’s newest night spot, Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar. This new bar is the chain’s only location outside of Texas. Located near the Fashion Outlets of Chicago and Donald Stephens Convention Center. Pete’s can be found in the Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District alongside the Sugar Factory, Hofbrauhaus Chicago, and Kings. Braving the cold, Jen and I hopped on the Blue line to sneak a peek at this place.

As we entered the bar, it was filled with laughter and music. It was obvious we’d be in for a good time. Two piano players allowed guests to request songs. They banged out the best of today and of course some great classics, heck you might even hear some of your favorite tv themes too. Patrons were included in the show transforming into performers.

Bartenders are also stars here. They serve up some of the most delectable drinks you’ll ever drink! No pretentious wines or bitter whiskeys here. Rums and fruit juices are mixed together and topped with a little rubber ducky. If you really want to celebrate, you can order a Schooner! Fruit and alcohol swim around in a large glass big enough to share with up to five friends who will no doubt be very happy. Its truly a party in a glass! I tried a few of their regular cocktails and my favorite was the Dragon Punch made with Bacardi Dragonberry, Peach Schnapps, and Strawberry Pucker combined with cranberry, pineapple, and orange juice, topped off with 7 up and a rubber ducky. Yum!

Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar is approximately 18 minutes from downtown Chicago. If you don’t drive hop on the Metra, the CTA blue line, or grab a Lyft. When you want a guaranteed good time you can’t go wrong with Pete’s. Check out their website for more info. https://www.petesduelingpianobar.com/location-rosemont.html

“Market Days” A Celebration Of Love

On the LGBTQ calendar, there are two events that are prominent. One is the pride parade at the end of June and the other is Market Days, a two day celebration of diversity and love. Halsted in Boystown becomes one great big party and revelers enjoy live music, delicious food and refreshing cocktails.

Last Sunday we were part of the celebration. In past years the live music included artists like Lee Ann Rimes and David Cassidy. This year the artists included were Macy Gray and Shelia as well as local bands like 16 Candles. Venders engaged party goers in games and displayed their wares. Cocktails flowed like a fountain and we were fortunate enough to get to try Boystown’s best pizza from one of our favs, Lark. Needless to say, we encountered lots of four legged friends and many strollers and small children. Market Days is a great experience for youngsters they learn diversity and love in a fun way.

I had fun looking at all the ware . My favorite was a t-shirt from the gals at LOVE Alchemy. Their profits go to support youth LGBTQ organizations. I love their designs.

The night ended as the crowd rocked out to 16 Candles. A good time was had by all. We will definitely be back next year!

Choosing One Taste Over Another “The Taste Of Evanston”

Lately we’ve had some real scorchers. The temperature has gone up, the sun beats down on the pavement and life just slows down. A few weeks ago Jen and I brought along our water bottles as we went off on another food adventure. The air was filled with music and the aroma of delicious food being prepared. We were ready for the Taste…no wait a minute… we don’t mean the one with crowds and long lines at the booths. Instead we enjoyed our food under white tents, sipped our drinks at tables while we listened to jazz. All of this was on the shores of Lake Michigan. This was the Taste of Evanston and we couldn’t wait the buffet of goodies.

The event benefited Connections for the Homeless and Reba Place Development Program. We were glad organizations like this benefit our neighbors to the north. They picked an absolutely beautiful spot to hold the event, the historic Charles Gates Dawes House and it was hosted by the Evanston Lighthouse Rotary club. By now we were anxious to dive right into all different cuisines and beverages. There was plenty to drink to quench everyone’s thirst or wash down their food. They even had a beverage station stocked with water and sodas, Jen liked that.

There was so much to eat. Each of the venders were friendly and eager to tell us about their establishment. Kudos to Cupitol Coffee&Eatery on their awesome chicken salad croissant sandwiches. Rock N Ravioli made the best meatballs and we’ll definitely visiting them again. I embraced my Irish roots by trying the outstanding corned beef and cabbage from Celtic Knot. It just isn’t summer without frozen treats. Yo Fresh provided healthy smoothies and Edzo’s Burger Shop cooled everyone off with strawberry milkshakes, yum.

Diners could also win swag at the Peapod and Com Ed booths and bid on great prizes like a Cubs game or a gourmet dinner in the silent auction. All in all we had a great time and plan on making the “Taste of Evanston” an annual tradition.

 

Southern Breeze “Sunshine In A Glass”

In the movie “Steel Magnolias” it’s referred to as the house wine of the South. On a warm summer day there’s nothing like a cold glass of it. It has bypassed coffee as the world’s most popular beverage. What are we talking about? TEA!

Southern Breeze iced tea is perfect for any tea drinker. It comes from the heart of the south and is one of the best tasting teas I’ve tried. No sugar needed and it’s so easy to prepare a child could make it. The old brew recipe doesn’t require any boiling which makes it perfect for the beach, picnics or those summer road trips.

There’s only one disadvantage to this tea, Southern Breeze only comes in four flavors. My personal favorite is sweet iced tea mixed with lemonade also known as half and half.

Check out all four flavors and order your favorite at Southern Breeze Sweet Tea

 

 

 

Feed Your Stomach While You Feed Your Soul

This weekend instead of heading downtown to the Taste of Chicago do something different. Head to Evanston and enjoy many cuisines, desserts and drinks while raising money for Connections for the Homeless at the  5th annual Taste of Evanston. This year the Taste of Evanston will be held on the east lawn of  Charles Gates Dawes House, home of the Evanston History Center. So come out eat, have fun and help the homeless. Get more info and tickets at Taste of Evanston