Chicago Eats: Terzo Piano @ The Art Institute of Chicago

So many good restaurants in Chicago, it can be hard to choose where to eat. Awhile back I was able to check another one off my list, the famed Terzo Piano, located in the Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago. My sister and I stopped by for lunch one afternoon. They are the only restaurant in the Art Institute that does not require you to pay admission to the museum to enter. Their main highlight is lunch, they are open every day of the week for lunch and Thursdays only for dinner (reservations recommended).

For any Chicago Foodies, the head chef here is Tony Mantuano, of Spiaggia fame. The focus of the food is fresh, organic, local and sustainable. The menu is ever changing, so no matter how many times you go there is always something new waiting for you. Even the bread around here is special, homemade foccacia.

We started with the antipasto which was delicious and presented beautifully.

For our meals my sister chose a pasta and I had a sausage sandwich with a side salad. Both were great and perfectly sized portions, not too big. The entrees and salads range in price from $16 - $25.

The setting inside the restaurant is bright, white and modern. My pictures don't do it justice, but it's a very cool interior with walls of windows overlooking the city.

If you're looking for an artfully prepared lunch in a modern setting, you should definitely try Terzo Piano.
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Terzo Piano
Located in the Modern Wing of the Chicago Art Institute
159 East Monroe
Chicago, 60603
312.443.8650

For other restaurant recommendations in Chicago, see my reviews here: Chicago Eats

Chicago Eats: Cantina Laredo

You know I love anything related to Mexican food -- and Cantina Laredo in downtown Chicago is no exception. I watched them build the space for this restaurant, it was quite the project, the sidewalk was shut down for months, but I think the end result is great. There are large windows that slide open in the Summer months for almost al fresco dining and the second floor actually has some nice city views at night.

Via

 The food is delicious and the margaritas are strong. What more could one want from a Mexican restaurant? The pitchers of margaritas are a must, they aren't listed on the menu but are available for around $30.

 

One thing I liked about their entrees was that they were served with fresh veggies, instead of the standard beans. It really helped to lighten up the meal a bit.

And they have an awesome special during the week, "Happier Half". The entire upstairs lounge food menu is half-priced from 4-7 p.m. This includes their tableside guacamole, ceviche and empanadas. Yum.

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Cantina Laredo
508 North State Street

(Near State and Grand)
Chicago, IL 60654

312.955.0014


Fall Decorating Ideas

With the weather shift in Chicago, I'm definitely thinking Fall now -- even though I am so sad to see my favorite season Summer go. I linked up the Fall planters in the city from the last few years to Southern Hospitality's, It's Fall Y'all Autumn Link Party. Head over there for lots of great Fall decorating ideas. I'm excited to do a new Fall arrangement in my front planters, I'll post pictures soon!

In the meantime, lots of great inspiration on what to plant here:

2011 Fall Planters

2010 Fall Planters

2009 Fall Planters

Happy Labor Day and the largest American flag

I don't know about you, but I am beyond excited to have a day off of work! I never got a chance to post these pictures I took at the State Street Macy's from around the 4th of July, but I thought they would be extra fitting for today, too. It's the largest flag ever to hang in a department store, it's 5000 sq ft! Macy's first hung a flag of this size in 1916.

The flag they had hanging in July is a reproduction of one used in the 1940s and was created in 2003.

Who's feeling extra patriotic now? Enjoy the day off!

Chicago Eats: Big Star in Wicker Park

Just looking at the pictures I took from a visit to Big Star is literally making my mouth water. Yum. If you live almost anywhere in the city, you've probably heard of Big Star! It's well known for delicious tacos and an awesome outdoor patio. It was built in an old garage, so it has a very casual vibe, but don't be fooled -- the food is top notch.

Be prepared for a wait, especially on a beautiful sunny day. We had an hour wait, but they take your number and call when your table is ready, so we were free to hop into another bar and have a bloody mary! When we did get seated, it was definitely worth the wait. If you live in the area, you can also opt for the takeout window, they do have a few picnic tables on that side you could sit and eat at as well.

Cutie Mom

The outdoor patio

It's a limited menu, but we tried almost all of the taco flavors and certainly didn't miss other options.

The guacamole is a must. I've never seen a radish garnish on guac before, but it's a cute serving idea for a party. And now, bring on the tacos! We had the pollo (roasted chicken thigh), fish, potato and pork belly. I would recommend any of them, but my favorite was the chicken and fish.

Potato taco with rajas chipotle, queso cotija, onion, cilantro

The fish taco, beer battered tilapia, chipotle mayo, cabbage, cilantro, lime

Somehow "the champagne of beers" just seemed right. If you go, they also have margarita pitchers and a pretty well stocked bar. There is also a daily special, $3 whiskey shots...try at your own risk.

Loved the chairs

 If you're in the area or even visiting for the weekend and want to get out of downtown, this is a must eat! If you back track and stop on North Ave on your way out, there are some cute shops and a huge Akira so you could make a nice afternoon of it.

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Big Star

Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1531 North Damen Avenue

Chicago, IL

773.2354039

The Jay Pritzker Pavillion

Since I switched jobs and I'm no longer across the street from Nordstrom (a tear) I've had to find some new lunch and hangout spots. The good news is, I'm right across the street from Millennium Park. I'm obsessed with the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. it's my favorite spot to eat lunch and soak up the sun. I've been taking a lot of pictures to share...

The top is made of brushed stainless steel. The whole structure was designed by architect Frank Gehry and was dedicated in the Summer of 2004. The sound system is unbelievable, whether you are in the seats or on the lawn you can have a great experience thanks to the state-of-the-art sound system -- the first of its kind in the country. Plus the speakers just look cool.

My absolute favorite time is when no one is around and I have a seat for one...

Little shout out to Grand Rapids, all 4,000 of the seats are American Seating -- proudly made in Grand Rapids, MI!

I was curious about who exactly Jay Pritzker was, turns out he was a Chicago native and started the Hyatt Hotels, among many other business ventures. His family donated $15 million to help build the pavilion. What a gift to the city and everyone who can enjoy this free venue!

If you're visiting Chicago you might want to take some time to walk around the park and stop in for an outdoor concert at the pavilion.

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Millenium Park

201 East Randolph St.

Chicago, IL 60601

All photographs property of A Little Ditty.

The Weekender

I love my Summer Fridays at work, but I'm thinking we need to add Summer Monday's as well... Anyone agree?! I had a really fun weekend with my Dad. He drove back from AZ to Michigan this weekend and stopped in Chicago for a few nights. Seems like it would be a lot easier for him to just fly home for the Summer, but he insists on doing a road trip. I admit, I do enjoy getting to be a pit stop on the trip!

After a weird cold and rainy spell Thursday & Friday, Saturday turned out to be a sunny and gorgeous day. Perfect for a walk on the Lakeshore path. The view never gets old.

Enjoyed our tea outside on my new patio furniture!

And hit the first roofdeck of the season. One of my old standbys, The Terrace at The Conrad.

Hope everyone had a good weekend too. And the countdown to this weekend starts...NOW. Here's hoping for a fast work week...

Chicago gets a fancy new Walgreens

Walgreens has gone upscale! I never considered myself a big Walgreens fan, but I have to give Walgreens some props since they were started right here in Chicago and still have their headquarters in the ‘burbs. The new Flagship store on State Street changed my opinion of them; I’m definitely a fan now.

The new flagship store opened in January and is completely unlike any Walgreens I’ve ever seen. Wine tasting? Manicures? Fro-yo in 6 different flavors? Who knew?! The new location is two stories right across the street from Macy’s at State and Randolph, in the former Loehmann's building. Walgreens had previously operated a store at this intersection from 1926 to 2005, so there are a lot of references to their history in the area throughout the store.

I’m pretty excited to have this store close by while I’m at work. A few highlights that I think anyone who works in the loop or surrounding areas will appreciate:

- A full manicure bar with Essie and OPI – and get this, you can get a manicure for only $10!! That is a serious steal in the loop. Only downside, they don’t do cuticle work, but everything else you would expect with a manicure is included. It’s already pretty busy so make sure you call ahead for an appointment. The beauty area upstairs also does makeovers and brow shaping.

- Fresh sushi bar with a chef who will actually make your sushi order right there, barista serving specialty “Randolph & State” blends, jucie bar and low-fat Frozen Yogurt in a ton of flavors. Plus, everything is reasonably priced. I’m always excited to have more lunch options! I zeroed in on the fro-yo and forgot to snap pics of the other food, oops.

- Wine Tasting at Walgreens? Why not! They carry a huge selection of wines, from cheap to pricey and they periodically have tastings. If I need a lunch time pick-me-up I am going to seriously consider attending a tasting…

- Take Care clinic, I’ve never used one of these, but in a pinch this location has an extra nice version of Walgreen’s standard clinics. They have a nurse practitioner you can see with or without an appointment and it’s open on the weekends so it could be a good option when your doctor’s office isn’t open.

- They’ve got all the regular things you would go to a Walgreens for too, just expanded with bigger and better selection. For instance, they now have papyrus greeting cards in addition to the standard ones you’ll find at other locations. And the travel size section?? So many mini-size options! (Is it just me or is it really fun buying mini toiletry items?)

Definitely a convenient place to shop/eat/get a mani/wine in the loop. Whether you live here or are just visiting, it’s worth checking out! 

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Walgreens Flagship Store

151 N. State

(State and Randolph)

Chicago, 60601

312.863.4249