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French Connection in Chicago

April 23, 2012 by

Not only did I have a very Nespresso birthday, but I also had a very French birthday! And you all know how I adore all things French.

Aside from tasting a very steamy Nespresso latte – which could be considered French, Italian, or European in general, I loved perusing the vintage-looking French-themed plates at Bloomingdale’s…

I also happened upon a quaint shop on State St – POSH – that sells eclectic housewares, including many finds from France, England, and across Europe (see first photo above). I was so overwhelmed by the selections that I couldn’t decide what to buy. I will surely be back and won’t be leaving empty-handed next time!

Window shopping was not my only “French” activity. I also enjoyed strolling along the city streets, taking in the very lovely views of Chicago’s Spring tulips….

…not to mention savoring a delicious French lunch and Mon Ami Gabi…

What a truly amazing birthday weekend! Next stop in the Bistro Chic itinerary…Disney World!

Ciao :-)

 

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A Very Nespresso Birthday

April 19, 2012 by

Last weekend, my husband treated me to an overnight in city for my birthday. After checking into the Hotel Palomar (a fantastic boutique hotel in Chicago), we headed to Bloomingdale’s Home Store to view its Nespresso products.

As I walked through the doors, I was completely surprised and nearly overwhelmed to see that Bloomie’s had a whole area dedicated to Nespresso, complete with a Nespresso Bar. Sidebar – If you are a Nespresso fan (or even an espresso fan) you will understand why I am dedicating a whole post to this subject. If you are not, this post will make no sense to you.

The store – which seems to be operated separately from Bloomingdale’s – is stocked with all of the Nespresso essentials – cups, saucers, espresso holders, chocolate, and oh yes – a wall of capsules! The store sold all of the typical capsule flavors available on the Nespresso website, and a few of the limited editions.

Hmmm, decisions, decisions (yes, that is the back of my head, having a lovely hair day). With soooo many capsule flavors to choose from, it was very hard to decide which flavor I would sample at the fully-stocked Nespresso bar. After making my way to the front of the line (which, not surprisingly, had quite a few Europeans), I captured the barista’s attention. She mentioned a new limited edition flavor – Naora, which has hints of blackcurrant and blueberry. Sold! After savoring the delicious new flavor as a latte, I ended up buying two sleeves of the little black raspberry colored capsules. Oh, and not to mention a very stylish and handy Nespresso capsule holder….

Happy Birthday to Me!

Ciao :-)

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Le Chocolat

April 12, 2012 by

Although the Lenten season may be over, it’s never too late to watch the movie Chocolat. The movie is set in a small fictional and very Catholic town in France during Lent in what appears to be the late 1950′s. Staying true to its title, the movie centers around chocolate, its mysterious and magical qualities, and the amazing self-discipline it takes to not be captivated by the dark treat. During the movie, the leading female owns the new and forbidden chocolate shop that is as decadent in imagery as it is scent. Not only does the shop owner make all her own chocolate (an ancient Mayan recipe) but she spins a Mayan wheel that is said to stop on the image that reveals her customers’ favorite kind of chocolate.

I mention this movie and the synopsis now because two weeks ago I had the pleasure of eating at a little chocolate shop – Le Chocolat –  in Naperville, IL. Le Chocolat shared many elements from the chocolate shop in the movie. Aside from the name, the quaint shop also has a huge variety of homemade chocolates, an old fashioned counter with hightop chairs, and it even has an “ancient Mayan wheel”, which sadly is just for decoration.

When I walked into the little shop, I knew instantly that I wanted to buy something…eat something…anything, everything…because it all looked and smelled wonderful. Although I did not have the opportunity to spin the wheel, it didn’t matter – I already knew my favorite – hot chocolate and mini cupcakes! The cupcakes were delicious and the hot chocolate (triple chocolate to be exact) was some of the best, if not THE best, hot chocolate I’ve ever had in the US (Barcelona, you are still #1!).

Despite having consumed nearly 1,000 calories (I’m being somewhat dramatic) and being full to the brim with chocolate, I could not leave the shop without buying something to take home. I settled on white chocolate covered lemon shortbread balls with blueberries inside. Now if that doesn’t sound heavenly (and slightly Willy Wonka-esque), I don’t know what does.

Chocolate lemon balls in hand, I left Le Chocolat in slight sugar shock, but happy as can be. Although I intended to wait until I regained my appetite to try my new purchase, something compelled me to try them. Maybe it was because they were so pretty, or maybe it was sheer curiosity (lemon and chocolate?), or maybe because, no matter how full I am, there’s always room for Le Chocolat.

 

 

Filed Under: Food & Wine Tagged With: , , ,

The Boat Race: Oxford and Cambridge Rivalry

April 5, 2012 by

(photo source)

A few years ago, my husband and I traveled to London, but did a quick stop in Oxford. I had always wanted to see the university and had heard about the famous “Oxford/Cambridge” Boat Race. While in Oxford, we heard mumblings about the race. We knew race day was getting close and were disappointed to learn that it was taking place the following day – after we’d already left the Oxford.

We returned to London that evening and made plans to tour the city the next day. Thinking the Boat Race was being televised from Oxford later that afternoon, we made our way back to our Inn to watch it on television. Much to our surprise, we quickly learned (after seen many London sites in the background) that the Boat Race was actually taking place in London on the Thames River - a place that we were near just hours before!

The history of the race and how it was started is quite interesting – a bit of a challenge between two friends who were attending rival schools in 1829. Oxford won the first race, and, decades later, the winner still claims bragging rights for the year.

This year will mark the 158th Boat Race between the two schools. The Boat Race will take place on Saturday, April 7, at 2:15PM London time. If you are not one of lucky ones attending the race in person, you can still cheer for your favorite team virtually. The BBC will be airing the race live online and many other TV/radio stations will be televising the event in real time.

You know I’ll be watching!

Ciao!

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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