I Lean in Between

The Streets

2012-02-22T13:07:00.003-06:00

Ever wonder where Chicago's street names came from? Check out Chicago History Museum's online database of all the streets in the city.

You might find useful/useless bits of information like this:

Michigan Avenue - Named after the Lake. Word means “Great Water”.

Packers Avenue - Named for location in the stockyard district and the meatpackers who had their main offices in the region.

Winneconna Parkway - Named after Indian word meaning "dirty place".

Vintage Avenue - Street led to a wholesale distributor of wine, Old Rose

Distributor Company.

Waveland Avenue - Named by subdivider Joseph Sheffield because adjoining

portions of land would be submerged by water during storms on Lake Michigan.

Ravenswood Avenue - Ravens nesting in woods located nearby.

Fishmongers

2012-02-18T23:53:00.017-06:00

Market to table

Isaacson & Stein Fish Company

Luminous Field by Luftwerk

2012-02-16T17:11:00.004-06:00

Photos taken with a Canon Rebel T2i

Staycation

2012-02-15T23:33:00.001-06:00

I spent a night at the Public Hotel and fell in LOVE. Clean, simple with attention to detail, well furnished with a chic color palette, good service... this is how all hotels should be.

photo credit: Public Chicago

I also had dinner at the hotel's restaurant, the Pump Room. It's now on my list of top ten restaurants in Chicago.

photo credit: Public Chicago

Truffle pizza with frisee salad

Ryantines Day

2012-02-14T17:41:00.001-06:00

An internet meme that cured my Valentine's Day induced dry heaves: Ryantines Day

"Ryan Gosling is the modern-day saint of love. He is romance personified; both single and taken girls want to be embraced by this wholesome god."

Enjoy your hallmark holiday. I'll be at Longman & Eagle, fattening myself on their Valentine's Day tasting menu.

Joy Ride

2012-02-13T12:08:00.001-06:00

This video makes me want to buy a Nikon D800 and a bike.

Joy Ride from Sandro on Vimeo.

(lifted from Fuck Yeah Chicago and the RedEye)

Sunday Brunch

2012-02-12T21:37:00.005-06:00

Farm Egg, Mushroom - Poached Egg, Black Trumpet Mushroom Duxelles, Parmesan Puff Pastry, Truffled Hollandaise Frisee

Coffee, Vanilla - Espresso Por de Creme, Vanilla Chantilly Cream, Hazelnut Biscotti, Cocoa Nibs

Juke

2012-02-09T10:04:00.000-06:00

photo credit: TheeErin

I do not believe one can ban such things in Chicago...

Baby Animals

2012-02-06T14:12:00.004-06:00

I cannot stop looking at the precious, Andrew Zuckerman-esque photos by Sharon Montrose at The Animal Print Shop.

Yoga

2012-02-05T12:28:00.026-06:00

I've been practicing yoga consistently for about 8 months, and it's awesome. It's the only form of exercise that keeps me engaged and challenged. Also, the results I've seen from yoga (muscle tone, flexibility, endurance) far surpass anything I've seen by running and weight training.

Here's a video of what I'm shooting to achieve:

Kela's Kloset

2012-01-31T15:48:00.000-06:00

Kela's Kloset: photos, fashion, & celebrities from someone I used to intern for.

Chicago Neighborhoods

2012-01-25T13:57:00.004-06:00

Check out Steve Shanabruch's The Chicago Neighborhoods project (discovered while reading the Chicagoist). His goal is to create unique logos for each of the city's 77 neighborhoods.

John Steinbeck on Love

2012-01-23T15:37:00.005-06:00

I want to share an article from The Atlantic on John Steinbeck because his thoughts on love are very sweet.

New York

November 10, 1958

Dear Thom:

We had your letter this morning. I will answer it from my point of view and of course Elaine will from hers.

First -- if you are in love -- that's a good thing -- that's about the best thing that can happen to anyone. Don't let anyone make it small or light to you.

Second -- There are several kinds of love. One is a selfish, mean, grasping, egotistical thing which uses love for self-importance. This is the ugly and crippling kind. The other is an outpouring of everything good in you -- of kindness and consideration and respect -- not only the social respect of manners but the greater respect which is recognition of another person as unique and valuable. The first kind can make you sick and small and weak but the second can release in you strength, and courage and goodness and even wisdom you didn't know you had.

You say this is not puppy love. If you feel so deeply -- of course it isn't puppy love.

But I don't think you were asking me what you feel. You know better than anyone. What you wanted me to help you with is what to do about it -- and that I can tell you.

Glory in it for one thing and be very glad and grateful for it.

The object of love is the best and most beautiful. Try to live up to it.

If you love someone -- there is no possible harm in saying so -- only you must remember that some people are very shy and sometimes the saying must take that shyness into consideration.

Girls have a way of knowing or feeling what you feel, but they usually like to hear it also.

It sometimes happens that what you feel is not returned for one reason or another -- but that does not make your feeling less valuable and good.

Lastly, I know your feeling because I have it and I'm glad you have it.

We will be glad to meet Susan. She will be very welcome. But Elaine will make all such arrangements because that is her province and she will be very glad to. She knows about love too and maybe she can give you more help than I can.

And don't worry about losing. If it is right, it happens -- The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away.

Love,

Four Eyes

2012-01-20T13:53:00.001-06:00

Warby Parker

frames + prescription lenses = $95

They're affordable with a variety of frame styles, and they donate a pair whenever they sell a pair.

Hyperbole and a Half

2012-01-09T19:38:00.002-06:00

Allie is blogging again!

Barahona, DR

2011-12-29T15:41:00.003-06:00

Some photos from my recent trip to the Dominican Republic.

Photos taken with a Canon Rebel T2i

A Friend's Birthday Dinner

2011-12-28T14:39:00.004-06:00

"Sharing food with another human being is an intimate act that should not be indulged in lightly" -- Mark Fisher

Bone marrow from The Purple Pig

I Eat and Tell (Fall/Winter 2011)

2011-12-27T14:05:00.008-06:00

Restaurants worth mentioning:

Slurping Turtle for ramen

Perennial Virant for grilled sturgeon

Telegraph Wine Bar for shared small plates

GT Fish & Oyster for oyster po' boy sliders and P.E.I. (Prince Edward Island) mussels

Fish Bar for carpaccio

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T18:58:00.005-06:00

I made Christmas dinner for the first time for my family.

On the menu:

Bruschetta

Oyster chowder with beer, bacon, and french bread (NY Magazine)

French-style cheese puffs (Chef Ludo Lefebvre)

Broccoli salad (Amine family)

Mac'n'cheese (Lottie & Doof)

Honey glazed ham

My Favorite Holiday

2011-12-22T14:42:00.005-06:00

Christmas!

I wanted to make this year a handmade holiday, but seeing as how I don't have the time/patience/arts and crafts skills to do so, I just bought holiday wares that others made.

Custom holiday cards by Print Pixies

Bracelets & photo by Corail Menthe

Please support these small businesses and independent artists/designers by liking them on Facebook and buying their products.

Tardy for the Party

2011-12-20T15:42:00.005-06:00

Sorry, I'm late. I was:

A. Finishing graduate coursework

B. Preparing for my boss's re-election campaign

C. Traveling to the Dominican Republic

D. Double booking social appointments (and therefore, never home)

E. All of the above

New Year's Resolution: post timely entries to blog.

Here are some photos of Kim Jong Il dropping the bass to hold you over until my next blog entry.

I'm Fat

2011-11-14T14:47:00.002-06:00

What and where I ate this weekend:

NoMI Kitchen, 800 N. Michigan, Near North Side

Lao Sze Chuan, 2172 S. Archer, Chinatown

Magnolia Bakery, 108 N. State St., The Loop

Coffee Cupping

2011-11-11T18:49:00.029-06:00

Attended a cupping class at Counter Culture Coffee.

177 N. Ada, Suite 106, West Loop

I really sucked at describing the different coffees. People were comparing the aromas and tastes to things like mulch, molasses, sweet potato, apricot, citrus fruits, and chocolate. The best descriptors I could come up with were dirt and smoky. Sad.

Note: My first cupping class was at Dark Cloud in Lincoln Park. Note that it is no longer in business.

Foodie Bashing

2011-11-10T14:27:00.007-06:00

Celebrity Chef Ted Allen Cooks His Favorite Pretentious Foodie Bullshit Meal

Ok. I admit. Sometimes I get a bit carried away with the whole let's-be-foodies thing. Thank you to The Onion and former Chicago food writer, Ted Allen for putting me in my place.

Kinfolk Magazine

2011-11-01T23:02:00.002-05:00

"Kinfolk is a growing community of artists with a shared interest in small gatherings. We recognize that there is something about a table shared with friends, not just a wedding or once-a-year holiday extravaganza, that anchors our relationships and energizes us... Every element of Kinfolk -- the features, photography, and general aesthetics -- are consistent with the way we feel entertaining should be: simple, uncomplicated, and less contrived."

Maps (In Case You Get Lost)

2011-10-30T19:35:00.003-05:00

My GIS (geographic information systems) course sucks. The maps the professor requires me to make are so boring. Why can't I make maps like this?

"The Midwest, as Viewed by Chicagoans"

Or this?

Chicago Neighborhood Map, North Sider Reference Edition

Live Creating Yourself

2011-10-20T12:00:00.010-05:00

Finding art is one of the most enjoyable parts of decorating my home. I like picking pieces that reflect my personality and add character to my place. Right now, I'm considering a few pieces from LCYGraphics's travel series.

I love the simplicity and they're cute reminders of my favorite cities.
Also, check out the artist's blog. She offers some great interior design inspirations.

Lost Crates (update)

2011-10-11T19:04:00.037-05:00

Back in August, I wrote that I really wanted a lost crate because it looked fun and I like surprises.

Well, I got one and it was disappointing.

Empire State of Mind

2011-10-10T20:21:00.105-05:00

Enjoyed some much needed R & R in New York City this past weekend. It's good to see that the city is exactly how I left it 4 years ago. Although I discovered that I no longer want to move/live there (blame the 1.5" roaches roaming the sidewalks and exorbitant rent), I'll always consider it my second home.

Day One

Joe's Shanghai, 9 Pell St., Chinatown

Day Two

Good morning from Manhattan's upper east side

The High Line

10th Avenue Square

Blue Bottle Coffee Co. sold at The Porch

Sculpture by KAWS in the Meatpacking District

RIP notes to Steve Jobs at Chelsea's Apple Store

Washington Square Park

Day Three

Smorgasborg ,Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Ginny dog from ASIADOG, 66 Kenmare St., Nolita

Shave ice

View of Manhattan from Brooklyn

SoHo

Day Four

Wings & kimchi slaw from Bonchon, 325 5th Ave., Koreatown

Manhattan sunset from Queens

A Limerick

2011-10-05T14:37:00.005-05:00

This one Aileen, known to live in between,

For the remainder of the week, will not be seen,

Because she'll be out east.

It's been four years, at least.

I should be doing work instead of writting crappy limericks...

Magnolia Bakery

2011-10-02T17:56:00.003-05:00

It's finally open!
108 N. State St. (Block 37), The Loop

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

2011-10-01T23:51:00.002-05:00

ZzZzzZzzz...

Man + Guitar

2011-09-30T23:52:00.026-05:00

Yawn (the band) at the Metro

Give any man a guitar and he automatically becomes more attractive

Ink

2011-09-29T23:14:00.003-05:00

My girlfriend recently got a new tattoo: B.A.M.F. (an acronym for bad ass mother f-cker).

An apt descriptor for someone who's ballsy enough to get inked in their mouth.

CIFF

2011-09-22T13:14:00.002-05:00

The schedule for the Chicago International Film Festival is now available. The CIFF runs October 6-20.

Shorts

2011-09-14T14:49:00.007-05:00

These shorts by Rick Mereki are awesome. And Andrew Lees is gorgeous.

Openlands

2011-09-11T15:21:00.005-05:00

Openlands Lakeshore Preserve, Fort Sheridan

Donut Vault

2011-09-10T11:47:00.003-05:00

Not as good as I'd hoped

Donut Vault, 400 N. Franklin St., Near North Side

My First White Sox Game

2011-09-09T22:14:00.008-05:00

Sox vs. Indians

On the big screen

Free Sox gear

Topshop Flagship

2011-09-08T13:00:00.002-05:00

May the Lord help us all...

Korean American Food

2011-09-01T22:16:00.003-05:00

Ruxbin, 851 N. Ashland, Noble Square

Randolph Street Market

2011-08-27T14:16:00.012-05:00

Vintage Schwinns

Vintage couture

Hair

2011-08-26T15:48:00.004-05:00

photo credit: Laura Encursiva

I love girls with short hair: Fuck Yeah Girls with Short Hair.

Pure Black

2011-08-25T14:16:00.004-05:00

Time Out Chicago says La Columbe's Pure Black iced coffee is, "an endurance-strength bottled iced coffee in which Corsica grounds (a blend of Brazilian, Colombian, Honduran and Mexican beans) steep for 16 hours in stainless-steel wine tanks before being pressed, filtered twice and bottled by hand at the roastery’s headquarters in Philadelphia."

photo credit: Martha Williams

La Colombe Torrefaction, 955 W. Randolph, West Loop

$4.50/bottle

Dream Job

2011-08-24T15:55:00.004-05:00

I would kill to work with Scott Schuman.

Cupcakes

2011-08-20T06:53:00.003-05:00

Coming soon to Block 37

Camping Chic

2011-08-17T09:15:00.008-05:00

Inspiration for my recent purchases: camping.

(note: I hate camping).

UO Jersey Plimsoll sneaker, BDG Boyfriend Flannel Shirt,
Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack, &
Contributor by Rachel Comey Canvas Clutch

Lost Crates

2011-08-16T13:27:00.004-05:00

If I had an extra $38 to spare every month, I'd subscribe to Lost Crates. After taking a personality quiz, Lost Crates will send you a carefully curated collection of stationary every month. From what I've seen, there are lots of classy wares in these boxes.

If you sign up, please note that I am willing to accept whatever is unwanted and/or leftover.

Withdrawal

2011-08-09T16:16:00.006-05:00

I am suffering withdrawal.

My life is so utterly lame after experiencing the atmosphere, the people, and the music of Lollapalooza.

Thankfully, I've found myself a fix.
If you, like me, stubbornly hunkered down during Sunday night's storm with the belief that a skinny, white dude wearing a huge mouse head would resurrect your cold, drenched spirit... then you witnessed the genius of LA-based POSSIBLE Productions. They debuted their massive visuals for Deadmau5's "Professional Griefers" set. If you don't think lighting is an art, you will after watching this.

Other work by POSSIBLE can be found on their Vimeo page.

Lollapalooza

2011-08-08T11:54:00.068-05:00

My first time at Lollapalooza was AMAZING. Definitely going to make an effort to go every year from now on.

Day One

The Naked and Famous

Skrillex

Coldplay

Girl Talk

Day Two

The Drums

Day Three

The Joy Formidable

Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses

The Cool Kids

Switch

Before the mud

Deadmau5

S.O.F.I.

After the mud

Pilsen

2011-07-30T18:02:00.008-05:00

Street art in Pilsen

The Interrupters

2011-07-27T13:43:00.003-05:00

I admire the women and men who are involved in Cease Fire. Their work is dangerous, but so important. They are truly inspiring and prove that members of the most "hopeless" communities can become empowered to create change within their neighborhoods.

Director Steve James released a documentary about Cease Fire called The Interrupters. It'll be screened at the Gene Siskel Film Center in August.

Manifesto

2011-07-25T15:34:00.003-05:00

by Holstee

This manifesto perfectly describes how I try to live my life.

18x24 poster is $25. I purchased mine today.

My City

2011-07-24T11:36:00.014-05:00

North Avenue beach

My city's the best. A threat to the rest.

Gelato

2011-07-23T00:51:00.022-05:00

Bailey's, Chocolate Swirl, Irish Coffee, Creme Caramel + defective sugar cone
(photo credit: The Crapper)

Paciugo, 2324 W. Giddings, Lincoln Square

Pitchfork Music Festival

2011-07-15T22:57:00.011-05:00

Celebrity Chef Stalking

2011-07-10T17:24:00.010-05:00

Dose Market at the River East Art Center

Complimentary cocktails made by Grant Achantz of The Aviary

Also spotted: chef Billy Kim of Urban Belly and Belly Shack

Art Fairs

2011-07-09T20:11:00.007-05:00

I always find great buys at the Gold Coast Art Fair and Chicago Tribune North Michigan Avenue Art Festival

On the Terrace

2011-07-05T00:56:00.020-05:00

Jazz and food at the Museum of Contemporary Art's terrace every Tuesday

Comfort Food

2011-07-02T21:44:00.012-05:00

The owners of Pleasant House grow the vegetables used in their recipies in their own urban gardens.

Steak pasty, gravy, fries, hibiscus tea soda

Pleasant House, 934 W. 31st St., Bridgeport

The Country I Come From

2011-06-30T21:40:00.006-05:00

Sold on Etsy by blimpcat

Lifted from allinmoderation and fuckyeahchicago

Calm Before the Storm

2011-06-30T20:58:00.007-05:00

Transformers 3

2011-06-29T15:56:00.014-05:00

My building and neighborhood get firebombed @ 1:15

Optimus Prime and friends parked below my window - August 2010

Day Trip

2011-06-26T23:08:00.027-05:00

Lowden Memorial State Park, Oregon, IL

Learnapalooza

2011-06-23T15:01:00.004-05:00

Learnapalooza - FREE workshops in Wicker Park Bucktown this weekend.

The Chicago Mixtape

2011-06-21T13:11:00.005-05:00

I discovered Chicago Mixtape in early 2011 when it first launched. I don't always like all the tracks, but it's FREE music.

Subscribe and support our local musicians.

Gallery Day

2011-06-19T21:25:00.011-05:00

Conflict Zone - Imagery from combat journalists and photographers in Iraq and Afghanistan

Expo 72 Gallery, 72 E. Randolph, Loop

Desks of Power

Public Works exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Photography, 600 S. Michigan Ave., South Loop

Alfresco Dining

2011-06-18T19:21:00.020-05:00

Outdoor patio at Letizia's Natural Bakery, 2144 W. Division St., Wicker Park

The Best Mussels in the City

2011-06-17T20:02:00.007-05:00

Sake steamed, garlic, cilantro, lemongrass butter, thai basil, chili

Saigon Sisters, 567 W. Lake St., Near West Side

Guerrilla Truck Show

2011-06-14T20:45:00.011-05:00

Guerrilla Truck Show - Independent, local designers and food trucks at the Fulton Market docks

Nieces & Nephews - Part II

2011-06-12T20:54:00.028-05:00

The Seldows feeding giraffes.

Human Rights Watch International Film Festival

2011-06-09T09:14:00.009-05:00

I only got to see two (A Small Act & Last Best Chance) of the eleven films being screened, but both were excellent. Definitely going to make a point of seeing more films next year.

Trailer for A Small Act can be seen here.

Human Rights Watch Chicago Film Festival website is here.

Chicago's Seasons

2011-06-08T16:28:00.009-05:00

from bippity boppity boo

Nieces & Nephews - Part I

2011-06-07T22:17:00.008-05:00

The Beginning of Summer

2011-05-30T21:23:00.025-05:00

Celebrating the end of this week's rain, wind, and cold temperatures with a poolside crawfish boil.

Happy Birthday to Me

2011-05-29T15:39:00.012-05:00

Acting my age is overrated.

26 on the 25th

Rahm's Inauguration Ceremony

2011-05-20T00:55:00.105-05:00

May 16, 2011 - Millennium Park

Transitions

2011-05-15T01:00:00.008-05:00

Color at the Chicago Botanic Garden

2011-05-15T00:58:00.006-05:00

Coffee Culture - Cupping

2011-04-23T18:13:00.017-05:00

Dry/wet smells & tasting

Siphon burundi ngogomo

DarkCloud Urban Coffee Lab, 2122 N. Halsted, Lincoln Park

Cupping classes held monthly - $6

Rainy Night Dinner Party

2011-04-22T23:56:00.015-05:00

Shrimp & crab meat on a bed of spring lettuce
with merlot & sake

Cucumber, jicama, & beet maki roll

Thank you, Annie (my gracious host/chef)!

Escaping the City

2011-04-17T22:27:00.019-05:00

"I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright."

Henry David Thoreau

Marseilles

Atop Starved Rock

Buffalo Rock Waterfall

2011-04-13T14:48:00.002-05:00

"Hollywood is hype. New York is talk. Chicago is work."

Michael Douglas

The Makings of Memories

2011-04-12T23:57:00.020-05:00

Friends, laughs, food.

Disc Jockeys

2011-04-10T23:19:00.016-05:00

Dookie Blaster aka The Crapper