Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Chicago

Did you know that Chicago's "windy city" nickname has nothing to do with the weather? Yes, it's true. The name actually refers to some old-school politicians who were known for blowing hot air up asses.

I was in Chicago last weekend visiting Leanne (and Scott) and we ate dinner for 8 dollars at a swanky bar / restaurant called Rodan. I'm completely bemused with the idea of spending 8 dollars on anything more than tapas at a freakishly swanky bar. That wouldn't happen in New York unfortunately.

Rodan is uber-techy, yet bashfully refined. Its modern decor and technological accents keep it just hip enough. I even noticed a mouse arrow chasing my feet on the way to the bathroom. I've never seen that before. In keeping with the projected theme, a centerpiece wall displays vivid psychedelic images that reminded me of the Summer of Love: Art of the Psychedelic Era exhibit at the Whitney in New York. Ooh...How very arty and experimental?!

Well, the food was good. The eatery boasts South Asian and South American cuisine. WTF? Suffering from an identity complex, I played it safe and ordered the "Grilled fish tacos with guacamole and mango corn salsa" which was pretty straight-forward. The fish was moist without an overly fishy flavor and light. My meal was plated fine, although slightly lacking an artist's touch. The other people at the table really enjoyed their meals as well. Leanne, especially loved her "Fish and Chips with Wasabi Oil and Vinegar". And I hear that their lychee martini is the best around. For their prices, you won't find a better South Asian/American hybrid. I'll save my hot air for a balloon.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Hmn...Thinking about dinner

I'm currently thinking about what to make for dinner tomorrow night. Grr is coming over and we are going to eat a yummy meal before I take off to Chicago for the weekend. I was thinking about making a version of "priest stranglers" pasta. I've eaten this pasta at one of my favorite restaurants in the East Village. It's made with a Strozzapretti pasta that is Italian for "Priest Strangler". Apparently, in the 18th century a priest slurped up the pasta too quickly and was strangled. Oops. The sauce is a basic marinara sauce with ricotta di pecora cheese. It's very simple but also very yummy. We'll see what Grr has to say about that...
Danielle