quite frankly

Monday, March 18, 2013

Butcher & the Burger

Chicago foodies will know about this local spot in the heart of Lincoln Park on W. Armitage. Accessible off the brown line, Butcher and the Burger doesn't mess around when it comes to a good burger. Honestly, who doesn't like a delicious juicy burger? This spot adds a whole new level to the burger trend. You start by selecting your patty: they have two beef options, house blended or grass-fed, but if beef isn't your cup of tea, grass-fed bison, pork, turkey, shrimp, salmon, and even a vegan option, a lentil brown rice burger are your options. Up next, you choose your spices, bun, and toppings. I went with the house-blended beef, Chicago steakhouse spice rub, pretzel bun, traditional toppings and extra avocado. My friend chose bison on a whole wheat bun, yum!

taaaa-da

(I love the wood blocks the burgers are served on!)

extra avocado for me! and delicious crispy fries

Fresh, local, and fast, Butcher and the Burger will not disappoint meat-lovers, burger-lovers, or those looking for a new neighborhood spot. I'll certainly be going back, but this time time, I'm thinking of going in the morning and trying a breakfast burger with egg & bacon.

http://butcherandtheburger.com

six snaps

pink branches, only in SF

cute California prints

pretty plane views

late-night Cheesie's run: Classic grilled cheese with extra bacon + tater tots

green Chicago river

killer Chicago sunset on St. Pattys Day!

Monday, March 11, 2013

last, but not least

Our last day in the city started with brunch at Zazie with my mama, a trip to Hayes Valley, then downtown, then over the bridge to Tiburon, then a delicious San Francisco meal: fresh cracked crab & sourdough.

feta, spinach, bacon, and caramelized onion omelette from Zazie. Any meal, breakfast, lunch, or dinner is always splendid from my neighborhood favorite.

http://www.zaziesf.com/zazie/home.html

Hayes Valley might be one of my favorite spots in San Francisco, on a sunny or rainy day. Great shopping and food! Of course we had to stop at Miette and Smitten Ice Cream. According to Conde Nast, Miette is one of the top ten pastry shops in the world.

https://www.miette.com

gearing up for Easter with this fun display

I have this book and would love to make every single delicious recipe.

The lemon shortbread cookie and lavender shortbread cookie are two of my favorites (how cute is that packaging!). Along with the gingerbread cupcake & delicious macaroons.

the gingerbread is so delicious! We had some cupcakes waiting for us at home so we went across the street to Smitten Ice Cream to try some handmade local goodness. Jac and I both got the fresh mint chip in a house-made waffle cone. I now understand why we paid 11$ for two cones because not only do they make it in front of you, but it is by far the freshest ice cream I have ever tasted.

http://smittenicecream.com/home/Home.html