Pomegranates – Bangkok, Thailand

Pomegranates Being Sold by Bangkok Street Vendor

Getting Fancy at Henri – The Loop

It’s been a long time since I’ve gone out to eat on Valentine’s Day and Henri is the perfect place for those that enjoy the perks of fine dining without the uptight vibe. Huge front windows grant an amazing view of Millennium Park while the decor feels rich and decadent yet inviting. Thick leather bar […]

Brunch at La Sirena Clandestina – West Loop

La Sirena Clandestina feels cozy yet open with large front windows that allow the morning light to come streaming in. There is not shortage of rustic wood highlighted by brick and teal walls. The stools, netted light fixtures and mermaid artwork give it a retro vibe. I love a classic American breakfast but La Sirena […]

Panamanian Classics at Las Clementinas, Casco Viejo, Panama

Established in 1673, Casco Viejo is the historical heart of Panama City. Churches, plazas, crumbling houses and restored buildings turned boutique hotels share space in a very noticeable rapid transformation since my first visit in 2004. A decade ago I contemplated buying real estate in Casco Viejo falling in love with the architecture and history […]

Happy Sweet Valentine’s Day!

Red Square: Steam, Drink & Eat at Chicago’s Oldest Russian Bath House

I can get a drink delivered to me in the hot tub? A group of Russian friends were happily chatting away with cocktails in hand when I stepped into the locker room to change before heading into the Turkish steam room. Sure enough I saw the phone to dial-up to order from the bar. I […]

Chicago Restaurant Week 2014 – Sepia – West Loop

se·pi·a [see-pee-uh] noun 1. A brown pigment obtained from the inklike secretion of various cuttlefish and used with brush or pen in drawing. 2.Photography A print or photograph made in this color. After entering the huge wood door the decor takes on its namesake with rich brown tones throughout the space. A beautiful antique camera […]

What To Eat/Do/Make on Valentine’s Day in Chicago

Valentine’s Day is two short weeks away and most people have their reservations made and flowers picked out. But for those of you who are looking for something different here are some fun things that anyone can enjoy. Make How fun is this? Make your own Valentine’s Piñata Bar! Twosided’s Valentine’s Piñata Bar let’s you […]

Chicago Restaurant Week @TortoiseClub – River North

“Comfortable clubhouse and a lively lounge” perfectly sums up Tortoise Club in River North. Tortoise Club is about a year old but feels like your grandparents old school club in a good way because you have all of the fancy schmancy and none of the stuffiness, the vibe is upbeat and fun. Plaid wallpaper covers […]

Dusek’s in Pilsen – Come For the Food, Stay For the Punch House

Dusek’s is in the gorgeous Thalia Hall built in 1892 by John Dusek. The building has been completely rehabbed but keeps some old timey touches with a tin ceiling, brick walls, and plenty of refurbished wood. Thalia Hall upstairs is opening soon and will have live music while Duseks’s has the food on the ground […]