Emerald Nails

Emerald is the color of the year. So what better way to celebrate than with emerald nail polish? The flagship Walgreens store is two blocks from my office and they have a nail salon in the store. Manicures are only ten bucks and you get the sixth free. The manicures are top notch and the salon is clean & new.

Royal Treatment at Sapori Trattoria

Tonight I went to Sapori Trattoria for a girlfriends birthday. We got the royal treatment not only because it was her birthday, but also because she has a friend who works there that flagged us as a "treat them well" table with the host. Free bruschetta and a free glass of moscato? Yes please. The spaghetti carbonara was my favorite I've ever had. And that's saying a lot given this is my favorite pasta dish.

Also, I discovered a delightful way to get home. I have had the Uber app on my phone for a couple of months now, but never used it. They sent me an email saying I had a free ride with them this week, so I gave it a shot. This is the best car service ever. I felt so fancy riding home in a black town car. And how amazing is it that you select through an app on your phone that you want a car and it is literally there within seconds?

Another successful night for the books!

Christmas is Over

Tonight I did the awful task of taking my Christmas tree down. Ugh. How sad does that look?

This awful task led me to the fun task of going through my Christmas cards that I was sent this year. I had so many lovely friends that thought of me. So much fun to get a card in the mail versus a bill.

Pops for Champagne

A very dear friends parents own Pops for Champagne. Even if I didn't know the owners, this would be one of my favorite spots in town.  I always love grabbing a cocktail with this girl. And the Tempura Wisconsin Cheese Curds only made the night and champagne that much better!

A Gem in Evanston: Found Restaurant

Amy Morton, the daughter of the family that owns Morton's Steakhouse, has opened a restaurant in Evanston called Found. Every town needs a joint like this and every one of you needs to go visit. The ceiling is chalkboard and the decor is vintage. I loved this place before I even sat down.

Dad's Birthday Dinner at Hop Leaf

My dad is very difficult to buy presents for (like most men) so we have started a new tradition of a birthday dinner out on his girls. Experiences can be more fun than physical presents anyway. This year my sister suggested we take him to Hop Leaf in Andersonville. Hop Leaf is known for their overwhelming beer selection, however I was nervous about the ambiance as its mostly known as a bar. That being said, I was blown away. There is a clear dining area with a phenomenal fireplace that makes for a wonderfully cozy winter night.

Restaurant Inspiration: RPM Italian, Girl and the Goat & Nellcote

These are the places that made me want to write this blog because I enjoyed dining out at them so much. This blog will help me keep the memory of these lovely experiences alive.

The first restaurant was RPM Italian. Who knew celebrities could make such good restauranteurs? I was skeptical at first but went with a girlfriend (who is obsessed with Julianna and Bill) and it was a fabulous experience. The ambiance is sexy and the shredded brussels sprout salad is a must eat. Dying to know how to make that at home.

The second restaurant was Girl and the Goat. A friend made a reservation months ago and took me in place of her mom, who thank goodness bailed so I could snag a seat. The green beans were amazing (and they were made with fish sauce vinaigrette). The restaurant is really cozy (think fireplaces and rustic wooden tables) and I could have spent hours there and eaten everything on the menu.

The third restaurant is Nellcote. This place was opened by the same guys that own Old Town Social. The decor here is feminine and girly yet any guy would love to dine here. And my guy would certainly love this place as they have cocktails with Templeton Rye. I went with a friend who can't eat dairy but that didn't stop me from enjoying my experience. That being said, there are many things I would love to go back and try...with dairy.