How very tempting…

Today was day 7 of Phase 1 of the South Beach diet. Today, This morning, I noticed that it was easier to tighten my belt. Still haven’t cheated, not even once. Nate and his boyfriend Kevin were visiting this weekend, yesterday was a whirlwind of fun activities and fantastic restaurants and food. Today as well.

Let me start with yesterday. To begin, transit was a nightmare: I took the blue line downtown to meet them. (The bus from my place to the blue line was HOT as hell and by the time I got off after only 6 blocks I was feeling it.) As soon as I got to the top of the stairs, I heard the train coming behind me so I ran to catch it. We get to Belmont and the operator announced that the train would only be travelling as far as Western (which for those of you who don’t live in Chicago is 6 stops before where I needed to get off the train-Washington) We boarded a shuttle bus and drove down Milwaukee and after what seemed like an hour were finally deposited at Clark/Lake. From there, I just walked to my destination… The Art Institute.

I saw Nate, Kevin and their friend Joli, (Kevin and Joli turned out to be fun as hell btw–we love them) as in Millennium Park as I was walking past. We walked over to The Art Institute. Saturday was The Art Institute’s much anticipated opening day for “The Modern Wing.” We entered the front of the building and proceeded up the stairs where we were met by a black gospel choir (with 1 white lady) who was bringin’ the museum house down! It was loud and rockin! We loved it! We was praisin’ Jesus up to the Art Institue. Before their performance was over, my friend Lucy showed up.. we ran into each other out front… literally, and rejoined the group for the rest of the performance. The new wing is gorgeous of course and features a “Floating Staircase” we didn’t see much art since it was so crowded– upon exiting we learned that yearly membership is only $80 and includes unlimited entrance for two adults and any quantity of children.

Here’s where the food starts: Nate, Kevin and Joli decided to head to Atwood Cafe to eat calamari.  (Um… Graham cracker crusted calamari) I decided I’d better not and so Lucy and I went to Argo for green tea and a walk around Daley plaza, and the rest of the theater district. We went to Nordstrom Rack for a while and met the group after they were done eating. Lucy left and the rest of us headed to Garrett where they ate the caramel cheese mix popcorn (YUM) but I was good, and refrained. After that it was time for the Sears Tower Skydeck which by the way is closed because of a remodel and construction (of the new ledge which will be two inches of glass that hang off of the 103rd floor that if you’d like, you can walk out onto over the city… can’t WAIT for that!) so we saw the city from the 99th floor.

We walked around for a while longer, and cabbed it to Wakimono in lakeview… which btw is a Sushi place I’ve been wanting to try for over a year. Again I was good and didn’t eat sushi. I had edamame, and “Artisan Tofu in sesame and Chili oil” which was pretty spicy and REALLY REALLY REALLY good. We went to a fun candy store that has EVERY type of candy you’rve ever heard of… but I didn’t even sample. THEN we flew over to Bobtail… home of my favorite iced cream in Chicago… which is a Homemade Merlot with dark chocolate chips. Yet again, I was good and I sat ice cream out.

Today we went to Bistro 110 for brunch which is a semi-fancy French Quater kind of restaurant right off of the Magnificent Mile. This time Harold, Kevin’s friend Shila–who is also really fun, and Joli’s husband joined us. We all had delicious breakfasts. Many had crepes but had a fritatta which also turned out to be very good. (Luckily, the chef was kind enough to make it without mushrooms for me.) The service was quite nice, and they had a live new orleans style Jazz band. It wasn’t terribly expensive either… two breakfasts + coffee and soda: $50 w/ tip! Following that, we visited the Hershey botique across the street. Again… no indulgences.

After that, Shila departed and we went on a floating tour of the city. We boarded on the river, went through the locks and out to the lake where we saw the city from afar (but not very far) We headed back in toward through the locks and toured the south fork of the river but not very far shouth… down to about Jackson street. The views were beautiful and aside from the fact that it was a tad cold and I opted NOT to bring a jacket, the entire 90 minute ride was fantastic. I even learned quite a few pieces of Chicago trivia. Why Streeterville is called Streeterville, for example. Unfortunately I forgot we planned to go on the boat ride today and also forgot a camera.

We said our goodbyes, and Harold and I had dinner at Roti again. All in all, a fantastic weekend… and I stayed on my diet… only 7 more days until phase 2!

Stay good kids,
Brett Patrick Casey :o)