Food Network In Concert... Eat Drink Rock.

It's ok, I'll let Food Network piggy back off of Eat Travel Rock.  Quite flattering the hashtag for their event last weekend at Ravinia Music Festival was #EatDrinkRock... haha, ok seriously folks.  My manager, Chantel, and I headed up to Highland Park to explore what was sure to be incredible food and incredible music...sounds right up my alley!!  I also managed to snag 2 quick interviews with some heavy hitters in the culinary world.   

The first chat was with Billy Dec (Co-Founder of Rockit Ranch Productions) and Chef Kevin Hickey (Executive chef of Bottle Fork and the upcoming Duck Inn).  They were FRESH off their win for BEST HOT DOG.  Quite an accomplishment being in Chicago and all.  Check out the Video HERE! 

Next, I had a chance to interview a Food Network Chef/Host I've been a fan of for a while.  She has a simple yet bold take on Latin American food... hence her show's name, Simply Delicioso! Check out this video of Chef Ingrid Hoffmann !!!

Do Food Trends Equal Fat Trends??

Food trends have been quite, well, trendy as of late.  There is always something new that is "all the rage" and Chicagoans buy into the trends (literally and figuratively) whole heartedly.  Are we jumping on the bandwagon because we are yearning to try new and interesting foods, or are we absorbing all of these calories just because it's what everybody in town is doing?  Which brings me to the next point... Are these trends making us fat?  Are ANY of these trends healthy?  How long can these trends be sustained? 

Meat.  Ahhh meat.  So delicious, so satiating, and so controversial.  If you follow my blogs you will know that I have recently become outspoken on trying to be more socially responsible with my meat intake.  For now, I'll put this aside.  Chicago is a meat city, and these meat trends have been on a steep incline.  Is bacon something new?  No.  Is seeing it in and on everything imaginable new? Yes.  A few years ago, you didn't see bacon on your doughnuts, and in your chocolate, and garnishing your martini.  Yes this CAN BE delicious.  But an immense intake of bacon can't be good for us and our waistlines, correct?  What has come along since bacon became so En Vogue?  Pork Belly.  This fatty splendor can be found everywhere.  On burgers (as if that's necessary), in tacos (this I have ZERO qualms with), in eggs, and in/on pasta and pizza.  This is where trend separates from indigenous foods.  When you see a pork belly taco, that is a regional Latin American specialty.  When you see pork belly on a 1/2 lb "Santa Fe" burger at a local "gastro pub" it's a food trend.  This all becomes silly and unnecessary when people start throwing bacon and pork belly and foie gras on EVERYTHING just because it's a fad.  Maybe I don't want foie gras on my PB&J!!!! 

What is up with the doughnut and cupcake trends??  I mean, yea they're freakin' delicious, but could we be shoveling our faces full of anything worse for us?  The problem is;  that because you just HAVE to try Doughnut Vault, or you haven't lived until you've had Sprinkles or Sweet Mandy B's, people flock like lemmings to these places and consume vast amounts unaware of how bad it is for us.  The occasional dessert is fine, if not necessary.  But to have full venues, restaurants, and shops dedicated to these trends may be too much.  I think the public is starting to speak, however, when entire chains like Crumb's Bake Shops are going under.  Maybe a 2,000 calorie cupcake isn't on OUR menu anymore.  Also, stores like Sprinkles and Glazed and Infused which had lines around the corner or were sold out by 11am, now are much more tame.  Is the trend on it's way out?  Are we becoming more health conscious, or just sick of certain trends and waiting for the next big one?  What are your thoughts friends?  Does Chicago have room for a potentially healthy food trend?  Why can't omelets or healthy soups be the next big thing?  Don't throw "but Kale and Brussels Sprouts are huge right now!" at me... entire restaurants or menus dedicated to these items aren't springing up left and right... they're just side dishes... and half the time they're loaded with bacon and pork belly anyway.

 I'd love to know your thoughts! Leave me a comment! 

My Own Healthy Veggie Chili Recipe

Since I posted an Instagram of my healthy homemade chili last night, I've had a ton of people ask for the recipe.  So I figured this would be the perfect opportunity for my first ever recipe post!  Chili is probably my favorite meal to make because it CAN be incredibly healthy, it's incredibly simple, there are thousands of ways to improvise and make it your own, EVERYONE loves chili, AND it it's almost even better as leftovers.  Here is a vegetarian and gluten free version I've been making for years that is surprisingly hearty.  You can improvise as much or as little as you like. 

1/2 large onion diced

1 green pepper diced

2/3 cup chopped mushrooms

2 whole ears of fresh sweet corn (cut off the cob)

1 small can of chopped green chiles 

1 can organic crushed tomatoes

1 can organic diced tomatoes

1 can organic Cannellini (great white Northern) beans (in liquid)

1 can organic black beans (in liquid)

1 tsp Kosher salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp Hot Mexican Chili Powder

1 tbsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper

1 tbsp fat free Greek Yogurt per serving

Mexican shredded cheese (for garnish)

Cilantro (for garnish)

1 lime wedge per serving for garnish

1 avocado

Your favorite hot sauce

Over high heat sautee onion and green pepper in 2 tbsps canola oil for 2 minutes then add mushrooms.  Reduce heat to medium/high and sautee all veggies until softened.  Reduce to medium heat and add the canned crushed tomatoes followed by diced tomatoes then beans then chiles stirring throughout.  Add the fresh cut corn.  Reduce to low heat and add all the spices and salt and pepper.  You may want to add more or less to taste.  Cook over low heat for at least 30 minutes.  

Ladle chili into 6 bowls and garnish with a dollop of greek yogurt, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, a lime wedge, avocado slices/chunks, and hot sauce to taste.  

Buen Provecho!!!

Seattle- Exceeding All Expectations

I didn't necessarily think that my first visit to Seattle would qualify this city as one of my favorites.  Maybe Forbes was on to something when it voted Seattle, just this month, as the #2 Coolest City In America.  I will not dispute this ranking as Seattle was so much more than I expected, and yes, the cool just oozed out of it's pores.  

The first thing I noticed, even from the airplane window, was the mind-blowing topography.  It was something out of a dream.  As I decended I could see how the green was almost blinding while the rolling hills were only overcome by the sprawling backdrop of the Cascade Mountains.  The soundtrack of the trip was me saying on repeat, "This is SO pretty.... Oh my God, this is SO gorgeous!"  It was surreal to me that Seattle residents had the privilege of waking up each morning with heaven as their view.  

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I know what you're saying....Slow down Kelly!!  Isn't Seattle known for their gloomy and depressing weather.  Yes... they have a shitty rep for it.  But the city must have been prepared for my arrival and knew how depressed I was with the Chicago's lackluster summer, as she dialed one up for me.  Four straight days of 85 degree and sunny weather.  Which made exploring many of Seattle's massive lakes (Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish) by boat, all the more enjoyable.  Yet Seattle residents and Washingtonians alike don't mind the negative press regarding the weather...this way they get to keep their gem well preserved and close to the chest. 

As a foodie, I was impressed with the vast amount of good eats. Since I'm trying to eat less meat, Seattle is THE spot for me. The abundance of fresh seafood is almost incomparable...for obvious reasons. My absolute favorite spot was Pike Place Market.   This is the go-to for locals, tourists, and chefs alike who want seafood that was caught 5 minutes ago.  My pick of the day was a big cup full of so fresh and so clean Dungeness crab cocktail. Pure, delicious, and only $12. 

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As a music lover, and more importantly 1990's alternative rock music (and grunge) lover, Seattle offered up the EMP Museum. This was everything a person who appreciates music could ask for. I spent the most time in the hall of guitar history and in the Nirvana exhibit. The Nirvana exhibit was surreal as the amount of rare artifacts they had on display which belonged the tragic trio was incredible. Plus they incorporated digital exhibits which showcased many of the other grunge bands who were responsible for creating the "Seattle Sound". 

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All in all, my Seattle trip epitomized the ultimate Eat Travel Rock experience, as I consumed copius amounts of some of the world's most delectable seafood while learning more about the music scene that captivated the world for over a decade over 20 years ago. Clearly Seattle has found it's way to make a name for itself on the world stage again by being voted one of our "Coolest Cities". Well deserved Seattle, well deserved.  

Eat Travel Rock TV is HERE!

First off, I want to start by saying how appreciative I am of all the support I've received from all my friends, family, and "supporters" since Chantel (my manager/producer) and I began this crazy project.  No one even knew what the hell Eat Travel Rock TV was, yet you all were on board.  Well now it's here and it's LIVE on my site... Just click HERE for all the available episodes... yet you still may not know what the hell it is.

Eat Travel Rock TV came about from the frustration I had while working on other TV projects, coupled with my desire to put my specific brand on camera.  I've had a vision of a show that fully integrates food, music, and travel in a unique and unexpected way.  There is nothing like it on television, nor the internet (as far as I've seen... those interwebs are a mighty huge place).  Plus I get to be ME!  There are no network constrictions, nor producers/directors who don't share my vision and let me do what I want to do and act how I want to act.  

Here are some examples of who you will meet along this journey:  I interviewed Chase Rice at the Windy City Smokeout (music and food, baby!) I interviewed Love and Theft in Key West, FL (music and travel!) I had Ryan Chiaverini give me a guitar lesson in his home (unexpected music!) and I brought Down With Webster to Fulton Market Kitchen.  We have launched 5 episodes today, and we will be releasing 1 episode each Wednesday.

No two episodes are alike, and I have MANY ideas for the future.  Stay tuned for many bands, musicians, famous chefs, innovative restauranteurs, Chicago athletes, notable personalities etc.  I plan to Eat a ton, Travel a bunch, and constantly rock out... so please join me on this journey.  I truly hope you enjoy this labor of love and I welcome your thoughts, feedback, and requests.  Thank you!!

Foodie Awareness: Can we Foodies be Socially AND Health Conscious?

Hey fellow foodies! This last year has truly been an epiphany for me and I have undergone a tremendous paradigm shift..  Even though I haven't yet fully crossed over to the 100% socially, ethically, and health conscious side (and I may never), I have made a small leap.  It may not be too apparent in my Instagram food posts, but I assure you, changes are happening behind the scenes.  The food we now eat has become incredibly controversial... and for good reason.  Not only is obesity the leading epidemic and cause of death in our nation, the overall treatment of animals used to produce the majority of our food borders on sadistic.  Herein lies the conundrum.  How can we foodies, still live our glorious lives of indulging our culinary desires, without perpetuating rapid heart disease, poisoning our bodies, and the disdainful inhumane slaughter of some of God's most beloved creatures?  

I started to make some changes for several reasons.  The first was when my sister, Kristin Rizzo, became so impassioned with a feature documentary on animal rights she directed with her best friend, Katie Cleary, who created and produced the film called Give Me Shelter.  It's a ground breaking film that opened my eyes to many current issues in the animal world I was previously ignorant to.  I then wanted to learn more...I watched, horrified, (over and over) documentaries such as Food Inc. and Earthlings.  If you can get through these films and not change your life, at least a little, then.... well.... no comment.  

With other documentaries I've watched, and books I've read, I've realized that 90% of the crap I was consuming was poison.  Diet soda (or diet anything) for example, is just a huge serving of toxic chemicals.  Diet soda actually increases formaldehyde production in your brain.  Um, no thanks!  I have cut ALL of this out of my diet.  It's much better to have the actual sugar along with the calories, than Soylent Green.  Processed food is killing America, and even though i'll have my occasional gummy bear (my vice), if it's processed or has any preservatives or is unnatural in any way....I'm doing my best to steer clear.  

But how can we foodies eat all the deliciousness that is available to us without eating meat?  Well I guess it's possible... but I'm not ready to take that step yet.  I cannot go full vegetarian or vegan, nor do I want to.  What I AM doing is making smart and deliberate choices in order to be as socially conscious as I can, without giving up all meat, and enjoying my foodie lifestyle.  

1.  I try hard not to eat meat at fast food places anymore.  If I must go to McDonald's or Subway (very rare...I know... a BIG change for me) I'll get the Filet O' Fish (don't knock it until ya tried it) or Tuna Salad.  Here and there I will still get food from my cherished Portillo's, come on, I'm only human!!!

2.  I try to only get meat (beef, pork, lamb...I no longer order veal) at restaurants where I know they source their meat from local and sustainable farms where the animals are treated as well as possible while alive and slaughtered as humanely as possible (oxymoronic, I'm aware).  I filmed an episode of my previous show, Food Junkie: Chicago, at Slagel Family Farm (watch it HERE).  I have seen first hand the difference between an old fashioned family farming operation, and the factory/commercial feedlots and slaughterhouses.  They are worlds apart.  Even though, yes, animals are still being killed for our consumption, this is by far the best way to ensure that at least you aren't contributing to the filth and evil that exists at the large corporate farms.  

3.  I buy mostly all organic produce and dairy.  It's more expensive, but it's worth it.  ESPECIALLY the dairy.  You want milk and eggs from happy cows and chickens who are being treated well and raised in a healthy environment and without hormones and antibiotics.  Don't just go after "free range".  That is a bullshit title.  Go for "Organic".  

4.  I eat a TON of seafood.  This is hardly a sacrifice.  A foodie can survive off of oysters, lobster rolls, escargot, hamachi sashimi, tuna poke, blackened catfish, BBQ salmon, and miso glazed chilean sea bass.  Pastas are also our indulgent friend.  This is where being Italian comes in handy :)

I'm definitely not perfect, nor will I ever be.   We all occasionally get hungover and have cheat days. Or we just HAVE to try that new burger at that new hot spot.   If you invite me to your house and you grill chicken or hot dogs or make me some Hamburger Helper, I'll gladly and thankfully eat it.  I'll never be the pretentious diva in your home to ask "Excuse me where is that meat from?  Um noooo thank you then."  But I may view it as an opportunity to share some of my findings with you.  It's undeniable Americans should agree that we need to make some changes.  Fortunately for foodies, these can be attainable, realistic, and delicious changes!  

Seattle Sound 2014

It's finally happening.  I am finally going to the birthplace of my favorite music...after 20 years of thinking about it.  Seattle is the Mecca and founding city of most of alternative rock... namely "Grunge".  Even though most of these artists hate the term, "grunge"  it is how it's been classified.  Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, etc.  They all began here, and these bands helped shape my life and were instrumental in the formation for my appreciation of modern rock.  It also happens to be the birthplace of my boyfriend, hence the trip.  I've come to grips with the fact that I'm sure the music scene has changed since 1992, but I would love to see some remnants of that vibe.  Even though I missed out on the early days of when Mother Love Bone still existed, Layne Stayley was just becoming known for his tortured vocals, and the movie Singles was all the rage... there must be a highway of nostalgia still in play... or the ability to witness new burgeoning bands who aim to make it big on the scene.  Any local or underground rock clubs I should visit?  Regardless, just being in the presence of where all of this went down will be excitement enough for me.

Get Up, Stand Up!

Alright fellow Chicagoans, the polar vortex has subsided... at least for now (hopefully).  We all know Chicago has a great patio scene and that drinking ice cold beer in the summer sun is our favorite pastime.  But what if you want to REALLY enjoy the weather, our gorgeous city, AND the lakefront, but still be healthy?  I've got the answer, folks.  I have been paddleboarding for the last 3 years and I swear it changed the way I look at fitness.  Granted, we cannot do this all year round in Chicago, but while we can, I definitely take FULL advantage.  It's a very useful skill to have, as it's become a popular sport the world over.  (One of my best friends was paddleboarding in Cinque Terre, Italy last week).  Not only is it fun, relaxing, and an amazing workout (core, arms, legs) but you can get a great tan while doing it! 

I go, as often as I can, to Chicago SUP at North Ave Beach.  They rent the boards for $30/hr, or you can buy a package that can save you some dough.  They also offer private lessons (which I don't feel are very necessary, the 2 min tutorial should be enough).  What's even more fun is they offer SUP YO! Classes...(stand up paddleboarding yoga).  Click here for class schedule.  Can you think of any better way to do yoga?  With the backdrop of the most gorgeous city right behind you... and if you get too hot... ya just jump in the water!! 

Lately, after I finish my paddle session, I head into the ground floor of Castaways.  Now usually, when you think of beach food, you think of hot dogs and burgers and snow cones...so basically shit.  Now you can complete your healthy day because the little stand in there makes green smoothies.  My favorite is the Kale Ginger- made with Kale, Banana, Orange, Fresh Ginger, and Coconut Water.  It's the perfect healthy hydration after your work out.  

Go check it out!  Trust me, you'll love it.  Do NOT be scared to fall in, I guarantee you'll welcome  a quick dip.  It's the most tropical thing you could possibly do in our fair city, so take advantage of it while you can... then go do it around the world!

Summer Concert Preview- Eat Travel Rock's Picks

Ok everyone.  Time for MY picks of the shows I am most excited about over the next couple months.  They are ALL over the place.  So listen up!

Phish- (July 18-20)  Calm down everyone.  I know, I know.  I have avoided this mega tour since 1995.  And today, it's finally happening.  I have always enjoyed Phish's studio albums, especially in high school and college.  I have been super anti-jam band basically because I lack patience and don't wanna hear a 18 min song.  But I have relented, and thanks to a free ticket, I WILL be attending a show this weekend at Northerly Island.  It's all happening folks...

Down With Webster- (July 24th) Subterranean in Wicker Park.  My favorite Canadian band (and also besties) are back in town.  I am SO excited for this venue, mainly because it won't let in their usual under 21 screaming girl fans.  These 6 guys are so talented and their style covers hip-hop to rock to pop.  They are awesome to listen to and not bad to look at.  They give Avril Lavigne and Justin Bieber a run for their money at all the Canadian music award shows, and sell out shows to thousands of screaming fans in the Great White North...Yet are still under the radar in the US.  So get in while you can and see them up close and personal... because they are going to be HUGE here soon.  Mark my words.  

Panic! At The Disco-  (July 25th) Northerly Island-  If you're unfamiliar with Brendon Urie (lead singer) and how hilarious this man is, you're missing out.  Check out his Vine videos.  But more importantly, the band rocks.  Their newest album (Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die) is a hit, especially with tracks like Miss Jackson and Vegas Lights, and Far Too Young to Die.  It's more electro-pop than their past albums, and if you like Fall out Boy you'll love Panic! as they're the cooler, sexier, bad-boy LA version of the Chicago band.  

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (Aug 23rd) United Center-  Honestly, I can't... Can't being to explain how FUCKING PUMPED I AM FOR THIS!!!!  Out of the hundreds of shows I've been to in my life... Tom Petty may be number ONE.  Dead serious, can't top it.  I've never heard such badass guitar riffs and instruments fill an arena more than when I've been at a Tom Petty concert.  He's a legend... so is his guitarist Mike Campbell.  Case closed.  

Zac Brown Band (Sept. 13th) Wrigley Field- I know, y'all were wondering where the country music was on my list.  Fear not.  ZBB is my favorite modern day country artist.  Part Southern Rock, part jam band, part bluegrass, ALL hardcore talent.   Zac has some of the strongest vocals in the biz and he can shred the shit out of an acoustic geetar.  Whether you're a "country" fan or not, you will not be disappointed seeing this Georgia crew tear up the Friendly Confines.  

Dave Bolland's Charity Golf Tourney...

It's an honor to emcee and host Dave Bolland's Charity Golf Tournament today.... In case you don't remember (and if you don't, SHAME on you!) Dave was the badass Blackhawk who clinched the Stanley Cup Finals for Chicago with the winning goal in game 6 in 2013.  Even though Dave has moved on to the Florida Panthers, he's still very involved with the Remix Project that just opened in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood at the Lacuna Artist Lofts. The Remix project is a program that provides alternative creative classes to underprivileged youth.  Bottom line is I get to eat delicious food all day while driving around in a golf cart. Then at night- I'll be mingling with other players who are all committed to helping this great foundation.  Eat Travel Golf!!! 

Let's Get Smokey

Hey Y'all.  This weekend marks the 3 day period where Chicago bows down to 2 of the mightiest forces in the universe.  BBQ and Country Music.  This may be controversial as, I've come to find out, not EVERYONE is a country music fan.  Well shame on you! You have a chance to make it right!  The Windy City SmokeOut starts today and not only will some of the best BBQ from around the COUNTRY be featured, but,... there will also be some of the biggest names in Country Music...right here in our own back yard...in River North!  Bub City puts it on, and we already know how great their food is.  Smoque, Chicago's Q, and Lillie's Q from Chi-Town are also repping as well as Salt Lick BBQ, Myron Mixon, and Dinosaur BBQ from around the ole US of A.  But of course, the twang will be flowin' and some of my favorite acts (and friends) will take the stage at Grand and the River.  Including Clayton Anderson, Brett Eldredge, Chase Rice (who I'll be interviewing for Eat Travel Rock TV on Sunday) Eli Young Band, etc.  Tix are still available.  Come on people, get your shit kickers on!

Walk Like An Egyptian....

For those who know me, you know i'm obsessed with tattoos.  Short of having a full sleeve... I have my share.  For some of them, I'd love a "do-over"  (Black panther on my lower waist...whaaaa???) and others, I wouldn't change for anything (Italian script, and my Pearl Jam tat I got at 16).  However, what if you could live out your tattoo dreams, and have it be temporary?  Henna is lame... and the one's we got as kids are equally as lame today.  (At 14, I put on a vine that encircled my belly button... yuck).  

So happy that I came across Flash Tattoos... they are gold and silver awesomeness.  They last about 5-7 days and it allows me to live out all of my Egyptian rock goddess fantasies.  If they had these in the 80's, The Bangles would be covered in them.  Yes, I understand that unlike myself, most people have normal jobs and can't go around covered in these.  (I had one on my face the other day and my mom freaked out that it was real...calm down... but Lord help me the day they invent permanent gold tattoo ink...it's ON!) But since you can rub them off with rubbing alcohol, you can party with them all weekend and say goodbye to them Monday morning when you head to work (wahhh wahhh).  So until I get sick of these things, you will see me with arm bands and necklaces etc... they are literally like jewelry.... jewelry you can't lose at a music festival or a night out at the club after a few too many cocktails.  

Le Pain Quotidien... in Chicago!

FYI- I did NOT get paid to write this.... Moving on, nothing makes me happier than when Chicago is only a quick step behind NYC.  My FAVORITE spot for a delicious cafe au lait, croissant, healthy salad, or yummy omelet in NYC has always been Le Pain.  I love how it feels like a rustic French cafe/bakery or like a cozy neighborhood spot.  I love how they have the calorie count printed on the menu for EVERY dish.  I love how they use fresh local and organic ingredients for all of their delicious creations. Basically, I just love it.  I've been known to sit at the one in Chelsea or Upper East Side for hours, reading, eating, working, and getting my caffeine on.  The only problem was that there weren't any in Chicago...my homeland.  Well, now that ain't the case.  They've opened in Lincoln Park (Armitage and Sheffield) and West Loop (Clinton St) and soon they'll be open at 10 E. Delaware in the Gold Coast.  So excited that I now have a place to be a "regular" and where I can indulge in healthy items (don't be shocked- I can eat healthy) that are also planet friendly and most of all delicious.  Bon Appetit!! 

In Theory.....

I love the unexpected.  Especially when the unexpected is a good thing... or better yet, a delicious thing.  Last week I was taking my new production assistant, Raquel, for a beer to talk "shop".  I thought I'd stop into a friendly watering hole, and by friendly I mean the bartender, Liz, is a close friend and the owner, Joel is a fellow Hawkeye.  For those of you who have been to Theory, you probably think of it as a late night Hubbard Street spot or a bustling sports bar that's an awesome place to catch a game while listening to loud hip-hop (all good things).  This is how I always thought of Theory.... more of an upscale sports bar with typical "bar" food.  Not where I would necessarily go for a great dinner or a unique libation.

So much to my surprise, my casual beer turned into some delicious cocktails and about 10 plates of insanely good food.  Right when I sat down and tried to order us two craft beers, Liz said, "No way girl! You're trying one of these new cocktails...this one is named after me!" Low and behold, we had the "Smashed Lizard", the name rings true because after one of these made with Patron silver, Patron citronage, ginger beer with fresh muddled oranges and limes, you may be a bit smashed.  Then Liz and Joel gave me a menu and when I looked it over I was shocked.  These dishes were not what I was expecting, and NOT typical bar food.  I was also intrigued by the fact that they specialize in BBQ.  How did I not know this?!  They smoke all their own meats, in house, low and slow over hickory smoke.  "Alright Raquel, get ready... we're eatin' good tonight!"  Even though this was her first dining experience with me, she is aware of my reputation, and immediately had a look of concern on her face.  She knew it was about to go down.  But, being the good sport that she is, she happily indulged with me, dish after dish, until we were no longer mobile.

Our first taste was my favorite nacho to date.  I say "nacho" because they are served individually.  Perfectly proportioned little bites of heaven... all on one chip.  Theirs include a spicy fried shrimp, a slice of jalapeno, sour cream, pico de gallo, and oozy melty cheese (not the sparse shredded cheese you see on many nachos)... all finished off with a tasty salsa verde.  One of the reasons why I don't order nachos, even though they are all of my favorite food in one pile, is that you always end up fighting with your friends over the "best" chip or most densely populated area of the pile.  With Theory's nachos... all of your friendships can remain in tact.

Next, was an outstanding mac and cheese, and yes, I consider myself a connoisseur of this soothing comfort food.  Theory's version kicked it up several notches (sorry Emeril) by using spicy Cajun shrimp in the thick creamy cheesy sauce.  Finally a BBQ smorgasbord followed.  I was unprepared for just how good this BBQ was going to be.  I was also unprepared for BBQ pulled pork, tater tot Poutine!! WHATTT???  As if Poutine couldn't get any better with just fries, they had to go and add tater tots!?  It was almost too much flavor and deliciousness in one bowl.  But the glory of their BBQ really shined through in the simple dishes.  The BBQ pulled pork slider was simple, and perfect.  Yes, it's very saucy... but not the kind of saucy where they're trying to cover up or add to the flavor of the meat.  They just have a damn good sauce and like to put a lot on it.  Lastly, the BBQ ribs.  Wow.  These baby-back babies were intense with flavor, not too much sauce, but had one hell of a spicy kick.... which made me happy and thirsty at the same time.  But of course, the cole slaw is right there to help you cool down.

Here are the pros.  I found an amazing River North spot for BBQ.  I now know the place to go when I want a delicious yet casual meal with a good cocktail in my neighborhood.  Here are the cons.  I may have scared my new production assistant away as Raquel was expecting a quick beer and she got a full on BBQ festival.  But hey, if you're gonna work with me, ya gotta keep up!!!  Thanks Theory!

Introducing My New Bestie: Drizly!!

Don't you love it when things just work??  Ok let me clarify..  Don't you love it when you get to sit back, relax and with a finger swipe on your smart phone you get to have your heart's desires brought to your doorstep? No, I am NOT talking about Tinder, people, come on.  Heart's desires= delicious craft beers, every wine varietal, and a full spectrum of spirits.... obviously.  We all got complacent and lazy with the invention of Grub Hub.  Trust me, no one has felt more entitled to have my every hunger whim satisfied immediately without leaving home.  But those delivery services only satiate HALF of your meal needs; or more importantly FUN needs.  What about the booze?  Who's bringing that to your door?

For those of you who know me I'm always on the go and I frequent my fair share of concerts and events.  But sometime you wanna get the party started a bit BEFORE you arrive at your destination.  On Saturday I was taking in everything that Wicker Park's  Do Division Festival had to offer.  Food, music, frosty beverages... the whole nine yards as a good Chicagoan should.  But my boyfriend and I found out that we scored VIP access to a private Brad Paisley show at my favorite live music venue, Joe's Bar.  We had a little down time before the midnight show and needed to keep the party goin' so I took out my iPhone and a few swipes later... the party was comin' to us.  My better half asked, "What did you just do?"  I told him not to worry and that happiness will arrive shortly.  He was blown away when NOT EVEN 15 minutes later, we had a 6 pack of my favorite craft beer, Lagunitas Lil' Sumpin' Sumpin' Ale, and a bottle of his favorite toasty brown spirit Bourbon, in hand.

Drizly is my new best friend.  Chicago has desperately needed a go-to alcohol delivery app, and here it is! Drizly is the easiest and most intuitive app I've used.   They make it so simple and quick.  They even have a credit card scanner so you don't have to do the tedious type-in.  I am not exaggerating when I say I've used it 3 times in the past 3 days.  Now please don't start getting concerned about me.  It's not what you think.  Yesterday, before the heart wrenching Blackhawks game 7 loss to LA, I had my mom and sister over for dinner and the game.  My sis looked in my fridge and was bummed when she didn’t spot our favorite Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc.  So once again, a few iPhone swipes, and then Voila... We had a bottle of our yummy "Kimmy" in 13 minutes, just in time for some homemade pasta and hockey.   And finally, tonight, I'm making a home cooked meal for my loving boyfriend, and he doesn't deserve to be wine-less either.  Since it's an insanely busy day and I don't have time to run to the store, Drizly just came to me.  There is even a little GPS map that tells me exactly where the driver is.  The driver was super friendly and expeditious and our delivery came in a reusable shopping bag... planet friendly!

And here's the best part folks, for the month of June if you use the promo code EATTRAVELROCK you will receive $15 off of a $30 order.  That's a better deal than any local bartender will give you!  Don't say your friend Kelly never did anything for you.  ;)

NB: Drizly delivers to most parts of down town Chicago.  Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, Wicker Park, River North, South Loop, etc. and they are expanding rapidly.  They charge a $5 delivery fee and the cost of all alcohol is on par with grocery store prices. It's worth every penny.  Each time I ordered took 15 min but the app states 20-40 min- still super fast.  Just download the Drizly app from your app store.