So, you may have been wondering where I have been?! No, No I didn't take off into space only to find out there really is no life on Mars and headed straight back for Earth (because I know that's what you were thinking). Instead I took a wonderful trip, in fact my first trip, to Chicago. The trip itself was two-fold; the first being that Ted's best friend got married this past Friday (Congrats again to John and Sarah). The wedding was beautiful and I got to meet a bunch of his friends - all of whom are incredible people that I can not wait to spend more time with! The second fold, which was of equal importance, was meeting his parents for the first time...scary I know!! - but actually it was not at all. I was extremely nervous/excited all wrapped into one. They were absolutely great and welcomed me with open arms. All in all the trip was a success.
Before having gone to Chicago I had always heard how great it was and how beautiful. After living in San Francisco and visiting New York I thought "how much better can it be" - and to be honest, it was! Aesthetically it is one of the prettiest cities I have ever been to, in side and out of the US. The people are down to earth and have that "Midwestern hospitality." It was very evident how much pride they take in their city as it is also the cleanest city I have ever seen. Now, going the first week in October probably makes me a bit biased but I will be back in December, so we'll see!! (All of my family in St. Louis who are reading this are probably laughing at me right now!)...stop it! :-)
Of course while we were there I had to make sure I visited a great restaurant. I told Ted I either want something very "Chicago" or really hip and trendy. Since a lot of the "Chicago" type food - i.e deep dish pizza and hot dogs are not the best for you we went with trendy. On Saturday night Ted took me to the most amazing sushi place I have ever been... I know what you're thinking - "sushi?? in Chicago? NO way!" - BUT YES WAY!!
It was fantastic. Not only were the sushi rolls creative rolls the chef prepares but the flavors of every dish we tried was so extreme I almost wasn't sure my mouth could handle it. Whatever ingredient was in each roll, you could actually taste each one. Often times flavors get masked by others or they all blend together but each individual spice and piece of fish flourished with deliciousness. (not a word?) Even before we started with our lobster spring rolls we went down stairs to the bar while waiting for our table. The set up of the restaurant is unique in the fact that the top floor is for dining only. If you are waiting for your table then you go down stairs to the "waiting area" which consists of a full bar and a some tables for appetizers. I tried their signature "Floating Orchid" (Vodka, citronge, pear and lemon juice topped with, of course, an edible floating orchid).
After being seated we were greeted by our waiter who was a little flighty but extremely nice. Their servers are extremely knowledgeable about the food there and can tell you exactly how each dish is prepared and what it will taste like. The atmosphere in of itself is worth the trip. Each section of the restaurant has a different color scheme, all in dim, lounge-like lighting. It's a mix of Asian and modern which makes for an extremely presentable restaurant.
Japonais in Chicago was the first of it's kind and has since been expanded to Las Vegas and New York. It is well worth the price (chef's rolls are $17, regular rolls are $6) and you will not be disappointed - or hungry - when you leave.
For an added bonus of the night, half way thru dinner 5 of the Chicago Bull's players walked in. Ted knew their names - I didn't..but I knew a group of 5 7 foot black men were most likely athletes (is that PC?). Next time your in Chicago I highly recommend Japonais!
Bon Soir!
http://www.japonaischicago.com/main.html
It's also not the healthiest cake but when it tastes this good, believe me, you don't care! Ted had tried this cake a few months ago and was hooked immediately. At this last dinner I took it upon myself to bake the famous cake all by myself. And surprisingly I didn't eat nearly as much of the batter as I normally do when my mom bakes it! It turned out perfect and it is now some thing that I "should make all the time" - according to Ted . Due to the caloric factor, I think I'll keep it for special occasions. 
