Review: Formento's

The West Loop already has a few viable Italian spots (Viaggio, Macello's,Vivo) but you will not see me complaining about another one opening up. The Formento's space was under construction for months, seemingly no where close to opening, until POOF! Pasta!

Formento's has a refreshingly causal (relative to the area) and traditional vibe. Chef Tony Quartaro aimed to bring some of his childhood memories of Sunday Dinner to life and I appreciate the classic approach. White tablecloths and favorites like calamari, homemade pasta and chicken parmigiana fit the bill. Adjoined to Formento's is Nonna's where you can grab cold cuts or a meatball sub.

We went during the opening weekend and the service was amazing. The staff was extremely knowledgeable (the sommelier made sure to check in multiple times), friendly and accommodating. We all enjoyed our meals - I did have a friend tell me their dinner was over-salted (which is one of my pet peeves) so I'm hoping her meal was a fluke (and not the other way around). With the easy-going atmosphere and moderately priced menu, I'm sure I will be back soon to test it out again.

Excellent calamari with the perfect amount of breading and crispiness.

No one says no to Nonna's meatballs. They were very good, but no better than Viaggio or Siena Tavern (lots of competition in this city).

The homemade Orecchiette and sausage pasta hit the spot and still didn't feel too heavy (aka I ate dessert still). We found the other pasta dish we ordered, Rigatoni with Vodka Sauce (usually a fav) no saucy enough.

Yep, that's a whole fish alright. It was very fresh and light.

I was expecting big things from the brussel sprouts and dates, but didn't find them to be exceptional. They weren't bad at all, I think I just had high expectations.

THIS ICE CREAM. Homemade salted caramel ice cream. Heavenly. The other desserts they offer are HUGE.

See you again soon, Formento's! (shout out to my mom in the pic)

Review: BuzzFeed Clean Eating Challenge

This detox couldn't have come sooner for me. After a long stretch of holiday gluttony, my body needed a shock to the system.  

You have to start the challenge on a Sunday - BuzzFeed refers to the days of the week for prep and leftovers needed for various meals - it will just be too confusing to convert the days (especially in such a weakened state...)

This detox is extremely time consuming, even from day one. I've never spent so much time at the grocery store. We also tried to make the trip fun by grabbing a glass of wine at the Mariano's bar (last tox before the detox), so then I was stuck trying to open those produce bags with one hand...it's really difficult (and putting down the wine just wasn't an option). I'm pretty sure this added at least 20 minutes to the shopping trip. Our fridge was 95% empty before the grocery store trip - and barely fit all of our produce!

The prep and planning is pretty intense. I like to cook, and am used to the prep and cleaning that accompanies cooking, but I usually don't make 5 meals a day. Lots time spent cooking and washing dishes. If you really don't like to cook, I think this challenge may be too labor intensive.

Smoothie Packs

Lunch prep after dinner - for the next day's lunch at work

Pros

• Printable grocery list, itemized with portions
• Delicious and interesting menu
• Filling (the first couple of days I was hungry but after that Struan and I were both fine)
• Inexpensive (week one cost $300 and week two cost $200 - that's 70 meals for two people!). I also bought as much organic as possible and didn't pay much attention to the prices, so you can reduce the grocery cost easily if you want by being a smarter shopper.
• Buzzfeed does an awesome job of utilizing leftovers and ingredients so that you don't have to buy as many different things (even though you are still buying a sh*t-ton). Nothing went to waste though!
• Easy to replicate after the detox and nutritional info is itemized for each meal. For those who don't want to commit to the whole enchilada, I would recommend integrating some of these recipes into your routine.
• IT WORKS! Mind you, I had an epic holiday season followed by an extreme night of binging before the detox (steakhouse dinner followed by pizza. I. Know. So bad.), but I had some really great weight loss results. Struan did as well (of course more than me because guys are annoying like that).

Cons

• TIME CONSUMING! From the first grocery store trip, to the prep and cooking, our lives literally revolved around the meal schedule. I'm not exaggerating. You would need to have a pretty reliable work schedule and have evenings free to cook and prep. It also helped that Struan and I both could tackle cooking a meal and prepping for the next at the same time.
• Directions for ingredients needed as "leftovers" weren't as clear as I would have liked. While BuzzFeed did indicate what would  be used as a leftover for later (i.e. roasted chicken), I wasn't sure for how many meals I would continue to need that chicken (I may have overlooked something, but this happened with a couple of different meals). I ended up needing to go back to the grocery store midway through the week to pick up more supplies.

All in all, we both were really happy we went through with the detox. We had great results and discovered new, healthy recipes that we will definitely be making again.

The breakfasts were our favorite! We've already made the Overnight Oats and Banana Kale Smoother (pictured) again now that the detox is over.

Our usual breakfast is an over easy egg - the Buzzfeed plan includes more interesting options like this Green Onion and Feta Omelet. And so easy!

The Turkey Meatballs and homemade sauce was one of my favorite dinners. You use the leftover sauce to make an amazing poached eggs breakfast dish the next morning.

Stir fry without the self shame and MSG

Cauliflower Steaks with Lentils - it doesn't look that pretty, but it's really good. I found a new love for cauliflower during the detox and also now have an arsenal of vegetarian meals (while still high in protein).

I would love to hear feedback and recommendations from other BuzzFeed Detoxers! Let me know your success and war stories :)

Review: River Roast

My daily commute has served as a countdown for the River Roast opening. Ever since it was announced that Fulton's on the River was closing, I've been monitoring the progress. Truthfully, I wasn't expecting anything real amazing to take over the space, but was looking forward to something new by my office with outdoor appeal.

By my estimations, the opening was delayed, much like our summer weather. Recently on one of those wonderfully perfect summer Chicago days, I knew I had to take advantage and find an alfresco lunch spot. Just my luck that River Roast had finally opened - game on!

You really can't beat the location on the patio - food, drinks, sun, skyline. I'm interested to see the results of the river walk construction and how it will add to the river beatification initiative.

All hail beef.

Carving station to-go upstairs by the bar. Although I would recommend staying for awhile and enjoying the atmosphere. The downstairs has another bar and open dining area. The place was packed for lunch - to get a first come patio spot you may need to show up before noon.

Soaking in Chicago summer.  The fresh baked bread and sweet onion butter isn't bad either.

A manageable drink menu - enough options to please a crowd but not overwhelming. I love the description for the "Book Club" drink (it's like a sangria). For those cider lovers out there - get 'em by the bottle.

I went for the "Giant Peach of Doom" and am happy to report that the name is all talk - no doom here. It was just the right amount of booziness and the River Roast version of a traditional sazerac whiskey cocktail.

Trying to keep things light at lunch with the Seafood Salad (shrimp, calamari, octopus, hearts of palm, fresno chili, tomato). It had a kick to it, which I like. This dish is considered an appetizer but you can definitely order it as lunch if you're not too hungry (or to save room for dessert, so worth it).

The Shaved Salad (mushroom, artichoke, tomato, fennel, radish, parmesan, lemon, olive oil) with beef - I don't think my dining partner loved the salad, but did enjoy the beef. I enjoyed the seafood salad a lot more than this one - the shaved salad lacked in exciting flavor profiles. I would ditch trying to be healthy at River Roast, that's not their specialty and you'll miss out (noted for my next visit).

The famed Hoosier Mama pie shop has a few featured menu items on the dessert list. The peach pie was the seasonal specialty and it did not disappoint.

Flaky dough, crunchy sugar, warm and sweet peach with creamy ice cream...helllllllo amazing.

The wishbone decides who pays. My treat this time :)

I will definitely be back soon to check out the dinner menu - I've already heard rave reviews of the whole roasted chicken. I think River Roast is a nice addition to the neighborhood and look forward to enjoying the patio for as long as the weather will allow.

Caprese Eggs

One of my favorite parts about summer...ripe tomatoes. That, and soaking up the sun, iced coffee, dining al fresco, bbq-ing, boating, brunching, walking around without 50 layers...and tomatoes.

Just like summer in Chicago, ripe tomatoes are a wonderful and fleeting pleasure. In my opinion, the best way to enjoy nature's treats are freshly picked (errr purchased) and simply prepared.  Take some time this summer to enjoy the morning sun with this effortless breakfast that feels indulgent.

Ingredients:
- egg(s)
- tomato
- fresh basil
- fresh spinach
- balsamic vinegar
- salt and pepper


An instant classic.



It's almost too easy. These should be ingredient staples in your kitchen - I whipped up this breakfast on one of those days I was convinced there was NOTHING to eat in the house. Woe is me moment.

 




Lay down some spinach, tomatoes, chopped basil, drizzle the balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper.




Now comes the test - mastering the perfectly cooked egg.  As frustrating as golf.  And you know I had to get a shot sunny side up. Couldn't resist.

 

Dig in! What a way to start your day.

I hope you all enjoy this easy breakfast as much as I do! Bonus points - make some coffee and watch your favorite morning news. Caprese Eggs + Kathy Lee and Hoda = dream morning.

Review: Fulton Market Kitchen

We all know I'm a sucker for any new restaurant opening, but combine that and a West Loop location - SOLD. Gotta have it. I barely even knew Fulton Market Kitchen had opened, which only made it all the more enticing.  If you want to play a joke on someone, take them to this place without telling them anything about where you are going. They will think you are bringing them to a back ally to meet their maker. Fulton Market Kitchen is tucked away in the heart of the industrial buildings on Fulton Market. There is no way you are going to stumble upon this place on a nice, leisurely walk.

Upon approaching the front door, you already know this is going to be a unique spot. FMK is a mix of urban art gallery, restaurant and bar.

Cool vibe as soon as you walk in.

Each menu has different artwork on the cover and within the pages. We drank the "Beg. Borrow. Steal." with Cazadores Reposado Tequila, Thai Chili-infused Green Chartreuse, Pineapple, Lime, Cilantro and the "Eighth Ward" with Rittenhouse Rye, House Grenadine, Lemon, House Orange Bitters, Orange Peel (both pictured).

The more the merrier! We also tried the "Light from the Left" with Bourbon, Cynar, Blueberry, Lemon, Thai Basil.

There's something about fries when you're really hungry. You just NEED them. It's also hard for us to ever turn down Beef Tartare with Prime Angus, Housemade Steak Sauce, Quail Egg, Herb Oil, Grilled Bread. Both disappeared within minutes.

Both of these dishes were way better than I had anticipated. Grilled Cauliflower with Celery, Capers, Currants, Quinoa, Roasted Grape Tomatoes - I'll be honest, I ordered to pretend to be healthy. But it was SO good. The Grilled Octopus  with Bursted Cherry Tomatoes, Lemon, Frisee, Greek Vinaigrette was the best I've had. Seriously. So tender and the citrus was such a nice addition.

The "Two Tails" with  Crisped Pig, Glazed Lobster, Melted Leeks, Artichokes, Burgundy Sauce was pretty good, but very rich. We probably would have enjoyed it more if it wasn't the last plate of our feast. Starting with a bowl of fries probably wasn't the best idea (but at the time was 100% necessary).

Even the exit makes a statement. 

Looking forward to another visit to FMK, especially since it's now been awhile since I last went after it opened. Let me know if you have any menu favorites that I need to try for next time!