I came and went, I ate and drank, I tasted the Taste

Yes, the Taste of Chicago is an annual 10-day festival of mostly deep-fried food from various Chicago restaurants, many of which are served on a stick, on the bone or in a small paper bowl with a crappy plastic fork. And everything can be served on a stick, from popcorn to cheesecake to fruit. And why not, it keeps your hands from getting ridiculously dirty and allows you to still hold a beer, 6 Dollar Bottle H20 or whatever your drink of choice maybe.

Whenever you go to the Taste, you can count on one of these things happening:

It will be ridiculously hot/humid outside. On cue, every year, the temp rises to 90 and sometimes HIGHER with humidity.

You eat only hot food in the hot sun on the hot pavement

You sweat through your clothes (sexy, I know)

Sunburn will appear on one or several parts of your body

Your personal self-esteem will be boosted

You find out how little clothing people can wear with or without crossing the decency line

Be happy that nutrition information is not available. Forget about the calories for a day!

Please remember to put on your SPF or you will be sacrificing your skin for Ribs, Corn on a stick, and Manny’s. Yes, the food is great but not worth the horrible sunburn. Be aware that shade is a rare commodity at the Taste.

If you can stand the Heat make your way out to The Taste this weekend and enjoy some great Chicago food, music and fun.

Stay Rare~

"cupcakes make you happy"

The hunt was on a few weeks ago for a CUPCAKE after calling all around the mission was dead. Ughhhhh left empty and feeling void a few weeks later a friend recommended Swirlz in Lakeview. After entertaining an out of town guest all week, I figured what better way to treat myself then with a nice velvet cupcake!! So I grabbed a friend to tag along and witness this greatness.


Wow! By far the best cupcakes I've ever had.

Cake is moist and airy.

Cream is light and flavorful.

Decoration is a work of art.

Found the staff to be super friendly and very knowledgeable about their inventory. Also learned they have gluten-free products - how cool is that?

(so hard to choose just one)

About $22 for a half-dozen cupcakes -- as they say, don't pinch pennies on your belly!

I was blown away by not only the selection and presentation of the cupcakes but also the service. It was like Nordstroms service but to the next level. Pam, who was the manager on duty Sunday, was just above and beyond nice to us, patient while we made our decisions and nice enough to let me take some pictures inside. She even gave us an additional cupcake to try because their vanilla flavor is known to be so good - and her recommendation was right-on.
Bottom Line if you’re in the Lakeview area check em out! If you’re not in the area trust Rareblkpearl the drive is worth the treat.
Stay Rare~

Hon, What's for dinner?

Rareblkpearl knows that she is a creature of habit. She likes things the way she likes them, and sees no reason to deviate from the program as established. The same is true when she dines out. Though a menu may be expansive, when Rareblkpearl finds a dish she likes--she sticks with it. Faithfully. Without fail. In fact, she'll pay you $20 if you can ever catch her ordering something other than what she is use too. Keeping this info in mind I was knocked off my path with the DELISH PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps!!!!!!!!!

Rareblkpearl had heard numerous of times by her fabulous friends that they were every muthaluvin thing and more…. After countless attempts of heading to PF, I finally grabbed a fabulous friend and had what I call “heaven on earth” experience..who knew???? I guess everyone but Rareblkpearl!!!

Chicken Lettuce Wraps – The lettuce is always so cool & crisp...and Rareblkpearl loves to have the waiter/waitress make the sauce extra spicy. Such a wonderful&delightful treat they are. If you have never dined at PF Chang's/if you have it's a great place to try/return to.

Needless to say, this was a lesson learned.. tho, Rareblkpearl still is a creature of habit I will crawl out and be full out for PF Chang's.

Stay Rare~

Spicy Chicken Alfredo in 30 short mins!

So on my quest to cook/dine in more at home and with my dinner guests in route. I had to think fast and quick with this meal. I made this excellent Spicy Chicken Alfredo Dish! Turned out perfect, adding this to my quick meal list. My cook to start time was 25 mins can you beat that!?!?

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 teaspoon minced garlic
12 ounces boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, cubed
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Pinch ground red pepper ( I go heavy on the red pepper I like it spicy)
1/3 cup chopped green onions ( I did mine without)
1 cup heavy or whipping cream
12 ounces dried thin spaghetti, cooked according to package directions
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Directions

1. Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in chicken, salt, thyme, onion powder, sage, and peppers; cook until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in green onions; cook 1 minute more. Gradually add cream. Increase heat to high and boil until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
2. Combine chicken mixture and hot pasta in serving bowl; toss to mix. Serve with Parmesan cheese. Makes 4 servings.

*** Pair this dish with a nice Shiraz*** for a little more flare!

Loves it! All under 30 minutes....Enjoy.
Stay Rare~

The Look For Less.............

So a few weeks back I shared this uberly exciting info with my facebook friends and wanted to share it with YOU.

Minx Nail Polish for 3.50!

Such a great look but for less by "China Glaze, Khrome Collection".

I can came across this lovely deal while reading a pop culture magazine. Impatiently awaiting the arrival of my order. I will update you all, hoping they live up to the Hype!

Get this look for less: http://www.head2toebeauty.com/

Enjoy and Stay Rare!