Showing posts with label Belly Shack. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Belly Shack. Show all posts

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Almost One Year

It's been nearly a year since I posted anything on this here website, and a busy one it has been.
For one, I graduated from University of Oregon. Stuffed about 30% of my credits into one year, which made it much harder than it needed to be.

For another, I've moved to Chicago for an internship with Biz-3 Publicity. I met with one of the dudes last night (he was having a house show), and he seemed much more laid back than I imagined. I botched the opportunity to make friends, but I've only been here for a few days now, so I still have some time.

[California 'EL Train' Stop]




One of the most interesting things I've noticed about Chicago is the appreciation for food. No matter who you ask, you'll get a different answer for "Best Salad" or "Best Mexican Food". Maybe people are just excited about the 'Taste Of Chicago' which is going on downtown as I type this, but it sure seems like people love to tell you about their favorite hidden gems.

Another thing that is interesting to me, so far, is that every band I want to see is playing one venue-show, and one free-to-very-cheap beefit type show. For instance, yesterday I caught Woven Bones playing a small set at Reckless Records, which meant I didn't have to pay to see them at the Empty Bottle. Also, last night Fang Island played a show at Subterranean... but they also play a 5$ show today with David Bazan at an outdoor festival. It's been good to my wallet, which is depleting at a rapid rate what with all the eating out I've done.

[Woven Bones @ Reckless Records]


Which brings me to my next point...

I think while I'm here I'm going to try and document the delicious foods I create and experience. Yesterday I stumbled upon a Co-op called The Dill Pickle. It's a small little place, but already they've introduced me to some greens called Lamb's Quarters which I cannot get enough of. Yesterday I made Spaghetti with Wild-Mushroom and Roasted Olive Puree, piled it on a bed of Lamb's Quarters and chopped Crimini Mushrooms. It was amazing, but I was too embarrassed to photograph it in front of my new roommates.

The first day I arrived I went to a place called Belly Shack, which is right by the Biz-3 offices. It's a weird little cafe-style place where they give you a number and then bring out your order to you. Anyways, it was hotter than shit, so I got the advertised special, which was the Watermelon Salad. For my first food experience in Chicago, I was very impressed! I'm sad it isn't pictured on the website, because I'm dying to recreate it. Here's the closest thing I've seen to it on the web. And here's my crappy phone-photo of it:


Anyways, it was an excellent introduction to what I hope is a healthy and delicious summer of grubbing. Might have to put health on hold though when I finally hit up the 'Taste Of Chicago' to see Trey Songz preform on Thursday... for free!