Lula has been our go-to spot this summer. As I mentioned in a previous post, the west facing patio is one of my favorites in the city allowing me to soak up the sun late into the afternoon which will also put a smile on this sun-seekers face but it is food and inventive cocktails that really get me going. We find ourselves there for brunch after shopping the Logan Square Farmers Market, a late afternoon snack and cocktail or a mid-week dinner. Each meal seems to somehow surpass the last as I am always fascinated with unique flavor combinations and textural contrasts in their thoughtful and seasonal offerings on their daily specials and the continually satisfying café menu. While the food is out of this world (maybe my favorite in the city right now), it is the environment that makes it even more delightful; comfortable and unpretentious combined with outstanding services makes it a true Chicago gem.

My summer play list…

Chilled Peanut Satay Noodles

On a warm summer Sunday this bowl of slightly spicy, peanutty goodness with bites of tangy homemade pickles and tofu was just what I needed to ease myself back from vacation. Paired with a glass of gruner veltliner, you can’t do much better.

Baked Feta

It’s feta, it’s baked, it has olives – need I say more? I didn’t think so.

Vegetarian Tasting Menu

I am a red-blooded, meat eating girl but every now and then when the summer heat spikes and veggies from the farmers market are rolling in with wild abandon I am more than happy to ditch my carnivorous ways especially when I am tempted with things like corn flan with peaches, wax beans and fried sage or a salad of beets, blackberries, buttermilk and basil and the strikingly spicy yet refreshing melon soup.

6 courses of veggie delights for $45 is not only one of the best deals in town but one of the most delicious meals we have had this summer.

Wet Your Whistle

I have never met a cocktail I didn’t like and Lula never disappoints. Before the leaves start changing – head to the square, grab a patio seat and sip on at least one of these delights.

THE ‘11AM SUNDAY, 54 EAST 1ST STREET’ BLOODY MARY - letherbee gin, smoked oyster, horseradish, caperberry

THE JEAN SEBERG - st. germain, grapefruit, bitters

Wine – anything rose, sparkling, interesting varietals that are always a great value

So bottom line – before we are all bundled up in coats and sweaters grab a seat on the patio, order a cocktail and dig into some seriously delicious seasonal food and do it again and again and again….

Dear Summer,

Can you slow down?

Love,

Me