Each month I will be posting what has me buzzing with a round up of food, entertaining and event news that is inspiring me. Check back to see what you should be eating, drinking and celebrating monthly.

Retro Glassware

Lately I have been on the search for antique mis-matched glassware for our home bar. From 50’s Mad Men inspired tumblers to etched champagne coupes. I’m a little obsessed and it has spilled over to events. I love the idea of using several different styles and types of glassware in different patterns. I recently came across Festive Frog here in Chicago that specializes in just this, what a find! You can also find some fun options from your local event rental companies like Halls, Select Event Rentals and Party Rentals, LTD. And often these odd ball old fashioned designs can be quite a bargain.

Gin

I haven’t ever been much of gin drinker, well there was that time when I was a younger but then the only reason I drank it was because the tonic in the g&t would glow under the black lights - I said I was young, give me break. I have recently been wooed by drinks at some local establishments like Billy Sunday and Bavette’s. So on a recent trip to Whole Foods we decided to try this 3 set of St. Georges Gin. I am now a devoted fan, my favorite being the Terrior. Of course it is great with Q Tonic but my favorite which I happened upon by accident and lack of mixers but combined with Simply Limeade it's especially delicious when sipped while listening to a little Snoop.

Visual.ly

With the short attention span of customers these days means we are always looking for ways to get information across before they move on to something else. Infographics have been a great way to do this and visual.ly will take that dull data and transform it. I also love exploring their existing library of graphics.

Pickle it, just a little bit

I am connoisseur of a good sour pickle whether it is a cucumber, carrot, jalapeno, ramp….I love it! On a recent trip to the Trencherman for brunch I found pickled pearl onions on the Corned Beef Hash which was perfect to cut through the richness of the dish and it got me inspired. So as farmer’s market season starts to kick into high gear I am vowing to start experimenting with my own as well. Here is a recipe that I think will be my next attempt. I will let you all know how it turns out. Till then try a shot of Jameson with a pickle back – cheers!

Dining al Fresco

This time of year in Chicago we can’t wait to finally tuck our winter coats away in our closets for at least a couple of months and start wine-ing and dining outside. Here are a few of my favorite spots that might not be as well-known as say Big Star.

Lula Café – with its western exposure you can be sure of sun late into the day. Perfect to share a bottle of rose while munching on their feta appetizer.

Red Door – it’s what I dream my backyard someday looks like.

Boiler Room – love the cool factor that the outdoor space has and of course their Cuban pizza (it's my favorite).

Print on print action!

Here’s a little design inspiration – I am totally digging the idea of taking mixed prints from the runway to the tabletop. Strips, dots, floral, chevron…the more the better. How about this lovely combo from BBJ Linen.

The June Buzz