Lunch at Pizza East

If you're anything like me, you love pizza. And when one loves pizza, they truly appreciate every aspect of it. A true pizza lover doesn't go for some thick-doughed freshly unfrozen pizza. Oh no, a true pizza lover looks for the best dough in town. In my very own opinion, I choose to believe that all pizza should be paper thin in the middle with a thick, not-too-crispy crust. Made in a wood fire oven of course, because is there really any other way? 

Pizza East is one of my favorite pizza places in all of the city. Not only is their menu full of delicious choices, but they also allow you to choose your own toppings (just ask)! I ordered a simple pizza consisting of tomato sauce, broccolini, and some garlic. Just the perfect amount of sauce! 

My dad on the other hand ordered his favorite pizza off of the menu. The spicy sausage. It's almost like mine except mine was free of meat and cheese. Oh and minus the spicy part. I myself am not a fan of cheeses and meats anymore but I can sure tell you that it looks very appealing. Anyway, you may see for yourself.

Pizza East may be known for mainly their pizza (because what else?) but it has a variety of other delicious foods. I don't know about you, but I'm all about the avocado toast craze. Fun fact for you that a few months ago I despised avocado, yet now I can't go a week without it. It is quite the obsession. I'm not even a tiny bit ashamed. Pizza East makes the best avocado toast with poached egg, ever. In the mix you can taste the amazing flavor of chili flakes, basil, and lime. No matter how many times I try my best to recreate it at home, I fail. Nobody can outdo such a work of art. Even the egg is always perfectly poached. How all this is possible, I have yet to find out. This order was on gluten free bread which was incredibly tasty. Their regular housemade bread is perfect as well. I highly recommend trying both. The gluten free option is perfect if you're not feeling too hungry or want to save room for some dessert. Nonetheless, the avo with egg was impeccable.

What I love most about Soho House is that every so often they have artists spice up the sides of their building. My favorite by far has been the blue colored, donut eating monster. I am always impressed by the detail of street art and this one is really something special. Great work to whoever created this beauty.

If you've made it this far into the post, I not only thank you but congratulate you. It's time for you to view my outfit of the day. It was an unexpectedly hot and sunny day. Very shockingly there was no surprise storm in the middle of the day either. Good job, Chicago. I recently received my bag from Dailylook. I have been looking for the perfect little black purse for a while now (all of mine magically broke) and I finally found the best. It's super cute and super affordable.

Sunnies: Ray Ban

Shirt: Dsquared2

Skort: Zara

Lastly, I wanted to share with all of you a photo that is dear to my heart. Okay maybe not but it's so cool in my eyes. Located on a random street, you can find a door ideally sized for a giant. That's just my little monster friend behind the door, about to open it for me. I'm playing the roommate that forgot her keys for the billionth time.

Cellar Door Provisions

Inside of a Kougin Amann

The Kouign Amann

A Butter Croissant

Inside of the Butter Croissant

Staff Meal: Bread, Butter, Soft Boiled Egg + Greens

Bread and Butter

Cellar Door Provisions. The place is located at a corner of a street, almost hidden. As you step in through the door, you can't help but love it. It's a small little place, but you won't mind. The atmosphere is amazing and all those who work there seem very passionate. When your meal arrives at the table, you automatically know that whoever made it gave it their all. I must say that their bread is definitely the best that I've eaten in America. If you know me, you know I'm extremely picky about my gluten. I believe that all dough should be handled with the best care. Don't even get me started on the fresh pastries. With one bite, you are taken into heaven. You may be thinking that I'm crazy and out of my mind. But I'm not. I promise. If you're ever in the area, try this place out. There's no way you'll regret it. 

Jeni's Ice Creams

Happy National Ice Cream Day! Today, I figured I would share with you the best ice cream shop in Chicago. Once you step in, the scent of fresh waffle cones automatically hits you. The workers are all so kind and are more than glad to describe the flavors for you and even give you a sample. All of the flavors are to-die-for. I however almost always end up getting the Ndali Estate Vanilla Bean. It is made with African vanilla beans which are reserved especially for Jeni's in Uganda. How cool is that? I can't even begin to describe how rich the cream is. This time, I got a waffle cone that came straight from the waffle maker. The ice cream almost melted through the cone. I enjoyed every single second of it. If you ever see Jeni's, whether it's in Chicago or Ohio...you have no choice but to go inside and grab yourself a cone.

Navy Pier

On July 15th, my family and I celebrated my little sister birthday in Navy Pier. We planned to go to the children's museum for Lea's amusement. However, when we got there it was closed. So instead we just wandered around the pier. I sat down with my family as they ate their shrimp filled buckets at Bubba Gump. I, being my health-freak, non-shrimp-eating self, waited patiently for them to finish and later bought some dinner from Goddess and The Baker. I highly recommend their Garden Goddess Wrap if you're looking for a quick bite in the Chicago area. Below is the outfit I wore (which was totally wrong for the unbelievably cold city weather that day).

Wearing

Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters (similar here)

Shirt - Topshop

Shorts - Violet & Grace

Purse - Louis Vuitton

Shoes - Vans

Simple Summer

It finally feels like summer in Chicago. After days of endless rain, the sun has been showing its face more often. That will probably end soon. Yesterday I actually wore a pair of shorts after almost a week of long jeans. A simple outfit is always my favorite for a hot summer day. I was going to do some exploring around town and this was perfect for staying comfortable and totally weather appropriate. 

What I'm Wearing

Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters (similar here)

Top - Urban Outfitters

Shorts - Levi's (similar here)

America's Weekend

This weekend, America and all her people celebrated her Independence! I kicked off my weekend by going to my favorite Green City Farmers Market in Lincoln Park. There my dad and I tasted some tamales, bought some breads and jams, and ended up sharing a pizza! After a few hours of following my dad around his work, we both decided it was time to put some caffeine into our systems. So, we headed straight to Heritage General Bicycles (where they have the best Japan Bancha green tea ever). Then post sitting outside the coffee shop, enjoying the day (on our phones), we drove home and lazily sat on the couch waiting for it to be time to go watch some fireworks.

On Sunday morning, I decided to try out a place I've never been to called, Cellar Door Provisions. Prior to my visit, I would only drool at the Instagram photos tagged at the beautiful spot. I entered the place and a smell of fresh pastries instantly blew at my face. After gazing around in absolute awe of the architecture, I ordered bread and butter. Now you may think that sounds like the most boring breakfast of all time, but let me tell you, it was filled with an insane amount of flavor. I'm really picky when it comes to bread (as in if you give me a slice that was packed like Wonder bread, I'll throw it in your face). CDP provided me with bread that was probably sent down for the heavens. As I finished my last bite of the meal, a tray of croissants caught my eye. Of course I got one! As my fingers dug into the flakey goodness, I could still see the warm steam rising up into the air. There is no possible way for me to describe how deep into love I fell with that croissant. It was like I was in France again. 

 

Although, I do make it seem as if all I did was sit at CDP all day, I did plenty more. After my meal, I walked into Heritage for that wonderful green tea. Then came my stroll around Michigan Avenue, resulting in none other than a Zara purchase. Due to the insane heat, we tried to beat it by devouring some ice cream from Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams (we won). That basically concluded our day. When a match between the warmth is won, you know it's been a successful 4th of July weekend.