Solemates to Sir & Madame

Photo courtesy of sirandmadame.com.

Kudos to my people over at the luxurious Sir & Madame for making Racked 38 Essential Chicago Stores.  Sir & Madame has transcended from its days as Solemates...Chicago, the vintage and consignment boutique, to creating their own clothing line amidst the top competitors. Owners and hubby-and-wife duo, Autumn and Brian Merritt, continue to prove that they OWN this needle and thread thing.


938 N. Damen, Chicago, IL
773.489.6600
www.sirandmadame.com


Here is Racked.com's blurb about the dynamic duo:

Sir & Madame has won acclaim for their 1920s functionality-meets-urban dandy sensibility on national blogs and high profile publications. Their refreshing take on street wear is a force to be reckoned with in the transformation of West Town/ Ukrainian Village aesthetic.

Grande. Dark. Roast.

Photo courtesy of thecord.com.

It's a tumultuous, absurd 90⁰ at 9:40am.  Anybody that knows me, knows that I hate heat, despite being an August-born baby.  At any rate, I mosey along the bustling streets of Downtown Chicago.  Hot as death. 


An ice-cold Mocha Chai from Starbucks must commence.  Must.  


It was a typical visit:  me pulling out my Starbucks gold card, me realizing I have no money on the gold card, me asking the barista to add a measly $5 to the gold card so I can get my fix for something Starbuckish.  It's a no-fail situation with me and this card.  Seriously.  Anyway, my drink was perfectly made.  I damn near percolated my way out of the cafe when I was approached by a man, who appeared to be down on his luck, asking for a few cents to buy a coffee. 


Tan-skinned.  Dingy Carolina-blue polo.  Weathered jeans.  Beige baseball cap.  Old school Sony Walkman.  


I told the truth.  I did not have a few cents.  I did not have any paper money or coins.  I told him "I bought my drink on my card...sorry."


He looked me in the eye and asked if I could bother to buy him a coffee on the card, too.  A strong brew.  To stay awake in the library.  If he fell asleep in there again, he'd be kicked out.


There is something about the homeless and panhandlers, or whatever someone may call them, that is immediately ignored.  Assumptions that money given will go towards a pint or a vial of crack, or, assumptions that this person is not as in need as they may appear.


My grandmother says not to ever worry about what the homeless man does with your money.  Be uplifted that you did what was good for the soul, for mankind, and helped a person that asked for help. The rest will be taken up with God.  


Be pleased with the fact that you have it to give.


I appreciate this man.  His need was coffee.  His need was not the $1.65 that paid for it.  And once you understand that, you've surpassed millions.

Nellcôte: More Than Meets the Eye

Photo courtesy of GapersBlock.com,

Nellcôte

833 West Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60607
312.432.0500


Based on its unromantic curb appeal and plainly written, lackluster website, one might think the same of the Nellcôte experience.   Perusing Nellcôte via the internet or strolling past the venue to gain introspective may not lead you to the best impressions. 

Perched at the corner of Randolph and Green, in Chicago’s infamous Meat Packing District, the most noticeable thing about Nellcôte is its bright, tangerine-colored awnings.  Entering Nellcôte offers much more for the eye to behold.  Immediately noticeable is the entryway, tiered with what appears to be a hundred strategically placed, mini-vases filled with sprigs of lavender, and a beautiful wrought-iron canopy leading into the venue.   The ceilings were adorned with dainty chandeliers, complimenting the melodramatic lighting, and accented by pearl and marble tones throughout.  In addition to finely-crafted dishes for the prime palate, Nellcôte also boasts a mile-long wine list to compliment its mile-long wet bar.

Impressibly, Nellcôte mills its own flour, cultures its own butter, and crafts many of its own condiments.  This immaculate operation lends to a wide assortment of breads, spreads, and accoutrements like bran, or even buttermilk, which can be later made into a luscious panna cotta. 

Choosing the brunch at Nellcôte was genius, in that, one can have the best of both worlds.  The Jamon Charcuterie platter was the perfect precursor of courses to come.  Tea-soaked prunes, Serrano ham, and house-made lemon curd were the highlight of this showcase.  One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the Swan Creek Farm Sunnyside-Up Egg Pizza using organic eggs, fontina, and shaved Perigord black truffles.  Subpar at best, the egg paired with fontina was excellent, while the black truffle essence was lost and presented a more metallically flavor.  The Quiche Lorraine, moist, fluffy, and decorated with bits of smoky bacon and gentle gruyere, was without a shadow of a doubt, the star of the show.    The cloud-like eggs combined with the flaky, buttery crust was pure perfection.  Paired with crispy fingerling potatoes and spring onion salsa verde, this dish is one that cannot be overlooked.

After the quiche, Nellcôte was not a hard sell.  Signed, sealed, and delivered; a guaranteed return visit.  I lay back into the high, wingback tufted bench with delight.  Low and behold, the sweet ending to a lavish meal arrived - Pain Perdu topped with a rhubarb strawberry coulis and crème Chantilly.  If the quiche was not sufficient enough, the sweet, buttery, crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on -the inside French toast earns Nellcôte all the fame it has amassed to date.  By far, the best French toast my lips have ever savored.  Praiseworthy from start to finish.


Overall, the Nellcôte experience was a joyous one.  More hits than misses, Nellcôte proves as one of Chicago's latest and greatest.

Tea Time in the City: The Argo Tea Experience

Photo courtesy of ItsAllFare.com.

ArgoTea

1 N. Dearborn

Chicago, Illinois

312.212.8032

The artful, ambiance of Argo Tea is always alluring.  On first encounter, I knew it would be a place of romance; it was love at first brew.  Whether iced or hot, Argo Tea has the perfect cup for every tea (or even non-tea) aficionado.  All of Argo Tea’s concoctions are free of artificial flavors, colorings, or additives, giving them a distinct, strong, tea essence.  Only real fruit, flowers, and other natural ingredients are added to infuse the tea varietals. 

Posted at the busy, bustling corner of Dearborn and Madison, entering this heavenly haven brings about a sense of calm.  The multi-hued walls of Argo Tea have a brightness and freshness akin to a funky museum or a posh hotel lobby, with its modern adornments and hip framed artworks.  Remaining consistent no matter the location, all Argo Teas boast shades of earthy brown, opulent orange and minty green, accompanied by pendant lighting that is perfect for people-watching, or finding a nook to read a good book. 

Baristas, just as vibrant as their esthetics, are readily available for all your tea desires.  Each visitor lined up, waiting to have that special morning sip, afternoon delight, or post-dinner spot of tea.  Immediately noticeable is the loose leaf tea bar.  Argo Tea offers some of the most flavorful red, white, green, and herbal teas I have ever experienced.  Favorites include the Fruit Sangria: an infusion of hibiscus petals, dried fruits and rosehips, and the Carolina Honey:  black tea blended with bits of lemon and notes of honey.  For those seeking the buzz and jolt of a typical café, Argo Tea satisfies with a coffee assortment.  Additionally, for the hungrier tea (or coffee) drinker, Argo Tea offers several accompaniments, such as granolas, salads, pastries, and miniature paninis - some of which are made using the flavors of the teas offered.

Whether you happen upon Argo Tea by mistake or by intent, it’s a guaranteed unique experience.  Its comfort and quiet in a city of hustle and flurry.  Choose a new favorite, or indulge in an old beloved during your next visit to this cozy little magnum opus.

Max Sansing: My Artist Friend

Max has ALWAYS been a great artist. We went to high school together, and I remember always looking forward to seeing his sketchbooks and graph work. He's truly evolved, and I am just proud to actually know him. I hit him up today to ask when the next gig is, and I found this. Google him.

Farm.Girl.Fresh: Farmer's Markets (Chicago)

I have really developed a fondness for local Farmer's Markets...never truly understood the importance of them growing up, but within the past year or so, I totally get it. The more I cook and experience new dishes, the more I appreciate what I can find at a Farmer's Market. I'm talking garlic scapes, beefsteak tomatoes, real honey...you name it, your local Farmer's Market (or some other Farmer's Market nearest you) will have it. Check the link for Bronzeville, Hyde Park, Gold Coast and many, many others. Get your farm game up.

Solemates...Chicago

I have yet to make it to the actual store (I promise I'm coming, Autumn) but I frequent their site often just to peruse and take in the fabulousness. Solemates...Chicago is owned by Brian and Autumn Merritt - a funky fresh, very stylish, hubby and wife duo that just so happen to be former classmates of mine. Solemates...Chicago is a vintage lover's paradise. You name it, they got it. Or, I will bet my last dollar that they can get it. Check their merch, bio, and other goodies at solemateschicago.com

Visit them in real life at :

2708 N. Halsted, Chicago

Trucks & Pearls

Certified PHLI Girl Diane Ivery is really doing her thing when it comes to fashionable accoutrements.. Another former classmate of mine, I'm really pleased that I'll be able to say "I knew her when..." She write, she designs, and most of all, she's really cool people. Check out her accessory line, Trucks and Pearls here. When it comes to jewelry and scarves, she has passed with flying colors...literally and figuratively. She is dangerously talented. Watch. Her. Work.

MK Solaire

I didn't get to see this the first time it came to town, but now its back. Michelle Kaufman's MK Solaire Smart Home is planted directly in front of the Museum of Science and Industry as part of the Green + Wired exhibit. She was actually living in it during the debut...not sure if she still is. Hauteness.

This Old House: Frank Lloyd Wright

File this under "Damn, I Didn't Know" - there are Frank Lloyd Wright houses in my backyard. Oak Park, to be exact. Anyone with an eye for design will appreciate this. Went on a mini excursion with my boss today, and she introduced me to this hidden treasure. Believe it or not, these houses (shown here) were built in the 40s. Call me late, but better late than never. I will be taking a tour this summer.
























From top: Weltzheimer - Johnson Living Room, Weltzheimer - Johnson Bedroom, Pope-Leighey Kitchen

Avri Bijon

My homeboy Av has one of the best blogs out the Chi. Av and I go back like lumberjacks, and probably unbeknownst to him, I frequent his blog regularly. Av's RockBox contains the most up-to-date material on all things upbeat or off-beat. On top of all that, Av is also very talented musical genius, graphic artist, and videographer. Av is sound, light, and color all rolled into one. Peep his craft here.

The Boardroom

I've been to alot of shows, particularly in Chicago, but I have to say some of the most entertaining are those containing The Boardroom. Mike 100s, Jeff Jones, and Vic Lloyd can't go wrong with Tony Baines on the track, or anything else they do. These guys rap. Like, real rap. With real words, and real metaphorical phrases. None of that "one, two, buckle my shoe..."

Plus, they're pretty funny.

Ivy League

So, I love Ivy League. Not because we went to school together, or because I know one of them from our days at United Center (lol), but because they are actually a really dope group. I've been with these guys for awhile, and each track gets better and harder. Ivy League = real lyricism. The League consists of Novakane (the NoGoRilla) and Agacee, with Jay Illa on the turntables. Yes, they have a REAL DJ. And of course, they hail from the City of Wind. They've been most recently featured on MTV On The Rise New Year's Eve bash which aired on MTV2. I can't say enough about these dudes that hasn't already been said, or shown for that matter. If given the opportunity, I'd jump on stage and rock a mic with these guys.

Jay Illa

Jay Illa is probably my favorite DJ in Chicago...not that others aren't great, its just that, quite frankly, Jay actually plays shit I wanna hear. Consecutively. He never has an "off" night, or a "blah" set. The best thing about Jay is that he never sells out to the crowd. He plays whatever he wants, which alot of DJs cannot attest to. Never, never, never in my experience have I ever seen Jay not rock a venue. And I'm not just saying that cause I know him. Jay is most definitely "Illa Than Most".

Porn Can Get You Merked

Not to make light of a serious situation, but this is why people really shouldn't hide stuff from their mate...this is really a message for you downlow dudes...
----------------------------
Porn led to slaying, prosecutors say
By Jason Meisner Tribune staff reporter
1:29 PM CDT, October 3, 2007 ....

A Chicago woman who became enraged after discovering her longtime boyfriend's stash of pornography shot and killed him in their South Side home over the weekend, prosecutors said.Jeanette Strowder, 58, is facing a first-degree murder charge in the Sunday shooting of Jesse Martin, 54, her boyfriend of about 15 years, police said.Strowder and Martin lived together in the 5300 block of South Shields Avenue for the last two years, prosecutors said during a Tuesday hearing where Strowder was ordered held on $600,000 bail. On Sunday night, she found CDs inside the home containing images of nude women and lost control, authorities said.

"The defendant confronted the victim, got a gun and shot him multiple times, including two to the head," said Andy Conklin, a spokesman for the Cook County state's attorney's office.Strowder also went to the garage and smashed the headlights of her boyfriend's motorcycle, smashed out the windows of his car, and scratched the nickname of one of the porn models in the photographs into the side of his car, prosecutors said.Strowder then called the victim's daughter and told her "something had happened to her father," Conklin said. The daughter called police.Officers found Strowder sitting in a chair in the front yard holding a .357-caliber revolver. As they approached, she put the gun to her head, pointed it at police and put it back to her head before dropping it to the ground, prosecutors said. The gun was recovered with six spent cartridges, authorities said.Strowder gave a videotaped confession, according to prosecutors. She has no prior criminal history. Criminal Court Judge Raymond Myles set an Oct. 22 court date for Strowder, Conklin said.
Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune