PopSugar Chicago

2011 Gift Guide: Holiday Tips From Jewelry Designer Erin Gordon

Kate Stahl — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:43:10 CST

Local jewelry designer Erin Gordon creates some of the chicest bracelets around (perfect for a friend who's been extra good this year). The superstylish Chicagoan let us in on her holiday tips and picks.

PopSugar Chicago: What's the one piece of clothing that's a must-have for the holiday season?
Erin Gordon: Definitely a fur jacket. Living in Chicago, furs are a must in my wardrobe. It’s hard to look stylish and keep warm, but in a fur, you can definitely pull it off.

PSC: Any Chicago must-dos for the season?
EG: Chicago has so many amazing things to offer, and I will be the first to admit that I don't take advantage of them enough. This holiday season, I’m definitely going to make time for some ice skating at the rink in Millennium Park.

PSC: Favorite stops for holiday shopping?
EG: Roslyn and The Edit in Bucktown.

PSC: Go-to gift this year?
EG: By Erin Gordon bracelets, of course.

PSC: Any tips for surviving the season?
EG: Have fun and enjoy! The holiday season is about enjoying time spent shopping for friends and family as well as cherishing the moments spent with them. We all tend to forget what’s really important in life, so letting go, relaxing, and enjoying time with the people most important to you is the survival tip I like to give.

PSC: What's on your wish list?
EG: A few pieces by Alexis Bittar: the Sprig bracelet, the Alexandria gold-encased bracelet, and the Dune Dust Drop earrings (shown above); Loeffler Randall's Matilde boots in black and dark brown; some cozy sweaters (because you can never have too many living in Chicago); an H Hermès bracelet to add to my collection; a vintage clutch; and I’ve had my eye on a Mongolian fur cropped jacket.

Source: Alexis Bittar

2011 Gift Guide: Holiday Tips From Roslyn's Rosie Clayton

Kate Stahl — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:00:00 CST

Rosie Clayton is one of Chicago's chicest shopkeeps, stocking an insanely chic collection of clothing and accessories at her Bucktown shop, Roslyn (2035 N. Damen Ave., 773-489-1311). The recently wed trendsetter let us in on her holiday picks and tips.

PopSugar Chicago: What's the one piece of clothing that's a must-have for the holiday season?
Rosie Clayton: A warm sweater is a must for Chicago winters; we've carried Demylee cashmere at Roslyn for the past five years because they are the best quality and weight, and women love her classic silhouettes with a modern twist. I also love a cocktail dress with subtle sparkle or metallic details - the Alice + Olivia dresses we have in the store are perfect for any holiday party. I have one in nude with silver beading that I can't wait to wear!

PSC: Any Chicago must-dos for the season?
RC: The Green City Market moves to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in the Winter and is a great place to find fresh produce and products while supporting local farmers.

PSC: Favorite stops for holiday shopping?
RC: Virtu is my go-to shop for holiday cards and gorgeous wrapping paper since the way you present a gift is just as important as what's inside. I'm a fan of Scout for home decor gifts (I am obsessed with their lighting fixtures) and Post 27 for vintage accessories. For the men in my life, I'll be going to Vintage Smith, a pop-up shop in Bucktown that features vintage military jackets, leather satchels, and work boots.

PSC: Go-to gift this year?
RC: Elise Bergman's hemp and organic cotton circle scarf, Erin Gordon gemstone bracelets, homemade rosemary mint or honey almond soap, and a cookbook. Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys ($14.92 on Amazon) is a favorite.

PSC: Any tips for surviving the season?
RC: The holidays can get so hectic; be sure to stop, relax, and take it all in . . . preferably with a cocktail in hand and good company by your side.

PSC: What's on your wish list?
RC: Where do I begin? I covet the pyrite chunk and vintage brass necklace by Mineralogy; vintage china (I adore the look of mismatched sets that can be used every day), and I'd love an old men's watch with a brown leather strap from Division Street Watch Co.

Source: Alice + Olivia, Mad Hungry, and Mineralogy

2011 Gift Guide: Holiday Tips From the Paper Dolls

Kate Stahl — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:53:03 CST

Our latest holiday guide comes from sisters Stacy Swett and Kelly Swett Riordan (shown right), the owners of one of my favorite paper and gift shops, Paper Doll (2027 N. Division St., 773-227-6950).

PopSugar Chicago: What's the one piece of clothing that's a must-have for the holiday season?
Stacy: A faux-fur bonnet-style hat. They make you happy, look adorable, and keep you warm.
Kelly: A warm, cozy scarf. Good for both inside and outside.

PopSugar Chicago: Any Chicago must-dos for the season?
Stacy: Every year it is our tradition to go to the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza together. We love all the German goodies.

PopSugar Chicago: Favorite stops for holiday shopping?
Kelly: We try to shop locally and at our own store. We love Rotofugi, Hazel, and Jonathan Adler. Since we work so much during the holiday season, we end up doing some online shopping, too. We love Fab.com, Modcloth.com, and Anthropologie.com.

PopSugar Chicago: Go-to gift this year?
Stacy: Artist-designed calendars by Snow & Graham, Rifle, Jonathan Adler, The Found, and Night Owl from our store.

PopSugar Chicago: Any tips for surviving the season?
Stacy: Lots of wine. And watching the movie Elf.
Kelly: Relaxing in front of the Christmas tree - of course, that involves setting it up first.

Pop 5: Best Gift Shops For Your Holiday List

Kate Stahl — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:00:00 CST

The votes are in for Chicago's best gift shops! While department stores, malls, and shop-filled streets are all great for getting gifts en masse, sometimes all you need is a single shop. Paper and gift shops Greer and Paper Doll, the classically cool Merz Apothecary, modern general store Space 519, and Lincoln Square's quirky cute Enjoy, An Urban General Store were in the running. Keep clicking to see who you voted into the top spot!

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Eater's Regret: Your Fitness Pick For Burning Off Tom Turkey

Rebecca Taras — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:45:00 CST

Even before poking down the last forkful of sweet potatoes and stuffing, you were probably already thinking about the caloric expenditure you'd have to endure afterward. According to our most recent poll, you chose Shred415 (2156 N. Clybourn Ave., 773-360-8228) as your place to repent. The interval-style workout from Hollywood burns cals faster than your traditional sweat session. The Shred415 workout involves alternating cardio on Woodway treadmills (opt to walk, jog, or run) with weight training throughout the course of 60 minutes. While each class is a full-body workout, there are certain classes that focus more on those trouble spots we fret over: legs, tummy, arms, and back - pretty much anything that would affect the way you look in that little black dress, or bathing suit come Summer!

Drop-in classes are $24 each, but the more you sweat, the more you save! Discounted packages range from three to 20 classes, or there's an unlimited monthly option for $175-$205. Refer three peeps and you'll receive $24 toward your next class.

Hot Plate: Tony Mantuano's Bar Toma Opens Today (10 Things to Know!)

Rebecca Taras — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:30:00 CST

I admit I was a bit bummed when Bistro 110 closed its doors back in August, but after attending a media preview of replacement Bar Toma (110 E. Pearson St., 312-266-3110) yesterday, my sadness evaporated as quickly as the culinary cocktail I was given upon arrival. My only disappointment was that I couldn't keep eating - I was stuffed. While Mantuano touts his latest endeavor to be a "casual neighborhood pizza place," there was certainly a lot of thought put into the concept. Here are 10 things to know before you go:

The 'Za: The wood-burning pizza oven cooks up pies in two minutes flat, resulting in a slightly charred (not burnt) crust. I tried four of the 16, with faves being the Lorenzo (mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, crispy pancetta, fresh basil; $14), clam (littlenecks, garlic, oregano, chilies, pecorinio romano; $16), and the bomba ($15) - which needs further explanation. A pizza "pillow" of sorts, the bomba comes out all puffy and golden, topped with prosciutto and la quercia cheese. The server then cuts the pillow open to release the steam, resulting in a deflated pile of thin dough that you simply tear apart and drizzle with EVOO before going to town. All of the pizza crusts are made from a blend of high gluten bread flour, wheat flour, and a little bit of wheat germ - a concoction that Mantuano says was inspired by an established pizzeria in Rome (though these are not considered Roman-style pies).
Bar Plates: Everything is made with attention to detail, from the orange juice and herb marinated olives stuffed with a bit of orange ($6), to the mortadella with housemade giardinera made from seasonal vegetables ($8), and insalata di mare (cooked to order) tossed in a sambuca vinaigrette ($15). I can't wait to go back and try the grilled marinated lamb and beef skewers.
Roman Style Fritti: Fried to perfection in extra virgin olive oil, one could make a meal off of the little tomato and mozzarella stuffed panzerotti ($6) served in a super cute little wire basket. The Roman-style cod ($15) was not what I expected - but I certainly wasn't disappointed. Not your traditional fish batter, rather a mixture of sesame, poppy, and pumpkin seeds; served with a beer vinegar and lemon caper aioli. Admittedly, I did not go for the sweetbreads with prosciutto and sage ($17), but my dining companions lapped them up.
Mozzarella Bar: Each cheese I tasted was better than the next, but the star of the show was the whole burrata ($27) served wrapped in a poached leek, which Mantuano explained was how the cheese was sold in the old days (today it's sold with a plastic imposter!). The server splits open the cheese and drizzles a little EVOO on top. "The idea is to spoon it right onto the crostino," Mantuano explains.
Salads: Stuffed with carbs, we didn't get into salads, but when I return the Christina (orange supremes, olives, frisee, avocado, smoked garlic, shrimp, hearts of palm, lemon; $18) is on the top of my list. Keep reading for five more reasons to visit.

Shop 'Til You Drop: Do-Division Holiday Deets!

Rebecca Taras — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 CST

Forget Black Friday. The Do-Division holiday event is Chicago's annual shopping extravaganza, boasting deals from several retailers and restaurateurs on the Division Street strip. This year's festivities take place on Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4, at 11 a.m. (closing time is dependent upon each merchant). What can you expect? Here's the scoop:

The exact location of the event is on Division Street between Milwaukee and Leavitt, and if you're not looking to hoof it all on your own (or simply want to get in the holiday spirit), take advantage of the free horse-drawn carriage rides offered both days from noon to 5 p.m. Keep an eye out for Santa and the elves distributing coupons and gift certificates up and down the strip!
There are too many participants (over 50) to mention, but highlights include Pump, Inc. (mega clearance on shoes and accessories), Le Dress (10 percent off first item, 20 percent off second item of equal or lesser value item, etc., up to 40 percent off fourth item), Ruby Room (complimentary holiday makeovers), and Jerry's Sandwiches (holiday brews, baked root beer ham and roast goose sandwiches, R&B and rock 'n' roll holiday tunes and movies).
Can't make it to Do-Division or simply love a great deal? The Unwrap Wicker Park Bucktown program allows you to obtain discounts and freebies from over 50 local retailers, restaurants, spas/salons, and more from Dec. 3 through Dec. 24. Simply download your "passport" on the Wicker Park Bucktown website, present it to the participating merchants, and start reaping in those bennies!
Also coinciding with Do-Division and Unwrap WPB: the sixth annual Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Market, open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse (1419 W. Blackhawk St., 312-742-7559). If you're looking for that one-of-a-kind gift, chances are you'll find it here, as you can shop handmade goods from over 150 vendors.

Source: Rep3

Tonight's the (Opening) Night: Takashi Yagihashi's Slurping Turtle (What to Eat!)

Rebecca Taras — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:00 CST

The temps are only going to get chillier this week, so it's the perfect opportunity to slurp (yes, that's considered proper Japanese etiquette) up a big bowl of ramen at Takashi Yagihashi's Slurping Turtle (116 W. Hubbard St., 312-464-0644) - which opens its doors today!

Designed by Francois Geneve (Takashi, Green Zebra, Quince) the 87-seat space boasts steel and exposed beams creating a contemporary yet comfortable vibe. The menu pays homage to chef Yagihashi's childhood experiences in Japan, and the turtle component symbolizes longevity. After perusing the eats offered, we sure hope Slurping Turtle is here to stay. But the menu isn't just about noodles. Here's a rundown:

Noodles: Starting with the most obvious, there are nine noodle bowls offered ($13-$14) with the option of extra toppings ($1-$3) such as fish cake, pork shoulder, and marinated egg. Standouts include the slurping noodle (rice noodle, wheat-free soy, Napa cabbage, black tiger shrimp, and cilantro) tan tan men (whole-wheat egg noodles, spicy miso, ground pork, and spicy homemade sausage), and shoyu ramen (egg noodle, classic Tokyo-style soy broth, braised pork shoulder, naruto, and bamboo shoots).
Dumplings and Hot Tapas: There are only three dumplings to choose from (steamed pork or shrimp shumai and jumbo gyoza), but one could make a meal of nine small-plate "tapas"-style dishes when not exhibiting a little self-control. One's guaranteed to rack up calories like at a holiday feast. Indulge in small plates such as the duck fat-fried chicken, lobster corn dogs, and crispy curry croquettes.
Sashimi Bar: Carb-loaded noodle bowls are balanced out by the sashimi bar - a Japanese raw bar of sorts. Along with sushi, there are seared, marinated, and other raw preparations such as tartare, ceviche, and various seafood-laden salads.
Bincho Grill: Those who go for a little of this and a little of that will love the fact that the items cooked on the bincho (Japanese-style) grill can be ordered by the piece for just $3 to $12 (the foie gras is priced the highest). There are over 30 items to choose from, ranging from every part of the chicken imaginable (including gizzards), seafood, duck, steak, pork, and vegetarian options.
Sweet Endings: How fun does a green-tea cream puff sound? For those looking for just one bite, there are eight varieties of macaroons with Japanese-inspired fillings like raspberry wasabi, ginger-kumquat, and yuzu. Also intriguing: the Japanese sundae made with chilled red bean, vanilla ice cream, and agar-agar cubes.

Source: Slurping Turtle

Monday Detox: Healthy Eats That Actually Taste Good (Burgers, Mexican, and More!)

Rebecca Taras — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:16:41 CST

From the impromptu office bash to a decadent family gathering, overindulgence is inevitable this time of year. Before getting into full-blown lamp-shade-wearing mode, establish a calorie reserve for cocktail weenies and spiked eggnog with these healthy alternatives to your everyday eats.

Chinese Takeout: A small storefront with little ambience, Peking (129 W. North Ave., 312-951-7207) is best for carryout or delivery. I love this place because it has a diet menu that consists of perfectly steamed veggies (bok choy, broccoli, carrots, water chestnuts, green peppers, peapods) and the option of steamed chicken, shrimp, roast pork, or beef. While that may sound drab, you get your choice of a spicy brown garlic or mild white sauce on the side, so you can control all those extraneous calories and fat without completely eliminating that delish Chinese flavor.
Burger Fix: OK, so you can be really bad at The Counter (666 W. Diversey Pkwy., 773-935-1995) - like, really bad - but you can also find a way to leave without feeling as though you should ring a cowbell and have your picture taken for ground chuck wall of fame (or shame). Thanks to the customizable menu, options abound, but a healthy example could be: half-pound veggie burger in a bowl (sans bun with organic mixed greens); one of 12 cheeses, if you're looking for a little indulgence; veggie- and/or protein-rich toppings (such as cucumbers, sprouts, hard-boiled eggs, and avocado); and your choice of one of 21 sauces (on the side, of course!). For the übercalorie-conscious, check out the nutrition facts on The Counter website.
Mexican Fiesta: While you may have to bypass the sugar-and-calorie-laden margarita (sniff, sniff), you can actually find healthier Mexican fare at Adobo Grill (1610 N. Wells St., 312-266-7999) with options like the adobo chopped salad (romaine with chicken, bacon, corn, tomato, cheese, avocado, beans, and cilantro dressing) and the plato vegetariano (a tasty citrus-marinated vegetable ceviche and chips; a fresh corn and epazote flan with salsa ranchera; baked zucchini stuffed with peppers, chayote, red onions, carrots, cheese, salsa de molcajete; and a corn masa tamal stuffed with stew vegetables; and tomatillo verde) - olé!
Sushi Love: Too much white rice is never a good thing - especially if you eat more than one maki roll (obvi). While Tiparos (1540 N. Clark St., 312-712-9900) is a Thai restaurant, it happens to make some really healthy and delicious sushi! Simply ask for your rolls to be made with brown rice ($1 extra) and tell them to go light/easy on it. It comes out with just enough grains to hold everything together without leaving you in a carb coma.

Source: The Counter

Holiday Shopping Idea: Second Annual Market at Plymouth Court on Wednesday

Rebecca Taras — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:00:00 CST

If you're the type of shopper where only unique gifts will do, then head to the second annual Market at Plymouth Court, taking place Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Standard Club (320 S. Plymouth Ct.). Browse items like home goods, clothing, accessories, pastries, candy, spa products, and jewelry from local designers like Zamrie (pictured), Jules, Silly Monkey Baby, Hum Spirits (for a little holiday cheer), and several others.

Tickets for Market at Plymouth Court are $20 in advance ($25 at the door) and include one raffle entry for various items from participating vendors and a wine and cheese reception. Those looking for more substantial eats will find some bistro-style shopping sustenance as well. Planning on driving in? Valet parking will be available at The Standard Club.

Source: Zamrie