Monthly Archives: December 2011

Lulu’s Sweet Shoppe, North End, Boston

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Thus far I have tried making the following cupcakes, Cocoa Angel Food, Marbled Frosted Chocolate, Cherry Cordial and Red Velvet Dino and Cream Cheese Frosting.

In addition, I have sampled cupcakes from Kickass and Sweet in Boston, Magnolia, Crumbs Bake Shop, Junior’s Cheesecake in NYC and Kingdom in San Fran. I guess I can openly admit I am an enthusiast.

The Lulu’s Sweet Shoppe was located on Hanover Street and is now on Salem Street. The store front is fun, cutesy and is a paradise for those who have a sweet tooth.

A few years ago, I heard about Lulu’s Sweet Shoppe when I met a friend for dinner in the North End.  She is an avid baker and has been complimented for her homemade hamburger shaped cupcakes, oreo and hostess cupcakes. I trust her judgement on quality cupcakes.

An example of her exemplary cupcake work.

I tried two flavors of Lulu’s cupcakes, priced at $2.50 each. The cookie dough had a chocolate button on top of the faint cookie dough flavored frosting. The frosting did not have chocolate chips in it and I would suggest mini chips throughout the cake and frosting.

The cookie flavored cake was a nice texture and had a few chocolate chips at the bottom of the cake.

The second cupcake was the salted caramel cupcake and this cupcake was a super moist, deep chocolate with some salted caramel trickling into the top center of the cupcake. The chocolate frosting had a nice sheen and was gooey. I loved the caramel swirl and I loved the sweet and salty combination. I would grab a whole box of these. I shared another salted caramel with a holiday travel companion and she seemed to absolutely love the cupcake as well.

Lulu's Sweet Shoppe on Urbanspoon

Sarah’s Pastries and Candies, Chicago

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Sarah’s Pastries has a store within a store in the Macy’s of downtown Chicago.  The light blue wall and chandelier is feminine. Sarah’s has a good selection of macarons, cupcakes, homemade candies and cakes.

The golden mirror menu features hot drinks and other beverages.White art deco cake displayWhite frosted cakesMulti-colored and multi-flavored french macarons including raspberry, lemon, pistachio, chocolate, vanilla and red velvet $1.75 each.Large buttercream cupcakes $3.00Various large cupcakes including black and white, red velvet and cupcake of the month $3.00

Chocolate candies per pound including royaltine and rock road $5.96 a bag.

Sarah's Pastries & Candies on Urbanspoon

Signature Room Lounge at the 96th, John Hancock, Chicago

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My friend and I wanted to grab a quick cocktail before our Second City show.  P.S. The show was very clever and the cast were unbelievably talented. I plan on seeing a Second City show every chance I am in Chicago.

After a 40 minute wait in the John Hancock’s lobby, we finally took the elevator to the Signature Room. I felt as if we were at an amusement park.

A tip, grab a dinner reservations at the restaurant on the 95th floor versus grabbing a cocktail. Despite the wait, the Chicago city lights were magical and skyline was captivating.

The Signature Room restaurant on the 95th floor.
The bar area was pretty relaxed.

Glasses from the bar ceiling

I had the Pineapple Mimosa for $12.50 which had Prosecco Mionetto, caramalized pineapple puree. I always love a little champagne, so the sweet and bubbly beverage was a great way to imbibe and enjoy the view.My friend had Clementine Passion Martini for $13.50, Svedka Clementine Vodka and Corazon Pure, which was lightly sweet and acidic. It was a well-crafted martini.

Signature Room at the 95th on Urbanspoon

Boka Restaurant and Bar, Lincoln Park, Chicago

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Boka Restaurant is known to be a sophisticated dining experience. The chef uses unique ingredients and combines new flavors.

One of our dining companions, from Barcelona, dined here with her family and she said it was amazing. In 2011, Boka’s chef, Chef Tentori won the 2008 Best New Chef by Food and Wine and the restaurant received a Michelin Star.

The sleek wooden bar areaThe dining room was buzzing and every table was filled.Our wine and a simple, but elegant rose center piece.

We tried the yellow fin tuna sashimi, korokke, whipped avocado, mango, sweet plantain and champagne grapes for $14. The creamy and light avocado went well with the thinly sliced tuna. The mango and plantain elements made the tuna tropical and fresh.

We also tried the sweetbreads, kobocha squash, roasted figs, broccoflower, celery root, wild mushrooms and tripe for $15. The dish had a sweetness from the figs and the sweetbreads were prepared well.

Muscovy duck breast, smoked leg spring roll, mole lentils, brussel spout leaves and duck tongue for $34. The duck breast was juicy and tender and the duck tongue which was a perfect chewiness.

I had the beef tenderloin, yorkshire pudding, boudin noir, salsify, savoy cabbage and cipollini onions for $35. The tenderloin was medium rare, as requested and I really enjoyed the rustic flavor of the vegetables. What was most unique about the dish was the baked yorkshire pudding (my first one).

California sturgeon, king crab, crispy pig tails, baby turnips, somen cakes, parsley water and black garlic foam for $33.

At the meal’s finale, we received complimentary chocolate truffles and sugar crusted jellies.

Our Boka meal was well orchestrated and our server was very knowlegable. Everything was well prepared, thoughtful and we really enjoyed the various surprises in the meal.

Boka Restaurant & Bar on Urbanspoon

Gold Coast Dogs Revisited, Chicago

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Gold Coast Dogs has become a must have each Chicago trip. I love the two hot dogs hugging each other. The best part of Gold Coast is that they show the raw products required for Chicago style hot dogs.

S. Rosen’s Poppyseed buns

Vienna Sport Peppers

There are various versions of the dog include jumbo or polish sausages.

I really enjoy the slices of tomato, mustard, green relish, pickle, sports pepper, chopped onion and a grilled, all beef jumbo dog. I really like the tangy, fresh, crunchy, lightly sweet and salty dog.Gold Coast Dogs at Midway on Urbanspoon