Pimp My Wine Store

I hot pink sparkly puffy heart Que Syrah. They always have samples. They have a $13 and under rack of fool-proof wines. The owners are sweethearts. It's two blocks away from my house.

We rarely buy our wines anywhere else, and we rarely shop anything other than the 13 and under rack. There's really no reason to do so. The owners have a "if we don't like it, we don't sell it" policy, and they just happen to have fabulous taste.

If you work in the restaurant industry, mention that and get a card for 10% off all bar accessories. If you buy a certain amount of wine (I don't remember what it was, but we've far surpassed it), you get a card for 10% off anything in the store FOR LIFE. On top of that, if you buy a case, you get an additional discount. They honor both the case discount AND the card, so that amounts to huge savings and 12 bottles of delicious, solid wine picks.

Que Syrah is on Southport, between Waveland and Grace.

Pimp My Fave Sushi Spot

I just spent the last 36 hours in business travel hell.

Trapped on a runway for 4+ hours, seat kicker, multiple screaming children, seatmates with bad B.O., lack of air conditioning, missed connections, two hour layovers stretched into four, having to pay for an empty seat on an earlier flight - and that's just the beginning. AND they wanted me to actually pay $7 for a glass of crap wine to dull the pain? Bitch, please.

I knew exactly what I needed upon my return to sweet home Chicago. The entire cab ride home from the airport I could only think three thoughts: (1) it's a good thing knives aren't allowed on planes; (2) must...shower...now; and (3) Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuushi. Sushi Mura!

We ordered in, but only because I had my fill of people for the week. Normally we go to the restaurant because they permit, nay ENCOURAGE, sake bombing. The chef, Hursan, will even come out, count you down and bomb with you.

The sushi is really good, and really cheap. Sure, this isn't Mirai. It's not Meiji. It's not Kaze. But for good, solid basics and a handful of creative rolls, you can't beat Sushi Mura at the price. Hey, it's way better than the overpriced garbage they call sushi at Japonais. Try the Mura Maki (salmon, hot pepper, zucchini, cream cheese, tempuraed), Crazy Maki (a little bit of everything), Double Decker Spicy Tuna (spicy tuna wrapped in tuna), and anything with unagi in it. Mr. LegalFoodie also enjoys the spider roll, but I'm allergic to shellfish, so I cannot confirm.

Sushi Mura is at 3647 N. Southport. Get to know Monica, the owner, and offer her boyfriend Hursan a few sake bombs, and they will treat you like old friends every time you come in.

Pimp My Microplane

If you are a wannabe chef like me, you MUST own a Microplane (or two, or three).

Seriously, these things are the shit.

The fine grater will take care of zesting lemons and grating ginger. The coarse grater will make light work of grating hard cheeses and chocolate, and apparently can even grate potatoes (I have yet to verify this). The medium ribbon grater is good for softer cheeses.

The traditional Microplane works well for the "fine" grater, but if you are looking to buy a medium ribbon or coarse grater, I would recommend the "paddle" versions for greater stability. These bitches is sharp! Wouldn't want to shred your knuckles into that high quality parmesan!

Get yours at Williams-Sonoma (aka Mecca). They also carry them at Crate and Barrel, Sur la Table and other places like a certain department store formerly known as Marshall Field's that I refuse to patronize.

Pimp My Aunt

My aunt made our wedding cake, which was a work of freaking art. It took her several months to make. Here it is, in all its glory:



It was delicious too! We had three flavors: margarita, white almond-Chambord and dark chocolate-Grand Marnier. Feel free to request her info.