after all it was a great big world, with lots of places to run to. - tom petty
Posted in exploring, inspiring, monday inspiration
Tagged exploring, monday inspiration
So for those of you who regularly read this blog, you know that our very own Urban Explorer just went to NYC and shared her observations (and great style choices I must add). Why then would she be once again posting about the Big Apple, does she have no new content or adventures to share? Of course not! Instead, in efforts to revive two fellow blogger’s posting efforts, she has given us (Jess and Erika of DC/Chi Life) the opportunity to guest blog about our own urban adventures. So here for your reading pleasure is our 26 hour tour de NYC.
After taking the DC2NYC bus (without movie as only we were the only passengers interested in watching Eat Pray Love, unspiritual co-bus takers..) we arrived in the Big Apple (Jess’s second tour, Erika’s first). After locking away our precious belongings in a shady alley building promising to be a luggage storage center the city lay before us. What did we decide to do first? Shopping of course. We expertly traversed the subway lines (thanks in part to JJ’s previous knowledge and google maps…but mostly google maps) and made it into the shopping mecca of Soho. As you can imagine we hit up the top sites including Madewell (Chicago has sadly not yet been graced with Alexa’s presence), Topshop and the disappointing Uniqlo. While we were inspired and impressed by the shops and shoppers, Uniqlo was a total disaster. Fleece wrap skirts (picture a fleece kilt)…really? REALLY? Not ok.
Following our shopping adventures we were taken out on the town to tacos and nightlife in Brooklyn thanks to our gracious host, but the main reason Jess offered us a place as guest bloggers was to discuss what we did Sunday morning (something she herself is upset she did not add to the Urban Explorer’s personal agenda) the Norman Rockwell exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum of Art.
Now I cannot give us too much credit as in reality this idea came about thanks to our host for the evening. You see, we had our mind set on the MOMA, but as it was a Saturday, our bus was leaving at 3 p.m. and we had obviously had a slow-moving morning, Parker came up with this alternative, less crowded, more-new yorker idea.
Of course the exhibit did not disappoint. Entitled, “Norman Rockwell: Behind the Camera” the exhibition showcased how the famed American illustrator utilized photography to bring his pictures to life. In what was one of the more unique exhibits we’ve ever seen, the illustrations were presented side by side with the photographs that helped create them, helping museum-goers get a real sense of how Rockwell saw and built each piece of work.
Rockwell acted as a director, staging the photographs and had his photographers take multiple shots piecing together the perfect image; a hand from one photo and a slight smile from the other. Once combined the images created Rockwell’s uncanny ability to bring Americana to life through illustration.
Now while neither of us were smart enough to take photos throughout the entire trip, we will borrow this example from the Brooklyn Art Musuem’s website to give you a sense of what the exhibit offered:
If you happen to be in NYC before the end of April, we highly recommend you make this museum and exhibit a key point of interest on your extensive tourist to-do list. (Plus the museum even has mummies which obviously is just cool–or scary if you ask the 7-year-old girl who was forced to view the mummies by her father).
Although the trip was short, we’ve already fallen in love. 26 hours was not enough and don’t worry NYC we’ll be back (and hopefully be back as avid bloggers on our own site as well).
xoxo,
Erika & Jess of DC/Chi Life
Posted in brooklyn, exploring, guest blog, new york city
Tagged arts, brooklyn, guest blog, norman rockwell, nyc, viewing
Double Door – Chicago, IL
Upbeat altpop with bonus points for best use of retro facial hair.
Posted in music notes, wicker park
Frozen Reflecting Pool and Grant Memorial from Lincoln Park - Chicago, IL
This may come as a shock but I love wine. I would hardly describe my taste as discerning, and while I did take a viticulture and enology course in college the main lesson retained is, “Wine is good (and good for you).”
Last summer, I attended an event by Bottlenotes at the Museum of Contemporary Art called Around the World in 80 Sips. The sold-out event was brimming with interesting wines from across the globe, including innovations such as wine in a juice-box. There were hits and misses (such as wine in a juice box) and it was a great chance to belly up to the tables of the stuff I can’t actually afford. It was deliciously fun and I can’t wait for the event’s return on May 20, 2011.
In the meantime, Bottlenotes is serving up a challenge to Chicago oenophiles. The 80 Sips Challenge tasks Chicagoans with visiting at least one of four participating restaurants and tasting six wines. Once you taste one wine from each featured winery and region, leave a tasting note on each via their new iPhone app (Bottlenotes Mobile). If, like me, you’re still waiting for the iPhone to join your Verizon family plan you can register on the Bottlenotes website to leave your tasting notes.
The 80 Sips Challenge kickoff party will take place Tuesday, January 18 at Hub51 from 6pm to 7:30pm. Toast the challenge with featured pinot noir and brut cuvee, Hub51 appetizers, and a discussion from special guest TJ Evans, winemaker of Domaine Carneros.
Lest we forget this is a challenge and not a pretext for Bacchanalia, there are prizes. All participants who complete the challenge receive a $25 Bottlenotes gift certificate and the chance to win a $100 gift certificate to each participating restaurant.
Clinking glasses, new wines, and great restaurants? I humbly accept the challenge.
a city [to Raggles] was not merely a pile of bricks and mortar, peopled by a certain number of inhabitants; it was a thing with soul characteristic and distinct; an individual conglomeration of life, with its own peculiar essence, flavor, and feeling. – o. henry, “the making of a new yorker”
Get hungry Chicago, Restaurant Week 2011 is nearly here! As a lover of good eats with limited means I look forward to Restaurant Week all year. This year, over 200 Chicago restaurants will offer prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. It’s a great way to explore those amazing eateries you ‘ve been craving at a discounted price.
Reservations are a must for Restaurant Week. You can book online here, or contact each restaurant directly. The hard part is deciding which restaurants are on my must-eat menu this year!
Not dining in Chi? Serving up restaurant weeks for my friends across the country…
Washington, DC: January 17 – 23
New York: January 24 – February 6
Denver: February 26 – March 11
1. New York Stories – Strand Bookstore, $11.95; 2. Revlon Kiss Me Coral Lipstick – Drugstore.com, $7.99; 3. Statement Tough Chain Bracelet – The Limited; 4. Knit Beret – NYC Street Vendor, $10; 5. Green Floral Blouse – H&M; 6. Vintage French Coin Medallion – Gift; 7. Time Out Shortlist New York 2011 – Amazon.com, $10.36; 8. Cio Bella Thabata Two Tone Boot – DSW, $99.95; 9. Front Pleat Silk Blouse – Banana Republic
Every explorer requires a certain set of tools for their travels. For some, this means a Bowie knife and thorough knowledge of the constellations. For me, it’s more likely the perfect bag and thorough knowledge of affordable attractions. I’d like to say my steamer trunks are bursting at the seams with chic labels in svelte sizes, but the truth is I packed in a New York minute throwing in everything at arm’s length.
For my recent trip to New York, I left behind notions of hot heels and Gossip Girl getups (after all, they have drivers!). Cold weather wandering in the city requires sturdy boots and wooly layers, which I lightened up with airy blouses and the pop of a coral lip. I layered on baubles and bracelets for a bit of sparkle under all that bundling. When in absolute need of a sassier touch, I traded in dungarees for a skirt and the Swiss dot tights I’ve been going through all season (warning: they run terribly but I can’t stop buying them). Armed with my trusty 2011 Shortlist, and of course my photo snapping and scribbling supplies, I was NYC ready.
I’ve recently been obsessed with this photo of Georgia May Jagger looking supremely chic and elevating the gap-toothed pout. Not sure what is under that stole, but girlfriend is ready for a voguish voyage. I’m vowing to pull off bobby sox with heels, and one day to await my town car on a throne of Louis trunks. Until then, the MetroCard serves me just fine!
greetings explorers,
to celebrate my release from 10 weeks of cast imprisonment and start off 2011 right i have planned a weekend trip to nyc! while i have been fortunate enough to visit many fabulous cities in the u.s. and abroad, i have somehow made it this long without EVER having explored new york.
so what’s there to do in nyc?
i’m excited to be big apple bound and am asking for your recommendations. please comment below with your must-see spots and hidden hangouts!
many thanks,
urban explorer
It took way too long for me to pay a visit to DMK after its much lauded opening in late 2009, so I resolved to end 2010 with one great burger. The Lakeview joint is Chicago chef Michael Kornick’s less formal establishment and homage to burger basics. DMK’s name comes from his initials along with business partner David Morton, whose family owns some steakhouses.
A massive neon sign marks the spot on Sheffield, and inside the vibe is low-lit and laid back. The décor is elementally cool with exposed brick and wood trim and so is the playlist featuring among others The XX, Tom Petty, and Discovery. My companions, C. and S., and I are extra ravenous so the quick service is much appreciated while never feeling rushed. DMK doesn’t accept reservations; we are seated immediately but as the dinner crowd later surges a considerable wait forms.
DMK’s thing is grass fed beef. This means the cows get to frolic and graze in fields rather than process corn-based feed in enclosures. Their diets are more varied and their meat is leaner. As DMK’s website points out, “If steer were meant to eat corn, they would have fingers instead of hooves to roll it in butter.”
#13 and Parmesan Truffle Fries
I hate overwhelming menus and DMK thankfully breaks it down to fourteen options. It’s still difficult to deliberate as we salivate over each enticing item. The #1, featuring aged cheddar and smoked bacon, is thoroughly enjoyed so quickly by burger connoisseur S. that he is only able to reflect on its flavor palette in the afterglow. My #5 could use a stronger sense of prosciutto, as it’s overpowered by the onion, but I am feeling the grass fed beef. The burger is tender with just the right touch of pink and juicy without being greasy. C. opts for the #13 and her crispy portabella is a behemoth of a burger. The components make for a tasty marriage while the horseradish highlights individual arugula, mushroom, and fontina flavors. “The burgers start with a good foundation in the bun,” S. points out. Made with potato flour, DMK’s buns are thick but not unwieldy, substantial yet light.
#5 with Sea salt and Black Pepper Fries
And the fries! DMK serves a free side of sea salt and black pepper fries with every burger from 5-7pm on weekdays. They are soft with a crispy exterior and golden browned to perfection. Hand-cut from russet potatoes, they are available with a variety of yummy accoutrements. After previously experiencing the truffle pommes frites at mk (by the way, still one of my top meals in Chicago) I wonder how the “economy” version would compare. Our amicable waitress confirms that the parmesan and truffle cream fries are their most popular. The table portion is perfect, and again I find myself lapping up the truffle cream.
Need more reasons to visit? At $8 for each, the price-point is on par with your corner tavern’s greasy burger. DMK’s donates part of its profit to a different charity every month with its 365 Days of Giving program. Finally, while a systems error keeps us waiting for the check, our waitress hands us free drink vouchers for the trouble.
It would seem Kornick sparked a craft- burger trend in Chicago, but after hearing not-so-great reviews of the other attempts I’m more inclined to keep revisiting DMK. With many unexplored numbers on the menu, a well-selected beer list with a thirst-inducing range, and rave reviews of the sweet potato fries with lemon-tabasco aioli I have yet to try, I am already craving my next bite of DMK.
[click to enlarge]
DMK Burger Bar
2954 N. Sheffield
Chicago, IL 60657
Posted in eating, exploring, impressions, lakeview
