It was a good call taking the day off of work yesterday.  We slept in, I did some laundry and before we knew it, it was time to grab some lunch out.  There is a place we’ve been going to since we moved out here.  Always good food, and as soon as Tony suggested we go there, I immediately thought of a Reuben sandwich.  Holy balls, I think that has to be one of the best sandwiches ever invented.  But I am kind of picky about my Reuben sandwich.  The meat has to be super tender, I prefer dark rye and it has to be grilled for that extra texture.  Well, really anything with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese, I am in!

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This is a mural on the wall – can you name any of the famous Chicagoans in this picture?  That sandwich above?  I ate 9/10ths of it, it was that good.  And the tots are just the icing on the cake!  And speaking of Reuben sandwiches – check out this soup I am going to make for my lunches next week – a spicy Reuben chowder!  I still have tons of ham leftover from the one we grilled last weekend.

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I had time to stop at Starbucks for a coffee on my way to work – thanks Heather for the gift card!! 

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I had no idea what to expect at the restaurant, but I knew we would be busy, and busy we were!  I got tables right away and the night was non-stop, but everything flowed really well.  The kitchen never got backed up, food came out in a timely manner, and I think everyone had a great time.  I was bummed I didn’t have more time to visit with Mara and her husband who came to dinner!  Next time we need to meet up for dinner on a night I am not working to catch up!   You have to stop by Mara’s blog and give her props – she’s lost nearly 60 pounds and looks amazing!!  So proud of you!!

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At 8:00 I got a 12 top all to myself – they were super fun, totally got my sense of humor right off the bat and the night flew by.

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I was home by 12:15 a.m. and walked with $270 after tipping out – not too shabby!  Although probably $100 of that will be spent at Sam’s Club today – if you have a membership there, they have the best deal on baby spinach – a 1 pound tub is only $3.99!  I am also out of egg whites and eggs – super cheap too.

SO TODAY IS THE DAY PEOPLE!  I will do a full post of this on Monday, but right now, as I type this, my first two loaves of sourdough baguettes are in the oven!!  A week of feeding the starter, making the dough yesterday, letting it sit in the fridge overnight, then letting it get to room temperature this morning and NOW it’s in the oven.

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I’ve been saving the starter that you are supposed to throw out when you “feed” the starter, and that’s going to be thin crust pizza for dinner tomorrow night – I am thinking Italian sausage, pepperoni, baby spinach and pickled jalapenos!

You can follow me on Instagram at My Bizzy Kitchen to see the end result of the bread – otherwise, you’ll have to wait until Monday.  I hope it’s worth the effort!

Another busy night at the restaurant – just going to run a few errands, catch up on American Idol on the DVR and relax before I have to head to work.  Hope you have a great weekend – see you Monday!