Sunday I headed to Oak Park to see my Mom perform with the Sing to Live Community Chorus. It was their 10th anniversary performance and I was looking forward to it. My Mom sent me an email telling me that she’d be in the front row, but what I didn’t read was that she was going to be in the front row of the bleachers in the back – I still was able to see her most of the time though.
The founders have such an adoration for each other. It was a wonderful concert.
I saw with my friend and blog reader Laura (hey Laura!) and her Mom. I wasn’t sure that they would be there because her Mom is transitioning into a nursing home, but they were, and as usual, she always brings me stuff – this time mustard! Thanks Laura! Next to the mustards? That is a door stop – it was all dusty so I washed it and it was hanging out there to dry.
My friend Jacky posts on Facebook all the time about a restaurant called Autre Monde and raves about the food, so I suggested taking my Mom there after the concert. But before that, I had to give my Mom a dozen roses for her performance. You know, favorite children do that for their Momma’s.
Well, the food did not disappoint. It was a Mediterranean tapas restaurant and while they served full entrees and the hanger steak with pomme frites was calling my name, we decided to split a bunch of things, and I am glad we did. We started off with a crispy piece of chicken with a chili honey sauce – amazing.
Next up was the chili grilled shrimp: there was a spicy chili sauce underneath that was delicious.
Then a simple sauteed spinach dish with chick peas, garlic and lemon. We both were like “we need to make this at home!” So simple but the flavors popped:
I pretty much can never pass up pork belly – this one was melt in your mouth delicious with a bright chimichurri sauce. After the first bite, I paired the greens with the pork and the acidity of the lemon broke through the fattiness of the pork and it was so good.
And then we ended up with a flatbread with baby arugula on top – this one had red chilis on it and it was too spicy for my Mom, I’ll probably have the leftovers for lunch today.
And what’s better than one dessert? TWO! We split the olive oil cake with sauteed apples and vanilla gelato and my friend Jacky told me that the hazelnut chocolate pot de crème was insulin worthy, and she would be absolutely correct!
I still dream about this dessert – so good! Even though this place is an hour away, whenever I am in that area I know I will be hitting this restaurant up again and again.
So long time readers have heard me talk about my friend Skippy Mom. She’s had congestive heart failure and rheumatoid arthritis for years. She and I mostly communicate via Facebook messenger so when I hadn’t heard from her and she hadn’t replied I started to get worried. I finally messaged her husband and he called me last night. I can’t go into details because it’s not my news to tell, but she’s been in ICU for the last three weeks. So if you are of the praying type, please send some prayers her way. I know she and her family can use it right now.
In other news, Jacob and Hannah got a new puppy. Meet Roman:
He’s a 15 week Boston Terrier. They picked him up last night and so far Rummy is tolerating the dog. For some reason Rummy drools around the dog – I have no idea why. We have a baby gate to the front of the house to protect my new living room until we see how potty trained he really is. He’s so tiny compared to Rummy – Rummy is 20 pounds and Roman is 4 pounds – so cute!
Alright, off to get this show on the road – make it a great day!
Oh Biz: it’s 8 am here and I’m already drooling (not sure if I spelled that correct) over the food. It all looks so good!
Ahhhhhhhhhh Roman, so cute!
We had Bella as a pup too and the potty training was my worst fear: how would that go and how long would it take? We were lucky, she never did something in the house. The best tip I can give you is to take him out many times during the day. And if he has does something during the night, the only way to get over that fast is to get up in the middle of the night and let him out. For the accidents an old paper at the door usually helps too.
If he starts chewing furniture a dog bench might help if you have to leave her alone at home.
I’m sure he and Rummy will be best friends soon!
Roman is a little cutie! Maybe Rummy is drooling because he thinks Roman is a snack;)
Ha Lynne, maybe you are correct – I had a couple people email me that its normal for dogs to do that when they are excited, it’s almost like Rummy is so intrigued with the dog that it forgets to swallow!
That puppy peanut is so adorable! I do fear for your new furniture, though, with little puppy teeth 😀
Sending prayers for your friend. And congrats on the new puppy. So tiny and cute!!!
Aw…look at those “Roman” eyes 🙂 That food…looks delish!! Roses for Mom are beautiful. 🙂
Thanks Louise! 😀
Louise – I forgot to tell you that I am getting my Blue Apron delivery next Wednesday! Can’t wait to check it out 😀
Bullets today! (Backwards)
~ Roman!!!! So a-dog-able. But it’ll feel like you have an infant for a while. 🙂 I always say that is why puppies are so cute – so you can tolerate the sleeplessness and clean-ups!
~ Autre Monde – In French, that means “other world” and it sounds like the flavors were other worldly! (Especially if you are dreaming about that dessert!) That place looks up my alley.
~ How SWEET to give your mom roses after her performance!
~
You know I love your bullet point comments Carrie! If you ever come back to Chicagoland, let me know and we can meet up there – its only about 10 miles from downtown Chicago 😀
Look at that little face! I think sometimes dogs drool when they are really excited, so maybe Rummy is just stimulated by the new companionship and the change?
Ah, maybe that’s it Dana – I am sure they’ll be fast friends 😀
It sounds like an absolutely wonderful evening with your Mom. I am amazed at everything she does. Such a full life. The food looks just wonderful! I think every restaurant should have a way for you have just one piece of something for you to order. I know places have sampler appetizer plates but those are all usually the fried/greasy stuff. I think the olive oil cake looks insulin worthy and I am intrigued as to the flavor.
Tell me about it Kym! She’s on the board with a woman’s club, she is in the choir, she bowls, does book club, organizes her local food pantry – I usually have to pencil myself in between all the stuff she does!