go bananas.

chiquita banana is running a design contest for a collection of new produce stickers. they aren't accepting any new submissions, but i am loving looking through the different designs. i can't wait to stumble across these at the supermarket...what a great way to put a smile on someone's face!

delicioso.

one of my number one favorite summertime treats? mexican coke. it's made with delicious cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup, and it's just plain tastier. and everyone knows soda always tastes better from a bottle.

pasta pasta.

pauly got me a pasta machine for my birthday! i have wanted one for a very long time and i am very excited for its arrival. we made pasta last night and for a first run it turned out pretty well! i promise to post photos of our next run...

blueberry cobbler bar.

excited to make this tomorrow.

photos via framed.

chicago french market.

i'm going to finally go try the chicago french market today. i'll be picking up yummy things with a friend for a picnic. i have my fingers crossed for delicious cheese and fresh berries.

food inc.

a few days ago paul and i watched food inc. it was so eye-opening. a lot of what they talked about i feel like we already know in the back of our heads, but it was still kind of crazy to see. it just reminded me how important it is to eat consciously! it also made me really excited for farmer's markets to start up again.

yes please.

if there is one thing i absolutely love about chicago (other than riding my bike everywhere) it's the restaurants. they are amazing! these are some of the ones that have been on my list to check out.

the publican. pork, mussels, and beer.


kith & kin. famous for crocks of deliciousness.


dmk burger bar. i love me a good burger.


urban belly. a bowl full of yummy noodles and dumplings.


great lake pizza. once voted the best pizza in the country.

images via esquire, the chicago tribune, the chicago sun times, garrett's table, and time out chicago.

dc bound.

we are headed to my hometown, washington dc, in about a week for a quick weekend trip. a friend of mine is having a med school graduation party, so it is the perfect excuse to be home for few days. the thing i am most excited about (aside from seeing my family and friends) is digging in to some maryland crabs. sooo delicious! they are without a doubt my all time favorite food. i have so many wonderful memories of sitting at home with my dad, with a huge pile of crabs in front of us, picking away for hours. it is one thing i really miss from the east coast.

celebratory.

it is a certain someone's birthday tomorrow,
and i plan on making this cake.
not quite sure on how i'm going to decorate it yet,
but hopefully it will be delicious.
via smitten kitchen.

outstanding in the field.

how cool is this? outstanding in the field is basically a traveling restaurant that sets up long tables in farms, fields, or anywhere else and serves dinner made from locally grown ingredients. the tables look so beautiful, and i think it would be such an amazing way to spend a day. unfortunately the ones in chicago are sold out, but there are still a few in neighboring cities hosting dinners with available tickets.

when time allows.

i love to cook and bake. right now i don't have a lot of extra time on my hands, but when i do, these delicious items are high on my list of things to make.

cream biscuits.


mushroom pasta.


dulce de leche cheesecake squares.


tomato and sausage risotto.

my tummy is excited!

all available here, on one of the most wonderful food blogs i know.

delicious dish.

there are some really amazing restaurants in chicago,
but the bristol is one of my very favorites.

i've been here a couple of times. first for my birthday, then when my mom was in town, and also for a staff dinner. each time it was ridiculously yummy. it's nice but not stuffy, so you can go there in jeans and not feel out of place. i have yet to try their brunch, which is next on my list of things to do. okay i'm getting hungry i have to stop thinking about this!