a bite or two of chocolate makes everything better

Saturday last, B and I hopped on the brown line to explore a little part of Lincoln Park. We used our cool new Chicago Cards. Of course, we were going though the turnstile as the train was pulling away. But it was okay because another arrived about five minutes later.

We were both hungry so we walked around and found a place to eat. We decided on Pasta Palazzo. It seemed there was a bit of a power outage on the block, but they could still cook, so were open. We nabbed a table by the window and all was well.

My sandwich and salad was pretty tasty, but this time B ordered the better thing. He got this amazing creamy pesto pasta complete with pine nuts. Good thing he likes to share. About half way through lunch, the lights came back on.

After lunch we walked across the street to this cool little shop called Giselle's that was part catering, part gourmet store. There was something similar when I lived in LA (called The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker), but this was way more upscale.

They had a cold case that had a variety of salads and desserts. On the shelves lining the walls of the store were all kinds of jarred goodies from the like likes of Stonewall Kitchen and other gourmands. Everything was beautifully displayed.

We were hoping they had a brownie, but it turned out they didn't. So instead we came home with chocolate hazelnut cannoli. They were divine! {We ate them the next day.}

From there we stopped at the Ethel's. This one was even BIGGER than the one in Evanston. It was a little stand alone shop and had an upstairs seating area, as well as outside seating in both the front and the back. We got some more tea and picked four chocolates. I think my favorite was the dark chocolate mint. It was just the right about of mint.

On the way back we stopped at Lush. I have actually never been, although B did get me some goodies once while he was in Manila. We got a couple of bath bombs.

We also stopped in Paper Source. I love that place. It is so inspiring. And we made a quick jaunt through Art Effect . They actually had Forte tea for only a dollar a bag/box, but they only had one kind of black tea. I so want to have a tea party.

Speaking of tea, since the Argo Tea down the street from us is still not open (promised date was spring), we had to stop in. I love their iced chai. Yum. They also have this bubble gum pink tea pot, but I resisted.

Tired and full we hopped back on the train. This time it arrived about 45 seconds after we reached the platform. It was a very nice day. Not just the places and the food, but the company as well.

current read :: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.