Need Some Sushi in Your Life?

This one is for all of my sushi heads. I recently did drinks and apps with an old co-worker who told me that there's a sushi restaurant that's offering a helluva bargain during these recession times. Koi and Chen's (two separate locations) are offering $20 off when you spend $30.. say huh, say what?! Yes, you can leave with a $10 bill people. The offer expires Tuesday, the 7th, but definitely try to take advantage. To print off the coupon, click on the link below. Enjoy!

http://www.dailycandy.com/chicago/deal/42565

Dim Sum? Get Some!

So as of January 16, after living in the Chi for four years I have never once ate in Chinatown. Like where have I been and why have I been sleeping on Chinatown!??

My girl Kel and I hit 8am service Sunday and she has a lunch date with one of her colleagues and her associates. I am starving after service so she invites me along for Dim Sum in Chinatown. I am down.. I have yet to eat in Chinatown nor have I tried Dim Sum. Like I've heard of it, but had no clue what it was. It means "Touch of Heart" and is similar to that of Spanish style tapas, where's Chinese appetizers including rolls, dumplings and noodles are served daily during brunch times.

First, can I say that Sunday mornings in Chinatown are the jump off? It took us at least 20 minutes to find a park. People were walking down the street, stopped in the street... I guess Dim Sum on Sunday morning is that deal.

So we go to a restaurant called The Phoenix. Let's just say the wait was extremely long, but since we were late, we were able to sit down immediately with our party. And to top it off, there's no waiting to eat. The ladies are moving through the tables with their carts of dim sum, and since a few of the ladies at the table were natives, they start grabbing dishes off the cart and passing them around explaining what each dish was, what it contained, and if we would like it. I tried fried squid (basically calamari), steamed shrimp dumplings, shomai, veggie pastries, fried pork dumplings, Chinese broccoli, and some other items I really can't recall. The Jasmine tea was pure goodness and I think I got full in a matter of minutes. It was wonderful! Forget Yolk on Sunday morning... I think Dim Sum might have to be a ritual. Plus, who knew that Chinese food could give you the 'itis??!

So I definitely recommend getting Dim Sum in Chinatown. It's fairly cheap (appetizers range from $3-10; for a table of 8, we only spent $20) and filling!

Baby, it's cold outside...

With the brutal cold (affectionately known as "the hawk") finally taking over Chi City, there's nothing like warming up with a nice cup of hot chocolate. And if you ever want to spice up your normal cup, I encourage you to go to Ethel's. The chocolate boutique happens to be one of my company's clients, and a few weeks ago, while showing my soror the city, we ventured into Old Town and Lincoln Park and stopped by to get a cup of hot chocolate. Being my adventurous self, I decided to try the Mexican Hot Chocolate, which has cinammon and chili powder. It changed my life! Talk about the nice rich chocolate flavor, with a nice kick of spice. Mmm, delicious! A regular sized cup will run you about $5, but it's definitely worth it on a wintery morning or afternoon.

Also, try some of their yummy candies, but beware they will run you $2 a piece or $3 for 2 pieces.

**Let's just say, I'm totally craving a cup right now. Just got into the office and I'm still thawing out**