Windy City Blogger Wed Nov 25 2009

Windy City Blogger Wednesday: The View from the 32nd Floor

By Whitney Merritt

This week I would like to introduce Emily of The View from the 32nd Floor. I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

The first apartment that I rented in Chicago was on the 32nd floor, with a gorgeous view overlooking Lake Michigan. I started writing my blog while I lived there.

What brought you to Chicago?
I've been able to call Illinois home for most of my life. I had a brief 6-year stay in New Orleans, Louisiana where I was exposed to some of the best food I've ever tasted. I came to Chicago when I graduated college and I can't imagine myself living in any other big city.

What do you do when you aren't blogging?
I spend my days raising money and planning events for the American Cancer Society here in Chicago. You can find me at the gym about 5 days a week doing both spinning and weights classes, which is a good thing since I love to spend so much time in the kitchen. I love Sunday afternoons when the Chicago Bears are on; it gives me a reason to make a big pot of soup and sit on the couch all afternoon to root for my team.

Favorite restaurant in Chicago?

One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago is Café 28. It is a small, neighborhood restaurant on Irving Park Rd. that serves amazing Cuban food. Go for the classic mojito, Cuban roasted pork, and tres leches cake.

I also love Coco Pazzo Café. It's in my neighborhood and they have the best spicy spaghetti dish.

Favorite restaurant in Chicago, if you aren't paying?
Instead of spending a really indulgent night out, I love tackling a recipe that has many steps and an ingredient list a mile long. I especially love when it requires me to be in the kitchen all day. A project like that, is well worth the money that you might spend on ingredients at your local Whole Foods. I prefer a home cooked meal to one out at a restaurant any night of the week.

Favorite recipe and/or post?
I have 2 favorite recipes that I have blogged about in the past and find myself going back to time and time again. I am a huge fan of the Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad and the Cinnamon Biscuits. Both recipes are simple to prepare and delicious.

How do take your coffee?
I love the daily cup of coffee. I usually make one daily trip to Starbucks for a Venti Americano. I like my coffee jet-fuel style, - the stronger the better. On the weekends, I sometimes treat myself to a latte.

Cubs or Sox?
I was in awe of Ozzie Smith growing up and was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan. I've come to my senses over the past 15 years and now root for the Cubs - win or lose.

What is the one thing/place/restaurant that you recommend to your out of town guests?

I keep reminding myself that out of town guests enjoy doing the tourist type things. You need to walk down the Magnificent Mile at night to enjoy the city lights, stand in line at Garrett's Popcorn, ride the escalator up and down at Niketown and see a Cubs game at Wrigley Field.

One (or two) things that you can't live without in your kitchen
Hands down, can't live without the Boos block cutting board and my Mini Prep food processor. 2 must haves in the kitchen.

Catch up on all the previous Windy City Bloggers here.

Do you have a favorite Chicagoland based food blogger? Email drivethru@gapersblock.com with [food blog interview] in the subject line with the name and URL of the blog and I will check it out!