So Chicago has been completely buzztastic about a restaurant that opened up in September called XOCO. For example, here is a typical review by
The Chicago Reader. When pretty much the only bad thing a person can say about a restaurant is that it has a ridiculous like 24 hours a day, then that is a restaurant I will try.
Because it was downtown, I needed an excuse to go. Christine (Asian #1) and FIANCE!!!! Ryan were in town from New York, so I begged them to let us go. They had just had Frontera that week, so they were actually pretty excited to try a Rick Bayless low-price option. First let me say that it was so great to see these guys. I don't realize how much I miss the amazing friends I have in NYC until I see them...and then my little heart melts. We had a lot to talk about...and did so over our amazing meals.
I went conservative because I was planning on having a meal with Caitlin later that night. I ordered the Vegetable Caldo, which is basically a stew type meal with lighter broth. Get this people: Woodland mushrooms, zucchini, potato-masa dumplings, black bean broth, spinach, avocado, Serrano chile for $10. Um, yes I will. I was really jealous of Christine's short rib red chili soup as well...ridiculously flavorful.
And there is me. Wait, look at me. Stop looking at RICK BAYLESS in the background! I'm better looking, albeit less famous, accomplished or wealthy. Oh fine, look at Rick Bayless. You would. Christine almost erupted from excitement when she saw him. Serious, emotional eruption of adoration and lust. Cooks are so macho.
Caitlin and I will be going there this weekend with Trace Face. Caitlin has made that clear.
See? His favorite place to nap is at a restaurant. So when he gets tired, we go out to eat. It works like a charm. Recently we went with his buddy Tate to an Ethiopian restaurant. It was delicious, but not overly so.
Matt and Alissa were there to enjoy with us. The great thing about Ethiopian is that you just have to love the bread and using your hands. Oh, and sharing. Sharing makes me smile!
See the joy as we share? Scrumptious.
Another great miracle of food in our life is Caitlin's recent receiving of Rick Bayless's cook book for Mexican food from our friend Rochelle. I don't necessarily know much about Rick, but I love his restaurant XOCO - so I was intrigued. Caitlin cooked these absolutely amazing enchiladas from the book and they blew my mind. They make those chicken enchiladas that girls used to make you on Sundays at BYU seem like piles of dump in comparison.
Seriously, how good do those look? Yeah, well...the taste as good as they look. You rule Rochelle!!!
