The first two weeks at our local farmer’s market have been a parade of the fattest asparagus. The bigger, the better for us when it comes to this vegetable, in sharp contrast to how we like most of our food. This composed salad celebrates spring. …
Some years back, half of ODB spent several weeks exploring England. After a couple of weeks in London, our first stop was Hampton Court Palace. While built by Cardinal Wolsey, it’s most known for being a favorite of Henry VIII. After a significant disgrace, Wolsey “gave” …
So often we can’t see what is in our immediate view for looking over the horizon for something new or different. Recently, while returning home from running an errand, we decided to stop at the lake that is just a couple of minutes from our home. We’ve lived in our neighborhood for almost 30 years, yet we very seldom spend time there. Yesterday, we allowed ourselves to just be as we took in the views, the ducks, and the trees. We watched parents who had brought their children to play in the park. Others who oared the lake on their paddle boats or fished from boats and docks caught our eye. I observed a young couple walking closely hand in hand, listening to a soulful love song. We gazed at the sky with its beautiful clouds and were captivated by the sun’s reflection on the water as the sun began to set.
So many times we’ve traveled to a faraway lake to relax came to mind. I wondered: what makes us less appreciative of what’s in front of us as we seek distant places, things or people? I sat in relaxation, looking at nature around me. I felt gratitude that although I travel to places for new and different experiences, the tried and true can be just as rewarding.
When I first moved to Chicago, I worked to create pathways for folks who found it extremely difficult to find work in our city. It boggles the mind to see how the deck was stacked against the most marginalized of us. My office sat within …
On the eve of our country’s Independence Day, I, like many other Americans, find myself reflecting on what we mean by the words independence, liberty, and freedom. Just two weeks ago, we were celebrating Juneteenth. Almost a century separates these two commemorative moments (and all …
In 2014, I invited folks to join me for an analog-digital sensation, an Instameet. Remember those? Instead of just taking photos by yourself and sharing them in those little IG squares, you’d invite anyone who’d like to meet in person, say hello in real life, and click away in the same place creating collaboratively.
Living in such a beautiful city, I chose the Chicago Cultural Center as our meeting spot for its grand spaces, excellent views inside and out, concerts, exhibitions, Chicago history, its central location, accessible public transportation, and its exquisite Tiffany Dome.
I brought Firecakes Donuts and Intelligentsia Coffee. We are in Chicago after all.
150 people said they would join my mom and me. One person showed up.
This stranger chatted, laughed, and shared her stories. We found out that we had a mutual love of hot sauce, bikes!, coffee, travel, EATING food, and our transplanted city. She described herself as an eater with less experience in the kitchen. What she still has is boundless curiosity, persistence, creativity, a commitment to equity, and the kindest heart.
Later in our friendship and then publicly, she talked about losing her corporate job and wondering what was next.
Over the years, she often asked me for advice as she explored becoming a food professional. I said then as I say now: there are so many paths open to us. Margaret Pak started learning how to cook professionally in 2015/2016.
With her husband, Vinod Kalathil, she now co-owns a Keralan restaurant called Thattu. It was a 2020 James Beard Foundation Semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in the country, 2020 Food & Wine Best New Restaurant, NYT’s Restaurant List 2023 of the 50 places in the UNITED STATES, and a 2024 The New York Times “Best Restaurants in Chicago” amongst many other accolades.
More recently, we were able to see her in action at the James Beard Chef & Restaurant Awards in 2022 where she and her team plated countless tastes of one her signature dishes.
Again, just two weeks ago, she was serving delicious seafood cakes at the 2024 JBF Media Awards. In-between, of course, there have been coffees, visits, and innumerable laughs.
Chef Pak is many things: restauranteur, small business owner, innovator, pay advocate, and storyteller. I’m pleased to say that she’s also a fantastic friend.
Here’s to pursuing our wildest dreams!
Who knew that the day would come when clubs would open early in the day to accommodate our changing population? Clubs are popping up all over to adapt to the preferences of aging patrons as well as any one whose schedule allows them to have …
I recently spent an afternoon with a herd of bison, up close and personal, as they grazed on the grassy plain and huddled together with their small calves. It was mind-boggling to think that they were living not far from Chicago, and some compassionate people …
Today we lovingly poured our ruby-colored red drink into champagne flutes that had been purchased with my mom nearly two decades ago. We toasted our ancestors and to love as we reveled in the spiciness of sorrel. It is celebratory.
We nibble on boiled peanuts that taste of black-eyed peas and connect us to my childhood. I vividly remember eagerly squeezing the shells to get to these slippery and soft nuts.
And of course there’s watermelon. Today they look like thick discs topped with salty crumbled feta and the tiniest basil leaves and royal purple flowers. This dish is a nod to living in Greece in the 90s and it’s ubiquitous (and delicious!) sheep’s milk cheese. Is it possible for the feast to be more wonderful because it’s set in the Black Garden? Why yes.
Happy Juneteenth! Jubilee!
Aww, Chastain! One of my favorite places ever for an evening out to watch some of the greatest entertainers perform. For years, we’ve made the trek to the Chastain Amphitheater with coolers, picnic baskets, flowers, vases and lovely tablecloths to setup for a magical evening …
