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!
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 …
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 under the stars. We listened to the silky voices of artists such as Nancy Wilson, Johnny Mathis, CeeLo Green, Alicia Keys, John Legend, and countless others we’ve seen at this historic venue. It’s always with anticipation as we sit and the energy of the other attendees takes everything to a higher level.
On a recent evening at the venue, we saw Diana Ross mesmerizing the audience with her beautiful clear voice, striking beauty, and class. At 80, Diana looked gorgeous and moved with ease and charm throughout the night. She was engaging and teased the crowd who came out to show their love. Repeatedly, she spoke of her gratitude and love.
As I reflect on the night, I’m just grateful that we were able to attend. The night under the stars was wonderful, ending with us somehow being at a nearby restaurant sitting around a fire pit, chatting with strangers who had attended the concert as we waited and waited on an Uber to come pick us up. The wonderful thing about life at this stage is that you appreciate the moment and don’t feel that you have to rush to the future. The present is just fine!
What is your favorite Diana Ross song?
We’ll always have Paris. Half of Onion Dip for Breakfast used to call the City of Lights home when she was a young, wide-eyed student soaking up every drop. This city has so much to offer from its aromatic markets, art in and out of …
We’re making more room for celebrating. There’s enough going on in the world that needs little reminding of how cruel it can be. So we’re having moments to toast to good times, blow out candles, dance here and there, and laugh. Laugh so hard that our stomachs begin to hurt. Here’s to laughter!
“Here’s to… family!” That’s how we kicked off an evening with passion fruit margaritas. Then there was a table covered by Mexican food. My parents joined us for a “seaside seafood feast” right along the Chicago River. Think ceviche, an array of seafood tacos, a whole red snapper, seafood-stuffed pineapple, and pitchers of fruity drinks. We had everything and concluded our meal with warm churros filled with flavorful caramel and a side of cinnamon ice cream. Here’s to food!
What are you celebrating?
During a recent visit to New York City, we stayed at the 122-year old Algonquin Hotel. We’ve stayed at the hotel once before, however, this time, the hotel revealed its historical past through the Blue Bar menu and a chance meeting with Hamlet, the cat. …
