If you know anything about me, I enjoy two kinds of drinks: a glass of Cabernet and a mezcal margarita with salt. But margaritas can be overly sweet, watered down, or just really, really bad. Whether it is Cinco de Mayo or a warm day in Chicago, a margarita is the perfect cocktail to sip on. To help you get your buzz on, I have rounded up a few of my favorite marg’s around the city. Read more at CGL Food
Getting Fresh Retro at Rhyme and Reason
Between sports bars and brunch spots, it’s difficult to stand out on Division Street. But, Le’Qoinne Rice and Zafer Genc are doing it with Rhyme or Reason, 1938 W. Division. Their 70’s themed interior, menu from Chef Chris de la Cueva, and live entertainment, all help bring a fun, retro vibe to the Wicker Park area.
Plush rugs, velvet couches and mirrors sets the mood for the 70’s eatery with shareable food and innovative cocktails. The mural around the base of the bar is by Jas Petersen, a Chicago visual artist and painter, which surrounds the circular bar. With an open kitchen, large windows, and an outdoor patio with seating up to 75 people, this is a perfect spot to spend the warm summer months ahead.
The Tuesday through Friday dinner menu has a touch of comfort food like fried oysters, lamb meatballs, wings, burgers and poutine, while the weekend brunch has some of my favorites.
On the brunch menu is a delicious edamame toast, an upgrade from avocado toast. For those who enjoy a little heat, the fried chicken and donuts topped with fresno chili is the perfect choice. Their Bloody Mary comes with a slice of house smoked bacon and mini grilled cheese sandwich. It’s like a meal before the meal or a side for your drinks of choice.
The $1 oysters as well as the bottomless mimosas for $18.95 with orange, hibiscus and grapefruit juices are more reasons for Rice’s and Genc’s Rhyme or Reason to be one of your favorite brunch spots too.
During happy hour from 4pm to 6pm, Tuesday through Friday, $5 dollars gets you bites like lamb sliders, fried oysters and the West Town pizzette. Wash it all down with Prosecco on tap and a glass of Retro Fruit Punch.
Tuesdays are special community giveback to Chicago Public Schools. CPS receives a donation of 15% off all sales.
Rhyme or Reason’s music scene is live Friday and Saturday and ranges from local funk to soul and disco. During the week, the vinyl only DJ booth is coolest and brings a unique quality to the venue.
Le’Qoinne Rice and Zafer Genc opened the business in February 2016 and have been friends for years. Rhyme or Reason reflects their relationship, coming from opposite backgrounds, but managed to develop a relationship and now business.
Whether you stop by for food, drink or music, you’ll find there is both rhyme and reason.
The First Haircut
The First Haircut
Ok, moms. We did it. We finally got Noah’s first haircut. After 14 months, I finally gave in and realized I no longer have a baby, but a growing toddler that needed a haircut. Desperately.
It wasn’t really about his hair or whether or not he would behave in the chair, but more about getting over the fact that he is growing and growing FAST. With all my anxiety, I needed to find place to calm my nerves and also find a salon great with children. Through lots of research, I found Kid Snips. With 8 locations in Chicago and surrounding suburbs, stylists that specialize with toddlers and kids, my hesitations were put to rest. Read more at CGL Baby
A Stroll down Southport Corridor (adults only)
The Southport Corridor may be known for strollers, moms and boutiques, but recently, there has been a surge in places for adults to play. So ditch those strollers, grab a glass of wine, and take a peek into some adult friendly places popping up on the Southport Corridor.
Coda Di Volpe- Boasting Southern Italian fare like pizza, steak and seafood, they are most known for their Neapolitan pizza that comes with a side scissors to cut your own slices. This swanky spot has a great wine list, but an even better cocktail menu. The blood orange is not only pretty, its delicious and perfect way to start your meal. As for food, my absolute favorite is the goat cheese with beets appetizer. I usually never order beets, but you CANNOT miss this dish.
Coda di Volpe
Next, pizza! The Funghi and Diavolo pizza is delicious, but really, they all look fantastic. All the pastas are made in-house and the chef curates all the meat for charcuterie boards. The decor is contemporary and cool with a trendy crowd. It’s perfect for date night or a night out with the ladies. No need to head downtown anymore! Coda Di Volpe
Ella Elli- The newest addition to the 4 star restaurant group, is the wine bar, Ella Elli. This sexy, romantic spot is so swanky, I felt like I had been transported downtown to a fancy hotel in River North. The oversized lanterns, fireplace and couches, make for THE perfect date night spot.
Ella Elli
The wine list is extensive, but Pinot Noir Rose by Willamette Valley really added greatness to my experience. The cheese board and toasts was presented beautifully and paired well with the wine. 
Ella Elli is a great place to start or even end your night at with their variety of desserts. Who needs the the Four Seasons, when Ella Elli has hit Southport.
With so many options now on Southport, there is really something for everyone. Go check them out and let me know what you think!
Until next time..
~xoxo~
Christine
Taking Risks as a 30 something-year-old. Finally
My entire life has been pretty much planned out since I can remember. As a child, I laid out my clothes, packed my lunch, and even put the toothpaste on my toothbrush (crazy, I know) every school night. I knew what college I wanted to go to by Sophomore year of high school. I knew (roughly) when I was going to get engaged. I have been at the same job for ten years. And my son was a scheduled c-section (an entirely other sensitive topic in itself though). With all that being said, every event has been plotted, revised and schemed with perfection.
But now, as a 32 year old, I am finally taking some risks and it feels so good. For some time now, I have wanted to start a blog. I love food, telling stories, giving advice and most importantly, helping others. But I never had the courage to act on it. In fact, I have written this blog post twice because I kept deleting it, too afraid of what could happen. But now, I can say, I am OVER what others say. I am a mom, wife and have a loving family and with lots of friends. All these people support me, sometimes more than I even realized. I am learning that it doesn’t matter what others say, you are living your own life day in and day out. No one else. Failures are lessons learned. And I truly believe everything and everyone in your life is for a reason. This is one lesson I wish I could go back in time and tell my 25 year old self.
It has been almost a week since I have gone public with The Chicago Good Life and I couldn’t be happier. The support I am getting is amazing and I am so excited what the future holds. I am also making some big career moves as well and there is a still a lot unknown. But that is okay and I will learn. I will continue to build confidence and take steps to being a happy me. And listen to a lot of Beyonce 😉
So thanks for following and I can’t wait to share my adventure with you! Please reach out with comments, questions, or please, any ideas you would LOVE to see here on The Chicago Good Life.
Until next time…
~xoxo~
Christine
What is Your Favorite Ramen in Chicago? Vote Now!
CGL Food: My Top 5 BYO Spots
BYO (bring your own booze, beer or wine) is one of those great restaurant qualities that so many seek out when dining. When I lived in New York City in my twenties, I couldn’t believe that there weren’t any BYO options, especially since everyone I knew was on a tight budget. Chicago has an abundance of BYO options ranging from casual to upscale dining. I have rounded up a list of my favorite spots throughout the city. Read more on CGL Food
