Chicago, Chicago

Time for another whirlwind trip. As I mentioned earlier, we're going back to Chicago to attend a wedding! (I wish I'd followed the French diet more consistently, perhaps I would be a bit slimmer. But there's no use crying over spilt cafe au lait now.) It is interesting to me, at least, that I had just started thinking about the French diet (and applying it) around the time I went to Chicago last.

I managed to score us a great deal at a five star hotel, The Langham, Chicago. It's just north of the river, and only a couple of blocks off of famed N. Michigan Ave.  From the pictures on the hotels' website, it looks super nice and I'm especially interested in exploring the spa/indoor pool and relaxing with afternoon tea. Hopefully I'll be able to do both. Sometimes, when you are attending these kinds of events it can be hard to find the time, even though you are theoretically on vacation!

I'm not sure if I'll be able to post anything tomorrow or Monday (we fly back on Monday, so my usual weigh in will be delayed), but if not, have a great weekend!

Afternoon indulgence

I'm usually a coffee drinker (decaf Americanos, to be precise) but every once in a while I yearn for something a touch more Jane Austen. When those moments strike, a small pot of Darjeeling or some special blend from a fine tea purveyor like Harney & Sons hits the spot. A particular favorite is the "Paris" blend, which combines black tea with vanilla, caramel and Bergamot flavors.

Normally, a small shortbread or butter cookie, or perhaps a cream scone, would complete the picture, but I decided to provide moral support to my Kosher Monsieur Souris and Passover started on Monday evening. So, for eight days he isn't eating any grains (or grain-derived products). It definitely won't kill me to cut down on breads, pasta, and baked items for a week, and I figure it's the least I could do after making him eat fish on Fridays during Lent.