Summer House Santa Monica, Chicago, IL

This is my first abbreviated restaurant post. The food and company kept me so busy and happy that I didn't take any pics after the first few. Forgive me.

It's a warm, light, inviting space in the former Tilli's location. I thought it would be tough to bring a California feel to Chicago, but they did it and it works. Not only does the place look pro, the staff, at least our waitress, was very pro as well. She handled us without issue.

It was a great visit to this relatively new spot on Halsted. We had a great time and I hope to be back soon.... and visit their pizza place now open next door.

Penrose Brewing Co., Geneva, IL

Fun spot to catch up with an old friend and it was hopping (pun intended) on a Friday night. Totally eclectic mix of young and old, white collar and blue collar, hipsters and dufuses. 

Though they seem to have an affinity for making Belgian IPAs, even if you don't like the pale ale family, they'll have something you'll like. I had a very easy-to-drink saison and a dark n' stormy Belgian black ale. 

Very comfortable inside with an upscale brew pub feel, iron and wood decor, picnic table seating and lots of energy from the people. Reasonable prices also helped, plus flights and growlers-to-go. Tours are supposed to be "coming soon". 

Thickest wallet ever?

I swear this thing was 6" thick when folded. I watched him remove/unearth it from his pocket, but am still not sure how it fits (in his front pocket!). 

Like George Costanza, maybe this guy is proud of how much crap he carries around in his "pocket purse".

Jersey Mike's, St. Anthony, MN

It's not often I'm told of a sandwich chain I don't know about, as it's possible sandwiches are my favorite food group. But wouldn't you know it, I'd never had the pleasure of devouring a Jersey Mike's sub, until this past weekend. And frankly, it was glorious.

Get the Big Italian and dress it "Mike's Way". Now, the place and amenities are just like a Subway, but this sandwich was like no other in this price range. The meats and cheeses are actually sliced fresh right in front of your gob. It seemed to go a long way in providing some excellent flavor. I enjoyed every bite. 

Rest assured, this is a place I will soon be back to. 

Como Zoo, Pt. 2, St. Paul, MN

More fun animals out and about at the zoo. Some inside, some outside. Some known, some less so. Some easy to capture in pics, some not so much. 

Como Zoo, Pt. 1, St. Paul, MN

The sunny but chilly day gave us the bright idea to visit this inexpensive city zoo. Despite the cheap price, see if you can tell what priceless spectacle we witnessed...

Though I have no idea how they figured out this activity, this big boy (er, girl?) didn't stop doing their "laps" the whole time we here in the place. It looked fun actually...plus everyone that was watching it loved it too. 

Go, see live music...

... in your area, I don't think you will be disappointed. And I mean an actual, paid-for concert, not some karaoke or open-mic thing. Make a night of it, you'll be glad you did.

Blouse out of Portland, OR 

The Dum Dum Girls out of Minneapolis, MN