My Romantic Dinner at Citè Restaurant

Chicago’s skyline is probably one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Every time I look at it when I’m driving home from work, it literally takes my breath away. As a result, since I moved here, I’ve been searching for a great restaurant at the top of one of the many sky scrapers. After asking around, a few friends recommended I head over to Citè located on the 70th floor of the famous Lake Point Tower (rumor has it Oprah used to live in that building).

I am headed off to Mexico for a week and then to Florida right after that (tough life), so I thought it would be the perfect time to enjoy a romantic dinner with Dan.

Citè did not disappoint! Not only were the views some of the most incredible I have ever seen, but the ambience, staff and food was simply perfection. The menu is rather large, so here are the 3 things you MUST order:

1) Heirloom Tomato Salad: This insanely delicious salad was one of the most beautifully plated dishes I have ever seen (just look for yourself below). It’s paired with imported burrata and topped with this little puffed pine nuts that totally blew my mind. This is the dish I’ll be thinking about a month from now that will bring be back in!

Heirloom Tomato Salad

2) Truffle Risotto: I think I died and went to truffle heaven. This risotto was perfectly cooked and seasoned with the most decadent truffle oil. Normally this type of dish can be risky, but at Citè, they got it just right.

Truffle Risotto

3) French Onion Soup: This simply can’t be missed! If you’re a french onion soup fan, I promise you, this is one for the books. The flavor of the broth is deep and rich and the cheese is overflowing! This is one of the best onion soups in the city. My one complaint…Dan and I shared it (we thought it would be romantic, but in hindsight, it wasn’t since we both wanted to rip the spoon from one another the whole time).

French Onion Soup

Since the staff at Citè were so friendly, I did a little digging and was able to score 3 really great insider tips for you:

1) Arrive EARLY for your reservation. Since they can’t reserve a particular table, they do it on a first come first serve choice basis. While all the seats are pretty stunning, there are certain views that are better than others.

2) The restaurant does not validate parking (and it’s $24)! If you live within 2 miles of the restaurant, you are better off taking a cab. Round trip it only cost us about $15

3) Every month, Citè does a drawing for a romantic dinner for two valued at $200. To enter, all you have to do is enter your name and email address on their website.

One other thing I was surprised to learn is that you can throw a private party and partition off a section of the restaurant just for you and your guests! You can have a small party of up to 35 guests or even rent the whole restaurant for guest between 100-150 guests. They told me someone even had their wedding up there (I’m totally jealous).

Since the holidays are coming up (and I love my readers so much), I was able to finagle a deal with Citè and they are offering to waive the venue fee/set-up fee for anyone who calls and mentions Erica Eckman from everythingerica.com! That’s $350 in savings! To book, you can contact Mel at mel@citechicago.com

Love always,
Erica

Happy Thanksgiving: 5 Things I am Thankful For

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your families! I wanted to take this opportunity to express the 5 things I am most thankful for (besides my blog, which you all know means more than anything to me).

1) My Parents: Where would I even be without them? I literally don’t think I could have more supportive and loving parents. I am so proud of the way they have raised me and l can only hope to raise my kids half as well. They’ve always believed in me, talked to me like an adult (even when I was 5-years old screaming in the middle of a restaurant) and supported my dreams. Their firm belief in tough love has taught me to be a strong, independent woman who can take on the world wherever I go.

2) My Sister: My best friend, my other half and my go to girl when I need to talk. I don’t know how I’d survive this crazy world without you to help me navigate it. You single handily have gotten me through some of the most difficult times of my life by reminding me that no matter what happens in life or who turns on me, we will always be best friends. You’re the most beautiful, smart and intelligent woman I know (besides Mom obviously) and I couldn’t be more proud to know you.

3) Daniel (my boyfriend): You defy everything I ever thought love was and changed my mentality on what it should be. You embrace my independence, support my dreams and are the level head to my insanity when I need it. I couldn’t be more thankful to have you (and your incredible family) in my life. Thanks for nudging me to move to Chicago. Hands down it was the best decision I’ve ever made (besides going to grad-school since that is where we met).

4) My Friends and extended family: I’m not sure I’d survive without you. Through out my crazy life, I’ve moved around a lot. Despite my crazy ride, a few of my friends have always just been there for me. Although the number of true friends have dwindled over the years, there are a few who have stuck by and have been my rock (no matter how far apart we are). I won’t even try to name names (since if I forget someone I’ll feel terrible), but you know who you are.

I am also so thankful to have such a loving and supportive extended family. While we’re a small bunch, we are always there for each other and I couldn’t be happier to have you in my life.

5) My Career: Most of you probably know, but in addition to my passion for food, I have a day job that I love just as much. I am the Director of Operations for an amazing Chicago based real-estate company, Luxury Living Chicago. With-in a few weeks of moving here, I met Aaron and Amy Galvin and they believed in me enough to create a HUGE position in their company for me. I couldn’t be more thankful to have met them and to be working with two people who are supportive when it comes to achieving my dreams. 

I hope you all have the happiest Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for this year?

Love always,
Erica

Fun with Chopped Salads

Photo Credit: Paleoholic.com

I try to keep my diet mainly low carb (although lately I haven’t been to good at it). As a result, chopped salads are a life saver for me. I love the combination of lots of different ingredients and the ability to make all different kinds if salads and switch it up so I’m not getting bored.

Since the Get Healthy Challenge is coming up (and there will be a lot of chopped salads), I figured I’d give you a run down of some of my favorites.

Remember, as long as it’s low carb, you can basically add almost ANYTHING to these salads. Also, most dressings are really high carb, so use them sparingly. I actually tend to go with ranch or blue cheese which is lower carb and just take the tines of my fork, dip them in the dressing and then pick up a bite of salad.

Here are 5 salads to get you started:
Cobb: Romaine, bacon, tomato, cucumber, egg whites, avocado and blue cheese dressing
Asian: Romaine, almonds, chicken breast, mandarin oranges, cucumbers, green onions and sesame vinegar for dressing (or your favorite  asian dressing)
Harvest: Spinach, walnuts, goat cheese, dried cranberries, apples, cucumbers drizzled with balsamic or raspberry dressing
Tex Mex: Romaine, tomato, chicken breast, avocado, onions, peppers, shredded cheddar with ranch mixed with hot sauce
Erica’s Special: This is my go-to! It’s usually whatever I have on hand, but recently it’s been: Romaine lettuce, spinach, avocado, egg whites, cucumber, onions, tomato, grapes, pecans, goat cheese and whatever dressing I’m feeling. Yum!

What is your favorite salad ingredients?

Love always,
Erica

Recipe: Butternut Squash Soup with Calvados

Butternut Squash Soup
Photo Credit: userealbutter.com

It’s starting to get chilly out! Chicago saw it’s first snowfall today and I felt inspired to pass along my DELICIOUS Butternut Squash soup laced with Calvados. I got the inspiration for this recipe from the “New England Soup Factory” in Needham, Massachusetts. I’ve altered it a little bit to suit my tastes and I think you’ll really love it :).

Oh, and if you don’t know Calvados is, it is a delicious apply brandy from France that adds an incredible depth of flavor to this soup.

This soup super simple to make and stores great in the freezer (so make extra). This recipe will yield about 4 servings.

What You’ll Need
2 tablespoons of butter
1 cloves of garlic, minced
3/4 cup diced onion
1 large apples, peeled and diced
1 cups diced carrots
1/4 cup diced parsnips
1/4 cup diced celery
1 pound of butternut squash, peeled and diced
4 cups of chicken stock
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
3/4 cup cream
1/2 tablespoon chili powder
2 tablespoons of Calvados
Salt and pepper to taste
5 tablespoons of Gorgonzola dolce

1) In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, apple, carrots celery, parsnips and butternut squash. Sautee for about 10 minutes. Then add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

2) Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat back to medium and simmer until the vegetables are tender (about 45 minutes).

3) In a blender (or with a hand immersion blender), puree the soup until it is completely smooth.

4) Once smooth, return to pot and add cream, sugar, chili powder, 1 tablespoon of the Calvados, salt and pepper. Let heat and simmer for another 5 minutes.

5) Right before serving, pour in the additional tablespoon of Calvados and top with gorgonzola cheese

This is the perfect soup to warm you up as it starts to get cold (and it’s also pretty healthy)! I hope you enjoy it 🙂

Love always,
Erica

2 Ingredient Recipe: Chia Seed Pudding

Chia Seed Pudding
Photo Credit: aroundtheplate.org

Last weekend, Dan’s cousin, Erica, came to visit us. Although it’s so fun just having her around, admittedly, her best contribution to the weekend was her Chia Seed pudding recipe. This 2 ingredient treat makes the perfect breakfast and gives you amazing sustainable energy to get you through the morning.

It’s sort of reminiscent of a tapioca (except SO much healthier).

What You’ll Need
3 tablespoons of chia seeds
1 cup vanilla almond milk

What You’ll Do
1) An hour before you go to bed, combine the chia seeds and vanilla almond milk in a cup. Stir and place in the fridge.
2) Wait 10 minutes, go back to the fridge and give the pudding a little stir to break the seeds up from sticking together. Do it again twice more before bed.
3) Wake up and enjoy your healthy and delicious breakfast! Feel free to top with berries for added natural sweetness (although I don’t think it needs it).

Let me know what you think! I know when I was introduced to this, I was totally blown away by how cool it was :).

Love always,
Erica

Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli w/ Jasmine Rice

Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli over Jasmine Rice

Who doesn’t love delicious Chinese take-out (especially on a cold winter night)? My favorite dish is sesame chicken and broccoli over rice! I literally live for the delicious crispy chicken covered in sweet, sticky sauce. Despite how amazing it tastes, let’s face it, this stuff is loaded with sugar, fat and pretty low quality ingredients.

Last night, I found myself craving some Chinese sesame chicken and was determined to create a my own version (since I’m trying to eat healthier). Not only did it come out perfect, but I actually think I like it better than the usual take-out version. It’s super simple to make!

What You’ll Need
12 oz chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoon of light soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon corn starch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Peanut Oil
3/4 pound broccoli cut into 1/4 inch rounds

For the rice
1 cup of Jasmine Rice
2 cups of water
pinch of salt

For the sauce
1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce (I like Franks)
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons  honey
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

What You’ll Do
1) In a ziplock bag, marinate your pieces of chicken in the soy sauce, sesame oil and sugar for an hour in the fridge.

Chicken Marinating in Soy, Sesame Oil and Sugar

2) About 20 minutes before the chicken is done marinating, start the sauce and the rice!

For the sauce, mix together the chili sauce, ketchup, honey, oyster sauce, soy sauce, chili powder and water in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil then let simmer until sauce thickens.

Sauce Mixture

For the rice, take 1 cup of rice and 2 of cups water and put them into a pot. Bring to a rapid boil, turn the heat down to low and cover with a tight lid. Let cook for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork when finished.

Cooked Rice

3) 2 minutes before the chicken is done marinating, mix the flour, corn starch, salt and pepper  in a different ziplock bag. After the chicken is done marinating, drain the chicken and place it into the bag with the flour mixture and shake around until coated well.

Chicken Coated Flour & Corn Starch

4) Shallow fry the chicken in peanut oil (make sure there is enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan). Drain the chicken on paper towels.

Shallow Fry the Chicken in Peanut Oil

5) Drain most of the oil from the pan and add the broccoli to the pan and cook for a few minutes. Add the chicken back into the pan and cover with your sweet honey sauce. Toss around for a minute then throw in the sesame seeds.

Toss the Chicken, Broccoli and Sauce Together

6) Serve over the jasmine rice

I’m totally obsessed with this dish and I know you will be too. Now that I’ve conquered this, I plan to do tons more “make your own takeout” style recipes!

What’s your favorite take-out dish that you’d want me to write a recipe for?

Love always,
Erica

3 Things That Have Suffered Since Starting My Blog

Photo Credit jobscience.com

I can’t believe just one month ago, I was lying in my bed and made the decision to launch my blog.

For months, I had been working on this concept and the content, but for whatever reason, I was too nervous to open it up to the world. Although I’m glad I waited (you really do have to be totally ready to launch one of these), this past month has been one of the most fulfilling of my entire life.

Since I’ve had to put SO much effort in to my blog, there are a few things in my life that have had to suffer and I thought it would be fun to acknowledge them and apologize for my lack of attention over the last month.

I will do my best to find a better balance…

1) My waistline: Since starting my blog, I’ve gained about 3lbs. I know this doesn’t seem terrible considering how much I’m reviewing restaurants and writing new recipes,  but to put it into perspective, my “fat jeans” are starting to feel snug (hence the Get Healthy Challenge).

As a result, I’ve made a promise to myself to restrain my self to just taking small bites of menu items instead of licking the plate of every item they bring something out. I’ll also increase my workouts from 2 days a week to at least 4.

2) Time with my Boyfriend, Dan: Obviously when you spend all of your mornings and nights blogging and your days working, your relationship (if you’re in one) is going to suffer. Unfortunately, I’m no exception.

Dan, if you are reading this (and you better be), I am sorry I haven’t been able to hang as much. Thank you for being totally supportive, providing endless blog ideas and accompanying me to all of these restaurants, where I make you wait 5 minutes before eating so that I can get the perfect photo. I promise that over the Holidays, I will turn it off for a few.

3) Candy Crush Saga: How I miss this game!!! What used to be my morning ritual has now turned into a long lost memory. Before starting my blog I was at level 290. Today, I’m at 296.

Come to think of it…maybe this one isn’t such a bad one to take time away from. There was a point a few months ago that I thought I might have to go to Candy Crush Rehab (or start the program since my Newsfeed tells me there are many many addicts).

All kidding aside, I have truly gained so much over this past month. Not only have my close friends and family been supportive of this endeavor, but even old friends, acquaintances and new fans  have stepped up and acted as everythingerica.com ambassadors.  I’m totally overwhelmed and humbled by the support you’ve all shown. You’re the reason I wake up extra early every morning (or stay up super late) to write blog posts.

Since the blog started just 30 days ago, everythingerica.com has 460 Facebook Fans and an average of 500 blog views per day. So in short, thank you. There is no way in the world this could have happened without your shares, likes and interactions.

Here’s to the future…

Love always,
Erica

My Favorite Cookbook of 2013 (Giveaway Alert)!!!

Photo Credit: Bill Bettencour

As most of my readers probably know, I’m not much of a recipe follower. I like to take my inspiration from the ingredients around me and trust my own pallet to make my cooking choices.

Despite my independent cooking style, there is one cookbook on the market that I actually love and that is, “The Truly Healthy Family Cookbook”, by Tina Ruggiero. This registered dietician knows her stuff when it comes to nutrition and as a bonus, she knows how to make some seriously delicious food.

Some of my go-to recipes from this book include:

1) Flipped-Out FlapJacks: These curried vegetable pancakes are packed with sweet potato, carrots and zucchini. I promise, they will legitimately change your mind about healthy eating. I make them for almost all my parties and my guests literally “flip out”.

Flipped-Out Flap Jacks
Photo Credit: Bill Bettencourt

2) The Apple of My Eye: This is a baked apple, stuffed with caramel, hazelnuts and frozen yogurt. Not only is this recipe insanely decadent, but it offers a huge “wow factor” every time I serve them. I simply adore them (and you will too).

The Apple of My Eye
Photo Credit: Bill Bettencourt

3) Parma Panini: This pressed sandwich combines ham, peaches, roasted red peppers and gruyere cheese. I know it sounds like a strange combination of ingredients, but there is something about the sweet peaches with the salty ham and cheese that makes this sandwich a winner every time.

Parma Panini
Photo Credit: Bill Bettencourt

Not only is Tina’s cookbook amazing, but I’m totally addicted to her DIY nutrition tips that she post on Twitter. You can follow her at @Tina_Ruggiero

Since I’m such a fan of this book, I want to pass it on to one of my readers!

To win a copy for yourself, all you have to do is subscribe to my blog via e-mail before December 1st, at midnight, and you will be entered to win a copy. If you’re already subscribed, you’re already entered to win! I will announce the winner on December 2nd.

Since there can only be one winner (or you can’t wait to see if you’ve won), you can order your very own copy on Amazon: http://amzn.to/HmpNgf. It makes a great gift or stocking stuffer for the healthy home-cook!

Love always,
Erica

Recipe: The EASIEST Homemade Hummus

Photo Credit: http://www.cravebyrandomhouse.ca/

I’ve always been a huge fan of hummus (despite my total disdain for actual chickpeas), but up until a few years ago, I never actually knew how to make it. After dating not one but TWO Lebanese guys in my life, I was forced to perfect my recipe.

I will warn you, this recipe is SO delicious and so simple, that after making it from scratch, you will have a hard time ever eating store bought again…

What You’ll Need
1 can of garbanzo beans (drain the liquid)
2 cloves of garlic
4 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons tahini (you can find this in the international food aisle)
3 tablespoons of EVOO plus some for drizzling
Salt and pepper to taste

What You’ll Do
1) Boil the garbanzo beans until tender (about 10 minutes)
2) Drain the beans and add them to a food processor with the garlic, lemon juice, EVOO and tahini
3) Blend until you get a thick paste. With the processor still running, add a little water (like a teaspoon at a time), until the hummus becomes smooth and creamy.
4) Taste and add salt and pepper

Top this delicious dip with a drizzle of good quality EVOO before serving. It pairs perfectly with vegetables or pita chips! You can even store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Love always,
Erica

The Night I Met Graham Elliot

Graham Elliot and Me

I’ve been a fan of everything Graham Elliot since I started watching Master Chef back in 2011. For years, I had been dying to try one his restaurants, but I was a student, with little income and never had the chance to make it out to Chicago.

When I made the decision to move here, one of the first things on my list was to check out one of his restaurants. Graham has two restaurants in Chicago. He has a two Michelin Starred restaurant on Huron Street (it’s actually only 2 blocks from my apartment) called Graham Elliot and another one in the West Loop called Graham Elliot Bistro (GEB). Since I will have to save up a little before I can afford to try his Michelin restaurant, I opted to head over to GEB (although I just found out that it will be closing January 1…I better hurry up)!

The day before heading over, I tweeted him and asked if he was going to be around GEB and that I would love to say hello. To my total surprise, he tweeted me back and told me he would be there!!! It was honestly one of the most exciting moments of my life (and the first time a public figure had every tweeted me back).

As you can tell from the photo above, I did meet Graham and he spent 10 minutes with our table just chatting and getting to know us.I was humbled and honored to not only get the chance to meet him, but eat such an incredible meal.

Although the menu is seasonal (and may not be the same anymore), my meal highlights were:

1) Sweet Corn Soup ($12): This was a HUGE bowl of soup and maybe one of the best I’ve ever had. It was a little spicy and had this interesting spiced coffee granola that gave it the most interesting texture. If Graham didn’t come over and say hi during that course, I probably would have licked the bowl.

2)  Chevre Angolotti ($20): This home-made pasta was so light it literally melted in your mouth. It was tossed with burgundy truffles, delicate pea tendrils & swiss chard.

3) Banana Split ($9): This unique desert was served in a jar. It was an elevated banana split with a coffee chocolate sauce, salted pretzels and caramelized hazelnuts.

4) Indoor S’mores ($9): This dish is everything you love about a delicious s’more. It has a decadent chocolate mousse, graham cracker crumble & burnt meringue (to mimic the marshmallow)

I apologize in advance for not having photos. I went to GEB before I officially started my blog and was honestly so awe-struck just being there and meeting Graham that I didn’t even remember to take photos.

I promise I’ll head back there soon and give this restaurant the full review it deserves!

Love always,
Erica