Container gardening

I was a much better gardener when I lived in the house and could have my own compost. This summer it’s been rough. Almost all of my herbs have died and one of my tomato plants grows tons of fruit but turns bad as soon as the fruit changes color. Yesterday I picked up these at the Wheaton French Market from J& K Flowers. Hopefully I’ll  still get in another two months before our Chicago weather gets cold.

But nonetheless, today I’m Making bruschetta  with my basil, tomatoes, and chives from my container garden. Normally I would make bread too but I cheated and picked up some from Hanna’s bakery in Bloomingdale. 
I couldn’t help picking up a few sweets as well as Creme Cheese for my Pumpkin truffles I’m making for later.

http://hannasbakerycafe.com

Wheaton French Market

Picked up some herbs and veggies this morning for a few new recipes I’m creating this week. (Above pic: Sixth generation Farms)

J & K Flowers

I love the Olive Muffaletta and hot giardiniera from The Pickle guy😎 

And I couldn’t resist stopping by the  Cocoa Bean Fine Desserts and Bakery booth for a few treats.

Oh sooo  delicious!

*A few Gluten Free options also available.

https://www.facebook.com/Cocoa-Bean-Fine-Desserts-Bakery-1684411065146717/

Babcock’s Grove House

Mom and I found this cute place when we were walking through downtown Lombard,Il. We had a delicious Hot Carrot Soup, A Cold Cucumber dill soup, and 3 Mini Sliders.

 
Their soups and salads are under $10 and this is definitely a great place for a Saturday lunch date or a great meal with the family. Counter service till 4 then relaxed full service at night.

I love the fact that everything is made fresh, nothing was frozen (except the ice cream) and the menu changes with the seasons.

* Gluten Free options available.

Great food🍽 Great Staff and Great location!

https://www.facebook.com/babcocksgrovehouse/
https://www.babcocksgrove.com/

Gindo’s Spice of Life

Looking for a Unique & Flavorful kick to spice up your food? Gindo’s has by far the Best hot sauces around. And I love The fact that her hubby experiments with a new hot sauce every week. 

You Can find them on Saturday in Wheaton/ Sunday in Geneva #Buylocal Gindo’s Spice of Life❤❤❤

Just one example of my dishes I make at home. 

https://www.facebook.com/thegindos/
Www.thegindos.com

Veggies Fest ’17 in Lisle, Il.

I attended Veggie Fest today and was Amazed at how many people were in attendance. As always,  I headed straight for the food court to dive into deliciousness.  
First stop Mumbai Munchies

I loved this Indian version  of nachos called Papdi Chaat.  

Papri chaat is traditionally prepared using crisp fried dough wafers known as papri, along with boiled chick peas, boiled potatoes, yogurt and tamarand chutney and topped with chaat masala and sev.

My second favorite thing was this tiny slice of key lime pie packed with a lot of flavor.

I definitely was excited to try  new vegetarian foods, loved all the vendors and even received some great freebies from Whole Foods but I was disapointed that the foods did not have more veggies nor we there any local farmers with veggies for sale.

I really enjoyed the cooking demo out on by Nature’s Pathway organic. The speaker was very energetic and knowledgeable and created two wonderful snacks. 

The first was grilled fruit salad. 

We werent able to sample it but I love THE idea of combining  fresh fruit, Greek yogurt with an organic cereal for crunch.

Overall it was a great day and sure beats eating junk from a fast food chain!

Cocoa Bean Fine Desserts & Bakery

Thanks to google we got lost and ended up finding this yummy Bakery. 

We had a little plate of treats. Mango passionfruit, Opera, Chocolate Hazelnut, chocolate creme brulee.

#JAXFOODADVENTURES

#FOODIE

Family owned Cafe & Bakery Located just a few minutes from Downtown St.Charles,Il.

Www.facebook.com/Cocoa-Bean-Fine-Desserts-Bakery-1684411065146717/

@cocoabeancafe ST. CHARLES

The Ivy

Having lunch with mom🍴🍷❤

Tilapia with Lump Crab, steamed zucchini & roasted garlic butter red potatoes. Chef Joe also created a special Smoked Pork Belly and slaw dish for us. Absolutely mouth watering😍 And Creme Brulee for dessert.

http://www.ivyofwheaton.com

Coopers Hawk

Even though Coopers Hawk is quickly opening many new locations across the state and not a “mom and pop” restaurant like I normally dine at, I really enjoy the friendly atmosphere, amazing food and great wine. 

One of the great benefits of becoming a wine club member is that you get 2 Free tastings, two bottles and two free dinners (valued at $20 each) in the month of July all for ~$38.

Yesterday we visited the new location in St. Charles, Illinois and got to personally meet the chef, manager and many of the staff. With so many food allergies we have to be careful where we eat but Chef Gregory was so helpful. I love the fact that they also have a gluten free menu so the only other two things we had to ask is that they eliminate any corn or soy sauces from our meals. 

I enjoyed the Dana’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken and mom had Shrimp & Scallop Risotto. She could eat the Scallops alone because they were perfectly cooked!

I would highly recommend trying Coopers Hawk. Great for a date night, family friendly or solo. 

Spicy Yellowtail and veggie Maki

I love coming out to Wheaton Marianos Market to visit Chef Tong. Today he made me a Special Yellowtail and Veggie Maki. (It had cucumber, jalapeno, and avocado with Yellowtail and Lime on top.) 
I love Japanese food but have to careful because of my allergies to soy, Thats why I enjoy eating here so often. 

$8.50 Special Order

#marianosmarket #sushi #Maki #Japanese #food #fitfoodie

GF/ AF Expo Schaumburg

What a great turnout for the Gluten Free and Allergy Free Expo in Schaumburg today! I would have to say 90% of the people took advantage of the great deal on Groupon for $15 for 2 people for the entire weekend. I know I did! #gfafexpo

So here’s just a few of the vendors I sampled and enjoyed. I will post more tomorrow on day #2.