Places I Cannot Forget: Chicago Style

It hit me a few days ago that I've nearly had an entire school year living here in Chicago. It's a funny thing how I still feel like I haven't explored/been to much of the city, when in fact I have done quite much. Here are some of my favorite discoveries of the city thus far:



1) My nutella latte at Ipsento Cafe.
Not only was the latte to die for, but this was probably my favorite cafe atmosphere yet. I must go back.

2) The vegan shakes at The Chicago Diner
This whole place is great (and completely meat free,) but they have seriously the best shakes you may ever taste in your life, and I am not exaggerating to you. Promise. Vegan desserts, as a whole, I find are much more delicious. And the great thing is, you can still eat meat AND vegan desserts. :]

3) Le Creperie
I actually haven't come here since living here, but we used to go here whenever I would visit. I grew up loving crepes dearly, and I still have yet to have a better one in the city.

4) Stanley's Produce
This morning I bought two cartons of strawberries, a bunch of bananas, two heads of brocolli, and three pears for $3.67. Enough said. On a related note, the strawberries are nearly gone.

5) The Dirty Chais at Pick Me Up Cafe
Another new discovery. This diner is heavily hipster but so eclectic and wonderful and 24 hours. Last night I ordered a chai with kahlua in it. Again, enough said.

6) The Chicago Cultural Center
Sounds boring, right? So much not so. I had to write a paper on this building for class and I fell in love. It was Chicago's first library and it is just absolutely beautiful. And it's also home to a peaceful book cafe and an awesome non profit program that's basically an art class for mentally challenged people.

7) Wallaby Australian Yogurt and Hand Ground Peanut Butter
Okay, these aren't unique to Chicago, but they are both absolutely to die for at Whole Foods.

8) Chicago Bagel Authority
The best bagel sandwiches. You will. Ever. Have. And I don't exaggerate this, either. They steam them instead of toasting them.

9) Crossroads
A trendy/vintage thrift store at its finest.

10) The Tapas at Cafe Ba Ba Reeba
When I heard Spanish food, I got nervous. But oh lands, my children. Oh. Lands. Food at its finest. And fantastic Sangria.

Come visit and let me take you there. :]