The Return of Sunday Thymes: Culinary Adventures, Chicago Eats & Summer Inspiration
Thank you so much for your incredible patience over the past few weeks! Life has been a whirlwind of travel and the excitement of moving to a new city, but I’m thrilled to share that things are finally starting to settle into a comfortable rhythm. With our new home feeling more like, well, home, I’m overjoyed to announce that I’m back in the groove of things and, most importantly, the beloved Sunday Thymes is officially making its return! Get ready for a fresh dose of culinary inspiration, exciting new discoveries, and a delightful peek into our new adventures. We’ve truly missed sharing our passion for food and lifestyle with you, and we’re so excited to jump back in with all the delicious details and updates.
Exploring Chicago’s Vibrant Food Scene: My New Culinary Canvas
Moving to a new city is always an adventure, and for a dedicated food enthusiast like me, it represents a whole new world of flavors, culinary traditions, and hidden gems waiting to be explored. Chicago’s incredibly diverse and vibrant food scene has already started to captivate me, and I’ve found myself wanting to share every delicious bite and exciting discovery. From bustling markets to cozy cafes and Michelin-starred restaurants, this city offers an endless array of gastronomic experiences. To provide a dedicated space for all things local and avoid overwhelming those of you who might not be as obsessed with my daily Chicago eats (though I secretly hope you are!), I’ve created a special platform:
- In an effort not to overload those of you who might prefer content beyond my detailed dining excursions in Chicago, I’ve created a second Instagram account (@westloopeats). This new account is specifically designed to highlight my favorite dining spots, must-try dishes, and exciting food finds around the city, with a particular focus on my new neighborhood. Think of it as a meticulously curated, photo-based black book for restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and farmers’ markets. It’s a visual guide to the very best eats Chicago has to offer, from casual and comforting street food to innovative fine dining experiences. I’ll be sharing everything from mouth-watering deep-dish pizzas and artisanal tacos to gourmet pastries, creative cocktails, and unique local ingredients. My goal is to provide genuine, unpretentious recommendations and give you a true taste of Chicago’s diverse and dynamic food landscape. Whether you’re a local looking for new spots or planning a visit, I hope you’ll join me on this exciting gastronomic journey and discover some new favorites!
Stepping Behind the Scenes: My Venture into New Digital Spaces
Beyond the curated posts of Instagram, I’ve also decided to embrace another popular social media platform to offer a more personal, unscripted, and real-time look into my daily life, kitchen experiments, and the behind-the-scenes reality of running a food blog. It’s a space where spontaneity reigns and the unedited moments truly shine.
- Oh, and I’ve officially caved and joined the delightfully chaotic abyss that is SnapChat (@blogoverthyme). While the thought of hearing myself on video still makes me cringe a little bit (is there anything worse than the sound of your own voice on a recording?!), I’m genuinely excited to share occasional embarrassing snippets, funny behind-the-scenes moments from photo shoots, spontaneous peeks into my kitchen experiments, and candid city explorations. It’s a more informal and immediate way to connect with you all and offer a raw, unfiltered glimpse into what goes into creating content for the blog, as well as just my everyday life. If you’re curious about the unedited side of blogging, want to see some quick cooking tips, or simply want a good laugh at my expense, you can definitely join me there too!
Fresh Finds & Culinary Innovations: What’s Capturing My Attention
Now, let’s dive into the really good stuff – the culinary inspirations, intriguing articles, and mouth-watering recipes that have recently captured my attention and sparked my imagination. From potentially game-changing kitchen hacks to irresistible treats, here’s what’s been simmering in my thoughts and on my “must-try” list:
- I stumbled upon this mind-blowing Food52 article the other day, and I literally couldn’t believe my eyes! It discusses a “magical new egg replacement” that’s supposedly a common item already sitting in your pantry. As someone who is constantly fascinated by innovative cooking techniques, seeking out solutions for dietary restrictions, or simply driven by pure culinary curiosity, this concept immediately piqued my interest. While I haven’t had the chance to experiment with it yet in my new kitchen, you can bet your bottom dollar that it will happen very soon! This has the potential to be a major game-changer for baking, cooking, and could be a fantastic option for those with egg allergies or who follow a vegan lifestyle. I’m incredibly eager to put it to the test and will absolutely report back with my detailed findings and a full review. Stay tuned for a comprehensive post on whether this pantry staple truly lives up to its “magical” reputation in the world of cooking and baking!
- I simply can’t get these vibrant stone fruit and yogurt popsicles out of my mind! As the summer weather truly begins to heat up, these look like the ultimate refreshing, healthy, and utterly delicious treat. Imagine the creamy, tangy texture of Greek yogurt perfectly combined with the natural sweetness and juicy bursts of ripe peaches, plums, apricots, or cherries. They’re not only visually stunning with their beautiful layers of fruit and cream but also promise a guilt-free and delightful way to cool down. Perfect for a backyard barbecue, a sunny afternoon snack, or even a light, refreshing dessert after dinner. I’m already picturing myself making a big batch to keep in the freezer for whenever a craving strikes, or to share with friends.
- Fire-roasted potatoes. The name itself conjures images of rustic simplicity and incredible flavor. This article discusses potatoes cooked quite literally in the embers of a fire, Brooklyn-style, which sounds incredibly primitive, yet profoundly flavorful. This method promises a smoky char on the outside, imparting a unique depth of flavor, and an incredibly tender, almost creamy interior. It evokes images of outdoor cooking, camping trips, or a cozy evening by a fire pit, where food tastes fundamentally different. Beyond just a simple side dish, these potatoes could easily become the star of any meal, offering a unique complexity that traditional roasting simply can’t replicate. I’m already envisioning the perfect seasonings to enhance that smoky goodness – perhaps rosemary, garlic, and a hint of paprika.
- This roasted yam and fresh fig dish could not be more beautiful or unique. The elegant combination of earthy, naturally sweet roasted yams with the delicate, honeyed flavor and soft texture of fresh figs creates a truly sophisticated and visually appealing plate. It’s a dish that beautifully celebrates seasonal ingredients, offering a delightful balance of textures, colors, and flavors. This would be absolutely stunning as an elevated side dish for a special occasion dinner, a Thanksgiving spread, or even as a light, yet satisfying, vegetarian main course. The contrasting hues and natural elegance of the ingredients make it an instant showstopper at any table.
- These wild blueberry coconut ricotta doughnuts sound absolutely divine and incredibly indulgent. The thoughtful blend of plump, sweet wild blueberries, tropical coconut flakes, and creamy ricotta cheese promises a doughnut that is both rich in flavor and surprisingly light in texture. This isn’t just any ordinary doughnut; it’s a gourmet treat that offers a complex and harmonious flavor profile. Whether enjoyed for a leisurely breakfast, an elegant brunch, or as a decadent dessert, these sound like they would be incredibly moist, intensely flavorful, and utterly irresistible. I can almost taste the subtle tang of the blueberries cutting through the sweetness of the coconut and the luxurious richness of the ricotta.
Embracing (or Strategically Avoiding) Summer Goals & Bucket Lists
Summer is undeniably a season of dreams, ambitious plans, and, for many, the infamous “bucket list.” I’ve been seeing them pop up everywhere across social media and blogs, and while the idea of a beautifully curated list of summer aspirations is incredibly appealing, I have a confession:
- Everyone seems to be putting together elaborate summer bucket lists, and I’m this close to finally making my own. The allure of planning out all the fun activities, new recipes to try, fascinating books to read, and exciting places to visit is incredibly strong. However, I harbor a deep-seated, irrational fear of not accomplishing any of the items on said list (purely because they are on a list, silently taunting me from the fridge door or my notebook pages) and then inevitably beating myself up about it come the crisp days of September. It feels like setting myself up for almost guaranteed disappointment! Am I truly alone in this particular brand of list-induced anxiety? Do you thrive on the satisfaction of ticking off boxes, or do you, like me, prefer a more spontaneous, go-with-the-flow approach to summer fun? Don’t answer that if you’re a meticulous list-maker – I don’t want to feel any more out of sync! Perhaps, instead, we can just embrace the beautiful spirit of summer without the added pressure of a perfectly executed, exhaustive plan. Maybe a “summer aspirations” or “summer inspirations” list, without the strict requirements and self-imposed deadlines, is a much healthier and more enjoyable approach.
Refreshing Sips & Essential Summer Sides
No summer culinary experience is truly complete without refreshing beverages to quench your thirst and a plethora of delicious, versatile side dishes, perfect for grilling, impromptu picnics, and casual outdoor gatherings. These finds promise to elevate your summer entertaining game.
- Let’s talk about fun twists on a Moscow Mule. The classic Moscow Mule, with its crisp ginger beer, refreshing vodka, and zesty lime, is already a quintessential summer cocktail – perfectly effervescent and invigorating. But the idea of creative variations? That’s truly exciting and opens up a world of possibilities! I’m imagining twists involving different muddled fruits like sweet berries or cooling slices of cucumber, perhaps a floral hint of elderflower liqueur, or even a spicy kick with a touch of jalapeño or a dash of chili-infused syrup. These creative variations could easily elevate an already beloved drink into something truly special and unexpectedly delightful, making it perfect for entertaining guests or simply enjoying on a warm, relaxing evening on the patio.
- A fantastic resource I found features 20 side dishes to make all summer long! This comprehensive guide from The Kitchn is an absolute godsend for anyone planning summer meals, whether for weeknights or weekend gatherings. From vibrant, fresh salads and perfectly grilled vegetables to hearty grain dishes, creative pasta salads, and quick, tangy pickles, having a diverse repertoire of go-to side dishes is absolutely key to keeping summer cooking fresh, exciting, and far from monotonous. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut with the same old accompaniments, so a robust collection like this offers endless inspiration. I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting ideas to complement grilled meats, seafood, or to create light, satisfying vegetarian-friendly meals, and this collection promises to deliver on all fronts, making summer meal planning a breeze.
Indulgent Treats & Savory Dips: Perfect for Any Occasion
And for those moments when you simply need a little indulgence, a comforting dessert, or a deliciously addictive snack to share with friends and family, these recent finds are absolutely sure to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy every craving.
- This sea salt and vanilla fudge chunk ice cream could not sound more utterly delicious and inviting. The sophisticated combination of sweet, classic vanilla, rich, gooey fudge chunks, and the subtle, palate-awakening crunch of flaky sea salt is pure perfection. It embodies that irresistible sweet and savory balance that makes everything taste exponentially better and more complex. Imagine a generous scoop (or perhaps two!) of this on a hot summer’s day, with its creamy texture slowly melting in your mouth, and those delightful little bursts of salt enhancing every single flavor. It sounds like a gourmet ice cream parlor creation, crafted with care, and perfect for a truly decadent treat right at home.
- Toasted, caramelized garlic olive oil dip. Seriously, just reading the name makes my mouth water with anticipation. This is clearly not your average, straightforward olive oil dip; the inclusion of “toasted, caramelized garlic” elevates it to another level of aromatic deliciousness and depth of flavor. It suggests a complexity that is both comforting and incredibly addictive, drawing you in with every dip. Grab a fantastic loaf of crusty bread – whether it’s a freshly baked baguette, a rustic sourdough boule, or a hearty ciabatta – and prepare to go to town! This would be an absolutely ideal appetizer for any gathering, simple yet sophisticated, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that disappears quickly.
- Adrianna from A Cozy Kitchen made homemade cream cheese, so there’s that fascinating culinary adventure to consider. The idea of making cream cheese from scratch is incredibly intriguing and speaks to a true DIY spirit in the kitchen! While store-bought options are perfectly convenient and readily available, the freshness, superior texture, and potential for customization with a homemade version are incredibly appealing. Imagine a batch of truly fresh, delicately tangy cream cheese for your morning bagels, or perhaps infusing it with fresh herbs and spices for a savory spread, or even a hint of vanilla bean for a uniquely delicious sweet dessert topping. It’s a project that promises not only a superior product but also the deep satisfaction of creating something wonderful from basic ingredients.
From the Archives: A Timeless Favorite One Year Ago…
It’s always a joy to look back through the archives and revisit what culinary creations were inspiring us in the past. Sometimes, a truly timeless recipe is worth revisiting and sharing again, proving its enduring appeal.
What I was making one year ago…
- Stuffed portobello mushrooms with crispy goat cheese. This recipe remains one of my absolute favorite blog creations to date, and for good reason! The earthy, meaty portobello mushroom caps provide the perfect substantial vessel for a rich, intensely flavorful stuffing, and topping them with crispy, tangy goat cheese adds an incredible dimension of texture and taste that is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that feels elegant and special enough for a sophisticated dinner party but is surprisingly straightforward and approachable to prepare, making it accessible for home cooks. Whether you’re searching for a satisfying vegetarian main course, a hearty and flavorful side dish, or an impressive appetizer, this recipe is an absolute must-try. The harmonious combination of savory mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and the creamy, slightly tart goat cheese, crisped to golden perfection, is truly a culinary delight that stands the test of time and consistently earns rave reviews.
Looking Ahead: Join the Culinary Conversation!
As we continue to settle into our new routine and eagerly explore all that Chicago has to offer, I’m more excited than ever to share these culinary adventures, discoveries, and inspirations with you. From local food finds that capture the essence of our new city to global recipe inspirations that spark creativity in the kitchen, Sunday Thymes is back and brimming with fresh content and ideas. Don’t forget to connect with me on the new @westloopeats Instagram for all my latest Chicago dining discoveries, and catch the unfiltered, spontaneous moments on Snapchat @blogoverthyme. Your engagement, comments, and suggestions always inspire me, so please feel free to share your thoughts on these finds, your own summer bucket list dilemmas, or any recipes you’re currently loving in the comments below. Here’s to a deliciously adventurous summer ahead!