Embracing Change: Moving, Culinary Adventures, and Future Horizons

The air is thick with the scent of cardboard and the buzz of anticipation – moving day has officially arrived! Today marks the exciting, albeit slightly chaotic, beginning of a new chapter as we meticulously transport all our belongings to the new apartment. My ambitions are sky-high for unpacking as much as humanly possible before the day is through, transforming boxes into a home, one item at a time.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your incredible patience and understanding regarding my less-than-usual posting schedule over the past couple of weeks. Between an incredible travel adventure and the whirlwind of this move, maintaining a consistent blog presence proved to be quite the challenge. Jet lag from our journey, the monumental task of packing up an entire life, and significant behind-the-scenes work for exciting future projects took a far greater toll on my energy than I had initially anticipated. Life has been a bit of a beautiful, organized mess, and I appreciate you sticking with me through it all.

A Culinary Deep Dive: Behind the Scenes at Publican Quality Meats

Despite living amidst a veritable tornado of boxes and bubble wrap these past five days, there was one truly spectacular event that stood out: a behind-the-scenes tour at one of my absolute favorite Chicago food and butcher shops, Publican Quality Meats. This incredible experience was thoughtfully orchestrated by my wonderful friend, Teri of No Crumbs Left, making it even more special. It’s moments like these that truly remind me of the vibrant culinary community here in Chicago and the joy of exploring it with like-minded friends.

The Art of Charcuterie and Artisan Butchery

Upon our arrival, we were treated to the most spectacular charcuterie board imaginable. It was a true feast for both the eyes and the palate, showcasing a stunning array of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, tangy pickles, crusty bread, and an assortment of other delightful accompaniments. Each item was a testament to Publican Quality Meats’ dedication to sourcing the finest ingredients and their expert craft in butchery. The depth of flavor in every bite was simply exquisite, a perfect prelude to our deeper dive into their operations. This experience solidified my appreciation for the intricate art of charcuterie and the passion that goes into creating such a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Behind the Bakery Doors: The Magic of Naturally Fermented Bread

Following the charcuterie indulgence, we embarked on an unforgettable visit to the bakery next door. This is where the true magic happens; a dedicated team works tirelessly to produce an astounding 9,000 pounds of fresh, naturally fermented bread every single week. As a self-proclaimed bread fanatic, this revelation sent me over the moon! The sheer scale of production, coupled with their unwavering commitment to traditional methods, is truly inspiring. Naturally fermented bread, often referred to as sourdough, is a labor of love, requiring time, skill, and patience. The result is a loaf with unparalleled flavor, a satisfying chew, and a crust that crackles with delight, making it not just food, but an experience.

For those who followed my Instagram stories, you might have recognized the head baker, Greg Wade. Greg is not just a master baker but also a prominent figure featured in the captivating new Netflix documentary, Sustainable!. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend watching, especially if you reside in or around Chicago. The documentary offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of sustainable food practices, and Greg’s segment beautifully highlights the importance of local grains, artisanal techniques, and the profound impact of truly good bread on our communities and food systems. Witnessing his passion and skill firsthand was an absolute highlight of the tour.

Future Horizons: Japan Recap and Chicago Guides

Beyond the delightful culinary tour and the ongoing moving saga, my current project involves sifting through an astonishing collection of over 3,000 photos from our recent trip to Japan! It’s a daunting but incredibly rewarding task, reliving every moment, every exquisite meal, and every breathtaking landscape. I promise a comprehensive recap and a detailed travel guide in the coming weeks. My aim is to share not just snapshots, but genuine insights and tips to help you plan your own unforgettable journey to this incredible country.

But that’s not all! Next week, I’m thrilled to be sharing my very first Chicago restaurant guide. This has been a passion project, compiling a list of must-visit spots that truly capture the diverse and dynamic culinary spirit of our city. If you’re a local resident or planning a visit to Chicago in the near future, you’ll definitely want to bookmark this guide. There’s truly no better time than now – with the warmer weather arriving, Chicago’s vibrant food scene is best enjoyed during these beautiful spring and summer months.

The Weekly Mix: Curated Inspirations Amidst the Chaos

Even amidst the boxes and the endless to-do lists, I make an effort to pause and find moments of inspiration. Here are a few things that caught my eye and sparked joy (or a chuckle) this week:

• A Documentary Worth Watching: On the plane ride back from Japan, I had the pleasure of watching the new Netflix documentary, For Grace. If you’re captivated by the intricate world of fine dining, the relentless dedication required to run a high-caliber restaurant, and the sheer audacity of building such an establishment from the ground up, then you will absolutely love this film. The story of head chef Curtis Duffy and his incredible life journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, is both poignant and incredibly inspiring. It offers a raw and honest look at the sacrifices and passion that fuel the culinary elite.
• The Unicorn Frappuccino Debate: How do you feel about the much-talked-about new unicorn frappuccino? Let’s just say, I share the exact same sentiments as this Starbucks barista. While I appreciate creativity, sometimes the pursuit of Instagrammable novelty can overshadow the actual enjoyment of a well-crafted beverage. It sparked a fun debate on the blog about food trends and authentic culinary experiences.
• Simple Elegance: This cheese plate for two is quite simply perfection on a plate. It’s a beautiful reminder that elegance doesn’t always require complexity; sometimes, the most exquisite experiences come from thoughtful simplicity and high-quality ingredients.
• Exciting Cookbook News: I am incredibly excited for this cookbook announcement from The Faux Martha. Doesn’t that title just sound like the type of essential cookbook that has been missing from our culinary bookshelves? I think so, and I can’t wait to see what brilliant recipes and insights it brings.
• Sweet Delights: Take a look at these prettiest little strawberry turnovers. They embody the essence of spring and offer a delightful way to enjoy seasonal fruits in a simple, yet elegant dessert.
• DIY Home Refresh: I just ordered the supplies (and happily, they are incredibly cheap!) to make these DIY minimal soap bottles. I’m unreasonably excited about this little project; it’s amazing how a small touch of aesthetic organization can make such a difference in a new space.
• A Timeless Favorite: Can you believe it’s already been a full year since I shared this comforting and flavorful vegan garam masala carrot soup? Time seems to literally be disappearing, but good recipes always stand the test of time, don’t they?

A Glimpse into Family Life: The Joys of Toddler Nicknames

In other news that provides a much-needed dose of comic relief amidst the adulting, my adorable 2-year-old nephew, Arthur, decided to christen me “Auntie Water” (which vaguely sounds like Laura, my actual name) earlier this week. It was sweet, if a little confusing. However, much to my amusement (and slight bewilderment), yesterday he decided to upgrade my moniker to “poop.” Good. Great. Such is the unfiltered joy and unpredictable nature of toddlers!

And with that, dear readers, I’m out for the week. I hope all of you have a fabulous, relaxing, and inspiring weekend ahead. Here’s to new beginnings, delicious food, and the simple joys of life!