Summer in the City: Live Creating Yourself

For those of you who don’t know, Alaina Kaczmarski not only writes the blog, Live Creating Yourself, but is also one of the founders of the acclaimed site, The Everygirl. Needless to say, she’s very busy! Luckily she’s stopped to share a few summer favorites with us from the windy city of Chicago!

1. Favorite restaurant? I have to choose just one? I guess I’d say Paris Club. I love everything about French culture – especially the food. Anything to make me feel even a little bit like I’m in France gets five stars in my book, and Paris Club does just that with its decor (white subway tiled and mirrored walls). The coq au vin is my absolute favorite dish, and while I love their offering of chardonnay, I always start my meal there with the French 59 cocktail (St. Germain and champagne goodness).
Other Favorites: Feast, Uncommon Ground, Coast, Mon Ami Gabi, Wildfire, Uncle Julio’s Hacienda, and Big Star

2. Favorite Savory Dish? My favorite savory dish in the summer is BBQ ribs. My boyfriend and I have tried just about every BBQ place in the city. My favorite place, The Piggery on Irving Park Rd., actually just had a fire and has been closed for the better part of the year. But I’d also recommend Chicago Q in Streeterville (terrific decor) or the legendary Twin Anchors in Old Town (where Sinatra used to dine!).

3. Favorite Sweet? Popsicles from the grocery store – preferably a blue Fla-Vor-Ice! Makes me feel like a kid again.

4. Drink of Choice? Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy with a lemon wedge. Perfectly refreshing on a hot day.

5. Favorite Chicago summer activity? Having an outdoor picnic by Montrose Beach! The beaches are a lot less crowded up at Montrose, there’s plenty of grass and space to spread out, and you can bring a charcoal grill. It’s a great way to relax and take in the view.

6. What should be on an Everygirl’s summer bucket list? Two things: 1. Host a dinner party! Summer is a great time to get everyone together (especially in Chicago), and if you have any outdoor space, grilling is an easy, no-fuss meal to plan for a group of people. It’s a great way to break in your hostessing hat without having to plan a formal dinner. 2. I’d also tell Everygirls who are as addicted to technology as I am to put down the iPhone, step away from the computer, and pick up a book and read! The Everygirl just launched a book club to encourage women to do just that! I have to say it was so nice reading for fun again – I took my book with me to Montrose Beach!

Thanks Alaina! These activities sound perfect for the long days of August.

Image Credits: Paris Club, BBQ, popsicles, shandy (park courtesy of Alaina)