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My haul from Stanley's, $18 total in early June 2008. No organic food whatsoever.

Australia spoiled me. Over the year and a half I lived in South Australia, I had the joy of eating the freshest, most delicious and colorful produce ever. There was a giant, covered farmers market in the center of Adelaide called the Central Market, so I not only had amazing produce close by all year round, but I had choices! I could compare and contrast who had the best asparagus one day, or the freshest figs the next, and I even had a plethora of winter produce because it didn't snow in South Australia! Life couldn't be any better if I found a field of bacon and pancake syrup that I could run through with my mouth open.

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Whole roasted snapper "picatta" with fried capers, herbs, butter and lemon at Avec.

If you were to ask me what my favorite restaurant in Chicago was, I would say Blackbird, hands down, no hesitation whatsoever. Blackbird restaurant is located in the West Loop of Chicago, and it focuses on locally produced, seasonal cuisine that is so unbelievably delicious, it makes me want to cry a bit thinking about my last meal there (which was in early 2007). The bill from my last meal also makes me cry a bit.

Meet Avec, Blackbird's younger, hipper, slightly cheaper yet equally delicious sister. Located right next to Blackbird, this wine bar is smaller, constantly packed, and sadly, does not take reservations. Good thing the food was better than free shots at a Russian amputee strip club.

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Would you like some rib with that rib, ma'am?

South Australia is known as "the festival state", and indeed, during my time living there I encountered at least one festival just about every other weekend. Festivals for wine and for Koreans, festivals for cheese and for Italians, African festivals, food festivals, the Festival of Ideas--these Aussies seem to throw a party every time someone sneezes. But I loved it because it gave me a chance to experience how different people in different parts of South Australia celebrated, how they ate, what they drank, what sort of music they liked. It really was a great way to experience the local culture, and, you know, have a good excuse to double fist a few sausages and beers.

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hàw mòk plaa dùk (tham eng): steamed Catfish and coconut milk “custard."

Okay. You know the deal by now. I'm Leena. I eat way too much. I could come up with cute little intro about how many good things I have heard about Spoon Thai over the years but never tried it, so I just figured I had to now, but you are smarter than that. You don't need me to do that. You need me to eat so you can live vicariously through me, because my life rocks. I need me to eat because it is all I think about and then I need to tell you about it because I love talking about myself. What a nice, symbiotic relationship we've forged!

So, restaurant? Spoon Thai in Lincoln Square in Chicago. I ate there. Come read about it.

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If this picture doesn't make you hungry, you are not my friend.

Once upon a time, I got married. I was searching high and low for the perfect wedding cake, and, you know, one that didn't cost more than the dress (in my case, the wedding sari). Then I walked into the magical world that is Southport Grocery and Cafe and tasted their vanilla cupcake, which you may remember from this post. It is so popular, it has its own section on their website!

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I believe Americans became independent from England so they could enjoy freedoms like eating chili dogs and, you know, food with flavor.

God bless America. No other country would celebrate their independence with a gastronomic orgy such as Nathan's annual Hot Dog Eating contest (held every 4th of July). It rocks my mind to think I live in a country where competitive eating is an actual sport that they show on ESPN, a sport deemed worthy enough to celebrate what makes our country great, our freedom. Freedom = hot dog contest. And sometimes a bit of vomit.

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The Hopleaf: making the world rock one frite at a time.

I love a good gastropub. There is just something about consuming massive quantities of beer and cider with delicious, high-quality pub food that really gets my motor running and fuels me enough for a road trip to Tijuana. The Hopleaf Bar is a place I used to frequent in my old hood, pre-Australia trip. They specialize in great beers, both drafts and bottles, so if you like drinking funny-sounding beers in crazy glasses made just for it, this is the place to be. The food is great, upscale pub food, but you can't simply stroll in and expect to eat right away. Ever. This place is constantly packed, no matter how early or late you go. You will almost always wait for a table, especially if you have a large group. Don't think you are special. Unless you are Al Roker. Al Roker never waits at a restaurant. Al Roker also never gets put in the corner.

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Welcome home to the land of fat people and little portion control, Leena!

It all started with the Danny I-Tannery. I knew after the long trip home from Australia to Chicago, the only thing I would want to do was chill with my closest friends that I hadn't seen in a year and a half. And eat. A lot. Preferably in Chicago. My food twin, Bobby, decided to host a weekend at his place, and after a burst inspiration from an old episode of Full House, he created his own Danny I-Tannery for our girls weekend. I love my friends.

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