Hi everyone!
You know what today is – another update for ya this week! This time I have quite a few events to recap – yay!!
First up, a luau-inspired cocktails for a cause event with Alex and Revae of Mahalo Vibes. We got to learn all kinds of tips and tricks like how to shake your cocktail properly (give it a whack on the side to tighten it and then again to loosen it), the difference between serrano peppers and jalapeños (serrano is spicier!), and that gin is actually…wait for it..juniper infused vodka. Yep! I was quite shocked too. Turns out the cheaper the gin, the more juniper there is (aka the “Christmas tree” flavor that most people hate) – so not all are created equal. Besides the fact that we got to learn a few yummy tiki drink recipes (shaken not stirred of course since there’s citrus in it – helps bring out the flavors), I was really happy to know that the proceeds were going to support cancer victims. I have a family history with it so if I can help in a small way here, I’m doing it. We also got to make flower crowns with Fleur – a local spot in Logan Square (that same place I visited a while back). The florist was so sweet and very knowledgable about all the flowers she brought – I could tell she loves what she does. Sadly I ran out of time on mine so there’s not much “flowers” on mine but hey I think it still looks ok! Aloha Bangtel, the space we were in, was a perfect fit for the theme. Neon palm trees, a pink shark, and even a pink flamingo inside a blue bathtub too – plenty of photo opportunities here!
Top: Fabr’ik, Jeans: J Brand
Next up, the opening of Punch Bowl Social in West Loop! I’m so excited about this because I’ve been to the one in Indianapolis and it was so much fun. Schamburg’s location was always so far for me so I’m glad it’s finally coming to the city. The first floor is a bit of a retro laundromat theme with a wall of colored machines and tables covered in old ads. The bar near the “Loads of Fun” (get it??) sign is pretty gorgeous too.
Jacket: Gap, Shirt: Nordstrom, Pants: Frame, Shoes: Target, Bag: Michael Kors, Choker: Nordstrom
To start off, we got some chips and French onion dip as it lined the tables – that dip was heaven. We tried the punch bowls first, because well it’s not called Punch Bowl Social for nothing! The Watermelon Polo, It’s A Mer-Man’s World, and Lord Stanley’s Cup (Blackhawks fans will love this 😉) were the contenders and it was clear who the winner was. Since Mer-Man and Stanley were bourbon and white rum focused and more bitter, the Watermelon soured with watermelon and strawberry and it wasn’t too sweet.
These freshly made daiquiris were one of my favorites of the night – super smooth & made with similar ingredients to the Watermelon Bowl instead. Plus these glasses are adorable, Claire and I approve!
These Mason Jar Mules were hard to mess up – I love me a mule so couldn’t go wrong here.
Tried a little quinoa salad before we got our final drink and it was pretty good – I wouldn’t normally go out of my way for something like this but it wasn’t bad.
This final drink was my favorite of them all: High Fashion – fitting right?? Usually I’m not a fan of Aperol (sorry Italy!) but you can’t even taste it in this! The grapefruit and lemon give it a nice zip.
On to the food – we took a few treats from the dessert bar and some cheese from the cheese boards, both were quite yummy! The marshmallow brownie was like a bite-size s’more – super gooey and chocolatey while the salted caramel cupcake was good as well. As for the cheese – well you can’t go wrong with one of those!!
The last two items were the Cubano Sandwich and the A la Bama Chicken Sandwich. I have never actually had a Cubano sandwich before and now I know why everyone loves them – this was so crispy yet juicy and just what we needed. As for the chicken sandwich, I love these and though it was crispy, it was a little dry. Both of these were served on platters so they might be a little different plated with the sides they come with when you order them for real.
We walked around a little and found the bowling alley as well as billards, bags, and a stage for bands and DJs to play on. You can’t be bored here!
Finally, last but not least, my cousin is officially moving here! Congrats lady!! You’ll be seeing her at a bunch of events with me soon.
Local Spots I Checked Out: Aloha Bangtel, Punch Bowl Social
Events I’m Looking Forward To: Drake Fest, St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl, Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt, Good & Sassy Tanning Event with GoGlow,
See you in the next post!
