Up 2 D-8?

Here we go...

Sunday, August 26th, Will, Janneke, Vincent (Janneke's nephew) and I went up to ravinia to see Patti Lupone and Audra McDonald. It was a very delightful evening and it was nice to meet Vincent who was visiting from Holland. He is ~7 feet tall and play jazz bass... a very nice fellow!

Tuesday, August 28th - I had my friends Minyoung and her boyfriend over for dinner along with Nate and Will. Minyoung and Pompque (sp?) both left to Stanford University on the following Saturday. It was a pleasant evening and the food was excellent...if I say so, myself! I decided to make an Italian/New Mexican menu:

Caprese Salad (Grilled yellow squash, fresh mozzarella, heirloom tomato, fresh roasted sweet corn, basil, a splash of basil-infused olive oil, and a little fresh ground black pepper YUMMY!)

Green Chile Chicken EnchiLasagna (a nice chicken stock reduction with mushrooms, white wine, chicken, green chile, and tons of other stuff!)

Pueblo Feast Day Cookies and Pistachio and Chocolate gelato

Lot's of work but well worth it! I will miss Minyoung and hope that we get to see each other soon!

Labor day weekend - was pretty relaxing. We did a lot of cleaning, sleeping, reading, and drinking. We played miniature golf with Ken Puttbach on Friday (in Skokie... I won), went to Big Chicks and Sidetrack for showtunes with Rob on Sunday. Quite a fun time! Labor day we went to Janneke's for a great BBQ and had grilled bananas (yummy and simple)!

Wednesday, September 5th - Julie and I roasted ~2 pounds of fresh Anaheim chile (green chile) to be used for the party on Friday (read below). We mixed in a few demon peppers to kick up the heat! It was lots of fun and the smell of the chile roasting me made me miss home (Northern New Mexico) which is best best place in the world to be during Fall!

Thursday, September 6th - I went out with Julie to celebrate here b-day. We went to eat appetizers and drink chocolate martinis at La Tache in Andersonville. We shared a very unpleasant dish of scallops which we sent back after one bite, an amazing crab and cod cake in tartar sauce with endive and thyme, and a truly heavenly 'salad' with endive, pomme frit, bacon, pine nuts, and truffle vinaigrette. After this we stumbled over to the Ravenswood Pub to drink more and play some pool where Ivan met up with us. It was a great evening although the next day was quite painful!

Friday, September 7th - A great party over at Julie's house celebrating here birthday and the return of Carla from Down Under after three months by eating tons of New Mexican food and wine. We also got to see a short slide show session of Carla's trip. New Zealand is absolutely beautiful and I cannot wait to visit!

Saturday, September 8th - Went and did paperwork at Starbucks. Ate with Will at Pauline's. Bought a vacuum at Target (Will is in 7th heaven)!

Sunday, September 9th - Went to church, baked cookies, and went to our first chorus rehearsal of the season! (Chicago Gay Men's Chorus)