What does it mean to surprise someone culinarily? Does it mean some far-flung ingredient? Some crazy preparation that has been imported from halfway around the world? Sometimes it means something as simple as the coupling of a whole new paradigm to the eating experience. Grant Achatz touched that rarefied air for us with our visit to Alinea in Chicago. Literally, the pillow below my dessert is filled with an accompanying aroma to prepare my palate for the flavors it is about to experience. The weight of the plate compresses the pillow to continuously express the scent. That is some crazy fore-thought bat-sh*t. There were more examples of that total commitment to the dining experience throughout the menu (shown below). A terrifically enjoyable experience; the restaurant is deserved of its top 100 world ranking.
Hello Windy City. A daddy “work trip” brought the clan to Chicago for a week. Chicago should be called museum city as there appears to be a never ending supply of housed edification for the visitors. We took in the Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute, the Field Museum. the Childrens’ Museum, and The Shedd Aquarium. On top of that, we went to the beach on Lake Michigan, ate at the Taste of Chicago, and had a boat ride on the Chicago river to take in the architectural sites. We swam in the hotel pool almost every night and even had room service once. We saw our pals Gus, Marilyn, Betty, and Joseph who helped us enjoy the city sites even more. Chicago also has some pleasing eats. These include our trip to Chinatown, two trips to Giordano’s for deep dish, and even an “adult” trip to Alinea (which requires its own recapitulation of our blown minds courtesy of G. Achatz). Fun times documented in the Chicago album.
Save Ferris!
Just as good as Zachary's. I know. Blasphemy right?
It’s been a busy month! Momentous events like kindergarten graduation, the ballet recital, and visits from Grandma Jane and Grandpa Larry AND Grandma Jeanette. Trips to the zoo and the park; time at our favorite museums and science centers, including Cleo’s first, thankfully untraumatic, IMAX experience; birthday celebrations for Mommy, Erica, and our pal Will, with a Skype shoutout to Trey; and of course some baking with Grandma Jeanette. We continue to be drowning in homegrown and CSA salad — but managed to eat all our farm-picked strawberries, or to freeze them into ice cream, without complaints. Can’t say we’ve documented every single moment, but some snapshots are up in the June 2010 album.
Today is Leda’s last day of kindergarten, which of course makes tomorrow the first day of the rest of her life in the cliched language of commencement speeches. Also: follow her dreams, focus on what’s important, never wear uncomfortable pants. The ceremony on Monday was without a keynote address; instead, the kids sang and played their recorders, and received certificates, before moving outside for a celebratory picnic. As with all occasions of measurable import, the gliderboy team was on the job to document the occasion. Cleo was a critical A/V assistant, providing just the right cinema verite jitter as she bopped around on her mom’s lap.
May began with a whirl around the Maypole at Lucas’ Waldorf school…the girls hand-dyed their own silk,
Also bear-friendly
planted sunflowers in pots they painted themselves, and selected flowers for the garlands and daisy chains their parents made for them. As the month continued we began to give (and grade) final exams, attend graduations and other ceremonies offering closure and congratulations. Soon Leda herself will be graduating from kindergarten. The garden and the weekly CSA box overflow with organic bounty. We have eaten a LOT of salads this month.
The weather refuses to commit fully to summer, but even on gray days we take the dare and play outside. Bare feet and skinned knees await. Also: salad.
