Chicago Gourmet

This past Saturday I had the opportunity to go to Chicago Gourmet in Millennium Park, hosted by Bon Appetit. Even though I was exhausted from the Dillon Francis concert the night before, I knew there was no way I was going to miss this event. We lucked out with the weather and it was absolutely gorgeous out – clear blue skies and the temperature was perfect. 

As soon as we walked through the main entrance we were handed a wine glass and a bag filled with free souvenirs & snacks. I was overwhelmed by how many tents there were and the number of different tastings going on, and was super excited to explore. 

We started off with some Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) and Mencia. Normally I prefer white wine to red wine (mostly because I don’t want to worry about my lips getting red) but that all changed after Saturday. I had some of the best red wine of my life!

Mencia is a grape that can only be found in the northwestern part of Spain known as the Bierzo region. Up until five years ago that area had little or no enological history. Mencia is up and coming in the wine world, and I can understand why. It was the only stand where we went back for seconds, and since then I’ve had trouble finding it in any stores in Chicago. Another of my favorites included Seven Sister’s Wine from South Africa. The Pinotage/Shiraz or “Dawn” was delicious and extremely smooth. 

My ONLY complaint about the whole event was that there was almost no vegetarian food! I was able to get some butternut squash soup from the Palmer House Hilton Hotel tent, which was delicious. I also managed to snag some Zapatista pasta from the Gluten-free tent. Needless to say I got pretty tipsy from all the wine tasting. Hopefully next year they’ll have more veg options!   

                              

 

 

I had to take a few pics when I was walking home :) I will be flying to New York next week for my best friend's family reunion in Brooklyn, more posts & pictures to come!! 

The Knowing

The Weeknd at Congress Theater, Chicago

It was Friday night in Chicago around 7pm. I had been walking for almost an hour downtown, already soaking wet from the pouring rain (umbrellas are completely useless when there is wind!!!). I had lost track of how many blocks it had been, and was desperately looking down the street for any open taxis, which of course there were none. As all my friends know, I normally have no problem being fashionably late, but tonight was different. Tonight I had tickets to see The Weeknd at Congress!!! I had first downloaded the House of Balloons mixtape while I was living in London a year and a half ago, and since then his mixtapes have dominated my speakers and headphones. 

Words can’t even describe how excited I was, I had heard mixed reviews of how he was live but I didn’t care. I remember getting lost trying to find a cab and literally just felt like bawling because I thought I would miss the show. Eventually I stumbled on the blue line and made it to Amanda’s, who conveniently lives only a few blocks away from the venue. I was a mess, my hair and clothes were wet and my mascara was basically running down my face but I made it!!

Congress was PACKED, I definitely was not expecting to see so many people. The crowd kept on throwing X’s up in the air during all his songs. Whoever told me the The Weeknd wasn’t a good performer clearly did not know what they were talking about. It was amazing to see such raw talent live, and I am so glad I made it. My only regret is that I wasn’t in the first row (I was in a decent spot but I’m used to fighting my way to the front somehow). I’m not too worried about it though, I have a feeling I will see him perform again. xo

Louis Vuitton & Yayoi Kusama

I recently was in Hong Kong, and noticed they had replaced my favorite Starbucks with a Louis Vuitton store. I had heard about the collaboration between Yayoi Kusama and the famous brand, but I have to admit I was not that impressed by the design.  

Pacific Place, Hong Kong

Short Hills Mall, New Jersey

That was until I learned that the dots represented reoccurring nightmares that Yayoi Kusama had suffered from almost her entire life. Painting dots was Kusama’s way of coping with the consistent feeling that an unknown force would destroy not only her, but also her family and entire world.  Many of her famous pieces were inspired by childhood visions and hallucinations. Kusama spent almost forty years of her life in an open ward of a mental institution, and said she often viewed herself as “a dot lost among a million other dots.”

"Self-Obliteration" 1967

“My artwork is an expression of my life, particularly of my mental disease… My art originates from hallucinations only I can see. I translate the hallucinations and obsessional images that plague me into sculptures and paintings.”

"Infinity Dots" 2007

Photo of Kusama reclining on "Accumulation No. 2" 1966

Once I learned all this, I looked at the design in a completely different way. I myself have suffered from reoccurring nightmares and understand how frightening and realistic they can seem. Kasuma clearly had no control of the hallucinations and anxiety she was experiencing, and painting was her way of identifying and facing her biggest fears. It’s amazing how much my opinion of her art changed when I learned more about her.

Sources: http://bysuchandsuch.com/2012/08/yayoi-kusama/, http://spunktitud3.wordpress.com/2012/07/10/yayoi-kusama-louis-vuitton/

Shanghai Summer

3 MONTHS AGO:

I was startled when the plane hit the ground. I had been too immersed in the movie The Godfather (How had I never seen this before?!) to even notice that we were landing. For whatever reason, not a single person had opened their window shades.  I heard the familiar bing of the seatbelt sign being turned off and quietly began to gather my belongings. As I walked through Shanghai Pudong Airport to the baggage claim there was only one emotion I was feeling: RELIEF. I made it!  The stress and drama of the past two quarters  (oh you know just multiple break-ins and police reports) was OVER, and I officially started my summer. I put everything behind me and was not looking back. 

There has always been some kind of gravitational force pulling me back to Asia. I had been to Shanghai only a few times before, but once I saw the Chinese characters on the signs, I immediately associated it with home.  The massive futuristic skyscrapers, taxis, crowds, and humidity, are all very similar to Hong Kong (where I grew up). Amidst all the people and chaos, I feel very calm here, almost zen-like.   

TODAY:

I wrote that during my second night in Shanghai. Sometimes I feel like I’m on the go so much that I don’t have much time to reflect on everything I’ve been doing, which is one of the main reasons why I started this blog. Going to do my best to break that habit…

It has been a crazy summer! Travelling can really put things into perspective.  Here are just some of the highlights (not in any particular order): 

1. Living in 新天地 (Xintiandi)

Xintiandi area was absolutely beautiful, filled with Sycamore lined streets and restored Shikumen buildings…I am going to miss living in this neighborhood. 

2. 中文课 (Mandarin Lessons)

I took a month long course at Mandarin House. I had an AMAZING teacher named Wang Lin (She wouldn’t let me take a picture of her). The hours were long but she always had such great energy and did her best to keep our small class engaged.

3. Meeting new people & connecting with old friends

Going to miss everyone so much! The people you meet on study abroad programs are always the best (with the exception of a small few) because everyone's always down to experience something different.  

4. The Views

5. Lijiang 

6. Shangri-La

7. Internship at SimplyBridal 

Absolutely loved working here! It was great working in an office with so many girls. Everyone was so nice and laid-back. 

View from the Office 

Mix of traditional & modern buildings 

Overall, my summer in Shanghai was a memorable experience. It all happened so fast I really can't believe the summer has come to an end.  I would love to come back and work there full time someday.