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Monday, May 23, 2011

Parks and much recreation

I'm sure I don't just speak for myself when I ask the question, "Is summer here yet?!"

On May 27th, Chicago beaches open for business. This means that the lovely Castaways will be dusting off the year old sand and grime that has been accumulating and will gear up for a hopeful beautiful summer.

In general, Chicagoans await the weekend when they can trek over to Lakeshore and get on the trail to head down to North Avenue beach. "Do you think the beach will be crowded?", "What does the forecast look like later in the day? I hope it doesn't rain". These questions are always in the back of our minds because in all honesty, as soon as you get to the beach, you feel a drop and have to pick up.

However, there are so many more places to get rays during the first few hazy days of summer. This past Sunday, it was almost 80 degrees and there were hardly any clouds or rain (til 9 pm...) I was on a mission to find somewhere other than the beach to rest my pale fair skin to get some lovin from the sun.
If you don't want a sandy crack, here are some places to throw around a ball, do handstands, play with some dogs, or be lazy on some grass.


Lincoln Park/Lakeview
Jonquil Park (Wrightwood and Sheffield)
Oz Park (Orchard and Webster)
North Pond (Diversey and North Cannon)
Lincoln Park (Montrose and Lakeshore)

Northside
Winnemac Park (Damen and Foster)
Welles Park (Lincoln and Foster)




Westside
Wicker Park (Schiller and Damen)
Garfield Park (Washington and Hamlin)
Union Park (Lake and Ashland)

Downtown
Seward Park (Division and Orleans)
Lakeshore East (Wacker and Field)
Millenium Park (Michigan and Randolph)
Grant Park (Columbus and Congress)

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Found my 'shaker of salt'

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!
(almost)

Many can attest to the fact that I love a good margarita (rita). Hell, I'd probably love a bad margarita, IF there was such a thing.

Tequila by itself isn't the most palpable flavor, and a lone lime is a bit too sour. But, when you mix the two together...let's just say it's a close second to the combination of peanut butter and chocolate.

What is tequila?
Tequila is derived from the blue agave plant. It can be found in in the state of Jalisco and in limited regions in the states of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.
Hi, I make tequila and you love me
A margarita, in my eyes, is better than a pina colada or a daiquiri because it doesn't have to be enjoyed on an island, or near a body of water. It is sweet enough to be considered a treat, but when accompanied by Mexican food, I'm ashamed to say that it could also become a drink staple of choice right next to good ole fashioned H2O. Oh, and if you didn't know, I take my margarita on the rocks with no salt.

That being said, I'd love to share where to get a tasty margarita. Sure, most of the places on this list are a Mexican establishment, but I'll try to bring some variety to who also concocts a great margarita.


*The Blue Agave: Carries a boat load of tequila. Generally, the ritas run more than $8 but are pretty large and use some of the best tequila.You are able to specify which margarita you'd like based on the brand.
*Mayan Palace: One of my favorite neighborhood mexican joints in Lincoln park. They have rita specials every Tuesday and Thursday. Single glasses and pitchers are half off! These are strong.
Cesar's: Known for "Killer Margaritas". I would suggest getting single ritas, rather than pitchers, they just taste better. They serve singles in 3 different sizes. Your best bet is the 'Jumbo' or 'Mega' (better bang for your buck than the 'Large')
Mercadito: I actually have never been here for dinner but I've heard some rave reviews about their different margaritas. I think their most popular is mango?
*Zocalo: These margaritas are pretty unique. This is also a tequila bar, they even have FLIGHTS of tequilas and margaritas! Margaritas run about $8
Big Star: If you're at BS with friends (which you probably are) go for the pitcher. Don't even go for anything else, not even a Michelada. These are strong and delicious (served on the rocks).
Avenue Tavern: They have margarita pitcher specials (only frozen) on Fridays. I actually really enjoyed this frozen rita, even though frozen isn't how I roll.

*Restaurant.com certificates are available at these restaurants. I would highly suggest you get one!

For my full reviews for Mexican, click here

Types of Tequila
If you go to a tequila bar, you will notice that a lot of brands have a classification system. Here is a quick breakdown for you, no matter what the brand.

Silver or Blanco: Clear tequilas, plain and simple. They have been aged little, if at all – no more than 60 days in stainless steel tanks.

Gold: This is simply an unaged silver tequila that has been colored and flavored with caramel. Hm, imagine that.

Reposado: Tequila that has been aged in wooden tanks or casks for a minimum of two months, with higher quality brands being aged 3 to 9 months. These are the best-selling tequilas in Mexico.

Anejo: An old tequila that is aged in wooden barrels, usually old bourbon barrels, for a minimum of 12 months.

If you want to make your own margarita at home, here are two great recipes! You won't need any sour/ sugar mixers for these.

Skinny Girl Rita
  • 2 shots of white tequila (Patron brand)
  • 2 limes (juice)
  • 1/2 cup limeade (Simply Limeade brand)
  • 2 tablespoons of Cointreau
  • Splenda to taste
  • ice cubes
Orangarita*
  • 2 shots of white tequila (Patron brand)
  • 2 limes (juice)
  • 2 tablespoons of Triplesec
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (your brand of choice)
  • ice cubes
*this recipe probably won't need sugar because of the orange juice