Old Friend

2008-12-27 Driving home from Chicago right now. Went the day after Christmas to the Museum of Science and Industry. I thought it would be more interesting. There were a couple of cool things, but we seemed to stay mostly in the area of the submarine. We saw the WILD OCEAN movie at the cinedome. It was making me drowsy. I enjoyed the scenery shots of the coast of Africa. We then stopped at Tess and Mick Kearns in downtown Chicago. It was Tess’s birthday, so she had another couple and their kids over. We had Chinese food and enjoyed a bottle of wine. Had and incredible tasting cake, apparently from whole foods. YYYUUUUMMMMMMMMMYYYYYY!!!!! Their son Mikey--about to be 5 in a few days, is a funny, clever little guy. I really got a kick out of him. Tess had Matilda Rose in October. Such a pretty, sweet little thing. Mikey hugged her all the time and told me he just couldn't help himself. He also asked me at one point, "Isn't she just so beautiful?". I think she'll have a problem dating.
The weather was foggy and slick and they were advising ppl to stay off the roads so we spent the night. Loved the massage chair in the guest room. Such a gorgeous loft they have in their old building. One would not expect the lavishness from the outside. Geez the kitchen was my dream, wish I had snapped pics. Big open area, 2 gas stoves, full sized freezer and huge frig. Giant bar area. High ceilings big open spaces. A couple of giant Buddha heads for décor and a 2 ornate hookahs on either side of the TV. I asked Mikey what they were, just to see what their parents told him, “ I dunno, a trophy I think”. Mick had a few motorcycles inside and loads of original movie posters displayed on the walls or propped up on the floor.
We talked a lot about food and how to prepare, since Mick is studying to be a chef and hopes to have his own restaurant someday. I loved to pick his brain. He gave me organic raw blue agave, really low on the glycemic index and a natural sweetener. Can’t wait to try it in salad dressings and other stuff. He told me about aged balsamic, and had me taste it. It was thicker and sweeter. He said it was around $50 for that small bottle of vinegar. The lessons I learned were invaluable. I wish I could pick his brain some more. He mentioned kosher salt as well, which I never understood the point, but I guess consistency has something to do with it. Feeling inspired to try some new things now. Being with Tess and her family was so comfortable. I was pretty tired and not thinking clearly, so I really hope it wasn't uncomfortable for her to have us. She made omelets for us in the morning, and I REALLY thought we'd be gone before she felt the need to take care of us more, but I was enjoying chatting and sharing pics, so I wasn't considering that she and her family were as hungry as we were. I just kept ignoring my growling stomach because I enjoyed the company so much. She apparently was to the point of having to fix food and shared with us. I think the last 3 days made it a lovely holiday.