Taste of Chicago - Garrett's Popcorn

Garrett's Popcorn
Multiple Chicago locations

Scenario: You have been walking up and down Michigan Ave. You have strolled through the gardens at the Art Institute. You are hungry but do not want to ruin your dinner appetite or reservations. What do you do??? Get on that smart-phone and find the closest Garrett's popcorn. They are everywhere and trust me, you will know you are in the right vicinity when you smell the caramel and/or see the lines of people.

Garrett's have been around for over 60 years and serving up gourmet popcorn goodness to the masses. One taste and you are a fan. Each time I have gone to Garrett's, I walk out with the largest shopping bag. Friends and co-workers find out I am headed to Chicago and they start putting in orders. Lucky me!!! What a time I have with my own personal items, a load of popcorn and TSA.

My favorite Garrett's flavor is the caramel crisp. Who knew it was possible to make caramel popcorn taste so rich and buttery. My co-workers enjoy the famous Chicago Mix (cheese corn and caramel mix). If you have never had the mix, it sounds wacky but once you taste it, you will want more.

**A-List Tip - Do not let the lines intimidate you. They move quickly and so worth the few minutes. Hey, use that time to check your emails or people watch. Plus, Garrett's Popcorn was listed as one of Oprah's Favorite Things in 2010. C'mon.....OPRAH!!!

Happy Snacking!!!!

A Taste of Chicago - Fulton's on the River

Fulton's on the River
315 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago Illinois 60654
(312) 822-0100

(from the website)
Fulton’s on the River, located on the Chicago River with views of downtown, offers the best of both worlds. A classic seafood and steak house, with an unparalleled devotion to procuring nothing but the highest quality ingredients. Quality service and an extensive wine and cocktail selection provide a great place to dine, relax and celebrate!

On day two, of my girlfriends' trip/taste of Chicago adventure, we decided to have dinner at Fulton's on the River. Fulton's has all of the elements of the classic steakhouse; rich woods in the decor; cclassic lighting and an uniformed waitstaff buzzing around with cuts of meat. One of the signature features of Fulton's is the outdoor, on the river dining. As the sun sets, you have table candlelight and the shimmer from surrounding buildings to provide a very chic ambiance. Table for four, please!

Ron, our server was so amazing. He answered all of our questions, regarding the menu, and very accommodating to our needs. After I coveted a nearby table's lobster bisque, I decided to order my own bowl. Ron saw my mates eyeing my yummy bisque and surprised them with extra spoons. Lucky girls!!!!

Between the four of us, we ordered the crab cakes (two orders), the salmon and Fulton's signature steak. We shared creamed spinach, broccoli, potatoes and mushrooms. Needless to say, forks were flying everywhere. Yum, yum and yum!!!!

 
**A-List tip - If you enjoy a good steakhouse, make reservations at Fulton's. If the Chicago weather is merciful, request outdoor seating. Take your time...enjoy the meal and the view.

Happy Dining!!!

Taste of Chicago - Mercat a la Planxa

Mercat a la Planxa
638 Michagan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 765-0524

A couple weeks ago, I was in Chicago with some of my best girlfriends from college. We were doing our annual girlfriend trip and around to help one of the girls bid Chicago "adieu". She is a  warm-blooded southerner and one year in the windy city (and a historic blizzard) had her ready to back her bags and head back to milder temps.

As we have gotten older, getting together and planning these trips appear to get harder and harder. Little things like running businesses, writing novels, kids and conquering the world (lol) make it very difficult to sync schedules. So when we are able to successfully confirm a trip, we try to savor every minute of the 48-72 hours we may have with each other. Our two points for a successful girlfriends' weekend: lots of conversation and great food. Voila!!! Chicago, in the summer was the perfect place to accomplish both. The next few posts for A-List Lifestyle will be dedicated to my taste of Chicago. First stop, Merkat a la Planxa.

(from the Mercat website)
Take a culinary tour of Barcelona right on Michigan Avenue at Mercat a la Planxa, where Catalan-inspired cocktails and cuisine come to life.


Start with a round of sparkling Cava or a pitcher of fruity sangria before digging into Mercat's menu of traditional tapas, grilled steaks, market-fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses and cured meats.

Whatever your pleasure, Chef Jose Garces' mod-Mediterranean kitchen delivers a dose of Catalan soul straight to your table.

Mercat a la Planxa - Chicago's new Catalan destination

Who does not love tapas?? Raise your hand and then pop yourself in the head. Tapas are the perfect way to experience international flavor and share a meal with a table of friends. I was fresh off of a flight from Atlanta, elated to see my friends and ready to eat!!! Bring on the mini plates.

Dante was our server and did an excellent job explaining the menu and recommending dishes. He was almost too good; between four people our table was spilling over with dishes. Mercat teases you with a free order of their house flat bread. That was not enough...we ordered two more orders.

Here are some of the dishes brought to our table:

• Patatas Bravas (Spicy Potatoes with Spicy Paprika Aioli) 2 orders
• Mar I Muntanya I (Smoked Veal Sausage, Charred Baby Octopus, Arbequina Olive Potato Salad & Piquillo Vinaigrette)
• Gambas al Ajlilo (Garlic Shrimp)
• Mixto (Chef's Selection of Cheeses)
• Calamari
• Setas al Horno (Wild Mushrooms, Confit Potato, Shallot & Parsley)

The setas al horno/wild mushrooms were probably the best mushrooms I have ever had in life. Seriously, they were that good.

No surprise, my dinner mates and I were overwhelmed and overstuffed. What an experience?!?!?! The food was great, the service was perfect and I started off my taste of Chicago with a little Spanish flare!!!!


**A-List Tip - Go to Mercats with an open mind. You will be in good hands. Taste the menu and consider recommendations from the server.

Happy Dining!!!!

The Ritz Carlton Buckhead-Atlanta

The Ritz Carlton
3434 Peachtree Rd
Atlanta, Georgia 30326

ph: 404.237.2700

 
(From the Ritz Carlton Buckhead website)
The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead is setting the standard for elegance. With impeccable attention to detail, each of The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead hotel’s luxurious rooms and suites are inspired by the timeless appeal of Southern gardens and provide guests with an exceptional array of amenities. Located in the city’s finest neighborhood, this Atlanta-Buckhead hotel is four miles from Midtown’s cultural epicenter and nightlife.
 
In the mood for old school luxury and southern decadence? Make a reservation at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead in Atlanta. As soon as you pull up to the front door, you are greeted with poised valet, ready to get you started on your stay. The lobby is covered in rich wood grains and classic furniture. Stop for a second...look around and take in the elegance of the layout. Adjust your shades on top of your head and embrace your VIP-ness.
 
The guests rooms are lush and equipped with everything you will need during your stay. Whether it is wi-fi, nightly turn down service or the signature plush robe, the Ritz amenities are enough to make you hide out in your room all day. However, that is impossible since the property is literally, in between two of the best shopping locations in Atlanta; Phipps Plaza and Lenox Mall.
 
Ok, so here is my favorite part of the Ritz Carlton Buckhead... afternoon tea!!! Oh my goodness, oh my goodness!!! If you have never taken the time and enjoyed a proper afternoon, I strongly suggest you add it to your "to do" list.
 
And because I have the best friends on the planet, my Ritz Carlton tea time was a full out, bridal tea party. It was absolutely fabulous. My guests and I enjoyed our private, afternoon tea decked out in big hats, pearls and pretty dresses. The tea servers were amazing and our personalized menu was full of teas, savory bites and delicious sweets. The experience was priceless and the location was classic.
 
*A-List tip - Request a corner room, facing Peachtree Road. The views are amazing and you get a little more space. Also, make sure you take afternoon tea!!!
 
Happy travels!!!

An A-List Lifestyle - 2011 Spa Week April 11-17

Spring is here and it is time to renew the spirit and body. Take advantage of the great deals during Spa Week. Find your state and search a list of participating spas.

Hurry....book your appointment before they all fill up!!!


Find a participating location here at Spa Week .

Happy Spa Time!!!

The Beverly Hilton - Los Angeles, California

The Beverly Hilton
9876 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
ph: 310.274.7777

In my mind, I've always been an A-list Hollywood superstar. Y'all just didn't know yet.

 - Will Smith

From the hotel website:
The Beverly Hilton has combined the excitement of Hollywood with the elegance of Beverly Hills for over 50 years. With the completion of a $80 million renovation, the Beverly Hilton emerges as a beacon of modern luxury.

The Beverly Hilton is "oh -so-Hollywood"!! This Hilton branded property is home to many annual red-carpet events (Golden Globes) and the set of as many movies and tv series. The opulence of this hotel greets you as soon as the sliding doors open. The tailored front desk staff are friendly, quick and efficient.

Spending a little time in Beverly Hills? The Beverly Hilton is the ideal location. Smartly situated at the intersection of world-famous Santa Monica and Wilshire Boulevards and a mere three blocks from Rodeo Drive, The Beverly Hilton is just minutes from Hollywood, downtown and the beaches.

Confession: My favorite part of the hotel is the bed. I know, I know...with such a historic landmark and elegance all around, how does bed find its place in this post?? Ladies and gentlemen, the beds at the Beverly Hilton are pure luxury. After my first night and a very restful sleep, I openly professed my love for that bed and wanted to know who manufactured such slumber deliciousness. I jumped up and pulled back the fitted sheets and looked for a label. Aha..."Sealy's The Beverly Hilton Plush...Made Expressly for The Beverly Hilton". How super chic??? They have pillow-top mattress made just for hotel. Love and got to have it!!!

*A-List tip - Have breakfast by the gorgeous pool side. Let the sunshine accompany your juice and toast. The set up is dreamy and the perfect backdrop for those vacation pictures!!!

Happy travels!!!!