It touches your very soul, stirs your senses, brings forth your creativity, and before you know it, you are on a threshold of your own personal Renaissance. It smacks you awake, and your life is changed forever.
Vojnovic was describing Florence, Italy, and there is much truth in what she said.
By way of Go Ahead Tours, I had the opportunity to spend a week there in March and can honestly say it did, indeed, change my life.
Also known as Firenze, Florence is a town rich in culture and history. So much so that someone like me, someone who is not an art or history buff, was able to cherish every bit of what I learned and saw.
But if you’re still sitting there thinking, “I really don’t care much for old buildings, paintings or statues, Camille,” know that Florence has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a foodie, a wine connoisseur, a shopaholic or something else, you will find the city an easy one to fall in love with.
And here are five reasons why that is exactly what I did.
It was a crisp 59 degrees when I hopped out of the black Lincoln Navigator.
With each step I took, my curls bounced, my gown glimmered, my face beamed.
As I got closer to the door, I gazed at the sign above: Gate 14.
The 1,278-day hiatus was over. I had finally returned to Soldier Field – home of the Chicago Bears!
Only this time, it wasn’t for a football game. It was for something more important.
On Saturday, June 4, I attended my third Bears Care Gala. Hosted by the Bears’ non-profit organization, Bears Care, the charity event provided funding for ongoing research to cure breast and ovarian cancer.
Bears Care partners with NorthShore University HealthSystem, Northwestern Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County and the University of Chicago Medicine.
Individual gala tickets ranged from $750 to $2,000. However, the experience was truly priceless.
Bears coaches, players (past and present) and fans all came out to support the cause. Those in attendance included general manager Ryan Poles, head coach Matt Eberflus, quarterback Justin Fields and former defensive tackle Anthony “Spice” Adams.
As an avid Bears fan, of course, I jumped at the chance to meet and snap pictures with some of the players.
They were all, unsurprisingly, warm and welcoming, especially the wide receiver who was seated at my table.
Byron Pringle was one of the nicest athletes I’ve ever met. He charmed us all, joining in on the conversations and joking around.
And the former Kansas City Chief even played along when I wanted to strike a non-traditional pose for our photo.
Moreover, those who attended the gala were not the only ones supporting Bears Care that evening. There was a silent auction with items that people at home could also bid on.
Among those items were jerseys signed by Bears quarterback Justin Fields and running back David Montgomery, a Duke football signed by Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and baskets full of wine and liquor.
In addition to the silent auction, a live one took place during the dinner program. Various enticing vacation packages were up for grabs – including a trip with Bears linebacker Roquan Smith.
The auction was entertaining, as the bids went as high as $43,000. The whole ordeal left me both wide-eyed and mouth agape. I had never seen anything like it.
With all of the money raised through the formal affair, Bears Care anticipated presenting nearly $700,000 to its medical partners, per Bears writer Larry Mayer.
Thus, exhibiting why “Bears Care” is a fitting name for the organization.
Watching a Bulls game while having dinner at Michael Jordan’s Steak House, located at 505 N Michigan Ave on the Magnificent Mile, seemed like a good way to spend an evening.
Turns out, it was! The food, and the Bulls’ comeback win, made for an enjoyable experience.
To start, the buttery garlic bread with cheesy fondue was a mouthwatering match that had me “mmm”-ing with each mouthful. That may or may not have led me to devour everything on the plate (with zero regrets).
In addition, although I am not a huge fan of mushrooms, the bisque was surprisingly palatable. It was light and silky with a mild flavor. I had to resist the urge to lick the bowl in the middle of the restaurant.
The NY strip, too, did not disappoint. I ordered it medium-rare, the only respectable way to eat a steak (sorry, well-doners!). It was so tender it melted in my mouth, and the ancho dust added a whisper of smoky zest that was different but not unwelcome.
I don’t have much to say about the dessert. The cheesecake tasted like cheesecake. It was nothing special.
What’s more, I deducted half a star because the size of the dessert was underwhelming. I (foolishly) expected a slice, not something I would finish in two spoonfuls.
Outside of the child-size dessert, I was pleased with the G.O.A.T.’s restaurant and will return when the mood strikes me.
You can view the Michael Jordan’s Steak House menus here.
Flourless chocolate lava cake: chocolate hazelnut center, crème anglaise, raspberry sauce (I requested this sauce be omitted.), crushed hazelnuts
Review
If you give me a seafood meal any day of the week, I am usually a happy camper.
But that was not the case the day I had dinner at Catch 35, located at 35 W Wacker Dr in River North.
First, the calamari came out minutes after I ordered it. Not a good sign.
On half of the pieces, the breading was soggy and falling off before I could even get them into my mouth, which was disappointing for an appetizer with “crispy” in its name.
The main course, however, was better. But not by much. The scallops and shrimp were cooked well, and the risotto was the right consistency, but it needed salt. And as someone who has a low tolerance for salt, that is saying something.
Additionally, the portion was too small. After about five spoonfuls, it was gone. Considering how much they charge for this risotto (a whopping $36!), that’s simply not enough food.
Now, I am aware that “fancy” restaurants are notorious for serving tiny food at high prices, but I didn’t even pay full price for this dish and I still felt ripped off.
Nevertheless, the dessert was the best thing I ate at Catch 35. The chocolate cake was moist with a warm, ooey-gooey, nutty center. It was a comforting treat after a long day at work – and a subpar meal.
All-in-all, my dining experience at Catch 35 was not what I’d hoped for a menu valued at $55. Needless to say, I will not be returning.
Brunch patatas bravas: spicy potatoes with tomato aioli, sunny side up egg
Dessert
Butterscotch custard: salted caramel
Review
I have walked past Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba!, located in River North at 441 N Clark St #1, many times and never gone in – until now.
And I’m glad I did, because the food was fantastic. Each course was packed with flavor.
The sweetness and spice of the pepper marmalade paired beautifully with the savory bacon, egg and cheddar sandwich. The smooth, silky tomato aioli complemented the crispy potatoes. And the creamy butterscotch custard (recommended by the bartender)was the perfect blend of salt and sugar.
Every bite that went into my mouth was delicious. I will be returning to Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba! for more.
June 30, 1971, was one of the greatest days in movie history.
It was the day Golden Tickets and Oompa Loompas became a permanent part of popular culture.
The day the late Gene Wilder first appeared in that trademark top hat and grape jacket.
The day that opened the door to a world of pure imagination.
Yes, on June 30, 1971, Paramount Pictures (and Wolper Pictures) released Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The movie follows poor, sweet Charlie Bucket who, with his nutty Grandpa Joe, enters and experiences a place unlike any other – a place he’s only dreamed of. It’s a fun, silly flick with a heartwarming ending.
Even though I wasn’t alive in 1971, I can still appreciate this comical classic. And in honor of the film’s 50th anniversary, here are three reasons why Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory sits atop my list of favorites.
The way 2020’s been going, it seems as good a time as any to get a bit nostalgic – taking it back 30 years.
Now, I don’t remember much from 1990, as I was only a few years old at the time. But that doesn’t mean I can’t love and appreciate the gems that were produced that year.
With that said, here are five films that haven’t lost their luster over the past three decades.
Home Alone
I don’t even like Christmas movies; yet, I’ve seen Home Alone more times than I can count. I’d even be bold enough to dub it a classic.
Home Alone is just one of those movies that can be watched at any time during the year, not just in December.
Aside from that whole taking-down-serial-burglars thing, I could relate to Kevin McCallister. His family blamed him for things that weren’t really his fault and he was often overlooked.
One thing I could not relate to, however, was having the whole house to himself. Dude was living the dream.
Edward Scissorhands
Director and producer Tim Burton is known for his strange, and sometimes dark, films. And Edward Scissorhands is definitely one of them.
Johnny Depp’s outstanding portrayal of Edward, a man-made man with scissor hands who interacts with humans after a life in isolation, earned him a Golden Globe nomination in 1991.
Winona Ryder also did an excellent job in the role of the lovely Kim Boggs, Edward’s love interest, who looks past his unusual appearance and falls for him.
And if you’re into film scores, like I am, Edward Scissorhands is a fantastic choice. The music is hauntingly beautiful.
Problem Child
In this hilarious flick, the late John Ritter plays Ben Healy, a corny but kind man who adopts a redheaded boy after he finds out his wife can’t have kids.
Enter Junior.
Unfortunately, Junior is kind of a nightmare. Some of his antics include “accidentally” setting his room on fire and ruining a girl’s birthday party (In his defense, though, she was awful to him for no reason.).
Be that as it may, Junior behaves this way for a (good?) reason. And if you watch the movie, you will find out why.
Kindergarten Cop
Long before Arnold Schwarzenegger was the Governator (and not too long after Terminator), he played a role that melted my frostbitten heart: a kindergarten teacher.
Although he was actually an undercover cop who was there to find out information about one of the students, the bond he formed with the kids was so touching.
Additionally, the movie gave us this memorable scene showing the, um, refreshing honesty of children.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Let me preface this by saying that my brother and I loved this movie. We loved it so much we watched it all the time. All. The. Time.
OK, sure. The costumes and special effects were subpar. And it had its fair share of cheesy, cringe-y moments. But this is the 90s we’re talking about here. That was par for the course back then.
None of that matters now. There’s still something about seeing the live-action version of the cartoon we watched that continues to give us a special feeling.
To this day, this is the only TMNT movie we acknowledge.
Aria Montgomery, Emily Fields, Hanna Marin, and Spencer Hastings. The pretty little liars – four 16-year-old girls trying to cope with the disappearance and “death” of their group leader, the Alison “Ali” DiLaurentis.
But stalker-villain(s), simply known as “A,” had other plans for them, determined to make the girls pay for past wrongs – theirs and Ali’s.
Let me tell you, Pretty Little Liars was my jam. I was obsessed. My best friend and I spent every week discussing our theories on who “A” was (We were always wrong!). And I even did a tour of the set at Warner Brothers Studios in California.
Alison’s house; Rosewood High School; The town church.
It has officially been 10 years since Pretty Little Liars first aired. So naturally, a rewatch of the series was in order.
Here’s what I loved and hated about each season this time around.
It was the year 2000 when two fast-talking, food-scarfing, coffee-chugging brunettes entered my life. They were Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, a quirky mother and daughter navigating through life, relationships and a small town of sweet but wacky characters.
They were the Gilmore Girls, whose stories I followed each week on, you guessed it, Gilmore Girls.
Gilmore Girls was a regular part of my life for seven years. I was close to Rory’s age when the show first aired. So, I grew up when she grew up.
Now that I am the same age as Lorelai in Season 1, I am seeing the show from a different perspective. I like to refer to this perspective as my “adult eyes.”
And with these new “adult eyes,” five things stood out to me in my recent rewatch of Gilmore Girls.
