Joy Yee's - Avocado Freeze Ritual

Avocado Freeze with tapioca. Definitely one thing that I have to put into my digestive system whenever I'm in Chicago. Joy Yee's have gazillions fresh fruit drink selections, so indecisive people beware!
I can rave all day about their drinks but the food had some hits and misses. Joy Yee's is not authentic Asian cuisines, they reminded me of college's students comfort food. Wide food range: Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Thai. Expect them to be greasy, jumbo in proportions, but not so big on taste.

Me likey: Thai Fried Calamari

Joy Yee's Escargot. YUM!

Thai Spicy Red Snapper

So-So:Ong Toy with Shrimp Paste

String Beans with Salted Fish

Korean BBQ Short Ribs

There are four Joy Yee's locations spread in Illinois: Chicago, Evanston, and Naperville. Additionally, they're now serving sushi, Pho noodle soup, and frozen yogurt in Chinatown Chicago. Make sure you make a stop for their fresh fruit freeze! If only I can have my avocado freeze in hot sunny LA...

Joy Yee's Noodle
Chicago-Evanston-Naperville, IL
www.joyyee.com

Quartino - Bon Appetito in Chicago

After months of anticipation, finally the days I've been waiting for had come - two of my dearest friends were getting hitch! To top it all off, the wedding reception was held in Chicago and most of my college buddies back from Michigan State University (yep, I'm a proud Spartan) were reunited... WOHOOO it felt so good to be back to Chi-town...

Windy city + friends reunion + exquisite wedding = FIESTA!!!

So, what should a hungry girl do after hours of flight from LAX-MDW? Eat, eat, eat...

Back in 2007, the wedded couple took me to Quartino, for a delightful Italian tapas and I just wanna relive the experience once again.

The minute I stepped into Quartino, we were warmly welcomed and seated in the outdoor patio.
Substantial marble tables and nice comfortable chairs makes it pretty, however the patio was too close to the walking pavements and streets which means loud noises, walking hobos and traffic.

Since we were in a small plates movements, so we ordered three dishes for the two of us to share.

Veal Meatballs Napolli - Meatballs will never be the same again! Served on a hot pan with sun dried tomatoes, sweet raisins, and MAGIC sauce. Melts in your mouth! I never knew meatballs can change my life. sweeter, meatier, juicier, and tastier! Ahhhh....Polenta Fries with red pepper sauce - I was trying so hard to like this dish after my first bite. To say the sauce was bland would be an understatement. Judging from the bold orange color I expected it to be spicy, or at least gimme some taste. Such a waste of my tummy space!
Steamed Clam with Pinot Grigio and red chili broth - it was lots of tasty clams and the broth was fantastic. The thin slices of garlic were the perfect compliment to the clams.It was a good way to kick start my Chicago trip. Bon Appetito!

Quartino
626 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 698-5000
www.quartinochicago.com