Jeff Beck a No Go: Then a No Show

My husband, Al, and his friend, Wally, had plans to see Jeff Beck Friday night in Chicago.  Only this is Wally's World and Wally did not realize the tickets were for Thursday night. Once the error was found, the boys called, emailed and begged, but to no avail, they weren't getting in.

We stayed at the Sofitel on Wabash street.  Great location, great rates, hoppin' Bar, Euro crowd, breakfast to die for.  Bar served Absinthe, which Al gave a try. Absinthe was banned in the US since 1912 and just legalized in 2007.  It is licorice flavor but a bit strong for my taste.

We had dinner at a restaurant, with origins in Greenwich Village, food styled from the Abruzzo region of Italy.   This was our second visit to IL Mulino. Totally cool building for all you architectural design freaks.  It was a converted "mansion" of days gone by, woodwork over the top and 18 foot ceilings. 

Three of us entered to a flurry of waiters bringing all kinds of complementary anti pasta to our table, before we could order our first drink.  There was a garlicky bruschetta, spicy zucchini chips, italian salami.  I had the mushroom risotto 1/2 portion.  So good.  Enough to share with Al.  We declined desert.  Double espresso and cappuccinos instead, topped off with a complimentary house infused tropical fruit Grappa.  We drank a great Tuscan wine a Brunello di Montalcino. My husband thought the wine list was a bit limited.  We had a totally enjoyable meal.  We saved a seat at the table for Jeff but he was a no show.

"Ivan the Terrible" and Portuguese Man of War

I am visiting the Gulf of Mexico at Gulf Shores Alabama where hurricane Ivan hit in 2004.  Five years has passed and I am awe struck at the damages that are still evident, especially to the grasslands and trees. They look like a fire has devoured them when actually they have died from the salt water exposure more than a mile off  of the beach.  Acres and acres of state park area has been affected.

The good news is that the sugar white beaches are beautiful here.   However, as luck would have it, the weather pattern has the ocean a bit angry and has brought in Portuguese Man of War in great abundance. Did you know toughing them can sting even after they are dead and tentacles sting even when torn from the body?   The good news is they are predicting great weather starting Sunday and I will be home in chilly Cincinnati by then.