Tonight was our blogger meet-up! After work, I headed out to pick up Jenn and our foodie friend, and then we went to pick up Michelle at work. Then, after a crazy roundabout (ok, ok, I got us lost) trip, we FINALLY got to our destination: Cafe Laguardia in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. It’s a very cool area, and this restaurant is NO exception! There are leopard and zebra printed couches, and the entire place is decorated to look very tropical. We met Shannon and immediately got to talking food and blogging.
It was so much fun to be in a group of people who didn’t think taking pictures of dinner was weird! Each and every one of those girls are just as sweet and energetic as they are on their blogs, and I cant WAIT to see them again! Guess I’ll have to start traveling…
On to dinner: I ordered a plate of tostones for the table which came with a delicious garlic sauce for dipping. I have to say, while these were great, I really didn’t miss the oil when I made them myself!
mmm... tostones
Then, for my entree, I ordered one of my favorite things: ropa vieja! It was rich and flavorful, and not at all greasy! I ate it with a bit of the rice, and ate only some of the beans:
Ropa Vieja autentico
Sorry for the flashed out pictures, but the lighting was HORRIFIC, and it was the only way to get any sort of photo of dinner! I can’t wait to go back and try even more dishes. There were lots of black beans at the table, Shannon got some shrimp, and Jenn got this amazing veggie plate complete with sweet plantains and yucca root. Michelle got a traditional Cuban pressed sandwich with chicken, and she said it was quite spicy… must try next time!
After sitting around and chatting for a while, we decided to hit the road, but not before the obligatory group picture!
SO MUCH FUN!!!!
Sorry about the red-eye Shannon, I just COULD NOT get it fixed and looking normal!!
I’m officially SPENT! Thanks for such a fun night ladies, and I hope we can do it again!!!
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Have you ever tried to make ropa vieja? I’ve never actually had it but it looks so good and not that hard to make, from recipes I’ve seen. Just curious
What a fun-looking dinner!
Hallie´s last blog post..Banana-Mango Green Smoothie, Please!
I have no idea what ropa vieja is. Doesn’t that mean “old clothing”?
I love those ladies! I’m so glad you had fun!
Sarah (lovINmytummy)´s last blog post..Wanna Play Footsie?
HOW FUN!!
does that mean we healthy living bloggers should have our meet up in a gym?
I vote for pedicures I think
MizFit´s last blog post..Stonyfield Farm Organic Yogurt is…
Woo hoo!! What a fun night!!
Melissa´s last blog post..Trying To Catch Up
awww what a fun time!!!!! I’m so jealous!!
ahhhh TODAY IS CUTE FOOD SATURDAY! can’t wait
glidingcalm´s last blog post..Ready for Summer!!!!
SOOO FUN! Love love love it!
Don’t worry about the red-eye, I always have it — always. The Mister thinks I’m possessed
Shannon (The Daily Balance)´s last blog post..Solve it – What to wear?!
fun fun night, mara! you’re right about the tostones — yours looked much better! and that ropa vieja … mmmmmmmm. i loooooove latin food (obviously).
glad you had an awesome time! you live near so many fun ladies, and i bet they were thrilled to be guests at your (err, the restaurant’s) dinner table!
Sarah (Tales of Expansion)´s last blog post..Humbangu
I’m glad you guys had such a great time! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
I don’t know what tostones are but anything with a garlic dipping sauce sounds fine with me!
I’m kind of jealous that you got to spend the evening with these ladies! Love the group photo!!
Lara (Thinspired)´s last blog post..When It Rains, It Pours. (a lot of food 05/15/09)
such a fun night!!~~~
coco´s last blog post..A "housewife day"~~
That sounds like an awesome place! I LOVE TOSTONES TOO! I’m so glad ya’ll got to meet up (again in some cases!)!!!
I’m ready for some cute food!
Erin´s last blog post..Erin: Fun times at McAlister’s Deli
SO cute, what a fun din!! omg i need to get me some cuban food in my life
carolinebee´s last blog post..Math Woes
You guys are so cute ! I love reading about your Chigao blogger dates.
Hangry Pants´s last blog post..She Says: 12.5 Hours on My Bum
Holla! Great recap, Mara! It was soo much fun and you were so right about that restaurant. Everything that went into my mouth was positively scrumptious!! Love the group picture (edited edition, lol)
Can’t wait for the next one!
Jenn (eating bender)´s last blog post..Cookbook Winner + Sweet Treats
Looks like a fun night! Oh, how I wished I lived in Chicago
I wish you did too!!!
{ 1 trackback }