The Airportista

by Mara @ What's For Dinner? on August 6, 2009

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About a week ago, while wasting time on Twitter (are you following me yet?) I got a message from Gina, a.k.a. The Fitnessista, saying that she had a 2 hour layover in Chicago on August 6 at 6:45 and could Jenn and I meet up with her? Since I would be able to make it to O’Hare by that time on that day (today, duh) I jumped at the chance! I agreed to meet her, and even though our only option would be to get coffee from a kiosk because of security, we thought it would still be fun.

Then today, when I mentioned to my boss at camp that I had to be at the airport, he suggested that I leave a bit early so I could make it home first. I texted Gina and told her that I’d have some more time, and could I bring her dinner? When I suggested Indian, of course she agreed. She also said that The Pilot would want something a bit more hearty, so I offered to pick up food for him too.

First, I stopped at Portillo’s, a Chicago standby for Italian beef and hot dogs, and picked up a sandwich and salad for The Pilot (I’m calling him The Pilot because I can’t remember if its cool to use his name!). Then I headed to the Indian place nearest to us for food for Gina and me.

After braving the ridiculousness that is the parking garage at O’Hare, I made it into the baggage claim area and met up with Gina and Pilot! I recognized her right away, and we headed off in the baggage claim/terminal area to find a place to sit, eat, and chat. I think we all agreed that we should all live closer to each other! Unfortunately, Jenn couldn’t make it, but she was definitely missed!

I enjoyed my chicken tikka masala (a spicy Indian dish that I adore, complete with a little rice and a side of naan)

Gina had her favorite, Baigan bartha, of which I didn’t get a picture…but she did! And the Pilot completely devoured his authentic Chicago Italian beef sandwich with sweet peppers:

After thoroughly enjoying our meal on the baggage claim bench, chatting about weddings, blogging, food, and tons of other things, we took a picture in front of said bench:

You can’t see him in this picture, but that’s Al Capone on the left over there! Gina gave me this lovely bag before she headed to security to board her next flight:

Inside? Oh only the most delicious raw macaroons ever! There were coconut AND chocolate ones!

Of course I had one of each as soon as I got home. Amazing!

I had so much fun meeting Gina, and I really hope we can hang out again sometime, maybe somewhere a bit more fun than Terminal 1 at O’Hare!

A day wouldn’t be complete without a camper quote of the day, but this one is a bit different as it comes to you in visual form. Today’s craft was beaded necklaces, and some of the beads were plastic letters. My friend’s camper randomly chose a bunch of beads out of the bucket and strung them on her string. Why is this a quote of the day? Well… this girl can’t read yet… and here’s what came out:

Yup… a bead moan.

Tomorrow is Harry Potter day at camp, and I’m going as the Snitch! You know, the little golden ball with silver wings? My friend is going as a Firebolt, and another friend as a bludger. You could say we’re nearly a Quidditch set!

I also just got news that another one of my photos was accepted on Tastespotting! Check it out here!

Happy almost Friday!