Sociable

Today was a rarity in my book.

Usually, every summer, I get ONE day off during the summer between the end of school and the next school year. This year, due to various issues, I’ll be getting MANY days off this summer, and today was the first of those. I spent the morning sleeping in (until 9 a.m.!!!) and then taking a luxurious shower that was more than the usual ten minutes. ‘Twas lovely.

Then, I met two other counselors who also happened to have the day off for lunch, spent some time shopping at the “mother ship” Crate and Barrel, wandered around World Market, and then met my mom for an early and leisurely dinner at a favorite local place, Prairie Grass Cafe.

I’ve been to Prairie Grass a few other times, usually for family birthdays or other events, and it has never failed to be fantastic. Something that is particularly unique about Prairie Grass is that they focus primarily on local, sustainable, and organic meats and produce. Many of the dishes on the menu have the name of the farm from where the meat or veggie came right next to it.

It’s a casual place, but they have amazing little touches, like fresh-baked baguettes

and a simple syrup in a little jar to sweeten our iced tea.

Both my mom and I were quick to decide on our entree, but I could’ve eaten one of everything on the menu. My mom opted for the boneless half chicken (a feat of knife skills if I’ve ever seen one!) with zucchini and creamy polenta.

It was crispy, herby, salty, and delicious. The polenta rivaled any I’ve ever had, and the sauce was both delicate and strong-tasting at the same time.

I opted for something that was a real treat: Wild Caught Alaskan King Salmon. Why a treat? Well, I haven’t seen affordable wild-caught salmon in a really long time, and my mom insisted I get what I wanted to eat… so I went for it.

This was a dish designed for me (ok, maybe me and Gina, our salmon-lovin’ Fitnessista). Grilled salmon, just a little rare in the middle, topped with watercress, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and cucumber atop a tomato coulis. It was supposed to come with forbidden black rice, but since I’m watching my carb/grain intake, I opted instead for their “beans and greens” which today was cannellini beans with Swiss chard.

This will be reproduced soon, no doubt. The tomato sauce was lemon-spiked, and the overall flavor was very “Greek”. I always forget how much I like Swiss chard until someone else makes it for me… I must remember that I like greens!

I know I didn’t blog last night, but I do have a Camper QOTD (Quote of the Day) from yesterday! As heard among three 6-year-old girls:

“My mom talks to turtles.”

“Well, my mom talks to turtles AND horses.”

“WELLLLL my mom only talks to people, but our cats talk to her.”

Oy. Kids… they crack me up! Tomorrow is going to be a lovely fish-filled day at the Shedd Aquarium (ironic that I just ate fish?) and a shoreline cruise on Lake Michigan. I’ll make sure to share some scenery shots with you tomorrow.

Have a great night and a lovely Wednesday!

Tagged as: camp, Chicago, Chicago dining, chicken, dinner, dinner out, family, fun, local, Prairie Grass, salmon