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I'm back from a great weekend spent in Chicago with my sister Maggie.  We stayed in Bedford Park with my niece and her husband.  I refer to their street as Wisteria Lane - it's such a cute neighborhood.

Ate lots of good food.  We had El Pollo Loco on Friday for lunch.  My first time there.  It's pretty tasty.
El Pollo Loco, pronounced “L Po-yo Lo-co” and Spanish for “The Crazy Chicken,” is the nation’s leading quick-service restaurant chain specializing in flame-grilled chicken. Founded in Guasave, Mexico in 1975, El Pollo Loco’s long-term success stems from the unique preparation of its award-winning “pollo”-- fresh chicken marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices and citrus juices passed down from the founding family. The marinated chicken is then flame-grilled, hand cut and served hot off the grill with warm tortillas and a wide assortment of side dishes.

Rounding out the menu are fresh flavorful entrées inspired by the kitchens of Mexico, including Signature Grilled Burritos, Pollo Bowls, Pollo Salads, Tacos al Carbon and Quesadillas. And of course, there is the fresh salsa bar featuring our famous House Salsa, alongside our Avocado, Chipotle and Pico de Gallo salsas. All are made fresh daily.
Friday evening we went to Zacataco's.  Authentic mexican food - fabulous.

Saturday - Geppetto's - the baked Italian Sphaghetti is so good.

To round it all out, we went to the Shop and Save and got polish goods to bring home - fresh polish sausage, and potato/cheese homemade perogi's.  Oh, I got some Dill Pickle soup too - yum.

It was cold and windy in Chicago yesterday.  Very "bite-y" cold.

Back to the routine now.....cooking at home and just chain restaurants around here - so un-fun.
Have a good week.
TTFN - Babs

See Ya'

Off to Chicago.  Be back in a few days!

TTFN - Babs

Drew

I'd like to introduce to you my nephew, Drew.  He is my brother Mike's oldest son.

 

Drew is twenty something - five maybe!!  He lives in Orlando also.  He is a graduate of the University of Florida and is an aeronautical engineer.  We like to refer to him as a rocket scientist.  He loves his Gators!

Drew works for a company that designs and makes missile defense stuff.  He enjoys his work and is moving up the ranks at a pretty good clip.  

He recently purchased a home in a nice little 'burb in Orlando.  He is learning all about home ownership and decorating.  He's slowly learning the art of cooking.  He has a desire to master BBQ'ing.  He likes his Weber Grill - just like his Grampa Bruno -  he prefers to cook with charcoal.

Drew is very independent, he likes to think things through, he doesn't make quick decisions at all.  He weighs out all options.  He's very sensible.  Drew likes to travel.  He went to Japan last year and really enjoyed it. He took some really great pictures of parks and gardens.  He was brave and stayed in a Capsule Hotel.   He's doing some undergrad work in photography - he's an understudy of my niece Jessie.  You can find them on twochmuras.wordpress.com.  Drew enjoys music also.  He has a great sense of humor.  He doesn't think he could trust a woman with his credit card, not even me, Aunt Barb!  Imagine that!


Drew's a great guy.  I feel honored when he calls me and asks me for advice - be it cooking, decorating or whatever.

TTFN - Babs

I figured I'd hear something

If you read the comments on my posts, you will see that Marlene "had to complain" about the Mike post.  She didn't like the picture of her!  So, to make her happy, let's try again.

Is that better, honey?  I think you're adorable.
TTFN - Babs

Ahh! Perfection!

Pumpkin Muffins!  Perfect for fall.

I just love my little european cupcake papers too!
It's another gorgeous day today.  Out thermometer is reading 60.3 degrees!
TTFN - Babs

Family

This is my younger brother Mike and his girlfriend Marlene.  He will probably yell at me for not showcasing him alone but, you know, Marlene is his everything so why not put her in the picture.  I promise I won't talk about her.


Mike lives in Orlando with his three boys, Drew, Adam and Erik.  He is an accountant - our numbers man.  Mike and I are a lot alike (I think).  He is very calm, level headed, thinks things through, weighs pro and cons before making decisions.  He is always fair and doesn't hesitate to confront situations.  If any major family concerns arise, we usually consult Mike because he makes good, rational decisions.


He is a good father and a great provider and mentor for the boys.  He likes fine things - has great taste in clothing, food, wine and cigars (oh I guess in women too - like that Marlene!).  He always makes guests feel welcomed in his home, always opening his door to anyone who wants to visit.  He knows how to show people a good time.  He likes to do fun things.  One of his favorite hobbies is fly fishing.  He comes up to Muskegon several times a year to do just that.  There's nothing better for him then spending time on the river! And he makes a conscious effort to visit "Granny" several times a year.


I turn to Mike for his opinions on things often.  Though far away, I feel very close to him.  He's a great guy with great boys.  We visit him in Orlando at least once a year and really look forward to it.  Can't wait to get there this winter.  He gives me free rein of his house - organizing the pantry and kitchen cupboards, cooking, cleaning, re-arranging things.....I guess he trusts my taste.  He has great suggestions for good restuarants too.


Next, we'll talk about the boys. You'll meet Toby the dog, as well as learn a little bit about Marlene and her darling daughters.


It's absolutely gorgeous here for Nov. 8th.  At one time, the outside temp was 64 degrees.  The hubby is on his Harley as I write.  Can't ask for better weather.

TTFN - Babs

Mandarin Orange Cake

We celebrated Mr. Richard's birthday with one of his favorite cakes - Mandarin Orange Cake.  This is truly an easy cake and oh so moist.  It's surely to become a favorite in your household.

Mandarin Orange Cake
One yellow cake mix
4 eggs
1 can mandarin oranges (11 oz)
1 cup oil

Mix all the ingredients together in a medium sized bowl.  Pour into two greased and floured round pans.
Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.  Cool.

Frosting:
1-16 oz container cool whip
1 pkg. instant vanilla pudding
1 24-oz can crushed pineapple (drained)
Mix all together.  Cut the two layers in half to create four layers.  Frost.  Eat.
Leftovers (if any) in refrigerator due to cool whip frosting.  Enjoy!

TTFN - Babs