May 19, 2011 In Illinois, People, Photos

meet isas

Meet Isas

How could this picture not make you smile?

Because it’s a gorgeous day out, I decided to walk my errands today. Trader Joe’s was my last stop to stock up on a few snacks and some beer for after my double-header soccer game tonight. As I headed home I walked by an auto shop with a few guys standing outside taking what looked like a much deserved break. I smiled and said hi as I approached them. One of the guys saw my 6-pack of Blue Moon and jokingly reached for one of them. We both laughed as I walked by. As I turned the corner I thought, I have got to go back and give this guy a beer. He looked like a jolly and hard-working guy, why not?

I walked back and said “Here you go, enjoy!” He looked shocked, smiled huge, and was very appreciative. We laughed, I introduced myself and asked if I could take a photo of him of course. After a minute of chatter, he was being summoned to go back to work so we said our goodbye’s.

It’s amazing how a 2 minute interaction with someone you’d never otherwise meet can change your day, give you some perspective, or put a smile on your face. I always get back way more than I give when meeting people like Isas along my road. I live for this stuff. This, is what Blue Lollipop Road is all about.

Cheers Isas. Thanks for putting a smile on my face.

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May 18, 2011 In De-lish, Food, Illinois, People

‘it’s sweet, it’s fresh, and it’s gonna send you to sugar heaven.”

A friend called last minute on Friday, was in town for work for the day, and said he wanted pizza. Of course! I’m in Chicago, so deep dish was a must.

We met at Gino’s East of course:

Leftovers...mmm

We had quite the lunch experience. First lets start with my pizza; Deep dish cheese with tomatoes. My own perfect little pie:

Gino's East Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Perfect thick crust:

Gino's East Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

…and oh that cheese:

Gino's East Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

You all know me by now. You know I am a foodie, and that I think there is nothing more important than time with people you love, feasting and laughing. I’ve lunched with this particular friend bunches of times over the past 14 years, but this particular time was one of my all-time favorites because our waiter added the perfect entertainment value. He was sweet, polite, thorough and just an all around happy chatty guy. Meet Demi:

Demi, our Bulgarian waiter and I

Demi is from Bulgaria. We chatted about his time in Chicago, how much he loved his job and the people he works with at Gino’s. When I asked him if I could take a picture of him, he replied “Only if you are with me!”

I often wish when I write, you all could’ve been there, because words on a computer screen can’t capture moments as well as if you were in person when scenes unfold. After we paid our bill, Demi cooly breezed by our table out of nowhere, dropped a bag in front of me with an enormous cookie in it and simply said “It’s sweet, it’s fresh, and it’s gonna send you to sugar heaven” with his fantastic accent as he waved and went back to work.

We all rolled with laughter, and left stuffed and smiling. A delicious lunch with friends and a quote I’m sure we will use for lots of years to come.

Thanks Demi, you totally made our day. How did you know I love hot, fresh chocolate chip cookies anyway?

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May 17, 2011 In Funny signs, Illinois, Photos

the good ol’ lodge

Table at the Lodge, Chicago

Apparently they have been looking for help for a very long time. I’m thinking since they opened in 1957:

Sign in bathroom at the Lodge

This place is the epitome of a dive; dark walls and low ceilings, floor is covered in peanut shells, always packed, and it’s fantastically fun. If you are in Chicago, this is a must check out spot for a late night drink. Challenge if you go: See if it’s possible to actually fit 2 people in the 2 person stall bathroom.

The Lodge. I love it.

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