Don't Get Too Comfortable

I'm not sure how the work of David Rakoff first came to my attention. It might have been on NPR. Or it could have been from a recommendation on amazon. Or it might have been some other way. Regardless, I picked up his book, Fraud, at a second hand store in Chicago and enjoyed his humorous essays. His erudite writing is similar in a style to David Sedaris (before he gave in to quantity over quality) or Sarah Vowell (whose new book is next on my list to read!).


Last June, I posted my reading list for summer 2008. I didn't accomplish as much as I hoped, but I have finished reading Don't Get Too Comfortable: The Indignities of Coach Class, the Torments of Low Thread Count, the Never-Ending Question for Artisanal Olive Oil, and Other First World Problems. In addition to the indignities of the subtitle, this book explores the problems that arise when you dine at over-rated pretentious northern California restaurants; have time to scour the earth of Brooklyn for edible greens, berries, and mushrooms; cruise on the Concord; and seek high fashion. Getting a facelift is another "First World Problem." The clip includes the author reading an abridged version of his piece on that incident. I'm not sure about the graphics or the author's rendition of the piece... I think I prefer reading it for myself.

Reading anything by Rakoff will enlarge your vocabulary. Here are a few words he uses: anomie, auteurism, coruscating, gorgons, hypertrophic, japery, oleaginous, priapic, purling, putative, reticulation, spurious, tumescence. All part of the average person's everyday speaking vocabulary, wouldn't you say?

Firefly Grill - Effingham, IL

Bread Pudding with Poached Pears & Caramel Rum Sauce

Firefly Grill (1810 Mid America Avenue) is a pleasant culinary surprise in Central Illinois. Located at the cross-roads of I-57 and I-70 midway between St. Louis and Indianapolis, Firefly is tucked away behind the unsightly freeway staples of franchise fast foods and big box retailers.

From their website: "Firefly's menu changes daily and boasts fresh seafood, oak fired steaks and brick oven pizzas. Firefly uses local ingredients whenever possible and fresh herbs and vegetables straight from their very own garden!"

The interior is open and airy. There is a porch with more tables overlooking a "lake" behind the restaurant. Casual business attire was worn by most in the lunch time crowd. The truckers and weary travelers found at some other Effingham restaurants weren't present at the Firefire Grill. Chopped wood for steaks and pizzas is stored in the front of the building. Native-style grasses are planted around the building. A more detailed review is available from Chicago Tribune.

Porgy & Bess

George Gershwin's music to the "American Folk Opera" Porgy & Bess is a melding of blues, jazz, classical, gospel, and folk music. Set in fictitious 1920s "Catfish Row" of Charleston, South Carolina, the opera tells the story of Porgy, a crippled black man and his attempts to rescue Bess from the clutches of Crown, her pimp, and Sportin' Life, the drug dealer. It is based on the novel Porgy by DuBose Heyward and a subsequent play adaptation by his wife, Dorothy Heyward. Both of the Heywards and George's brother, Ira, collaborated with George on the creation of the opera. The Lyric Opera of Chicago is currently presenting the opera and is seeing strong demand. An additional performance has been added which I am planning to attend next week.



Familiar songs from the show include: Summertime; A Woman is a Sometime Thing; I Got Plenty o' Nuttin'; It Ain't Necessarily So; Bess, You is my Woman Now; and Oh Lawd, I'm on my Way.

If you want to hear more check out these youtube clips from a filmed version: one, two, three.

Bongo Room - Chicago, IL

Bongo Room (1152 S Wabash Avenue) is one of my favorite South Loop breakfast/brunch places. They have an interesting and changing menu although I often opt for the sweeter and richer creations offered. This time I had Chocolate Tower French Toast (half order) and a side of turkey sausage. Other tempting items include Banana Peanut Butter Chip Pancakes, White Chocolate & Caramel Covered Pretzel Pancakes, Red Corn & Fresh Cranberry Flapjacks, Pumpkin-Carrot Pancakes, Pear Tarte-Tartin Hotcakes, Smoked Salmon Benedict, Black Bean & Sweet Potato Burrito, and more!

Chocolate Tower French Toast

bittersweet chocolate chunk bread stuffed with maple mascarpone,

banana creme brulee sauce, bananas & shaved chocolate

The restaurant is on the southeast corner of the block with windows on two sides letting in plenty of natural light. The service is friendly and quick and the decor is simple and colorful.

Food: *****

Ambience: ****

Service: ****

(out of 5 stars)