Deleece - Chicago, IL

Caramelized salmon, pan roasted served with Chinese

sticky black rice, spinach, leeks and pear-ginger sauce

Deleece (4004 N. Southport) was a pleasant surprise. Going only because of a discount coupon, I enjoyed the interesting combination of flavors served "curb-side" on the sidewalk. I would definitely go again... and I have another coupon, too!

Nickel & Dimed

Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America is an interesting and thought-provoking book to read. Written by Barbara Ehrenreich in the late 1990s, she recounts her experience working low wage jobs in Florida (waiting tables), Maine (house keeping), and Minnesota (retail). She tries to make ends meet without using her savings and documents the difficulties of the effort. All the stories are well-written, the outcome is expected and Ehrenreich doesn't provide many new insights into how we can really make life better for the working underclass. Nonetheless, I would recommend reading the book if only to remind you of the substantial efforts of those we can sometimes overlook. She is the author of many other books which I just might have to read if I have a chance!

Kitsch'n on Roscoe - Chicago, IL

Since 1998, Kitsch'n On Roscoe (2005 W Roscoe St.) offers a relaxed & casual neighborhood-style space offering an award-winning brunch and comfort food menu available all day, plus a full bar with a hip 70's "funk-ploitation" theme & too many tongue-in-cheek cultural decor references to mention (beer can collections, lava lamps, Billy Dee Williams "Colt 45" lighted signs, vintage lunchboxes, H&R Puff'n Stuff action figures, etc). [from restaurant webpage]

Fried Chicken & Waffles

Two pieces of Belgian Waffle served with fried chicken and a side of ancho-honey.

The place definitely lives up to it's name: There is "kitsch" galore!

Fargo, ND

North Dakota is home to the largest city named "Fargo" in the United States. Fargo, North Dakota, is home to approximately 100,000 residents and the core city of the Fargo-Moorhead area with nearly twice that population. Fargo, Arkansas (pop. 188); Fargo, California (now abandoned); Fargo, Georgia (pop. 380); and Fargo, Oklahoma (pop. 326) do not come close in size to the city made (in)famous by the 1996 movie.

Broadway in downtown Fargo. Condos are developed by

the Kilbourne Group. The Fargo Theatre marquee on the right.

View of downtown Fargo from the public library.

Circulation desk at the new Fargo Public Library

(Designed by Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle)