Social Butterfly Chicago

Confidence

To be a "social butterfly", you have to have a certain level of confidence.  Confidence in yourself, your ability to interact with other people, that you have something to say, and that you are the best that you can be.

Which brings me to a discussion that I have been reluctant to voice, but feel I cannot be silent about any longer.  Yes, I'm sure you are all tired of hearing about Heidi Montag and her plastic surgeries as am I, but there is a bigger issue at stake - the way women feel about themselves.  While I do not care much for Miss Montag, I feel sorry for her.  She is 23 years old and has had countless plastic surgeries to try to turn herself into what she thinks is physical perfection.  Unfortunately, I see this type of behavior, though not quite this extreme, not only in young women, but in older women as well.  For some reason, they feel that they are not good enough, even when they are smart, in shape and beautiful.

Trying to change one's appearance drastically on the surface is never going to give you real self confidence.  Embrace the characteristics that make you you!  If we all went around being perfect clones, life would be SO boring.  There are so many different and diverse kinds of beauty in the world.  People respond to others who exude confidence and are comfortable with who they are.   Obviously, Heidi is not comfortable with who she is and never has been.  While my personal opinion of her is that she is a superficial numb-skull, she absolutely, as far as her looks go, she was a beautiful, cute, sweet looking girl.   Now she looks like a human Barbie doll.

She's 23.  No one needs liposuction at 23!  Most women who are in there 40's, 50's or 60's don't NEED botox, they just think they do.  

My point is, if you have confidence, you won't need these things.  You love yourself enough to be ok with maybe that tiny bit of cellulite- every woman has some, no matter how in shape she is.  Look at Jennifer Lopez.  She has an amazing body, but yes, she has some cellulite.  Be ok with a line or two-it shows you've had a life and you have lived it.  Know yourself.  Love yourself.

Be the best you can be by doing those things, not succumbing to superficial procedures that take away from who you really are.  You are a woman, you are amazing!
 

Flying Saucer

 I love breakfast at a restaurant that knows how to do breakfast.  That's what I got when I stopped in at Flying Saucer in Humbolt Park.  Inside, it looks like a lunch counter/kitchen from the 1950's.  It has on old refrigerator like the one your grandmother probably had, right behind the counter, and a 1940's style radio above a shelf of all kinds of loose teas.  Earl Grey, Mint Cranberry and a host of others, perfect for your morning drink.  

Flying saucer has a vegan menu, but does offer bacon and sausage for people who prefer it with their meal.  They use local merchants whenever possible for their food, and they have quite a collection of local art on the wall.  It is a small, intimate place with loft like ceilings and exposed brick that draws an eclectic crowd.  It has little nostalgic nuances, such as cake domes on the counter, and those little mini cereal boxes that my grandparents use to buy for me.

Now, for the breakfast.  I had the special of the day, French Toast with Chocolate Sauce and Peanut Butter Ganache.  OMG, it was to just die for!  Bacon was good and crisp, and coffee was excellent.

Flying Saucer also serves lunch, which I am excited to go back and try!

Flying Saucer

1123 N California Avenue

Chicago, Il 60622

(773)342-9076

8am - 3pm Daily

Cash only

Irazu

  Irazu is the name of one of many volcanoes in Costa Rica.  Luckily for us, it is also a restaurant in Chicago that serves fabulous Costa Rican food.

Rafters and ceiling fans, wrought iron fixtures, golden yellow walls, one with a beautiful tropical mural painted by a local Chicago artist makes you feel as if you are sitting in a small restaurant in Central America.  It's no surprise, as Irazu is owned by the Cerdas family, who originated from Cartaga, Costa Rica.

Once seated, homemade tortilla chips and Lizano sauce are brought to the table.  Lizano sauce is a staple of Costa Rican fare, and is a non-spicy condiment, marinade and salsa.  The tortilla chips are super fresh, and have a slight sweet/salty taste, which the Lizano compliments perfectly.  I then ordered the Tilapia Tacos, and they were amazing.  The tortillas are made with corn flour instead of whole grain, which gives them a much smoother texture and flavor.  The tilapia was flavorful and tender, and not a hint of a fishy taste whatsoever.  My dish came with fried plantains (so good!), and Gallo Pinto, which is a blend of white rice, black beans and various spices.  So delicious, that the Gallo Pinto could be a meal all on its own.  And lastly, cabbage salad.  I have to say I'm not a fan of cabbage salad, but this one was quite tasty.

For dessert, I had an Avena (oatmeal) shake.  Sounds strange, I know, but it was recommended by my waiter, so I gave it a shot.  All I can say is "Delish".  Tastes like ice cream!  You can have it made with milk or soy, and I had mine with soy.

Irazu is a BYOB establishment, and all of their menu prices are quite reasonable.  They have outside seating in the summer, and is available to rent out for private parties.  Just make sure you bring cash, as that is the only form of payment they accept.  I did not know this, and I felt a little ridiculous, but my waiter said not to worry, just enjoy my dinner, and the owner would hold my receipt and I could come back and settle up.  Amazing! - who does that in this day and age?  They have a lifetime customer in me!

Irazu

1865 N Milwaukee Avenue

Chicago, IL

(773)252-5687

Open Monday through Saturday

11:30 am to 9:30pm

Closed Sunday