I don't go to Chicago as often as I'd like, it takes time away from writing and I still work full time.
Usually when my younger daughter comes home, we visit Chicago, and the trip always includes a visit to the Art Institute and a new restaurant.
Sayat Nova is not exactly new, it has been in that same location for decades, about 40 years. I used to eat there frequently (also decades ago). Lat winter I introduced my daughter to the restaurant, and beside I was curious whether it was still a good and reasonable place to eat. I'd hoped the old saying you can't go back again didn't apply. I was delighted to find that it didn't, the food was delicious.
I love Middle Eastern cuisine, and they serve the Falafel, Baba Ghannouj, Armenian Spinach, various Kebabs in style, nicely seasoned, fresh and simply mouth watering.
The restaurant is small, cozy, with just the right touches of Eastern decor; the lighting subdued and romantic but you can still see what you're eating. It is perfect for an intimate dinner.
The location is perfect, right off Michigan Avenue and shopping frenzy. A great place for lunch or dinner.
Sayat Nova
157 E. Ohio St.
Chicago, IL 60611
Till next time,
Margot Justes
http://www.mjustes.com/
A Hotel in Paris
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Dining in Chicago by Margot Justes
I live about 30 minutes away from the center of Chicago, the city offers world class amenities, architecture, museums, orchestras, operas, hotels and restaurants. The city has everything, including a magnificent lake shore. It is a world class city, yet it gives the impression of intimacy.
It is not as the expression goes, 'a concrete jungle'. Trees and depending on the season, flowers, and all sorts of greenery line the sidewalks of Michigan Avenue.
The Fine Cuisine is also world class and sometimes the restaurants are housed in amazing places.
The two I list below are just such places.
The Everest restaurant, (run by the Lettuce Entertain You establishment) sits atop the 40th floor on 1 Financial place. It is a world class eating establishment. The French cuisine is excellent, the service incomparable, the view stunning and the price very steep.
It is dining at its best, not a place for casual every day eating, unless you're very wealthy and incredibly thin. But for a special occasion it is perfection. For me it is the top of the food chain for fine dining. It is elegant. It is worldly. I have dined there once, and I'm waiting for another truly exceptional reason to go back.
The Atwood Cafe is far less expensive, a prix fixe dinner menu can be had for $40.00, of course you could pay more, but the less expensive option is there. The setting is dazzling. The service meets the requirements, it fits the restaurant. It is less formal and of course far less costly. The food is excellent, and the recent egg white frittata with goat cheese was yummy.
The Atwood Cafe located in the Hotel Burnham-a boutique hotel that is a Chicago landmark, and it is exquisite, the lobby boast floor to ceiling wrought iron walls, stone inlaid floors, beautifully carved wood staircase, and even before you enter the Art Deco restaurant your eyes feast on the decor of the lobby.
The huge windows in the cafe and 18 foot walls welcome you to an intimate Art Deco setting. Located on Washington and the famed State Street, you're right in the center of the city.
Needless to say both restaurants serve excellent coffee.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
www.mjustes.com
It is not as the expression goes, 'a concrete jungle'. Trees and depending on the season, flowers, and all sorts of greenery line the sidewalks of Michigan Avenue.
The Fine Cuisine is also world class and sometimes the restaurants are housed in amazing places.
The two I list below are just such places.
The Everest restaurant, (run by the Lettuce Entertain You establishment) sits atop the 40th floor on 1 Financial place. It is a world class eating establishment. The French cuisine is excellent, the service incomparable, the view stunning and the price very steep.
It is dining at its best, not a place for casual every day eating, unless you're very wealthy and incredibly thin. But for a special occasion it is perfection. For me it is the top of the food chain for fine dining. It is elegant. It is worldly. I have dined there once, and I'm waiting for another truly exceptional reason to go back.
The Atwood Cafe is far less expensive, a prix fixe dinner menu can be had for $40.00, of course you could pay more, but the less expensive option is there. The setting is dazzling. The service meets the requirements, it fits the restaurant. It is less formal and of course far less costly. The food is excellent, and the recent egg white frittata with goat cheese was yummy.
The Atwood Cafe located in the Hotel Burnham-a boutique hotel that is a Chicago landmark, and it is exquisite, the lobby boast floor to ceiling wrought iron walls, stone inlaid floors, beautifully carved wood staircase, and even before you enter the Art Deco restaurant your eyes feast on the decor of the lobby.
The huge windows in the cafe and 18 foot walls welcome you to an intimate Art Deco setting. Located on Washington and the famed State Street, you're right in the center of the city.
Needless to say both restaurants serve excellent coffee.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
www.mjustes.com
Saturday, June 26, 2010
A Taste of Chicago by Margot Justes
I may have mentioned once or twice before that I love to travel but I also love going out to eat and trying new things. I was raised on simple fare and going out to restaurants was not the thing to do. You ate at home. Period.
The one thing my father instilled in me was the love of travel; we moved frequently and lived in some pretty amazing places. Maybe that is why to this day I have wonder lust and always want to see more.
Growing up in that environment allowed me the freedom to sample different cultures, and as I matured (I hope) and became more independent my palate grew as well. That is not to say I do not love Polish and Jewish food. I do, very much so.
I live near a truly amazing city, thirty five minutes away from my home is Chicago, and that means world class museums, theatre, opera, orchestra and food; all of that just minutes away.
This weekend starts The Taste of Chicago, over three hundred restaurants are represented, and for the first time, the participating restaurants must have a Chicago presence. An excellent idea, because we do have some great ones, from The Lettuce Entertain You chain of restaurants, Everest, an exquisite restaurant that offers dining at its best to the very casual and delightful R. J. Grunts in the Lincoln Park area. And of course, any discussion of fine restaurants must include Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, and I don't even have to whisper the chef's name, but I will...Rick Bayless.
Inexpensive fare to the very high end and everything in between can be found in Chicago. And because we're so culturally rich, all ethnic foods abound.
More next week about my favorite Chicago restaurants.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
www.mjustes.com
The one thing my father instilled in me was the love of travel; we moved frequently and lived in some pretty amazing places. Maybe that is why to this day I have wonder lust and always want to see more.
Growing up in that environment allowed me the freedom to sample different cultures, and as I matured (I hope) and became more independent my palate grew as well. That is not to say I do not love Polish and Jewish food. I do, very much so.
I live near a truly amazing city, thirty five minutes away from my home is Chicago, and that means world class museums, theatre, opera, orchestra and food; all of that just minutes away.
This weekend starts The Taste of Chicago, over three hundred restaurants are represented, and for the first time, the participating restaurants must have a Chicago presence. An excellent idea, because we do have some great ones, from The Lettuce Entertain You chain of restaurants, Everest, an exquisite restaurant that offers dining at its best to the very casual and delightful R. J. Grunts in the Lincoln Park area. And of course, any discussion of fine restaurants must include Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, and I don't even have to whisper the chef's name, but I will...Rick Bayless.
Inexpensive fare to the very high end and everything in between can be found in Chicago. And because we're so culturally rich, all ethnic foods abound.
More next week about my favorite Chicago restaurants.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
www.mjustes.com
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Photographer Matt Connor by Margot Justes
I would like to share some wonderful photographs taken by a young and very talented photographer.
Just looking at them makes me want to travel, not that I need a reason.
Rome, Capri and Egypt are scheduled for next year and the shots from both Rome and Capri just increase my desire to roam the world.
I really think I could live out of a suitcase on a permanent basis.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
Read and travel the world...
A Hotel in Paris
Vanity Press by Margot Justes
It would seem that even the Wall Street Journal is paying attention to the explosion of the digital books and the resourceful authors that navigate the complex and timely world of e-book publication.
A recent article in the Journal, 'Vanity' Press Goes Digital mentioned authors who either can't get published, as in an example of author Karen McQuestion, who was rejected, self published, sold well and even has a film option with a Hollywood director. Not bad a way to start your career.
The Journal went on to mention authors like Joe Konrath. Joe is already a very well established (check out his Jackie Daniels series) author who took his work directly to the reader via Amazon and is succeeding admirably. Joe is selling like the proverbial hotcakes, he is also a master of marketing and a personality with a goofy, funny sense of humor, his books are a scary, spooky good read. He is in fact the complete package to sell well.
For mid-list authors, the e-book avenue or any avenue for that matter, is not an easy one to manage. You have to let your readers know you're out there. But first, you have to figure out if you even have any readers. If you're lucky enough to have established a following, albeit a small one, you now need to grow that readership, and somehow let them know you're out there.
The social networks are always a good idea, in fact a great idea, but how to tell all your friends out in the nebulous land of the internet that you're out there, without hitting them over the head and becoming a nuisance. That is my question? Does anyone have a few answers?
I regained my rights to two short stories, and this weekend I plan to go to the Amazon site and learn how to download and sell them. Amazon, it would appear actually helps the author promote the work, and they have vast resources at their fingertips. We'll see how it all works out.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A recent article in the Journal, 'Vanity' Press Goes Digital mentioned authors who either can't get published, as in an example of author Karen McQuestion, who was rejected, self published, sold well and even has a film option with a Hollywood director. Not bad a way to start your career.
The Journal went on to mention authors like Joe Konrath. Joe is already a very well established (check out his Jackie Daniels series) author who took his work directly to the reader via Amazon and is succeeding admirably. Joe is selling like the proverbial hotcakes, he is also a master of marketing and a personality with a goofy, funny sense of humor, his books are a scary, spooky good read. He is in fact the complete package to sell well.
For mid-list authors, the e-book avenue or any avenue for that matter, is not an easy one to manage. You have to let your readers know you're out there. But first, you have to figure out if you even have any readers. If you're lucky enough to have established a following, albeit a small one, you now need to grow that readership, and somehow let them know you're out there.
The social networks are always a good idea, in fact a great idea, but how to tell all your friends out in the nebulous land of the internet that you're out there, without hitting them over the head and becoming a nuisance. That is my question? Does anyone have a few answers?
I regained my rights to two short stories, and this weekend I plan to go to the Amazon site and learn how to download and sell them. Amazon, it would appear actually helps the author promote the work, and they have vast resources at their fingertips. We'll see how it all works out.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
Sunday, May 23, 2010
A Taste of Italy by Margot Justes
Susan Miura and I will be doing our first library event A Taste of Italy on Monday May 24th at the Elk Grove Library, 1001 Wellington Ave Elk Grove, IL 60007 7:00 pm.
It's a travel show and discussion along with a sampling of Italian food. I found Italian cookies and coffee flavored hard candy at Joe Caputo and Sons, our local grocery food store that carries many international products. I love going there just to see what's new.
I was especially thrilled to find coffee flavored candy, the Italians love their coffee as I do. Since I wasn't going to lug my Nespresso machine to make coffee, the candy was good enough. I am seriously considering getting one of those portable Nespresso machines. Really, really seriously considering it. I can even rationalize it, after all it's for work. Hmm. The reasoning is beginning to sound better and better.
My favorite all stop shop, Costco has a selection of Italian cheeses and I'll need to get some crackers and of course Pellegrino. In case you didn't know May is gelatto month, of course gelatto will be served.
We'll have a good time and short of taking a trip to Italy, this is the next best thing.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris
It's a travel show and discussion along with a sampling of Italian food. I found Italian cookies and coffee flavored hard candy at Joe Caputo and Sons, our local grocery food store that carries many international products. I love going there just to see what's new.
I was especially thrilled to find coffee flavored candy, the Italians love their coffee as I do. Since I wasn't going to lug my Nespresso machine to make coffee, the candy was good enough. I am seriously considering getting one of those portable Nespresso machines. Really, really seriously considering it. I can even rationalize it, after all it's for work. Hmm. The reasoning is beginning to sound better and better.
My favorite all stop shop, Costco has a selection of Italian cheeses and I'll need to get some crackers and of course Pellegrino. In case you didn't know May is gelatto month, of course gelatto will be served.
We'll have a good time and short of taking a trip to Italy, this is the next best thing.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Romantic Times by Margot Justes
RT, as it is affectionately known is a hoot, the days long, the nights longer.
Now that I have your attention, let me tell you that for the most part it was work.The panels and various programs started early and lasted till six, that gave you an hour to get ready for the balls, or stop by the bar for a drink. I noticed many people did both.I found the panels informative and in many case entertaining.
There were two New York Public Relations firms that gave an inkling of what it takes to represent writers; both best sellers and newbies. I fall into the latter category. One agency did a Power Point presentation and listed best selling authors they represented over a five year period.
My personal favorite was The Nancy Berland Public Relations Agency, they had representatives from the agency discussing various approaches and Sabrina Jeffries as a panelist, along with a newbie author. The audience had an insight into how they represented an established best selling author and someone relatively new on the scene. For my money, The Berland Agency won hands down.
Exposed to the various romantic sub genres gave an inking of what's going on in the industry as well as a feeling of "I need to get out more."The balls were a blast, from Ellora's Cave and her Cavemen, to the Fairy Ball and my personal favorite the Vampire Ball. I attended all three and let me tell you they were memorable and incredibly fun.
I didn't get to see much of Columbus, but did get to walk on First Street and found quite a few lovely art galleries. Fortunately for me, I walked very early Friday morning and the stores were closed.I found the people friendly, helpful and even though the conference was huge, I didn't get that lost feeling, but actually felt welcomed.
One interesting side note, there was a Bishop's as well as a Mortician's conference, and plenty of swag, (big posters, covers, etc.) from the various romance and erotica authors.
Since I had to leave Saturday morning, I signed books Friday afternoon, sandwiched between two authors who wrote for Ellora's Cave. Sandwiched between two hunks on the cover and me with the gun and postcard. Need I say more?
But the best part for me was a fan who brought her previously purchased book for me to sign. She took the trouble to find me and even ask when A Hotel in Bath was scheduled for release. Thank you, Ruth, you left me speechless and incredibly grateful.
I will be back.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
Art brought her to Paris, a stranger's death changes her life.
A Hotel in Paris
Now that I have your attention, let me tell you that for the most part it was work.The panels and various programs started early and lasted till six, that gave you an hour to get ready for the balls, or stop by the bar for a drink. I noticed many people did both.I found the panels informative and in many case entertaining.
There were two New York Public Relations firms that gave an inkling of what it takes to represent writers; both best sellers and newbies. I fall into the latter category. One agency did a Power Point presentation and listed best selling authors they represented over a five year period.
My personal favorite was The Nancy Berland Public Relations Agency, they had representatives from the agency discussing various approaches and Sabrina Jeffries as a panelist, along with a newbie author. The audience had an insight into how they represented an established best selling author and someone relatively new on the scene. For my money, The Berland Agency won hands down.
Exposed to the various romantic sub genres gave an inking of what's going on in the industry as well as a feeling of "I need to get out more."The balls were a blast, from Ellora's Cave and her Cavemen, to the Fairy Ball and my personal favorite the Vampire Ball. I attended all three and let me tell you they were memorable and incredibly fun.
I didn't get to see much of Columbus, but did get to walk on First Street and found quite a few lovely art galleries. Fortunately for me, I walked very early Friday morning and the stores were closed.I found the people friendly, helpful and even though the conference was huge, I didn't get that lost feeling, but actually felt welcomed.
One interesting side note, there was a Bishop's as well as a Mortician's conference, and plenty of swag, (big posters, covers, etc.) from the various romance and erotica authors.
Since I had to leave Saturday morning, I signed books Friday afternoon, sandwiched between two authors who wrote for Ellora's Cave. Sandwiched between two hunks on the cover and me with the gun and postcard. Need I say more?
But the best part for me was a fan who brought her previously purchased book for me to sign. She took the trouble to find me and even ask when A Hotel in Bath was scheduled for release. Thank you, Ruth, you left me speechless and incredibly grateful.
I will be back.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
Art brought her to Paris, a stranger's death changes her life.
A Hotel in Paris
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