a change of perspective

food detective
Categories: Appetizers, Beverages, Dinner for Two, Cocktail Party, Eating Out, Posted on January 17, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
What to do with a world that seems to have turned itself on its side… again?    One thing’s for sure people’s nerves are frayed, tensions are rising, civility seems at an all-time low. My infrequent outings are often greeted with toddler meltdowns by people who are old enough to be their parents or grandparents. Just the other day I was berated
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smoke signal

food detective
Categories: Beverages, Eating Out, Posted on September 27, 2021 by Sandy Bergsten
When I find myself alone one of my favorite things to do is visit a local haunt and indulge in an app and a cocktail. Nothing beats Fish Bar in my Lakeview Chicago neighborhood. Biting into their lobster rolls or crispy cod sandwiches you’ll feel as though you are on the coast of Maine. And a plate of their East or West Coast oysters coupled with a
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something borrowed… something bleu

a moment in time
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Dinner for Two, Supper, Lunch, Eating Out, Posted on August 1, 2021 by Sandy Bergsten
Wedding bells were ringing last week in Midway Utah. After a year of plans and pivots, my baby girl married her perfect match in the midst of the Wasatch Mountains. It was exceptional in each and every way. Most notably that our family and a handful of dear friends, all fully vaccinated, could reunite for this incredibly blessed event. 
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summer daze

cooking for one... or two
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Fish and Seafood, Dinner for Two, Supper, Lunch, Sources, Eating Out, Posted on June 21, 2020 by Sandy Bergsten
Is July really around the corner? Lately I’ve been reminiscing about summers past. Top on that list were the parents’ weekends at my girls’ summer camp in New Hampshire. Another highpoint- the lobster rolls at George’s. There’s nothing quite like a lobster shack roll. And while they’re almost impossible to replicate, I’ve discovered a suitable home
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gem of a weekend

food detective
Categories: Appetizers, Salads and Dressings, Veggies and Sides, Supper, Dinner Party, Sources, Eating Out, Fête Fact, Posted on November 18, 2019 by Sandy Bergsten
Two weeks ago, the stars aligned, and my college roommates and I finally got together for the first time in over seven years. Upon seeing each other it was if the last thirty-eight years literally melted away. What a tonic for each of our souls. We laughed, we reminisced, we held one another, and of course we ate (disclaimer: there was also a litt
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a kick in the …

food detective
Categories: Beverages, Cocktail Party, Sources, Eating Out, Posted on August 15, 2019 by Sandy Bergsten
The apartment we just moved into has structural damage and we need to move… again. While the mere thought of packing everything up again has brought me to the brink of tears (several times), I’ve decided to set my mind on the positives. First, we are renting, so in essence this is not our problem. Second, there is another unit in our building that
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eat this

food detective The other night we stopped by my cousin’s in Lincoln Park for a glass of wine before heading out to dinner. She had a wonderful spread of cured meats and the most amazing fresh ricotta. My husband and I couldn’t wait to find out where she got it. Turns out there is an Eataly in Chicago. It’s a 12-minute drive from my apartment. And if you spend
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m is for memories

food detective
Categories: Appetizers, Breads, Pizza, Tarts, Dinner for Two, Supper, Lunch, Eating Out, Posted on March 5, 2019 by Sandy Bergsten
Last month I traveled to Omaha for my aunt’s services. It was a bittersweet occasion, for she died quite unexpectedly right after my dear uncle’s passing. The services were held on what would have been their 62nd wedding anniversary.  My cousins all did such a wonderful job of crafting a weekend that truly celebrated my aunt’s life and her love
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breakfast with a view

food detective
Categories: Breads, Pizza, Tarts, Dinner for Two, Supper, Lunch, Breakfast/Brunch, Eating Out, Posted on October 15, 2018 by Sandy Bergsten
Best thing about Brooklyn? Hands down our grandson, and his equally amazing parents. Next, the views from the Brooklyn Bridge. Close third, 1 Hotel’s avocado toast. What tops a great dinner? A surprisingly delicious breakfast. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is an incredible waterfront oasis. The nighttime panorama from their rooftop bar is worth the
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you had me at hola

food detective
Categories: Wine Line, Eating Out, Posted on September 1, 2018 by Sandy Bergsten
Here's the second post on my sensational trip to Portugal with my daughter. Previously I touched on the wineries we toured in the Bairrada, Douro Valley, and Alentejo wine regions. This time I’ll write of our incredible meals. Not only is the wine world on an exciting trajectory, the food scene is literally on fire. While many flock to Portugal
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