Wino Women in the Windy City

You have all been so good on giving me suggestions in the past, I had to come back for more.

So you are hereby warned that it is annual gathering of some foodies women, out to beat the winter blues. We are 6 true and fast freinds that met over the internet 5 years ago, and this year they are converging on my home. Other than myself, they are from various parts of the US but all have been in Chicago before. Traditional sightseeing is not needed. We are foodies after all. How cares about the skyline?

They arrive next Thursday evening were I will have a Mexican themed dinner ready (think warm getaway and tequila). Friday we are doing a progressive dinner at my house but I need your advise for Saturday. Since serveral live in rural areas, we are heading into the city to have our knives sharpened at Midwestern Cutlery, then over to Grazianos and Isaacsons Seafood to shop. What/who else should we stop in at in the area? I have not been there in several years. And lunch recomendations are welcome also.

Never let it be siad that all internet folks are axe murders. We met at the cooking forum secton of iVillage, before it was iVillage. Simple get to meet lunches grew to long weekends and into full vacations for us. A week in the Smokeys saw the demise of at least 40 bottles of wine, plus some other adult beverages. These ladies literally flew in to be with me when my mother was dying.

Thanks in advance,
Peppi

Hi,

When you are at Northwestern Cutlery, you can travel a few blocks further west on Lake Street to visit Peoria Packing House. Wear plastic gloves as you stroll past tables of pig parts available to examine.

Regards,

I met a very dear friend on "Gail's Recipe Swap" at Epicurious.com.

(and hell, I've met all of you folks here!!)

In the not-too-distant area, another GNResource is JPGraziano's, and Avec, Paramount Room, and even Moto, if you're looking for more of an experience in upscale eats.

Depending on how mobile you will be, there are a number of GNRs, both restaurants and resources in striking distance of NW Cutlery. There's a handy map here.

Thank you so much, for the advise and the map. Very helpful.

Peppi