Colleen "Jellybean" C.'s Profile

This is what I call my Diversey "commuter dinner" stop...

Right, because when I return from downtown...I take the brown line to Diversey, then switch here to get the bus west...and so of course, I need some chicken to make it those 12 or so blocks!

The price of a half-chicken combo (2 sides, plus drink) at under $8 is truly pretty magical. Always whipped up fresh and I've never been disappointed. My favorite side is the potatoes, but when I want something just a tad lighter I'll go for the salad. Also they just added the chicken pita sandwich special for the same price/situation. Money!

Always friendly staff...and despite what the name might  lead you to believe, they actually specialize in PIZZA. I've never had it, but it looks great in the windows. True story!

Great little spot for takeout, I've been a few times and am a fan. It also means I do not need to cook, or spend more than $10...which means I am in the "domestic person" safety zone.

An upgrade is surely deserved, my dear Pitaya...

You see, I'm sort of a "last-minute" kind of gal, and when my besties swept me away for a weekend of girly fun for my "bachelorette" party in Chicago, I was stoked. Then the morning I was to be picked up for this adventure of I realized I hated ALL of my "going out" clothes and/or couldn't locate them in boxes. I threw a drab (ok, dramatization) black tutu dress in my bag with some booties and figured, well...it'll do. I won't look festive, but I'll look fine.

Then I breezed past Pitaya on my way to Bin Wine Cafe (cheese/wine midday tasting, of course!) and took one look at the royal blue swirly dress with hot pink heart V-neck and thought "YES, if they have it in a large I will go in there, I will buy it, and I will love it."

And this is precisely what I did.

Plus:
*NYX mascara (THE BEST)
*NYX eyeshadow (blue/pink/yellow)
*Black belt
*Black tights

All for around $85.

Not bad for a last minute outfit that I felt oh-so-much-more-fun-and-bahcelorettey in ;)

Plus all the things from my original review, of course.

You need rentals?

There are only a few companies in Chicago that do them on smaller scale. Tablescapes being one of them. You have to hit a minimum of $150 to qualify for delivery (which you pay for, of course)...but if you just need some tables/chairs/linens for a dinner party or roofdeck or smaller event, this is your place. You'll need a truck/SUV to pick stuff up, you've been warned!

I've used them twice over the years:

Once we hosted a Thanksgiving dinner and did a small order of two 10 person rounds and 20 chairs plus linens. All went smoothly.

More recently I placed an order for an event at Loft on Lake. 125 chairs (about $2/each), two 8-foot tables and some garbage cans. $90 labor/delivery. All in all, not too bad at all...and frankly, you can't do the event without chairs or garbage cans, not an option!

*note, you'll need to restack and package everything after your event in just the way it arrived. Otherwise, you'll be charged.

The gals that assisted me were very helpful but I get the idea that things are run a little old school. Totally fine to do everything over the phone (as opposed to online or email) but more time consuming. It was all handled effectively, but I would've loved to have placed and confirmed my order online as opposed to going back and forth via email, credit card authorization form scanning and sending, etc. Also, initially I had to email for a price list to be sent to me. I assume that's to stave off the competition undercutting or something? To me it added an additional step that I then had to take to figure out my budgeting and order.

All in all a great experience, and if you are doing a small event and just need a couple things...definitely check this place out. They had the cheapest chairs by far!

Review for Delivery/Catering Services by 5411 Empanadas!

Ok, now that we've established that I've never even seen their food truck...I can tell you a bit about my experience with the catering/delivery division of this rockin' little truck.

*Checked website, clear instructions for delivery.
*Minimum of 24 for FREE delivery. (score!)
*4 varieties available: beef, spinach/cheese, bbq chicken, ham/cheese
*Placed order via email about a week out.
*Nicolas (owner) replied promptly with details on pricing, payment, etc.
*I called the next day to secure with credit card.
*He emailed me a receipt right away for my records.
*They delivered 150 empanadas to my event at exactly the right time.

Zero complaints, and in fact...RAVES! They exceeded expectations, were the perfect snack for people to have with happy hour, no silverware required, minimal clean-up, locally-made, small business. They brought napkins and small plates, and of course they were packaged in really easy pizza-like boxes for easy serving. The only thing better would've been to roll the food truck right in!

Many people at the event commented on how great the empanadas were. I felt very happy that they were all happy and I owe it all to 5411 Empanadas! The most popular was the spinach & cheese, but perhaps because it was the only veggie option. Also, order the sauces! Definitely worth it. They are 50 cents/piece.

*they do not have a physical location or store, but the ordering process above is easy via phone or email. Would be great for a corporate lunch or meeting, etc.

So for 150 empanadas, 20 sauces, delivery + tip it came in at just about $325. For the quality and delight...well worth it.

Man-Jo-Vin!? Man-Jo-GEM!

So, Sunday we were hurting a bit. A tad (VERY) hungover on a rainy Sunday with no groceries in our house...I decided it was time to make our debut at neighborhood mainstay, Man-Jo-Vin. I'd walked by many times, but never quite understood the place...but now I do. NOW I DO.

It's localized "fast food" in all its glory. Chicago style hot dogs, chili dogs, tamales (a Tamale boat is a tamale in a hot dog bun, what!?), fries, shakes, pizza puffs...you are craving American junk food? They've probably got it.

I tried to be relatively good and ordered the jumbo chicken sandwich. Besides the mayo, it was probably a pretty safe choice. Marinated and cooked fresh, topped with lightly grilled onions, tomato and lettuce and placed atop a lightly toasted bun. We both opted for massive Diet Cokes. Bill rang in at just about $8. Not too shabby! My guy tried to say he didn't want anything, but then proceeded to eat half of my sandwich. He also commented that it was surprisingly good for the somewhat bland nature of a grilled chicken sandwich.

What would I come back for? A chocolate shake. A tamale boat. The Chicago style dog combo (TWO!) for under $5. Other things. Whenever I'm hungover again.

The place has history (check the pictures on the walls) and a sense of humor (see also: pictures on the walls). The staff was courteous and though not jumping to help me, were certainly adequate. The space is clean with 4 or so booths/tables to sit and enjoy your food and we were joined by a group of little leaguers with their dad (rainout!) and a pair of older gentleman. Everyone wins and Man-Jo-Vin!

*Not open late.
*Does accept credit cards.
*Easy street parking surrounding (watch for rush hour limits)
*Fairly cheap for the 'hood!

I'm surprised at how much I liked it...in this part of town a good lunch option can actually be a bit tough, but this place has its program on lock down.

Now someone please send me a tamale boat on the double!

We all love Mr. Submarine, Mr. Submarine, Mr. Submarine....

Needed a quick bite before heading to German class (speaking German on an empty stomach, no thank you!) so I popped into Mr. Submarine right off the Washington/Wells el stop. It's been a very long time since a Mr. Sub stop (I used to frequent the one on Fullerton when I would donate blood at Lifesource)...so this seemed like an AOK, semi-local option for a fast meal.

In and out within 3 minutes, a freshly made turkey sub with cheese, lettuce, tomato on still soft french bread (not easy to achieve at 5pm, I'd guess), and served sweetly by a girl and guy at the counter.

Only complaint was that it was a bit on the heavy side, and was covered in oil at the bottom by the time I got to my destination a few blocks away. Next time I'd get it without the "sauce" and just get mustard/mayo, but that's my own personal preference.

Oh, and all for $3.62. Can't beat the price for a downtown sandwich.

Quite possibly the best facial I've ever received.

Backstory: I found myself at the tail end of a few months that included: a ton of travel, a bit more stress than usual, a move from NYC, buying a house, getting engaged, my brother losing my dog momentarily while I was away, and a myriad of other circumstances that seemed a bit chaotic. Nothing negative, just a lot to process!

So one day I woke up and looked like a HOT MESS. Dry, scaly patches on my forehead and cheeks, clogged pores, dehydrated skin, dull, lifeless, no palor. No rosy cheeks to be found. Shit needed to get straightened and QUICKLY.

I perused Yelp, saw the great reviews for Pelle Sana plus the Yelp Deal ($25 for $50), so I emailed right away and she was able to get me in for an appointment that night (she had a cancellation). I was elated. She was also thrilled I bought the deal, which is really appreciated because sometimes businesses act like you are being cheap when you buy one. Not Kristin at Pelle Sana, she seemed genuinely pleased that I found her through Yelp and was going to use the deal. Things were already starting on the right...face.

I opted for "The Core Treatment," which is a 75 minute facial for $105.00.

Description: This deep cleansing treatment addresses individual skin conditions resulting in healthier skin. The service consists of a professional consultation, cleansing, skin analysis, exfoliation, extractions, skin specific massage, masque, eye treatment and home product prescription.

YES PLEASE AND THANK YOU.

I arrived at my appointment time to Kristin's one-room studio in Lincoln Park and instantly felt at ease. This girl was going to solve this visage of chaos, I could tell. We quickly talked about my skin, then she got me all setup in the quiet, just warm enough room...ahhhhh, better already.

And 75 minutes later: fresh-faced and feeling much better. Steaming, masking, extracting, massaging, hydrating, sluffing and fluffing. I picked up a few Dermalogica products (this is what she uses exclusively, and sells retail) including a daily microfoliant powder and a red-reducing serum that can be used daily. Both have been fit into my daily routine and my face looks much better.

*key point: while you are relaxing with a mask or steam, you get MASSAGES. Good ones. Great ones. She doesn't just check out while you are waiting for the mask to get done, she works on knots in your back/neck/shoulders. It's really quite excellent and sets her apart from the rest.

Now, if I could just take care of this "SO PALE" thing, I'd be in excellent shape ;)

Seriously, best facial I've had...ever. Buy the deal, try it out, I have a feeling you'll be a lifer. Sometimes it really may be the only thing that sets your life back on track. Or at least your face.

So, we needed a stove.

...and you went to Best Buy!? Yes, just hang with me here.

I feel really grown-up writing this because 1. I've never bought a large home appliance that didn't come with a place and 2. I really have no use for a stove. You know you are a grown-up when you start buying things like large appliances you don't even really think you need, because it's a thing that grown-ups do. Can't have a real house without a functioning stove. My mom told me.

The one that came with our house was from 1975. It was sort of scary, but in a retro-zombie sort of way. If it had been properly cared for it would've been deluxe vintage and pretty awesome. Unfortunately, it was also probably extremely hazardous due to neglect and we had to light matches to it each time we wanted to cook something. Not ideal. So we went hunting.

After comparing prices online, at Home Depot and Famsa (weird place)...our last stop was Best Buy. I also typically never have a reason to come to Best Buy, because I'm not really into electronics, movies, music or much of anything else they might sell. However, all the internet research says that Best Buy is the best place to get a good deal on an appliance.

*Location on Elston is super easy (not as congested as the Elston/Logan stretch) and the parking garage is free and easy. Right off the highway, too.

We headed directly for the stoves/appliances, they had about 10 on display and we ended up snagging a floor model with a teensy dent for $200 less than Home Depot. Not too shabby...and we weren't looking for anything terribly fancy, just functional. Buying floor models is the equivalent of the sale racks at TJMaxx...might be a snag, but you can fix it at home and pay half price...why not!?

The BEST part though? Kelly in appliances helped us with everything quickly and with good knowledge, arranged delivery for Wednesday morning (3 days later), explained the whole process throughly, rang us up, and we were out in under 20 minutes.

*Free home delivery
*Free removal of the zombie-beast-stove (it easily could've crushed someone)
*Free hook-up of new stove
*They even install an anti-tip mount so it can't fall on someone. Safety first!

The only catch is that your old stove must be totally disconnected from the gas, and you also must purchase a brand new connector for them to connect the stove. This costs about $35. Not a big deal.

The delivery/haul-away staff guys were super friendly and efficient, arrived on time, and made quick work of the hook-up. Easy peasy. (Tip them, they work hard and the delivery is free!).

From the moment we walked in until this very moment I am quite pleased with the appliance buying process at Best Buy. And my kitchen looks a lot less like the Twilight Zone.

I still can't give Best Buy Big Chain more than 4 stars, but suffice it to say I have no complaints.

Yelpers, my closets are...indeed...now perfect.

We moved into a somewhat interesting home. Somehow during the whole decision making process we failed to notice that there is not ONE CLOSET in the entire upstairs duplex in which we live. Not one! What is this!? Even the pilgrims needed places to put their clothes!

Anyhow, after some momentary lamenting (whining)...I got to work searching a company that could come and outfit the only thing that even slightly resembles an attic in the upstairs finished attic.

This is no small feat. The ceilings are sloped, they aren't terribly deep. Frankly, its a sort of small job. However, one in which I did not want to do myself, nor am I qualified. The thought of trekking to the Container Store and perusing wire shelves I'd then have to assemble myself was just out of the question. Ikea!? GET OUT OF HERE, I'M NOT DOING THAT EVER AGAIN.

So I pulled up Perfection Closets on my Yelp mobile app (oh yeah, no internet at the house either!) and made a quick call on a Saturday. Monday they called me back, Thursday Brad came by to take measurements and see the space, the following week I had a quote (and computerized designs for this and other projects) and yesterday I got me some damn fine pretty and functional new closets!

The whole process was extremely professional. The computerized designs (via email) and presentation were really easy for us to understand while making the decision and even compared to the competitor quote I got (a big box franchisee kind of operation) they were cheaper. Brad never made us feel like our job was too small to care about, and he'll get our business when we are ready to add more closet  functions in the future.

The installation also went very smoothly. Dave showed up on time, did all of the work, cleaned up, and was on his way...very little lead time, I think 6 days from our approval to the installation.

The big bonus though? It's a locally-owned operation in Chicagoland. And I never got a hard sale. Never. Brad was professional and I never felt the way I did with the competitor. They run a great business, I have a great product, and I feel a lot better about supporting a local outfit.

And speaking of outfits, I can see all of mine now! :)  

Never suffer with Ikea storage again. If you want to do it, get it done right and call these guys. You'll be amazed at how much more space they can squeeze out of your "closets!"

Yeah, I'm layin' down a 5-star brunch at Big Jones. Yeah. Yeah. YEAH!

Also, it may be the only Sunday brunch for which I've arrived before they opened (9am, in this case). I felt like a doorbuster mama Walmart at Christmas. I NEED THOSE BEIGNETS! I WILL BE THE FIRST TO GET THEM!

Just kidding, it's because I foolishly registered for the Ravenswood Run 5k way back when I was in Germany with nothing to do on the weekends but run. Running does not require German skills, as it turns out...and they have nice parks. Anyway I was up super duper early and done with the race by 845am, so we were in the prime brunch zone. No lines at 9am folks, you heard it here first...I wasn't even sure what this time of day looked like.

Made a quick reservation (just in case!) via Open Table/Yelp app, strolled in, were seated among a few other early risers (I felt like it was a secret club!)...and began our lovely brunching. I knew it would be a good day when I saw the size of the coffee cups, and that it was filled immediately upon sitting. Ya do me right, Big Jones, ya do me right. Great first impression.

Our group of 3 decides on the following: an order of cornbread biscuits (with pepper jam!), the baked French Toast, Corn Griddle Cakes & the Cajun Teche Omelette. I sampled all, and all were delicious. The Corn Griddle Cakes were the clear winner...a teensy bit sweet, but full of wonderful savories, and the perfectly runny egg. Wonderful. Luckily my gal pal likes to share! The complimentary beignets to the table as a starter were quite the luxury, and I the powdered sugar misted about like fairy dust. The dust of fairies greets you at brunch this early!

Our server: Adolfo (I believe) was great. Attentive, quick, charming. From start to finish not a beat was missed. My coffee never reached less than half full! This was marvelous.

At $54+ tip for a 3-person brunch it works out to roughly a bit over $20 pp (no booze for us). Well worth it in this Southern-inspired bistro with plenty of table room, friendly servers, HUGE coffee cups, great food and inspired service at 9am. Props to Big Jones, I'm a believer.

(beignets!)