One of the best things about Chicago winters is the dinner gatherings. Sure, we have tons of BBQs and house parties to throw and attend in the spring, summer and fall but there’s something about bundling up and trooping over to a friend’s house in the cold, rushing to get inside after parking and walking into a warm and cozy apartment. On Friday, our graceful co-habiters were the hosts, along with their two French bulldogs , Ziggy and Dozer.
They started us off with Chef Earl’s giardiniera hummus– insanely delicious, if you’re like me and love spiciness.
See all those magnets on the fridge? Kate made them out of bottle caps, clear resin and cut-out images from magazines. Here’s a tutorial on how to make your own. Best part? I got to take a bunch home for my fridge! You might also recognize the pretty bowl on the shelf…
How much do you love this cake tin? The duo picked it up at a flea market on a drive to Kentucky over the summer.
We had mussels.
And homemade chicken fingers.
And fancy frites.
There was also wine and beer.
Oh, and homemade pumpkin cupcakes with butter pecan gelato from Black Dog Gelato on Damen.
There was an interloper at the table during dessert.
His brother joined him.
They finished off the sweet stuff.
Ziggy and Dozer were very well-behaved after they got their sugar fix.
Then Kate pulled out the knitting and it was time to go. Stuffed and sleepy, we made our way home in the cold and burrowed under the covers. Fridays kick ass. Six more days ’til the next one.
This looked like warm, friendly fun. I think Ziggy and Dozer enjoyed themselves as well since they had extra company for the evening.
Linda aka Ne-Ne
looks like the place to be on a Friday night.