Thankful Friday

I feel the most relieved that Friday has arrived when my alarm sounds that morning. Even though I have one of my favorite songs on cue for 6:45AM (Jeff Buckley's Last Goodbye, which is my feeble attempt to lessen the blow of being startled out of dream mode), I'm always happy I won't have to hear it again until Monday. In addition to two days in a row of sleeping in- a rarity for me- I'm also thankful for a few other things today, such as...

A plethora of opportunities falling into my lap. Mere days ago I was feeling stressed and uncertain about the turn my bank account and lifestyle would take once my current office job ends. With nothing lined up, I figured I would be spread very thin financially in the coming months and be resigned to shopping at stores ending in the word "mart" (cue cringing). And then, almost miraculously, I've gotten two job offers in the last two days, stumbled upon another promising opportunity, and been saved from firsthand exposure to Wal-Martians.

All I can say is, it's amazing how many doors have opened since I began serving beer and bar food. Whether it's recommending pale ales to a PR mogul and landing an interview and subsequent job offer, or taking care of the GM of one of the city's best summer bars (that's hiring!), I couldn't be more grateful for the introductions I've gotten through working at the bar. (Although, it's worth noting that these things happen because I put myself out there 24/7. If you want something, you have to go get it... subtly, of course. Exposure to these opportunities certainly helps, but you can't be bashful when you're trying to get it done.)

Realizing how blessed the majority of us are. Turn on the news or read the paper, and damn, things are bad for a lot of people. There's always going to be something that you feel could be better in your life, but as long as you've got a few key factors going for you- health, good relationships, and a way to put food on the table- I feel like everything else just falls into place and is fairly inconsequential in the long run. And even if you don't have good health, love, or money, at least you reside in the best country there is. Sure our economy is still laggard and there are plenty of problems on our homefront that need fixing. America is far from perfect, but at the end of the day, we are a free people and one that isn't currently enduring Mother Nature's wrath. That's something neither Libyans nor the Japanese can say at the moment.

Speaking of, I was really impressed to hear about some NBA stars donating $1,000 to Japan relief efforts for each point they score this weekend. I suppose that's a drop in the bucket when you're making multiple millions every year, but it's admirable nonetheless. Two of my favorite ball players, Pau Gasol and Derrick Rose, are among those donating. (Though I couldn't help but notice Kobe, Lebron, and the Celtics' stars missing from the list of benefactors.)

Feeling content and at peace. I've been feeling especially loved and fortunate lately. I mean really- if you have that going for you, what else is there?

Ok, that's enough tree-hugging warm fuzzies for one day. But in all seriousness, I hope you all enjoy today and take a minute to think of the things in your life that you've been blessed with. Aside from the clock striking 5:00, what are you feeling thankful for today?

{TGIF: Life's a beach.}

  

Springing Back to Life

{A bed of tulips on Lake Shore Drive last spring.}

Summer in Chicago is unlike anywhere else. You can literally feel the energy in the city once it arrives. As soon as the warm weather rolls in, Chicagoans take advantage of every nice day, as if we've been paroled from the gloom and cold we endure for so much of the year and have to make the most of the climate change before it gets taken away again.

Although summer is amazing here, I think the lead up to it is my favorite time of the year. There is this month-long window of spring, where you can feel the seasons clicking out of winter and into warmth. All the trees are covered in beautiful white blossoms and tulips spring up everywhere you look. The temperature isn't cold but isn't hot- it's just right. And finally everyone comes out of hibernation. That time of the year is a better mood elevator than Zoloft, Prozac, or anything else pharmaceutical companies can produce. Despite a bit of snow last night, we are right on the cusp of springtime- and I feel like a kid on Christmas morning.

Knowing that we are finally out of the woods in terms of brutal winter weather, I feel reinvigorated. Especially because the end of my time at the office should coincide perfectly with the beginning of spring (how's that for exit timing?). I can already picture it- having the time to work out and get toned for summer, sleep in, and stroll the city- finally checking out all the places I've been meaning to but haven't yet had the time for. And then will come the summer days spent lounging at the East Bank Club pool (that setup is worth every penny of the monthly dues as far as I'm concerned) before I head off to work at the other bar that just hired me. Yes, you heard (or read) me correctly- I will not be doomed to dinners of Top Ramen and Campbell's soup once my office paycheck disappears in two weeks. Along with all the tanning, running, and cocktail serving, I'll finally have a chance to get my PR career moving. (I'm actually launching a professional blog as a way to help get my foot in the door, so look for that in the coming weeks.) All in all, I couldn't be in a better place right now.

Since looking back on past springs and summers makes me a bit nostalgic, here are a few of my favorite pictures that I'm looking forward to recreating again this year...

{Cubs, beer, and Wrigley bleachers. Best way imaginable to spend a summer day.}



{The annual trip to Iowa to see my family and partake in the Five Best Days of Summer!}



{We're on a boat! I need to make more friends that have this means of transportation.}

{Beer Olympics in the suburbs. One of the best days of summer, hands down.}

{Annual San-Chicago weekend. I wonder how many people we'll cram into a cab this year?}

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And thank you, as always, for the continued feedback. You make (over)sharing fun!

Family Matters

On Monday night, I returned home from California- a quick trip home to pay my final respects to my Zio Adriano. I was in the Golden State for all of 28 hours, but it was a worthwhile trip nonetheless. I went straight from the airport to my Zio Franco's house for a huge family lunch. It was the first time in my life that all of the American Maniaci cousins were in the same place at once. You could feel my uncle's presence in the room, as he reunited us all for the first time- something no one else has had the power to do. It was a testament to the person he was, as loving others was paramount to him.

{Cugini e Zii. From left- me, Gianluca, Dad, Isabella, Zio Franco, Philip, and Miles.}

I've noticed that my posts lately have been very family-heavy. Though I've never really taken my loved ones for granted, I suppose with age and distance comes a deeper appreciation of these relationships, and an increased importance in maintaining (and sometimes improving) them. It's unfortunate that it took my uncle's departure to reunite a family divided, but I think the lesson is a valuable one: don't let things that are ultimately inconsequential get in the way of being with the most important people in your life, your family. "Love is the answer," as he told my cousin Philip in his last days. Indeed it is, and may we all try to remember that in all of our interactions.



{The complete stateside Maniaci clan.}

Thankful Friday

{First images of Chicago Springtime- an empty harbor by Navy Pier. Taken on my run last night.}

As the Second City thaws out and the weekend approaches, I can't help but feel grateful for the reprieve from work and cold weather. For the first time in months, I was able to run outside last night. It was 68 degrees- crisp and beautiful. When spring arrives in Chicago, I can't help but fall in love with this city all over again.

Improved climate aside, I have a few more things to be thankful for today. My roommate from Barcelona, Ursula, is in town this weekend. We're long overdue for a reunion, as I haven't seen her since my college graduation almost three years ago. And to top off what would be an already good weekend, I get to fly home to California on Sunday morning! I'll only be there for 28 hours, but I'm very happy to see my little brother for the first time in months and to be there with my family at my uncle's services. Although after this trip, it'll be nice not to jetset for a little while (and I know Joey will be happy to get a break from airport chauffeur duty). 



{With Sarah and Ursula, two of my Barcelona roommates, after a rainstorm during the La Merce festival.}



{Gianluca and me after his graduation from boot camp in September.}



Lucky Charms

Happy St. Paddy's Day, everyone! I usually love this holiday, but seeing as I'm not Irish and won't be drunk at any point today, it seems rather inconsequential this year. I didn't even bother wearing green today. And thanks to sexual harrassment laws, nobody can pinch me. Regardless, I got in the mood for St. Pat's a wee bit via my choice of finger nail polish. Trust me, I'd rather be drinking a Guinness to show my holiday spirit, but I've got a promise with Jesus that I'm trying to uphold for 31 more days :)

Here's wishing everyone some luck of the Irish today! And may you all enjoy copious amounts of Jamo shots this evening.

{Green nail polish- the only festive element of my office outfit. Hoping it brings me some luck!}
color: Minty by RGB Cosmetics

A Surf & Turf Worth Sharing

As is likely evident by my lack of cooking posts in recent months, I haven't been spending much time in the kitchen. But last night, I finally ventured to the grocery store for the first time in months. I enlisted the help of Rachael Ray and Ina Garten, and they really came through. Their recipes for a "sexy" surf and turf with Manhattan sauce accompanied by buttermilk mashed potatoes and asparagus were easy to make and came out perfectly. I was worried I'd lost my kitchen prowess after such a long hiatus, but this meal is nearly foolproof. Below are the recipes for both.

{My presentation could use some work, but it still tasted A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.}

Sexy Surf and Turf: Seared Scallops and Tenderloin Steaks with Manhattan Sauce
recipe by Rachael Ray [via foodnetwork.com]

Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling, plus 1 tablespoon, 1 turn of the pan
4 (1-inch thick) tenderloin steaks*
8 large diver sea scallops, trimmed of the foot
Salt and pepper
1 large shallot, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/3 cup sweet vermouth
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound asparagus spears, trimmed
1/2 lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons chives, 10 blades, chopped or snipped**

*Tenderloin steaks were $27/lb! I substituted top sirloin ($11/lb) and it still tasted fabulous.
**Oops, I forgot to garnish with the chives. I think this ingredient is more for presentation than for taste, so don't sweat it if you can't find/don't want to buy chives.

Directions
Drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil over steaks to coat lightly. Get a nonstick skillet screaming hot and add meat. Cook 3 minutes on each side for medium rare, 4 for medium to medium well.

Remove meat from pan and pull it off fire to cool for a minute.

Drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil over the scallops and season with salt and pepper. Get a skillet screaming hot and cook scallops 2 to 3 minutes on each side until well caramelized.

Bring 2 inches water to a boil in a medium skillet for asparagus.

Return meat pan to medium heat and add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil. Add shallots, garlic and cook 2 minutes. Add sweet vermouth and reduce by half, 30 seconds or so. Add butter to the pan to finish sauce.

Add asparagus to boiling water. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, remove and dress with lemon juice, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.

Place each tenderloin steak on a plate and drizzle Manhattan sauce down over top. Serve 2 scallops on top of steaks and garnish with chives. Serve asparagus spears alongside.


Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
recipe by Ina Garten [via foodnetwork.com]
 
Kosher salt
1 1/2 pounds boiling potatoes
1/4 cup milk
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup buttermilk*
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

*I could only find lowfat buttermilk, but the final product still tasted rich and creamy.

Directions
In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a boil. Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into 1 1/2-inch cubes. Add them to the boiling water and bring the water back to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, until the potatoes fall apart easily when pierced with a fork.

Meanwhile, heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan, making sure it doesn't boil. Set aside until the potatoes are done.

As soon as the potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander. Place a food mill fitted with a small disk/blade over a heatproof bowl. Pass the potatoes through the food mill, turning the handle back and forth. As soon as the potatoes are mashed, stir in the hot milk mixture with a whisk or rubber spatula. Add enough buttermilk to make the potatoes creamy. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the pepper, and serve hot. To keep the potatoes warm, place the bowl over a pan of simmering water for up to 30 minutes. You can add a little extra hot milk to keep them creamy.


Cook's note: These recipes pair perfectly because the Manhattan sauce makes an excellent gravy for the potatoes. They're good enough they don't need it, but I'm a huge fan of sauce and it was a nice addition.

Buon Appetito!

Congrats, Gianluchino!

Today's post is a few days overdue. I have to give praise to my baby brother, Gianluca, who just graduated from the Marine Corps fire academy this week. Not only did he endure four months in the armpit that is San Angelo, Texas (where he informs me that all eligible bachelorettes are either missing teeth, severely overweight, stage five clingers, or all of the above), but he also graduated at the top of his class! I couldn't be more proud of him. He seems to have really found his niche and I know he's going to do great things. (Now he just needs to quit practicing his poses for a fireman calendar and stop taking pictures of himself like the one below.)

Taking a Bite of the Big Apple

Anyone who knows me well is likely cognizant of my affinity for surprising people. One of my very best friends, Shannon, just graduated law school and took two bar exams, so I felt it was only appropriate to surprise her on her home turf in NYC this past weekend.

This trip came to fruition sort of impulsively. It started over a gchat conversation with Shannon's friend, Ivana, regarding what flowers Jackie and I should send her in congrats. Next thing I know, Ivana is telling me about the party she's throwing for Shannon, and before I knew it I'd booked a flight. Much to my delight, Jackie wanted to go too.

{Strawberry mimosas at 230 5th. From left- me, Ivana, Shannon, and Jackie.}

As if being in one the world's best cities wasn't already enough, we were incredibly fortunate to have exceptional weather all weekend. I was able to comfortably wear a tank top while walking through Central Park on Saturday (probably the first time in six months my skin has seen sunlight). It was a very nice preview of springtime, because Lord knows I'm tiring of winter.

Nice dinners, delicious cocktails, and quality time spent with friends were the themes of the weekend. And after an emotional week in California, this weekend getaway was just what I needed. Not only did it take my mind off the recent loss of my uncle, but it was rejuvenating to see Shannon and celebrate her accomplishment. I was also fortunate to see old friends like Jacqueline, Cami, and Lia and run around in the city that never sleeps. Below are some of my favorite pictures from the weekend.



{Looking sleep deprived at Rockefeller Center.}



{A gorgeous day to stroll through Central Park.}



{Out on the town to celebrate- at Kastel.}

{Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas! From left- Cami, Jackie, Lia, Shannon, me, and Jacqueline.
On a side note, why does the iPhone 4 make people's eyes look so scary?}



Thankful Friday : Life is short, but sweet for certain.

As I mentioned in my last post, I flew home to Orange County last week to be at my family's side during the darkest of hours. I'm so glad I was able to be there. It was incredible to see such a multitude of people rally around my uncle in his final days.

Fortunately, this week had a huge silver lining. As anyone with a big Italian family is likely aware, there tends to be some infighting amongst relatives and a grudge or two that can endure for years. My family is no exception. But this week, for the first time in my life, all of my family came together. We were all reunited with the common goal of comforting my uncle and brightening his last days. We shared many laughs, ate lots of pasta, and drank a lot of wine. The past no longer seemed to matter and we all vowed to never let anything come between us again. It was a week I'm going to fondly remember forever.

Despite our best efforts and the huge amount of love surrounding him, my uncle lost his battle with cancer yesterday. He fought right up until the very end and left this earth with his loved ones at his side. He seemed to know his time had come, because when he awoke that morning, he promised the hospice nurse that he would wait to let go until all the family had arrived to say goodbye. My mom was the last one there, and not even 15 minutes later, he left us and went to be with God. For me, that moment removed any doubts I might have had regarding the existence of a divine presence. It was by far the most emotional experience I've ever had, and not being much of a crier, I was shocked at how much it affected me.

Though this week was the most emotionally trying of my life, I'm so grateful for the many blessings that were given to us along the way. Being reunited with family and rekindling several relationships was incredible. As was getting a huge dose of perspective and realizing how lucky we are to be healthy and happy. But most importantly, I am grateful that my Zio Adriano is no longer suffering. I can already imagine the void at family gatherings, when he and my dad won't be shouting in Italian and talking with their hands for the entirety of the meal. I'm also certain that the wine at holidays won't be as good or as plentiful, and his seat at the table will be glaringly empty. He was such a pleasure to be around and I'm going to miss him a great deal. But it makes me happy to know he has been reunited with his parents and eldest brother in a much better place.

I hope that through the loss of my zio, we can all be reminded of the brevity of life, and how important it is to cherish moments with loved ones and to nurture our relationships. That we can be reminded to enjoy the finer things in life. That we might make each day count. Because life is short, but sweet for certain.

{Thank you for your example of love and kindess, Zio- I will remember you always.}