Squash Soup and Eggplant Caponata

The squash soup recipe is from Art Smiths' Back to the Table. The Eggplant Caponata came from Food & Wines website, http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/eggplant-caponata.

I've had a cold the last few days so wanted a hot soup. I hadn't scoured some cookbooks in a while, so I did that the other day, marking recipes I wanted to try. I wanted a cold and mild side dish in case the soup was too spicy. I thought the Caponata was a little too sweet. Next time I might leave the sugar out, but otherwise it went nicely with the rest of the meal. The soup was very good, but I didnt think the pumpkin seeds did much for it.

Snake bracelet

I saw this amazing Snake bracelet at BCBG last week. I had time to kill so was wandering through stores I cant afford. It was only $75, but that's a lot of money right now. I've been looking for another version to put on my wish list, and of course only found a Robert Cavalli version.

Adorable Tea Pot

I have no need for this, but I think it's really cute.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24583522&ref=sr_list_2&&ga_search_query=peacock+&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Perfect dress

I saw this dress on Etsy.com this weekend, and i want it so bad! It's a little pricey for me now, but it's on my wish list.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22890054

I like this one too

http://zulema.deviantart.com/art/Balancing-Act-99729151

Isnt this a nice photo?

It's not mine.
You can buy it here:http://tiaramia.deviantart.com/art/sunset-balloons-92971057

Our 1 year anniversary is in about a month

English peas pureed into a fun design, with prosciutto powder and radishes, at Avenues.

Les Nomades, tucked away into an old Chicago mansion.

Smith and Wollensky, lit up on the river.
Otom's "Bacon and Egg Cocktail"


So, I emailed Jason a list of restaurants I really want to go to, with the option that if he has a better place or idea, then by all means to go with that. I love surprises. But I've also always wanted to try out these restaurants.
Avenues, Otom, Les Nomades, and Smith and Wollensky(not as foodie as the 1st 3, but it's a chicago favorite on the river...i always thought it looked pretty swanky.)
Anyone been to any great chicago restaurants lately?

http://www.peninsula.com/Chicago/en/Dining/default.aspx

http://www.otomrestaurant.com/

http://www.lesnomades.net/lesnomades2/menu.htm

http://www.smithandwollenskysteakhouses.com/locations/chicago_steakhouse.htm