Liz’s Early Birthday Celebration
I ended up needing to miss a woodworking class last week (and needed to go in on the weekend, to do a makeup class). Liz decided she needed the night off as well, and decided that we’d both miss… and go in together, today.
Our makeup work: sanding.
We were encouraged to bring headphones. I wasn’t sure where we’d be doing this work, but the entire classroom was set up with sanders and shop vacs. And it was definitely noisy.
There were several folks at all the benches – but I caught this rather quiet and private moment, with just Liz working.
A view of all the various pieces and projects in progress, from all the various classes happening at the Chicago School of Woodworking.
After our makeup class, we ran over to a yarn store. And then stopped by a Home Depot to grab a ton of insulation. And then sped back home, so we could shower and get ready for our night out.
At the Franklin Room, where we sat at the bar and asked to see the various Society bottles available. We’ve done this a lot in the past, and used to come here for the Society tastings. But we’ve since changed venues and haven’t come back as much.
I love when they bring over all these bottles by us. From here on out, I’m going to refer to this as “the Green Curtain.”
I ended up going with The Joy of Jostling Flavours, and Liz went with the Glen Rothes 15 (a recent/new offering from the distillery).
For our second round, I had Flames Dancing On and Liz had A Study in Sepia and Umber. There wasn’t much left in her bottle, so the bartender was incredibly kind and ended up comping us (we didn’t find this out until the bill arrived).
Liz ended up getting the Springbank 12 (Cask Strength), but in the meanwhile we got to sample a few surprises: Puni Alba (an Italian whisky) and Hakata 16 (a Japanese whisky).
Our bartender was knowledgeable and kind, and gave us some fun recommendations. Really enjoy coming to this bar, and just hanging out.
Fast forward a bit to our dinner at Il Carciofo. We toyed with the idea of riding electric scooters over here, but sanity prevailed and we took a cab instead. The place was really hopping.
Liz took a photo of me, because I tend to photograph everything else except me on this blog.
For our appetizers: Suppli Ragu (braised beef, tomato, fior di latte) and Insalata di Misticanza (little gem, pistachio, watermelon radish, pecorino toscano).
And a few pastas to share, for our main course.
For dessert, Liz got an affogado (but of course). And I got some chocolate gelato, and it was an obscenely large serving.
Back home, hanging out with Hugo and opening up some gifts. And yes, that would be a paperback collection of Bunnicula.
Related:
End Table: Fitting
Franklin Room: Scotch Malt Whisky Society, September 2024 Outturn
Running at Stone Mountain Park, Belated Birthday Date Night
Liz’s Birthday 2023, Day 6: Hiking Mary’s Rock Summit and Byrd’s Nest #3 in Shenandoah, Shopping in Downtown Luray, Walking the Grounds at Glen Gordon Manor, Dinner at Houndstooth
Date Night: Franklin Room
Small follow-up: a few days after this, I happened to see that Condé Nast Traveler recently published The Best New Restaurants in the World: 2025 Hot List, and Il Carciofo made their list!
Liz gets the credit here, as this was a place she’s been wanting to try. And I just made the reservation. But I feel like I’ve got excellent taste, by proxy.
avoision (May 4, 2025 at 8:33 pm)