4 posts from March 2007

One thing I really love in this world besides my beautiful boys and wife is Coffee!
It keeps me going on those late studio sessions and early mornings with the babies.

If I was ever to move out of Chicago, my next city of choice would be Seattle. Not only for its excellent  choice of coffee shops but also for the artists and galleries associated there. In my neighborhood (Lake View), coffee is far from lacking in its selection of coffee shops. Caribou coffee is one that I visit almost daily, they seem to have what I would consider the best Cafe Moca around. Second, would be Julius Meinl Cafe not only is there coffee good but they have a lovely breakfast menu and they are very serious about there roast. Down the block is Intelligentsia Coffee they make a rather lovely moca and then there is Argo tea. I thought they had a good selection of coffee and tea, if your into tea.
Across the street from Caribou is the The Coffee and Tea Exchange I thought they had a nice selection of coffee for home brewing.

Then there are all the coffee shops near my studio in Wicker Park.  Here are a few within walking distance, Alliance Bakery and Filter. Both of these places have excellent Mochas, I preffer Filter  but its more of a walk.
There is a brand new shop that just opened a block away from my studio, but I forgot there name. So far I have had there Mocha and found it surprisingly tasty.

Finally one place I did not mention was Starbucks, not because I dont like them but they are pretty much the back up shop if any of these other ones or not conveniently open. And yes there mocha is tasty The coffee is a bit harsh and burnt though. One perk of going there is I always seem to get my drink for free. Not sure what I am doing but I will keep doing it.

making some time

stroll softly through the night

I have been painting non stop it seems for a month now. This last two weeks have been a real killer. Going to bed after 3 AM every-night and then getting up with the kids to take Hitomi to work at 6:30 AM. I am glad its over and to celebrate I sleep in late and have been napping all day-today. I Watched Hitomi clean the entire house while the boys and  watched movies on amc. There is a ton of crappy movies out there, but oh so fun to watch. For lunch I made a huge bowl of Guacamole with corn chips. What a fantastic treat! Arata loves it as much as I do, if only he could have a beer with me, then that would have been the perfect day. I guess I will have to wait 19 years for that day.

things are growing