The weekend, succinctly

The weekend was full of friends.

There was my early birthday celebration on a rooftop. Lovely warm weather, blue skies giving way to a beautiful sunset, and fabulous friends from near and far, all perched 29 stories above downtown Chicago.

{ circle of friends }

A yummy brunch with my weekend house guest, L, at a place I had never tried before, Lula's Cafe in Logan Square, with a focus on farm-fresh, seasonal ingredients. Everything was so perfectly tasty that I have to post pix of it all.

{ the most uh-MAZ-ing rhubarb coffee cake ever, with maple butter }

{ you can't see the savory corn pudding under the pile of sunny side eggs, served up with grilled summer squash, avocado aioli, purslane, and dill. It was really-interesting-in-a-good-way. }

{ L's hazelnut griddle cakes with cherry jam, klug farm sweet cherries, toasted hazelnuts, and sour cream chantilly. I now declare these the *best* pancakes I've ever had. }

Followed by a sidewalk jaunt to some nearby cute vintage shops. Logan Square has such character.

In making a pit stop at Whole Foods Market back in my neck of the woods, L & I saw a small flea market set up across the street. It turns out that this is a once-a-year market, vintage mostly, where we found the most delightful, unexpected old treasures.

{ wearing my new vintage-inspired frock, which i have barely taken off since acquiring it }

Chilling with A & J, and their newborn son, at their house. A little cuddle time, dinner, and fun conversation. 

{ perfect baby fingers and toes }

{ homemade pesto from my herb garden, mixed greens salad, raw kale salad, roasted fingerling potatoes, and giant beef kebabs }

And finally, there was a friend's birthday dinner at Hopleaf. Think sausage, German potato salad, and their specialty, mussels in a white wine, bay leaf, onion, and celery broth. Oh, and lots of chocolate cake.

 { 31 candles, and we nearly smoked out the place }