There’s nothing to wine about at 1913 Restaurant and Bar.

I’ve actually been exploring friends in a non-conventional way, but it is in the ‘norm’ throughout our generation. So I met a friend on Bumble BFF and we’ve been keeping up with each other since! I talk about my experience in another post.

But let’s talk about this wine bar. We split a bottle of wine, a charcuterie board and a plate of pasta. The quality of it all was incredible. I also love that the restaurant was made of brick, so it reminded me of a cozy feel. I loved it!

We took date night to a whole other level, but this is the treat we both needed. I also didn’t even know this was a wine bar!!!

Classy and Elegant, Fleming’s did not disappoint!

This restaurant was very classy and a great time! We had the onion soup before the poke appetizer. I had the prime New York strip and he had a ribeye with asparagus. SO good!!!

I also think the atmosphere of how open the restaurant was really made a difference. Fewer people and more space was everything I needed- especially during this time. It was a little pricey, but worth every penny!

You know everything happens for a Riesling when you’re at Sixty-Four Wine Bar.

I absolutely LOVE this Downtown Naperville staple. I had never seen anything like it because it felt like Cocoa-Cola World but with wine. There are multiple dispensers for different kinds of wine bottles around the restaurant. With covid, you have to reserve it quick! Overall, it’s a great place for girls night, a family lunch, and just a friendly spot for all ages over 21 years old. This is one of my favorite spots to come to celebrate close to my school in Illinois.

Rescued some wine because it was trapped in a bottle at R Urban Wine Bar.

A girls night at this cute Wine Bar in Lisle was exactly what we needed. We had a few wine flights from their selection, recommended by the waiter, because they all looked so good! We also ordered a charcuterie board, which has been the most in snack since quarantine. A few cheeses, meats, and all the good stuff in one plate. #MuchNeeded. Cheers!!

Took Girls Night Out to Another Level at Cooper’s Hawk Winery.

The girls met up at the Winery to hang out and just get together. We love wine and good food, so this worked out! It was also a spot that we could all drive halfway. Cooper’s Hawk is known nationwide, so that also helps with the credibility of the restaurant. AND they have a monthly membership for wine bottle!! One day……. I’ll join!

Didn’t want an impasta of our experience with Abrusci’s Fire and Vine.

Funny enough, they had this restaurant when I went to Colorado. It’s such a cute, family-oriented spot. Very covid friendly too! They had so many drink choices and foodie options. I think we definitely just tried a little bit of everything to get some flavor. I loved coming here for sure!

No time to wine because I’ve got some more recommendations for you:

• Tannins Wine Bar and Boutique
• Lynfred Winery
• Cork Wine Bar and Kitchen
• Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery

Wine bars are honestly so much fun to experience in Illinois! I’ve been so excited to explore new places and probably gain a few calories here and there. But we all need some yummy goodness!!!

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What’s your name and what’s your story?

My name is Linh and I’m born and raised in Wheaton, Illinois. I’m a first generation Chinese-Vietnamese-Asian-American after my parents came to the USA following the Vietnam War. I met Mel through my job at North Central College and I’m happy to be a part of this blog post!

What are your top three Boba Tea locations in Illinois?

Outside of Chicago, Illinois didn’t have many boba locations. Recently, there have been more stores to expand my options and introduce boba to other people. In no particular order: Kung Fu Tea, Vivi’s Bubble Tea, and Bearology. Honorable mention to Joy Yee’s, because it was my family’s go-to place since it was the closest to us. I would love to go to HelloJasmine, since many people have said it’s the best boba place in Illinois. Naturally, I have to go!

What makes you happy about drinking Boba Tea?

Boba is a great pick me up! If I need a caffeine fix, having a bad day, boba never fails to make my day better. It’s happiness in a cup. I personally think it’s also a great staple in the Asian culture.

If you had to name a Boba Tea, what would you call it? What would it have inside?

My first instinct would be a bakery item, since one of my favorite hobbies is baking. I’m basic when it comes to boba so I would definitely have the original boba in it. I’d love to have an ombré effect when the drink is made because I like to think those taste and look more fun. In terms of a name, I feel like there are puns that could be made with my first name Linh or my last name Phu. But to make one a boba tea drink? I don’t think I’d make a creative enough one. I believe in you, Linh!

What’s your secret to Boba Tea?

I stole this idea from an ice cream store owner because he mentioned that when he orders ice cream, he would always get vanilla ice cream. He believes that a place that has a good vanilla ice cream base is needed to create other flavors and share a great taste all around. I use this same process for ordering boba. Having a regular milk tea boba in a new place allows you to start with a foundation, and then you move on to flavors.

Fun facts about Boba Tea:

• Besides that it’s tea-lightful? Had to insert a pun in here for you, Mel!
• It’s definitely evolved since I first tried it. Now there’s different flavors and types of boba, different toppings you can put in your drinks, etc. Getting boba is an experience that should be savored and enjoyed!
• Boba originated from Taiwan but has made its mark on other Asian cultures.

Want to try making Boba yourself?

Grab three ingredients! Tapioca starch, muscovado sugar, and water. It’s quite simple but you can make it or break it with how you choose the consistency necessary. Boba requires a great “QQ” texture and taste to help the boba tea.

Here’s some Boba locations Linh explored in Illinois:

• Chains: Kung Fu Tea, Vivi Bubble Tea, Bearology USA
• Local spots: Joy Yee, Pisces Cafe, Vannie’s, 45 Degrees, Spades Tealife, Ma Tea House, HelloJasmine

I didn’t realize how many Boba Tea shops Illinois had. Linh wanted to help name a few chains and local shops to explore your Boba palette. I even created a video of her experience! ANNNND Happy National Boba Tea Day!!!

The post Let’s Talk Boba Tea in the Chicagoland Area appeared first on Plane and Cheesy.

Zucchini Sliders are the way to go! Here’s what you need:

• 4 patties
• salt + pepper
• adobo, or other protein seasoning
• 2 zucchinis
• Optional: shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional: tomato, other seasonings

Cut all four patties into its own slices. Crumble them into a ball and flatten them out. Season the patties with salt, pepper and adobo. Place them in a grill for ten minutes.

While it’s cooking, slice the zucchinis in a thin form. TIP: it’ll be easier when you munch at the end. Carefully place the slices in the grill so there’s a small space within each. To top it off, season with a pinch of salt.

Time to serve!

Make your own slider with two zucchini buns, a slice of meat and all your favorite toppings. My family and I each had about four or five. So you might want to keep track of how many even zucchini slices and patties you have.

For the month of April, I decided to work on a fun project by adding a fun recipe each week that involved something green. Check it out in my recipes tab!

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Molly’s Cupcakes

While the cupcakes are a little on the pricey end, they are so cute to have and there are so many flavors to go around! It’s a must go for a splurge of a dessert moment for sure. This is also a true Chicago staple.

Uncle Julio’s, but really a restaurant

I ordered this chocolate piñata for my birthday and had NO REGRETS! We shared it with the family because it’s huge. I would not able to eat it alone but completely worth the calories. A side of fruits and churros was everything we needed to make this piñata a complete dessert.

Andy’s Custards

The hype was unreal for this place. This drive thru has been one of the favorite ice cream places for all the locals! The strawberry shortcake is seasonal and the bootleg concrete is a must have!

The Original Rainbow Cone

It was a pop-up truck in Naperville but originated in Chicago in 1926. It also has a super cute ice cream story! I loved being able to walk a few blocks from school with a friend to enjoy this ice cream goodness, even though it was cold outside. Am I the only one who eats ice cream even if it’s cold outside?!

If you’re afraid to go alone because you think you might sugar overload, you’re probably right… but I’ll always be there with you! Having a sweet tooth is kind of a blessing in disguise, right?

Explore other places with me in Illinois! I’ve had so much fun experiencing life in the greater Chicagoland area. You can probably check some out in my Chicago and Illinois highlights as well.

The post Find Your Sweet Spots in Naperville With Me appeared first on Plane and Cheesy.

First date

We all get nervous in our first day or the day we give off our first impression… well, at least I do! I like to dress according to what we’re doing and be on my best behavior, aka an extrovert and an introvert depending on the vibe.

I love meeting new people but this date situation felt a little weird at first. What am I supposed to say? How do I react? How do I know if I made a good first impression? Are we going to hang out after this? My mind probably runs through a whole bunch of questions before the date that I always overthink.

Day of, you’re probably either nervous, excited, or both. I’m always both because you don’t know what to expect. Are they a catfish? Are they going to like me? Will we hang out after this if we do hit it off?

A few dates later

I’ve met a few girls since end of 2020, and we’ve hit it off! Here are some date ideas you can do:

• Making tie blankets
• Axe Throwing
• Going to wine bars
• Happy hours
• Wine Night Thursdays
• Ice cream date

Some RANDOM tips I’ve learned:

• Tea is your best friend- every night!
• Game changer: If you’re lazy when washing the blender, add soap and water, blend and rinse out.
• A she-shed is actually a babe cave.
• Never give up on planning to hang out with the girls. There will always be someone ready to adventure with you!

I feel that with all the girls I’ve met, I’ve made some long lasting friendships. It’s so nice to be able to brainstorm on some blog posts with them while I’m at it and that they support my crazy adventures!

Honestly, Bumble really does work, in all aspects. It offers BFF, dating and networking. So you can get the best of all worlds!

Need some more fun in Illinois?

• Top 10 Coffee Shops In The Greater Chicagoland Area
• No Time to Wine in a Bar, Especially in Illinois
• Illinois is a Little Egg-Obsessed, Here’s Why
• A Friend’s Affair in Chicago Before the Pandemic

The post How to go on a First Friend-Date with Bumble BFF appeared first on Plane and Cheesy.

My friend, Rachel, AKA Rachey B, introduced me to Boboli- a pizza brand. SO YUM! We bought Boboli, Mozzarella cheese, mini Pasterli red sauce. For dessert, we got some blackberries, raspberries and vanilla ice cream. 

We cut the round-shaped pizzas into hearts by cutting some of the corners. Spread the sauce on each one. Overloaded each with mozzarella cheese (can you tell we’re cheese lovers?) and it was ready to be cooked!

We put the pizzas in the oven at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Took it out and waited a few for it to cool down. The best homemade pizza ever! AND THEN dessert time!!! I know a pizza my heart belongs to it but dessert always has a little compartment in my tummy. 

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