SOFA

The week of Nov.1 we drove to Chicago to attend the 18th SOFA show at Navy Pier. SOFA stands for Sculptured Objects Fine Art and is undoubted the largest "Art Glass" show in the US and possibly in the world. There are over 100 dealers represented and at least 18 countries.
As usual we "sponge" off our friends on the North Shore and so our "time off" is centered in that vicinity.
We spent all day Friday at the show but did manage to have a few evening meals with friends.
Thursday night we had a very pleasant dinner at "Prairie Grass Cafe" 601 Skokie Blvd, Northbrook, IL. 847-205-4433. Prairie Grass was in the south loop but escaped to the suburbs. The four of us shared 2 salad, one beet and the other Caesar, which were more than sufficient for starters. I had a wonderful main course of grilled homemade lamb sausage served on two large slices of grilled pumpkin which had been basted with Maple syrup. It was accompanied, on the same plate, with steamed spinach topped with a generous amount of goat cheese. A beautiful and delicious plate of colors and flavors.
Marilyn had excellent "Lake Superior White fish". The others had Pork Cutlet and Salmon.
The restaurant is in an office building and is handicapped accessible and has full bar service.
The next night we went to a Pizza Parlor, owned by friends of our hosts,. It is in the Ravenswood neighborhood. "Spaccanapoli",1769 W Sunnyside, Chicago, IL 60640, 779-878-2420. There were six of us and we were there early, around 6 PM. The place was full of families with babies on up. As first courses we shared 2, lovely, mixed green salads and a large plate of marinated seafood. We chose 3 pizza's from the menu and had extra toppings added to them. I did not find the pizza's anything out of the ordinary, even with the additions. The table shared 3 excellent deserts, Tartufo, Teramisu and Tuscan Chocolate Gelato. This plus 2 bottles of very good Chianti comprised the evening meal for the 6 of us. Total cost $225.
Next morning we hit Max and Benny's( see earlier report) for Breakfast. I had Corn Beef Hash, disappointing because it was ground not chopped, and Marilyn excellent Cinnamon Swirl French Toast.
We loaded the car with deli, for our Cincinnati children, and headed home. The aroma was with us all the way.