I write to you all today a shattered wreck. Last night's hangover has nearly worn off. A thin film of sour sweat clings to me. I crave salad and a hot bath. Such self-induced suffering on a school night is not typically my M.O. However, momus convinced me that we should meet downtown at Sunda New Asian after work. Life is short after all ( Read more... )

Hot Doug's, The Sausage Superstore and Encased Meat Emporium, is a landmark of our fair city. I have no idea when it opened, only that it's been here since I started visiting. As far as I'm concerned Hot Doug's is a precondition for the sheer existence of Chicago, let alone the Northside, if not the axis mundi of Avondale. Why so much existential ( Read more... )

I-70 West was clear for once. Pastoral green and tropical storm silver stretched out in endless, open driving pleasure before me. My foot twitched in relief. Plastic kissed plastic as an engineer boot bore down on the gas pedal. The Toyota shuddered at 68 MPH; I was pushing her too hard. More pressure from my boot elicited a whine, a throaty ( Read more... )