Two Headed Ruffly Chai Monster

When I step back from it, it almost doesn't look like a top. This is probably the first time I've ever blocked a top after seaming the shoulders together. Probably not the wisest thing to do (the shoulder seams make that area a bit difficult to stretch out correctly) but not a fatal mistake in the great scheme of things either. The ruffle is going to take some special attention (and probably some steam) to add the drape that I would like it to have, but that will come later, after I have the rest of the garment together. Perhaps tomorrow night I will get the neckband sewn in, if something else doesn't grab my attention first.

Speaking of getting my attention...

Tonight John and I went to an awesome new restaurant here in Chicago. Le Lan opened last Friday and does a Vietnamese/French fusion thing. It's not for the faint of wallet, but it was quite wonderful, and had a casual atmosphere. The server was friendly and not pretentious. The food was excellent -- especially desert. I had an apricot souffle paired with a keffir lime creme brulee. Just to die for. One of the partners in Le Lan is also connected to my favorite French restaurant in Chicago, Les Nomades, which is where I got to try my first souffle. I'm happy to say that Le Lan's souffle's are pretty close. I can imagine going to Le Lan just to have dessert. But I'm sure we'll be going back for the whole deal as well.

I would never have known about this restaurant (at least not this early in it's career) except for a special delivery that comes to my inbox everymorning called "Daily Candy Chicago", which I signed up for after Maggi sent me an email to let me know about it. Daily Candy has let me in on a bunch of fun cool things in Chicago, so I owe Maggi a big thank you for letting me in on the secret (there are also versions for New York and Los Angeles and Everywhere even if you're not in the Chicago area).

Definitely the sort of candy everybody wants!