I thought that I would have enough comments for a daily update to my blog, but life has this odd way of getting in the way.

Went to a fabulous neighborhood German restaurant in Chicago Friday night. It's called Laschet's Inn on Irving Park Rd. on the north side of the city. Tucked away on the street, I've zoomed past it zillions of times without noticing it. My boyfriend, Scott, has been there before and has always wanted to go back. So we called up Curtis and Kristin, two of our favorite foodie friends, and headed out. Very (very) laid back service, which always makes me a little uptight. I'm one of those urban dwellers who gets ticked off if my food isn't prompt and if my water glass goes untended. I tend to think that because I tip well, I should be rewarded by great service. Of course, the waiters and waitresses have no idea that I'm a good tipper, and treat me accordingly. Scott has informed me that I missed the point at Laschet's Inn. It is genuinely laid-back and reminiscent of its German roots, in that the dining experience should be a whole night affair, laden with large beers (1/2 liter and 1 liter steins) and good memories, and not so focused on the uptight, prompt service. We did enjoy our time, heightened by the March Madness basketball on the screens behind us (always good to keep up with the scores, as March Madness is my only foray into college basketball each year). Good conversation seems that much better when tucking into new foods (wiener schnitzel...tasty! Even tasty as a leftover!), and beers with good friends! We had a truly great evening.

I'm working on relaxing my attitude toward prompt service when it comes to ethnic, neighborhood places, (and maybe buying a trendy pair of leder hosen) and I think that our next trip to Laschet's Inn will be even more rewarding. In the meantime, if you have plenty of time, a desire for authentic German food, and you're on the north side of Chicago, head on over to Laschet's Inn...sehr gut, ja. Next stop: Oktoberfest. Auf wiederzehn!!!