Bravo Batter and Berries

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So for as long as I can remember I have been hearing about this restaurant on Chicago’s North Side, Batter and Berries.  I have heard nothing but good things, the only complaint that I have ever heard was that there is always a wait, but I always hear that the wait is worth it.  So today I had the opportunity to try Batter and Berries for myself.

Anyone who truly knows me knows that I love breakfast.  I feel as if my day is incomplete if it does not start with breakfast.  Even if I sleep in or get a late start to the day breakfast is my jump start to the day.  My uncle is in town visiting and I promised him that I would treat him to breakfast, and I let him and my cousin decide and Batter and Berries it was.

Let me begin by saying that true to form there was a wait.  Not unlike many other popular breakfast restaurants in the city, so this was no big deal.  My family arrived before I did, so actually my wait was shorter than theirs.  The place was packed to capacity.  It is quaint and cozy however they accommodated our group of 5 easily.  Once we were in and seated the hostess informed us that they short wait staff, but that someone would be with us shortly.  Once we were seated the drinks water and coffee, came right way.  So far so good.

 

Catfish BB
Catfish with Egg Whites and Hashbrowns (with cheese) 

 

Our server came over and introduced himself, he was professional, polite and friendly.  He explained to us about the daily specials available and offered to answer any questions we had regarding the menu.  We made our selections and continued on with our conversation.  Shortly after our orders were taken the food arrived, hot fresh and DELICIOUS.

 

Cajan Salmon Benedict
Cajun Salmon Benedict

 

 

 

My family loves to eat, so anytime there is silence at the table you know and understand that the food is good.  Our waiter can back and offered the signature hot sauce and also explained that the butter was maple flavored, which in my cousins opinion was the perfect compliment to his French toast flight.  As each member of my family raved about how good their food was, we even shared bites across the table.  This was roll your eyes in the back of your head kind of good eating.

Let me just say that the Cajun Salmon Benedict was phenomenal.  The Salmon was seasoned to perfection, the Benedict and Hollandaise sauce were as close to perfect as I can recall.  The potatoes were cooked well and did not require any additional salt or pepper.  My mother raved about the flavor of her catfish, and my uncle was in love with his deconstructed steak omelet.   My other uncle and cousin were extremely satisfied  with their French Toast Flights.

As a breakfast lover, I am so disappointed with myself that I waited so long to get over to Batter and Berries.  I will definitely be going back.  There are so many more things on the menu that I am eager to try.  This is the first and only restaurant I went to and came home and blogged about immediately.  It was that good in my opinion.

 

Be Blessed!  Be Fabulous!

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Girls Trip: Big Fun, Big Laughs

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Girls Trip officially hits theaters this Friday.  Fortunately, I have already seen the movie so I can to share a little TEA with you all about the movie.  So here goes…

Thanks to Universal Pictures and the organizers of BlogHer I as able to see an advance screening of this movie during the annual BlogHer conference myself and a select group of bloggers were able to see this movie a few weeks ago, and I am happy I had the opportunity.  This was one of the funniest movies I have seen in a very long time.  When I say funny, I mean laugh out loud, tears in your eyes funny.  This is a plan the evening, go see the movie with your girls and then head out for margaritas and martinis to talk and possibly plan your own Girls Trip.

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This movie took place at one of the largest and heavily attended events for African Americans, the annual Essence Fest in New Orleans.  Essence for those who haven’t been is a time for fun, inspiration, food and partying.  I have attended Essence several times, and while I did not have as much fun as theses women did I did experience a few similar issues.  1.  Lodging during Essence is always an issue.  If you plan to go, book your hotel as soon as the dates are released.  You do not want to end up in a less than desirable hotel in New Orleans during Essence, IJS.    Secondly, you will party at Essence if you plan too.  There is no shortage of partying and fun during Essence, but back to the movie.

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Essence was an appropriate backdrop for this movie.  The characters, the situations and the events fit perfectly.  There could not have been any greater locale for this movie.  Tiffany Haddish, was the star of this movie.  She is real, hilarious and keeps you laughing throughout the movie.  Her character keeps the fun and at times the drama going.  If you don’t have a friend like her or similar to her you need to find one.

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This movie is laugh out loud funny.  It is be carful drinking during the movie because you could possibly choke laughing.  There are serious parts and serious issues that occur during the movie, but for the most part expect to have many belly laughs.  Expect to leave the theater feeling good and in a good mood.  Girls Trip is definitely a chick flick so I would suggest going with your girlfriends and not on a date night.

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My rating for Girl’s Trip is a 10. It gets 10 stars.  This movie will have you laughing until you cry, reminiscing about your college days and the days when asymmetric hairstyles and 8-ball jackets were the fashion, and reflecting about the responsibility and challenges that everyday life brings.  Go see this movie and after you see it come back and let me know what you think in the comments.  I know me and my girls have already planned our Girls Night out to see Girl’s Trip.

Be Blessed, Be Fabulous!

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