Happy New Year 2024 from the Chi

2023 brought me back to blogging after a hiatus. I have only been back a few months, but long enough to see that things have definitely changed. Blogging is way more technical than it was when I began in the late 1990's.

I do NOT know how to Tik Tok but I am learning. What are the other ways? There are a bazillion others out here and many are young, talented, focused and big money makers. When I began blogging, no one knew how much money was in it. By the time I slipped into hiatus, I was a full fledged second income blogger... I don't even know if these are called blogs anymore! At any rate, 2024 is going to be my attempt to return to the social media world and I hope to, at the very least, have fun and share the things I find out along the way.

May all auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?

Happy New Year 2024 Everyone near and far!

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Saying 'Goodbye' To An Old Friend

The Grand Lux Cafe in Chicago has closed. Under the Cheesecake Factory umbrella, The Grand Lux Cafe has long been a place to grab a quick, delicious bite, gather for family and friends, hang in the bar, and was a nice local, CHI favorite away from the tourists that frequent The Cheesecake Factory. Not sure why owner David Overton gave up on the Chicago market. I have never seen The Grand Lux empty nor have I had a bad meal there... even during the pandemic. Per several media sources, The Grand Lux began in 1999 as an upscale hotel restaurant in Las Vegas! For me, the beignets were New Orleans-style approved. I prefer my beignets fried hard with soft insides and The Grand Lux always got that right. Over the years, after I had begun to get invited by General Managers to taste-test new menu items in the mid 2000's and share on social media, I began to frequent The Grand Lux and bring all my family and friends. Soon TJ Max, Home Goods and Marshall's moved in next door and my...

Do YOU know what it means to miss New Orleans?

Ya'll know... As much as I love Chi, I love New Orleans! I went "home" in August for what I call my 2023, "EAT, LOVE, PRAY TOUR". I had a yearning to connect with my ancestors, my self and my God. Every single day, I did all three. I made a pact to make certain I do this every year, if not two or three times a year, to reboot and re-evaluate. I was not raised on Kitchen Sink gumbo, simple chicken or seafood with flavor from another world. This is how WE do: dark Roux, andouille, chicken, okra, all seasoned RIGHT and with a SCOOP of rice on top. I always connect with the horses in front of Jackson Square I always watch a storm as it rolls in, so amazing! We used to drive in and head straight to Gene's. The best times were when we came in at 6am when the bread was being dropped off. Getting a Gene's hot sausage fresh with fresh bread was heaven! Now I just wave and mourn the loss. Praise, homage to my ancestors and pecan pie .... I am already bleeding...

Just D Chi

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