Fashion + Food = Exercise…right? Ughhhhhhhh…I hate to exercise. Recently I tried to ride a recumbent exercise bike. Decked out in my Lulu Lemon attire, I was sure I was up to the challenge… I looked the part and everything. I wonder if there’s any way to obliterate the little digital “up” arrow…you know the one that keeps telling you to pedal faster and harder? After being embarrassingly defeated by a piece of machinery in less than 5 minutes, I decided to stay on my current course of fitness…THINKING ABOUT IT…that’s right, good old fashioned brain power. For now, my Lulu Lemon work out stuff will be earmarked for errand running….and hopefully, the stunning Anna Fong S/S ’10 Red Carpet gown will fit regardless, even if I just want it for the same reason I save my good china for the Queen’s visit… that's my fabulous younger sister, Hannah, by the way with Anna Fong...Holla! Sorry, obligatory family shout out...
I did get to try out a great restaurant in Naperville this week…Zaidi’s! Located at 1975 Springbrook Square Drive, Naperville, Illinois, the Infusion Cuisine style is Japanese inspired, infused with Asian and Latin Spices…Wow…a stretch for Kristen in the flavor department, considering my love of all foods comfort…I also got to give my braided chain motorcycle boots a try with my Joe’s skinny’s and black tank dress by old fav Michael Stars and my newest bauble from CheriOo, a sterling silver egg encrusted with Swarovski crystals!
Upon entering, you can expect to be greeted by Zaidi, the man, himself. Dressed in a sleek, dapper, suit with a killer tie, he is quite the magnetic attraction! Shaking hands like he’s your bff and hasn’t seen you in ages, he puts you right at ease! The atmosphere is warm with an excellent balance of Energy and Tranquility. Every piece in Zaidi’s was designed specifically for the space to compliment the warmth. Two personal favorites…the chili pepper sconces and the unique red mermaid etched glass, created by Claire Steiner.
Starting with cocktails, a Grey Goose Cosmopolitan was sounding great! After number one Cosmo was finished, our waitress and old friend, Amanda suggested the next Martini for me… Zaidi’s Signature Martini, the Geisha. Blended Fresh Pineapples and Strawberries, infused in Kettle One Vodka with a hint of Vanilla & topped with Strawberry Garnish sounded really tasty! I admit to going back to the Cosmo simply because Strawberry is not my thing…(see, told y’all I’d try new things) …but in the end, they made the best Cosmopolitan EVER!
On to appetizers, we had the Spicy Beef Dumplings with plum sauce and the California Roll with…get this…Black Rice! Both were outrageously good! Tip: All of Zaidi’s sushi can be ordered with Black Rice and I highly suggest it! The flavor is only slightly different than white rice, being a little nuttier and less sweet. Salad was the Arugala and Roasted Pumpkin with Goat Cheese and warm carmelized pumpkin…I didn’t even know you could eat pumpkin that way! Totally AWESOME!
Dinner was the Bone In- Beef Short Ribs with black Mole sauce…fell off the bone and was spicy, but in a good way! Last, we had the Beet and Cucumber salad that ended up serving as our dessert! Layers of Red and Gold beets with cucumber and goat cheese, toasted pistachios and blood orange vinaigrette! I didn’t even protest…dove right in and tried…maybe I held my breath and plugged my nose first, just incase it was too much to bear…but Omygoodness I wanted to order one to take home! So sweet and savory and even healthy…Dessert for 2010!
Not sure where we’re headed next but I can tell you…it will be in my new, all the rage…Cage Shoes for Spring and a military style jacket to polish the look!
