Uptown Guy

Yesterday my practicum group took the morning off from our jobs and explored the Chicago neighborhood Uptown for our end of the semester project. Uptown is a diverse neighborhood and home to some awesome community organizations. There you’ll find Jesus People USA, a Christian Commune in which all its members live in the same apartment complex and share their finances, the American Indian Center a place where natives can go to reconnect to their roots and enjoy pow-wows and meals together and Café Too a restaurant that trains and employs people who have battled homelessness, poverty and addictions (http://www.cafetoo.org/). I especially recommend the café – amazing food, great atmosphere and a wonderful program. “Change the world, one meal at a time” … Delicious!
Our group dined at Demera yesterday, an Ethiopian restaurant just 200 feet west of the Lawrence stop. They have a buffet from noon to four, Monday thru Friday. I loved it! For those who have never tried Ethiopian cuisine its mostly different stew-type dishes of lentils and veggies served on top of injera, a fermented sourdough bread that you scoop up the “mush” with (only use your right hand!) It was one of my favorite meals in Chicago so far, but not everyone shared the same enthusiasm. Rachel liked the flavor but not the texture, and Allison, according to her facebook status, “does not like ethopian food.” haha! Either way, we had a good time. (http://www.demeraethiopianrestaurant.com/)

Like the red line going north, Spring is moving very slowly in Chicago. A month ago it was warm enough to run along the lakeshore. Yesterday we had snow.

I can’t believe it’s almost April. I have a feeling its going to be a very good month: Tristan Prettyman concert on the 4th, Jason Mraz on the 9th, Tigers against the Sox at Cellular Field on the 19th and few Cubbies games in there. AND I just got word from work that I might be flying out to Cali for a few days to help shoot a commercial with Ryan and Sara Hall! So that would be incredible.

one more thing… HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY LAUREN!