Each month I keep saying that I have had the busiest month yet. Are you tired of hearing me say that? Well, with no shortage in sight (definitely not complaining), I’m actually splitting this month’s recap of events into two posts! I’ve been to so much already this month and have lots coming up, that it just makes sense to share now. Check it out:

Arugula Pizza At Vapiano Chicago

Vapiano– Ok, you all know that chain restaurants are not really my thing. It sounds so snobby doesn’t it? I’m not trying to be, but I always would rather check out a local hot spot, than something I can get anywhere. But, there are always exceptions to every rule, and Vapiano is one of them. This international chain creates some amazing, mouth-watering Italian dishes such as freshly baked pizzas and handmade pastas all made in-house, from scratch on a daily basis. I have to say I was blown away by some of the dishes especially the scampi e spinaci dish (minus the scampi) which includes your choice of pasta, basil pesto, spinach, light cream sauce and the arugula pizza (arugula, Grana Padano D.O.P, tomato sauce, mozzarella). These two items were things I literally had to push away cause I could not stop eating them. That’s when I know I love something…that I need to move it away from my face and out of arms reach, ha ha. So, if you find yourself near Millennium Park downtown or stumble upon a Vapianos somewhere else in the world, it has the The Vegetarian Tourist stamp of approval…even as a chain!

10 Layer Chocolate Cake at deca Restaurant Ritz Carlton Chicago

The dec Rooftop Lounge at the Ritz– This actually happened; I was invited to four events in one night. Whoa! While I felt very loved, I was SO torn on what to attend, what to decline and what to do! Nice problem to have, I know, but it was a little crazy. Sadly, one of the events I had to say no to was a fun rooftop party at The dec Rooftop Lounge at the Ritz Carlton Chicago. Of course it was a beautiful day, perfect for some rooftop shenanigans at their awesome outdoor space. Oh well, you can’t win them all. But, I really did feel like I won because I was invited to come back another night that worked with my schedule. And, you can probably predict what happened…the night I came back was super chilly and not really the best rooftop weather. So, we ended up having dinner at deca restaurant inside the Ritz, which really was not a bad compromise at all. It worked out well because we had the chance to try items from both the rooftop The dec’s menu as well as deca’s, the best of both worlds! My favorite from The dec’s menu were the falafel bites and I loved the mushroom soup from deca’s menu. But, there was one complete stand-out from the night which was the deca cake from deca’s menu. This must have dessert is a scrumptious 10-layer chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream frosting and hands-down is some of the best chocolate cake I have ever had. Yes, bold statement I know, which means you MUST go get it!

Summertime Soju Cocktails At Roka Akor

Roka Akor– If you haven’t figured it out yet, I love trying new things. Especially anything related to other cultures and/or foods where I can learn something on an international level. Roka Akor, a great known sushi spot in River North, recently provided just that experience as they were showcasing new summertime drinks made with soju, a Korean rice liquor. I don’t think I ever heard of or tried soju before so I was definitely excited to try something new. What’s cool about soju is that it is very easy to infuse with any combination of ingredients as it is normally a pretty bland drink so it really takes on the infused flavors. We sampled some really cool soju infusions including blueberry ginger, mango Thai chili and strawberry balsamic basil to name a few (the blueberry ginger was my favorite). Roka Akor has created special seasonal infusions for the summer and concocted some amazing cocktails that pair well with many items on their menu. Definitely a great option for Roka Akor’s patio…..for whenever summer wants to finally arrive in Chicago!

LYFE Kitchen New Skinny Cocktails

LYFE Kitchen– If you read my blog, you already know I am kind of obsessed with LYFE Kitchen. There are so many reasons; great tasting food, a focus on locally sourced ingredients, a separate vegetarian/vegan menu and now one more thing, skinny cocktails. Seriously, can this place get any better? I think not! In addition to the new drinks (I tried the orange, ginger, chia drink with vodka and loved it), there are some new menu items that have recently been added (like a new veggie burger…woo hoo).  And just so you know, one of my all-time favorite non-alcoholic drinks at LYFE Kitchen is the cucumber mint LYFE water made with fresh cucumber juice, lime, mint and agave. I’m thinking a shot of vodka to that drink would be pretty good too. Hmmm, maybe I should try that next time I am there?!

JuiceRx Cucumber Mint Fresh-Pressed Juice

JuiceRx– It’s true. With all these fabulous restaurant invitations, I sometimes just need to give my poor stomach a break. Enter JuiceRx. This newly opened Old Town spot has so many varieties of raw, vegan, fresh pressed juices to try from, and unique ones at that. In addition to great juices there is also quite the selection of raw, vegan foods, like the chocolate, peanut butter, banana, chia pudding or the variety of flavored kale chips. All kinds of fantastic things to choose from and all in one spot! I tried a few different juices and was really digging the pineapple jalapeno juice. Something so different, yet so good and healthy. The cucumber mint electrolyte boost was also fantastic and perfect after finishing up an intense workout. Thanks JuiceRx, I will be back, and often at that!

Please Note: While I was invited to each of these events, all opinions are my own.