Today was the final day of the school year which meant a Year End Show to send off the seniors and see what other programs were working on in the building. This also meant that we didn't have to be at school until 2pm so I twisted some arms and Alyx and Christel from the industrial design program happily agreed to go bouldering with me at Brooklyn Boulders because I was dying to climb. We had such a fun time and even though it's more expensive than what I'm used to, it's also a million times nicer and bigger than the Red Barn at RIT. Nevertheless the barn will always be my bouldering home and for less than $5 it's a steal. Not something I'm going to find in Chicago I'm sure.
After a little over an hour we decided to pack things up with our noodle arms and head to lunch since it was still early. Brooklyn boulders is in between school and the west loop where the strip of restaurants is that is always a go-to success. After debating whether or not we should be eating tacos and drinking margarita's because its Cinco De Mayo we landed on going to Nando's PERi-PERi which is something I've wanted to do since the decor looks so fun from the outside and we don't have this chain in Rochester.
LOCATION: 953 W RANDOLPH ST., CHICAGO, IL 60607
Walking in this place is just as cute inside as it seems from the outside. It's super colorful while not being gaudy and it smells really great. We checked out our menu's and I got some recommendations from Alyx and made a sharing game plan with Christel and we walked up to order. Alyx was telling me that this chain derived from Africa and the PERi-PERi is a popular pepper of that region which gets shipped to the states for this kitchen to use. Pretty cool.
Alyx got a wrap of some sort, Christel got chicken, and I decided on the Chicken Thigh Skewers which comes with onions, red pepper, and I chose the mango lime sauce on the chicken with a side of Peri Chips (french fries) and the special Perinaise (the PERi-PERi mayo). Christel got a side of garlic bread and we shared so we got to try a little more.
Everything tasted so good and between the three of use we pretty much cleared our plates and were pretty full. My chicken was juicy and the mango lime sauce on top was a unique twist. I liked the idea and it was really yummy. The fries were also great and not too skinny and crispy which I like. Fries that taste like potatoes are my love and with the dipping mayo it was so flavorful. With mayo aioli type sauces I'm good to go.
Happy, full, and not yet sore from bouldering, we continued our adventure!
We still had some time to wander around after we finished eating so Alyx suggested this cookie shop that her boyfriend found for her. She was raving about how these were the best cookies and she was super excited to go and grab some since we were close to the store so Christel and I agreed and we started to walk off our Nando's on our quest for cookies!
LOCATION: 1148 W MONROE ST., CHICAGO, IL 60607
Warm Belly Bakery is this tiny little shop with a full case of these dense cookie balls. They're pretty heavy weight wise and density wise so, not having a huge sweet tooth, they're not something I would crave but like I mentioned, Alyx loves them and they are really tasty.
Since there were a bunch of flavors the three of use decided just to go in on the 6 cookie deal for $16 and get two each. I got the fruity pebbles and the cheesecake and they both ended up being pretty good. The problem I found with the fruity pebbles was that the cereal itself got a little soggy in the processes and were therefore a little chewy in a way that wasn't super enjoyable. The cookies are also a little crumbly and super heavy so it took some time and dedication for me to get through this rock while also sharing with some people. The cheesecake was a little flatter and therefore more enjoyable. It was creamy and cheescake-y but again, chewy. Not my favorite part of the day but I honestly love trying this kinda stuff and if I'd seen pictures of this place I would've made it a trip so even though it's not my thing I'm super glad Alyx took us.
Overall, a very nice bonding day full of climbing and food. What more could I ask for.