I get back from LA on Monday, and he asks me out for Wednesday.  We’re going to a pizza place in Brooklyn, and evidently it’s one of the best places for pizza…or so he says. For a few reasons I’m excited: We’ve been seeing each other for a few weeks now and it’s been a week since we saw each other last.  The day after we hung out last week I went to LA for work for five days. We texted throughout my trip, and as I headed to a client meeting I got a picture of him with my friend that introduced us.  They were having brunch on his terrace on what looked like the perfect New York City day.  I don’t know what was cuter, the fact that he was having people over for brunch on a Sunday, or that he was thinking of me and wanted to send me a picture.  (definitely the latter right?) Over the past few weeks I’ve noticed something.  With other guys I would always wonder ‘will I hear from him’, ‘should I call him’, ‘what’s next’… But there’s no pressure with him.  

He likes me, and I like him, and I feel secure in that.  It’s a new feeling for me.  I know I’ll hear from him, I trust that he’ll make movement towards me. He pursues, and I respond, and it makes me feel like such a woman.   One thing I like about our time so far is that we met  when I was in workout clothes and no make-up, he’s seen me completely disheveled, and our last time hanging out we were working out.  He appreciates me for me, and not this “made-up” version of myself. Still though, what girl doesn’t want to do her hair + make-up + wear her new sassy kimono wrap? It’s 8:00, and we’re meeting at 8:30.  I should probably head out to go grab a bottle of wine; It’s been raining most of the day, but I peer out the window and it looks dry.  I grab my purse and keys and run out the door. (Note to self:  no matter what never leave your house without an umbrella in New York City…especially when you’re on your way to a date and especially when it’s been raining all day #rookiemistake)

After going to three different places I finally found a bottle of red wine, and there was definitely dust on the bottle.  best 2008 red wineI’m pretty sure it wasn’t the best wine in town.best book for understanding wine Either way, wine in hand I walk to the restaurant.  best extra sweet wineWhen I’m two blocks away, it starts to rain.  top 10 washington red winesAnd when I say rain, I mean RRRRRRRRAIN.  red wine make you poopIt is a downpour, and within 2.5 seconds every inch of me is sopping wet.  best wines to have with pizza

All I can do is laugh.  I mean really though. I run to the restaurant, but it makes no difference at this point.  He’s waiting for me under the awning of the restaurant. I am a sight to be seen I am sure. I walk up to him, and dripping wet I give him a kiss and we both laugh at my unbelievable appearance.  it was like right out of a movie.  Before we were sat, I was ringing out my hair, and had to take off my kimono to wring all the water out. For some reason I didn’t care; (I feel like God is determined to keep me humble throughout this whole process.) Though it’s been a week since the last time we saw each other, we pick right back up.  We sat in a corner of the restaurant; it’s dark and candlelit and it felt really romantic. (Gosh who knew I was such a romantic?) In between red wine and wood fired pizza, we talked about our lives, our families, traveling, and it flowed. We laugh, we drink, we eat, and it felt good. It’s easy to be with him.  

Two hours later I notice that we’re the last customers in the restaurant.  Our waitress is sitting in a corner counting her tips.  He grabs my hand, leans across the table and gives me a kiss. He walks me home, it’s still drizzling, and kisses me good night. “When can I see you again”, he says.(wondering if he can hear me say in my head…tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day). **[I want to stand on the table, and get everyone’s attention just to make sure they all saw that.  I mean hello guys…I’m with the cutest guy in here and he totally just kissed me.  Thankfully for all parties involved I contain myself].The 15 Best Places for Wine in ChicagoCreated by Foursquare Lists City WineryGreat selection of wines, nice courtyard!Not a bad seat in the house. The staff and the wine are top notch.My favorite music venue these days! The Purple PigCome with a friend and try several different small items with wine. I personally love the croquettes, any cured meats, the wine selection, and the veggie/parmesan dishes.

Everything here is fantastic! Small plates are perfect sized, wine list is great, ambiance is good,even outside!Try the Heirloom Tomato, green Beans, Potatoes & Red Wine Vinaigrette - This was a wonderful dish with fresh tomatoes that melted in my mouth. QuartinoGreat place for groups. Cheap wine, small plates (try the veal meatball sliders), tasty pizzas, and great atmosphere (opt for eating in the bar over the dining room, unless you've got a big group).Penne a la vodka and rigatoni are my favorites! Grab a bottle of wine and some delicious Italian small plates!Start with a salumi salad and try the prosciutto wrapped dates. EatalyGrab a table upstairs and wind down with wine and an assortment of cheese! The sweet milk gelato is a must try!!The trout is amazing! Love the fresh bread and olive oil. Great service, food came out fast, great wine, prices are fair- no complaints!Eataly was awesome - The pizza bar as Good as Quartino, We had wine, very good. Great Fish plate with squid and white fish and clams Pastries to die for, Lavazzo wonderful.

Whole Foods MarketWonderful wine bar, love sitting at the bar, opening a bottle and relaxing.A stop at the amazing wine bar makes shopping far more fun. They have excellent flights and generous pours.If you get six you get 10% off. Also you get a cool canvas wine bag with 6 spaces for your newly bought wine free! Webster's Wine BarBest and oldest wine bar in Chicago, hands down. Best and oldest wine bar in Chicago, hands down. One of the best and finest wine bar in chicago AvecOutstanding restaurant and wine bar. The bacon-wrapped dates are well enough to be a frequent diner and the wine selection is incredible.Definitely go for the dates. The focaccia was excellent too: light, flavorful, yet filling. Loved the Ballade red wine. I got 1 large and 2 small plates was stuffed (with leftovers)!Hands down favorite restaurant ... No reservations and it gets packed. Amazing wine selection 5411 EmpanadasMalbec beef and sweet corn, must get at least one of each!Malbec beef is now my favoriteOrder three: bacon date and goat cheese, ham and cheese, and Malbec beef.

Then split the banana and Nutella. Mariano's Fresh MarketAwesome bartender lady gave us tips to buy a bottle if wine. Also have a steak made for you. If you want sushi, grab a small appetizer plate.Fresh squeezed orange juice is the best as well as their Mimosa's and wine. Don't forget to try the hot bar!Take advantage of the various wine, oyster, cheese and sushi bars. Also, the salad bar rocks. Have half your party get the "flora" and half the "fauna" menu so you can try everything. The wine pairings were very well done, and make sure to check out the bathrooms!One of the best meals and experiences in Chicago. Service never missed a beat. Wine pairing was excellent!! Amazing food (fauna menu) & wine pairing. Service can be improved, waiters appeared nervous and uptight Frasca Pizzeria & Wine BarGreat food! Plus they have amazing daily specials- like 1/2 priced bottles of wine on mondays, 1/2 off glasses on tuesday, BOGO pizzas on wed....def check this place out!The manager Seth is the best.

Try spaghetti & meatballs, saltimbocca, spicy broccolini & great wine list!Great food n drinks (Tues is half price glassez of wine). Binny's Beverage DepotThe biggest selection of wine, beer, and liquor I have ever seen!!Moscato Bricco Riella for $9.99 is delicious on the rocks in a wine glass with a float of Hum. Think instant bubbly sangria.Great selections of local craft beer, liquor and wine. You'll definitely find what you're looking for. They often have tastings too. RootstockGreat service and ambience- it's a laid-back bar with a well- edited beer and wine selection. For the small plates, try the mussels, frites and pork belly banh mi!Delicious food to pair with an impressive liquor selection or wines from around the world.If you're not serious about great wine, beer and locally sourced, seasonal small plates, this chill Humboldt Park spot will convert you. Binny's Beverage Depotone of the best wine bars in Chicago.Check out the bar... Yes they have a bar! They have several great craft beer on tap and they'll let you taste different wines, liqueurs, or beers for free!