Notes from Chicago

Today we had our first experience of a large ( for Ohio) earthquake. A landmark day you might say. In Chicago there was something equally earthshaking with the Awakening convocation. I loved being there in Chicago and there is a certain exhilaration to the entire area. I visited the Baha’i Temple- a place I often went to when living in Evanston. It has beautiful gardens surrounding a lacy white Oriental style edifice. I have a picture of a reflecting pool for you. The gardens are done in the Islamic manner of regular and symmetrical gardens and I noticed a number of fragrant types of flowers chosen. There are segments of differently themed gardens with fountains in the center, stone steps separating each transition from garden to garden. Nestled within a typically American neighborhood of beautifully landscaped homes, it was a lovely day trip.

Finding the Olive Oil restaurant in Wilmette was a wonderful pleasure- because you always want to eat well when visiting an area like Chicago, so diverse in ethnic makeup. “Like eating in Israel” caught my eye, and I decided to give it a try. If it hadn’t been such a hot and humid day I would have eaten at the sidewalk tables, but stayed inside and ordered the Isreali meatball and okra- I always jump at the chance to eat okra. The Turkish coffee was ordered, as well, because I always sample it if it is offered on the menu. The main entree was perfectly done, with a mound of saffron rice in the center and a flavorful stew of tomato based sauce with okra and spiced meatballs I enjoyed every single bite. Ordered chicken shawarma.to take back to the kids… which turned out to be simply wonderful with fresh Israeli salad (a type of fresh salsa) with some wonderful and flavorful yogurt sauce. to put on the savory chicken within the pita sandwiches. Excellent and large servings that easily fed three girls (OK, I am no longer a girl… but you know!)