A Sunday in Exmouth Market

Sunday morning I work up to the sun shining down like it was Southern California. I might be a new Londoner but I knew enough to get out and make the most of the day!

My new friend, Jenn, and I "popped over" (a phrase the Brits use here nonstop) to brunch in Exmouth Market. It's a beautifully quaint street about 3 minutes from my current flat. The 'market' is a back alley filled with restaurants and pubs, loads of outdoor seating and cobblestone roads meant for pedestrians only (key word, MEANT).

We decided on Caravan and lucked out with a cozy two top table at outside just as the sun was peeking over the buildings (and minutes before the crowds rolled in). Jenn ordered a pretty little latte and I sipped on some fresh mint tea, my fave.

For brunch I devoured a soft boiled egg on basically french onion soup sourdough bread. How could I not order that!?

Jenn ordered tasty avocado on toast and stripy bacon (that's what they call it here, hmm).

We were so wrapped up in talking about our weekends that I forgot to get a picture of us! That will be remedied shortly.  After brunch I headed over to Hyde Park, parked myself in a deck chair and soaked up the London sunshine. I may have taken a little nap out there. :)

After some quality sun time I got a message from my coworker, Karolina, to join her in Islington for a pint. Brilliant idea! I jumped on the tube and met her for a few ciders.

Here's the beautiful Karolina showing me around her neighborhood.

After a very full day, I walked back home and through Exmouth Market just as the little fairy lights were coming on. Gorgeous! I keep pinching myself that I live here.

Sunday Brunch at Jam

After a pretty eventful weekend it's always relaxing to meet up with friends and enjoy a well done brunch. Chicago is a city with endless options so I usually try to explore new places.

This Sunday my friend, Maureen, and I headed to Logan Square to try a cute little spot called Jam. It's a tiny restaurant, filled to the brim with tables. I loved the bright white decor with soft lighting and green accents.

We started off with mimosas and poured through the menu. They had so many great options it was hard to decide: sweet or savory?

Luckily, they started us off with chocolate hazelnut cookies (the way all brunches should start!) while we mulled over the menu some more.

We started with the Malted Custard French Toast which Food and Wine Magazine rated as one of the 10 best dishes of 2010. I have to say, it was pretty amazing. They soak the brioche in vanilla custard then caramelize it in a hot pan. It's served with macerated cherries, whipped cream and pink peppercorns. Wow.

We also ordered a side of jowl bacon which I ate more than my fare share of. Sorry, Maureen!

Then round two of drinks before our entrees.

Maureen ordered the Eggs Benedict with butternut squash hollandaise sauce and brown sugar bacon sausage. I ordered the Burrito Suizo, which was a buckwheat crepe filled with the most tender braised beef, tomato creme and gouda. Holy cow, I could have eaten too.

 We had a great time and I'm still dreaming about that burrito. We cleared our plates pretty quickly. Hands down I would go back again, and highly recommend it.