A Twist in Sitting Outside

Babies, Bottles and Balocco

06/06/2010 10:42 PM

By Blagica Bottigliero

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Snack time at Panozzo's

Chicagoans salivate over outside seating the way New Yorkers love their Yankees. I've been keeping an eye out for outside seating for the last six weeks. On the bus, on foot, in our car and from my 19th floor balcony, I have a hawk's eye when it comes to recognizing those familar black chairs and stainless steel tables. What can I say? It's a gift.

Early this morning, I packed up the family and set out on our Sunday Funday walk. I was determined to indulge in some much needed sidewalk sitting. Down to the Lake we went, greeted by hundreds of breast cancer walkers. I took a motherly pause and took care of the little one's feeding, with a cover, of course:). It was gorgeous sitting by the water. I don't think Chicagoans enjoy our benches enough. Seriously, when is the last time you took a walk and sat down on a bench? Now throw in a book, newspaper (ok, iPad) or a journal and you are set for hours.

Next, we journeyed over to the 18th Street bridge and took in some of the live jazz humming from Cafe Society. The patio was filling up with families and brunchers. We made a mental note to visit soon and continued on our pursuit of finding the right time to sit. The time came sooner than we thought - our little one's appetite picked up and a table was needed - stat. As I panicked in fear that we missed our choice outdoor seating time, I forgot about Panozzo's.

It's not like me to just squat on someone's property. Besides, I could use a nosh or two myself. The problem is, Panozzo's has too many yummy selections to choose from. I'm not kidding. Ever have their mozzarella/prosciutto sandwich? They now offer half versions of this gem - perfect for you ladies that are watchting your bikini figures. I decided to go with my standard San Pellegrino Limonata beverage, but needed something new to sample. I was intrigued by a package of cookies that included random faces on them. A quick scan of the ingredients: 'chocolate' and 'hazelnut' and I was sold.

There we were, the three of us out on Panozzo's terrace. The babe enjoyed her bottle while I enjoyed my mini snack, taking in the wind and hustle and bustle of other families' Sunday to-dos.

Got a favorite sidewalk perch? Let us know (and we promise not to infringe on your quiet time:) ).


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