DailyCandy Chicago

Freezy Street

2009-11-20T15:30:00Z

Snookelfritz Ice Cream Artistry

This season, cuddling is a hot commodity.

You need a main freeze.

Take a bite out of the biting cold with Snookelfritz, a just-launched artisanal ice cream company from pastry chef Nancy Silver.

With stints at Trotter’s, Blackbird, and Bistro Campagne under her belt, Silver’s no novice. A stickler for simplicity, seasonality, and sustainability, she uses farm-fresh ingredients (Nichols Farm fruits, Chicago Honey Co-op honey, local dairy) to create flavors that’ll make you melt.

Maple syrup with candied hickory nut and salted caramel apple neatly curb your salty-sweet craving. Honey creme fraiche is velvety smooth and balanced. Roasted pumpkin’s creamy authenticity makes the canned version seem cruel.

Pick up Snookelfritz at Green City Market through New Year’s. In 2010, Silver will gladly whip up a pint upon request.

You’re one cool customer.

Available at Green City Market, at The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 North Cannon Drive, at Fullerton Avenue. For custom orders, e-mail snookelfritz@hotmail.com.

Photo: Andrew Storms / Flickr

More Than Words

2009-11-20T14:15:00Z

Library: Archives of Fashion Vintage Shop

It was Miss Lail with the horsebit belt in the library.

Need a bigger clue? We’re talking about Library: Archives of Fashion, an online vintage shop out of Charleston.

At the helm is Lauren Lail, who sees each fashion piece as a story, together creating a unique anthology.

Designer items share virtual racks with no names, all dangling reasonable price tags and detailed measurements.

Hopeless romantics will be drawn to floral dresses, ruffled tops, and crochet vests. Big sunglasses, chunky belts, and animal prints will appeal to those with a penchant for drama. And boyfriend cardis and blazers offer self-help on days when you’re not feeling your thinnest.

There are times we can all use a cover-up.

Available online at libraryfashion.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Sully Sullivan Photography

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-19T15:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s World Toilet Day. You’re flush with excitement.

ORDER
Your Bird
What: Reserve one of Caveny Farm’s Heritage Bourbon Red turkeys for extra-flavorful feasting.
Why: Cry fowl.
When: Thru Thurs. Pickup, Sat., 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 5-9 p.m.
Where: Osteria Via Stato, 620 N. State St., at Ontario St. Order by calling 312-642-8450.

BUY
Boy by Band of Outsiders Trunk Show
What: Preorder looks from the spring collection and meet designer Scott Sternberg.
Why: Band together for customized schoolboy blazers.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Barneys New York, 15 E. Oak St., at Rush St. (312-587-1700).

DO
Southport Lights Up
What: A festive shopping corridor of sales and freebies.
Why: Samples at Julius Meinl, 20 percent off at Tula, and 10 percent off at Trousseau.
When: Tonight, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Southport Ave., b/t Belmont Ave. & Irving Park Rd.

OM
Moksha Yoga Center Logan Square
What: Newest addition to the studio’s mini empire offers vinyasa, hatha, ashtanga, and other disciplines.
Why: Fend off Thanksgiving fat before it settles in.
When: Daily. Class schedule online at mokshayoga.com.
Where: 2528 W. Armitage Ave., at Bingham St., ste. 202 (773-235-9642).

SPOOL
The Sweatshop of Love’s Yarn Crawl
What: Starting from the DIY Trunk Show, tour local knitting shops for discounts, prizes, and crafty revelry.
Why: Special offers at Nina: a Well-Knit Shop and Knitting Workshop.
When: Sat. Trunk show, 10 a.m.; crawl, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Schedule online at thesweatshopoflove.com.
Where: Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, 1419 W. Blackhawk St., at Cleaver St.

Wanna get away instead? Grab your keys and check out our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Getty Images

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-19T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s a dog’s life.

MAKE
Cake for Canines
What: Give Fido a little something to be grateful for this Thanksgiving (or his next b-day) with a doggie dessert mix. For bonus points, get the bone-shaped cupcake pan.
Why: You’ve got a case of puppy love.
Where: Online at puppycake.com.

SAVE
Heidi Merrick Sale
What: The L.A. designer is discounting dresses, bathing suits, skirts, and blouses by 50-75 percent.
Why: It’s going, going, gone.
Where: Online at heidimerrick.com.

USE
Wordnik
What: The comprehensive online dictionary includes pronunciations, relevant quotes, etymologies, and recent appearances on Twitter and Flickr.
Why: Spread the words.
Where: Online at wordnik.com.

ORGANIZE
LobotoMe Notepads
What: Handy checklists make for more efficient packing, grocery shopping, working out, meal planning, and more.
Why: You’d forget your head if it weren’t attached.
Where: Online at lobotome.com.

WATCH
Handmade Nation
What: Artist/first-time filmmaker Faythe Levine traveled across America to make this inspiring documentary about the recent rise of crafting and DIY.
Why: Get creative juices flowing.
Where: Online at buyolympia.com.

EAT
Full Circle Flavors
What: Three lovely sisters in Pennsylvania make chocolaty Amaretto, Limoncello, and Orangecello cakes.
Why: You’re well rounded.
Where: Online at fullcircleflavors.com.

Would you rather hit the road this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Puppy Cake

Under African Skies

2009-11-18T17:00:00Z

DailyCandy Goes to Cape Town

Humming with young boho buzz, Cape Town has emerged from its rocky past as the creative capital of Africa. From high-stakes adventures (paragliding off Signal Hill) to creature comforts (crisp, local sauvignon blancs), the city will leave you breathless.

GPS
While the day away in City Bowl’s historic open-air markets, public gardens, and cobblestoned pedestrian malls dating back to the 17th century’s Dutch East India Company. Tamboerskloof has chic outdoor cafes and prime-time people-watching. Style junkies should head to emerging neighborhoods Woodstock (for design collectives and art galleries), Bo-Kaap (for colorful cottage architecture), and de Waterkant (for a hopping gay scene).

NEST
To experience the social swirl at its best, stay within easy access of Kloof Street. Kick up your heels at Tamboerskloof’s sleek and chic Kensington Place (38 Kensington Crescent; +27-21-424-4744) for primo pampering (like your suite sprinkled with rose petals).

The Airstream Penthouse Trailer Park atop the new Grand Daddy (38 Long Street; +27-21-424-7247) offers a campy-cool vibe in the form of seven vintage caravans refurbished by local artists and set against stunning Table Mountain. Trailers have themes — Afro Funk, Love of Lace, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Sip Castle lager at the rooftop bar and catch a flick at The Pink Flamingo outdoor cinema. Really, now. Who said trailer trash was a uniquely American phenomenon?

INGEST
Native glamazons start the day with Ouma Rusks, the South African equivalent of a biscotti, and yummy meia de leites (espresso with steamed milk) at Vida e Caffe (34 Kloof Street; +27-21-426-0627). For lunch, grab a quiche at Melissa’s (94 Kloof Street; +27-21-424-5540), which has an awesome pay-per-kilo buffet. Thirsty? Sundowners are a Capetonian institution. Snag a harborside table at Cape Grace’s Bascule (West Quay Road; +27-21-410-7100) and choose from more than 400 whiskeys. The largest single malt collection in the Southern hemisphere, it’s a whiskey lover’s wet dream.

INVEST
Share the love with jealous pals back home and swing through the historic Greenmarket Square (54 Shortmarket Street) for authentic African curios like Hutu masks, soapstone giraffe sculptures, and wooden rhino salad tongs. Saturday mornings, the city’s creative cognoscenti descend upon Woodstock’s vibrant Neighbourgoods Market (373-375 Albert Road; +27-21-448-1438). Tarts, curries, and biltong (South African beef jerky) are a must. And make room for one-of-a-kind textiles, vintage dresses, and handcrafted charm necklaces.

DIGRESS
For old-world glamour and traditional Afrikaans fare, stop by Sunday jazz brunch at Steenberg Hotel and Winery in Constantia Valley (10802 Steenberg Estate, Tokai Road; +27-21-713-2222), the oldest vineyard on the Western Cape. (Owner Graham Beck’s brut NV is what the Obamas popped on election night.)

For insider access to vineyards, hook up with Roar Africa. Its people have been in the region for eleven generations, and co-founder Deb Calmeyer can impress the pickiest oenophile. The VIP visit to UK diamond king Laurence Graff’s new winery, Delaire Graff Estate (P.O. Box 3058, Stellenbosch; +27-21-885-8160), gets you into the off-limits barrel room and a sneaky sampling straight from the casks. (The property’s chic David Collins-designed boutique hotel is set to open next year.)

THE REST
No snoozing for you: There’s high-voltage adrenalin and raw wildlife at every turn. Swim with sharks at Seal Island. Ride big waves at Muizenberg Beach. Hike Table Mountain for sweeping views of the city and the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Visit indigenous penguins at Boulders Beach. And catch a glimpse of the only free roaming white lions in the world at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve (+27-28-572-1824).

Don’t worry about the eternal flight home. You’ll be sleeping the whole way.

Photos: Courtesy of Kelley McMillan; Courtesy of The Grand Daddy; Courtesy of Cape Grace; Courtesy of Neighbourgoods Market; Courtesy of Delaire Graff Estate; Courtesy of Sanbona Game Reserve

Born to Pun

2009-11-18T15:30:00Z

Bakin' & Eggs Eatery Opens

A nonviolent nonchef, you’ve never been an eggbeater.

But that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t take a crack at a new brunch spot.

Especially when it involves Bob Hartwig (former French Pastry School instructor) and his wife, Gina (Lovely Bakeshop co-owner).

The duo’s newly hatched Lakeview eatery, Bakin’ & Eggs, resembles its Ukie Village sister — with a modern twist: robin’s egg blue throughout, a reclaimed tin wall, handcrafted chalkboards, retooled church pews.

When it comes to the menu, the Hartwigs went whole hog. Pig out on bacon waffles, banana bread French toast with milk chocolate hazelnut ganache, bacon flights, and gouda mac ’n’ cheese with bacon crumble. End your meal with pastries like coconut macaroons and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies.

If you’re too full?

Bring home the bakin’.

Bakin’ & Eggs, 3120 North Lincoln Avenue, at Barry Avenue (773-525-7005 or bakinandeggschicago.com).

Photo: Jupiter Images

Skin City

2009-11-18T14:15:00Z

Khirma Eliazov Handbags Debut

After your FUPA made an unscheduled appearance at a late-night dance party (followed by its own tag on Facebook), you swore your skin-showing days were over.

But you’ll rethink things when you get a glimpse of Khirma Eliazov’s handbags. The fashion editor-cum-designer uses unusual exotic skins to make them stand out (in a good way).

The carryalls are comprised of Italian leather, canvas, and gold or silver hardware with textured panels made of stingray. Styles include an oversize number for day, a sleek tote you can carry into the evening, and a pouch with a long body strap good for hitting the town at night. All are available in rich fall hues like navy, eggplant, black, taupe, and gray.

The price tags are steep ($240-$1,495 to be exact).

But you’ve considered paying more for tight skin.

Available online at khirmaeliazov.com. DailyCandy readers get 20% off on purchases made today with code DailyCandy.

Photo: Courtesy of Khirma Eliazov

This Little Deal of Mine

2009-11-17T16:00:00Z

Let ’em shine!

Thanks for Giving a Darn

2009-11-17T15:30:00Z

Turkey Day is right around the corner. Before you hoard the cornucopia, gobble up these Deals.

Let's Be Ecological

2009-11-17T14:00:00Z

My, what a big carbon footprint you have! Try these green products with an edge, dear.

Calling It Knits

2009-11-16T15:30:00Z

Spratters & Jayne Knitwear

Whether it’s nasty weather or an unfortunate tweezing incident, sometimes you just want to hide your head.

But here’s a reason to be plucky: Spratters & Jayne, a collection of winter woollies made by Peruvian women in the foothills of the Andes.

The super-soft designs are made from 100 percent Peruvian Highland wool and come in three styles. The tube wraps endlessly around your neck. The two-button cowl drapes over a tee or winter coat. The lapel is like an extra-chunky collar, replete with a button made from spalted oak branches. Stay under the radar with a neutral — or go bright and get over yourself.

Brooklyn-based designer/photographer Rachael Warner named the line after her man’s pet turtles.

Shell it out.

Available at Bess & Loie, 1015 West Lake Street, between Carpenter and Morgan Streets (312-226-2247 or bessandloie.com); Florodora, 330 South Dearborn Street, at Jackson Boulevard (312-212-8860 or florodora.com). To see styles, go to sprattersandjayne.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Spratters & Jayne

Get Pumped

2009-11-16T14:15:00Z

Easy Does It: How to Change a Flat Tire

We’re always looking for a reason to hang out with hunks. Especially if it requires flexing, moaning, and pushing.

So it only made sense to find a muscley beefcake to teach us how to change a busted tire for our next Easy Does It how-to video.

Don’t be intimidated by the task at hand: Fixing a flat is actually really easy — and totally beats waiting for AAA or flagging down a sketchy truck driver. Plus, we figure self-sufficiency (especially if you’re in BFE) is always a good policy.

Now it’s time for a little pump and grind.

To submit questions you’d like us to answer in our next Easy Does It video, e-mail easydoesit@dailycandy.com. Feel free to ask us anything (anything!).

He Says Potato

2009-11-13T15:30:00Z

Paul Virant's Potato Gnocchi Recipe

You say po-tah-to. No matter: He can cook gnocchi better than you.

Paul Virant, chef and owner of Vie, donated this recipe so you won’t look a fool at your next dinner party. (Yeah. Good luck with that.)

Potato Gnocchi with Roasted Tomatoes, Fennel, and Chevre
Serves four as an appetizer

Ingredients
For Gnocchi
1½ lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, washed, skin on
2 tbsp. butter, softened
Salt and pepper
1 egg
2/3 c. flour

For Accompaniment
2 plum tomatoes (preferably San Marzano), split and roasted
¼ c. extra-virgin olive oil
½ sweet onion, sliced
1 bulb fennel, sliced lengthwise, seasoned, brushed with olive oil, and grilled
1 c. chicken stock
2 tbsp. chopped herbs (tarragon, parsley, chives, chervil)
2 tbsp. butter
Salt and pepper
½ c. fresh chevre
1 c. bronze fennel, loosely packed

1. In a pot, bring water and potatoes to a boil. Simmer until tender (’til they can be easily pierced with a paring knife).

2. Peel and quarter. Dry in a 325° oven for about 20 minutes.

3. Pass potatoes through a ricer. Mix in butter. Season with salt and pepper. Add egg, mixing well.

4. Add flour, just to incorporate. Do not over mix.

5. Sprinkle flour on work surface. Roll dough into long, thin tubes (approximately one-inch diameter), and cut into bite-size pieces.

6. Blanch pieces in batches in salted, simmering water for about 1 minute or until gnocchi float.

7. Cool completely on oiled sheet pan. Reserve.

8. To make sauce, remove skin from tomatoes and dice. Heat olive oil in large saute pan. Add onions and fennel and cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes and cook until pan is dry.

9. Add chicken stock and gnocchi. Cook until liquid reduces by half.

10. Add herbs and butter, season with salt and pepper, and divide among four plates. Garnish with chevre and bronze fennel.

Pasta la vista.

Or let Virant do it himself at Vie, 4471 Lawn Avenue, at Burlington Avenue, Western Springs (708-246-2082 or vierestaurant.com).

Photo: Sushi Ina / Flickr

Let's Take It Slows

2009-11-13T14:15:00Z

Split Pea and Okra Fritter Recipe from Detroit's Slows Bar B Q

You’ve never been the type to fritter things away. Until now. Down at Slows Bar B Q, Detroit’s destination for all things slathered in saucy sauce and washed down with craft beer, chef Brian Perrone’s split pea and okra fry-ups make a scrumptious start to any meal.

Split Pea and Okra Fritters
Makes 25-30 fritters

Ingredients
2 c. green split peas, cooked and cooled
4 c. baby spinach, packed
½ c. hot sauce
¼ c. buttermilk
6 eggs
2 tbsp. kosher salt
1 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. baking powder
¼ c. yellow cornmeal
3 c. all-purpose flour, plus a little more
8 c. okra, sliced

1. Combine split peas and spinach in food processor, add hot sauce and buttermilk, process until smooth. Transfer to large bowl.

2. Whisk in eggs; add salt, sugar, baking powder, and cornmeal.

3. Whisk in flour a little at a time until mixture is not too loose, not too firm.

4. Fold in okra.

5. Drop by rounded tablespoon into 350º oil, fry until golden brown and cooked all the way through. Serve immediately.

Slows Bar B Q, 2138 Michigan Avenue, at Fisher Freeway West, Detroit (313-962-9828‎ or slowsbarbq.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Greg Holm

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-12T15:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Say cheese.

EAT
Stinky Cheese Night
What: The first in a monthly series of three-course dinners culminating in a smorgasbord of pungent American cheeses (also available a la carte).
Why: Whiff it good.
When: Thurs., 5-9 p.m.
Where: Terzo Piano, 159 E. Monroe St., b/t Michigan Ave. & Columbus Dr. (312-443-8650). Reservations recommended.

SEE
Iron Pastorals
What: Artist Curtis Frillmann’s paintings on salvaged sheet metal evoke lush farmland settings.
Why: He’s an iron man.
When: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; by appointment.
Where: 360See, 1924 N. Damen Ave., b/t Homer & Cortland Sts. (773-698-6340).

REFRESH
Special at Blo Salon & Spa
What: Buy one facial (a personalized mix of pore cleansing, exfoliation, masks, and massages) and get one free.
Why: You’re in the pore house.
When: Thru Nov. 30. Mon., 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri., 7 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 826 W. Armitage Ave., at Dayton St. (773-477-2256).

HEAR
Fulcrum Point New Music Project’s Movies
What: The orchestra sounds off with a concert of film scores (The Reader, Being John Malkovich) paired with excerpts on a big screen.
Why: Malkovich Malkovich.
When: Thurs., 7:30 p.m.
Where: Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St., at Michigan Ave. Tickets online at tickets.harristheaterchicago.org.

BROWSE
Handmade Market
What: Get a jump on gift shopping with handbags, stationery, artwork, soaps, and more — all made by indie designers.
Why: Foxglove Accessories’s nifty jewelry incorporating vintage postage stamps.
When: Sat., noon-4 p.m.
Where: Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., at Cortez St. (773-276-3600).

Photo: Jeff Kauck / Courtesy of Terzo Piano

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-12T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Drink up.

CARRY
Wine Totes
What: Carry vino in these perfectly sized cotton bags. They’ve got designs just for Bordeaux, Rioja, and Napa Valley wines.
Why: Beats a paper bag.
Where: Online at maptote.com.

MAKE
All-Natural NyQuil
What: The handsome Hot Knives blogger guys devised a recipe using booze, mint leaves, green chili, and ginger that’ll show your cold who’s boss.
Why: It’s good going down.
Where: Online at urbanhonking.com.

SHOP
Castor & Pollux
What: NYC-based store is bringing its equine-themed clothes, accessories, and antiques to the Net. Designers include Filippa K, Acne, and United Bamboo.
Why: Start horsin’ around.
Where: Online at castorandpolluxstore.com.

USE
Cell Phone Radiation Protection
What: These cases purport to be the first of their kind to reduce radiation from your cellular.
Why: Don’t fry your brain.
Where: Online at pongresearch.com.

EAT
Bobbysue’s Nuts
What: Delish organic snacks are the perfect combo of savory and sweet (even the It’s Raining Chocolate variety). A portion of sales goes to help homeless animals.
Why: You’ll love deez nuts.
Where: Online at bobbysuesnuts.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Kate Mathis

Truffle Truffle

2009-11-12T07:00:00Z

Get your Truffle Truffle fix. On the double.

Get the full story on these chocolate treats.

Future Perfect

2009-11-11T17:00:00Z

Top Ten Destinations for 2010

Last week we announced our partnership with Black Tomato. Today we’re showing what it can do: get you to the destinations everyone’s going to be talking about next. (P.S. to those who haven’t booked holiday trips yet: Look. how. easy.)

Here are the top ten for 2010.

Colombia is the perfect cocktail of sea (Caribbean), mountains (Andes), and rain forest (Amazon). In Cartagena, check into Sofitel Santa Clara, then wander cobbled streets to gaze at brightly colored buildings, watch spectacular sunsets from Cafe del Mar on the harbor, and have dinner at Club de Pesca (order mahimahi). End your visit snorkeling crystal blue waters while recuperating in a stunning ecohab in the cliffs above the Parque Nacional Tayrona beaches. Details.

Safaris always deliver, especially in Botswana, where the flood plains of the Okavango Delta are home to elephants, lions, wildebeest, giraffes, and buttloads of wild cats. Bond with the beasts from a different perspective on HMS Zib, a spanking-new houseboat that cruises the river. At Zarafa Camp, you can sleep in a four-poster bed, relax in a free-standing copper tub, and snooze by roaring open-stone fires. Details.

If you want to turn a classic on its head, set your compass to the land Down Under, which has so much more than the well-publicized East Coast. Western Australia has laid-back charm, beautiful beaches, and rugged landscapes. Start at The Richardson Hotel in Perth, then head up the coast to Ningaloo Reef to swim with whale sharks, surf alongside dolphins, and take in mesmerizing sunsets at wine tastings. From the ecotents at Sal Salis, it’s a quick kayak ride to the reef’s fish, turtles, and manta rays. Details.

Since Turkey is outside the euro, your budget will stretch further. European Capital of Culture Istanbul will be throbbing next year and, when combined with Bodrum and Cappadocia, mixes ancient and modern. In Istanbul, stay at Tomtom Suites in the historic Pera area for incredible views of the rooftops and harbor. Or across the water on the Asian side at Sumahan for huge suites with funky fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Bosphorus. Look out Côte d’Azur: Bodrum’s up-and-coming beach hotspots Cesme (your hotel: 7800) and Türkbükü (book Maçakizi) have sugar white sand and emerald waters and are the coolest place to top up your tan in style. In Cappadocia, take a balloon ride tour of the stunning lunar landscapes and ancient caves, then recover from it all at Anatolian Houses. Details.

Rounding out the list: lost cities in Syria, volcano surfing in Nicaragua, spiritual awakening in Bhutan, maharaja living in India, lunar landscapes in Chile, and wildebeest migrations in Tanzania.

The got-there-first bragging rights are yours for the taking.

For more information and help booking trips, go to blacktomato.co.uk.

Photos: Courtesy of Black Tomato; Courtesy of Ningaloo Reef

She's Got the Right Truff

2009-11-11T15:30:00Z

Truffle Truffle Confections

Confidential: Nicole Greene’s (a.k.a. Secret Agent Sugar Genius) Schedule

03:30 Rouse for reverie. Stand at attention. March to kitchen. Use skills honed at The French Culinary Institute to hand-temper chocolate, hand-roll truffles, spin sugar.

05:30 Daydream about prior job as military analyst for the Department of Defense. Smile: Candy won that war.

07:30 Make killer artisanal caramels, shortbread s’mores, and brittles with all-natural ingredients, real truffle shavings, and Guittard chocolate. Combine sweet and savory elements for sensory explosion.

09:30 Launch top-secret holiday collection. Apple cider and pomegranate blood orange caramels. Pecan pie and cranberry ginger truffles. Pistachio apricot and roasted pine nut shortbread. Pumpkin spice s’mores. Pistachio bing cherry nougat.

11:00 Coffee break. Push-ups.

13:00 Exit kitchen, guns blazing.

Available at Southport Grocery & Cafe, 3552 North Southport Avenue, at Addison Street (773-665-0100 or southportgrocery.com); online at truffletruffle.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Truffle Truffle

I Love You, Mann

2009-11-11T14:15:00Z

Elliot Mann Handbags Launch

Your dating life is proof that men are from Mars and women are from Venus.

So Elliot Mann must be from Marnus.

One look at his bags, and you’ll suspect the guy’s too good to be true (he is, in fact, imaginary — inspired by two of the designer’s mentors).

Made out of vintage embroidered fabrics from all over the world, each carryall is a one-of-a-kind creation. All are vibrant in color and pattern with sturdy braided leather handles, and they’re big enough to tote around a laptop and groceries on top of the essentials.

The just-launched online shop stocks only twenty bags at a time, and at $275, expect them to go like hotcakes. Thankfully, inventory will constantly be replenished as it’s sold.

Looks like the planets have been aligned.

Available online at elliotmann.com.