Day 235 - 1.1.11 - NYE @ Bar DeVille (2011)

Day 234 - 12.31.10 - NYE @ Bar DeVille (2010)

Day Forty-One - Not Your Ordinary Pizza Party

Friends Doug and Andrea Marello had a pizza party last night. There were good friends, good cocktails, good beer, good wine, good cookies, and most of all, phenomenal pizza. Every pizza (there must have been at least 40) was expertly hand crafted by Doug right down to the homemade sauce and crust. Topping and flavor combinations were plentiful and all pies caused the party goers to sing the praises of the chef and the hostess. I'm convinced this is some of the best thin crust pizza I've ever had, and as my growing waistline will eloquently describe to you, I've had my share. For me, it's all about the crust. This crust was the perfect balance of thinness, taste and texture, crispy enough to stand up to the fresh and delectable toppings resting on top.

I have no doubts that Doug's pies are restaurant ready. He could sell these round masterpieces 365 days a year. There would be lines out his door. If Doug and Andrea ever turned this into a commercial venture, I'd be there once a week, waiting in line, chatting with the other salivating patrons about how I was there at the beginning, when the Marellos were churning these hot, crispy, savory, cheesy, herbaceous, meaty, and mouth-watering pizzas out of their home oven. Even the Noid would wait in line for this stuff. It is that good. This was definitely a pizza party like no other...

Day Seventeen - Revolution Brewery

Two snaps tonight from the Revolution Brewery in Logan Square. Met up with some good friends at this new and popular joint tonight for a little pre-weekend get together. The beer was delicious and the food looked spectacular (I'll return to dine for sure)... Two great nights in a row now, sure to be chased by two more fine evenings with the arrival of the Bowlins (including new family member Gary D.) and the Holzies for the nuptial celebration of Michael / Sally. Good times behind, good times ahead... more pics to follow...

Day Five - Das Boot, Das BBQ Campfire

A rehearsal dinner was held last night. It lasted until the early morning hours. Many a cowboy boot traversed the rehearsal dinner grounds and rested by the campfire. In the fire pit, locally grown Mesquite was being burned. It smelled of barbecue. Campfires always smell great, naturally. This one, however, evoked the sensory responses I normally experience only when face to face with a plate of pork. It was a pretty solid campfire.