NRA Show Day 2

I didn’t hang in quite as long today, but long enough to see some truly outrageous blender demonstrations from Blendtec. Not since the Bass-O-Matic has a blender been this much fun.

In other news, I came across the Demarle booth, where the Silpat folks had all sorts of interesting new pastry molds to demonstrate. This one was the most unique: a mold for edible cookie spoons. Neato.

And while I don’t think these are new this year, I was very interested by the silicone-over-fabric baguette molds. Pretty cool stuff all by themselves.

After a full morning of walking the show floor, I couldn’t resist getting out for lunch at some of my favorite old haunts. When on the near south side, one cannot miss Al’s #1 Italian Beef on Taylor street. Talk about a perfect day to sit outside and enjoy Chicago’s version of the “French dip” sandwich, yesterday was it.

But then what would a trip to Al’s #1 be without a little lemon ice at Mario’s afterward? It’s directly across the street.

Oh, Chicago, how I miss thee…