Kal_Haven Race 33.5 miles

The race was finally here! And we couldn't have pick a better day! The weather was great.. sunshine thoughout the day, warmest at 61degF during high noon...it was just a great day to run 33.5 miles :)

The race started at 7am, with a total of 149 solo runners who were going the whole distance. There were some relay race runners as well. The race course was a very nice old railway route, not too many uphills :), paved with crushed limestone. It had rained a couple of days ago, but the whole course had managed to dry out completely for the race.We had collected our race bib the night before, and early morning, after four SUPER-8 mini waffles, and two crappy coffee, we were ready!

We started off (as usual) at the back of the crowd, and tried to keep a steady pace throughout the day, and it was a long day... Along the way, we encouraged, and managed to cheer a few fellow runners on as well... there were two guys from Grand Rapids, a woman trying to keep up with our pace, and two jokers (who jokingly thought they were running a 5K race). Most of the relay runners would pass us on the change-stations, and they would cheer us on as well. It felt great to receive words of encouragement when the end seemed so far away.

Grace was our crew for this race, and Hannah and I were very grateful for her! We were so glad to see her every time we were running into the aid-station, and she was there, asking us what we need, we can she do etc... Without her, I think it would be even tougher to finish the race. Thank you Grace.

The last 4 miles, after the last aid station, was definitely a testing of our perseverance. Every part of our body hurts, and it felt like we had been running forever. Finally, we could hear the cheers in a distance, and we picked up our pace... Photos of us crossing the finish line wasn't great.... we looked like we suffered so much (our face tells it all :P )... but, we finished! 33.5 miles...6 hrs 30mins!

Miller's Pub

Colin and his girlfriend, Kristi were in town for a softball baseball game, and they brought us out for dinner to Miller's Pub. The pub was established in 1935, and the place definitely has its own personality and charm. There are lots of photographs of celebrities who had visited the pub over the years. I don't really know what Hannah (update: Half Acre Daisy Cutter), Colin (update: Negironi) and Kristi (update: Lagunitias Little Sumpin' Sumpin') had for drinks, but Hannah had ordered a delicious "Moody Tongue Caramelized Chocolate Churro Baltic Porter" for me... and it was delicious. Just what I like in a beer :)

After waiting around for 30mins at the bar, I decided that I am going to ask the hostess why our table was taking so long. I noticed that there were groups of people who came in after us, and were sat before us! Turned out, they gave Hannah the "buzzing device" without registering, and did not even know that we were waiting for a table :/

After all the confusion, we were at our table in less than 5 mins. It was a nice, secluded corner table, and we started to explore what are we going to have... We decided that "let's order a bunch of appetizers and have them for dinner". We ended up with:

- BBQ rib platter

- Feta chees and greek olives

- Spinach & Artichoke Dip With Pita Chips

- Fried Calamari

- Sausage, Peppers & Onions, Sauté With Garlic Bread

- Chicken Wings  - mixed of Carolina Reaper and medium hotness

It was quite a spread! 

Food was very good.. the Carolina Reaper wings were very spicy! I think the price is quite high (thank you Colin and Kristi for the treat), but it is not surprising since it is in the middle of town. Drinks are good, and if this comment comes from Colin (a bartender), I would think the drinks are then really good... 

Miller's Pub

134 S. Wabash

Chicago, IL 60603

Tel. 312 263 4988

The kitchen is open from 11am - 2am (Sunday is until midnight), while the bar is open until 4am

Yusho Japanese restaurant Hyde Park

Last Friday, Hannah and I decided to not cook, and go out for dinner (date night :) ). We rarely eat out (working on a tight budget), but we decided that we need to pamper ourselves that evening. We have been joining our friends (Candace) for her dinner gathering once a month, but I didn't really get to writing those experiences down. Hannah said we need to keep a written record, because the two places we went to (Homestyle taste and Sabri Nihari) were vey good, and we can bring friends and family there the next time.

Anyway, for this impromptu Friday dinner, we were not going to venture too far. We have always wanted to try out the Japanese restaurant (Yusho) at Hyde Park. Drinks are half-off during happy hour (Mon-Fri: 4pm - 6pm), so without hesitation, we started the dinner with a peach bourbon (which was so good that we ordered a second glass) :). The appetizer - sweet potato tempura was nice too, but they could have cooked the potato a slight longer. Finally, for the main course, Hannah had fried smoked chicken ramen, and I had spicy pork ramen. The pork was very tender, and literally melted in my mouth! I think the fried chicken ramen was more spicy than the pork ramen. 

Overall, the portions were reasonable, ramen and the potato tempura was delicious. Drinks was good, but we only had peach bourbon, so I couldn't comment on the rest of the items on the menu. We skipped dessert because Hannah overheard the other table complaining about how expensive the dessert was! Service was very good... our waiter was always nearby but not too over-bearing. The rest of the staff was also happy and smiley. The place was too crowded, at least not at the hours we were there (from 5.45pm - 7pm). Price was reasonable as well for the portion size.

Here are the address for Homestyle Taste and Sabri Nihari (just in case we want to go there again next time).

Homestyle Taste (Chinese local Shenyang food)

3205 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608

(312) 949-9328

http://homestylesy.com

Sabri Nihari (Pakistani food)

2502 W Devon

Chicago, IL 60659

(773) 465-3272

http://www.sabrinihari.com/