A visual guide to my last few days in Chicago:

The best thing about selling your car to a semi-sketchy Polish used car dealer on the north side (ok, the only good thing), is going to Starpolska afterwards! Never one to pass up a kielbasa opportunity, I  opted for the Polish combo plate, seen here with stuffed cabbage, pierogi, kielbasa, mushroom soup, and more sourkraut than this non-pole could ever eat.

       If you are unfortunate enough to be stuck downtown during the Christmas shopping season, you might think there's nothing to eat in Chicago besides Garret's Popcorn. And if you haven't killed yourself in despair from the throngs of shoppers, the freaky mechanized window displays, or the Kenny G Christmas album on repeat, you may just die of caramel popcorn asphyxiation (consider yourselves warned about Garret's). But there is one good thing about  the month between thanksgiving and Christmas:  Daley  Plaza gets its BRATWURST ON!
      Oh yes, the Chris Crindle market may be the most redeeming thing about Christmas shopping. If it wasnt for those delicious brats, I would probably just buy everyone iTunes gift certificates online. As you can see, I was a little over enthusiastic about them this year and showed up at 9am. To my chagrin, the market wasn't open (what, who hasnt had sausage for breakfast?! Like I'm the crazy one here.) I mean, let's be clear, you are very rarely far away from excellent encased meats when in the Chicago city limits. In fact, the Berghoff is just around the corner if you prefer real plates and walls with your sausage. But still, these particular brats are only once a year, and you can pretend little elves make them inside these little Christmas houses. So yea, go get one.

These are some bad pictures of some very good food. Big Star and Paul Kahan did not disappoint! Of course, it was no Publican, but "tacos and whiskey in Wicker Park"? Yes, please.

FINALLY!! We have waited all year, and at last.... Conway pie extravaganza is HERE!!

From top left: Blueberry (the posh one), Pumpkin (looks tame, but don't be fooled), Pecan (daddy issues), and admirable newcomer Dutch Apple (the spunky one). More pies and homemade schlogg not pictured. What a way to go out!