From left to right – Christina, Biz, me and Sophia
I think by far – the biggest benefit of food blogging is getting to know people you never would meet in your every day life. That’s how it has been with Christina and Sophia.
Christina was they very first person to comment on my blog over 5 years ago that wasn’t a family member! I still remember the excitement of someone finding my blog and taking the time to make a comment. I’ve watched her renovate her house, compete in food challenges, thinking of moving back home to North Carolina, planning her wedding, laughing hysterically at the funny photos she posts on Facebook. I am so happy to know her!
I met Sophia through Christina’s blog. Sophia is a strong person, overcoming many obstacles in her late teens. I’ve watched her go far away from home to conquer college, seen her blog about so many fantastic food places and learn about dishes she made growing up. I’ve watched her make enough pot stickers to fill a freezer at a pot sticker making party, been saddened when cell phone got stolen when she looked away at a restaurant and watching her graduate from UCLA, and getting an awesome internship at the Tribune in Chicago. You are beautiful and sweet Sophia!
So when we started to talk about where to go, we decided on Oak Park (lucky me – that’s where I live!) since it was centrally located. I suggested an awesome restaurant called Maya del Sol. I know the owners of the restaurant very well, since the architecture firm I work at helped design it. It’s been a huge success so far – the decor, the outside patio, the food, the drinks, amazing!!!
My twin sister Biz was also able to come – driving 1.5 hours in rush hour traffic to get there. Since she got there early – I met her and enjoyed a beverage at the bar while we waited for Sophia & Christina.
I tried something I never had before – mussels!!!
I actually liked them, but what was even better was the garlic toast dipped in the broth it was in – holy cow that was flavorful!!!
And – I could have easily eaten this whole bowl of guacamole, but being the polite dinner guest that I am, I let others have some too
The weather was absolutely perfect. It had rained a little earlier in the evening, but it cleared up. The outdoor patio is so nice!
You can visit Maya del Sol at their website HERE. You can also LIKE them on Facebook and see their drink and dinner specials.
It was a great night, lots of laughs and great company! Sophia is heading back to Los Angeles to start her new job in a few weeks, and Christina and her hubby Johnny are spending their day driving from Chicago back to North Carolina.
I was lucky – I was home in a few minutes!!!
My sister had a recap of our day on her site HERE .
Have you ever met any people whose blogs you follow in person?