Chicago, here I come

Right now, I'm sitting in the restaurant, as the Chef prepares for dinner service. Normally, I'm off running errands, or writing at home. He needs his space. He's crossing off items of kitchen tasks to accomplish on the giant board in his kitchen. If that were my list, I'd be panicking. He's dancing, but he'll make it in time, and well. And he just took the time to spoon into my mouth some of the creamy tart base for the lemon creme brulee. Yeah, being here isn't bad.

Today, however, I'm going to stay as late as I can. Late last night, I returned from three glorious days in Portland. (Seattle, I love you. But my goodness, in terms of living gluten-free, you have some work to do. Portland is kicking your ass! People, I had gluten-free fish and chips for dinner last night. And fried cheese curds. Those of you who can't eat gluten-free? You have no idea what you take for granted. And Corbett Fish House? I love you.) I loved meeting every one of you who came out to Andina (oh, that ginger cocktail, as well), and the swarms of people I met at Bob's Red Mill, and the wonderful women with whom I shared coffee and gluten-free treats at Piece of Cake bakery. I have so many stories, and I wish I could share them all.

But you see, tomorrow morning (early), I am leaving for Chicago. And the Chef -- he cannot come with me. Thursday through Sunday? Prime restaurant time. (And besides, next week, we are going to San Francisco together.) We are trying to be graceful, and joke around the hole of four days without seeing each other. (I know, I know. We're babies. But we adore each other. Forgive us our sappiness — four days feels like a long time.) That's why I'm at the restaurant today.

But as soon as I hit the ground at O'Hare tomorrow afternoon, I'm going to start singing.

Windy City, here I come!

If you love good food, if you have to eat gluten-free, if you have a loud, hearty laugh, or if you just want some cupcakes — come out to one of the following events. I hope to see you all there.

(Forgive the formal language. I've actually pasted in the press release here. Time is of the essence. I will carefully craft more sentences, later.)

Gluten-Free Girl Hits Chicago Area to Promote Book

Blogger and author Shauna James Ahern will be in Chicago to celebrate the release of her book, Gluten-Free Girl: How I Found the Food That Loves Me Back…And How You Can Too.

Scheduled events:

Nov. 1, 7:0 – 10 p.m.

Gluten-Free Girl Book Party

BooCoo Cultural Center, Recording Studio & Café

1823 Church St, Evanston, Ill.

Guests will be able to meet Ahern, receive an autographed copy of the book, taste gluten-free bites provided by Bot Bakery and learn more about gluten content in food from G-Free-V.

(And thank you, so much, to an amazing man named Josh Alper, who organized all of this for me, on his own good will.)

Nov. 2, 12 p.m. to 1:30

Book signing

Swirlz Cupcakes

705 W Belden, Chicago

773.404.2253


Nov. 3, 1 – 3 p.m

Cooking class

Whole Foods – Lincoln Park

1000 W North Avenue, Chicago

Guests will be able to meet Ahern, receive an autographed copy of the book and learn gluten-free cooking tips. (It says on the website that the Chef will be with me. Sadly, that is not true. I hope that seeing me alone will do!)

Call Whole Foods to make reservations, 312.587.0648. Space is very limited.


I can't wait to meet you all, and eat some great food in Chicago. I can promise you laughter.

And most of all, what I have found to be exhilarating and beautiful on these trips? The deep sense of community that occurs, naturally.

It's not about me. It's about us.