Karen answers Karoline on 11 Aug 2009 at 9:29 am

Where do you live in the Chicago area? Can you share some of your favorite food places? I am traveling to Chicago where I think you and Baer live… I would like to walk some of the streets you walk. I’m not strange only wish to eat in a favorite place of yours and Baer’s? I would like to feel your presense. I belong to a book club. I don’t know why but after each book I read I have the urge to travel a moment in story tellers shoes. It completes the story for me. Have you ever read a book and wished you were there? I don’t always have the chance to travel. I will be in Chicago in two weeks. I know it would be impossible to meet you and Baer. This is the next best thing.  Baer shows great writing talent in your story. GTG.

Cheers!

Karoline

Dear Karoline,

How sweet of you to think of Dr. Baer and me and where we enjoy spending our time.  That’s very nice.  I don’t think anyone else has ever asked us this question.  I’m not sure about Dr. Baer’s favorite Chicago restaurants, and I don’t live in Chicago, but I do live in the Chicago suburbs and go downtown often. I have many favorite restaurants, but most are small intimate coffee shops or cafes.  I love to feel a sense of calm and peace wherever I go to eat.  If it were up to me, I’d go to a pub or coffee shop rather than some fancy high priced restaurant.  Atmosphere is the key for me.

I found one cafe, Ollie’s, in Palos Hills.  It’s quiet and a place where local artists have their artwork for sale and where writer’s frequent.  Besides that they have great homemade food, drinks, and teas.  A favorite sandwich of mine is turkey and brie with sliced apples and walnuts on whole wheat…yum!  It’s just an all around calm place. Truthfully, food comes second.  My favorite place is wherever I happen to be in the company of a great friend. The place doesn’t matter as much as the person I’m spending my time with.

I, too, have read many books where I was left with the feeling of wanting to travel.  I even dream of traveling to the places that I see in movies such as Under the Tuscan Sun or Mama Mia.  So yes, I understand your desire to walk in the story-teller’s shoes.

Thank you for sharing!

Karen