OUT + OUTFIT

I have been sitting on this post for a while now, just waiting to share it, and upon craving it last night and not being able to get it because it wasn’t open, I figured now was the time.

Annie (I am assuming you all know her by now) read that this spot, Gomez Salsa, was listed as one of the top ten taco joints in the city. Now I’m not going to lie. After listening to the list, I was super skeptical. There were restaurants (which shall remain nameless) that were on the list and I gasped. And others of more notable prominence (Nada) were not ranked as high as they should be. Given that, I strolled up to the window cautiously.

And you read that right, Gomez Salsa is a walk up/take out window spot that will serve you the most delicious tacos right there on the street. You pull a checklist order form from the wall and proceed to build your dream burrito. We took the young woman’s, who was working the window, advice and went with the Turtle, which was essentially their version of Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap Supreme. Sold.

It was unreal. I think we all went with fish and then chose our individual accoutrements. I just rapidly checked everything I liked and while I can’t remember the specific makeup itself, I am sure it had cheese, guac, lettuce, corn, tomatoes, beans, and some kind of creamy salsa. We then shlepped our treats to Washington Park and just unleashed. After the first bite, I was completely sold. Gomez Salsa making any kind of delicious and best list is absolutely accurate.

Better yet, while you are waiting for your taco, you can stroll next door to the walk up/take out window and grab a few growlers to go. This block rules. As I sadly learned last night, Gomez only has a few select hours of operation, open only Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. This, much like Chic-fil-A on a Sunday, will only add to my obsessive craving. Now I beg you to swing by on the weekend (even late night!) and get yourself the Turtle. It is just so so so yummy.

Happiest of Mondays to you and it is a good one because I’m teaming up with three of my most favorite bloggers to bring you a little play on patterns. Kathleen, Megan, Maureen, and myself each styled the one pattern that we love to go for in order to showcase a string of pretty prints.

For me, it is gingham, all day everyday. I remember being on the hunt years ago for just one great gingham shirt and felt like I was striking out left and right. Now I have a primary color collection of varying sizes, from tiny checks to oversized. I just find it to be the most classic and perfect little must have because it can stand alone or be paired with literally anything else – layered with a sweater or tee, tucked into a skirt or tied around the waist, or simply put with any kind of print, especially the ones the above are sporting! Gingham is just plain the best.

J.Crew Factory button down | Gap shorts | J.Crew belt (similar) | Crown Vintage booties from DSW | Ray Ban wayfarers

Now make sure to check out the other gals as they show off their favorites - Carrie Bradshaw Lied with florals, Pretty in Pink Megan with stripes, and The Northeast Girl with polka dots.

images by Annie Jagoditz