Piece of my Heart - Chicago, IL (April 2011)

I traveled to Chicago three years ago for 24 hours. I fell in love then. I visted Millinium Park, the bean, and the shoreline. A mini tease of the city. I remeber it feeling like a clean New York, a Disneyland type of the big apple.

I returned for work this year to spend 5 days. I stayed at the Mariott Chicago Dowtown Magnificent Mile. The location was fantastic for the alloted small time of being outside the hotel walls. I was able to hear Blues at Buddy Guy's Legends with collegues, but when I was venturing alone I got a chance to develop my relationship with the city on a little deeper level.

One of the things I love about wandering a city without anyone else is that you notice everything. You come up with the core feeling of the city, what it means to you. How the architecture makes you feel, how the people strike you, how you feel in the place. The true test of a first impression.

After working and working some more, I decided to go around the corner to a sushi place I scouted while running an errand to Office Depot the day before. The place was called Oysy. It looked chic, but approachable. It also boasted a fav, the sushi bar.

I ordered a glass of Pinot Grigio to melt the day away, and quickly checked out the menu. The bartendress was delightful. Very attentive and could make a drink in no time with the grace of a true artist. I decided on an order of Hamachi (shocking), Softshell Crab Tampura, and the Rainbow Dragon roll, she mentioned it was a favorite.

The Hamachi was delectable as always. The crab was pretty tasty and a good serving size for softshell crab. It came with two sauces, one spicy and one sweeter. The Dragon roll was well cute. It had a lot of flavors going on, no shining stars but still good.

I happen to head back to Oysy my last night in the city. I had become a fan of convenience, and this time sat at a small table for two by the window. I ordered a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, which I never do and tried the Super White Tuna sushi. The wine was alright, but the tuna was incredible. If butter and perfection made a baby, it would be super white tuna. I also tried another specialty roll, the Arizona Summer (tuna tempura, yellowtail, cilantro, masago, green pepper, avacado, chili oil, spicy sauce and lime juice). The flavors were excellent, and no lime was needed. I suppose the chilly weather made me miss the warmth of home, and the Arizona Summer was the cure.

Oysy is great for friendly service and good sushi. I'm glad I was a regular over my trip.

After my second serving of sea life, I headed to Pops for Champagne a few blocks away. A wonderful friend of mine who went to school in Chicago suggested it for a glass of bubbly. I called to see if any music was playing and a jazz band was going on shortly. I made my way there and was happy to find an amber warm atmosphere with a bar as the center of attention. I posted up and got a hold of the menu. I decided on a glass of Sorelle Branca Valdobbiadence Extra Dry. At $13 for 5 oz. I wanted to see what this light golden glass had to offer. I picked out the Chocolate Ganache Cake with cardamon wafer & ginger cream as not to leave the drink lonely.

The champagne was so smooth, it was excellent. The sounds of jazz were the perfect background to the chocolate bubbly pairing. Glad I got one last dose of Chicago. The prices weren't cheap, but it was a great spot to step inside and relax for a moment.

I left feeling satisfied with what I got to see. A little of this, a little of that. It made me want more. Can't wait til next time Chi-tow, can't wait.

-Oysy-
888 S. Michigan Avenue

-Pops for Champagne-
601 N State at Ohio

-View from the Marriott-

Easy Breezy - Los Angeles, CA (March 2011)

The job called me to L.A. in late March and I stayed at the JA Marriott at LA Live. This place is brand spanking new. The area is filled with restaurants, shops and a little spot known as the Staples Center. I finished up my work one night and headed to Katsuya for dinner. I knew I wanted something fresh and delish, and I knew sushi meant perfect seating for one a la sushi bar. I sat down in an atmosphere that begged for subtle people watching and ordered myself a drink.

My bartender was kind and thoughtful. I picked the Bellini. Something about champagne after a long day.
It was delicious. Not too sweet, but conicidentally complimentary to the sushi I had. Originally my bartender suggested the Baked Crab Roll, a specialty starter on the menu (snow crab lightly kissed w/ Chef's signature sauce wrapped with rice in soy paper). I said yes please, and he submitted my order with pride. Almost immediately, he returend to break the news that the soy paper was out of stock due to Lady Gaga's pre-concert crowd only an hour before. He admitted the dish really wouldn't be the same. Seeing my slow sulk of culinary sadness set in, he offered another suggestion and a free bellini. Sold. I had the Spicy Albocore Sashimi with Crispy Onion instead. Sweet Jesus this was good, especially with the bellini. The flavor of the onion wept over the perfectly flavor-tuned tuna. Rich but clean. So good. I also dabbled in an order of Hamachi (yellowtail) sushi, b/c I always do.

It was the perfect party of one. Apparently it looked like I sent out invitations, b/c I was joined in true LA style by the smooth styles of a young gentleman and his two friends. The party shut down quickly, but it ended in a Facebook friendship. Solid gold.

Though my radius was small and I didn't venture far, I had a great time.

Where have you been in La-la land that has catered to your solitary sipping? Let it be heard, right here...

-Katsuya LA Live-
800 W. Olympic Blvd.

It's so nice to meet you.

Hello world. I am lucky enough to travel for work. When I say lucky, I mean it. I love travel, I miss it when I don't. My favorite view is out of a plane window. When I see one in the air at home, I always wonder where it's going and why I'm not on it. Don't' get me wrong, I adore home. Home to me is one of the best places on earth, but my God, travel is in my blood.

I decided to start Party of One as a resource for anyone who travels alone, whether your traveling for business, pleasure or an extremely long lay-over. Party of One may be a blog about eating por uno, but the format is for all. Comment on everything, send me an email to post your experience, make someones night or day because they knew where to go sip solo.

Thanks for reading all, safe travels and cheers to you.