The Chicago Blog - Sincerely, Ashlea

Chicago, Food & Wine, Restaurant Review, Travel

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April 9, 2024

Farm-to-Table Upscale Dining at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar

Hey girl! My most recent guilty pleasure was having the opportunity to enjoy an exquisite evening dining at a farm-to-table restaurant called FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar. This hidden gem is located conveniently in my neighborhood Lakeshore East, Chi[...]

Chicago, Food & Wine, Restaurant Review

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February 28, 2024

La Grande Boucherie Brings Authentic French Cuisine to Chicago

Bonjour, mes amis! Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of experiecing Chicago's newest and hottest restaurant, La Grande Boucherie. This traditional French steakhouse and brasserie has opened its doors in the Belle Époque building in River North, my old nei[...]

Beauty & Wellness, Chicago, Travel

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February 7, 2024

AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago: Experience Total Serenity of a Thermal Tour

Hey girl! I recently had the opportunity to experience absolute peace and serenity at AIRE Ancient Baths in River West, and WOW, my life has been forever altered! AIRE is a high-end bath house set in an industrial-style building (think exposed brick, concrete w[...]

Beauty & Wellness, Chicago, Food & Wine, Travel

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January 14, 2024

The Langham Chicago: A Luxury Winter Staycation Destination

Hey girl! I recently stayed in The Langham Chicago, a luxury 5-star hotel in downtown that is truly heaven on earth. Not to mention it's like 3 buildings away from where I live! The Langham Chicago is the perfect getaway for Chicagoans looking to escape winter[...]

Chicago, International, Italy, Travel

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October 8, 2023

Puglia, Italy: The Unexpected Wedding Destinaton (Chicago Agrees!)

Hey girl! I just discovered an underrated dream vacation and wedding destination that I have NEVER heard about before: Puglia, Italy! If you haven't heard about Puglia either, you're not alone. Puglia (pronounced "pull-ya") is known as the unexpected wedding de[...]

Chicago, Travel

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September 27, 2023

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Sparkles at Symphony Ball

Hey girl! Last weekend, I had the total honor of attending the largest annual fundraiser for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra: the Symphony Ball. Celebrating its 133rd season and hosted by the Women’s Board of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, the gli[...]

Chicago, Food & Wine, Restaurant Review, Travel

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September 19, 2023

I|O Godfrey Rooftop Lounge: Chicago’s Year-Round Patio Dining

Hey girl! I|O Godfrey Rooftop Lounge is a must-visit, swanky, year-round oasis in River North atop The Godfrey. After a full year of living in Chicago and seeing SO much of its most glamorous things to do (and not having enough time to post about all of it, sor[...]

Chicago, Food & Wine, Travel

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June 23, 2023

Lyric Opera of Chicago Sparkles at 2023 Wine Auction

Hey girl! Last month, I had the honor of being invited to cover one of the most glamorous events of the season: the 2023 Wine Auction at Lyric Opera of Chicago. When I tell you it was a dreamlike Cinderella moment, that's even still quite understated. For those[...]

Beauty & Wellness, Chicago, Food & Wine, Restaurant Review, Travel

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May 9, 2023

Candle Making in Chicago: An Afternoon of Serenity & Orgasmic Pizza

Hey girl, I recently had the pleasure of spending a rainy afternoon candle making in Chicago, an incredibly fun and relaxing adventure. My friend and Brazilian influencer Stefanny Luz invited me along to a complimentary experience at Candle Castle & Co. in[...]

Chicago, Food & Wine, Restaurant Review, Travel

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May 7, 2023

Bazaar Meat Chicago by José Andrés is Inventive & Daring

Hey girl! If you ever find yourself in the Windy City and enjoy upscale dining (like I do), you simply MUST visit Bazaar Meat Chicago by Michelin-starred Chef José Andrés. This steakhouse truly transcends the idea of sophisticated dining with colorful and inv[...]