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Over the past couple of weeks, the Chicago Bears have been busy interviewing for a couple of important vacancies.

Replacing former head coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace is a tall task for George McCaskey and his team of advisors. It’s not difficult due to the jobs Nagy and Pace did in Chicago, but more so because the future of this team could look very bright if the right people are brought in.

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The Chicago Cubs had a lot of memorable moments in 2003. Some were good and some were not so good. Unfortunately, baseball isn’t the only topic of conversation when discussing former Cubs pitcher Sergio Mitre. He was drafted in 2001 by the Cubs and played with them from 2003 to 2005.

He wasn’t very good in Chicago so the Cubs traded him to the Florida Marlins in a package that brought back Juan Pierre. It was obviously a good trade for the Cubs for a variety of reasons. Now, many years later, nothing good can be said about Mitre. The fact that he made it to Major League Baseball at all is not a good look in hindsight.

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With Chinese New Year right around the corner, have you decided where to go for a dine-in or takeout celebration? Honestly, there are so many places across Chicagoland where you can get Chinese food, it gets hard to know which one is the real deal. Well. Using our editor’s Chinese heritage to its full extent, we decided to put together a list of the most authentic Chinese restaurants in Chicago. Enjoy!

2545 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Do you love spicy food? Do you have an adventurous spirit and are willing to try some unique Chinese ingredients? Then, come to Chengdu Impression. Most Sze Chuan food in the States are watered down because of the difference in taste and preferences. So if you want to have an authentic experience of Sze Chuan’s famous spicy, amorous, and electrifying flavors, check out what Chengdu Impression has to offer.

Image Credit: Shanghai Inn

4723 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

As someone originally from Shanghai, our editor cannot recommend this place enough. Shanghai cuisine is known to be slightly sweeter than most other Chinese dishes, and it is also famous for various dim sums and light dishes. If you’ve had a long week, come here for a bowl of genuine small won tons and feel the heartiness fill your soul. Or, try one of the classic Shanghai home meal dishes. This is the place to sit, relax, and just be appreciative for the great food.

1147 S Delano Ct East, Chicago, IL 60605

What’s the highest level a hot pot can reach? Look at The X Pot. Featuring all your classic broth, including the Sze Chuan spicy broth, golden chicken broth, and healthy mushroom broth, the X Pot is a heaven for meat and seafood lovers. Featuring a wagyu-centric menu, you have to try their Wagyu tower, served on a sizzling Himalayan salt rock right next to your table. Or, simply go with a huge wagyu platter for the broth! They also have cultural performances throughout the night and an awesome cocktail, sake, and wine selection.

Image Credit: Xi’An Dynasty

2218 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

What is Xi’An most famous for? The vinegar-based spicy rice noodles! Come here for a big stone pot, or go with their traditional stirred noodles. They also have classic streetside wraps (known as Xian Style Crepes) and other dim sums you cannot get anywhere else in Chicago. No wonder, then, we choose them to be one of the most authentic Chinese restaurants in Chicago.

PS: The pulled pork Xian Style Crepe is where it’s at!

2002 S Wentworth Ave #103, Chicago, IL 60616

This modern BYOB joint is heaven for anyone looking for quick, small plates bursting Chinese flavors. Dig into their unbelievable selection of dumplings, featuring traditional Chinese flavors like beef and coriander, pork and cabbage, and lamb and dill, to innovative ones using seafood and other modern ingredients. Or, go with the snack plates and mix and match the best Chinese street food into one order.

1755 W Algonquin Rd, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

Fun fact: the Chinese meaning of Chef Ping’s restaurant name is “it’s so good to see you.” Indeed, this is the perfect place for a friendly gathering thanks to its simple, classic menu and friendly ambience. Chef Ping is known for their old time favorites from home — traditional Chinese dishes not often seen in other US Chinese restaurants. They also has an awesome selection of ice cream flavors!

2138 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Do you know what MCCB stands for? Modern Chinese Cook Book! The whole charcoal-grilled fish is a must-try. You can choose the type of fish you want straight out of their tanks, base flavor, and any additional ingredients. That’s why we usually come here with friends because it’s such a perfect party food. Other than that, their menu is full of delightful surprises, and you honestly can never go wrong. Meanwhile, they also have a lovely drink selection for dine-in.

Image Credit: Imperial Restaurant

2100 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Not to be biased, but Imperial Restaurant (known as Cai among the Chinese population) is one of the only authentic Chinese restaurants in Chicago where you can get legitimate dim sums with the widest selection. From the toy-like crystal shrimp dumplings to authentic crispy roast duck, Imperial Restaurant has everything we grew up on back in China — and that should say enough!

4319 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

House of Wah Sun has your familiar simple Chinese dishes but also the authentic family meal, so it all goes down to what you’re in the mood for. Also, their wings are really good. If you’re tired of the US chicken wing flavors, check out the goodness at House of Wah Sun!

4936 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

Furama is another one of our go-to spots for our dim sum cravings. Family owned and operated across generations, Furama served its first customers in Uptown in 1985. Throughout the years, Furama also developed a larger variety of Cantonese and Dim Sum items so customers can enjoy a fuller experience of Chinese cuisine. Furama offers one of the largest varieties of Dim Sum in Chicago and uniquely serves guests the traditional way on Dim Sum Carts.

Multiple locations

Hot pot, sizzling rice, Chengdu street food, and delicious bubble tea. Lao Sze Chuan might be a chain, but it’s definitely the most authentic Chinese chain out there. If you love inhumanly spicy food, Lao Sze Chuan is the challenge you must take on. Our favorites are the Dry Chilli Chicken, Szechuan Smoked Tea Duck, and Mapo Tofu.

Multiple locations

MingHin is another authentic chain offering some of the best Cantonese food in Chicago. The luxurious interior transports you to a classic Asian palace, and the food will definitely make you feel like a king/queen as well. Over the years, their menu has expanded from dim sums and traditional dishes. Nowadays, they also offer sushi, new Chinese appetizers, and delicious cocktails.

1138 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640

Sometimes the best is the simplest. Honeymoon Cafe sure lives up to their slogan of “best food, great value.” Without any unnecessary decoration or “modern twist,” Honeymoon is where we’ll go if we’re missing dinner at home. You walk in here, and you know you’re about to taste your mom and dad’s cooking you haven’t had for years.

2020 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Just like what the restaurant name means, this place feels like walking into an old friend’s home. They spent all day yesterday making dumplings from scratch, marinating meat using that family secret briscket recipe, and keeping drinks chilled for your long overdue visit. However, be warned because Lao Peng You doesn’t go easy on you when it comes to spice level! If you’re not good with spicy food, it’s best to add a milk tea to your order to save yourself later!

2026 S Clark St unit g, Chicago, IL 60616

Bubble tea shop doesn’t count as a restaurant, you say? Okay, maybe you’re right on that one, but we feel wrong if we don’t include at least one authentic bubble tea spot in Chicago, you know? Tsaocaa uses traditional recipes instead of cheap flavoring chemicals. Their milk tea is one of the best we’ve had in Chicago thus far, and their fruit tea is a work of art!

Featured Image Credit: MCCB Chicago

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The Chicago Bears coaching search goes on and barring any last-minute surprises this weekend, Monday will mark two weeks since the team fired Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace. It will also mark the day of the second interview for Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus who is the lone finalist right now for the job.

That’s going to change, as Chicago will conduct more interviews over the next few days but one NFL insider is saying we should be keeping our eyes on another candidate instead.

In ESPN’s latest coaching search piece on Friday, insider Dan Graziano talked about the Bears job and made his prediction on who he thinks gets the job. It’s not Eberflus. It’s not Brian Daboll. Not Brian Flores. It’s not even Byron Leftwich. It’s veteran coach Jim Caldwell:

According to multiple sources, the Raiders and Vikings both reached out to former Colts and Lions coach Jim Caldwell this week to request to interview him, and he declined both requests. This indicates strongly that Caldwell believes he will get one of the other open jobs, and my understanding is that he’s in the mix in both Chicago and Jacksonville and already is reaching out to candidates for his staff.

If I had to bet right now, I’d say Caldwell ends up in Chicago, where former Colts general manager Bill Polian is helping direct the search, though it’s obviously interesting that Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is scheduled for a second interview there. The Bears were interviewing Bills defensive coordinator and former Vikings coach Leslie Frazier on Friday, and I’m told there’s still support for Frazier in their building. Former Eagles coach Doug Pederson is also someone to watch in Chicago if Caldwell doesn’t turn out to be its guy.

Caldwell had his interview last weekend, emerging as a candidate for the franchise. And as Graziano mentions above, he’s turned down interviews with Minnesota and Las Vegas, instead focusing on Chicago and Jacksonville.

It’s tough to tell right now if Caldwell is the favorite but Graziano is plugged in with the league and there’s no reason not to believe him here.

Make sure to check out our Chicago Bears forum for the latest on this coaching search and the team.

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The Chicago Bears are approaching the end of the second week of their search for a new general manager and head coach and it would appear that the team is not nearing a decision on either vacancy.

While the Bears’ list of candidates has been filled with strong options, the criticism that the team is receiving is centered around their process and pace. While other teams with vacancies such as the New York Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars are identifying finalists for their respective vacancies, the Bears have yet to reach that stage as they still have first round interviews to be completed next week.

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What’s the most iconic thing with Chicago’s dining scene besides seasonal pop-up bars? All the limited time dining experience is literally a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With things being slow since we’ve just stepped into 2022, you have plenty of time to treat yourself and your loved ones to a night of delicacy. So, check out the best ticketed dining events in Chicago and let us know how it went!

Image Credit: Smyth on Tock

A Tale of Two Cities at Smyth

177 N Ada St #101, Chicago, IL 60607

Likened by The New York Times as “a pianist who seems to have found a couple of dozen extra keys,” Chef Paul Liebrandt has affected contemporary dining in a way like few others since the beginning of his career. The multi-course dinner is priced at $450 per person. There is an optional wine pairing for an additional $225. Both prices are exclusive of service charge, tax and gratuities.

Reservations can be made via TOCK here. Proof of vaccination is required for all guests age five and older, and guests 16 and older must also present a valid photo ID.

702 West Fulton Market Street, Chicago, IL 60661

Your favorite limited time dining experience in Chicago is back! The 90-minute extravaganza will transport guests into the magic of the legendary Copacabana with a colorful Carnivale twist, delighting with world-class talent including Brazilian dancers, feathered showgirls, live music from an Afro-Brazilian band, acrobatic aerialists, and many more South American influenced performances.

The special series first launched in September and has been selling out ever since. Therefore, better grab your RSVP via Tock as early as you can!

4042 N Pulaski Rd STE 1, Chicago, IL 60641

What are some of our favorite ticketed dining experiences in Chicago? Entre Sueños definitely comes high on the list. A few months ago, we had the great pleasure to experience this intimate experience. So, if you haven’t had the chance, check out our featured review on Entre Sueños!

Now, the weekly, Baja Med-inspired pop-up dinner series has launched new dates for 2022. In addition to the new dates, the elevated yet playful experience featuring creative small plates, dramatic shared entrees, thoughtful beverage pairings, and an interactive seafood cart has increased its seating capacity to accommodate 20 diners per dinner. The added dates for the new year include:

Thursday, 1/27
Thursday, 2/3
Friday, 2/4
Thursday, 2/17
Thursday, 2/24
Friday, 2/25

The menu will highlight local and seasonal ingredients, impactful Latin flavors, fresh seafood, whole animal preparations, and open-flame cooking techniques. Each dinner will begin with an interactive seafood cart—emulating the food stands commonly found in the streets of Ensenada—composed of fresh oysters, ceviches, and rotating offerings. Tickets for the dinner are $195 and will be available for purchase via Tock.

Image Credit: Fever Chicago

110 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Did you know your senses heighten in the darkness? When vision is taken away, your body becomes more aware of the remaining senses. The Dining in the Dark experience at Hubbard Inn plays with this concept to bring you the most focused dining experience you’ve ever had. Can you pass the trivias and tests and become a member of the Secret Society? We’ll find out!

200 N Field Dr, Lake Forest, IL 60045

Oaken Bistro is inviting the North Shore to celebrate with a limited dining experience with a dancing package in partnership with the Lake Forest Dance Academy, as well as a chef-crafted, three-course prix fixe meal-offering available to enjoy on Friday, February 11, Saturday, February 12 and Monday, February 14.

To make a reservation for regular dining or the Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe meal, please visit the restaurant’s website. To reserve tickets for the Dinner and Dancing event on February 12, couples may purchase tickets online here. For those looking to enjoy the hotel’s Valentine’s Day package, reservations are available on the hotel’s website.

Image Credit: Lírica

Woodford Reserve Pairing Dinner at Lírica

900 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

The Latin-inspired restaurant at Navy Pier making waves for its delicious food and lakefront views is excited to announce tickets are now on sale for a special pairing dinner in partnership with Woodford Reserve on Friday, January 28 at 7 pm. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.

An intimate 4-course, chef-crafted dinner will be paired thoughtfully with a variety of Bourbon Whiskeys as a Woodford Reserve brand ambassador guides guests through a unique exploration of the senses with each course in the restaurant’s stunning private dining room with views of gorgeous Lake Michigan.

Featured Image Credit: Smyth

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Camp Aramoni, Illinois’ first and premier boutique campground and event venue located just an hour outside Chicago near Starved Rock State Park is now officially accepting reservations for its “Grand Opening” season in 2022, which kicks off on May 1st, 2022.

Back during 2021’s “preview season,” which was shortened due to COVID-related delays, a limited number of guests had the chance to experience the woman-owned and family-operated property’s upscale accommodations and picturesque 96-acre setting for the first time.

Featuring high-end tents, gracious hospitality and amenities like chef-driven meals by Director of Hospitality Cleetus Friedman and gourmet s’mores, Camp Aramoni quickly filled its bookings in 2021. Now in 2022, the guest experience will become even more robust as owner Jennifer Bias and the team debut a lineup of captivating new programming and experiences including collaborative dinners featuring notable chefs, partnerships with local artisans and purveyors, and more.

The Campground

Spanning 96 acres of lush forest and wildlife terrain along the Vermilion River on the site of a former 19th-century brickyard, Camp Aramoni is Illinois’ first and premier boutique campground and event space. Situated just a stone’s throw from renowned Starved Rock State Park, the campground boasts charming accommodations and hotel-level hospitality within the serenity of nature.

Guests can retreat to one of 11 semi-permanent safari-style tents, each outfitted with upscale amenities including air conditioning and heat, hardwood floors, private en-suite restrooms, mini-fridges, and king-sized beds. With each tent accommodating two to six for overnight stays and a total occupancy of 56, Camp Aramoni is ideal for private couples’ getaways while expansive enough for corporate retreats and full wedding buyouts.

The Barn, the campground’s refined rustic gathering space, offers dining areas where meals are served daily, a space for food and wine tastings, and a general store stocked with sundries, snacks, and other grab-and-go items while The Burlington, a lovingly restored 1961 Airstream Ambassador RV converted into a mobile coffee and cocktail bar, sits just outside. The first of its kind in the Midwest, Camp Aramoni offers a robust food and beverage program led by Director of Hospitality Cleetus Friedman featuring seasonal, chef-driven menus available to enjoy en-suite or at The Barn.

The Event Space

Camp Aramoni’s event space, Bricks & Stones, was formerly the brickyard’s blacksmith shop during the 1800s and now serves as a stunning venue for weddings, corporate retreats, and other large functions.

Great care was taken by Camp Aramoni founders Tim and Jennifer Bias to preserve the rich history and industrial charm of the building, which showcases a grand fireplace, numerous brick kilns, plus modern amenities such as the elegant Bowers Suite, a multipurpose room named after the former superintendent of the brickyard.

Bricks & Stones can accommodate 75 seated guests indoors and 200 seated guests outdoors in their large open lawn featuring a covered pavilion, outdoor kitchen, and deck providing scenic views of the surrounding woodlands. Just outside the private camping area, trails for hiking wind through the pristine forest, and guests have the option to partake in outdoor activities including morning en-suite massages, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, food and beverage pairings, lawn games, and bicycle rides.

Therefore, if you don’t want to miss out on this amazing experience, better grab your 2022 reservation today!

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Many of us continue to work from home, whereas some are returning to the office. Either way, we all need our lunch break, and finding a good work lunch can be tricky sometimes. Let’s see… you don’t want to eat too heavily because that’s gonna make you sleepy. But you also don’t want to half starve to EOB, do you? Therefore, we’ve rounded up the best quick lunch spots in Chicago next time you need to run out for some food during your lunch break. Hey, tell them we sent you!

74 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654

Rotisserie Ema is our personal favorite office lunch spot. The process is in-and-out, and you can choose from a full-sized salad bar to traditional Mediterranean protein options. But wait for this… they have freshly baked spiced bread every, single, day! And you can even grab a handful of additional spices and sprinkle it all over your customized lunchbox. Their food is so healthy you can literally feel your brain getting rejuvenated.

Also, do you love vinegar-heavy cuisine? Because if you do, Rotisserie Ema would be right up your alley in that case.

675 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654

Catering to individuals on-the-go, and remote workers and professionals looking for a community space to work, relax and gather from breakfast through dinner, Edie’s has been a neighborhood favorite since its initial opening right in the middle of the pandemic. Featuring globally inspired food and drink menus, Edie’s make work lunch fun, light-hearted, and nutritious.

By the way, did you know they’re opening a second location in Spring 2022? Better stay tuned and follow them on Instagram for latest updates!

River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market & Oak Brook

Office workers are certainly familiar with Beatrix, whether you go there for food or for a delicious cup of coffee to power you through the day. Then, no wonder they’re on our list of favorite quick lunch spots in Chicago. With multiple locations scattered across the most vibrant neighborhoods in Chicago, Beatrix brings delicious lunch right to your office doorstep.

Enjoy a delicious Straight “A” Salad, or a simple Ham & Cheese Croissant. And finally, don’t forget to grab a cup of their freshly squeezed juice for some vitamins!

703 Church St, Evanston, IL 60201

If you work up in Evanston, then, Farmhouse is a great place to stop by during your lunch break. You can almost never go wrong with their Classic Farmhouse Burger or the Farm Green Salad. However, we also like to go the non-traditional route and grab some Mushroom Toast (because it’s so good!) and a side of the Roasted Squash & Zucchinis.

Only working half of the day? Farmhouse has a wide selection of beers, ciders, and boozy kombucha!

15 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

Need a kick of flavor to wake you up and keep you focused in the afternoon? Check out Bhoomi Modern Indian Grill! Bhoomi focuses on fresh, organic, and responsibly-sourced grilled food. The menu features seafood, chicken, paneer, and meats bursting with flavor and crafted to treat the palette, body, and soul.

From sustainably sourced salmon and prawns to pasture-raised beef and organic paneer, Bhoomi is obsessed with sourcing the highest quality, chemical, and preservative-free ingredients. Their creations are the perfect balance of gastronomic indulgence and wholesome eating, while crave-worthy flavors are at the core of their food.

63 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

How can you talk about the best quick lunch spots in Chicago without adding a sushi place, right? That would be such an unforgivable offense! While there are plenty of amazing sushi restaurants in Chicago, for a quick yet delicious bite, there’s nowhere better than Sushi-San.

Redefining sushi, Sushi-San serves up the highest quality ingredient prepped by a chef’s passionate spirit. We swear — you have no idea how good lunch takeout sushi boxes can be until you try Sushi-San. Need suggestions? We’re huge fans of their Ikura (salmon roe) and Uni, Matcha Cctopus, and Otoro (Fatty Salmon) nigiris!

All locations

On a mission to bring delicious Detroit-style pizza to every neighborhood across Chicagoland, Jet’s Pizza® is proud to announce their expansion in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, with five new locations opening for business in the first quarter of 2022 alone. You know what that means, right? You can get their undefeatable Detroit-style pizza in the burbs now! Hooray!

All locations

Opened in 2008, Epic Burger serves as a community beacon and pioneer of inclusivity, establishing the use of non-GMO ingredients, Halal-certified preparations, and expansive vegetarian options as standard in the quick service realm. Known for its Epic Burger Challenge (which can totally be finished within a regular lunch break if you know what you’re doing), Epic Burger is also known for other delicious guilty pleasure lunch items.

Have you tried their new honey hot chicken sandwich? We’re seriously obsessed!

131 N Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60661

Your life is incomplete if you’ve never been to Chicago French Market. As the home of various iconic restaurants, featuring everything from pastries to seafood to ethnical menu items, Chicago French Market is not only one of the best quick lunch spots in Chicago, it will also keep you coming back until you’ve tried everything there — only to find a new item that you somehow missed out!

1542 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

You’re a true warrior if you can resist the temptation of dumplings. And let’s not forget Urbanbelly also has delicious, steamy ramen that’s perfect for this freezing weather. Been working in front of a computer all day? The fresh broth will warm up your limbs and activate your brain cells. Also — we aren’t the only ones taking dumplings to-go so we can snack in the office later, are we!?

All locations

There is no better place than Wow Bao to satisfy your office Bao cravings. We highly recommend the BBQ Pork and Whole Wheat Vegetable baos. Their Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is also absolutely divine! They also have potstickers (pan-seared dumplings) and steamed dumplings for you dumpling lovers.

2828 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Now, if you want more than just baos and dumplings, check out New Furama — one of the few spots offering authentic Chinese dim sum for a quick lunch! Honestly, it’s always such a struggle when we try to grab food for ourselves from this place, so you might as well drag all your coworkers down here with you. Try the Lotus Rice Wrap, Curry Baby Octopus, or Beef Tripes if you’re feeling bold, or stick to the classic Scallop & Shrimp Dumplings and BBQ Pork Fun Roll if you want something lighter but equally filling!

2200 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

We’ve said enough good things about Lardon lately — and they sure deserve the love. While most times we go there for the charcuterie board, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other choices for a more substantial lunch! Check out their El Jefe, which is a brand new addition to the menu. It’s Lardon’s version of a classic Cubano sandwich, and as always, using the freshest meat you’d ever get in a sandwich.

75 E Lake St, Chicago, IL 60601

Did you know the Loop location of our favorite Taco Pub actually opens at 12 pm instead of 4 pm? Yup. That means you can enjoy your favorite Broken English Tacos during lunch break now! Thursdays are $2 Taco days, and I think that’s really all we need to say, right?

Now, here comes the real question. Are you Team Carnitas or Team fish (Oh My Cod taco)? We promise we won’t judge you!

Stan’s Donuts

All locations

In an effort to help us stay on top of our New Year’s Resolution, Stan’s is partnering with Cloudies to create the perfect breakfast Stanwich that is both healthy and delicious. This new breakfast launch will be a unique twist on your favorite menu items by introducing CloudBread a gluten-free, sugar-free, zero-carb bread alternative with no added preservatives and only 35 calories. Made with four simple ingredients – eggs, cream cheese, baking soda and baking powder – Cloudies will melt in your mouth and give you energy first thing in the morning. Stan’s breakfast stanwiches will be available to order with Cloudies keto-friendly CloudBread from January 6 to January 31.

Featured Image Credit: Rotisserie Ema

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