As summer is coming up quickly, I can’t help but imagine all of the fun things I will get to enjoy with my friends and family! From going on vacations to running with my friends, this summer should be one to remember. More specifically, I cannot wait for all the fun food that I will get to enjoy, so I thought I would blog about some of my favorite treats that make the summer months so memorable. 

First up is ice cream. Some people may not count this as food, but my friends and I definitely make it a full meal at least once during the summer months. My go-to is definitely Dairy Queen, but I am definitely not opposed to trying new places. My favorite things to get are a vanilla cone with sprinkles or the Star Kiss bar. 

Next would be MOD pizza. I usually get this with my cousins when we help with the Naperville Municipal Band Concerts at the bandshell in downtown Naperville. It is always fun to walk and go get pizza that we can enjoy after handing out the programs for the concert. Our orders range from pepperoni to sausage and green bell peppers. Everyone ends up trading different slices, so we can all try new things. This is definitely one of my favorite summer traditions as well!

Then we have the obvious choice: Portillo’s. My friends and family will go there at least once a week. I especially love when I get to do some sort of picnic with my friends. We love to go to Blackwell Forest Preserve and watch the sunset while eating our food. My go to is a chicken sandwich, but I also love the hot dogs. Portillo’s is definitely an integral part of my summer experience. 

Since the past two summers have involved some restrictions, I would also like to address some new things that I would like to try: 

First, the new Jojo’s Shake Bar Downtown Naperville looks like it could be a really fun experience. It would definitely be a one time thing for me, but I would love to go see what all the hype is about. I have seen so many pictures of the elaborate, sugar-filled shakes, so obviously I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to go with my friends and summer will give that exact chance. Plus, walking on the riverwalk during the summer is always super fun! I love looking at all the flowers, trees, and fountains when it is warm outside, and a milkshake will only make that more fun!

Another thing I attempted to try earlier this year was Crumble cookies; however, the line was way too long, so I ended up leaving before I could even get a chance to step into the store. I was excited to see that there was one opening up on Ogden a few weeks ago. I would really love to try the basic sugar cookie the most. I like seeing how companies put a spin on classic things and judging whether or not it is better than the original. 

As the school year nears its end for seniors, I can definitely feel the excitement in the air for a summer free of homework and high school classes. However, it is definitely bittersweet. I have heard the “I want the school part to be over but not the social part” too many times to count, and I can’t believe that graduation day is almost here. Hopefully, this summer will bring just as many memories as the school year and prompt me to try new things even outside of the food category. Let’s go Seniors! We are in the final stretch!