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Registered Dietitian, Travel, Weekend

FNCE Recap (aka eating my way through Chicago)

October 23, 2017 By Robyn 27 Comments

The past couple days at FNCE have been full full full.

I’m still in Chicago this morning before my flight out at 4pm, but I’m spending the day with my in-laws and trying to rest up a bit before heading back to work tomorrow.

FNCE 2017

Backing up, I flew into Chicago Friday night around 10pm. By the time I made it to Sabrina + Josh’s house (Nick’s sister and her husband) I was falling asleep on my suitcase. I chatted with them for a bit and then headed straight to bed.

FNCE 2017

Saturday morning I woke up and did some blog work for a bit before heading out on a long walk. It was so nice and breezy out! Sabrina made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast so I ate a couple of those along with some yogurt + granola for breakfast but forgot to take a picture.

FNCE 2017

I showered and then headed into the city for the conference. Alexis, Meme and I met up before heading to a Siggi’s brunch event. Ellie Krieger, Jaclyn London and Siggi himself spoke on entrepreneurship. As I listened, I was knee deep in the new chocolate 9% yogurt. If you can find this in stores near you, PICK IT UP.

FNCE 2017

Afterward we met up with Kara and Rachael and headed to the Riverwalk to grab a glass of wine. It was in the 70s and gorgeous on Saturday.

FNCE 2017

We sat around catching up and chatting about life, blogs, business and everything else. I hadn’t seen Meme or Kara since last year so it was fun to see them again too. I hate how long you go sometimes without seeing people.

FNCE 2017

And then a group of dietetic interns saw us and came over to say hi so we chatted with them for a bit. I didn’t go to FNCE for the first time until 3 years ago, but I so wish I would have gone earlier and been able to meet older dietitians who were pursuing the same career path I desired. Some mentorship would have been so helpful! All that to say, I really enjoy talking to aspiring RDs.

FNCE 2017

Afterward, I was suppose to make it to the Unilever Agent of Change champagne toast event but because of logistical issues with getting over to the conference center and back on time, I had to skip out. I was honored to be in the first class of Agent’s three years ago and it’s been really fun + exciting to see other RDs be a part of the program too. This year, Rachael, Kara and Kylie were chosen as Agents!

Saturday night, I had dinner plans with my good friend Mary Ann who lives in Chicago. We’ve known each other for 15+ years and she was in my wedding so I wanted to make sure we got some quality time. I headed to her place for wine and then we went to dinner at Fig and Olive.

FNCE 2017

We started with mushroom croquettes and a trio of crostini. The caramelized onion and goat cheese was my favorite. And the croquettes were fab!

FNCE 2017

We split the truffle risotto and hanger steak for entrees. YOU GUYS. Everything about these two dishes was on point. The risotto was creamy truffle heaven and the steak was so tender.

FNCE 2017

We didn’t plan on dessert, but our waitress insisted she give us dessert on the house since our entrees took a while to come out. Um, I will never turn down that offer. We went with the apple strudel and dark chocolate mousse. I liked the apple best. It was light and flaky and perfect with the ice cream.

Sunday morning we woke up and walked to get bagels.

FNCE 2017

I don’t know if this is a typical Chicago bagel, but it was so different than New York bagels. One, they were a bit smaller which I can appreciate since NY bagels can get a bit aggressive. And they steam the bagels so they were insanely doughy and chewy and delicious. They were super tasty. I went with egg + avocado + tomato.

FNCE 2017

I got ready for the day and then headed to the conference for a lunch with Simple Mills. I knew it was going to be a day filled with a lot of food so I was trying to pace myself. I snacked on some crackers + cheese plus a cookie. Alexis had partnered with Simple Mills so we watched her be a bossy lady.

FNCE 2017

I got to catch up with an RD I went to undergrad with that I hadn’t seen in years which was so fun. And I got to meet so many readers – I love meeting you guys in person! Like Emilie from Emilie Eats.

FNCE 2017

This year at FNCE, I didn’t actually make it to any of the sessions. For the past couple years I feel like the days get so busy with networking and PR events that I’ve focused my time on that. I love meeting + learning from so many RDs in the field and I’ve found that to be really valuable.

After lunch I met up with some of my college friends for brunch at Somerset.

FNCE 2017

It had been way too long since I’ve seen Marcy + Sammy. We’ve had a lot of college friends get married this year but with everything going on and weddings galore I’ve had to miss a lot of college weddings. Which sucks, but I guess you can’t be everywhere all the time.

FNCE 2017

I ordered a tequila pineapple cocktail which was bubbly and refreshing, and then we split three entrees. A shaved brussel sprout salad with kale and pecorino (which was amazing!), avocado toast and the fried chicken sandwich that was also crispy perfection.

FNCE 2017

I went back to Mary Ann’s to change clothes before heading to a cocktail hour with FoodMinds (a PR company) around 4pm. We talked strategy and working with brands and all that jazz.

In all honesty, I can get really overwhelmed when people start talking about all this branding strategy. I think because 1) I’m not a businesswoman so it doesn’t come naturally for me and 2) I’m not sure if I really want to focus a lot of my time on that side of things – not that it’s not worthwhile, but I’m not sure if it’s the best fit for my mission. Alexis and I had a long talk about this which is always helpful and reassuring. I say all that because I think whatever you do for a career, it can be easy to get pulled in a direction that in the moment seems like a great idea because a lot of people are doing it and there’s great opportunity – but it might not be what’s best for you.

FNCE 2017

By the time 7pm rolled around I was wiped. But we had one more event to go to. A dinner with the American Pecan Council. Alexis and I headed to dinner together while the other girls went to other events.

I was feeling tired and worn out, but when I walked into this gorgeous space I knew it was going to be good.

FNCE 2017

We were welcomed with their signature pecan cocktail and oysters. And then we sat down to a four course dinner.

FNCE 2017

We started with grilled sourdough and pecan butter and I DIED.

FNCE 2017

Alexis was at the other end of the table and our text exchange went like this…

We also had a soba noodle dish that was good, but the bread won by a long shot.

The second course was sea bass with dry fried green beans and a warm cucumber dish with shoyu butter. I had never had cucumbers as a warm dish and now that I have…I feel like I’m a changed woman.

The fourth course was lamb with with a spicy pecan sauce and fall tabbouleh. I really never eat lamb so wasn’t sure I’d like this but again…it totally blew me away. The lamb wasn’t heavy at all and paired with the spicy sauce and grain mixture it was perfect. On the side were wood grilled apples with a pecan crema that was different and fabulous.

FNCE 2017

A couple 6th generation pecan farmers spoke at the dinner and I loved hearing them talk about pecans (they are America’s only native nut!) and their passion behind what they do.

FNCE 2017

Side note –> When I saw Ellie Krieger was at this smaller dinner I knew it would be fab. I also sat next to Sally of Real Mom Nutrition and she was fabulous as well. The tagline of her blog is “a no-judgement zone about feeding a family” and I think that’s awesome.

Lastly was dessert. This cake was as incredible as it looks. It was a thick brownie like base with a whipped cream “frosting” with poached pears and sugared pecans. DEAD.

FNCE 2017

We left full and happy. I dropped Alexis off where she was staying and drove back to Tinley Park last night.

It was a quick FNCE this year (the conference goes through Tuesday) and I’m missing some really good events this evening but work and life calls. Until next year!

I hope you guys had a great weekend too. Share what you did in the comments!


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Filed Under: Registered Dietitian, Travel, Weekend

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Comments

  1. Amber @ Bloom Nutrition Therapy says

    October 23, 2017 at 12:00 pm

    Well, I’m not an RD, but I am in the Disordered Eating world on the mental health side. Let me just say, everyone’s photos of FNCE this year has me totally FOMO! I definitely am making plans for going next year. Looks like such great fun! P.S. I SO want that sourdough bread now…

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 26, 2017 at 3:43 pm

      Come next year!!!!

      Reply
  2. Julie says

    October 23, 2017 at 12:25 pm

    I can’t even tell you how much I love reading your blog, especially your weekend recaps!! What a joy!

    Love,

    Julie

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 26, 2017 at 3:43 pm

      I’m so glad you enjoy them Julie! Thanks for reading <3

      Reply
  3. Jill @ RunEatSnap says

    October 23, 2017 at 3:56 pm

    This all looks so fun. I have yet to make it to FNCE but one day! I would be a total fan girl and love to meet you of course. Also that chocolate yogurt sounds amazing and I hope I can find some!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 26, 2017 at 3:43 pm

      I hope you make it next year! so we can meet!

      Reply
  4. Bethany @LuluRuns says

    October 23, 2017 at 4:32 pm

    Looks like such a delicious weekend! I’m all about those doughy bagels…so good!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 26, 2017 at 3:42 pm

      doughy bagels FTW!

      Reply
  5. emily vardy says

    October 23, 2017 at 5:53 pm

    Holy busy weekend!
    I really really like your texting/bonding/happiness over the bread! LOL

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 26, 2017 at 3:42 pm

      we had to gush 🙂

      Reply
  6. Michelle says

    October 23, 2017 at 6:15 pm

    sounds so fun and inspiring for sure!! man I would have fan girled so hard over your RD girl gang you’ve got going – so many role models!! hoping to make it to FNCE next year (when I’ll be suuuuper close to RD status)

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 26, 2017 at 3:42 pm

      haha you’re adorable 🙂 we hope you make it next year too so we can meet!

      Reply
  7. Annie says

    October 23, 2017 at 6:43 pm

    It looks like so much fun! and so much good food too! How great to be surrounded with so many like-minded people.
    My weekend consisted of a lot of rest, an afternoon spent in a cat café and then walking around a Botanical Garden which had a Light Festival going on 🙂

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 26, 2017 at 3:41 pm

      It was exciting and refreshing! ohh a botanical garden sounds restful and fun …I’m curious about what a cat cafe is? 🙂

      Reply
  8. Megan @ A Continual Feast says

    October 23, 2017 at 7:04 pm

    What a fun weekend! I would feel so exhausted too after all that. LOLing at your convo with Alexis 😉 That pecan dinner sounds so amazing! My dad was in town this weekend so we went to the state fair and out to eat at some delicious restaurants!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 26, 2017 at 3:41 pm

      ha we lol’d too 🙂
      I love the state fair! reminds me so much of indiana

      Reply
  9. Abigail T says

    October 23, 2017 at 7:17 pm

    Basically all I did this weekend was study for two tests that I took today. Now that I’m done with those and since there’s a heat wave in CA, going to the beach sounds so good. Sounds like a fun weekend in Chicago. I really want to go back to visit my hometown. Also, so cool that you got to connect with Connie. I follow her on Instagram. Lastly, the pop up to subscribe to your mailing list wouldn’t let me click the “x” and get back to the post. I had to hit the “esc” button on my keyboard. Could have been a glitch just for me…

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 26, 2017 at 3:40 pm

      Girl I hope you spend so much time at the beach! mmmm let me know if that happens again – because having to do that sounds SO ANNOYING

      Reply
      • Abigail T says

        November 7, 2017 at 12:27 am

        OK. So that annoying thing with the newsletter not letting me “x” out of it was just a one time thing!

        Reply
        • Robyn says

          November 8, 2017 at 2:22 pm

          good to hear!

          Reply
  10. Nicole @ Laughing My Abs Off says

    October 24, 2017 at 9:05 am

    What a great weekend! Love how it was the perfect balance of work and play and that you got to see and hang out with so many people who fill your soul. You and Alexis are absolutely hilarious 😉

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 26, 2017 at 3:39 pm

      It was busy but fun! How was your weekend?
      And yes…Alexis is hilarious 🙂

      Reply
      • Nicole @ Laughing My Abs Off says

        October 26, 2017 at 4:17 pm

        It was wonderful! My mom came to visit, and she and I just hung out and explored DC together.
        http://www.laughingmyabsoff.com/lovely-memorable-weekend/

        Reply
  11. Emily Swanson says

    October 24, 2017 at 9:47 am

    The networking and friendship that goes on at FNCE looks wonderful; I’m so glad you got to connect with so many people in person, and I was going to say that I think you develop your brand well, really naturally Robyn, and I think you don’t have to focus on that in a really focused way, because it just comes naturally.

    ALL The food! WOW; those dinners together look delicious, and also I’ve heard so many rave reviews about the triple cream from Siggi’s. It reminds me that more fat equals better taste!

    Reply
  12. Jen says

    October 24, 2017 at 11:52 pm

    I love pecan butter!! Artisana makes raw pecan butter and it’s worth every penny.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 26, 2017 at 3:39 pm

      It’s always been SO pricey so I haven’t picked it up …maybe I’ll have to now 🙂

      Reply
  13. Constance Weissmuller says

    October 26, 2017 at 10:16 pm

    It was so nice meeting you at the river Robyn! Thank you for constantly inspiring me!

    Reply

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A non-diet dietitian and nurse practitioner helping women find peace with food, accept their natural body size and heal from hormonal issues and period problems.

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I have yet to experience postpartum myself, but I've had many clients and readers that have been through that season of life. Or perhaps you are currently living through the postpartum period. Every woman's body is different, therefore every woman's experience after giving birth will be different. What works for one woman, might not work for the next. While one woman might go through postpartum and adjust to newborn life quiet seamlessly, another woman might find it much more difficult. She might need the support of medication, therapy, extra help and many other things. One way is not better than the other - they are simply two different ways of navigating the postpartum period. I hope this post helps you better care for yourself, whatever that means for you. There's no right or wrong way to care for yourself as a mom or your new baby.

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