Style: Swanson Vineyards' Sweetheart Gifting

Cheap California Cabs are not easy to find. At Swanson Vineyards, they not only offer $25 Cabs that drink like $50 dollar Cabs, each label includes its own inspired saying. Why not try a bottle of "With Love" or "Lucky Night" for your Valentine's Day sweetheart this year? And, if that won't do, a bottle of "Please Forgive Me" may be just what the love doctor ordered. Details: www.swansonvineyards.com

Style: Kevin Tong Captures the Spirit of Wes Anderson

Kevin Tong, a Los Angeles-based freelance illustrator and artist, creates some seriously-fun work. Although his portfolio ranges from editorial images to some rather cool concert posters, what caught our attention is his spot-on take of Wes Anderson’s movie trilogy triumph: Bottle Rocket, Rushmore, and the Royal Tenenbaums. His silk screens (printed on wood or paper), capture Anderson’s whimsy-filled worlds perfectly. Each piece feels like a miniature set, highlighting Max Fischer’s long list of sidelines, Dignan’s Cold Storage capers, and Royal’s grand palace of eccentricities.

The Anderson-inspired prints are available online at Spoke Art, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for (or Wes Anderson isn’t your thing), contact Kevin or browse his very-diverse collection online. My husband was so anxious to buy a not-yet-available print for my birthday, he contacted Kevin and was given the most accommodating choice of having it mailed or picking it up directly from his studio. Kevin Tong’s creations, just like his customer-focus, are guaranteed to please. Details: http://spokeeditions.bigcartel.com/category/bad-dads-prints and http://www.tragicsunshine.com/

Adventure Chicago: Big Star, a Little Bit Country, a Little Bit Rock 'n' Roll

Big Star is Paul Kahan’s latest creation and his first attempt at “fast food.” A blending of a Taqueria with the spirit of Honky Tonk and topped off with a dash of hip, Big Star offers a rough-sleek decor, more-ish eats, and an incredible beer list, to boot. To make it more enticing, it’s cheap. We all know that cheap and good are not always synonymous, but, in this case, they are and it's damn-near perfect.

I believe between the two Mod City Moms, we've tried everything on the concise, but wonderful menu including the elusive, Sonarian Hot Dog—a dog wrapped in bacon and smothered in onions, pinto beans, and hot sauce (my nephew swears by it). Our personal favorites include the Tacos De Rajas De Poblano (roasted Poblano peppers and cheese taco), Frijoles Charros (pinto beans stewed in bacon and served with tortillas), and a spicy pork shoulder soup that is to die for. I'm asking for it on my last meal on earth.

Most items cost less than five dollars and the beer list, comprised mostly of local and Southern California micro brews, is outstanding. Don't miss Stone IPA or, better yet, a Port-Brewing selection, priced at a mere four bucks and, if you're into bloody beer, try the house version—the Michilada made with salsa, lime, and Tecate—yum!

Crowds can be a bit rambunctious on the weekends for families, but lunch is mostly local hipsters and folks who work in the neighborhood—perfect for the kiddies. Big Star is cash only and very busy on evenings—best to go early if you want a seat. Details: www.bigstarchicago.com