These cornbread chili cupcakes have a secret surprise – a chili center. Inspired by a friend, I recently made these at a party in his honor.

Perhaps less of a recipe than an idea, here’s how it’s done -

You’ll need one cup of cold chili without beans. I recommend making your own with lean ground beef – 93 percent – a day in advance. Too much fat will leak out during baking and make a mess. Refrigerate chili so it becomes solid.

When ready to bake, heat oven to 350F and line a 12 cup muffin pan with cupcake papers.

Prepare two packages of your favorite cornbread mix according to package directions. Stir in one cup of Mexican blend shredded cheese (use pepper jack if you like it spicy).

Use a standard ice cream scoop – fill 3/4 way with batter and put one scoop in each muffin cup.

Take chili out of fridge. Use a small ice cream scoop or teaspoon to add one scoop of chili to each muffin cup.

Cover chili with about one tablespoon of batter. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown.

Cool completely. When ready to serve ” frost” with sour cream and shower with chopped scallions.

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I was excited to try the famous Korean Bibimbab. Like a buffet and ultimate comfort food rolled into one, it was spicy, crispy and just what I needed after a long flight. The dish is served in a hot stoneware bowl with an egg on top, then mixed tableside.

Accompaniments include Kimchi, pickled cucumbers and a steamed egg.

Look forward to having it again some day.

The following night, my friends kindly suggested dinner at SPQR. What an incredible experience — the foods, wine and service were spectacular.

The intimate, dark setting encourages close conversation. And where to start with the menu? We ordered several apps, including this unique take on Caesar’s Salad (loved the white anchovies) and a to-die-for Crostini with Buratta and Toasted Hazelnuts.

We then settled into something of a pasta frenzy — we ordered some, the kitchen sent a few more. It’s all a blur now, except that they were delicious.

The restaurant has a wonderful sommelier in Esteban who recommended a number of fantastic choices, including a Cabernet Franc and the unforgettable dessert wine Marenco “Pineto” 2009.

Easily one of the best meals I’ve had in years. I can’t wait to go back again.

We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott Magnificent Mile, conveniently located one block from Michigan Avenue, and walking distance to Lake Shore Drive and Navy Pier. The staff — from the bellman to the front desk — was friendly and helpful, the room was immaculate, and the food at their in-house restaurant, Viand, was very good. Also nice was the fact that the hotel is a moderate size, giving it a cozier feel. Two thumbs up.

The concierge gave us a great dinner recommendation in Grand Lux Cafe, just two blocks away on Michigan. Created by the founder of The Cheesecake Factory, the restaurant feels familiar, but a bit more upscale. Like Factory, it is large, bustling and packed, and with good reason. The menu offered many options but wasn’t too overwhelming, and the food was delicious. My husband and I both enjoyed a grilled entree, and I loved the fact that each was served with about three different fresh veggies. The menu includes all the usual kid faves. Service was excellent.

When sight-seeing on Michigan Ave., a great lunch option is Foodlife, a fantastic food court concept from the smart people at Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, located at Water Tower Place. If your restaurant choices are based on what your kids will — or won’t eat — you will rejoice over the fact that there is literally something for everyone. This modern food court concept features many mini-restaurants, with everything from burgers to barbecue, sushi to stirfry. It was fast, fresh and delicious. I loved the chicken curry (pictured).

We spent a lot of time on our last day walking this beautiful city and visiting the Field Museum. We walked from the hotel to Navy Pier, and were happy to learn about the water taxi, a fun way to get from the pier to the museum complex. The fog that day made us feel like we were lost at sea once we got out into the lake, but the skyline views at the beginning were stunning. Just $7.00 per adult, and $4.00 for kids. Much more fun than a regular taxi. Next time, we hope to check out the family four seater bikes at the pier for a different way to see the city.

Update – Since first posting this, I realized I neglected to suggest the terrific Corner Bakery — a high quality bakery cafe chain — for breakfast. Located just one block from our hotel, we liked it so much we went twice for breakfast. There is something for everyone — fresh baked goods, great egg scrambles served with roasted potatoes and freshly baked multigrain toast, and strong coffee for mom and dad. Reasonable and really satisfying. Order at the counter and food is delivered to your table.

It was a fantastic event where I reconnected with old friends and made new ones, all the while sharing chocolate (“You have to try this!”). While a couple of presenters went too “on trend,” adding unusual flavors that didn’t really work and seemed to grow with each bite, there were a couple of great surprises.

The Foie Gras Truffle, from acclaimed chef Jose Duarte of Taranta, could have come off the tracks if not in the right hands. The dark chocolate orb, filled with foie gras and sea salt, which tied everything together, was capped with a leaf “hat.” Decadent. The restaurant’s table had an unusual display that looked hand-forged.

The other surprise was the Chocolate Rosemary Tarte from… The Chocolate Tarte, new to Somerville. The delicate crust and dark chocolate center were puncuated by a wave of rosemary… that gently faded away, leaving only chocolate at the end. Deftly handled and delicious. Check them out at www.thechocolatetarte.com.

I look forward to attending again next year, as either a judge or a guest.