The Ricks' Ladies Night Out! Pizza at Gino's East of Chicago

I believe, in the almost six months that I have been writing this year long journal of what I have for dinner, that this is the first time I actually ate at a restaurant.  For sure, I have had a few Papa Murphy's pizzas, but that's carry out so I am not counting it as actually eating at a restaurant.   Anyway, it was the first time all of the Ricks' ladies enjoyed an evening out together!  The attendees were my mom (Nan, the matriarch), Jen (my sister-in-law), Allison (my younger sister), Sophia (Jen's daughter and my oldest niece),  Zoe (Jen's youngest daughter my other niece) and me (of course). 

No actual occassion was being celebrated other than Sophia's first ballet class which was, indeed, cause for great excitement.  So, since Dave (my brother) was out of town, we decided it was the perfect opportunity.  Gino's East of Chicago is a rather new restaurant in our area famous for its deep dish pizza in Chicago.  It was a really beautiful evening and they have outdoor seating available which also made it an attractive choice. We did not opt for the deep dish, however, as we prefer thin crust and it would take 1 1/2 to bake.  Too long to guarantee Sophie and Zoe's happiness would last.  Thin crust took much less time to prepare and while we waited we enjoyed family style tossed salad and some spinach and artichoke dip.  While, to be honestly, I can't say that I particularly enjoyed the food, average at best, but we sure did have a great time!  Hopefully, Ricks' ladies night will be a regular on the family schedule.