The weekend I fell in love with Chicago...
Chicago is truly a magical city. This was at least my tenth trip to this marvelous city, however I was always on a business trip...tight schedule all work no play. This last time, I brought my wife (her 1st time to Chicago) and we spent an eventful weekend filled with food, fun, the arts, and more food!
(recently had back surgery, hence the cane)
Chicago is truly a magical city. This was at least my tenth trip to this marvelous city, however I was always on a business trip...tight schedule all work no play. This last time, I brought my wife (her 1st time to Chicago) and we spent an eventful weekend filled with food, fun, the arts, and more food!
(recently had back surgery, hence the cane)
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We stayed at the amazing historic Palmer House Hilton. Originally opened as an independent dwelling in 1871, in which it only lasted 13 days after it was burned down during the Great Chicago Fire. Rebuilt in 1875, and then again in 1925, it operated independently until 1945 when it was consumed by Conrad Hotels. Just recently Hilton took over this fabulous hotel, which I am very grateful since I am a Hilton Diamond Member!
Beautiful doesn't even do it justice. Amazing ornate decorations and art work throughout the hotel. The location is superb, walking distance to many restaurants, the famous and infamous Magnificent Mile, and right around the corner from Cloud Gate...
Cloud Gate, or 'The Bean', is a must-see. Photos do not do it justice. This spectacular sculpture is impressive, and it is beautiful day and night. While you are there make sure to walk through the rest of Millennium Park, where they have art installations, beautiful scenery, and occasional concerts.
A walk down the Magnificent Mile, or Michigan Avenue, is a must for shopaholics and people watchers. High end retail mixed with more affordable wears...and of course great bars and restaurants...
Food is something Chicago knows how to do, and do it well they do!
Photo above is from our brunch at the 3 Arts Club Cafe...tucked away inside a huge Restoration Hardware in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood. Pitch perfect ambiance blended with succulent food.
Other restaurants we dined at:
Spiaggia: Be prepared to indulge a little here. Known as President Obama's favorite restaurant...politics aside, I must say he has immaculate taste in food. A true dining experience from drinks to dessert. I am a gin lover and one of my favorite aperitifs is a Negroni. They have a very rare '5 Hour Negroni'...aged for (you guessed it) a perfect 5 hours and it is served with a sidecar of a 'regular' Negroni...and trust me you can tell a difference.
Gibsons: Quintessential Chicago Steakhouse. Great spot for business. Good food.
Bohemian House (BOHO): Want to try something different, yet delicious? This is the place. Bohemian inspired fare from Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany!
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And of course...The Books! Can't go anywhere without going to a bookstore! And Chicago indeed has one of the best bookstores in America: Myopic Books.
I found 2 Signed First Printings. Both from award winning authors.
Te Kaihau: The Windeater from Keri Hulme. Man Booker Prize Winner for The Bone People.
God Says No from James Hannaham. Newly crowned Pen Faulkner Winner for Delicious Foods.
Other Chicago Recommendations:
The Second City! We had a blast here...hilarious comedy acts and improv. Do expect to get out after 2am if you go to the later show.
Hidden Treasures most tourists aren't aware of:
Chicago Athletic Association: Originally a private athletic club that opened in 1890. Only within the past few years has it opened it's doors to the public and became a hotel, as well as one of THE spots to be seen and drink and dine. Amazing views of Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, and Lake Michigan. You can find food and drink establishments on each level, and no you don't have to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy the variety. The best place, Cindy's, where you can take in the amazing views while partaking in a delightful handcrafted libation; from homemade kombucha to the classic martini.
Eataly: Outstanding authentic Italian grocery with eateries spread throughout...trust me you want to go here.
Other Bookstores:
After-Words
Book Hunters (Aurora)
Favorite Chicago Dog: Portillo's
Favorite Chicago Pizza: Pizano's (they have gluten-free!)
Speakeasies and Cocktail Bars:
The Library
Jimmy at The James
Double A
Violet Hour
The Barrelhouse Flat
Please let me know what else you suggest while in Chicago? So much to do! So much food to eat here!
Hidden Treasures most tourists aren't aware of:
Chicago Athletic Association: Originally a private athletic club that opened in 1890. Only within the past few years has it opened it's doors to the public and became a hotel, as well as one of THE spots to be seen and drink and dine. Amazing views of Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, and Lake Michigan. You can find food and drink establishments on each level, and no you don't have to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy the variety. The best place, Cindy's, where you can take in the amazing views while partaking in a delightful handcrafted libation; from homemade kombucha to the classic martini.
Eataly: Outstanding authentic Italian grocery with eateries spread throughout...trust me you want to go here.
Other Bookstores:
After-Words
Book Hunters (Aurora)
Favorite Chicago Dog: Portillo's
Favorite Chicago Pizza: Pizano's (they have gluten-free!)
Speakeasies and Cocktail Bars:
The Library
Jimmy at The James
Double A
Violet Hour
The Barrelhouse Flat
Please let me know what else you suggest while in Chicago? So much to do! So much food to eat here!
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