so i finally made it to chicago
it was some time in coming
the #1 reason for the draw to the windy city was a painting
not just any painting
but surat's sunday afternoon on the grand jatte... at the chicago art institute
we decided to drive, seeing how flights would brake the already low bank
driving was also an option because we had the time
it was close to 12 hrs one way from or to toronto
with stops and wrong turns and some construction on the highway
not an awful drive, but pretty flat
so bring some tunes and snacks
we stayed in a hotel in the river north area
the best western river north
i had done my research online (tripadvisor) and on paper (access guide) +
the hotel was well located...we tried to use air miles...but didnt have enough
this hotel also had free on site parking
and for 130 bucks a nite was clean and passable
the city itself reminded me more of toronto
no new york
we walked a lot and saw tones
FOOD;
1st dinner was at carson's bbq, we had arrived late and the place was near by
i always do my homework when it comes to trips
so i was ready with a list of local favs in a variety of prices and types
the ribs at carsons where a little over sauced for me
the meat was tasty and the smoke just right
i also choose my side as their popular potato au gratin
lots of cheddar and taste...but surely a heart stopper
1st breakfast/lunch was at Phoenix for DIM SUM!
i havent blogged about dim sum yet...but I LOVE IT and will bolg it soon
i take dim sum very seriously
so i had done my research and Phoenix was the one
we took the "el" on the redline to chinatown and walked
it is south chicago
a bit dodgy...i later read that someone had been assaulted the nite before
we have walked the streets of toronto, new york, etc
it was broad daylight
not sure if i would do it at nite
the restaurant was very typical
2nd floor, with a great view of the sears tower
the food was yummy
and the menu , which was all pictures and made an awesome reference
1st snack...you must go...garret popcorn
i have always been a big fan of our local popcorn place kenerels
on oprah's fav things a number of years ago she had picked garret
it was hot and fresh
we shared a large bag of half cheese half caramel
the ladies who hand scoop & mix the bag in front of you are classic
the popcorn, while greasy and naughty...worth a visit
2nd dinner was pizza
more by default than anything
we had attended a show at second city
we had walked from out hotel to the theatre
again do-able...but maybe not at nite
after a long day of walking/exploring we decided to have dinner after the show
unfortunately being atuesday, many of the local restaurants had closed by the time we where done
so we ended up walking a bit south, checking out a few places, then hoping in a cab and heading back to out hotel area
the cab driver had suggested a place that was open 24/7
but we...more i...was un-sure, as we had already exchanged looks about the fact that his wife was his co-driver
and my co-pilot thought she was holding a "gun"
so we walked from where we got dropped to the original "pizza uno"
it is open to late and the pizza takes 45mins to cook ( it was more like 30mins)
it was tasty
having been to other franchises of this same est. i was not over-overwhelmed
unlike new york pizza...which i will get to some other time
2nd breakfast
coffee and a granola bar from the hotel
2nd lunch
after a busy morn of ridin a boat and looking at buildings(a must do...please see activities below)
we walked up the not-so-magnificent-mile and i had located a cheesecake factory
we dont have cheesecake factories in canada so going to one is one of those US only things
i was hoping for eggs benny
only to find outmy memory was right in that they do have it on the menu...but only on sundays
it was in the john hancock building basement
there was a very nice outdoor patio area with live music
we sat inside and had a under-trained, forgetful and under-skilled server(again another blog another time)
we shared two things...the lettuce wraps...yummy
and the club...both consistent and yummy
but the yummiest of all...the piece of cheese cake
you choose...they are all delicious
3rd dinner
i was craving some good and cheap and dirty mexican
hehe
food
and we stumped across a place
i usually dont throw caution to the wind but we did and it worked out
i had some research on some upscale places
we could even see a place from out hotel
having walked to both we decided to go back to our "find"
su casa
yummy
not spectacular...but perfect at the same time
good margs...not the best marg
and good food
3rd breakfast
starbucks!
again one of my favs
will require its own blog
3rd lunch
ok
so after the museum we went on a bit of a wild goose chase
it turned out that the three restaurants i had in mind had either closed or changed
one we walked to the sear's tower to find and it was gone
the other was under the court building and was a starbucks now
so after some walking and hunger
we decided to take a lead given to us by a relative and chicago resident
lunch at nordstroms cafe
it was just what we needed
a quiet, comfy place
one we wouldnt have found with out the tip
we both had a grilled sandwich, shared a giant macaroon and some yummy iced tea
they have servers in the cafe after you order at the counter who refill your drink and clear the table
it was a nice oaisis
4th dinner
hot dog at wrigley...one word...awesome!
late nite snack
big mac at the giant mac donald across the street
4th breakfast
STARBUCKS and on the road home
THINGS TO DO;
+walk...wear good shoes...chicgo was mae for walking
+having said that...ride the "el"
+dim sum in china town
+visit the aquarium
+walk the waterfront
+visit milliemum park
+eat...so much food...so little time
+shop...there is lots-0-shopping...i still like new york shopping
+go see a second city show
+see a baseball game...wrigley is awesome
+ride the boat down the river on the architectural society's tour
+go see the art insituet and surat's master piece...truly a master piece
+walk to navy pier..see some fireworks...ride the faris wheel(scary)
+take lots of pictures of some really cool builings
NEXT TIME;
+see a show, opera, dance or ballet
+football game at soldiers field
+visit some the of the smaller hoods outside of the "loop"
