ncounty

I just wanted to post a few details in case it may be helpful to anyone.

I arrived at Midway and took the Orange Line to my hotel....this was $2 and very easy. I arrived at the Palmer Hilton and was astonished by their gorgeous lobby. The ceiling is magnificent.

I had scored an amazing Priceline price for this place but it turns out there was a price to pay for this. I got a small room in smoking section. They said these third party reservations do not assure the room type requested which even includes smoking vs. nonsmoking.

The room was tiny and it was a double bed. I didn't mind terribly but the smoking scent was the worst part. I opened the window and managed for the night. The next day they were able to move me. I got a king bed room that was twice as large. It was perfectly gorgeous with all the usual great amenities and fine linens/comfortable bed. I would definitely stay here again; it was very well located.

For dining, I ate at Gene and Georgetti's and Tobolobampo. Both were great.

Gene and Georgetti's looks like you're going into a neighborhood dive bar when you arrive but once you get past the entry, it reeks of authentic old world Italian style. My thought was this is what Buca di Beppo is trying to look like. But this is the real thing.

It is very pricey with steaks (their specialty) as much as $40 each. All sides are extra but they were delicious. The broccoli was a little salty but I kinda like that and perfectly cooked. The creamed spinach was awesome. Tiramisu was the best I remember.

I passed a really cool looking sushi place on the way there called SushiSamba. Does anyone have experience with this?

I felt lucky to get 12:30pm lunch reservations at Tobolobampo the morning of. Both places are very inviting, Frontera Grill is more colorful and dynamic and casual. I had the Sopa Azteca (tortilla soup) and duck in a mole sauce. They served chips with fantastic guacamole that had flecks of something in it....jicama? cactus? The dessert was quite special, corn pudding with a sour cream ice cream. Interesting and unusual....I loved it.

I had a funny experience when I retrieved my bag from my hotel. The young man giving me my bag asked if he could get me a taxi. I said no thanks, I'm taking the Orange line. His eyebrows furrowed with disapproval. He said are you sure? I said oh yes, I've done it before. He looked at my bag and said, well let me help you get up there. I had to go back and forth a couple of times to decline his chivalry. I reflected upon this as I did the arduous climb up the stairs with my luggage.....my philosophy of self-reliance was clashing with his ideology.



Chicago was just gorgeous and is so unique with the beautiful bridges crossing the Chicago River at Clark and LaSalle.

smetz

Interesting info, thanks ncounty. Is Frontera Grill the restaurant that whats-his-name on PBS has? I like that show, and would love to go to the restaurant sometime.

Curious

Both Frontera Grill and Tobolobampo are owned by Rick Bayless.

Curious

ncounty

I saw Rick Bayless as I was leaving the restaurant. He is quite dapper looking and immaculate in his whites (think Kevin Bacon with a trendy goatee). He is not photogenic as in his pictures don't do him justice. It was very affordable at Topolobampo for lunch....entrees were about $15, no different than Frontera Grill. They are right next door to each other and I would be happy dining at either place.

Judyrem

Good report ncounty. .

starrs

bookmarking
Sounds like a good trip!

ncounty

Thanks, it was a spectacular trip!....and I got to see Wicked and be in the midst of the joyous frenzy when Obama won. My meeting/convention was great and I got to hear Bob Woodward speak and see Chicago live, up close and personal in concert. It was personally a fantastic trip but I was just posting particulars that may be helpful to other travelers here.

BarbaraS

I've been waiting a long time to see Wicked. It's finally coming here in 2009. I hadn't realized you were in Chicago when Obama won! What a great memory!

ncounty

Hi BarbaraS! I don't know how it evolved this way but I feel like I've been jetting around the country for the past 9 weeks. This is my 6th trip in 9 weeks. Since labor day, I've been to Seattle, then Park City (romantic weekend getaway), then Las Vegas, then San Francisco, then Chicago, and now again in Park City. I'm sorry I'm going to miss you today!! It actually is looking gorgeous so far this morning. I hope to be back Dec. 9th. Let's shoot for a GTG then; with more notice, maybe we can get even more people to attend.

You are going to love Wicked. Try to get center seats in Orchestra.

NeoPatrick

Or front row mezzanine. I LOVED our seats there for Wicked in Chicago.

Sounds fun but too short, ncounty.

BarbaraS

You have been busy! You're right the storm never materialized. Let's definitely try next time your in town!

Kal

NO PIZZA?????
Oh the humanity!!!

Love the Palmer House. We've stayed there a couple of times on bizz and thru Priceline, too, for pleasure.
You are right about the lobby.

Chicago is still one of my most favorite cities...and as you found out, has some of the friendliest people.

ncounty

lol, Kal...."oh, the humanity!" I know, I needed more time, as Patrick pointed out. I love having deep dish pizza when I'm in Chicago, pie style.

Oh, and you made me scroll up to reread all that I have posted (how did he know?!!!)....and breathed a sigh of relief. No, I had NOT even shared how Friendly they are in Chicago! That's the juicy personal stuff, . (Nothing too naughty, just a lot of nice energy).