Weekend in Chicago
Oct 15th, 2016, 01:57 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Weekend in Chicago
This will be a quick report for a quick weekend trip.
We arrived on Friday via Delta (used miles for the tickets) to O'Hare. An easy Uber into the city to our hotel, Chicago Hilton on South Michigan Ave. the hotel is right across from Buckingham fountain and just a short walk to the Museum Campus. Our room was not ready when we arrived so we gave the bags to the bell stand and headed to Portillo's for lunch.
This place has something for everyone. I took it as a good sign that many Chicago Fire Dept guys were waiting for their orders when we arrived. I had a Chicago style dog with everything and Chaz has a chili cheese dog. We both had fries. All of it was terrific and that was my first fully loaded Chicago dog. Very tasty stuff!
From there we took another Uber to catch the Architectural Foundation river cruise. OMG, the Uber driver got super lost in the area around Wacker in that subterranean maze. When we finally surfaced he was still turned around. We did finally get there and he did not charge us for the ride.
Did I mention that it as a gorgeous day? Not cold, not hot and sunny! Perfect for a day on the river.
The tour was interesting and is a great way to see the city and learn some history. Chaz had done another company's tour on a previous visit and liked the first tour more for entertainment value but we had a good time.
We got checked in to the room finally. It's a nice hotel and we had a junior suite with a view of Buckingham fountain and access to the executive lounge (great for coffee, bottled water and soda).
We had an early dinner reservation since we really wanted to go to Bavette's Bar and Beouf. We went there last year and it is a beautiful restaurant but I wasn't feeling that good that night. I wanted a re-do so we took the only reservation we could get.....early bird special at 5:15. At least that is 6:15 on the East Coast.
We will pick up next time at Bavette's!
We arrived on Friday via Delta (used miles for the tickets) to O'Hare. An easy Uber into the city to our hotel, Chicago Hilton on South Michigan Ave. the hotel is right across from Buckingham fountain and just a short walk to the Museum Campus. Our room was not ready when we arrived so we gave the bags to the bell stand and headed to Portillo's for lunch.
This place has something for everyone. I took it as a good sign that many Chicago Fire Dept guys were waiting for their orders when we arrived. I had a Chicago style dog with everything and Chaz has a chili cheese dog. We both had fries. All of it was terrific and that was my first fully loaded Chicago dog. Very tasty stuff!
From there we took another Uber to catch the Architectural Foundation river cruise. OMG, the Uber driver got super lost in the area around Wacker in that subterranean maze. When we finally surfaced he was still turned around. We did finally get there and he did not charge us for the ride.
Did I mention that it as a gorgeous day? Not cold, not hot and sunny! Perfect for a day on the river.
The tour was interesting and is a great way to see the city and learn some history. Chaz had done another company's tour on a previous visit and liked the first tour more for entertainment value but we had a good time.
We got checked in to the room finally. It's a nice hotel and we had a junior suite with a view of Buckingham fountain and access to the executive lounge (great for coffee, bottled water and soda).
We had an early dinner reservation since we really wanted to go to Bavette's Bar and Beouf. We went there last year and it is a beautiful restaurant but I wasn't feeling that good that night. I wanted a re-do so we took the only reservation we could get.....early bird special at 5:15. At least that is 6:15 on the East Coast.
We will pick up next time at Bavette's!
Oct 15th, 2016, 02:15 PM
#2
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A Portillo's Chicago Dog is a great way to start your visit to the windy city! Great choice.
The architecture boat tour is fabulous. I've done it twice and would go again in a heartbeat. So much interesting architecture in Chicago
The architecture boat tour is fabulous. I've done it twice and would go again in a heartbeat. So much interesting architecture in Chicago
Oct 16th, 2016, 06:38 AM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We arrived at our early but reservation right on time and ready to make this visit to Bavette's more memorable than the last. This place is really gorgeous....somehow they make chandeliers work with exposed brick and leather chairs. This is a great place to get oysters and Parisian style seafood towers and steaks.
They also make really good cocktails and Chaz went for an old fashioned but I went for a French sparkling rose from Burgundy. Both were tasty! One gripe abou Bavette's is the wine list. Not as many Champagnes as you might expect and a big mark up on them.
Our server sent us an appetizer shrimp dish that was terrific. Huge shrimp, grilled with garlic and butter...nothing no to like. We chose a cab/Merlot blend from Bordeaux for our wine with dinner.
Dinner for me a bone in filet and for him, the dry aged bone in strip. Both cooked perfectly and delicious. I love the steak salt they bring to the table with the streak.
We got a corn side that doesn't seem to fit with the French theme but is so good. It's made with lime and chili powder. We also had their Brussels sprouts. Both good but the corn was our favorite site.
I couldn't say no to something sweet, so we had a small dish of chocolate ice cream. We decided to head downstairs to the bar for one last drink. It's a good way to end the night. The place was packed by the time we left. I love Bavette's and we would definitely go back again.
Saturday morning brought clouds and gloomy weather. We ran to Buckingham fountain and then to the marina and then on to Navy Pier. Chicago is a great city to run in. I love being able to see the city on my runs. We stopped to take some photos along the way. We wandered around Navy Pier which was a ghost town at 8:30am. Our plan was to grab a cab and find a spot for breakfast.
Best laid plans...
We couldn't find a cab that wasn't occupied so we started walking up Illinois Ave and hoped we would find food or a cab. And there it was...Kanelas Breakfast Club and what a find it was!
Great service and great food. Tons of choices and it was a tough decision.
We both wanted more substantial food than pancakes but they had some French toast and pancakes that sounded wonderful. They have starters and we spotted loukamades. Our server smiled and we knew we hit the jackpot. Chaz was loving their French press coffee and then the little Greek spheres of perfection arrived. Holy cow! Light, crisp on the outside, wonderful honey syrup and walnuts on top. They were perfect and we ate all of them.
We both chose the Lorraine scrambled eggs. Perfect scrambled eggs with bacon, Carmelites onions, scallions and a little cheese (Comte?). Excellent. They also come with roasted potatoes (good but chopped too small for me) and a home aid English muffin that was stellar. The whipped butter they served with the English muffin was fantastic. This was an excellent spot and I recommend it highly.
We took an Uber back to the hotel and the driver was kinda funny. She was the slowest driver but always used her turn signal. Not sure if driving in downtown Chicago is meant for her. We got into a big traffic jam on Michigan Ave and she just kept sitting in the right lane (and it wasn't moving). I asked her to get in the left lane since it was moving and she said no because the designation is on the right. Our hotel was over a half a mile away at that point.....apparently it is not enough time for her to get back in the right lane! It was all I could do not to laugh out loud.
Next a trip to The Field Museum and the Chicago Athletic Association
They also make really good cocktails and Chaz went for an old fashioned but I went for a French sparkling rose from Burgundy. Both were tasty! One gripe abou Bavette's is the wine list. Not as many Champagnes as you might expect and a big mark up on them.
Our server sent us an appetizer shrimp dish that was terrific. Huge shrimp, grilled with garlic and butter...nothing no to like. We chose a cab/Merlot blend from Bordeaux for our wine with dinner.
Dinner for me a bone in filet and for him, the dry aged bone in strip. Both cooked perfectly and delicious. I love the steak salt they bring to the table with the streak.
We got a corn side that doesn't seem to fit with the French theme but is so good. It's made with lime and chili powder. We also had their Brussels sprouts. Both good but the corn was our favorite site.
I couldn't say no to something sweet, so we had a small dish of chocolate ice cream. We decided to head downstairs to the bar for one last drink. It's a good way to end the night. The place was packed by the time we left. I love Bavette's and we would definitely go back again.
Saturday morning brought clouds and gloomy weather. We ran to Buckingham fountain and then to the marina and then on to Navy Pier. Chicago is a great city to run in. I love being able to see the city on my runs. We stopped to take some photos along the way. We wandered around Navy Pier which was a ghost town at 8:30am. Our plan was to grab a cab and find a spot for breakfast.
Best laid plans...
We couldn't find a cab that wasn't occupied so we started walking up Illinois Ave and hoped we would find food or a cab. And there it was...Kanelas Breakfast Club and what a find it was!
Great service and great food. Tons of choices and it was a tough decision.
We both wanted more substantial food than pancakes but they had some French toast and pancakes that sounded wonderful. They have starters and we spotted loukamades. Our server smiled and we knew we hit the jackpot. Chaz was loving their French press coffee and then the little Greek spheres of perfection arrived. Holy cow! Light, crisp on the outside, wonderful honey syrup and walnuts on top. They were perfect and we ate all of them.
We both chose the Lorraine scrambled eggs. Perfect scrambled eggs with bacon, Carmelites onions, scallions and a little cheese (Comte?). Excellent. They also come with roasted potatoes (good but chopped too small for me) and a home aid English muffin that was stellar. The whipped butter they served with the English muffin was fantastic. This was an excellent spot and I recommend it highly.
We took an Uber back to the hotel and the driver was kinda funny. She was the slowest driver but always used her turn signal. Not sure if driving in downtown Chicago is meant for her. We got into a big traffic jam on Michigan Ave and she just kept sitting in the right lane (and it wasn't moving). I asked her to get in the left lane since it was moving and she said no because the designation is on the right. Our hotel was over a half a mile away at that point.....apparently it is not enough time for her to get back in the right lane! It was all I could do not to laugh out loud.
Next a trip to The Field Museum and the Chicago Athletic Association
Oct 16th, 2016, 12:06 PM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
First: corrections...those are carmelized onions in the Lorraine scrambled eggs and a home made English muffin. Oops.
While it wasn't sunny it was still warm and we walked to The Field Museum. TRex, yep, check. Mummies, check. Animals, yep. Lots we didn't get to but we spent time in the Africa section which was enjoyable and a good learning experience. I bought tickets to the terracotta warriors exhibit which was excellent. Somehow I have missed that exhibit in multiple cities and am glad we finally got a chance to see it.
We spent time in the Hall of Jade and also the Grainger Hall of Gems. I noticed one donor's name that came up a lot in the Hall of Gems...she must have had quite a jewelry collection based on the donations I saw in the Field museum. Mrs Thuy Ngo Nguyen. I read that she came to the U.S. in the seventies with no money and was so grateful for her good fortune began donating and is one of the youngest donors of gems to the Field Museum. Incredible.
Our feet had enough by then and we heade back to the Hilton for some R & R.
Showers and rested feet....we were ready to head to the Chicago Atlhletic Association for drinks and dinner. I knew Chaz would love the drawing room there. He said he imagined it is what a library at Oxford would look like. Lots of wood, very low lighting, book, fireplaces....very nice. Some wine and IPA and marinated olives before making our way to the Cherry Circle Room.
We attracted lots of attention by ordering classic Manhattan and Old Fashioned from their cocktail cart. Both well made and delicious but mine was made with some serous 101 proof Wild Turkey. Sipping only.
We got the triple cheeseburger with smoked Gouda and a dry aged ribeye (The OG) for dinner. Both very good. The menu coukd use a few additions and there were no specials but the food was good and we liked the restaurant. The steak was well booked and the onion rings on top were very tasty, as were the mashed potatoes and the fries that came with the burger. And, as if there had not been enough alcohol, they brought me a Brandy Alexander (or a boozy milkshake as they call it) as a little birthday present. Yummy...but I couldn't drink much for fear that someone would have to carry me out. Chaz got an very creative and delicious deconstructed carrot cake. Excellent and very well done.
It's been awhile since I have been that full. A great night out and a cab was needed after a day on our feet (I think we logged over 18,000 steps for the day...we earned the cab)!
While it wasn't sunny it was still warm and we walked to The Field Museum. TRex, yep, check. Mummies, check. Animals, yep. Lots we didn't get to but we spent time in the Africa section which was enjoyable and a good learning experience. I bought tickets to the terracotta warriors exhibit which was excellent. Somehow I have missed that exhibit in multiple cities and am glad we finally got a chance to see it.
We spent time in the Hall of Jade and also the Grainger Hall of Gems. I noticed one donor's name that came up a lot in the Hall of Gems...she must have had quite a jewelry collection based on the donations I saw in the Field museum. Mrs Thuy Ngo Nguyen. I read that she came to the U.S. in the seventies with no money and was so grateful for her good fortune began donating and is one of the youngest donors of gems to the Field Museum. Incredible.
Our feet had enough by then and we heade back to the Hilton for some R & R.
Showers and rested feet....we were ready to head to the Chicago Atlhletic Association for drinks and dinner. I knew Chaz would love the drawing room there. He said he imagined it is what a library at Oxford would look like. Lots of wood, very low lighting, book, fireplaces....very nice. Some wine and IPA and marinated olives before making our way to the Cherry Circle Room.
We attracted lots of attention by ordering classic Manhattan and Old Fashioned from their cocktail cart. Both well made and delicious but mine was made with some serous 101 proof Wild Turkey. Sipping only.
We got the triple cheeseburger with smoked Gouda and a dry aged ribeye (The OG) for dinner. Both very good. The menu coukd use a few additions and there were no specials but the food was good and we liked the restaurant. The steak was well booked and the onion rings on top were very tasty, as were the mashed potatoes and the fries that came with the burger. And, as if there had not been enough alcohol, they brought me a Brandy Alexander (or a boozy milkshake as they call it) as a little birthday present. Yummy...but I couldn't drink much for fear that someone would have to carry me out. Chaz got an very creative and delicious deconstructed carrot cake. Excellent and very well done.
It's been awhile since I have been that full. A great night out and a cab was needed after a day on our feet (I think we logged over 18,000 steps for the day...we earned the cab)!
Oct 16th, 2016, 03:31 PM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,362
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Denisea, we're enjoying your experience in Chicago, a city we love to visit. We agree that the Architectural Tour was great. We noted your choice of the rose' from Burgundy in Bavette's. We just returned from Burgundy last month, and it brought back a nice memory. Glad you enjoyed your trip! Thanks for your TR.
Oct 16th, 2016, 06:19 PM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Our last day started with a run down to Millenium Park and the "bean". Chicago really is pretty and I always love the flowers they plant along Michigan Ave. the leaves are starting to change and it was just pretty (even if it was spitting rain).
We were a bit lazy and had some cereal at the Hilton lounge. We needed to save room for Chicago pizza at Lou Malnatti's. We git packed up and headed over to the State street location. Lunch was bruschetta (very nice) and a sausage Chciaco style pizza. I do love Chicago style pizza and this is one of my favorites. Bears fans were everywhere and headed to Soldier field for their game. We polished off our pizza and headed back. One the way we stopped at a little neighborhood garden and watched some smart sparrows pick off sunflower seeds off a dying stalk or two. Seemed like a good lunch. There was parsley and still a few tomatoes on the vines...even a few zinnias and marigolds still blooming. Looks like a great project and I love seeing a garden like that.
We grabbed the bags and a Uber to O'Hare. A little time at the Sky Club. The flight home was uneventful and on time.
We had a great time in Chicago again. We still have not scratched the surface of what Chicago has to offer. There was certainly a lof of excitement over the Cubs in town. There is so much to do and I live all the parks downtown. It's a great food city! We missed getting to a great Italian restaurant this time and we are definitely going to get to Greektown next trip.
The Chicago Hilton was nice. The service sometimes was a little below par and we did not have drinks or meals at the hotel, so I can't comment on that. The staff out front was great if you needed a cab. They do have a great casual market and coffee spot for quick snacks, drinks etc....the elevators are quick and adequate for a hotel that size. The room was nice and clean and surprisingly quiet. The front desk was OK but not as helpful as they could have been. The bell desk was great when we checked in but refused our bags to hold as we were checking out and sent us to a luggage storage (intended for a conference in the hotel) whee we had to pay to store our bags for an hour or so).
The cabs we took were great. We used Uber more because it is less expensive and in some areas (like Portillo's on West Taylor) not as easy to get a cab. The verdict on Uber in Chicago is split...we had two drivers that were not great. One didn't charge us but it is frustrating to be stuck in a car with someone who is lost and won't at least admit it. The other seemed overly cautious, inexperienced and we had a language issue with when she couldn't find us on the street to pick us up. I am still an Uber fan but Chicago is not the best Uber market I have been in, for what it's worth.
We were a bit lazy and had some cereal at the Hilton lounge. We needed to save room for Chicago pizza at Lou Malnatti's. We git packed up and headed over to the State street location. Lunch was bruschetta (very nice) and a sausage Chciaco style pizza. I do love Chicago style pizza and this is one of my favorites. Bears fans were everywhere and headed to Soldier field for their game. We polished off our pizza and headed back. One the way we stopped at a little neighborhood garden and watched some smart sparrows pick off sunflower seeds off a dying stalk or two. Seemed like a good lunch. There was parsley and still a few tomatoes on the vines...even a few zinnias and marigolds still blooming. Looks like a great project and I love seeing a garden like that.
We grabbed the bags and a Uber to O'Hare. A little time at the Sky Club. The flight home was uneventful and on time.
We had a great time in Chicago again. We still have not scratched the surface of what Chicago has to offer. There was certainly a lof of excitement over the Cubs in town. There is so much to do and I live all the parks downtown. It's a great food city! We missed getting to a great Italian restaurant this time and we are definitely going to get to Greektown next trip.
The Chicago Hilton was nice. The service sometimes was a little below par and we did not have drinks or meals at the hotel, so I can't comment on that. The staff out front was great if you needed a cab. They do have a great casual market and coffee spot for quick snacks, drinks etc....the elevators are quick and adequate for a hotel that size. The room was nice and clean and surprisingly quiet. The front desk was OK but not as helpful as they could have been. The bell desk was great when we checked in but refused our bags to hold as we were checking out and sent us to a luggage storage (intended for a conference in the hotel) whee we had to pay to store our bags for an hour or so).
The cabs we took were great. We used Uber more because it is less expensive and in some areas (like Portillo's on West Taylor) not as easy to get a cab. The verdict on Uber in Chicago is split...we had two drivers that were not great. One didn't charge us but it is frustrating to be stuck in a car with someone who is lost and won't at least admit it. The other seemed overly cautious, inexperienced and we had a language issue with when she couldn't find us on the street to pick us up. I am still an Uber fan but Chicago is not the best Uber market I have been in, for what it's worth.
Jan 28th, 2017, 07:15 AM
#12
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Enjoyed report. Am planning for June conference that will give me only 2 half days for sight seeing. Debating between 2 conference hotels -- the Hilton you stayed in and the renaissance Blackstone nearby. Hoping to visit both Art Institute and Field Museum. Thanks for mentioning Hilton's policy on holding bags at end of stay.
Jan 30th, 2017, 02:53 PM
#13
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,940
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for your report. We did a long weekend in Chicago a couple of years ago, using only public transportaion and our feet. Also just scratched the surface, but enjoyed Second City, the art museum, and even a trek out to Oak Park to tour Frank Lloyd Wright's home.
Happy travels!
Happy travels!
Mar 27th, 2017, 01:31 PM
#14
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Denisea..I have been following your trip reports since going to Paris a few days ago.
Saw this one on Chicago, which I live.
Wanted to make sure you have Fulton Market/Randolph Street on your list for your next trip. Randolph Street is what is referred to as Restaurant Row - all the new and exciting restaurants are here. Make sure to do some research and reserve early. Not unusual for it to take months to get a rezy at Girl and the Goat.
This area is close to Greektown. A few hotels are being built - Nobu being one.
Also next time, you need to come during the summer when it is festival season and go to a free concert at Millenium Park.
Safe Travels..Toni
Saw this one on Chicago, which I live.
Wanted to make sure you have Fulton Market/Randolph Street on your list for your next trip. Randolph Street is what is referred to as Restaurant Row - all the new and exciting restaurants are here. Make sure to do some research and reserve early. Not unusual for it to take months to get a rezy at Girl and the Goat.
This area is close to Greektown. A few hotels are being built - Nobu being one.
Also next time, you need to come during the summer when it is festival season and go to a free concert at Millenium Park.
Safe Travels..Toni
