Chicago Recap

September 17, 2015

|

I’ve been blessed to be able to visit the beautiful city of Chicago several times, and each time I am amazed by its beauty, cleanliness, friendliness, and overall amazingness (can you tell I love the city??). TJ and I booked this trip two weeks ago, after feeling the travel itch… travel which required more than a car and a good Sirus station. Having only 2 1/2 days to take it all in, we crammed in all the fun, decadent food, and quality time we could… and I’d say it was a complete success. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, but traveling with your significant other (or any other special person) really helps you to disconnect and reconnect! Below you will find our favorite spots from the trip… just in case you plan on heading to Chicago in the future!

Breakfast:

Cochon Volant: We enjoyed a delicious breakfast here pre-Bears game. I opted for the avocado toast + eggs your way… and TJ opted for the eggs benedict. I vacillated between my choice and the muesli… so next time I know what I will be ordering 🙂

Eastman Egg Company: Okay, so we tried to go here Sunday… but it wasn’t open… so we didn’t get to go. I’ve heard it’s amazing… so go if you can!

Lunch:

The Allis: Located in The SoHo Hotel everything from the decor to the food is spot on. We intended to get brunch, but we ran a little longer than planned along the Lakefront, and missed it. So, we opted for lunch, which was equally delicious. The vegetable sandwich with roasted carrot hummus was filling and satisfying. I also was also able to quench my tomato juice craving 🙂

Eatly Chicago: You must go here. Period. From the juicy and tender prime rib sandwiches (TJ’s lunch entree) to the arugula with lemon dressing accompanied by a white bean and artichoke spread (my lunch of choice), you can’t go wrong. There are pizza options, gelato options, and fresh produce and cheeses. I picked up some fresh fruit and veggies for the flight home. AND, had I been able to drink would have happily enjoyed a flight of rose.

Tavern on Rush: We go here each time we visit the city. I love the area and the spinach salad with salmon is amazing. You can opt to sit outside on the patio, which lines Rush street. You can people watch, enjoy mimosas (as I have in past trips), and partake in rich conversation.

Dinner:

Mercadito: If Mexican cuisine is your thing (and it certainly is mine) then this is a must. It’s trendy, happening, and the tacos (I recommend the lobster ones…) hit the spot. We’ve been here twice and both times we left full and satisfied.

Sienna Tavern: This spot was recommended to us by a friend and I’m sure glad we took him up on the recommendation. We started with a wagyu beef meatball and then split a pizza. My side had burnt brussels sprouts… TJ’s side had spicy pepperoni. Both were amazing. There were also too many pasta dishes to choose from and on our next visit I will for sure be trying one.

Bar Sienna: The sister restaurant to Sienna Tavern. We loved this cute restaurant too. The evening was beautiful, so we were able to sit outside on their twinkly lit patio. We split the gnocchi (yummy) and then each ordered our own pizza. The real doozy came with dessert. You must try the hole-less donuts accompanied by gelato. We opted for the caramel and vanilla bean donuts with honeycomb gelato. Um, amazing.

Extras:

Trump Tower: Another spot we visit each time we come. The view is spectacular. Period.

Cone Ice Cream: This was hands down an indulgence of this trip. Their toppings are unique and the flavors are even better!

Expat on Green: Here you can sip son cones al fresco and people watch. Great spot!

{Jeans, Shoes, Scarf, Purse}