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Things to do in Chicago During May

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May will hopefully bring the warm weather to Chicago that we’ve been craving. Rain or shine there’s plenty of fun things to do in the city with many activities being free or low cost. Whether it’s family activities, date night, or a night out with the girls, this list has something for everyone.

Here are a few things to enjoy during the month of May in Chicago!

Check out Loop at Navy Pier

  • Loop at Polk Bros Park, Navy Pier
  • Loop interactive Art Installation

Experience Loop, a FREE, interactive art installation for all ages, in Polk Bros Park! Sit down inside the retro-futuristic machine and activate the mechanism, causing beautiful images inspired by 13 fairy tales to come to life to the sounds of a music box. The Loop art installation runs through May 12, see it before it’s gone! Polk Bros Park, Navy Pier

Hamilton the Exhibition

Statue displays at Alexander Hamilton Exhibition
Hamilton the Exhibition (photo Antonio Perez, Chicago Tribune)

See Alexander Hamilton’s remarkable story through his eyes in this 360-degree immersive exhibition inspired by the revolutionary musical. Get tickets here.NORTHERLY ISLAND • CHICAGO, IL

Free Tuesdays at the Chicago History Museum

Every Tuesday in May, Illinois residents can take in the history of Chicago and hear the stories of the people through interactive exhibitions and public programs for FREE. Chicago History Museum,1601 N Clark St, Chicago

Food Truck Social at Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo, Sat, May 11, 7:30 pm: Experience the most excellent meals (on wheels) Chicago has to offer, while also enjoying the zoo after hours. In addition to dozens of food trucks, there will be fun activities, live music, and drinks available for purchase. Lincoln Park Zoo Tickets are $10 here

Chicago Riverwalk Season Celebration

Chicago River
Chicago River Walk

Riverwalk, Monday, May 13-Sunday, May 19: (FREE)The City of Chicago will highlight the Riverwalk’s free summer programming during a public celebration running Monday, May 13, through Sunday, May 19. Activities include Year of Chicago Theatre themed programs, Art on The MART, walking tours led by the Chicago Architecture Center, Fishing at the Jetty led by the Chicago Park District and a pyrotechnic display off of the south drive of the Merchandise Mart on Monday, May 13. For complete details, visit ChicagoRiverwalk.us.

MUSIC BOX THEATRE MOVIES AT GALLAGHER WAY

Free movies at Gallagher Way
Music Box Movies at Gallagher Way

WED, MAY 16TH, 2018 TO WED, SEP 19TH, 2018 (FREE)

Gather your friends and family and come enjoy Gallagher Way’s free summer movie series brought to you by Music Box Theatre.

Kicking off Wednesday, May 16 and running every other Wednesday through September. Relax and picnic as you enjoy classic films such as A League of Their Own, Back to the Future, Home Alone, Twister and more. Gates open at 6:00 pm, screening starts at 7:30 pm. Full Schedule Here Gallager Way: 3635 N Clark St, Chicago

Chicago Antiques, Arts, & Design Show at The Mart

Antiques on display at The Mart
Chicago Antiques at The Mart

May 16-19, 2019 at The Mart The show will feature 75 premier national and international exhibitors presenting fine antiques, decorative and fine arts reflecting all design periods from ancient to 20th-century modern. The Mart Purchase tickets here

Chicago Wine Festival – Lincoln Park Wine Fest 2019

Glass of Red Wine
Over 60 varieties of wines available at Lincoln Park Zoo Wine Festival


Friday, May 17 – Sunday, May 19 Over 60 varieties of wines available for tasting. Tickets include 12 Tastings with each purchase. Beyond samplings, wine connoisseurs will also appreciate hearing the expertise of brand ambassadors and sommeliers. Live music, food-wine pairings, artisans, and the products/services of wine-related vendors will also be present. Tickets are on sale here, however, Groupon currently is offering discount tickets, get them before they’re gone! Jonquil Park

4th Annual House Music Conference and Festival

Friday, May 24-Saturday, May 25 Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion (FREE) The Chicago House Music Festival will feature an industry gathering, DJs and live performances showcasing the various sounds and styles of house music. Bust a move and bread a sweat as you celebrate the genre born in Chicago that has gone on to transform dance music internationally.
For a full schedule of events, visit the website: www.chicago.gov/dcase

Live on the Lake, Navy Pier 

Miller Lite Beer Garden at Navy Pier
Miller Lite Beer Garden

May 25, 2019: FREE live music in the Miller Lite Beer Garden will feature local favorites, national touring acts, and exciting new artists all summer long. Navy Pier

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

  • 2:00PM – 3:00PM & 3:30PM – 4:30PM | The Contenders
  • 5:30PM – 6:30 PM & 7:00PM – 8:00PM | Creedence Revived
  • 9:10PM – 10:00PM & 10:25PM -11:30PM | Soul Commitments

Check out Offshore, the Nation’s Largest Rooftop Lounge

Offshore Rooftop Deck at Navy Pier
Offshore at Navy Pier

Opening sometime around Memorial Day weekend, Offshore’s all-seasons/all-weather venue spans over 36,000 square feet and boasts a full-service bar, world-class kitchen, terraces, seven cozy fire pits, an entertainment and gaming area, and multiple sizeable social gathering spaces. Offshore at Navy Pier

Memorial Day Parade

Memorial Day Parade in Chicago
Memorial Day Parade

Saturday, May 25th (FREE)

Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade honors all men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. 

The Wreath Laying Ceremony will begin at 11 am on Daley Plaza (Dearborn and Washington Streets). The parade will then step off at noon and proceed south on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street Kickoff at Daley Plaza

360 Chicago: Breathtaking Views, Thrilling TILTs

Visit the Nation’s Largest Rooftop Deck at Navy Pier

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Get ready to take in new spectacular views of Chicago’s skyline at Offshore, the nation’s largest rooftop. The sexy and sophisticated space sits on the third floor atop Navy Pier’s Festival Hall at 1000 East Grand. Guests can expect panoramic, unmatched views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.

Navy Pier

Offshore’s all-seasons/all-weather venue spans over 36,000 square feet and boasts a full-service bar, world-class kitchen, terraces, seven cozy fire pits, an entertainment and gaming area, and multiple large social gathering spaces.

Offshore at Navy Pier
Offshore at Navy Pier
Offshore Gaming Area

Offshore Cuisine and Bar

The culinary direction is led by Executive Chef Michael Shrader. Shrader served as Executive Chef for The N9NE Group and was the Founder and Executive Chef at Urban Union Chicago. Offshore focuses on seasonal, modern American cuisine with global influences served as small, shareable plates. Special on-site catering menus is also be available.

The beverage program is curated by Clay Livingston, formerly of Red Herring Lounge and Kitchen in Louisville. Patrons should expect playful house-made craft cocktails, wine, champagne, and strong local craft beer options.

Chicago Skyline
Offshore will offer unmatched view of Chicago’s Skyline

Interior Details

Upon entry visitors are greeted with a wall of cascading, colorful propellers flanked by two slate metal vintage series pool tables on either side. Floating globe lights line the corridor leading to a 16-foot-tall, 8,500 square foot indoor space. The beautiful indoor space also includes an expansive 100 foot, 60-stool bar. A barrel-vaulted roof and an operable glass enclosure covering the entire interior will fully retract, allowing the Lake Michigan breeze in, regardless of the season. The far Northeast corner of the Pier delivers a unique perspective of the city skyline not found anywhere else.

The 20,000 square foot Terrace features communal and high top tables allows patrons to move about freely socializing while enjoying cocktails. The fire pits spread throughout the space will surely enhance the ambiance prompting relaxed, enjoyable conversation. A highlight of the deck is a 450 square-foot planter with lush greenery shaped like Chicago’s “Y” symbol, a nod to the Chicago River. On the Southeast end of the terrace, a stage for live entertainment overlooks the city’s skyline. Two private lawns with sail shade canopies will act as a destination for group gaming, social gatherings, bridal parties, weddings, and much more.

Offshore will surely be the destination for Chicago fun, it’s amazing!

Hours of Operation

The hours of operation for Offshore are Monday – Thursday 4 p.m. – midnight, Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. – midnight.

Additional Information

  • Patrons must be 21 and over to enter Offshore.
  • Offshore is easily accessible through the pier, with ample valet service available.
  • To learn more click HERE. 
  • For more information or to make a group reservation, please contact Director of Sales & Marketing Kathleen Jenkins at kathleen@drinkoffshore.com.

How to Reduce Food Waste at Home

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The restaurants of DineAmic Hospitality teamed with James Beard Foundation Greens for a New Year, No Waste dinner. The evening shed light on the problem of food waste and discussed what communities could do to reduce food waste.

Barrio Restaurant Event Room
Barrio Event Room

Food Waste: A Global Problem

Fact: Approximately 1.3 billion tons of food produced in the world for human consumption is either lost or wasted. The United States throws away an estimated 40% of food provided, equal to $1,500 in wasted money each year in every household. The numbers are astounding considering many people go hungry and are without access to quality food.

Bowl with a variety of vegetables
40% of food produced in the United States is thrown away

Restaurants are some of the biggest contributors with about 11.4 million tons of food wasted annually at a cost of about $25 billion per year.

Chefs often awe us with beautiful food presentations created in their restaurants. However, we often don’t consider the amount of waste that comes with serving that perfect cut of fish. Therefore, it’s encouraging to hear how culinary leaders are adopting the mission to eliminate food waste while continuing to put forth beautiful flavorful dishes.

The evening began with cocktails

James Beard Foundation Waste Not

Launched in 2018, Waste Not is a multi-year campaign that challenges us to reduce food waste by thinking differently about food and adopting full-use cooking methods. A series of educational tools and events were created in support of the campaign demonstrating how each can make a difference by incorporating small changes.

DineAmic Group Chefs Jeremy Tannehill and Kevin Abshire's Proscuitto Sausage
Proscuitto Sausage

Suggestions For Reducing Food Waste at Home

If each American eliminated food waste just one day a week, more than 7.8 million tons of food would be saved each year — enough to provide almost 13 billion meals to the hungry. The following are a few suggestions and tips for home cooks contributed by chefs in the Waste Not Cookbook.

• When salad greens start to wilt, sauté them with some olive oil and garlic for a bright side dish.
• Save asparagus bottoms, carrot tops, mushroom stems, and other vegetable parts in freezer bags or containers for use in stocks, soups, and sauces.
• Buy meat, poultry, and fish on the bone. Save the bones for making stocks, or cook larger meat bones and feed them to pets.
• Use leftover rice to make fried rice on days you don’t feel like cooking something new, folding in whatever protein and vegetables you have on hand.
• If fruit gets too soft or old, put it in the freezer to use later in a homemade smoothie, or purée and mix with seltzer for a refreshing homemade soda.

Fabio Viviani's Yellowfin Tuna topped with frisee salad
Yellowfin Tuna

New Year, No Waste Dinner at Barrio

Throughout the dinner, chefs from various DineAmic Hospitality restaurants provided detailed descriptions of their dishes revealing how everything from onion peels to the usually discarded shrimp tails was repurposed to diminish or eliminate waste.

For Example:
Chef Ken Biffar of Siena Tavern explained how he used every part of new potatoes to create this fantastic appetizer.

Chef Ken Biffar of Siena Tavern's Crispy Potato Skins appetizer
Crispy Potato Skins

He first Roasted New Potatoes and removed the flesh. The skins were then fried and seasoned with sea salt. Next, the flesh was pureed with egg yolks (reserved from the salad preparation at Sienna Tavern restaurant) and then black truffle was added. They then used reserved onion; caramelized it along with black garlic to create a puree. A portion of the water used to boil potatoes for the mashed potatoes in the restaurant was added to a bit of cream to create the potato foam on top. Lastly, it was topped with Calvisius caviar, a fully sustainable fish. It was seriously one of my favorite bites from the evening with all of the levels of potato coming through.

4 Chefs smiling at the camera with their arms around each other
Chefs of Dinamic Group Hospitality Restaurants

A Mission Close to Heart

Katsuji Tanabe executive chef of Barrio, got emotional as he spoke on his personal experience with food. Growing up food was a day-to-day issue because his family didn’t know where their next meal was coming from. His mother repeatedly emphasized not wasting anything. He stated that it was important for chefs to take the lead in teaching others how to turn things around and reduce food waste.

Chef Katsuji Tanabe's Pozole Rojo: A soup filled with seafood
Pozole Rojo

An unforgettable evening with an important message about mindfulness. Although my family and I have been proactively trying to cut down on food waste, there’s always room for improvement.

Some of the methods we use are:

  • Plan a menu for the week.
  • Eat any leftovers from meals for lunch or dinner the next day
  • Prep meals beforehand, we usually prep lunches for the week on Sundays
  • Properly Store fruits and vegetables so they stay fresh longer
  • Create a list for the grocery store with the exact quantities needed.
  • Eat everything in the cabinets and refrigerator even if we’d rather have something else. I often tell my son that we’re not buying additional food if there’s something to eat at home. My husband has gotten creative with fridge foraging and has put together some delicious meals (there have been a few clear misses too, lol)
  • Freeze foods that you know you won’t eat in time
  • Only buy what we need and avoid the urge to fill cabinets and refrigerator.

As stated, developing good habits even in small things makes a huge difference. Hopefully, this article will inspire others to follow suit. The benefits to the earth, environment, and community are numerous.

How do you reduce food waste? Let me know in the comments.

Fury Room Chicago; woman holding a bat

Anger Rooms: De-stress by Breaking Things

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Bad breakup? Overwhelmed at work? Having a crummy week? Stress and rough patches are inevitable no matter who we are. Perhaps things have moved beyond stress, and you’re dealing with anger from divorce, loss of employment, or another trying situation.

What do you do when you need to breathe?

Would throwing a bottle against a wall or taking a bat to a television help? Maybe the thought crossed your mind but you thought the better of it.  What if I told you that there’s a place where you could destroy things for fun?

A single bat in a room with graffiti on the walls
Fury Room in Chicago’s Lincoln Square Neighborhood invites people to decompress by breaking things.

Individuals are seeking new ways to escape from day-to-day pressures. As a result, anger rooms are gaining popularity and appearing in cities all over the world. Chicago’s newest additions to the scene are the Fury Room in Lincoln Square and Escapades-Rage Room in River North.

Of course, a strenuous workout may do the trick for some. But others may need a release on a grander scale. Plus, let’s be honest, it’s more fun to break things. You can even scream while doing it!

Woman beating a body opponent training bag with a sledghammer
Blow of some steam by beating things at Chicago’s Fury Room

The owners of Chicago’s Fury room and Chicago Rage Room-Escapades want visitors to de-stress and release anger and frustration while destroying things in a safe environment without judgment.  Although the name denotes angry emotions, you don’t need to be incensed to take advantage of it.  It’s a great release for everyday stress and quite a workout.  After I smashed a table and television, I experienced a certain calmness.  It was therapeutic. 

Giving it a try is simple. Both places operate pretty much the same.

Video footage of Fury Room

Safety Gear

First, you gear up.  The protective gear covers you from head to toe.  Although, it’s a chore getting dressed you’ll appreciate the safety measures once you see glass flying at you.  Knowing you’re fully protected gives you the confidence to let loose and go crazy.

Choose your weapon: 

I utilized a sledgehammer and baseball bat.

Woman covered in protective gear holding sledgehammer
Participants must gear up from head to toe before entering rooms

Select Your Package:

Brown Couch
Themed living room

Select your package based upon the type and amount of items you’d like to break. Fury Room has three themed rooms to choose from with two rooms accommodating up to four people.  I’m sure the favorite will most likely be the space that resembles a living room.  Several people who watched my Instagram stories from my media sneak peek mentioned that they’ve always dreamed of trashing an apartment. Escapades offers one Rage Room plus escape rooms.

Select Your Song:

Get your adrenaline pumping by having your favorite tunes blaring during your tantrum.  You can either bring your own music or select something while there.

I admit, I initially felt a bit awkward smashing things.  I mean purposely damaging things is taboo.  Plus there’s jail if you do it in public, lol. I felt as if I was misbehaving, but after I loosened up and got into, I had a blast!  It’s fun destroying things without consequence.

The Fury Room is located in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood, and Chicago Rage Room Escapades can be found downtown in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Give them a visit when there’s the need to blow off some steam! 

Remember to capture all the glory on video!

Click here for other fun things to do in the Midwest!

woman holding a crowbar over her head
Choose from 3 themed rooms at Chicago’s Fury Room

Dablon Vineyards: Changing Perceptions of Michigan Wine

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Set aside plenty of time for your visit to Dablon Vineyard’s tasting room during your wine tasting tour of Michigan. Because once you step inside the stunning space and take in the vineyard views, you won’t want to leave!  The style and design encourage guests to unwind, socialize, and linger. Whether gathered around the cozy fireplace, hanging at the bar or sharing a table with friends.

People wine tasting gathered around a bar
Dablon Vineyards Tasting Room

Recalling my first visit, I couldn’t get over the beauty of the space!  It was a snowy winter day, and it was a welcome escape from the cold. The view of the winter wonderland through the many windows inside the gorgeous space gave my friends and I the feeling that we were at a ski resort.

Couch and fireplace inside of a winery
Dablon’s cozy tasting room

The Baroda, Michigan vineyard and tasting room sits in the middle of Southwest Michigan Wine Country and is only a 1 1/2 hour drive from Chicago.

A group sitting at a table playing cards
Dablon’s tasting room is a great place to chill and socialize

The vineyard provides entertainment every weekend with live music or films from Music Box Theatre to enjoy with your wine.  Fun fact:  The owner of Dablon Vineyard, William Schopf, is also the owner of the Music Box Theatre, one of Chicago’s oldest theatres built in1929.

Man and Woman smiling at camera
Caitlin Terwilliger and Owner William Schopf
  • Specializing in Dry Reds and Whites
  • Dablon Vineyards

Story Behind the Dablon Vineyard Name

Large wine tasting room with bar and fireplace
Dablon’s spacious bar and tasting room

The land the vineyard sits on was once part of New France and is named in honor of Claude Dablon, a 1600’s French explorer and Jesuit priest who was one of the first Europeans to arrive in Michigan while it was still part of New France.  According to history, Dablon made wines out of wild grapes he found in the woods for sacrament and communion.

Dablon vineyard’s goal is to create exceptional wine by marrying European varietals with Southwest Michigan terroir.

Picture of the exterior of a building
Exterior of Dablon’s tasting room
Vineyard at Dablon
Dablon’s Rolling Vineyards

Dablon Grapes and Wine

Specializing in dry reds and whites, Dablon is changing the perception of Michigan wine. Therefore, Forget the old way of thinking that the state only produces a sweet wine.  The vineyard produces beautiful, quality, wines in the tradition of the French regions of Burgundy and Bordeaux France. Winemaker Rudy Schaffer states “ the belief that all Michigan wine is sweet wine is false; Michigan can grow many of the varietals that a warmer climate can grow due to the proximity to Lake Michigan.” The grapes grown on the estate include Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Syrah among others.

map showing where grapes are planted at Dablon Vineyard
Map of the vineyard’s Grape Varieties

Everything from spacing to shoot positioning is adopted, with positioning, grape harvesting, and sorting all done by hand.  The process can be very labor intensive and expensive, however, the winemakers feel their methods ensure better quality and set them apart from their competitors.

Sign saying trail to winery
Trail leading to vineyard

I can’t think of anything better than enjoying delicious wine with friends in lovely surroundings, can you? Be sure to add Dablon to your list of places to check out when you’re in Southwest Michigan!

  • Serious game of Golf
  • Michigan Getaway Weekend Crew
  • Sneak Peak inside winery
Hand holding a bottle of Cabernet Franc
My Favorite!
Cocktail in spotlight

Dinner and a Show at The Promontory

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Dinner and a show at The Promontory in Chicago’s Hyde Park Neighborhood is a MUST. It’s the whole package for Chicago nightlife;  A sophisticated hearth-driven restaurant with dishes from Executive Chef Carlos Cruz, solid cocktails, and live entertainment in an intimate venue paying homage to the legacy of the music and arts scene on Chicago’s South Side!

Signage outside of the Promontory restaurant in Hyde Park
The Promontory located in Hyde Park

As a result of my recent evening at the Promontory for dinner and a show, I’m already planning a return! The space and vibe are right up my alley!

Interior of The Promontory restaurant showing floor to ceiling windows and diners
Restaurant Interior
Bar inside of The Promontory restaurant with patrons sitting all around
Bar

Promontory Restaurant

I was treated to all of the action happening in the kitchen from my seat at the Chef’s counter and the smells permeating the air along with my observations of the chefs had my mouth watering in anticipation.  My friend and I started with cocktails and appetizers.  The cocktail list is creative with flavor profiles for many palates.  I ordered My Darling Clementine, and it was bomb delicious!  When you sip and pause to contemplate, you know it’s a good cocktail.

Hearth used for cooking at the Promontory restaurant
Hearth
Cocktail Fall Sgroppino Tito’s Vodka, Roasted pear sorbet, Bubbles
Fall Sqroppino Cocktail

The Promontory Menu

Appetizers of smoked feta, hearth roasted sweet potatoes, hearth roasted beets, oysters Rockefeller,and hearth blistered shishito peppers followed. 

I favored the smoked feta, sweet potatoes, and shishito peppers.  I’m a bit obsessed with olives and the combination with the creamy and smokey taste of the feta along with the crunch of the hearth bread was divine.  The hearth roasted sweet potatoes were smack yo mama good!  This dish could be a side dish as well as a dessert in addition to an appetizer.  The texture of the hearth roasted sweet potatoes was perfect, and popcorn and miso butter added a perfect balance of sweet and savory.  I’m still dreaming about this.  The shishito peppers were tasty with a slight fish flavor from the bonito! So Good! 

Plate with moked feta, marinated olives, hearth bread
Smoked feta, marinated olives, hearth bread
hearth roasted sweet potatoes, miso butter, popped sorghum
Hearth roasted sweet potatoes, miso butter, pooped sorghum
oysters Rockefeller, grilled oysters, creamed poblano, parmesan, herb bread crumbs
Oysters Rockefeller: grilled oysters, creamed poblano, parmesan, herb bread crumbs
hearth blistered shishito peppers, miso mayo, cilantro, bonito flakes
Hearth blistered shishito peppers, miso mayo, cilantro, bonito flakes

I shared a video on my Instagram of the shishito peppers covered in bonito flakes, and many people commented asking if my food was alive.  In case you’re wondering too, no. The movement was from the bonito flakes which are dried, smoked shavings of bonito fish; they’re so light and wispy the steam from the hot food makes them dance. 

Shishito peppers with bonito flakes

We moved on to the entrees by ordering the scallops, lamb shank, and salmon. Watching as the chefs prepared scallops prompted me to order my own.  I wasn’t disappointed.  The lamb shank also stood out, it was tender and flavorful.  

Promontory Music Venue

After our wonderful meal, we headed up to the 2nd-floor venue to catch the show featuring New Orleans brass band, the Abney Effect, part of the monthly Fat Tuesdays at the venue. 

The Promontory Music Venue

The energy, stage presence, and musicality had me in awe!  It was spectacular!  The crowd loved it; everyone was dancing and having a good time.  FYI, my cocktail in the upstairs venue was again delicious.  The Promontory has a plethora of culturally diverse shows for you to jam with. Click here for their full lineup and be sure add Dinner and a Show at The Promontory to your list of things to do in Chicago!   

*The dinner and show was complimentary, however, all opinions are mine and genuine.

New Orleans Brass Band, the Abbney Effect

The Abney Effect
The Abney Effect at The Promontory

Click here for another great place to spend your evening in Chicago.

Tempura fried shrimp, arugula pistou, cauliflower, Fresno chilis, peanuts, crunchy quinoi, baby greens

Best Chicago Restaurants: Girl’s Night at Cafe Robey

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With so many fantastic restaurants in Chicago, especially in Wicker Park, it can be a challenge to stand out as one of the best. 

Café Robey situated inside the Robey Hotel is a standout in my opinion.  I recently enjoyed a much-needed girls night there with my friend April a.k.a The Tipsy Housewife.  It was the perfect spot. When it comes to Girl’s Night, the place is almost as important as the company, lol. It’s not something that happens weekly so we choose our places wisely.

Cafe Robey checks all the boxes for food, atmosphere, wine, and excellent service.  Our server was not only a conversationalist; he was also knowledgeable and excited about the menu and recommendations.  The icing on the cake was The Up Room, a cocktail lounge located on the rooftop of the hotel.  It was the perfect way to end a fantastic dinner!

Inside of Cafe Robey's dining area
Cafe Robey Dining Room

I find it humorous that I’ve been introduced to yet another fabulous restaurant located inside of a hotel within a few months span since I’ve stated maybe too loudly in the past that I avoid all restaurants located in hotels because of past experiences with overpriced and underwhelming food. I was first blown away by Chef Caray of The Ashburn located inside of Loews Hotel O’Hare. Therefore, I’m developing a more open mind; perhaps some of the best Chicago restaurants are inside of hotels.

Two women enjoying wine at Cafey Robey restaurant
Girl’s Night

Location

The Wicker Park neighborhood is a great destination for delicious food in Chicago! The Modern American fare restaurant sits at the famous 6 section intersection that gives me a pinch of anxiety every time I drive through it because you can bet your life I will misread the signs yet again and go down the wrong street. I think I’ve gotten it right once, lol.

Ambiance

The stunning interior and intimate lighting inside the cozy space is pleasing to the eyes and relaxing. I was glad that I dressed up! In addition, the seating is oh so comfortable, I swiftly melted into it. Adding wine to this formula made for animated and natural conversation which is what girls’ night should be; real and raw dialogue sharing all of who did or said what to you with your friends and enjoying the moment. We covered everything under the sun; business, loss, religion, family, foolishness, you name it! I intend on introducing more of my girlfriends to this place.

Wine Specials

I recommend ordering a bottle of wine as the restaurant offers a nice variety of reds and whites. In addition, Monday through Thursday you can get full bottles of wine for ½ off. Good incentive to go out for a drink during the week. Our waiter recommended two different bottles for us and though we relished them both, the O.P.P made us stop in our tracks. I’ll be getting that every time.

Monday-Thursday all bottles of wine are half-off!

Menu Offerings

Braised Pork Belly: 5-min egg, piccalilli mustard, paratha bread, ale pork jus, bibb lettuce, Uplands cheese foam
Pork Belly

We ate a large portion off the menu and loved every minute of it.  I’m more apt to remember everything I ate over everything we talked about, especially over 2 bottles of wine. 

Porchini Pappadelle: braised oxtail, glazed mushrooms, creme fraiche, lemon zest, herbs
Porchini Pappadelle

Some of the highlights from the evening were the tempura fried shrimp, it’s always a risk for me to eat anything fried since it usually doesn’t sit well with me, however, the shrimp was so light. It didn’t bother me one bit.  The porchini pappadelle was another favorite.  I savored the flavor of the rich gravy over the perfectly cooked pasta.  The dill gave it a nice refreshing balance.  The seared scallops and beef tartar were my other 2 favorites.  Cafe Robey ranks as one of the best restaurants in Chicago for beef tartar in my opinion, it was definitely the best I’ve had so far.

Seared sea scallops, English pea romesca, potato fondant, fried garlic scrapes, Aleppo chili, Boquerones, pea tendrils
Seared Sea Scallops

The ganache for dessert was the perfect ending to an incredible meal.  I’m not big on overly sweet desserts so this was a good option for me. Loved it!

Beef Tartar: Diced New York Strip, Stout Gougeres, blue cheese, arugula, seared pearl onions, cherry tomatoes, potato chips
Beef Tartar
Dark chocolate ganach, cookie crumbs, honeycomb, strawberries, almond tuile, vanilla ice cream
Dark Chocolate Ganache

After our fantastic meal, we headed upstairs to the UP Room for a cocktail. The lounge is on the 13th floor of the Robey Hotel.  I had no idea what to expect and was beyond impressed by this discovery.  This rooftop lounge has a spectacular view of the city, so anyone looking for a special night out in Chicago should check it out.

Final Thoughts

Cafe Robey is one of the best choices for restaurants in Chicago when you want the whole package. Hence, I see many girls nights here in my future as well a few date nights with the hubby.

The Up Room Cocktail Lounge on the 13th floor of the Robey hotel
The Up Room
Wine at the Up Room cocktail lounge
The Up Room Cocktail Lounge
Two women toasting at Cafe Robey restaurant
Wine and Conversation at Cafe Robey

Although April and I were hosted for dinner by Cafe Robey, we formed our own opinions and recommendations after an incredible dinner. As a result, I’ll be returning in the near future.

Looking for more casual eating in Chicago? Check out my list for the best spots for fast casual in the Loop.

Utility Box Murals tell the history of Milwaukee

A Weekend Getaway in Milwaukee

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Milwaukee is a beautiful city and I can’t for the life of me recall why I’ve never traveled there for a getaway weekend in the past. My husband and I really enjoyed our recent visit there! Dave and I had no idea what to expect besides beer. We were pleasantly surprised during our trip and started planning our next visit to the city while still there.

We only scratched the surface during our exploration as we discovered there’s an abundance of activity to get involved in. We’re going to need several visits to really take in the history, arts, breweries, and culinary scene.

Here are a few highlights from our weekend.

Utility Box Murals tell the history of Milwaukee

Utility Box Mural

Utility Box Murals tell the history of Milwaukee

Utility Box Mural ‘Al McGuire and Marquette University’

Hilton Downtown Milwaukee City Center

Our visit was due to a business trip. Therefore, my husband’s company selected the hotel.  We were both pleased with the choice of the Hilton in downtown Milwaukee.  The hotel was built in 1927 and was originally the Schroeder hotel.  It’s currently the city’s largest hotel. I was obsessed with architecture as there were so many attractive features and details!  I can just imagine the lavishness of the guests who frequented the hotel in the 1920’s and 30’s.   The preservation and balance between old and new are perfect!  Also, the rooms were clean, spacious, and quite comfortable.

Hilton Downtown Milwaukee
Elevator inside Hilton Downtown Milwaukee
HIlton Downtown Milwaukee

Friday Evening

Friday evening after check-in we headed out to dinner at Red Light Ramen, a local favorite in the east side neighborhood of Milwaukee.  My husband was a bit skeptical when we arrived, but two of my Chicago foodie friends recommended this spot, and I trust their taste.  The inside is intimate and seats 20 people at most.  I enjoyed the vibe and the Hip Hop coming through the speakers whiled we dined.  I even started chair dancing at one point much to Dave’s embarrassment!  Whatever I gotta be me.

Our server recommended that I try one of their slushies as it’s a cocktail favorite and I’m so glad that I did.  It was a Bourbon slushy, and it was incredible!  I wanted a second, but I could only handle one, didn’t want to be asleep under the table.    My husband did order a second bowl of ramen though after happily devouring the first one.  The ramen was delicious so I couldn’t blame him.  I made him share some of that second bowl with me.

Red Light Ramen
Red Light Ramen

Foundation Tiki Bar

Desiring an additional cocktail after dinner, we headed to a tiki bar named Foundation in Milwaukee’s River West neighborhood.  This place was the real deal!  My amazing cocktail only topped the ambiance!  We relaxed as if we were on an exotic vacation. It’s a great gathering spot and on the list when we visit again.

Shark’s Tooth
Foundation Tiki Bar

Saturday Brunch

No matter where I go, I’m brunching somewhere!  We decided to hit Blues Egg to fuel up.  Blues Egg is known for their pulled ham that’s pickle brined 21 days and slow roasted for 12 hours, stuffed hashbrowns, and monkey bread that allows you the option get it “crunk.”  Crunk Monkey bread comes with a sinfully delicious Bourbon sauce that also goes well in your coffee.

Our server’s name was Peter, and he was delightful from start to finish.  It’s obvious that he loves people and enjoys what he does.  Peter offered to order for me.  I don’t mess around with my food, but feeling adventurous, I handed him the reigns.  He asked me a few questions and told me that he knew just the thing for me.

Dave had the Creamy Polenta; poached eggs, roasted mushrooms, braised kale, sauce fonduta while Peter chose the Far-Flung Wrap for me:  scrambled eggs, house-made turkey sausage, aged provolone, curry tortilla, sour cabbage, avocado, chili hollandaise, and mushroom stuffed hashbrowns.  Although I’m not big on wraps because they’re just meh to me, the flavor of this tortilla got me. It had a slight bit of heat to it and was tasty.  The sour cabbage was yummy; if it were pickled, it would’ve been kimchi.

Overall, I was very happy with Peter’s choice for me and the combination of flavors.  Blues Egg was my favorite meal from the weekend.  In addition to the food, the atmosphere just gave me happy feelings.  It could have something to do with the Motown sounds that were coming through the speakers. It just reminded me of our large family gatherings; always centered around food and music.  I can’t recommend this place enough.

Our Waiter Peter and Me
Crunk Monkey Bread
Blues Egg Far Flung Wrap

Far-Flung Wrap

Blues Egg's Creamy Polenta

Creamy Polenta

Saturday Afternoon

Looking to get a bit of sightseeing in before heading to work meetings we rode over to Miller Town to peek around.  Miller Brewery began in 1855 and is one of the oldest breweries in the United States.  Driving along the roadway through Miller Town feels like you’re going back in time.  We didn’t have enough time to do the brewery tour; it’s on the list for our next visit.  I did pop in at Miller Inn, a Bavarian-style stein hall, to glance around.  There’s a lot of history in there, and the interior is beautiful, with stained-glass windows, and artistic woodwork.  The historic Miller Caves are located right behind the inn.  The caves were dug in 1849 and were originally used to keep the beer cool.  Nowaday’s the space is used to host beer pairing dinners.

Miller Inn

Historic Miller Inn

Miller Caves

Historic Caves at Miller Inn

Seeing as Dave and I are both art lovers, we sought out a few of the cities murals.  My favorite stop was in Black Cat Alley in the East Side neighborhood.  Once an empty alley, this destination is now filled with 30,000 square feet of artist’s murals, therefore, you’ll want to spend some time there admiring the work.

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Black Cat Alley

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Black Cat Alley

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‘Fly Boy’

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‘Jazz Goat’

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John Kowalczyk

Several times throughout the weekend Dave or I would comment how good of a time we were having in the city and wished that we could stay another day to take in more of the sights.

Because we were so fascinated with the architecture in our hotel, we decided to stop and peek at another hotel in a historic building. The Hilton Garden Inn is housed in the 1846 built Loyalty building, and the staircase, details, and skylight are stunning!

Hilton Garden Inn
Skylight

So much to see so little time!  As much as I love beer, it was interesting that we didn’t hit up as many breweries as we could. But we did drink beer, just to be clear, lol.  We just hung at the pub.  We’re planning a brewery crawl for our next visit.

Miller Pub

Sunday

On our way home we stopped for breakfast at Mad Rooster Cafe in West Milwaukee and it’s another culinary winner!  I had the Mad Omelette, and I wasn’t mad about my choice :).  Add it to the list of breakfast places to dine at during your visit.

I can’t say enough about our weekend in Milwaukee, who knew!  Not many!  When I shared portions of our trip in my Instagram story, I received comments along the lines of “wow, I didn’t know Milwaukee was so nice!”  Now you know!  Tell me, have you visited Milwaukee?  Where should I go next time? Inform me in the comments!

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Mad Rooster Cafe

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Mad Omelet

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Utility Box Mural

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Civil Rights Utility Box Mural

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Hilton Garden Inn Interior

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Cudahy Tower

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Cudahy Tower Built in 1907

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Hilton Downtown Milwaukee

Miller Inn

Stained Glass inside Miller Inn

Utility Box Mural, Downtown Milwaukee
Boar's Head Cafe

Best Fast-Casual Restaurants in Chicago’s Loop

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Fast-casual restaurants are the bridge between fast food and full table service restaurants.  These days options in The Loop are much more exciting than in years past.  Finally, there are more unique offerings where one can sit down for a quick meal or pick up food to go without sacrificing quality instead of the usual chains.

Here’s a list of my ten favorites to visit when looking for a quick bite in the middle of the workday or when in need of refueling while shopping.

1.  Gayles Best Ever:

Gayles was recently ranked in the top 20 of grilled cheese sandwiches in the country by the New York Post. The grilled cheese is simply amazing!  She uses freshly baked sourdough bread and sources fresh locally made cheese, butter, meats, jams, and vegetables for her sandwiches.  Trust me; you can taste the difference!  You can find Gayles Best Ever in Block 37 in the Pedway Monday-Friday 7:00-6:00 p.m.

2.  Boar’s Head Cafe:  210 W Lake St

I only recently discovered Boar’s Head Cafe even though it’s only a few blocks from my office and has been open for two years. Boar’s Head, a family-owned company, has been in business for 110 years!  Plainly stated, they believe in high service and high-quality ingredients without the use of fillers or msg.  Two local Chicagoans own the café in The Loop.  The sandwiches are made fresh and packed with flavor.  Everything in here screams quality, from the gluten-free kettle chips to the locally made, all natural cookies. I was majorly impressed with how clean the restaurant is; I mean it’s pristine!  Food is much more enjoyable in a clean environment.  Hang out for a while or grab n go.  This place is excellent, get in there already! Monday-Friday 6:30-6:00 p.m.

Made Fresh to order
Fresh Salads
Grab N Go

 

3.  Roti Modern Mediterranean, 80 E. Lake St.

Roti’s purpose is ‘ to serve food that loves you back,’ it’s nice to have healthier fast-casual options in The Loop! Roti sources the best ingredients and prepares them straightforward so that all of the tastes come through.  They practice sustainable sourcing.  Their chicken is antibiotic free, their beef is grass-fed, and their salmon is always fresh, never frozen, and filleted by hand in the mornings.  The lamb meatballs are the bomb!  Open Daily  11-9 p.m. weekdays and 11-8 p.m. weekends.

4.  BienMeSabe:  29 E. Adams St.

BienMeSabe is a Venezuelan fast-casual restaurant that recently opened its Loop location.  The original location is in Ravenwood.  The interior is small, so you may do well to get your order to go.  It packs up pretty fast.  I darn near broke out in song and dance when I bit into one of their Arepas named the After Party.  It was stuffed with roasted pork, Gouda cheese, and avocado slices.  Holy SMOKES!!! Love at first bite is correct!  On Wednesdays, you can get their arepas for $5.99!  BienMeSabe is open Monday-Saturday 11-10 p.m. weekdays and 11-7 p.m Saturdays

Homemade Arepas
The After Party
Love at First Bite

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BienMeSabe

5.  Sweetgreen:  1 N. Dearborn St.

Uncomplicated, seasonal, healthy food is what Sweetgreen is all about.  It’s probably my favorite fast-casual place for salads near the office.  I love the premium options offered, not many fast-casual places where I can get shrimp on my salad.  Sweetgreen is the place to go when you want to know exactly where your food came from.  This place gets pretty crowded, I usually order through the Sweetgreen APP and grab n go.  Monday-Friday 10:30-8:00 p.m.

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Sweetgreen: 1 N. Dearborn

 

6.  Revival Food Hall:  125 S. CLARK ST.

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Revival Food Hall

Revival Food Hall is your fast-casual fantasy; a massive, 24,000 square foot gourmet food hall that’s sure to overwhelm you with choices on your first visit.  I can’t even begin to convey the excitement I felt when this spot opened in 2016!  It features 15 fast-casual stalls of Chicago restaurants in a grab-and-go setting.  It’s perfect for groups of picky eaters.  My co-workers and I don’t always agree on where to lunch; Revival makes us all happy.  Options include Nashville hot chicken, Detroit style pizza, Ramen, seafood from Brown Bag Seafood, desserts from Mindy’s Hot Chocolate and much more!  Open Monday-Friday 7-7PM, Bar open til 9 p.m.

Antique Taco
Mindy’s Hot Chocolate
Revival Food Hall
Brown Bag Seafood
Antique Taco
Furious Spoon
Union Squared Pizza
Revival Food Hall

7.  Frontera Fresca: Macy’s 7 on State, 111 N. State St.

Frontera Fresca dishes fresh gourmet Mexican food.  The quick-service restaurant, located on the 7th floor of Macy’s on State St is the creation of acclaimed chef Rick Bayless.  Hungry customers can choose from tortas, tacos, soups, salads and a fresh-made guacamole bar with a choice of toppings.  Monday-Saturday 11 a.m to 3 p.m.  

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Frontera Fresca

8.  Beatrix Market:  23 E. Jackson Blvd

The offerings at Beatrix Market consists of self-serve salads, hot food bars, deep dish pizza, grab-n-go sandwiches, fresh fruits, snacks, coffee, and a pastry counter.  There are 2 Beatrix Market locations in The Loop.  I prefer the DePaul location on Jackson St. since a full-service bar and pizza counter are unique to that location.  There’s also a Happy Hour from 2-5 p.m.   Monday-Friday 7AM-7PM

Hummus Bar
Salad Bar
Salad Bar
Cafe

9.  Halal Guys: 172 N Wabash Ave

Halal Guys began as a hot dog cart in New York City and expanded into 2 NYC restaurants.  Chicago is the first market outside of New York to experience Halal.  The menu is simple.  Halal certified beef and chicken, and basmati rice with special spices.  Every day their chicken is seasoned with spices, marinated for 24 hours, and grilled. Their gyro meat is cooked on a cone, sliced, chopped fine, and then grilled to a golden brown.  Customers can choose from either a sandwich or a platter, select their protein, and pack with toppings of choice.  There are also 3 sauces to choose from including their famous white sauce!  I tried to get the scoop on their seasonings but their lips were sealed.  Halal Guys is open daily from 11-10 p.m. 

Hallal Guys
Combo Bowl

10.Brightwok: 21 E. Adams St.

A newer addition to the Loop, Brightwok is a healthy, fast-casual, Asian restaurant that’s vegetable-focused.  The restaurant marinates and grills their meats, prepare and mix sauces, and chop their vegetables every morning to deliver the freshest flavors.  I usually go for the build-your-own bowl of stir-fry with a bit of heat.  Their menu is gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut-free and all of their homemade sauces are vegan.

Brightwok in Chicago's Loop

Brightwok

There you have it, don’t sleep on these spots!

5 Instagrammable Places in Chicago

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When it comes to Instagrammable places around Chicago, Cloud Gate and the Skyline backdrop come to many minds, rightfully so. It’s no secret that Chicago has a beautiful skyline that’s deservingly photographed by millions each year and appears all over social media, namely Instagram. However, there’s plenty of other Instagram worthy places to snap and post from around the city.

I joined Chicago Safaris for a tour of Instagrammable places in Chicago along with a few of my blogger friends and local 219 out of Northwest Indiana. We had a ball, and I discovered a few new spots. Here’s a recap of 5 Instagrammable places we visited throughout the day.

 

1.  Bottled Blonde

I was told this place gets pretty lively at night. However, our tour stopped in late Saturday morning for appetizers and cocktails. Space is plentiful and cozy with a large fireplace as a focal point for photos. The wall of greenery makes a beautiful backdrop too. Not only is the interior Instagrammable but the cocktails are too. They make a delicious Bloody Mary;  the Jalapeno Passion Margarita is also a winner. Bottled Blonde would be a fun spot to gather and chill with friends. There’s also plenty of TVs for sports lovers. You must try the Mac N Cheese; it’s fantastic. All of our appetizers were good. We munched on the burrata, Tartufo fries, chicken wings, and as mention mac N cheese. If their other menu items are as good as the appetizers, you can’t go wrong.

Tartufo Fries Bottled Blonde Tartufo Fries
Bottled Blond Bloody Mary Bottled Blonde’s Bloody Mary

2.  Flamingo Rum Club Mural

You’ll find the Flamingo Mural in Chicago’s River North neighborhood on the corner of Wells and Ohio St.  I’ve been an admirer of this mural for a long time.  Its fun and colorful, with fanciful detail.

601 N. Wells St.

Flamingo Rum Club Mural in Chicago Photo courtesy of Amanda Elliot (right) of Windy City Cosmo Blog

3.  Paradise Park

Paradise Park in Wicker Park is a trailer park themed pizzeria and an Instagrammers paradise!  Everything about this place screams snap and post on Instagram!  The outdoor garden has a trailer parked with the same folding chairs that made appearances at all of my family picnics growing up, lol.  The astroturf and flamingos add to the nostalgia vibe.  We learned that the patio would be covered soon so that guests can enjoy the outdoor garden year round.  The interior has an eclectic flashy feel while still being cozy.  Can’t go wrong with a blinged out wall and neon lights. The cocktails are clever with names like Dirty Like your Mom, Trashy Tea, The Hooch, and Pink Flamingo.  Do yourself a favor and order the Mercenary pizza, it’s outstanding!

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Mercenary Pizza at Paradise Park

4.  Greetings From Chicago Mural

One can’t list Instagrammable spots of Chicago without mentioning the Greetings From Chicago Mural in Logan Square!  Created to resemble a postcard, this famous street art captures the essence of the city beautifully and is one of my favorites.  Creators, muralist Victor Ving, and photographer Lisa Beggs travel the country designing artwork that captures the pride of locals for their hometowns while sparking the interests of visitors.

Letter Guide:

  • C – Deep Dish Pizza & Chicago Style Hotdog
  • H – Gold Coast / Downtown Skyline
  • I – Chicago Flag & Illinois Centennial Monument in Logan Square
  • C – Abstract artwork by Amuse126 depicting the extremes of Chicago weather
  • A – Chicago Professional Sports Teams
  • G – Muddy Waters & Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Water Tower
  • O – The Bean Sculpture

Logan Square:  2226 N Milwaukee Ave

45986883_2113845658667676_7535325764971921408_o (1).jpgSteven Bautista of Straight Function Blog

5.  Robin Williams Mural

The mural of Chicago native Robin Williams results from a collaboration of artists Jerkface and Owen Dippie.  I’ve desired to pay a visit to this touching tribute for a while. Robin Williams was a genius who made us laugh while battling inner darkness due to mental illness.  His death is heartbreaking and a reminder that more discussions need to take place to build mental health awareness and remove the stigma associated with it.

The mural is located in Logan Square:  2047 N. Milwaukee Ave.

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Robin Williams mural located in Chicago's Logan Square Robin Williams mural located in Logan Square

Just a glimpse into the treasures located in some of Chicago’s neighborhoods.  Chicago’s downtown is terrific, but there’s much more to see beyond there. It’s very walkable here. I stumble upon many new spots just strolling or biking through the numerous city neighborhoods.   Hope that you’ll visit some of the other communities and get a peek.

If you’re looking for a tour that allows some walking along with driving while visiting the city, check out Chicago Safaris.  The fun starts as soon as you step into one of their luxury vans!

All The Pretty Things

An Evening at The Ashburn Restaurant

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I spent a lovely evening taking in the fall menu at The Ashburn restaurant inside of Loews Chicago O’hare hotel in Rosemont, IL.  My experience led to a conversation with a few friends as to whether restaurants located inside of hotels should be obvious choices or only last resorts when there aren’t any other options readily accessible.  The views were mixed.

One piped up to say hotel restaurants had some of the best culinary delights.  Another stated that the best steak she had in her whole life was at a random hotel restaurant in Florida.  Most of the table stated that hotel restaurants were misses.  My opinion was while there have been a few hotel restaurants where I’ve enjoyed an exceptional meal, more often hotel restaurants were overpriced, and the food wasn’t great.

My dinner at The Ashburn restaurant located inside of Loews Chicago O’Hare hotel in Rosemont had me singing a different tune; it was exceptional and I can’t stop speaking on it!

The Ashburn

I was invited along with about 15 other Chicago foodies to preview the fall menu.  The Ashburn, inspired by Chicago’s first flying field, serves Classic American Cuisine with a twist.

Chef Jose Garay, affectionately referred to as Tiny, was born and raised in Mexico City and firmly believes in farm to table from-scratch food. The restaurant partners with many local farms and companies to provide the highest quality and freshest ingredients for dishes. He’s very proud of his team at The Ashburn and raves about working with them. Chef Garay stated that he’s a bit shy and not the best at speaking in front of a room of people. I felt that his presentation was great, he spoke from the heart and his enthusiasm for the evening and dishes was contagious. He was tickled as he gave us the inspiration behind his dishes.

Executive Chef of The Ashburn Jose Garay Executive Chef of The Ashburn Jose Garay Chef Jose Garay says being a chef is in his blood Chef Jose Garay says being a chef is in his blood

Chef Garay says being a chef is in his blood and credits his family with encouraging him to take up the culinary profession. His father is a chef and his mom and sister sold food on the streets of Mexico. He absolutely loves what he does and it shows! Fun fact: Chef Garay is also a musician who played in a Mariachi band before coming to the U.S. from Mexico. He occasionally sings and plays guitar at local gatherings.

Regarding diners at The Ashburn Chef Garay states:

Every single guest brings a different experience…..I look at their faces, if I see a smile from my guest, that’s my best experience!

There were a lot of smiles in the room that evening and EVERYTHING was fantastic! I took home leftovers and couldn’t wait til the next day to tear into to them. I actually ate the Guinness beer braised short ribs, one of my favorites dishes from the evening, for breakfast the next day. Another favorite was the Cajun Shrimp and Cheesy Grits; that dish was perfection! Seriously, start to finish, I don’t think there’s a wrong choice here.

Take a peak at the fall menu and stop in at The Ashburn! Tell me about your experience in the comments.

Firewood Roasted Trout Firewood Roasted Trout BBQ Style Shrimp BBQ Style Shrimp

360 Chicago: Breathtaking Views, Thrilling TILTs

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When looking for things to do in Chicago, look no further than 360 Chicago!

360 Chicago

360 Chicago has everything; stunning views, interactive experiences where visitors can learn about the city’s rich history, and the thrilling TILT!  It’s one of the coolest things to do in Chicago!  Before visiting, be sure to check the online schedule for the day’s activities as there’s always something fun happening on the 94th floor!

Before I give you the scoop on the happenings, here’s a bit about the 360 Chicago Observation Deck.

Located on the 94th floor of the iconic John Hancock building, 1,000 feet above Michigan Avenue; the observation deck offers stunning 360-degree views of the city’s famous Skyline and scenic Lake Michigan to guests the moment they step off the elevator.  On a clear day, individuals can see as many as four states and as far as 55 miles. Marvelous!  Aside from the views, guests can also learn facts about Chicago neighborhoods and architecture through 18 stations of interactive touchscreens and info kiosks.

The biggest attraction that will get everyone’s heart racing is the one-of-a-kind TILT experience!

360 Chicago TILT

TILT is an enclosed moving platform that tilts you out and over the edge of the John Hancock building, 1,000 feet above The Magnificent Mile! The movable platform holds up to eight visitors per cycle.  Although my heart was racing from fear and excitement, I took the plunge!  It was both thrilling and scary! I did it a second time, still scary!  Not a third time, though, twice was enough, lol.  It’s a unique, fun-filled experience that is worth the try.

Photo: 360 Chicago

TILT

TILT Photography enthusiasts are encouraged to take advantage of tripod Mondays, the only day tripods are allowed at the observatory.

The new 360 Sky Series offers guests bonus activities, seven days a week, free with paid observatory admission.  So for one admission, guests can take in the stunning views, experience TILT, interactive education, plus the bonus activity for the day. Residents of the city of Chicago will receive a discounted rate as a thank-you from 360 Chicago. Anyone with an ID with a 606 zip code gets into the observation deck for 50% off the regular admission price.

360 Chicago Schedule

Saturday Morning 360 Sky Yoga Class:

$15 includes entry into 360 Chicago Observation Deck plus a 1-hour yoga class for yoga lovers of all skill levels.  Meditation and gentle flow movements will awaken guests senses before being led through a series of stretches, breath-centered movements, and morning salutations.  Advanced registration is required, and classes are limited to 50 participants. You can sign up on 360 Chicago’s website.

360 Sunday Funday:

Fun activities designed for families with free TILT for kids from 9:00 a.m.-4 p.m.

360 Tripod Monday:

Photography buffs are encouraged to visit all day long and invited to bring their tripods onto the observation deck floor to capture shots of the skyline, low-lights, night scenes, stormy skies and more. Throughout the year special classes will be offered along with insta-meets, and social media activations.  Follow the hashtag:  #360TripodMondays and @360Chiviews on Instagram to learn more about upcoming events.

360 Sky Guide Tuesday:

Volunteers from the Chicago Architecture Foundation will provide a birds-eye view tour of the skyline. These volunteers love what they do and are excited to share their knowledge of Chicago as they guide you through all four views from high above the city.

360 Sky Art Wednesday:

Chicago Artist DeMarcus

Artists are invited to bring their easels, materials, and creativity to capture the view of the city from above.

Thursday Hoppy Hour Presented by Revolution Brewing:

360 Hoppy Hour

Guests will find new releases and favorites from Revolution Brewing on special while listening to a live DJ from Mode Events. Revolution Brewing is the largest independently owned brewery in Illinois and in 2016 was named one of the top 50 brewing companies in the United States by the Brewers Association.  We were among the first to try their new beer Sun Crusher Hoppy Wheat Ale at the event.  It was literally canned the day before at the brewery.  I must say; I’m a fan!

360 Sky Trivia Fridays

Trivia runs every Friday from 6-8pm during the months of March-June and September-December.  Be sure to pre-register to secure your spot.  Registration is free and includes admission to the Skydeck.

With so much to offer, 360 Chicago Observation Deck is a win for the whole family and a must for Chicagoans and visitors alike. Afterward be sure to check out some of the other neighborhoods in the city.

Feel free to tell me about your visit in the comments below!

John Hancock Building Facts

  • It takes two men 40 hours each to change all the light bulbs in the Crown of Lights, on the 99th floor.
  • With the nation’s fastest elevators, you’ll arrive at the Observatory in 39 seconds
  • There are 1,632 steps from the main lobby to the observatory on level 94.
  • The observatory has the only open-air viewing deck in Chicago.
  • The building has 1,250 miles of wiring, with enough power to supply a city of 30,000 people
  • Guests can see four states from 360 CHICAGO – Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin!
The only open-air viewing deck in Chicago

Sightseeing With Chicago Safaris

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One of the best things about visiting Chicago is all of the choices! Theater, world-class dining, sports, shopping, music….I could go on and on. I’ve created so many amusing memories here.  Hanging out in the city comes with its challenges though, most aren’t particularly fond of the traffic, parking, and driving!

Cloud Gate Cloud Gate

For those who want to experience Chicago without the unwanted extra stress, sightseeing tours are a hassle-free option.  You only need to relax and take in the many sights.

Chicago Safari Tour Guide, Lisa #2 Chicago Safari Tour Guide, Lisa #2 Chicago Safaris offers 3 package levels Chicago Safaris offers 3 package levels

Chicago Safaris

Chicago Safaris is a new company offering luxury sightseeing tours of the Windy City.  The owner, Seyi Arokoyo, came up with his business plan ten years ago while living in Chicago and working in an industry which allowed him to meet and host visitors in the city.  Realizing that most barely scratched the surface when it came to all that the city had to offer, his goal was to expose others to the hidden gems, restaurants, and rich history that he cherished.  I can appreciate his vision; there’s so much to discover beyond the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier.

Based out of Northwest Indiana, Chicago Safaris affords individuals in the region the opportunity to visit one of the best cities in the world with ease and convenience. The company also offers wine tours to Michigan and transportation services to local events.

The Crew ready for departure! The Crew ready for departure!

There are three levels of customizable packages; Silver, Gold, and Diamond. I was invited by Chicago Safaris to try out one of their tours along with my friends.

My crew and I decided on the Gold package.  You select a sightseeing activity and a food tasting activity.  We chose the movie scenes of Chicago for the sightseeing portion and a visit to Little Italy for out tasting tour!  Everything from the booking to pick up was a breeze.  Our group met at a central location, for our scheduled transportation.

First pre-trip drinks!  Priorities!

Pre Trip Priorities Pre Trip Priorities 95th St. Bridge, Chicago 95th St. Bridge, Chicago

Our guides for the day were the 2 Lisas.  We liked them straight away.  Two down to earth ladies ready to deal with a group of crazy adults.  The bus was very comfortable with plenty of room.

The first leg of our tour focused on locations of movies filmed in Chicago.  Each year the number of films produced in the city continues to increase; 2017 saw an all-time high with over 580 film and media projects.

During the drive, Lisa divided the van into rows by teams and quizzed us on our movie history knowledge.  There’s nothing like a van full of competitive adults, you would’ve thought we were playing for money!

Our first location drive-by was the 95th St. bridge on Chicago’s far southeast side.  This drawbridge was famously jumped by Jake and Elwood in their Bluesmobile in Blues Brothers, a movie credited with putting the city of Chicago on the map as a venue for filmmaking.  I can’t tell you how many times that movie played in my household growing up!  It was one of my father’s favorites!

Continuing on, we got history and facts on a few additional locations before making our first stop at Skylark bar in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood.  Skylark is a spacious dive bar with an impressive beer selection and cheap prices; it’s also cash-only.  This bar was the location of the Jennifer Aniston, Vince Vaughn movie The Breakup.  Its also been the filming site for several Chicago based television shows and is a local favorite.

While driving to the next spot we made a pit stop at Firehouse 51, the filming site of tv show Chicago Fire. The building is the location of real-life fire station Engine 18 on the Near West side of Chicago.   As a fan of the show, it was cool to see.

Firehouse 51, Chicago Fire Firehouse 51, Chicago Fire

2nd Half

Food was the focus of the second half of the tour and centered around Little Italy, home to some of the city’s best Italian restaurants.

We stopped in for our first tasting at Al’s Italian Beef, a family business celebrating 80 years! The original recipe developed in Al’s home kitchen so many years ago is still in use at all Al’s Beef locations today.  It was my first time trying Al’s; the beef was tender and well-seasoned…I’d return.  The fries were the bomb!

Al's Italian Beef Al’s Italian Beef Soooo good! Soooo good!

Our next stop in Little Italy was at Pompei, one of Chicago’s oldest eateries, where we feasted on pizza and their famous strudel.  I favored the strudel.  It reminded me of a calzone but much lighter, and it was STUFFED with flavorful ingredients.

Pompei Pompei

My crew and I enjoyed a full day of hilarious memories and learned a great deal! I especially liked how we combined some walking and exploring along with the driving.  We’d surely roll with Chicago Safaris again. If you’re searching for a sightseeing company with great customer service and attention to detail, give them a try.

*Although my sightseeing tour with Chicago Safaris was complimentary, the opinions and thoughts are my own.  I’d definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a special experience in the city.

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Living a Beermiscuous Life in Chicago’s Lake View

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Beermiscuous

My friends and I were having brunch one Friday morning in Lake View and decided to forego the mimosas and Bloody Mary’s in favor of a beer after our meal.  The only issue was the breweries in the immediate area didn’t open until late afternoon, early evening.  We remembered spotting Beermiscuous on our walk to brunch and checked to see what time it opened…1 p.m… Score!

It took me a few minutes to comprehend the pronunciation of the beer café I stood in front of but once it clicked it was on!  I laughed about the name alone the remainder of the day!!!

Beermiscuous [beer-mis’ kyoo-uh s] adj.: characterized by casual and frequent enjoyment of a wide variety of craft beer

That’s ME; I’m Beermiscuous and proud of it!  You’ll often find me moving from one craft brewery to the next.  So many breweries, so little time!

Map of Breweires in the Chicagoland area Map of Breweires in the Chicagoland area

However, Beermiscuous is not a brewery but a beer café.  They have over 350 beers to select from with a heavy concentration on the Chicagoland area.  The beers represent almost every style, so there’s something for everyone.  Grab one out of the cooler to try or do a pour of their draft selections.  Unsure, what to try?  Just talk to one of the beeristas who’ll guide you through the selections or maybe utilize the beer information board to aid in your decision.

4oz draft pours available for sampling 4oz draft pours available for sampling Beer information board Beer information board

The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming as a gathering spot should be.  Its obvious space was designed to encourage patrons to linger as you would in a coffee shop.  I spend hours in coffee shops; I’m just saying.  I saw a few people walk in with their laptops.  I never thought of that but why not, clearly I need to get with the program. They offer free wifi, comfy couches and a pleasant noise level, you can actually focus and work here.  I fell hard for this place….it was made for me, and oh yeah, they have lots of beers for experimenting.

They’ve even given thought to the nonbeer drinkers with options of red and white wine, ciders, gluten-free beer, and non-alcoholic drinks.

It’s worth noting that Beermiscuous is a bring-your-own-food (BYOF) establishment.  You can also order delivery.

I recommend this spot to anyone looking for a lowkey place to gather for great beer and conversation.

Beermiscuous is located at 2812 N. Lincoln Ave., in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.

Comfortable Cafe Comfortable Cafe Warm Cafe Interior Warm Cafe Interior Beermiscuous retail and cooler area Beermiscuous retail and cooler area Snacks available or BYOF Snacks available or BYOF

Keep in Mind

  • Free Wifi
  • Pet friendly in retail and cooler area
  • BYOF
  • Kid friendly with parent