I just love when I can tag along with Dave on his business trips. People may think I am crazy to want to go to Chicago in March. Yes, it was cold, but I had a great time!
After checking into our hotel on Friday evening we walked briskly through the cold, windy streets to Giordano's. Deep dish heaven on a pizza platter.
This yumminess was on the way back to our hotel. We got a bag for our neighbor who is getting our newspaper while we our gone. Oh yeah, and we got a bag for us, too. Hee hee.
The next day I was on my own all day while Dave was at his trade show. There are only two Eataly store/restaurants in all of the United States - New York and Chicago. I have now eaten at both of them. They make their pasta from scratch. I had the butternut squash ravioli in browned butter. I have to say it is my number one favorite pasta ever. Not even joking.
I signed up online for a free walking tour of Chicago. The directions said to meet at Magnolia Bakery. I may or may not have had a red velvet cupcake while I was waiting for the rest of the tour group to gather.
Our tour went along the underground system of tunnels known as the Pedway to get to several of our destinations. Our first stop was the Civic Center, which used to be their Library. The craftsmanship in it was amazing, especially all of the mosaics. The stained glass was all done by Mr. Tiffany, of the famous jewelry store fame.
We walked around what is known as "The Loop". I love the "L" elevated trains in Chicago.
The Marshall Field's Department Store, which is now a Macy's, is the second largest department store in the world, according to our guide. Macy's in New York is the largest, Harrod's in London is third. This was a beautiful store with more amazing Tiffany work.
I can't remember the name of this building, which is a famous hotel. But I do remember two things about it. 1- The Empire Room inside, is where many famous people have performed from Frank Sinatra, to famous Big Bands, etc. 2- The wife of the owner of the hotel had her staff invent a special treat for people to take home - and that is how the Brownie was invented. I need to remember to look up that lady in the next life and thank her for that.
I got invited to join Dave's business dinner that night. We went to Greek Islands, in the Greektown area of Chicago. It is listed on the 100 most profitable restaurants in the United States. It really was good.
The next day I was on my own again. I bundled up for the 45 minute walk to the Aquarium. I had some strangers take my picture up on this snowbank by the lake. I had a harder time getting down than I did climbing up. I looked like a nerd trying to get down.
The Shedd Aquarium was very impressive.
I loved the huge glass windows looking out over Lake Michigan. It was nice to be inside and not outside that day.
Then I strolled along the shore of the lake as I made my way back to our hotel.
That night I got invited to another business dinner. Dave ordered this hamburger that the chef who won "Iron Chef" last year is famous for. He got the half pound instead of the entire pound burger, though.
They brought sampler dessert plates of these junk foods.
The next morning we flew back home. Thank you, Davey, for letting me come. It was a fun, if not fattening, little trip.
No comments:
Post a Comment