My obsession with Chicago continues…….

Oh Chicago….You never fail to amaze me!

If it were possible, that is, if I did not have a full time job of my own AND I had unlimited funds AND a never ending stomach, I would literally eat my way through the city of Chicago until I tried every last establishment that she had to offer……

So, forgive me in advance but once again I find myself falling in love all over again with Chicago and I have a few (ok more than a few) new restaurants, sights, and experiences to share with you all! The past couple times I have been in the great American city of Chicago for work, I have been able to fit in a good amount of fun and I must share with you the following:

Restaurants:

Pizano’s was recommended to me by a client of mine and boy did she deliver!! Although I highly recommend that everyone at least TRY the famous Giordano’s Stuffed Pizza (you can read about my experience by clicking here), I very much prefer a lighter version….yes folks, I am a thin crust kinda gal- that way you can afford to fit in (to your stomach) more toppings like CHEESE :-)!! Pizano’s has also been highly touted by Oprah as the best thin crust in Chicago, and I can see why. They have a few locations throughout the city but we ate at the State Street location. Its quaint, cozy, and delicious! From their appetizers (think calamari, garlic bread, bruchetta) to their salads (oversized and great for sharing), just finding more room in your stomach to get to the pizza course is a feat in itself! Once you do get the pizza though, you will be in heaven. Perfect in every way….

Sable Kitchen & Bar is a feast for your taste-buds!! I took a client of mine here for dinner and we left fully satisfied. Sable is located within the swanky Hotel Palomar & their ambiance reflects that of the hotel: hip & modern, yet still warm enough to be cozy. The bar area has a huge after work crowd enjoying a vast array of wines. As for the menu, trust me when I say, arrive HUNGRY! They compiled the menu so that you can either get your own individual appetizers, entrees, and deserts, OR you can get smaller versions of each to share….kind of like the American version of Spanish Tapas. We of course opted for this route since everything looked so good. We indulged in both comfort & eclectic foods such as Short Rib Sliders, Seared Scallops, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Buttermilk fried Chicken & Waffles, etc…you get the picture. Do yourself a favor and GO, you won’t be sorry!

Tuko Thai Urban Cuisine is situated in the Loop and I ate lunch here with a client. We are both sushi fanatics and this place did not dissapoint. I can’t say its the best I have ever had but if you work/live in the city, this is a great local place to get traditional rolls at a good price.

Zapatistas Cantina was recommended to us by friends who used to live in the city. Its located in the south Loop area. Its out of the way and quite honestly, I was not impressed. Everything was “good”, but did not blow me away. The only thing I would absolutely go back for are their chips & salsa. Delicious!!

Sapori Trattoria is a recommendation given to us by coworkers. My husband and I dined here solo one night when we were both in the city for our respective jobs. This adorable neighborhood Italian restaurant is located near the Wrigleyville area so it is a cab ride away from downtown but well worth the $10 it costs to get there! The place feels like an old house so tables are set in cozy corners, etc and although they cram people inside, it doesn’t feel too invasive. The house-made pastas are unreal. I enjoyed the lobster ravioli and for my hubby- the homemade meat lasanga. DELICIOUS (and from what I hear their SeaBass is incredibly too)!!

Milk & Honey is a fabulous brunch spot. Its a cab ride away from the downtown area once again but just due west on Division Street in the eclectic Wicker Park neighborhood. Its a casual counter-service establishment with naturally made granola and to die for buttermilk pancakes.

Tavern on Rush has a great bar/lounge area. They keep a huge bottled beer selection and great appetizers to share. Their cheddar cheese burger sliders are amazing!! Pair that with a beer (or 2) and watch some sports on their flat screens and your saturday just got a little more relaxed:).

The Schoolyard Tavern is located in the Wrigleyville area. Its a neighborhood bar where “everyone knows your name” and although you wouldn’t think so….their food is delicious!! Shoestring sweet potato fries, buffalo chicken french dip (amazing!!) and most importantly, their cheese stuffed jalepeno soft pretzels- OMG….never have I tasted anything so ridiculously delicious (I know I say that a lot but seriously!!)

Topolobambo: Ok, please allow me to introduce you to the final of the 3 Rick Bayless Mexican Restaurants in Chicago. I have eaten (multiple times) at his other restaurants Xoco and the Frontera Grill, which are right next door. You can read about those experiences here. I have been waiting FOREVER to eat at Topolobambo due to about an 8 week waiting period for reservations and before you squawk at that, let me tell you that it is very much worth the wait. Rick has created a diamond in the rough with his modern take on traditional mexican cuisines. His menu is designed to allow you to indulge in your own entrees, or choose one of his “sampling” menus. The fresh seafood appetizers are unreal. I am from Seattle but his raw oysters on the half shell rival any I have ever had! His various ceviche concoctions are perfectly portioned and all exquisite in their own way. He also veers away from the norm by serving freshly made guacamole for the table with slices of cucumber and jicama, as opposed to tortilla chips. Now let me get to the entrees. His version ofTortilla soup where the bowl is set in front of you and the broth poured table-side into the bowl on top of the ingredients…unreal….and the Carne Asada y Barbacoa en Mole Negro & Chilpachole de Mariscos are unreal….finish ALL that off with his Chocolate Ama Mole de Cacahuate and you have just experienced the best meal on earth….oh and his wait staff absolutely makes the experience (and the price tag) worth every pretty penny!

Things to Do:

Southport Lanes & Billiards is a fun neighborhood joint. Located in the Wrigleyville area it boasts a half dozen billiard tables and 4 old school lanes where people actually pick up the pins, NOT machines! A fun place to go with friends on a free afternoon.

Christkindlmarket is a MUST during the beautiful Holiday season in downtown Chicago. Here you can find adorable wooden German ornaments, freshly made crepes, hand blow glass ornaments, etc.

Macy’s on State Street is hands down one of the oldest Holiday Traditions in Chicago. Macy’s bought Marshall Fields back in 2005 but have kept up the holiday spirit. You must visit their Walnut Room to enjoy the huge Christmas Tree. You can dine or just grab a glass of wine while you shop!

Christmas Caroling at The Cloud Gate is a fun experience for the whole family! Each Friday at 6pm between Thanksgiving and Christmas a group of Carolers from several of Chicago’s finest choral groups entertain passerby’s and die hard fans of Holiday music to a feast for the soul. They sing traditional songs and also ask the crowd to join in on the fun! Free candles and hot cocoa as also provided….and stay after for a spin on the ice rink at the park:-)!

No trip to Chicago would be complete (especially around the holidays) without a stroll along the famous Magnificent Mile! Finish up some Holiday shopping or just treat yourself while enjoying the lights & decorations along the way!

The Navy Pier has awesome Holiday Season fun for everyone with their Winter Wonderfest! Visit the pier for rides, sights, eats, etc.

Until the next time my love (Chicago)…….

xoxo