Chicago, Illinois:
Another year around the sun and the journey continues. This year we returned to Chicago. This means the last two birthday celebrations were spent in this city which is now our new favorite. First up how we got there. I'm not the biggest fan of layovers. Directs are always the way to go but sometimes these routes just don't make sense to me. We flew from Charlotte to Detroit and then to Chicago. We stopped in for a quick snack in Detroit since we both skipped breakfast & coffee.
We landed at O'Hare mid-day. The weather was NICE! I dressed for very cool weather BUT it was 70+ degrees this day. I don't know how I missed that weather report!
Last time, we had trouble finding the ride share space but this time it was quick. We headed back to the same area as last time which was right off the Chicago River. We almost went back to the Loews but this time opted for the Royal Sonesta Downtown. So glad we did. Babe upgraded for a river view and it was amazing!! Also - in the city the blocks look close but are awfully long when walking so this put us a few blocks closer to everything we wanted to be close to and was right off Michigan Ave.
What I liked about this hotel:
River views available
Closer to Michigan Ave/Magnificent Mile
Clean
Newly renovated
Close to shopping, bars, & restaurants
Onsite dining
Friendly Service
Spacious room & bathroom
Refrigerator
Beautiful Decor
Secure Elevators
Our early check-in request was accommodated and we were off to find food. Thomas suggested we go back to Shaw's Crab House. Who was I to argue? We headed there on foot which was a short walk and got a seat quickly for lunch. If it's not broke, don't try to fix it. We literally ordered the exact same meal we had in September. He had the French Fried Shrimp and I had the Shaw's Seafood platter. Yum, Yum! Promising myself I will do better in recording my wine picks but sometimes, I am just ready to get to the food. :-)
We headed back to the room as the rain was starting & decided it was time to REST.
Next day, we headed up Michigan Ave for shopping. Since it was still a weekday, the streets were not that crowded. First stop - SB's of course for some good ole' froth! :-)
We poked around in a few stores and then had lunch at one of babe's favorites - Benihana. He has been trying to take me there a few times but it never worked out. Even last time in Chicago, they were too crowded and we did not want to wait. This time, we made it in. Our chef was amazing and the food was even better. Honestly, this was the best hibachi I ever had.
By this day, the temperature had dropped and the wind picked up quite a bit so we did a little more walking and headed back to the hotel. There are sooo many attractions and things to do, it was hard to decide. After a quick rest, we decided to head over to a jazz club we saw while at Shaw's. Such a good pick! We had to reserve a table - $15 pp and they had several shows to select from. We ended up selecting the latest show. We arrived early and were seated promptly. Ordered drinks and food. Both were fantastic. I had the Jazzerac (cocktail), shrimp empanadas. Thomas had a burger and we shared truffle fries. All were very good and Andy's Jazz Club should be on the list of places to visit.
We made it back safely and begin to prepare for the big day! Woke up and honestly, I just felt incredibly at peace. I didn't feel the need to get all fancy in clothes or make a whole to do out of the day because every day so far was such a celebration thanks to Thomas and I was just happy to be where we were. We trotted off to breakfast to one of our favorites, Egg Harbor Cafe. We first discovered this place a few years ago in Atlanta and it's one of our best breakfast/brunch spots. The food is always delicious and the service goes right along with it. I had corn beef hash, scrambled eggs with cheese, & potatoes. Best ever!
We headed back to do more shopping before my beauty appointment then returned back to prep for the rest of the day. I literally trotted around in sweats and a tee but I was sooo comfy, I didn't want to change. Something about walking makes you hungry. We walked over to a bar & grill for lunch. No pictures but I will say the food at Emerald Loop was really just ok for me but I will say I probably didn't order what would be best for them to make. I have to remind myself, you can't order a Charcuterie Board from everywhere. :-/
Time to get dressed and off to a basketball game. Through babe's affiliation, we got tickets to the Jordan Brand Classic game. We got to sit very close to the teams and the game was a lot of fun! Filled with entertainment between breaks, the crowd was fully engaged and honestly this was one of the best experiences of my life! Definitely, if we get tickets again, we will be back.
Post game, we went to Kitchen + Kocktails. While we wanted to love this place (we really did), it just did NOT live up to our expectations and honestly, we are not snobs but this place was just not it for us. We were greeted nicely but after that all was downhill. Overlypriced (and y'all know if I say food/drinks are overpriced, it is) because nothing aligned with what I would consider value or a good experience which for me makes up the prices. We ordered 2 cocktails which took forever to come, catfish, and 2 sides (which never came) and it was $80.00. Our server was rude and when we paid, he asked if we needed change even through the $80 already included gratuity! Like sir, you took forever, we had missing sides, your attitude is bad and you want an extra tip? I was so disgusted I left my wine of the table and we left. Y'all know I was mad if I left wine behind!! LOL!!
We hit up a late night bar called Theory and had just a few cocktails before calling it a night! Honestly, this was the best birthday ever despite the KK experience.
Saturday came and we were off to find a brunch spot. We almost did a lunch boat ride because we were walking to the pier and I think we just wanted to escape the cold but we opted to keep walking. We headed towards Navy Pier but then detoured quick and stumbled on The Hampton Social which actually was referred to me the day before by the lady who did my makeup! OH WOW! What a gem! We walked into live music and were seated upstairs. The venue is super cute and the food - AH-MAZING!!
We shared the shrimp tacos, I had the Braise Short Rib + the Surf Lodge as a cocktail. Thomas had the Shelter Island Chicken Sandwich. This place is a repeat and definitely perfect for a girl's outing or brunch with your babe. There are locations outside of Chicago so look them up if you ever need a spot.
Back on foot, we headed back to the room and came across Stan's Donuts. Of course, SOMEBODY (Not me) had to stop. BEST DONUT EATEN IN LIFE WAS HERE! I had a plain glazed donut and honestly it tasted like a little nugget from heaven it was so good. We are now trying to figure out how we can get these shipped in.
So since the original birthday dinner was kind of a flop, we opted to give it a second shot and boy did we hit big this time! BLVD Steakhouse - First off, this place is just gorgeous! Draped in Chandeliers low lighting and decked in black, it was truly a sight to see. For dinner I had the lamb chops and babe had a steak. Both were delish! Definitely a repeat for us!
So that's a wrap! My 42nd Birthday was a huge success and all thanks goes to my honey for planning it all out and letting me have my way!! I can't wait until I get to do it for him. :-)
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