7. Do something extra special for Alex’s 30th birthday.
15. Go to 5 new restaurants.
16. Try 5 new cocktails.
51. Visit a foreign or domestic city I’ve never been to before.
As previously chronicled, I “surprised” Alex with a trip to Chicago for his 30th birthday (#7, #51) which conveniently fell on Labor Day Weekend. We departed New Jersey on Friday evening and the whirlwind tour did not end until late on Sunday. I could bore you with all of the details or just highlight some of the magnificent moments we had in my new favorite city.
Whether you’ve visited Chicago before or not, the Chicago Architecture Boat Tour is a marvelous to meet or become reacquainted with the city. For 90 minutes, you cruise around the city with a docent educating you on Chicago’s history, architecture, economy, politics, and people. Fun and fascinating!
Up next, Millennium Park: elegant fountains, peaceful gardens, interactive art, and a kick-ass amphitheater.
Even better. . .playing with the Bean. Well, it’s really called the “Cloud Gate,” but you can see how it earned its nickname. Alex tried to turn our playtime into a physics lessons on mirrors and reflection or refraction or something. I obviously did not pay too much attention.
Although the weather was perfect, we sojourned inside to take a whirlwind tour through the Art Institute of Chicago. And yes, we recreated the Ferris Buller scene in front of the Seurat.
Needless to say, we were exhausted from all our sightseeing. In order to prepare for our culinary exploits later that evening, a nap was needed. Then off to Alinea (#15)! Although it was not my favorite meal ever (Restaurant Nicholas still holds that title), it was definitely the most unique and artistic presentation of food. There were cocktails in solid form (#16), frozen soup, a hot/cold potato, mango leather, and a chocolate dessert that defies description.
Looking fabulous for dinner at Alinea.
When you think of iconic Chicago landmarks, what do you think of? The Sears (now Willis) Tower.
Obviously, I did not take this photo. Thank you, Wikipedia.
These photos, we did take. While climbing in the elevator, the TV tells you what buildings you have surpassed in height.
Of course we had gorgeous views of Chicago, but also Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The best views were the ones downward:
Finally, off to Navy Pier. Like everyone had told us, it was very touristy and a bit of a disappointment. Still, we did have more beautiful views of the city.
Then finally, we couldn’t leave the city without seeing Buckingham Fountain (the one featured in the opening credits of Married. . .with Children).
Fortunately, we were able to meet up with our friend, Gen Con Tony and his lovely wife Heather, who introduced us to the culinary miracle of Chicago deep-dish pizza. It takes 45 minutes to cook! Thankfully, there are no photos of us at this point. We were exhausted and not looking too fab.
Final verdict on Chicago: my new favorite city. There is so much we didn’t get to see: the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, the planetarium, the aquarium, Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, the film tour. . . the list is huge. Another trip is definitely necessary.
