First of all, I have walked and taken both the Metra and the El all over. It is amazing what a public transportation system will do for a community. Don't get me wrong, there are still so many cars on the roads and parking is horrifically expensive, but I will not be one of those people contributing to the problem. ** Note to self: SELL CAR prior to leaving NY **
I have also explored a quite a bit of the city by foot. Downtown is the place for me. :) I have also been to Wicker Park, Old Town, Logan Square, Humboldt Park and I finally decided on an apartment in River North. It seems to be a quick walk to work or I can take the El which is just around the corner. There is a Whole Foods across the street, a Trader Joe's a couple blocks away and a Starbucks nearby. The Magnificent Mile is about 3 blocks away (or close) and many shops, restaurants, bars and so much night life! I can not wait to actually get moved in and settled. The building also has a great Guest Suite which is a full apartment and much cheaper than a hotel :)
Speaking of shopping, just walk a block in any direction and there is something to do... eat, drink, shop & be merry! Welcome to Chicago!!
I have visited Navy Pier and watched the Chicago Air & Water Show practice, had lunch with an amazing view of the sky line and walked all over just people watching! I guess I will save the Ferris wheel for when I actually report.
I visited the beach on Saturday where I watched the actual Air & Water Show! What an amazing day! Sun and sand and an Air force F-22 Raptor, the Blue Angels and the Golden Knights, a Veteran Team, and a Navy Seal Team jump squads! It was the perfect day!
Now lets talk FOOD! I have eaten at some spectacular places since I have been here! Some expensive and some not so much... But no matter what the food has been fabulous!
Pizza:
Lou Malnati's and Gino's East: I guess since I am GF and Pizza is a real challenge I was thankful that both places had an option available. At Lou's I was able to get additional toppings other than the standard cheese, sausage or pepperoni. At Gino's they only have 3 styles available but they are made off site so there are no cross contamination issues. Lou's is not a real "thin crust" so it feels more like you are eating Chicago style pizza. I will say Lou's would be my pick for GF pizza!
Mexican:
Cantina Laredo: I had chicken fajitas and chips and salsa! The salsa was so good!!! I was pleasantly surprised!
Tapas:
Cafe Iberico: A couple of the girls from work took me out for Tapas. We had a great time and the waitress had a GF menu... It was all in Spanish, so we had a great time playing Memory and matching the little menu with the regular menu! The garlic shrimp was amazing!
Breakfast/Brunch:
The Bongo Room: We traveled to Wicker Park to the Bongo Room for brunch. I have to say this is not to be missed. I had a "Greek Breakfast Burrito" and potatoes. The burrito was deconstructed (no tortilla) with tzatziki and feta! It was spectacular! The potatoes were not the typical potatoes from a diner. There is quite a bit of walking to do while you!
I also picked up a GF Donut at Glazed & Infused. The donut is a cake type made with Almond Flour. It is chocolate with chocolate ganache. Let's just say... this would be a real treat! At $6.35 for coffee and a donut, not to mention the decadence, I won't be enjoying it often. Though, it was scrumptious!
American/Other
Bandera: I ventured to Bandera on Michigan Ave after a recommendation! I was not to be disappointed. I had the Apricot Glazed Roasted Chicken and the Mashed Potatoes... Most of you know chicken is my go to, but I had a difficult time deciding between the BBQ Salmon, the Ahi Tuna and the Chicken but I am sure it was the Mashed Potatoes that made my choice for me :) They have jazz music in the evenings and if you are a party of 1 or 2, sit at the bar. The wait is much less!
I am sure there is more, but I can't remember at the moment! Maybe I will see you when you visit!
~ Share & Enjoy ~
