Chicago
Went to Chicago for a weekend getaway. I had heard from a friend that it has been muggy lately and packed accordingly for this weekend. With the new complimentary upgrade program at United, I was able to get into First class enroute to Chicago. I don't know if it is coincidental but I found the meal very good even the bread! The carrot cake was ok though.
Since I arrived so late in the night, opted to stay at the Hilton O'Hare Airport hotel and get some sleep (mostly did homework). It has been sometime since I've stayed at this hotel and remembered it being smaller for some reason. Word to the wise, the breakfast buffet can be passed unless you are looking for very basic items like cereal.
Went into the city the next day and checked into the Conrad Chicago hotel. Situated a little north of the loop, I liked the hotel when I stayed there when it was a Le Meridien hotel. I haven't stayed here since it converted to a Conrad in 2005. It also didn't hurt that I was upgraded to the terrace suite. Nice one bedroom suite with Bose speakers attached to both TVs and radio clock by the bed. Nicely appointed suite accommodations and the balcony was bigger than the room! I was told that it can accommodate 100 people, it looks like a great place to have parties. No neighbors and open terrace = noisy party undisturbed.
I met up with a colleague at the Old Oak Tap. It was a nice restaurant with a great open area seating in the front of the restaurant. I enjoyed the pretzel and drinks. I'm finding myself gravitating towards ginger beer lately.
Afterwards, headed to US Cellular Field and caught a White Sox game against the Cleveland Indians. Nice enough stadium. I had some very tasty italian ice from a Zarlengo's Italian Ice stand.
Since the weather was a little unstable, didn't wander far from the hotel and went to Mother Hubbard's Sports Bar. I had an awesome hot dog, "The Francheezie." Basically a bacon wrapped cheese hot dog. Fun place with lots of TVs everywhere. I even saw a bridal party come in around 1 am, post reception party!
The next day, walked over to Navy Pier. Checked out the various food stands and debated about taking a river cruise. Ignored all the bars and beer gardens throughout the area and headed inside the mall to look for some souvenirs. Eventually wandered over to Lou Malnati's for a deep dish pizza. Unlike the other deep dish institutions, the pizza here is not as large or deep. The other unique feature is that they have a butter crust, so the crust is a little crispy even though it is thick. There was a "gooey" version but we opted for the regular well done style. The hotel had given me a voucher for a free appetizer or dessert and I went for the cookie pizza. I am a fan of BJ's pizookie but Lou's version is the best.
Before heading out to the airport, cruised by the Hampton Inn O'Hare Airport Hotel to kill some time before catching my flight home. The hotel appears to have undergone some internal renovations as it looks way nicer inside than its outside. I know it's silly but I enjoyed the sofa with the rolling foot rests. The little things in life....
Since I arrived so late in the night, opted to stay at the Hilton O'Hare Airport hotel and get some sleep (mostly did homework). It has been sometime since I've stayed at this hotel and remembered it being smaller for some reason. Word to the wise, the breakfast buffet can be passed unless you are looking for very basic items like cereal.
Went into the city the next day and checked into the Conrad Chicago hotel. Situated a little north of the loop, I liked the hotel when I stayed there when it was a Le Meridien hotel. I haven't stayed here since it converted to a Conrad in 2005. It also didn't hurt that I was upgraded to the terrace suite. Nice one bedroom suite with Bose speakers attached to both TVs and radio clock by the bed. Nicely appointed suite accommodations and the balcony was bigger than the room! I was told that it can accommodate 100 people, it looks like a great place to have parties. No neighbors and open terrace = noisy party undisturbed.
I met up with a colleague at the Old Oak Tap. It was a nice restaurant with a great open area seating in the front of the restaurant. I enjoyed the pretzel and drinks. I'm finding myself gravitating towards ginger beer lately.
Afterwards, headed to US Cellular Field and caught a White Sox game against the Cleveland Indians. Nice enough stadium. I had some very tasty italian ice from a Zarlengo's Italian Ice stand.
Since the weather was a little unstable, didn't wander far from the hotel and went to Mother Hubbard's Sports Bar. I had an awesome hot dog, "The Francheezie." Basically a bacon wrapped cheese hot dog. Fun place with lots of TVs everywhere. I even saw a bridal party come in around 1 am, post reception party!
The next day, walked over to Navy Pier. Checked out the various food stands and debated about taking a river cruise. Ignored all the bars and beer gardens throughout the area and headed inside the mall to look for some souvenirs. Eventually wandered over to Lou Malnati's for a deep dish pizza. Unlike the other deep dish institutions, the pizza here is not as large or deep. The other unique feature is that they have a butter crust, so the crust is a little crispy even though it is thick. There was a "gooey" version but we opted for the regular well done style. The hotel had given me a voucher for a free appetizer or dessert and I went for the cookie pizza. I am a fan of BJ's pizookie but Lou's version is the best.
Before heading out to the airport, cruised by the Hampton Inn O'Hare Airport Hotel to kill some time before catching my flight home. The hotel appears to have undergone some internal renovations as it looks way nicer inside than its outside. I know it's silly but I enjoyed the sofa with the rolling foot rests. The little things in life....
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