Chicago

Headed out to Chicago on United. On this particular trip, I did a scenic layover to trigger extra flight miles to work my way towards lifetime platinum status. Although it is still a long way and with the way the economy is heading, I’m sure work travel will become nonexistent like it was during the pandemic.

After debating and looking for the best rates in Chicago, I opted to stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile Hotel. I enjoyed my stay and the room layout. For some reason, I didn’t take any pictures but the website has good shots. I did like the location within the city and it was easy to navigate around the area for dining purposes. It was also pretty easy to catch public transportation as my work event was at the McCormack Place Convention Center.

Dining

Stan's Donuts - I find it ironic that the independent donut shop in Westwood, California became a Chicago donut chain. After learning that the Chicago owner was a fan of Stan’s Donut in California and decided to bring it to Chicago, it made me think of McDonald’s where the independent owners created the restaurant in California and it got exported to Chicago to became a chain and wholesaler. You can find Stan’s Donuts in Sprouts Markets in Los Angeles and is technically more accessible today than when it was a one store shop. I did find Stan’s better now than when I had it from the original shop.

Do-Rite Donuts - For some reason, this trip is becoming a donut themed trip. I also went out to try the doughnuts from Do-Rite to see if it lived up to the hype. I didn't try the chicken, no commentary. The doughnuts were fine but nothing out of ordinary about them. Solid enough if in the area.

The Albert - Inside the Hotel EMC2 lobby, the Albert is definitely eye catching from the street level. There is an outdoor patio and a separate entrance from the street into the restaurant. I was meeting up with a friend and the menu seemed appealing to the both of us. I was not in the mood for a full dinner and opted for snacks/dessert and drinks. Opted for the bar seating and ordered the Vesuvius cocktail, olive oil cake, and butter walnut rum cake. Overall, I greatly enjoyed the desserts, drinks, and general vibe of this restaurant. Next time I'm in Chicago, I will try to eat here. My friend was interested in even staying at the hotel.

Vesuvius at The Albert

Rum cake at The Albert

Olive cake at The Albert

Eataly - I don't usually love going to Eataly to eat but my friend has a specific palette and it was easiest given the timing of dinner (late). In the sit down italian restaurant, I opted to order the squid ink pasta. I don't get squid ink often and will usually order if on the menu. The pasta was good and the entree was filling. 

Goddess and Baker - There are a few locations throughout Chicago and it appears fairly popular. I dropped in for a latte and small bites. I picked up an assortment from the bakery and enjoyed my honey latte. 

Culver's - Outside of Wrigley Field, I popped into this Culver for a frozen custard. I don't get many opportunities to go to Culver's so I make it a point if I can.

Wrigley Field - For me, going to baseball games is about the concessions. For this trip, the Cubs were in town and I was able to grab a cheapish ticket to attend. From a public transportation viewpoint, I did appreciate that you can get to the stadium off the Chicago Transit System train system. I had a hot dog and drink at the game. Compared to Rate Field, the food was pretty standard and a bit boring. It seems that most people around the stadium and enjoy themselves before going inside the stadium for the game. There are numerous restaurants around the stadium if you are able to spend time before the game to eat/drink.

Rate Field (formerly Guaranteed Rate Field) - Comparing to Wrigley, I found Rate Field much more entertaining and a completely different vibe. It is also a little bit more distance to get to from downtown. There isn't much around the stadium which may be a reason for the difference/variety inside the stadium. The team may not always be great but the food is better. On the bright side, my local team was in town playing against the White Sox so I was more invested in the game! I tried the Comiskey dog, pizza and the rainbow cone. The rainbow cone would be what I call the Chicago definition of spumoni ice cream and there are Rainbow Cone shops around the city that sells the ice cream. They don't scoop ice creams but cuts slabs of it and pile it on a cone. 

Sausage pizza @ Rate Field

Rainbow Cone @ Rate Field

Portillo's - I had a hankering for Portillo's and my friend came along to grab a dog. The line is as crazy as ever but it hit the spot!

Doc B's Restaurant + Bar - The river north location does brunch and I ordered the Cinna-Swirl-Pancake because it looked interesting. The pancake is large and it would benefit from a side of protein or something. I always hate when restaurants only offer the pancake as an entree so you have to either order another protein entree or order sides. At this restaurant, they don't have sides so you have to order another entree.

Kasama - I've been hearing alot about this filipino bakery restaurant and wanted to try. Because the location is a little out in the burbs and I was really full from all week eating, I opted to order some takeout pastries. Overall, I thought the pastries were good but not enough to repeat the trip. I have access to filipino based bakeries and restaurants at home and so the uniqueness for Chicago isn't all that unique to me. But if you're a local midwesterner or chicago, it is a nice place to try. Order online to skip the line!