Chicago, Chicago, that toddling town!

Way to go to those of you who guessed Chicago!

It is so great to be back! The flight was long enough to almost finish Julie & Julia --and take a short nap--and bumpy enough for me to get a little woozy. But once we touched down I was ready to get going. However, even with so many years gone by since living here it was easy to remember one of the reasons why we moved.

The planed arrived at 1pm but between baggage claim, waiting for and picking up the rental and driving to the hotel it was already 5 pm when we checked in. And I was so tired and sleepy and hungry (nothing to eat since the breakfast burrito at SeaTac) all of a sudden the only thing I was craving--other than a hot bath, finishing the last 20 pages of the book and sleep-- was the grilled chicken sandwich (with hot peppers), cheese fries and chocolate malt from Portillo's. Yes, I was bad, really bad, but it was soooo good!

I think I was already in bed by 8!

So, those of you dreading your I-405, I-5 or 99 commute, rejoice in the fact that you do not live over here. It is crazy traffic!

And a good thing I packed three different coats! Yesterday, temperatures were warmer than Seattle. 57 degrees! Lovely. However, today the car was covered with frost and ice and the high will be 36F. Ha!

So I'm warming up by the fire--Tony Bennett is singing "My Favorite Things"--with a latte and the Sun-Times (headline reads "Governor flunks junk food") at the local Caribou Coffee, ready to start the day.

From here I'm off to do a teeny tiny bit of shopping, get a manicure, meet a friend and ex-colleague for a bite and catch up on the good old times.

As much as I enjoy cold weather (the clothes!) and the promise of snow, I'm already missing Seattle, the green in particular. Feel free too comment or email me your Chicago favorites.

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

Comments

[Seamus]

Do not miss Lula Cafe, at Fullerton and Kedzie, off the blue line. Unbelivably great food, awesome bar. I highly recommend the sangria, caesar salad, terrine and anything from the special menu. Also great breakfast.

Excellent affordable Costa Rican food at Irazu on Milwaukee and Armitage. Plantains, tacos and ceviche all stand out.

Good southern food at Wishbone, with a few locations.

Nice falafel cafe at Sultan's Market on North and Damen.

Slightly more upscale italian at Settimana on Division St, get good pastries and coffee down the street at Letizias.

DO NOT MISS HOT DOUGS. It is a genuine Chicago experience, with a wide selection of the most delicious encased meats in the world. If they have the hot link with chili and cheese it's amazing. Also get the Raquel Welch (it might be the Madonna now, it's andouille) with Giadarna peppers and mustard and onions. California and Belmont.

[Bridgette]

All of my favorite places to eat in chicago aren't fancy restuarants but small paces to get good but cheap eats. Probably because I was a poor college student when I lived there!
Pita Inn in Skokie- great, cheap mediterranean food
Lou Malnati's on Webster- get The Lou's Pizza-the best!!!
Stay warm!

[marielle]

Shoes from the Bucktown Giraudon store. But then, since you've got Ped in Seattle, maybe it's not so special?

[Ellen]

If you have an opening for an elegant dinner on your itinerary, check out Crofton on Wells (535 North Wells)--it's our favorite spot in Chicago. If you have a *ton* of time and a taste for Thai, try the stately and amazing zillion-course tasting dinner at Arun's (4156 N Kedzie).

[pops]

You're missing all the Seattle teevee stations having a royal fit over a whole inch of snow in Shelton.

[Steph]

Hi Viv!

Yes! Please go to the CB2 store and give us a full report.

Have FUN and Shop til you drop..then shop some more.

[nazilam]

Gosh, I lived in Chicago as an infant, but can't remember a thing. I was there last year for two days and I loved it.

Other than the Science Museum, the Park Hyatt and the chocolate dessert buffet at the Peninsula, I can't remember much.

I have a meeting there in April, so I can't wait to explore!

I also love Caribou coffee!

Stay warm.

nm

[Brad]

Lunch at the Walnut Room at Marshall Field's (before it becomes just another Macy's)

Check out CB2 in Lincoln Park - Crate and Barrel's new concept store

Contemplating life by the Chagal Windows at the AIC

A huge Polish feast at the Red Apple

And last but not least the BEST mist sinful brekfasts / brunches ever at the Bongo Room in Wicker Park (1470 N. Milwaukee Ave)