Chicago, Chicago

I’m back in Chicago for some work related training. The last two times I was here, I had a similar experience traveling , only this time I did have to catch a bus and a terminal train, then run to catch my plane with only minutes to spare. Last time, I got to see the Magnificent Mile Tulips. This time the tulips are blooming but are almost all gone. Last time, I had a wicked good time, and I am happy to report I am enjoying myself during my 4th trip to this wonderful city. 

With a colleague, I’m having a great time, have eaten at some great new places, and had some good adventures in the 2.5 days I’ve been here. It’s been cloudy and rainy-ish most of the time since I got here on Monday. Ate at crab cakes at Hugo’s Frog Bar on N. Rush; black bean cakes, eggs, and potatoes for breakfast at M. Henry; and pot stickers, pad thai, and chicken pad ped at Dao Thai restaurant. I shopped at Lush and Trader Joe’s. I’m still here for 4.5 more days.  I can’t promise I’ll be timely with photos, but I do promise to tell you about the rest of my trip, even though it means I’ll have to find a free wifi spot, or pay for internet again. I think I’m developing a mild depression due to not having instant access to free internet here at the hotel (not even in the lobby…boo!)

Anyhow, I’ll leave Chicago several pounds heavier (and happier) and also with a bottle (maybe two) of some two buck chuck (p.s. yes it is probably sad how excited I am about getting my very own bottle of two buck chuck, but $2.99 wine can’t be beat…and you certainly can’t even get a glass of wine anywhere for that price.)

Any recs on restaurants I should try while I’m here?

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My friend Linsi rocks

My friend Linsi got me the best gift for my birthday…a 3 month subscription to a wine of the month club. I got my first shipment last week, and I was so excited.

While I thoroughly enjoy me some wine, I don’t particularly consider myself a connoisseur. My favorite wines usually cost me around $6 to $8. I’m a creature of habit, almost always picking a quality Australian wine (Black Opal or Black Swan are almost always on sale).

My first birthday shipment was one white and one red.

The white, a South African Sauvignon Blanc, was really interesting. The newsletter that came with my shipment described the wine as having a “mineraly green pepper nose” and after reading that I agreed. It was kind of pungent, but the flavor grew on me.

The red was as yummy as most of the reds I really like. It is a Spanish Rioja, made from Tempranillo. I’ll probably try to keep an eye out for this one at Spec’s when I go next time.

I’m so lucky to have such a thoughtful friend who picked out the perfect gift for me. I can’t wait until next month’s shipment comes.  

Thanks friend!!

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