Before we headed out to Iowa for Matt and Rebecca's wedding, we spent 3 days hanging out in Chicago. It was a great opportunity to spend some time with our friend A
ndrea (pictured with me on the right), who lives there. I've known Andrea for a REALLY LONG time – our moms have been friends since they were kids, so the families have grown up together so to speak.
ndrea (pictured with me on the right), who lives there. I've known Andrea for a REALLY LONG time – our moms have been friends since they were kids, so the families have grown up together so to speak.
Marc had 2 things he really wanted to do while we were in Chicago – take in a Cubs game at Wrigley Field if they were home and have some Chicago-style pizza. So we checked out Lou Malnati's, which was decent. I prefer New York-style pizza, but that could also be related to the fact that I grew up in New York. Doh! Andrea was kind enough to hook us up with seats (ok, she played hooky from work as well) for the Cubbies game against the Phillies. It was really humid, but Andrea scored by getting us tickets in the covered seats section. Woo woo. Unfortunately the Cubbies lost but there was a great crowd since they are actually in the mix for the NL Central title. Marc took a bunch of pictures, so I'll let him post those.
In addition to the pizza, we checked out the restaurant scene. Marc and I checked out Tru (awesome), Blackbird (very nice) and Everest (excellent). Personally I liked Tru the best, but I think Marc was a bit peeved that he had to wear a jacket to dinner. Regardless the food, wine and service were top notch. I also thought it would be nice to get a jog in along Lake Michigan. Unfortunately it was the hottest and most humid part of the day, but I got in 4 miles – Coach Lesley would be proud.
Both Andrea and another friend of mine, Josh, recommended that we do one of the Chicago architectural boat tours, so we did that on one of the days. The one we took was about 90 minutes, but was a great way to get oriented and understand where things are. We also walked around some of the different neighborhoods in Chicago, including Lincoln Park where we were on a mission to find some great local chocolate. The service captain recommended Vosges Haut-Chocolat, so we went north to check it out for ourselves. It was kind of like wine tasting, except with chocolate, so we tasted lots of different kinds of truffles – very yummy and very different. There was one spiced with coconut and curry powder that I really enjoyed.
One of the nights that we met up with Andrea, we headed to Kingston Mines to listen to some blues. So given it was a Wednesday night, it was not too packed. It was noted as soon as we sat down that there was a Galaga machine in the back, which happens to be Marc's favorite arcade game. What a coincidence that it is one of Andrea's as well. Can we say 'smackdown'? And most people do not know about Marc's competitive streak until they play against him in something. Well Andrea was not intimidated and spanked Marc 3 times in a row! Marc, of course, has challenged Andrea to come to Seattle and play Galaga on Xbox360, so we'll see how that goes. J
We had an excellent time, in no small part because of Andrea and her hospitality. Thanks!
BTW, our nephew Harrison turned one this past week. Here are some pics from the party.
In addition to the pizza, we checked out the restaurant scene. Marc and I checked out Tru (awesome), Blackbird (very nice) and Everest (excellent). Personally I liked Tru the best, but I think Marc was a bit peeved that he had to wear a jacket to dinner. Regardless the food, wine and service were top notch. I also thought it would be nice to get a jog in along Lake Michigan. Unfortunately it was the hottest and most humid part of the day, but I got in 4 miles – Coach Lesley would be proud.
Both Andrea and another friend of mine, Josh, recommended that we do one of the Chicago architectural boat tours, so we did that on one of the days. The one we took was about 90 minutes, but was a great way to get oriented and understand where things are. We also walked around some of the different neighborhoods in Chicago, including Lincoln Park where we were on a mission to find some great local chocolate. The service captain recommended Vosges Haut-Chocolat, so we went north to check it out for ourselves. It was kind of like wine tasting, except with chocolate, so we tasted lots of different kinds of truffles – very yummy and very different. There was one spiced with coconut and curry powder that I really enjoyed.
One of the nights that we met up with Andrea, we headed to Kingston Mines to listen to some blues. So given it was a Wednesday night, it was not too packed. It was noted as soon as we sat down that there was a Galaga machine in the back, which happens to be Marc's favorite arcade game. What a coincidence that it is one of Andrea's as well. Can we say 'smackdown'? And most people do not know about Marc's competitive streak until they play against him in something. Well Andrea was not intimidated and spanked Marc 3 times in a row! Marc, of course, has challenged Andrea to come to Seattle and play Galaga on Xbox360, so we'll see how that goes. J
We had an excellent time, in no small part because of Andrea and her hospitality. Thanks!
BTW, our nephew Harrison turned one this past week. Here are some pics from the party.