Chicago

A couple of weekends ago, Paul had a work trip to Chicago, and being the amazing boyfriend that he is, I was invited to join him. Paul loves Chicago and wanted me to experience the city and fall in love with it myself, which was easy to do. It was a quick trip, only two full whole days to explore this amazing city, I was up for the challenge. I knew going in to this weekend, that I was going off the Gluten Train, I wanted to experience the real Chicago and I wasn't going to let my food intolerance get in the way.

We flew in at sunset, the sky was beautiful.

We landed, went straight to the hotel, changed and were out for some Chicago Style Pizza.  Before we left California, we took a poll of the best Pizza in Chi-town and Due won out, Malnati's was a close second. In order to put our name on the wait list we had to place our pizza order (deep dish takes 45 minutes). We sat outside in the brisk cold people watching and getting a vibe of the city. Finally our names were called and it was on. All I can say is both of us waddled out of there with big smiles on our faces. Yummy! We walked around the city for a while afterwards letting our food digest, then headed back to the hotel.

First full day in Chicago, we woke up early, and headed out to breakfast. We ended up at E Leaven 

Paul had strawberry stuffed French Toast and I ordered Banana Nut Bread French Toast, how have I never made that before, it was sooooooooooo delicious. Paul had to work, so I was off to explore the city by myself. First stop: Grab tickets for a Wendella Boat Tour.  Paul recommended I did this to get a lay of the city and to see all the amazing architecture. It was so great, the weather was nice, didn't have to wear my gloves or scarf. 

I loved the reflections of buildings in other buildings. 

Afterwards I took the Red Line out to Wrigley Field.

Below Left: The view from our hotel room downtown. And of course Wrigley Field. 

After Wrigley Field I grabbed some lunch then window shopped along Michigan Ave. until it was time to meet up with Paul. It was dinner time, and we decided on Harry Caray's for steaks. We were crazy stuffed, the food was so delicious we couldn't even claim our free tiramisu care of checking in to foursquare. So we walked around the city for a couple of hours which has become our favorite thing to do when we travel. We always happen upon the best things when we wander.  

The next morning, which was also our last in Chicago, for this trip anyway. We grabbed breakfast at Eggsperience, a great breakfast joint with a huge menu. It was difficult to decide on just one item when so many looked delicious. After breakfast we had a couple of hours till we had to head to the airport so we headed Millennium to see Cloud Gate also know as the Bean. The weather was amazing, I ended up taking off my sweater and I was wishing I hadn't wore my Uggs. It was so warm, I felt like I was back in Cali.   

After taking tons of pictures, we walked back to the hotel via State Street which made for some great last minute pictures. It was so fun to see all the stores getting ready for the Holidays. All the window displays definitely put me in the Holiday Mood.

Although this trip was a short one I definitely fell in love with Chicago. I can say it is now one of my favorite city's. I can't wait to go back with Paul and for us to explore all the things we couldn't fit in this trip. Thanks for taking me with you Babe and sharing your favorite city with me. Love you!