So I just had the most amazing time with my girls. To say that I had fun would be an understatement. If you are looking to come to Chicago but don’t like to eat or walk this is not the city for you. There is so much to do and no time to do it all. I really can’t stress the food enough. I am glad I came now that I have gotten my weight under control. The amount of food and good food we had was on overload. I didn’t eat at an eatery I didn’t like. The reception from Chicago natives was so warm and welcoming that I felt like I was in the South.
Chicago Time
First of all let me send my most heartfelt condolences to the two victims of Chicago gang shooting that took place on Sunday. I nor my girlfriends were in the area however we definitely kept watch of our surroundings. Let’s be clear, watching our surroundings had nothing to do with us being in Chicago but it was more of a common sense issue. At no time regardless of where you live or visit should you let your guard down. I also pray a speedy recovery to those 10 victims who were shot as well. Chicago is not the mecca of violence as they have been described. Violence happens everywhere. However its important for the city of Chicago to come together because the violence definitely needs to stop.
Girls Trip-Chicago Style
I was the first of the girls to get into town. I was able to check in without any issues. If you are ever in the city please stay at the Kimpton Gray. Is it pricey? Yes, but if you want to have a relaxing stay with an upgraded flare they are the ones to provide it. I was greeted with a mimosa. Drinks are always a great way to start a girls trip. The room itself was spacious, clean and very eye-catching. Although I arrived at almost 11 am they allowed me to check in right away where I was able to catch a quick nap before the others arrived. The staff was amazing throughout our stay. The free happy hour daily was always a good plug too. They treated us well.
Broken English in Chicago
Our first stop once most of us got situated was to the Broken English restaurant. It was Cinco de Mayo on Friday so finding an authentic restaurant with good food and good margaritas was a must. They didn’t disappoint. It was a bit crowded but to be expected. The drinks were strong and tasty. We had a great time. We did a lot of walking and ended up in Millennium Park. However not before we discovered that we needed some chapstick due to the winds that Chicago is known for. The joke of the day is that we were able to share one of our girls chapstick aka the dickless chapstick as none of us had any near us or near our mouths before we came. Hey who else can you talk junk with if not with your girls?!
Millennium Park in Chicago
We loved it at the Millennium Park. The “bean” or the cloud as it is officially is called was my favorite. I love the city’s architect. The buildings were larger than life. You could see the flare in each building. I spent so much time looking up and admiring everything. We decided to end our night with a late dinner at RPM Italian which is an Italian restaurant that is a collaboration that includes celebrity Bill and Giuliana Rancic.
The restaurant is beautiful. I loved the food and the drinks. The portions were all you needed and it wasn’t over bearing at all. We didn’t say anything at first that we were there celebrating mine and my girl Toi’s birthday. The hospitality was great. Once they did know it was our birthdays they brought us the most amazing gelato mini cones. I did order orange sickle gelato. Let me say it may have been my new favorite dessert. I have never had it at any other restaurant and it definitely is a memorable dessert to have again if I can.
Bongo Room Vibes
The next day it was off to the Bongo Room for brunch. Their drinks were amazing. Yes I told you there was a lot of eating and drinking on this trip. They had a little wait so we went to walk around and ran into a gem of a clothing store called Personal Privilege (www.personalpriviledge.com) and if you are looking for trendy pieces but don’t want to spend a lot I would recommend them. Ladies, they have ALL sizes from the small to the beautiful plus ladies too. We were all pretty much walking out of the store with something. I got 2 little items that I can’t wait to wear and have a little fun.
Navy Pier in Chicago
Oh did I mention they made each of us feel like we were the only ones in the store and of course the mango margaritas while shopping was a great touch. Back to the Bongo room where the food was so good. We took the L and the bus and headed over to the Navy Pier. We took a ride on the ferris wheel and it overlooked the city. Did a little shopping as well as stopped at Margaritaville for some drinks before heading to happy hour at the hotel.
South Water Kitchen in Chicago
We enjoyed a wonderful meal at the South Water Kitchen. I am telling you we looked up all of these places and read reviews. Why go somewhere and know you may have bad food? This was a mini vacation. We weren’t about to cook a meal and we wanted good food and drinks and like I said Chicago’s DNA fit what we needed. We walked, took the L, bus, Uber and Lyft. The only form of transportation we didn’t take was the horse and carriage that we passed during our food tour.
Skydeck in Sears Tower
Another stop was the Skydeck located at the Sears Tower. So being up at literally the highest point in the city without a helicopter was such a treat. The Skydeck was fun. We had a great time and yes the ledge was everything you read and more. We had a little time adjusting even the ones who don’t have height issues. However we made it through and it made it some instant fun as we went to our Tastebuds walking food tour. I was full by the end. Our first stop was to Pizano’s for deep dish that Chicago is known for. This location was the original location. I am a fan of the deep dish cheese.
We had sausage too but the cheese had more of a kick to me. They do have thin crust as well. Apparently people don’t realize that Chicago makes a mean thin crust but they do. Next stop was to More cupcakes (morecupcakes.com) where they have some of the best cupcakes I have had in a long time. I am talking about flavors like bacon maple to everyone’s favorite red velvet. Oh and I included the website because these beauties can be shipped all over the world. They are worth it.
Drake Tower
The next place was the Drake hotel where the ambiance is amazing. The way that this hotel goes out of its way to excite your eyes with their floral designs is a game stopper. They also have a beautiful tea room. Oh let’s not mention their women’s bathroom was nominated for best bathroom and it’s not like any bathroom I have ever been in. It was off to have one of the best hot dogs I have ever eaten. My girl Cicely doesn’t even eat beef and was going to just try a bite but at first bite she said if I get sick it was worth it, it was one “damn good” hotdog. By the way it was at Downtown Dogs that you can find it.
Malort is a Local Drink
We ate the hotdog at Pippin’s Tavern. The bartender was amazing. I ordered a beer and then my girl Cicely bought me a shot. However when the bartender found out it was my birthday he gave me a shot of Malort. Malort is what sets you apart from being a true Chicago native. Apparently they give this to tourist to give them a “taste” of Chicago. I was the only one who had it and it was awful. Usually I can take a shot but this was on another level. I can’t begin to put into words how bad it tasted or smelled. All I know is that I got through it.
Billy Goat in Chicago
The next stop was the Billy Goat. This is a hamburger spot that was made famous by the owner, William Billy Goat Sianis. He befriended a goat and was denied entry into Wrigley Field with the goat and he cursed the Cubs therefore the Billy Goat curse. It was made further famous due to the SNL skit, “Cheezeborger, cheezeborger! You want a doublecheeze.” Just a FYI, the cheeseburger themselves are thin so ordering a double is super necessary. Next up, Fannie May which is chocolate heaven. I was surrounded by so many different options it was hard to catch up. Who doesn’t like chocolate though? We even had a little to try to take home so you know I was a happy camper.
Garrett’s Popcorn in Chicago
Did I mention that I also had some of the famous Garrett’s popcorn. I mean if I am being a little foodie here why not?! So all in all we hit the main attractions. We ate well. Of course we drank and was responsible so no hangovers and no visits to the hospital. We were on our grown women level of traveling and more importantly as friends we were able to reconnect, talk crap and help each other through some difficult conversations.
Birthday Celebrations
We brought up some old stuff to get clarification, reconfirmed some girl rules and celebrated me and Toi’s 15th anniversary of our 21st birthday. So as this doesn’t end #toibration but it does make it a great highlight. The party will not stop until May 10th. I asked some of my friends and family to send me some things about me and I will include them in my annual birthday year recap.
My favorite part was just being there. I left the husband and kids at home, didn’t have a wake up time, no alarm, no work, and I had the choice to share my food. Definitely love my family and life but getting away is something I plan on making more time for. I am an amazing mother and wife but I will be even more amazing with a little down time and play time.
My recommendation is to come to Chicago ready to eat, enjoy the scenery and the arts and expect to be wowed. I have said and will continue to say that connecting with your friends is a must and I for one have plans to do more of this year and in the years to come.
