Chicago cont'd

The conclusion to our weekend in Chicago were tickets to see Wicked. A treat from Crystal's parents. A superb play that tells story of the wicked witch of the west from the Wizard of Oz, during her "early years" . Wicked was much more upbeat and entertaining than our last trek to Broadway where we were subjected to the non-stop singing in Rent. As they would say in Boston "That play Wicked, was wicked good!" We ended our night out at a cool tapas/wine bar in downtown Chicago, Quartino. Another definite place to check out if you are passing thru and a bit more wallet friendly than say Charlie Trotters. Overall Chicago ranks up there with cool cities we have visited.

Trotter's for dinner

On the evening of my birthday Crystal and I dined at Charlie Trotters. A restaurant that I have wanted to go to for years. Unlike many of today's "celebrity chefs" , Trotter has not branched out to Vegas, New York, Orlando or other areas of the country. The meal was exquisite. We were treated to 9+ courses each expertly paired with wine. After our 4 hour meal we were treated to a tour of his kitchen and wine cellar where our guide/chef Giuseppe snapped the photo of us. Trotter's is truly a must for any epicurean. Upon our departure we were given a gift bag that contained two signed Trotter cookbooks, and an array food items, chocolates, sauces etc. It could have been because it was my birthday or maybe because Crystal had been inadvertently "sauced" with ice cream mix in the kitchen by one of the cooks. If you are headed out to Chicago make sure you make your reservations early. The wait to get in is about two months! I am now in a bit of trouble. How can I top this or even come close for Crystal's birthday in August?? I guess wendy's Drive thru and renting a movie may now be out as an option.

Chicago Birthday Weekend

What a weekend!! Crystal and I enjoyed the Korn/Mudvayne show as the beginning of our birthday adventure, (thanks for the tickets pops!). The following morning we awoke early, and headed to the airport to catch our flight to Chicago. Upon arrival we hopped the train to the Chicago Downtown Marriott. After check in, we strolled around downtown checking out the sites of the city, and dined on some Chicago deep dish pizza, good... but not nearly on the level of the far superior NY style served up at Sal's and Villa in NY! The downtown area is beautiful with an array of sculptures and architecture. Chicago seemed to be a much cleaner city than Philly, although I am not sure that Crystal would be able to endure a winter there.