Chicago January 2015

Chicago

January 2015

Back to the windy city (not named for wind from the lake, but wind from politicians) for a visit to see our daughter's new condo. Right on the lake it is a large complex with good security. That was important to us as it would be to any parent with a kid far from home in a big city...or anywhere for that matter. 

A quick 3.5 hours from LAX, midway is a 20 minute train ride into the city. 
Always have a movie or something to pass time on the plane it decreases travel stress and fatigue, The return flight at 4.5 hours might as well be 8. We were separated into middle seats and well....makin' memories. 

We started the night at a new (to us) Courtyard and had drinks in the room with our daughter and her new boy pal. This would be our last night here since it wasn't really quiet or comfortable and no hot water in the a.m. Dinner was at the Capitol Grille since all other nearby options had 3-4 hour waits. Apparently when the bitter cold keep people inside they flock for dinner when it his 35 degrees. The steak was delicious and priced for a bankruptcy. Reservations next time at a more reasonable place when it isn't just the 2-of-us-tab.

Sunday to Mass at beautiful St. Ita's. Chicago is a melting pot and this church brought them all together for an hour. After Mass was brunch with dear Sister Christine and pal Katie. 2 hours of grub and gab and laughter. Always a blast. Brunch at Nookie's was terrific and packed. We would go back. Near the new condo in a great neighborhood this would be a go to place if we lived there. 

After brunch the girls went shopping, I moved our hotel to the Renaissance, and I headed to a bar to catch the Seattle Green Bay playoff game. A thriller in a no love for the Packers bar made for a festive time with an incredible beer selection. Sweetwater Tavern is on Michigan avenue and while likely more touristy than others nearby it was reasonably priced with very friendly staff. Shopping was equally festive with deals and more deals for everyone in the family-even Mom!

Sunday night we dropped in to the Purple Pig. One of our favorites in any city, the tapas style menu is interesting and so so delicious. I waited for a table with a cold one and the girls went shopping cell phone in hand. 
Spots opened at the bar 

Meatball slider from the Pig. More please.

within half an hour so I snagged them, moved in a chair, and called them for supper. We sat and watched the chefs prepare everything. Entertaining and enticing. Hard not to order what you just saw go out.  

Monday was a day of shopping and walking on State street. All the favs there like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Target and Nordstrom Rack, along with Macys to couch shop for the new pad. Great selection of stuff we don't see at home and picked up some amazing bargains.

View from our room. The corn cobs!

Monday night we tried a new restaurant, Oak and Char. Decent but no real wow factor. Overwhelming decor but nice service. 

Tuesday was frame shopping for grandmas old floral prints that have never seen the light of day. They will get more love in Chicago on the living room wall. Framed and hung in one day they've sat in a closet at home for a long time. 
We ran short on time quickly and had to cab back to the hotel to catch the Orange line out the back door back to Midway. As I mentioned, we had issues with the SWA app checking in so B24/B25 didnt get us seats together and it was the flight from h e l l. 

Not bad at all for mid January

We shared the iPad and at least killed some time as bologna in the sandwich. Once home we headed for a decompress at a LAX fav, Truxtons. It's decent food with good flavors and close to the airport. We've popped in before and after flights.

A post script about the Renaissnace hotel Chicago. Incredible staff and beautiful views of the river. Great location and comfortable. Its more pricey than Courtyard but the wow factor is worth it...sometimes. Winter rates in Chicago are low (for some below zero reason) and we took advantage of a bargain RT airfare and reasonable room rates.  $25 more a night was a good investment. 

Hotel website with the local weather. Brrrr. Broken.