Chicago

BrrrrR...From Tuesday’s arrival until Sunday’s departure the windy city was just that, WINDY! The Chicago Hawk was in full swing as the temperatures fluctuated from a low of 35 degrees and a high of 53 degrees. Chicago is known as the ar-chitecture capital of the world including the John Hancock building, The Trump Tower, Navy Pier, The Wrigley Building and Sports legends Wrigley Field and Soldier Field. Despite the cold, there was warmth close by in the form of heating lamps and a hot cup of joe or tea at the nearest coffee shop or 7-eleven.

the signature lounge.96 floors above civilization is the Signature Lounge of the John Hancock Building. The lounge serves signature drinks including the Chicago Martini (made with Cruzan orange rum, raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice) and a food menu featuring Spinach and Ar-tichoke Dip, Salmon Club, and Mini Cheese-burgers. The Spinach and Artichoke dip was served with an assortment of crackers while the Mini Cheeseburgers were served with Kettle Potato chips. For dessert, Caramel Apple Bread Pudding. The Pudding (pictured on the left) was delicately served on a Bour-bon caramel sauce and topped with fresh whipped cream. The pudding wasn’t as deca-dent as the Southern traditional preparation in New Orleans but, who can complain with a view of the city like no other. If you visit Chicago and would like to see the view from 96 floors up, visit the Hancock Building, ride the elevator to the top, order a drink and enjoy the view.

UNO Pizzeria and Chicago Grill is a local and historical landmark in the city of Chicago. The home of deep dishness and the Chicago-Style pizza. UNO has more to offer than just the delectable pizza but, also chicken wings, salads, garlic bread and fried calamari. UNO offers four sizes for two a small is just enough as your pizza is packed to the crust with sauce, meat, cheese and veggies. For those who don’t want pizza you can also find sandwiches and pasta on their italian menu. Note: For those looking for Chicago style pizza you should also try Giordano’s and choose your favorite. If you order at UNO know that the pizza will take 30-45 minutes to bake so order before you arrive or plan to get an appetizer as soon as you are seated.

Emilio’s offers an extensive lunch and dinner menu. Despite the fact we were the only ones dining at lunch it was well worth the try. The lunch menu includes choices for every taste from the tilapia (pictured to the right) to chicken. Emilio’s serves lunch where you can find meals from $12-18 a plate. Known for their paella with awards to prove it, Emilio’s asks that you grant them 30 minutes to make the Paella to perfection. You can choose your paella; Paella Campesina with pork, chicken and seasonal vegetables. Paella de Mariscos: Langostines, shrimp, mus-sels, clams, scallops and fish. Paella la valencia includes chicken, pork, langos-tines, shrimp, mussels and clams. Just make sure you save room for dessert, try something new with the Flan or Catalana. But if you like pastry, choco-late and ice cream; you have to try the profiteroles del pirineo.

Burrito Beach, a tex-mex or south-western style fast food restaurant pleases the palate with an assort-ment for meat etaers and veg-etarians alike. With Burrito, Taco, Quesadilla and Nacho options with chicken, beef, shrimp and beans and cheese. From Baja to Buffalo to BBQ Chicken options are in abundance. For the health conscious you can grab a salad bowl featuring a meat, grilled vegetables or beans and rice. Each salad trades the tortilla for Romaine Lettuce and Salsa Ranch or Chipotle Honey Mustard dressing. Anything can be made into a meal with rice and beans or salsa/guaca-mole with chips. Thumbs up to the Beach for the options of Strawberry Lemonade, Horchata and Mango Agua Fresca but, thumbs down for the canned & warmed nacho cheese.

Want a good sandwich while in the windy city? A good place to find one is Carnelli’s Deli at Navy Pier. Between America’s Dog and Twisted Lizard on the left sits a deli with a knack for paninis and sandwiches. Whether you would like soup and a sandwich, fruit and a sandwich, or the traditional sandwich and chips, Carnellis is the place. Their chicken salad on multigrain (pictured to the left) was grilled on the panini press. Carnelli’s specials include the Patch (chicken, turkey bacon, cheese and mixed greens). When you visit and don’t want a sandwich, America’s Dog has hot dogs, Twisted Lizard features southwestern and Mexican cuisine. Greek Delight serves both the original lamb gyros and the chicken version of the sandwich on pita. While McDonald’s of the Future has a separate dessert station. Outside of the Food Court, Navy Pier also features Bubba Gump’s, City Porch, Harry Caray’s Tavern, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Bar and Grill and Billy Goat Tavern & Grill.

Another Taste of Chicago can be found in the form of a hot dog at Tim O’Toole’s Pub. Established in 1992, Timothy O’Toole’s Pub serves a Chiacgo favorite, the Chicago Dog. For $8 you can get two all beef hot dogs topped with Mustard, Onion, Relish, Dill Pick-le, Tomato, Sport Peppers and Celery Salt. Served with your choice of side. O’Toole’s Pub is known for favorites including; The Classic Reuben, Pub Fish and Chips, Guinness Beef Stew, Chicken Wings, Michigan Avenue Salad or Wrap and Irish Nachos. What are Irish Na-chos? French Fries topped with melted cheese, bacon, scallions and served with sour cream on the side. Tim’s Wings come in 8 flavors from mild to volcanic to chipotle BBQ to Garlic Ginger. Want to find a place with a home and sports atmosphere to enjoy a meal without breaking the bank O’Tooles Pub is the place to do it.

uno chicago grill.

carnellis deli @ Navy pier.

burrito beach.

tim o toole s pub.

emilio s Tapas sol y nieve.

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