The Windy City

First off, it's not an exaggeration at all to say that Chicago is "The Windy City". I was a bit skeptical but once we arrived I quickly learned that this wind was legit and ever present. I won't bore you with every detail from our long/exhausting/fun trip, but instead focus on the highlights.

1. Our room at the James Hotel

our sitting nook

2. Sightseeing

Millennium Park

The Bean

ferris wheel at Navy Pier

Navy Pier

3. Dinner at Primehouse

my popover!!!!

Our dinner here on Sunday was absolutely fabulous. I had my long awaited popover, which surpassed my expectations and the BF was gracious enough to give me part of his too.  Since the entire wedding "weekend" (Fri-Mon) was vegetarian/vegan (see below) we were ready to eat some real food. We started off with a scallop appetizer with pear, root vegetable, duck confit, and hazelnut. I think the BF liked them more than me so I gave him more scallops in exchange for his popover. For entrees, I decided on the king salmon with asparagus, mushrooms, black truffle, and potato gnocchi while the BF chose the filet with black peppercorn crust and sauce. We also decided to split the classic "bake potato" that was actually potato gnocchi with cheddar, chives, and bbq bacon.... it was to die for!!! Seriously one of the most delicious things that I have ever tasted and such a creative spin on a classic side. Funny story, I have not eaten red meat in 7 years, but after a vegetarian weekend the thought of a steak sounded amazing and I actually had a bite of the BF's steak! Apparently this is what happens when I am deprived of food.

4. Experiencing my first Jewish wedding
I'm not going to go into too many details as the BF has tried to make a pact with me but here a few words that come to mind: lots of singing (in Hebrew), goats, speeches, juggling, more singing, and being "green" to the extreme.

the chuppah!

the goats aka the "kids"

Lowlights of the Weekend:

1. The windy/chilly weather
I just don't think that I am cut out for Chicago. Walking around Navy Pier with the wind was miserable after awhile and I'll admit, I was a poor sport about it. Plus,the wind made it difficult to look put together for all of the wedding events. I was not going for the "windblown" look.

2. The vegetarian/vegan food
Not much to say except that I'm an extremely picky eater and don't like a lot of vegetables. It was torture being surrounded by so many restaurants and knowing that we had to go eat veggies. No thanks.

3. Waiting at the train station for over an hour
I knew I jinxed myself when on our train ride out to Deerfield I commented about how cute and fun the train ride was. They had a guy come by checking for tickets, just like in the movies! That enthusiasm was short lived as our train back to the city was delayed... and delayed... and delayed. It finally arrived after what seemed like an eternity and we then made our 50 minute train ride back to the city. At this point, my excitement for the train ride was long gone.

4. No barely any time for shopping
It was torture to be surrounded by an abundance of fabulous stores (Bloomies, Burberry, H&M, etc.) and not be able to shop.  There was not enough time and really the last thing that the BF wanted to do. As he put it, "we have all of these shops in Atlanta, there is no need to shop here". I tried to argue that although we do have the same stores, their inventory is different. Plus the stores in Chicago were multiple stories! Luckily I hauled it over to Forever 21 Monday morning and picked up a few things. It gave me a sense of accomplishment and happiness. I was no longer going home empty handed!

two story Forever 21

All in all, our trip to Chicago was one full of new experiences, some better than others.  Would I go back? Yes, but under certain circumstances- only when the weather is warm, we don't have a jam packed itinerary, and we are able to eat any food that we want! Windy City, I'll be back to visit you... eventually.