A pastry a day...

... Will make you fat.

Bake | 2246 W North Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

I <3 bbq

We should barbeque everything we eat. Major yum to the brisket. And special mention to the coleslaw and mac & cheese.

Smoque BBQ | 3800 North Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60641

Onion ring tower

My first tower of onion rings. Ever.

Jefferson Tap | 325 N Jefferson St. Chicago, IL

tacos, wine, flowers

(one of many mall entrances / tacos and quesadillas / hello tulips!)

(enology / eno experience / hyacinth loving cabbie)

rick bayless for under $10
Frontera Fresco | Macy's, 4909 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, IL 60077
http://www.fronterafresco.com/
cost: approx. $15 for two for lunch
summary: rick bayless at fast food chain prices. steak tacos beat the mushroom quesadillas. taste-wise, one of the best mall foods i've had so far in the area.
highlights: cute chef, outdoor seating

wineology
Eno | Intercontinental Hotel, 505 N Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60611 | 312.321.8738
http://www.enowinerooms.com/locations/intercontinental_chicago.cfm
cost: $26 per person (including tax and tip)
summary: you can't go wrong with cheese, cured meats, wine, chocolate and olives. free-for-all seating with a choice of booths or at one of their elongated family style tables. the only downside was that the table was a bit sticky and the runner seemed overly eager to clear our plates.
highlights: truffle gouda, chocolate (aka almond roca on steroids)
*tip: for two, the "eno experience" seems to be the best bang for your buck, covering all of the above ($28 for 1 person, $12 each additional)

a breath of fresh air
??? Chicago, IL
cost: $13
summary: the only cab in chicago decked out with flowers. so many hyacinths that you'd think you were in a greenhouse. i asked the cabbie why? well, just because.
highlight: fresh floral fragrance instead of b.o.

view, ball, tour

(spartan signage / peanuts and crackerjacks / wendella guide)

(chicago skyline / water lock open / water lock close)

a boring view from the top
Sky Lounge | Avenue Hotel, 106 E. Huron St. Chicago, IL 60611 | 877.283.5110
www.avenuehotelchicago.com/dining/sky-lounge
cost: $0 cover, $30 wine and $20 appetizers (shared for two)
summary: interesting concept, but very poorly executed. spartan decor and inexperienced borderline oblivious wait staff. strange crowd, even stranger was the lack of customers. empanadas and antipasto plate were fine.
highlights: nil.

cubs v. cardinals
Wrigley Field | 1060 W. Addison St. Chicago, IL 60613 | 773.404.2827
www.cubs.com
cost: $
summary: loyal, lively and fun fan base.
highlights: chili dog nachos, rooftop seats
*tip: unless it's the dead of summer, dress warm or bring a blanket, it's quite chilly.

architecture boat tour
Wendella | 111 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60603 | 312.443.3600
www.wendellaboats.com
cost: $23 for adults (combined lake + river tour)
summary: 90 minute overview of architecture via chicago river and lake michigan. out to the lake, north to navy pier, south to millenium park, back to the river, down to sears tower and back to the wrigley building. less detailed than the architecture foundation tour, but comprehensive, leaving more room for fun tidbits and facts.
highlight: water lock (used to equalize water levels between the river and lake, no pumps involved)
*tip: bring a windbreaker

sushi, drinks, art

(assorted nigiri and rolls / grape-flavored vodka / shaded park at art institute)

all you can eat sushi
Shiroi Hana | 3242 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60657 | 773.337.1652
www.shiroihanachicago.com
cost: $19.95 sat./sun. before 6pm or $24.95
summary: all you can eat sushi, cooked appetizers and dessert. acceptable quality (5/10).
highlights: age tofu, server was attentive and personable
*tip: bring more people, that way you can sample everything and there's bound to be someone to polish off the leftovers, as you get charged for what you don't eat.

comfy couches, live dj
Crimson Lounge | 333 N Dearborn St. Chicago, IL 60610 | 312.923.2473
www.crimsonchicago.com
cost: $0 cover, $200-$250/bottle
summary: eclectically designed lounge. think victorian style furniture, plush velvet pillows and silk pincushion ottomans. dj mikey seamlessly mixes fresh hits and oldies. not a bad addition to rotation of downtown hotspots.
highlights: live dj, pretty waitresses, three olive grape vodka + tonic = grape soda YUM

artsy fartsy
Art Institute of Chicago | 111 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60603 | 312.443.3600
www.artic.edu/aic/
cost: $17 for IL residents or $20, free thurs. 5-8 pm
summary: self explanatory. there's something for everybody. great for killing time...
highlight: edvard munch exhibit
*tip: terrible cell phone reception. pick a time and meetup spot in case you get lost.