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.