Happy Saturday cutie pie!
Hopefully you’re all well rested cause THIS week we’re travelling to one of my favourite cities
Lets get at it ;)
Kick Butt Guide to Chicago for Turbo Babes:
***Deep dish and cardio {shopping} included***
Stay
Michigan Ave {Varies in $}
Otherwise known as the ‘Magnificent Mile’. This stretch lives up to its nickname. Definitely the area to be staying while you visit Chicago. The James boutique hotel is unreal. Both humble and relaxing, it is definitely worth checking out. Incase you are unable to find a hotel to meet your requirements, AirBnB is becoming more and more popular. I highly recommend checking it out as it has some hidden gems, especially when you’re in a pinch. Anyways, the Magnificent Mile is home to popular stores ranging from Nordstrom to H&M to Burberry. Just off the Mile is Garrett’s Popcorn. MUST TRY. Seriously this place is worth it, even if you just go for the free smells. The caramel popcorn will blow your mind. PLUS Beyoncé is a fan, I mean she made a special trip to this popcorn joint while she was in town for her On The Run Tour {yes, yes of course I was in attendance}.
Eat
Gino’s East $
Deep. Dish. Pizza. Uh huh. I had to try it. I mean COME. ON. Chicago is known for their deep dish pizza pies. I went right to the source when searching for a superb slice of deep dish {my Chicago cabby}.
Two words: Gino’s East.
As you all know, I stick to a Paleo diet. However, I’m also a human. My dairy intolerance is real, and yes I do try to cut out as many wheat/grain products as possible. THUS, Gino’s East was able to create a delicious deep dish pizza with LIGHT cheese {AKA legit hardly any}. It was unreal. The crust was golden, the sauce was fresh and chunky tomatoes you could actually see and the toppings were abundant. The cheese was a non-issue as I would scrape any off that I thought was too much. To cut the carbs, I shared their antipasto salad with Italian vinaigrette that I also HIGHLY recommend.
Fulton Market Kitchen $$$$
Tucked away in West Loop Industrial Area {about 5 minutes west of Grant Park} is a handful of amazing restaurants. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t getting a LITTLE nervous in the back of the Lyft ride while trying to find this place. BUT it was definitely worth it. The outside looks like a warehouse. Upon entering the large red wooden shed doors, the décor grabs your full attention. From black paisley spray painted wall canvas to chic linen loveseats and candelabra’s on each table, this place was a trip. We had brussell sprout snacks, little wedge salads and suckling pig. Each plate was full of unexpected flavors that complemented each other perfectly. Check it out people {ignore Urbanspoons rating}. OH and order the Smooth Criminal cocktail. ;)
RPM Italian $$$
A very cool scene. If you’re looking for a place to grab a couple cocktails and a few snacks you should head here. The atmosphere is trendy and modern. PLUS, Giuliana and Bill Rancic run this joint. If you’ve watched their show, you know the food, drinks, décor and service will be on pointe. Those two run a tight ship.
Morton’s Steakhouse $$$$
The. Best. Steak. Ever. I like my protein and veggies. Two of my favorite things. And this steakhouse was worth every penny. Morton’s is a chain of steakhouses but the Chicago location is the original. This place knows how to cook a mean cow. We also gorged on asparagus, shrimp and bacon wrapped scallops. The scallops were out of this world. Make a date night reservation for your other half, or better yet you and your BFF {girls night = requires a bottle of red, or better yet, some bubbly ;)}
Shop
Neiman Marcus Last Call
Okay ladies {and gentlemen}, as we know, Nordstrom Rack is a must as usual. But there is a new kid in town. And she goes by the name of
Neiman Marcus Last Call……
Stumbled upon this diamond in the rough just off Magnificent Mile. Everything was reduced PLUS an additional 30% off {except Vince * sigh *}. Badgley Mischka bags for $200, Equipment blouses around $100. It was everything. Also the store was flawless. Everything was in order, clean and sorted.
51 East Ohio ST. Chicago, IL 60611
Rush Street Area
Just off Magnificent Mile is an area that I absolutely fell in love with. When this happens, I instantly know the price point is most likely {forsure} a small fortune. It’s a curse I have and I’ve learned to accept it. Also what gave it away was the Bently, Maserati and Rolls Royce dealership right smack in the middle. Hermés across the street probably didn’t help either. REGARDLESS, go to the Argo Tea Café in the greenhouse {yes, greenhouse}, grab a soy chai tea latté and lose yourself in the offensively pricey treasures.
Explore
Grant Park
If you haven’t been to Grant Park it is definitely worth exploring. The Art Institute is a great time and it is right beside the Cloud Gate {Chicago’s Infamous Bean}. Millennium Park and Grant Park have gorgeous walkways and interesting statues that will captivate your full attention. Check it out.
Until next week my dear,
xxoo Drea Marie
