Chicago Anniversary Weekend

If you know me, you know how much I love Chicago as does my husband. This is a place we are considering moving one day. We love the vibrant feel of the city and everything from the hustle and bustle to public trans to the Strabucks on every corner.... okay maybe that last one is just me. I honestly have lost count on how many visits we have been to this amazing city. It's our favorite weekend getaway that takes a little over 4 hours to get to. Exploring is our favorite thing to do here. People often ask what we do or what we have planned when we visit and the simple truth is, we do A LOT of walking, people watching, and my favorite thing- EATING! We are not the type of people that enjoy visiting chains or tourist type places. We search to find the hole in the wall local spots that offer quality and fun foods that we get to enjoy when leaving our little home in Perrysburg. 

This time around we stayed at the Swissotel which was a lovely hotel with a penthouse fitness center. Upon arrival the concierge asked what brought us here and we told them it was our anniversary and they upgraded our room to a corner suite and it was huge and had such a great view (see below). 

The temps were perfect on this trip, upper 50's/60 sunny or partly cloudy and not too windy. We walk so much that even when it is a bit chillier we stay pretty warm. I carried a backpack around with a few bottles of water to ensure I was staying up on my hydration. We spent time in Millennium Park watching people go by, checking out the new blooms, and lounging in the sunshine. 

On this trip, as most we don't plan too much. However, my husband made a reservation for us at Siena Tavern an Italian spot that we have never been before. It turned out to be so amazing, we started with a Wagu beef meatball that we shared and then onto the delicious dinner (above). I enjoyed the roasted salmon with roasted spring vegetables and corn puree all drizzled in a tamarind glaze and Chris LOVED his bowl of cacio e pepe in which he enjoyed a glass of red wine. It was a perfect evening and such a wonderful way to celebrate "us". 

Our first breakfast is one that has taken place many a times on our trips here. We visited a restaurants that offers THE BEST cinnamon rolls in the world... I mean that because everywhere I go, I order them and no one has come close to theirs. Ann Sathers is one of my favorite spots and a place I try to visit every time we come here. An order comes with 2 gigantic cinnamon rolls and are a side selection for all meals here. I normally get an omelette with fruit and this side. I enjoyed them both and was in heaven, I can't wait to bring Baby M here someday! 

Our second and most notable restaurant we enjoyed breakfast at was a place we had visited once before, Egg Harbor and it was amazing. I honestly with we had one of these in the Burg, it honestly would blow First Watch out of the water... which coming from me is saying A LOT! They have such a wider selection of delicious foods and drinks and I feel they are a bit more creative. I ordered the Garden Scramble and loved the jack cheese it came with. I would highly suggest a visit here if you are in town. 

Chris heard this spot had the BEST wing across the country, so of course in his own words, "I'll be the judge of that!". We had to go check them out. Our first nights dinner was at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap. He got the wings and scored them a 7 out of 10, he still maintains the best wings are a place he visited in Washington, but was quite pleased with the flavor, size, and delicious salty fries. I ordered the turkey burger with onions, mushrooms, peppers, and Swiss with all the handout fries. This place was pretty good and had a great selection of beer. 

Onto our quick treats! I first visited Stan's back in 2016 and enjoyed an amazing blueberry fritter- which is my go-to when we visit. That's what I got this time, normally it's accompanied by some coffee- BUT since I don't have the taste for it during pregnancy, I ordered a hot chocolate which was very rich, sweet, creamy, and delicious. Stan's is our OG place to visit when we want a quick sweet treat. It's nice to enjoy something sweet without it having a double digit cost in the city. 

Next is our new FAVORITE donut spot, holy smokes not only are they the perfect donuts, they are HUGE, and the flavors are simply amazing. Do-Rite Donuts definitely did it right!! Starting with the top left: buttermilk old fashion, cinnamon old fashion (Chris' picks.... no- I do not share!!!), Michigan Apple fritter, cinnamon old fashioned, Pistachio-Meyer Lemon, Blueberry crumb. Honestly, I am torn when ranking these.... I think my favorite was the blueberry crumb tied with the pistachio-meyer lemon, then the fritter, and finally the cinnamon old fashion. I couldn't believe how moist and soft they were. Normally, I am not a donut gal but during this pregnancy I have been, I've also been craving salty foods, and want to drink milk with damn near every meal. I could probably eat cereal for every meal to boot. 

I love sharing my travel adventures with you all because sometimes it's nice to know about some delicious spots to eat before a visit. Chicago is a quick hop, skip, and jump away so it's perfect to getaway if you're looking for something to do. Feel free to ask any questions you may have, I'm always happy to help as a guide to this wonderful city.