Day 1 Itinerary
Places visited: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - Wendella Tours & Cruises - Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
SFO
Up early and at San Francisco International Airport. Things have changed since we were here last…they now have more long term parking and an air train that takes you to the terminal. Since it is a Monday at 5am we were on the train alone.
Wendella Boat Tour
After a quick bit to eat at the airport (Rick Baylless Tortas…yummy) we took a cab to our hotel. The hotel is old and in need of some upgrades but at $45/night (thanks Matt) it isn’t that bad.
We were able to get on the 3:15 river tour. It was a 90 minute tour of the river architecture. It was a nice tour and a nice introduction to Chicago. I learned that the Chicago fire might not have been caused by the cow in a stable. Who knew….🤷♀️.
My favorite building were Marina City AKA the corn cobs. I think they look like flower petals. I also liked the giant “you are here” map on the side of another building.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Deep dish pizza. We had to try it. We loved the crust but otherwise it was just pizza. We got a thin crust too…dad loved that one.
Day 2 Itinerary
Places visited: Willis Tower - Millennium Park - Gene & Georgetti - Nutella Cafe Chicago
Willis Tower
After stopping for donuts at DoRite Donuts for some delicious donuts (blueberry crumble, valrhona chocolate, coconut cream) we went to the top of the Willis tower (103 rd floor). We even stepped out on the glass deck to snap some pictures.
Millennium Park
Lots of walking today. After Willis tower we headed over to Soldier field, then Buckingham fountain and Millennium Park. Just our luck all the fountains were off as they were getting them ready for the winter. But we were able to see the bean.
We probably walked about 10 miles today. Had to stop at Magnolia bakery for a chocolate cupcake and banana pudding.
Gene & Georgetti
Recommend by a couple of people we decided to try this old school Italian steakhouse. For appetizers we had a shrimp cocktail and crab cakes. The crab cakes were probably some of the best we ever had. Dinner was filet mignon for Matt and I and sea bass for dad. Sides were brussel sprouts and potatoes. The meat was good the sides ok.
Nutella Cafe Chicago
Matt really wanted a chocolate banana and strawberry crepe for dessert so we walked back to Michigan avenue to the Nutella Cafe. Nutella is always good….well, Nutella, bananas and strawberries are good but the crepe was not. Even their hot Nutella chocolate was not good. Very disappointing. ☹️
Day 3 Itinerary
Places visited: Stan's Donuts & Coffee - Wrigley Field - Al’s Italian Beef, Wrigleyville - Navy Pier - Frontera Grill
Stan's Donuts & Coffee
Before going to Wrigley Field we stopped for donuts. From the picture can you guess which donut was mine? The donuts were good…a different texture than yesterday’s.
Wrigley Field
After a quick Uber ride we arrived at Wrigley Field. It was closed but we were able so walk around the outside and peek into gates.
Al’s Italian Beef, Wrigleyville
Another place that was recommended to us, Al’s Italian Beef. We were t even hungry but had to try one. Delicious!!!! We got ours dipped, messy but good.
Navy Pier
Another Uber ride and then we explored Navy Pier. Not much there to see. It was a nice walk. After we went shopping down the Magnificent Mile.
Frontera Grill
Rick Bayless is one of dad’s favorite chefs to watch. When we found out he had a few restaurants in town we had to go. For an appetizer we had ceviche which was delicious. Then I had short rib enchiladas which we also yummy. Dad had chicken mole enchiladas and Matt had taco which they both enjoyed.
Day 4 Itinerary
Places visited: Eataly Chicago - Portillo's Hot Dogs - Shedd Aquarium - Shaw's Crab House
Eataly Chicago
A late start…dad said it wasn’t that cold so he was in shorts and we had to go back to our room so he could change. We then made a quick stop for coffee. Now on to Under Armor before getting our Chicago dog.
Portillo's Hot Dogs
Finally I got to have a Chicago dog. It was delicious. We even tried a sausage dog…good but needed something other than hot chili peppers…and another Italian beef sandwich…really hot with the peppers. We all decided the Chicago dog was the best but the Italian beef was better at Al’s.
Shedd Aquarium
With nothing much to do and a little rain and wind in the weather we headed to the aquarium. In the aquarium we discovered this gigantic indoor dolphin pool. We lucked out and arrived at a showtime. It was awesome to see the dolphins frolic and play. We then headed to see the beluga whales. Again arriving at feeding time. It was nice to be so close and watch them eat and preform.
Shaw's Crab House
Last night in Chicago and seafood was our cuisine. We had stone crab 🦀 appetizers. Matt and I had never had stone crab before. I couldn’t really tell the difference in taste.
For our entrees I had shrimp, scallops and a crab cake….yum yum. Dad had king crab and lobster and Matt had a lobster sandwich. Everything was delicious. The boys had apple pie for dessert while I had chocolate cake. The restaurant even brought Matt pumpkin pie for his birthday.
Places visited: theWit Chicago - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Roselle
theWit Chicago - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Leaving today. Had another Stan’s donut for breakfast. Then walked up and down State Street to kill some time.
Roselle
Bye Chicago…