Top Five Friday, Favorite Chicago Restaurants, RebeccaWanderlusting

Top Five Friday #17

On March 30, 2017 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Illinois, Top Five Friday3 Comments

Favorite Chicago Restaurants

As much as I love to cook, I love letting someone else cook for me even more. There are obviously a ton of fantastic restaurants in Chicago, and I haven’t even gotten close to trying them all. However, I do have my favorites. These restaurants are our go-tos, the ones we frequent when we can’t decide on anywhere else or we want to go somewhere we know the food will always be excellent. Because Mike and I have discovered a lot of these restaurants together, they have come to be our happy places. We have plenty of great memories at each one. So, without further ado, here are my favorite Chicago restaurants, in no particular order:

Honky Tonk: We will make the trek to Pilsen any night of the week to get a delicious barbecue dinner from Honky Tonk. Besides the food, one of the best parts of Honky Tonk is the bacon and brew (a decadent piece of candied bacon atop a pint of OldStyle beer) and the live music. Mike and I like to split the goat cheese salad and the barbecue platter with macaroni and cheese and coleslaw. The food is so damn good. Pro-Tip: head to Punch House down the street for a cocktail after dinner.
Takito Kitchen: Come for the tacos and stay for the margaritas! This fantastic taco joint is located in Wicker Park. We have tried a good amount of the tacos here and I can tell you that they are all delicious. My favorite are the pork belly tacos. The salsas and avocado pine nut puree make for a great start to a fantastic meal, and the atmosphere is fun and comfortable. As for the drinks, try the cucumber margarita and you won’t regret it!
Furious Spoon: Where else can you get amazing ramen with a side of old school hip hop? Like the Shoyu Ramen with a Kirin on the side. This place is responsible for my newborn obsession with ramen, and the reason I started trying to make it at home. There are two Furious Spoon locations, one in Wicker Park and one in Logan Square, and both are fantastic. I prefer the one in Wicker Park because it is directly across the street from my favorite book store: Myopic Books.
Geja’s Café: Geja’s is probably the most romantic restaurant I’ve ever been to. If it isn’t the suave waiters or the Spanish guitar player, it’ll be the large pot of melted cheese that does you in. Mike and I like to split the beef tenderloin and scallops, but all the meals come with cheese fondue, salad, veggies and chocolate fondue and coffee to top it all off. Located in Lincoln Park, this idyllic date spot will provide you with so much food, you might need a nap afterwards.
Yuzu: If you are looking for the most beautiful and delicious sushi rolls, Yuzu is the place to go. Not only does this West Town gem serve the best sushi and robata, it’s also BYOB. The art on the walls and the atmosphere are super fun. Try the My Favorite Midwest Roll and you won’t be sorry. Pro-Tip: make a reservation as this place gets super busy, but for very good reason!

Have you been to Chicago? What is your favorite Chicago restaurant?

Four Seasons Spa Chicago

On March 13, 2017 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Illinois, US Travel2 Comments

Last year, my dear friend Amber and I started a tradition of enjoying a spa day in the bleak winter months. This year, it took a little extra planning but we finally made it happen. We found a great Groupon for a massage and exfoliation at the Four Seasons Spa in Chicago that we couldn’t pass up, so that’s where we ended up this past Thursday evening.

We met after work and ran into some bad rush hour traffic, which means we didn’t have a ton of time to relax prior to our massages. However, as soon as we walked off the elevator into the spa, we were instantly calm. We rushed into our cozy robes and slippers and quickly utilized the steam room and showers. The locker rooms, as you’d expect from a five-star hotel, had every amenity we could possibly need.

After only a few minutes in their small but peaceful relaxation lounge, my massage therapist, Leslee, picked me up for the massage. After a quick consultation, I chose the lavender oil (please, help me relax!!) and the massage began. My wonderful massage therapist sought out every knot in my back and worked them out. I felt like a new woman afterwards.

I met Amber back in the relaxation lounge, where we sipped the fruit infused water and melted into the couches. Once we could finally move again, we made our way to the locker rooms to change and then on to the pool area. Let me just say, the pool at the Four Seasons is absolutely gorgeous.

There’s a large hot tub nestled into one end of the pool, lounge chairs all around the perimeter, and a view of Michigan Avenue through the windows. The pool area was mostly empty, save for a family of three and us. It was a beautiful setting to sit and catch up. We wanted to order dinner by the pool and were provided with the “Spa Menu”, which included much healthier options than the cheeseburgers we were craving.

Even though we were forced to eat healthier than we wanted, we were still happy to be able to eat poolside. The food was just alright, the setting made the dinner much more enjoyable. We ended the evening after polishing off our meals, and wandering serenely back through the hotel lobby. It was a perfect spa night, and a great antidote to a long week of work.

How do you treat yourself? Have you ever been to the Four Seasons Spa?

Cindy's Rooftop Bar, Chicago Athletic Association, RebeccaWanderlusting

Girls’ Weekend at The Chicago Athletic Association

On February 27, 2017 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Chicago, Illinois, Uncategorized, US Travel5 Comments

This past weekend, a group of friends and I enjoyed a marvelous staycation at the historic Chicago Athletic Association. We, Jennifer, Jessica, Adrienne and I, were there to celebrate our beautiful friend, Sarah’s birthday with her. I have to say, it was by far one of the best hotel experiences I’ve had in a long time. I checked in first, as the room was under my name, and as soon I walked in I was lost.

The building is full of nooks and crannies and staircases leading to somewhere you’re not quite sure you’re supposed to be. I had to ask where the check in desk was, because it was not immediately apparent to me, at the information desk on the first floor, which also housed a Shake Shack, a gift shop through a labyrinth of hallways and a long, long line up to the famed Cindy’s Rooftop (more on that later).

Upon check-in, I received five tokens (one for each of us) for champagne in one of the six restaurants/bars at the Chicago Athletic Association, the Cherry Circle Room. After I got lost once again trying to find the elevators up to the guest rooms, I dropped off my bags in our double-bedded room and went back downstairs to get take some photos of the beautiful property.

Lo and behold, I was lost again and ran smack dab into one of my roommates for the evening, Adrienne. Gleefully, we made our way back up to the room together to set up for an evening of champagne and relaxation in our Wes Anderson meets your hip rich uncle’s spare bedroom room. We had snacks and booze and spa supplies and cards, all of which make for a perfect evening.

However, we did not get to much of what we planned in the room, as the Athletic Association had other plans for us. Once everyone had arrived, we left the room to get our free champagne and plan our evening in the Cherry Circle Room, which is adjacent to the Game Room, a bar with bocce ball and foosball and shuffleboard, on the second floor.

The Cherry Circle Room was fully committed for the evening which was fair, seeing how it was a beautiful, wood-paneled dream of a restaurant. They accommodated us in the small lounge just outside it’s doors, where they served us champagne in pretty flutes. We sipped and schemed; all of us agreed that we needed to see their ballroom before we did anything else.

After finishing the gratis bubbly, we took the elevator to the eighth floor and barged in on the set up of the evening’s event. As the staff graciously guided us back towards the elevator, we snuck peaks of the beautiful White City Ballroom. The gentleman who was ushering us good-naturedly back to approved areas overheard us talking about going up to Cindy’s and stopped what he was doing to personally escort us up via the back elevator, effectively saving us a good thirty minutes waiting in line on the ground floor.

That was the start of our good luck. Once in the bar, we ran into one of my old friends from work and the rest is a haze of champagne and charcuterie. We took the requisite photos on the terrace and marveled over the view from the top. We sipped champagne and cocktails and got a light dinner to share. It was amazing, and it was said more than once how unbelievable the service and libations were.

After having more than our fair share of expertly mixed cocktails, we made our way back to the room to continue the evening. After face masks (by Crude), nail polish, more champagne, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, and drunk snacks, we all fell asleep in our cozy hotel robes.

The next morning, we awoke early to headaches and the need to see the sunrise from the ballroom we only got a small glimpse of the night before. The trip was a secret mission through the employee entrance but it was successful. The pink sky from the east facing windows was too pretty for words; it shined over the glass front buildings and the bean, with the turquoise lake in the background.

The ballroom was just stunning; a perfect mix of modern touches and classic architecture. We also peeped into the Madison Ballroom, which featured city views and grand chandeliers. When we got back to the room, we fell back asleep for a morning nap, then took turns enjoying the luxurious shower.

After pampering just a little bit more, we worked our way down to the Milk Room for a satisfying breakfast of toast, bacon, and the best hash brown cakes I’ve ever had. They were crispy on the outside and creamy with sliced green onions on the inside. The Milk Room was located in the hotel lobby, and was a warm collection of wood, mismatched chairs and colorful pillows.

The food, along with the restaurant’s amazing coffee, brought us back to life enough to pack up he room and check out. I think we all needed this weekend, it was perfectly restorative and fun and we enjoyed every minute of it.

Have you stayed at the Chicago Athletic Association? Which restaurant was your favorite?

Neighborhood Spotlight: Chinatown

On January 17, 2017 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Chicago, Illinois, Uncategorized, US Travel1 Comment

This past weekend, Mike and I hitched a ride over to Chinatown to get a little color in this dreary Chicago January. We took an Uber there, but it is also easily accessible by the Red Line Cermak-Chinatown stop. Both of us hadn’t visited this area since college, so it’s been quite a few years.

Though the sky was cloudy, it wasn’t too cold out and there were plenty of other people milling about, so we were in good company. We walked down towards the main drag and under the telltale red and green gate. The street beyond it is lined with shops and restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores.

Some of the shops had already started decorating for Chinese New Year which is in a couple of weeks; the red lanterns were in bright contrast to the grey sky. We popped into a few stores, especially liking the candy stores. When I was in Shanghai a few years ago, I fell in love with a taffy like candy called White Rabbit, which they had in abundance in each of the stores. Also in abundance was all kinds of seafood and vegetables in each of the grocery stores we passed.

We also visited Chiu Quon, a bakery and dim sum joint, for a couple of fried red bean paste cakes. The bakery had lots of other sweet treats, including moon cakes and fortune cookies by the bag, and of course a wide selection of dim sum and dumplings.

We also visited the Buddhism Friendship Association, which has beautiful statues inside and a gift shop with jade jewelry and prayer beads and Buddha statues. When we were passing through, they were starting to put out food on a long table in the middle of the temple, so, not wanting to disturb them, we moved on.

We decided to go to the Phoenix Restaurant for dim sum, and wound up having to wait thirty minutes for a table. The waiting area was crowded with people, and more kept coming through to put their name in for a table, which we took as a good sign. The food was worth well worth the wait though, and we ordered plenty. As soon as we sat down, we were served a delicious green tea and presented with a large menu complete with pictures.

We ordered the xiao long bao, barbeque pork buns and turnovers, fried rice, shrimp and chive dumplings, spring rolls and red bean dumplings. They brought the food out a few dishes at a time, serving them with a chili sauce and another reduced soy sauce. The women pushing the carts full of food presented the dishes with a flourish and crossed each item off our receipt as they came. I loved the xiao long baos and the steamed barbecue pork buns.

After eating far too much, we walked around to work off the dumplings. Across the street from the restaurant is a beautiful square flanked by foo dogs and filled with Chinese zodiac statues. Many people were lined up to take photos with the rooster statue, as this coming Chinese New Year celebrates the year of the rooster.

The sidewalk just past the square was lined with yet more restaurants and stores (especially candy stores!), and we wandered through admiring the sights and smells. A lot of the storefronts on the top level were closed down, but the ground floor was still bustling. Once we got our fill, we walked back to the red line, first stopping to take pictures of the amazing street art just outside of it. All in all, it was a wonderful afternoon, and I’m so happy that we got the chance to explore a different neighborhood in our city.

Have you been to your nearest Chinatown? How about Chinatown Chicago?

Mystic Blue Cruises, Chicago, RebeccaWanderlusting

Boats & Blogs

On August 19, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Illinois, US Travel1 Comment

This past Tuesday, I was lucky enough to take part in a Lake Michigan Cruise with Mystic Blue Cruises. This event, which was put on by The Windy City Blogger Collective, was attended by some amazing Chicago Bloggers. I was so happy to take part in it for a multitude of reasons, but the top two reasons were: 1.) I was able to chit chat and network with some bloggers I admire, and 2.) this was one of the items on my 26 in 26 list (and I gleefully check marked it as soon as I got home).

I rushed to Navy Pier after work, afraid I was going to quite literally miss the boat, but I just made it. The boat departed at 6:30pm, pulling away from the pier and headed out into the lake. It was an absolutely gorgeous evening, a gracious departure from the gloomy clouds that hung over the city in the morning.

The wonderful Mystic Blue staff provided us with delicious snacks and libations, which were enjoyed on the upper deck of the massive boat. The cruise moved south first, towards the Museum Campus. We cruised along, unhurriedly, parallel to the skyline.

As we moved, the sun set behind the buildings, and the sky changed colors in a slow, beautiful transition. Once we reached the area around the Museum Campus, the Mystic Blue boat turned around and headed back the way we came.

The views were stunning, and, being the bloggers that we are, every single person on the boat had their cameras and phones trained towards the skyline or out towards the lake.

Once we passed Navy Pier on our way towards North Avenue Beach, the sun had almost fully set. The group was enjoying the snacks and drinks, playing giant jenga and mingling.

As we made our final turnaround to return to Navy Pier, it was full dark and the city lights were on and welcoming. We returned to the pier and went on our own ways. It was a wonderful event and such a beautiful evening. Thank you to Mystic Blue Cruises and Windy City Blog Collective for hosting!

If you’re interested in booking this cruise, head to Mystic Blue Cruises’ Website.

Have you ever been on a Lake Michigan cruise? Which one did you choose?

Chicago Bucket List

On August 13, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Illinois, US Travel6 Comments

I have lived in Chicago for eight years now and have experienced a good chunk of the city. However, one of the best things about this city is that there is always something new to find. Whether it’s a neighborhood I’ve never visited, an undiscovered gem of a restaurant, a park, a shop, or a bar, there are always new things to enjoy. There are also a good number of popular attractions in Chicago that I’ve known about for years but have yet to try. For example, I’ve never been to the top of the Sears Tower (yes, I’m one of those people who refuse to call it Willis Tower), I’ve never been ice skating in Millennium Park, I’ve never been to the Green Mill, and I’ve never done the Architectural Boat Tour, which is something I have always wanted to do, but just haven’t made the time for.

It is crazy to think that a travel blogger living in such an amazing and entertaining city has not experienced some of its biggest attractions; especially when said blogger is such a big supporter of exploring one’s own city. It’s that very thought that drove me to create a list of Chicago Attractions that it is high time for me to check out. So, without further ado, here is my Chicago Bucket List:

Adler After Dark – I have always wanted to go to this! It’s every third Thursday evening at the Adler Planetarium and includes full access to the planetarium, alcoholic beverages and live entertainment. One of these nights Mike and I will make a date night out of it.
Sears Tower Sky Deck – This is a Chicago tourism staple and I have no idea why I haven’t done it yet. The view from the top looks amazing and certainly worth conquering my fear of heights for.
Kayak the Chicago River – I love kayaking and the Chicago River is lined with some of the most beautiful architecture in the world. It’s a perfect pairing. Urban Kayak offers tours and rentals if group activities aren’t your thing.
Wrigley Roof Top Experience – Go Cubs! I’ve been to plenty of games at Wrigley Field but have never experienced it from one of the rooftops in Wrigleyville. The packages usually include all you can eat and drink, which sounds pretty good to me!
Logan Square Farmer’s Market – This lovely Farmer’s Market runs from every Sunday from May until October (the indoor market runs in the winter months) and includes many local vendors and Midwest Farmers.
Chicago Food Tour – Chicago is such an amazing city for foodies and the range of food tours available reflects the range of this city’s culinary skills. I’d love to dine my way through a new neighborhood.
Green Mill Jazz Club – Located in the Uptown Neighborhood, this historic jazz bar has been on my list for years. I would love to get dressed up and go there for a night of cocktails and live music.
Visit the 606 – While it’s a relatively new addition to Chicago tourism, the 606 park is has quickly become one of the more popular parks in the city. It would be a wonderful way to spend a weekend afternoon outdoors in the city.

Have you visited any of these attractions? What is on your Chicago Bucket List?

Top Five Ways to Explore Your City, Rebecca Wanderlusting

Top Five Friday #14

On July 1, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Top Five Friday1 Comment

Top Five Ways to Explore Your City

With all of the great destinations in the world, it may be easy to forget the one right outside your door. While it may or may not be a tourist hot spot or a large city, your hometown is sure to have its merits. I grew up in the teeny, tiny Midwest town of Johnsburg, IL (any Tom Waites fans out there??). Despite the lack of things to do there , I remember writing an article for our high school newspaper on how to have a staycation spring break, which is pretty similar to this here blog. It was fun to research and, even then, I was compelled by the idea that anywhere can be a vacation spot with some research, positivity, and maybe a little imagination. When researching how to make Johnsburg a fun staycation destination, I believe we walked to the Mobile Gas Station for candy, stopped into Video Villa for a movie, and walked over to the public library to check out the selection. I remember it as being a pretty solid day. Anyways, the point of the matter is this: not everyone has the resources to travel each instance they get their hands on some vacation time, but it’s important not to overlook the beautiful place you live if you’re in need of an escape. Here are my five best tips to explore your city:

Plan a stay at a local hotel – See your hometown as a visitor would by planning a little staycation at a hotel that interests you. Look on Tripadvisor to find one that matches your needs and budget. Go all out and pair it with a night on the town, or stay in and enjoy the hotel amenities. Either way, you’ll get to see a different side of your city that you wouldn’t get to witness inside your apartment.
Check Pinterest – The world wide web is obviously full of information, and Pinterest gives you a concentrated selection of the points of interest that are in your city. The attractions others found there might be things that never would have occurred to you. Furthermore, it may direct you to websites dedicated to events and festivities near you that you may have been completely unaware of.
Take a tour – “Take a tour of my own city?? That’s crazy” you might be saying to yourself right about now. But, think about it, when you first moved to your particular corner of the globe, did you bother looking into tours of places that interested you? No? I certainly didn’t. And in this day in age, there are so many independent tour companies out there, that you’re sure to find one in your city that is centered around your interests. For example, the walking cupcake tour of Chicago is something I’d definitely like to try.
Pick a Neighborhood and go for a stroll – Within your hometown, choose a neighborhood or area that you have yet to explore and take a walk. Sometimes the best coffee shops/restaurants/stores are ones that you’ve stumbled upon randomly. Better yet, stop into each restaurant that catches your interest and have an appetizer, drink or dessert there to create your own personal food tour.
Attend an Event or Festival – This may seem like a given, but not everyone takes advantage of these opportunities. There can be a ton of possibilities that suit all interests in terms of fests and events, especially during this time of year. For example, during the summertime in Chicago, there is an art fair, music festival or street fest happening almost every single weekend. Choose one and discover a new neighborhood, new restaurant or new side of your hometown.

What is your favorite way to explore your own city? How often do you try new things in your hometown?

Spa Day Chicago

On January 27, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Chicago, Illinois, US Travel5 Comments

I don’t often get to treat myself, but I fully understand the importance to do so (and you should too!). Today I treated myself to a Spa Day. My very good friend, Amber (you may know her as the mom of adorable Manny the Frenchie), and I made appointments to get pampered at the Mario Tricoci Spa on Michigan Avenue a few weeks ago and today was the day. I had been so looking forward to this! Amber picked me up bright and early this morning and we drove over to the Gold Coast, specifically, the 900 North Michigan Building. We checked in at the Front Desk twenty minutes early for our appointments
and were shown into the cozy locker room. We changed into the provided robes and slippers and waited in the lounge for our massage therapists. I was greeted by Judith, and she was absolutely amazing. The massage was wonderful and so relaxing; she really fixed all of my aches and pains (computer neck is an actual thing that happens, apparently). Afterwards, I met Amber in the “Quiet Room” where there was comfy couches and mood lighting.

I tried to soak it in but soon it was time for me to rinse off, change, and head to the nail suite for my pedicure. The Spa is fairly large, so I had to stop at the desk to ask where exactly I was supposed to be. A very friendly guest service agent showed me up to the nail suite where I was greeted by my pedicurist, Gwen. She very sweetly brought me a cup of green tea and got to work on my feet. I have to say, I don’t typically have very pretty feet but after this pedicure, they looked pretty dang good. I chose a handsome purple polish by the name of Bahama Mama.

Afterwards, I had some time to relax and read (“American Gods” by Neil Gaiman”) while I waited for Amber to finish her second appointment. I waited in the lounge where there were apples, hot tea and lemon water. In hindsight, I should have booked more time between my massage and pedicure so I could have enjoyed the quiet room a little more. I should have known better though, because I used to work in a spa, so I know a thing or two about spa etiquette. Here are a few tips to ensure your own spa day goes off without a hitch:

Always, always book your appointments in this order: massage, facial, nails. Do you want to put your facial fresh face in a face cradle? No you do not. Do you want to worry about wet nails while you’re enjoying a facial? Nope!
Arrive early for your appointments and enjoy the amenities in the spa, especially the steam room.
Typically, if you’re doing a shorter massage (50-60 minutes) the massage therapist will be pressed for time to do a whole body massage. Let them know what areas, if any, are hurting so they can make sure they work on them
Try to tip your massage therapists, estheticians, and nail technicians with cash if you can

Once Amber was finished, we settled up at the front desk and went to Frankie’s Scaloppine on the fifth floor. There, we had some dynamic pizza and good conversation, both agreeing that we need to do this more often. It was a perfect day.

Where do you go for your perfect Spa Day? What do you like to do to pamper yourself?

Staycation at The Freehand Hotel

On August 24, 2015February 3, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Illinois, US Travel5 Comments

Staycation at The Freehand Hotel

I’d first come to The Freehand because my wonderfully talented friend was featured in a pop-up gallery there a month back. I loved its cute haphazard style so much that I knew I needed to stay there. The building held a certain mystique for me as it used to house the
ultra-creepy Tokyo Hotel before being renovated into The Freehand. I’d never been inside when it was the Tokyo Hotel, but always passed it and wondered what went on behind its dingy exterior. A month later, there I was checking in at the upscale hostel/hotel. I had walked over after work on Friday; it was just a short jaunt over to the River North Neighborhood. The check-in process was casual and easy, and after a brief orientation of the property, I was on my way up to the tenth floor in a painfully slow elevator. I chose to stay in one of their private rooms, which they offer along with shared and private bunk-bedded rooms.

The room was straightforward and charming, with a queen-sized bed, small armoire containing hotel robes and a small safe and a desk facing the city-view window. The desk had two small shelves of books ranging from “The Help” to “The Mammoth of Best New Erotica”, as well as a house phone, hotel guide, and a mini bar in an interior cabinet. The blue-tiled bathroom featured a stand-up shower, hairdryer, fluffy
white towels, and beautifully packaged toiletries. After getting settled and changing out of my stuffy work clothes, I met up with my boyfriend to go out on the town, staycation style. I was dying to try The Purple Pig, which I had never been to, despite living in Chicago for seven years. We walked over there only to find out they had an hour wait for a table. We put our name down anyways and went off in search of appetizers. After pinging back and forth across Michigan Avenue, looking at menus and turning them down, hunger forced us to stop into Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen. Right off the bat, I wasn’t crazy about this decision. It seemed like an upscale TGI Fridays, only without the moderate prices. We sat down and ordered a couple of beers and decided whether or not we should bail. Again, hunger won and we had our beers and a kale and artichoke dip which was good in the way that artichoke dip always is. After we paid, we walked back up to Michigan Avenue just in time to finally be summoned to The Purple Pig because our table was ready. We were sat at a table inside and immediately made work of reading and translating their extensive menu of share plates.
The Chorizo Stuffed Olives, Whipped Feta Dip, and Pork Belly Rillon looked best to us. They brought each dish out separately, which made for optimal enjoyment. We started with the feta, which was served with thick slices of delicious bread. The feta had cucumbers and peppers brunoise on top and was so tasty. For me, there is literally nothing better than cheese and bread so of course I loved this dish. Next came the olives, which were a little too salty for me, but my boyfriend very much enjoyed them. Finally, the Pork Belly Rillons, which were the perfect mixture of crispy and melt in your mouth. I only wish the serving was bigger.
After we finished the decadent dinner, we walked the few blocks across the river and walked down the steps to the River Walk. The brightly lit river-adjacent sidewalk was vibrant and teeming with the after-dinner crowd. We walked down a-ways and doubled back to pop into The Hideout for a beer.

The music venue/bar had an industrial feel; the area it occupied was fenced off by the green tarp covered fence that’s usually reserved for road work. The furniture was mismatched inside and there were picnic tables and highboys outside. The bar offered beer, wine, shots and snacks from Bridgeport Pasty. We sat outside to enjoy our beers before walking back to The Freehand to have a nightcap in their bar, The Broken Shaker. I immediately wanted whatever drink was encased in the enchanting golden pineapple that I saw other patrons holding. It turned out to be Chicago Politics, a delectable and spicy cocktail that kicks you right in the throat.
There was an extravagant process to making it that ended with lighting the garnish on fire with a blowtorch. It was a hefty portion of booze worthy of two cocktails and priced accordingly. The bar was crowded, but not uncomfortably so. The bartenders were very attentive and continued to craft creative cocktails without the pretension of other “mixologists”. We spent a good amount of time enjoying the cozy atmosphere of The Broken Shaker before retiring to our room for the night.

The next morning we rushed down to catch the complimentary breakfast located in the sitting room next to The Broken Shaker. It was a free-for-all. There was quite the crowd milling around the tables containing coffee, tea, juice and baked goods. We fought to get our free muffins and hightailed it over to Café Integral, the in-house coffee bar/café. I had a latte and my boyfriend ordered an Americano, both were superb. The apple muffins were also very good, and we were happy to find out they were brought in from Lovely
Bake Shop, which is in our neighborhood. We also ordered from Café Integral’s “on toast” menu, and chose the Avocado Smash.

I would gladly eat that every day if I could, it was that delicious. It was served with thinly sliced radishes, pickled shallots and sprouts on top and a slice of lemon on the side.
Part of the beauty of a staycation is that every new thing that you discover and enjoy is easily accessible for revisiting. And I plan to go back to Café Integral often, specifically for the Avocado Smash.
Before we checked out, I wanted to explore the basement of the hotel, which is where the guest laundry and kitchen was located. The kitchen was brightly lit and happily buzzing with a few other guests preparing their meals. In addition to these in house amenities, The Freehand offers an activity calendar for their guests including workouts, walking tours, and other special events much like the pop-up gallery my friend was featured in.
We left the hotel at noon, after walking around and popping into a few shops in the area. We walked the two miles back to our apartment, across the river and over the line that separates blissful staycations and real life.
A big thank you to The Freehand for having us and giving us such a wonderful staycation experience. I will definitely be back!

Have you ever tried a staycation? How did it compare to other vacations?

Lollapalooza: A Photo Blog

On August 2, 2015December 1, 2015 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Illinois, US Travel2 Comments

Lollapalooza: A Photo Blog

I have a confession to make: I’m 25 years old and I’ve never been to a music festival. So when the time came around to buy tickets for Lollapalooza this year, I, along with some friends, bought a Saturday one day pass. That was a few months ago, and after yesterday, I can finally say I am no longer a music festival virgin. I had a perfect first time, arriving early and seeing 12 bands including: Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas, Beat Connection, Raury, Travi$ Scott, Django Django, Death From Above 1979, The Tallest Man on Earth, Tame Impala, Chet Faker, Brand New, Metallica and Sam Smith. The bands were great, the crowd was jolly (until about 4pm, and then the crowd was drunk), the food was delicious and it was a perfect hot, sunny day. Rather than tell you more myself, I’ll let the photos do the rest:

The first band we saw was Jessica Hernandez and The Deltas, from Detroit. AMAZING.
The next was Beat Connection, who I’ve seen before, and they were just as good this time.

We saw Raury on The Pepsi Stage, tucked into the trees.

We walked by the Perry’s Stage, which features exclusively DJs, and dropped by long enough to feel too old to be there.

Then, we saw Django Django, a fantastic act from Ireland.

Then came Death From Above 1979.

After that, we saw The Tallest Man on Earth for a few songs and a chance to sit in the shade.

Then Tame Impala, who were so, so good. Their crowd was up and dancing and full of good vibes.

We walked through the Green Street Market, The Farmers Market, and Chow Town and past Kidzapalooza.

The bars at the festival featured a whole bottle of wine poured into a sport bottle, which was quick to become my new favorite thing.

We heard there were metallic temporary tattoos at the XRT tent, and that’s just not something I could turn down.

We stopped by Chet Faker for the end of his set, and caught my favorite of his songs “Gold”, before passing by some of Chicago’s Finest on our way to the next act.

We headed to the Sprint Stage for Brand New, making my 16 year old self’s dreams come true.