Sweet Home Chicago

Some weekends are better than others. This weekend, Jeremy and I spent a long weekend in lovely Chicago. We did a bazillion cool things and were sad to have to come home. Friday we arrived early, took the train into town, and experienced our first of many "stupid tourist" moments. After a brief  5 minutes at the wrong Four Seasons (though the doorman was very nice as he helped us back to our bags a second time) we arrived at our actual hotel, the Ritz-Carlton, A Four Seasons Hotel, at Water Tower Place.  I was aware there were two Four Seasons hotels, and I TOLD the cab driver to go to the one at Water Tower Place, but he must have missed that. And we, being tourists, did not even know we were not at Water Tower Place when we exited the cab. At the reception desk they informed us we had no reservation, and probably needed the "other" Four Seasons. I'm still confused. I felt so stupid. Not only do I hate feeling like a tourist, the hotel was so fancy that I was uneasy in the first place! They told me that this happens "all the time." I'm sure. But, anyway, after all the confusion, we settled in to our AMAZING room and our AMAZING hotel. Yes, this picture is the view from our room. WOW! Thanks for the tip on the ADA discount, Meredith! That's right, all my dentist friends, you get a FANTASTIC discount as an ADA member at this hotel. 

After enjoying the view, we skipped off to Giordano's for some Chicago-style pizza. We were starved, but the lady would not let us order two pizzas, despite our hunger. She was right! The pizza was so good, but we still had a piece left over! Maybe it was the pitcher of beer that caused the trouble...NOTE: Jeremy did not endorse the posting of this picture. Whiney voice: "I look funny." 

After our late lunch, we skipped off to the Shedd Aquarium. I really wanted to go here--partly because I love animal exhibits of all kinds, but also because my mother and sister Kelly went there many years ago. When they went, they brought back a souvenir book about the  

aquarium and I just loved it--even the picture of the scary moray eel. I looked through that book until it started to fall apart at the spine.Jeremy and I had a great time. There weren't many crowds (read: screaming kids on field trips) because it was late in the day. Cool fish, huh? Too bad I can't remember his name, er, taxonomy. Jeremy like the shark tank the best. I liked the sea horses and tree frogs. 

After the aquarium, I officially boarded my first train to blogger Crazytown, and took a picture of this lovely Peppermint Hot Chocolate from the Ghirardelli store on Michigan Avenue. Jeremy was thrilled. Another "stupid tourist" moment. The cocoa was OUTSTANDING! They also handed out free peppermint bark. Delish! 

On Saturday, we had to watch the OSU-Michigan. Non-negotiable per Jeremy, but I wanted to watch, too. We found this cute pub and watched the Buckeyes win! They had Fat Tire on draft! And a Bloody Mary bar! Heaven!

We did a lil' more shopping and then met my friend from residency, Meredith, and her husband, David, for more fun city hijinx! We ate at the most AMAZING restaurant, Japonais, and did a lot of catching up. I miss Meredith sooo much! She is quite the big city girl, and their apartment is to die for. Do you see that huge window in their living room? Yeah, okay, huge skyline view. STUNNING. Plus, you can see Vince Vaughn's house right around the corner! 

Posing for a Christmas photo!

Self portrait a few hours--and drinks--later!

Hotties!

On Sunday we had buffet brunch on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building with Meredith and David. Oh. My. Goodness. I don't know what was better--the view or the crab claws. 

 Seriously, I don't think I'm going to ever eat again. Except for my Happy Dragon chinese right in front of me. :)