Since last night’s attempt at peanut udon noodles was a flop (see it in my failed recipes album on facebook), I thought I’d share some photos of my trip to Chicago last weekend.
In hindsight, my visit was a veritable cheese fest. It started with incredible thin crust, arugula-topped pizza with Melissa of The Faux Martha at Caffe DeLuca in Oak Park. I had so much fun hanging out with Melissa. She is just as wonderful and fun in real life as you would assume from reading her blog.
The next night, I dined at Gino’s East with my mom and a few others. Gino’s is famous for their corn meal crust, which is good, but I think I prefer Giordano’s. No trip to Chicago is complete without some seriously deep dish pizza!
The cheese fest continued at Grahamwich, a cute sandwich shop in downtown that Melissa recommended. Their epic grilled cheese sandwich was oozing with Wisconsin cheddar and cheese curds.
On Sunday, my mom and I zoomed up to the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center. The building casts quite an imposing shadow over the highway, doesn’t it?
I always envisioned myself living in a big city in my mid-twenties, but now that I find myself smack dab in the middle of my twenties, I’m not sure I could live in a city as big as Chicago. I like to look up and see sky, not skyscrapers. Pictured above is a view of the buildings surrounding the John Hancock Center.
Michigan Lake provided some visual relief from the view of Downtown. It’s bigger than I realized—so big that we could barely see the Michigan shore on the other side.
Partly in Chicago for work but mostly for play, I spent a good chunk of time wandering The Magnificent Mile. I bought teeny tiny clothes for baby Ruby and aubergine corduroys that I can’t wear yet in 80+ degree weather. Here’s a piece of Michigan Avenue from above.
Last but not least, we explored the Museum of Contemporary Art. About a floor and a half were closed, but we enjoyed spending a lazy morning viewing works by Joseph Cornell and others. Pictured above is a view of the stairwell from the top floor.
What is your favorite big city? Do you live there or do you prefer to just visit?
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
The Fauxmartha
I had the best time hanging out with you too! Thanks for fitting me in to your Chicago trip. Love looking at the city from your perspective.
niki*
Oh, I’m so glad you posted this… we leave for Chicago in less than two weeks!! Giordano’s is D’s favorite as well… we’ll definitely be going there. We’re also hitting up Gibson’s steakhouse which I know wouldn’t be your number one restaurant, but I am a steak lover so I’m excited. Still need to figure out some more choices… that grilled cheese looks so good, yum. Now I’m hungry.
Kelsey (Happyolks)
1. Your date with Melissa. So cool. I love hearing when there is “real life” crossover from these blogs. 2. That pizza? Um. okay, yes. You should be attempting a recipe for that soon ;) and 3. LOVE your failed recipes album. I’m not sure I’m so brave to post mine: Cauliflower mac? Yikes. Not a pretty site.
Susan Weiss
As someone who grew up in Chicago, I can tell you that very few people live in the downtown business area where all the tall buildings are. Most of the city is made up of small (low level) charming communities, where one can definitely see the sky. It’s a super city and often I wonder why I left. Then I remember that in the forty-some years since I did, the city has changed from a Midwest town into a world class, but highly liveable city. It wasn’t always that way. Then I also remember January & February weather. It’s a terrific city and I love being there! Maybe I’ll move back someday? With lots of friends there, it sounds inviting and is certainly less expensive than New York, my long ago adopted home town. Wonderful photos and it sounds like you enjoyed yourself and ate well in the process.
Katherine Martinelli
Sounds like so much fun! I love Chicago but haven’t been in years. Need to go back soon. Cheesefest sounds like my kind of weekend :-)
Katrina
Aww everything sounds soooo yummy!
Will
I live in London and I totally know what you mean about living in a big city – I really miss the countryside sometimes.
sara
Gorgeous photos! I am totally drooling over that pizza…yummy!
Mama's Gotta Bake
Wow! I love this blog post. I feel like I went on an adventure with you. Great photos.
Sonia
Next time in you’re in Chicago, try Pequods! Deep dish, yay! (I stumbled upon your blog and it is cute! keep it up;))