Chi-Town Appetizer Crawl

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to play hometown tourist and celebrate our Windy City, Chicago.  We take a lot of grief for our weather, our politicians, and more recently, our violent crime.  Too many sub-zero days in the winter to mention (we call them “character builders”), and hot, muggy, humid days are the norm come July and August.  But we natives know that the Chicago you might see on the national news is NOT the same place we hold near and dear to our hearts.  Because, for every negative story to come out of this place, there are 1000 positive ones.  Ask anyone off the street (except maybe in New York) where they stand on Chicago, they’re sure to say, “Chicago?  I LOVE that town!”  Where am I going with this?  Chicago in the summer, when everyone is out and about in spite of the heat, is just second to none .  My husband and I have a semi-annual ritual (once in summer, once at Christmastime- our anniversary) of going on a Chi-town appetizer crawl.  We meet after work (he works in the Loop, I’m obviously all over the place) with no plan, no reservations, just a few ideas of places we’d like to visit for a drink and an appetizer.  Then we move on to the next place- all within walking distance (ish).  This is a great way to experience any city because there is a great degree of spontaneity, and you get to sample the best of multiple places.  And, I’m always a fan of sitting at the bar to eat when it’s just the two of us!  This time, we started at Noyane, the rooftop bar of the brand-new Conrad Hotel (on Erie, just behind the Crate and Barrel flagship store), which has only been open since May, and thankfully, as of yet, relatively undiscovered.  Often when the rooftop managers see the over-40 crowd coming their way, the space is conveniently “full”, but we were able to walk right up!  Delicious apps, great craft cocktails, lots of space- HIGHLY recommend.  I found out about this place in early May when I was invited to do a travel industry site inspection of the new hotel, and this place definitely stuck out from other hotels!  Next, we kept the Asian theme going at Sunda, where, and I’m not exaggerating, we had some of the best sushi I’ve ever eaten.  Hello, surf and turf roll!!  Washed down with a cucumber martini- yes, please!  Finally, walking back to the train station, we stopped at City Winery, right along the Chicago River.  I’m amazed at how the riverfront has transformed over the past 20 years.  It used to be just a nasty no-man’s land.  Now there’s a beautiful vibrant river walk with bars and restaurants abounding.   And for all the talk about our crappy weather…when you get a good day, it’s REALLY GOOD.  Just like today.  Especially when you get to spend it with your favorite person….Cheers!

Hanging out at City Winery on the River on a Perfect Chicago Evening.

Behold the Surf and Turf Roll at Sunda, in Chicago's River North