This past weekend we spent a few days in Chicago and the Madison area of Wisconsin. I have never been to either of these places, so it was a new experience for me. First, though, in a hilarious twist of fate we got a Mustang instead of the piece o’ crap we reserved. This is humorous because we are 1) not Mustang people and 2) it was bright.ass.blue (at least it wasn’t red). Still, the Mustang was probably cooler than the other would have been, so I guess it’s a plus. But can I just take a moment to say? American cars suck ass. My 14 year old Toyota Avalon is wicked better.
Chicago is a lovely city; we stayed with my friend Katie on the north side. I love her neighborhood! It is what my neighborhood in Denver COULD be if this city would get its act together. We spent our first evening at a delicious Cuban place called Café 28. I definitely recommend this place and if you go, get the pork chops. My lands! The next morning we went to a great breakfast place, Orange. Katie was disgusted by the cucumber water (irrational fear of the great fruit – I kid, I kid!) but I thought it was a nice touch. The food was great and deserves all the accolades it receives. Watching the juicing machine was neat, the waitstaff was great, and they also had sweet décor - check out the light fixtures.
Following breakfast we walked to Grant Park and Millennium Park, where we went to an interesting high-tech preview show and tickled the bean.
Before Katie had to depart for work we ventured into the largest Macy’s I have ever been in. Quite impressive! The toy area was fun and the Walnut Room was beautiful (also, not terribly expensive for lunch and looked tasty).
Later that afternoon, we took our sweeeeeeet car for a drive. We made our way up the coast of Lake Michigan and saw some amazing houses and the beautiful campus of Northwestern University. On the way back we stopped at a hot dog place for a delicious Maxwell Street Polish – my official favorite food of the trip.
Later that evening we met up with Alexander’s childhood friend John Lacombe and his girlfriend, Carly. We went to Blue Bayou and I had a crab cake po’boy and delicious Abita Purple Haze. If you go here I completely do NOT recommend the peach cobbler. This southern girl with a major sweet tooth couldn’t choke down more than a few bites. FYI: PEACH COBBLER SHOULD NOT LOOK LIKE PIE NOR SHOULD IT BE SERVED COLD. Anyhoo. Next, Alexander’s friends from law school, Cindy and Cyrus, met us and we went to a Mexican place and had margaritas.
Saturday we made our way to Wisconsin for a wedding (one of Alexander’s college friends). I just have to say…the Illinois toll system is awesome and the GENIUS MIND who thought up the Oasis? I’m not worthy! I’m not worthy! For those not in the know, the Oasis is, essentially, a rest stop. But this is not any old rest stop. It extends over the highway (like an overpass) and has the CLEANEST restrooms and all kinds of food choices. I’m probably irrationally excited about this, but it’s the little things, right?
So we arrived at the hotel at 1:15, checked in, went to the room and I started CASUALLY ironing. Somehow I thought the wedding started at 4, and obviously we left the invitation in DENVER, where it was very helpful. Alexander texted friends to be sure. So it’s about 1:38 and we get a text…the wedding starts at 2. HOLY EFF. So he JUMPS in the shower and out at light speed, I throw on my clothes, slap on the minimum amount of makeup, twist my hair up in a bobby pin and we fly out the door. It’s 1:56. The wedding is 15 minutes away. We SOMEHOW (thanks, Mustang!) make it to the wedding at 2:03, just as Sarah was walking down the aisle. *phew*
my "unbelievable" face as we sped down the road
The wedding was gorgeous, Sarah’s dress was awesome, and the reception was like nothing I have ever experienced. Apparently, according to someone at our table, all Wisconsin receptions are the same. They all serve “broasted” chicken, roast beef, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pasta salad, and corn, and it is always done family style. I’m sure it’s a SLIGHT overgeneralization. It was great, but my favorite part of all was the waitress with a tray of MILK. MILK! I have never seen milk served at weddings except to little kids, but everyone had some here. It was awesome (as you know, I am a milk LOVER! I had two glorious glasses). No tea, no sodas…just cocktails, beer, coffee, and milk. Only in America’s Dairyland! Other standouts at the reception included big screen Badger Football, Sarah’s grandpa’s toast, Irish car bombs, noodling for coy, and the late-night food selection (brilliant idea).
noodling for coy...crazy ladies :)
The next morning we went to breakfast with a bunch of Alexander’s college friends, then made our way to Madison to check out the campus (where Alexander went for undergrad) and go to the Big Ten Pub. The University of Wisconsin is awesome, I loved the buildings and the feel of the campus and town. The capitol building was really pretty, too. At the Big Ten Pub (TOTAL RECOMMENDATION!) I had my first experience with cheese curds. One word: incredible. Big hunks of squeaky fried cheese? MMMMM. I also had a cup of mushroom soup and a greyhound. This was a magical hangover cure.
After Madison, we headed back to Chicago. That evening John, Cyrus and Katie met us for pizza at Gino’s East. I will say it once: I totally prefer NY style pizza and I am NOT afraid to admit it. Our pizza was really good, though, but I like the chewy goodness of NY rather than the extreme heaviness of Chicago pizza. Afterward, Cyrus, Alexander and I went to Jake’s Pub (great neighborhood bar) and had a few beers.
Monday was our last day in town and we were SO worn out, so we mostly took it easy. On our way out, we went to the tourist trap known as Navy Pier, and it was sillygood fun. The ferris wheel was nice and cheap (only 6 bucks each, could have been much worse) and it was a cool way to see the city. It’s a pretty cheesy place otherwise, I suppose if I had kids it would have been better.
In all, we had a great time. Next week we are going to New Hampshire to visit Alexander’s parents and chase some leaves.
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Currents
Listening – cat meowing
Reading – ugh…Cultural Anthropology: An Applied Perspective (why does forced reading
seem so much worse?)
Weather – nippy at night, GLORIOUS during the day
Gripes – FOX News: http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=10091952&ch=4226716&src=news
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Hasta luego!
