In The Chi-Loop: 04.2011

Pierre's best friend, Anthony, and his girlfriend, Erica, came to Chicago for a long weekend to visit a new city and old friends. I don't have as many photos as I normally would, but we got distracted with all the eating and laughing we did! While it wasn't ideal in the weather department, we saved all the indoor activities for a rainy Saturday and left the outdoor ones for the sunny skies on Sunday.

On the night of their arrival, we took advantage of a guaranteed clear view of Downtown Chicago at the John Hancock Center after dinner. A few desserts later at the Signature Lounge on the 95th, it was time to call it a night.

I just can't get sick of that view!

The following day, Pierre and I wanted to show Anthony and Erica the hustle and bustle of Downtown Chicago on a work day (we gladly took a Friday off at work for their visit). We walked around the Loop to see the Chicago Board of Trade and attempted to go up to the Skydeck at Willis Tower, but the wait was just too long, so we settled for the LEGO version!

The Federal Reserve Bank, obviously.

Chicago Board of Trade

The entrance to Willis Tower.

Willis Tower

Inside Willis Tower.

Portugal!

The LEGO version we opted for.

Over 50,000 LEGOs later...

The intimidating Skydeck of the Willis Tower.

Yes, those are people in glass boxes overlooking the city.

If there's a globe, I obviously have to take a photo.

After our walk downtown, we made the windy trek to Navy Pier. Anthony and Erica came to the Windy City, and they definitely got one of the windiest days this year! We spent some time around on the pier taking photos, eating Chicago hot dogs, braving the wind, and watching the crazy waves crash off the rocks!

Wind speeds can be deciphered by how messy my hair is.

Erica and Anthony!

Loud helicopters that we saw a couple times.

The brand spanking new flags they put out for when Obama was there.

Turn down your speakers before you watch the following videos. My camera did not like the wind either and sounds almost diabolical.

Waves are coming!

A big one!

Later that night we went to Hub 51 (51 West Hubbard Street) and had some delicious tacos and an even more amazing chocolate pudding pie. I need that recipe stat!

Erica and I! PS. I can't take photos with Miamians, I need a tan!

Saturday was a rainy, dark day so we dedicated to partake in indoor activities. We started with taking Anthony and Erica up to Pierre's floor at the Aon Center.

View of Millennium Park. The Bean looks so small!

I love the way the BP Bridge looks.

The sailboats are starting to come out!

Willis Tower (and a very large antennae).

Northwest view from Aon.

Keeping with our underground tour, we took the Pedway to the Cultural Center and showed them stuff we couldn't actually see in person because of the dreary weather. Pierre and I visited the Cultural Center last year, but the largest Tiffany dome in the world was closed due to a private event, but this time around we were lucky enough to see it. We enjoyed the shielded view of Millennium Park and took in the historical exhibits throughout the building.

The boys in the Cultural Center.

Looking up at the Tiffany dome.

The largest Tiffany dome in the world!

Enjoying the view.

We did some fasting for the rest of the day (or Pierre did at least, Erica and I couldn't resist cupcakes) in order to fully enjoy David Burke's Primehouse at the James Hotel. Words cannot describe how yummy, needless to say, steaks are when they are aged for a month or more in a room full of Himalayan salt. You can't beat that!

Us four at David Burke's Primehouse (616 North Rush).

Anthony and Erica being adorable.

Pierre and I.

The cutest and delicious cheesecake lollipop tree.

Afterwards, we went next door to Jbar to enjoy music, drinks, bottle service, and laughing with friends!

Now it's a celebration!

This hilarious and entertaining screen saver thing they had. I must find this!

Mother Nature listened to our pleading and gave us some sunshine on Sunday! After breakfast, we made our way to Wicker Park to do some unique Chicago shopping. While, Magnificent Mile offers almost every store you can imagine, most of them are available in Miami, so I wanted to show something a bit different with cool boutiques, sneaker shops, a t-shirt deli (yeah, a t-shirt deli), and even an underground store with a neon Chanel sign. Stores along N. Damen Avenue, N. Milwaukee Avenue, and W. North Ave is an adventure in itself! After a smidgen of damage, we made our way to Lillie Q's for some Carolina cooking.

In front of Marina City.

Oh, those Eagle Scouts.

Lillie's Q (1856 West North Avenue)

You always need to wash your hands after BBQ. That's actually outside the bathroom.

Carolina style pulled pork.

And back to more shopping... This time we got free shirts (gotta love Foursquare) at a kid store for some little ones we love.

While Erica and I were shopping, the boys were playing.

Later that night, we took Anthony and Erica to our usual spot for dinner, Grami, and unfortunately had to say our goodbyes afterwards. Pierre and I had an amazing time and are loving when we have visitors come to Chicago. (Hint, hint to all of our friends and family!) Thanks you two for the best weekend we've had thus far and cannot wait until you come back!

Spring is here! I think? It did snow earlier this week and the trees are still a bit bare, but the spirit of the new season is in the air with once empty planters now turning green with blooming flowers. With spring here, it's time for Macy's State Street annual flower show! This year's theme was Towers of Flowers, where you can "discover a magical world of soaring floral architecture, magnificent rolling landscapes and specialty gardens bursting with color, fragrance, and imagination." I'm going to need some help with this, as I don't know all the flowers, so if you're a floral aficionado, please comment here with the names!