When you think of Chicago, you might envision the towering skyscrapers of downtown or the hustle and bustle of the city streets. Alas, sometimes a work trip means spending most of your time at a church in the suburbs. This however, dear reader, presents my favorite challenge. Finding good food even in the most random of places:
Stay
- Chicago Marriott Northwest – Tucked away in the suburban landscape, the hotel may have had slightly dated rooms, but it more than made up for it with its comfort and tranquility. Perfect for a peaceful night’s sleep after a day of work or exploration. And while the hotel restaurant served its purpose if needed, we found that venturing off-property led to some better options.
Eat
- Lucky Monk – A local gem where we found ourselves not once, but twice during our stay. Whether it was the great sandwiches, the speedy service, or the freshly baked pretzels and craft beer that we didn’t try but looked delicious, it was the go to lunch spot of the trip.
- Honey Berry Pancakes and Cafe – A charming spot that redefined midwestern hospitality. The portions were generous enough to feed a small army, but every bite was packed with flavor.
- Nonna Silvia’s Trattoria & Pizzeria – The perfect spot for our larger group to dine on food that you could taste the passion and Italian roots. Plenty of options and the homemade pasta was perfection.
Wander
- Wrigley Field – Absolutely worth the 90ish minute trek into the city. The weather was picture-perfect, and catching up with my cousin over a game of baseball was the highlight of my stay.
Next week: Nashville memories from February.
