Holy MOLY ~ I’m in LOVE and I don’t care who knows it! I recently had the opportunity to travel to Chicago for a “business” trip. Yes, that is how this year works. R has to work and I have to get out of the city every now and again (emphasis on NOW and AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN!) and blame it all on Roberto. #marriageperk. Chicago is one of the few US cities that I had never visited so I was thrilled to explore it. We were there for two nights and the weather was less than stellar, rainy but not windy… irony?! Manhattan is windier than the Windy City… Come on people! Regardless, I absolutely LOVED the place!! Couldn’t get enough! Chicago is, in my humble but typically accurate opinion, the MOST beautiful city that we have to offer. We’re definitely in the infatuation stage of the love cycle. I literally can’t stop gushing over Chicago’s many lovelies to anyone around to hear: clean streets (biggie!), a beautiful riverwalk, and the ARCHITECTURE! I could have walked around all day just looking up, but alas, the weather forced me inside to the spa by midafternoon. Sigh.

Reflections in the Bean.

a stroll down the Magnificent Mile.

stud.

view from the room.

a peek at the Langham.

glass kitchen at the Langham.

We were stationed at the Langham (my choice and I nailed it!) - STAY HERE when you go to Chicago. Seriously. The Langham Chicago offered us the most beautiful room with a perfect view of the new Trump Tower and the river. The Langham also offers the best service of any US hotel that I’ve experienced and the dining options are must tries. The service is so attentive that everywhere I went people were referring to me as “Mrs. Long” and EVERY TIME I had to stop myself from turning to look behind me for the person they must be addressing… yes, I am that slow on the uptake. No, I didn’t have the heart to tell these sweet staffers that the “B” stands for Buckman (although R would sing a different tune…). The Langham is also very proud of the curated art collection, which is displayed everywhere throughout the hotel. While the views, the service, and the collection was all top notch, perhaps the most memorable moment of our stay occurred when we ordered the flaming wings at the hotel bar. When they say “flaming”, they mean it in the literal sense. Our server literally set the wings on fire at the table. Amateur video below. Audio commentary omitted for good reason.

When we weren’t sampling the flaming delights that the Langham offered, we were out and about exploring the city based on the excellent suggestions from the concierge. We asked for Chicago-style pizza and a Chicago-style steakhouse. Both delivered. Lou Malnati’s is a Chicago deep dish staple and I immediately gained 40 pounds. It was my first (and probably my last) deep dish style pizza and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The only thing bigger than the Chicago deep dish pizza? My thighs post-pizza domination. I may never work it off!! Then, we followed that up with a heart stopping steakhouse dinner. Bacon. To be quite honest, I find that one steakhouse is typically just like any other but I will say that the service at Benny’s truly set it apart. Our server was kind and funny and we genuinely enjoyed our dining experience with him.

For lunch, I needed something a little lighter (a difficult find here…) and I wanted to take my chances on my Chicago dining research. I also wanted to go somewhere near our hotel. I chose GT Fish & Oyster and it was hands down my favorite Chicago eatery. While technically walkable from our hotel, the miserable rain forced and time constraints forced us to cab it. Once we arrived, we were immediately impressed with the friendliness of the staff and the spectacular atmosphere of the restaurant. Floor to ceiling windows allow lots of light and the nautical themed décor gave the perfect nod to the sea while maintaining a modern minimalist style. I was excited before we even took our seat.

The BEST Fish Tacos.

Saucy! Flavors are Smolder, Burn, and there's a Mystery flavor in the middle.

Soba Noodle Salad.

Crabcake.

Cozy Clam Chowder.

Once we sat down, it got that much better. My eyes immediately went to the cocktail list, despite that fact that it was the middle of the day on a Wednesday. I debated even getting a cocktail until I landed on the “The Waitlist” (me on the waitlist- psshh!) and I knew it was a match. I didn’t regret it for a second! Tangy, light and delicious- I could have had four but stopped at the first. The menu is comprised of many small plate options, which is my favorite type of menu because you get to try many different things without looking like a total heifer. I ordered the Green Tea Soba Noodle Salad to start and it was so spicy and exotic and light that even R got a little jeal. I also had the clam chowder, which arrives in it’s own little jar that is opened right at the table. Our lovely server placed the cute little thing in front of me and opened the lid and the warm, savory steam just lifts right out of the jar and I was instantly cozy. Then I topped it off with some housemade oyster crackers. Heaven is for real, y’all! Robert’s order did not disappoint either! He started with the crabcake, which was one of the finest that I’ve ever tried and finished with the fish tacos. SWEET JESUS! Full disclosure, we love a good fish taco and these may have been the MOST DIVINE tacos to ever pass our lips. To find a good fish taco in the middle of the continental United States is a very perplexing thing! The fish was fresh, the taco was perfectly soft and squishy and they were topped with crumbled pork rinds. Holy. Effing. Moly. A girl from the south and you just crumbled pork rinds on my (ahem, R’s*) fish tacos?! Mind was totally blown and needless to say, when in Chicago, visit GT Fish & Oyster and try the damn fish tacos.

To top off the trip, we finished with an authentic and filling Italian dinner at Riccardo Trattoria. Yes, we LOVE Italian fare. Yes, you will read plenty of Italian reviews on this blog. #sorryimnotsorry. For now, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms.

Bolognese.

Risotto.

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