2 days in Chicago for 10th Anniversary - any recs?

Taste of chicago is going on:
http://chicago.metromix.com/events/f...794253/content

Art institute and Field museum are both great.

Four Seasons or Park Hyatt

I'd definitely hit up the taste for a couple hours, but if you decide to do that, know where you want to go and what you want to do there, and download the map. Only being here for two days, it'd be a shame to waste it all walking around the taste, even though the taste is great.

As far as restaurants go, there are a million options, and they all depend on what you want. If you want an absolutely incredible, ethereal experience, then it's got to be Alinea or Charlie Trotter's. Coming down a half step from that, but still great, are Tru, Les Nomades, moto, Blackbird, L2O, Graham Elliot, Schwa, Spiaggia, and maybe North Pond. Another step below that is my alma mater mk restaurant, Avec, otom. Then there are a million steakhouses that aren't worth a trip and also a ton of shitty pizza. If you're really into deep dish, my favorite pie is Giordano's, but I'm not a fan of Chicago style pizza in general. And there's a TON of great shitshack kind of food like small mexican places, Hot Doug's, Mr. Beef's, etc.

Lots of options, depending on price and taste and if you're in a rush or just want some quick grub. I imagine that for your anniversary you want at least one pretty nice romantic meal, so if you want some more info on anything just let me know. I'd actually be happy to cook for you but I'm going to be in Florida that entire week.

Edit: OH! And if you are really into great Italian food, go to Riccardo Trattoria. I don't know how I forgot it, but it's the best Italian I've had in the states. I went once with Globe and some guys from the forum and have been back twice b/c it was so good. Great food, nice space, pretty decent prices.

dude - where were all these suggestions last time I was in town?

I figured you knew most of those.

i've heard the architectural boat tour is fun. i'm going to try to do it when i'm there this weekend.

+1

Did it last year. It was amazing!

Strangely, I won't recommend it if there is too much sun ... As we look constantly in the air, the sun can be blinding!

Also, I would recommend the tour from the Chicago Architecture Foundation.

Pierre

I hate the Taste...nothing but crowds. +1 on the Architectural Tour though. It really depends on what you like. There's a lot to do and I'd probably start with google, ie. Chicago Architectural Tours, Chicago carriage rides, Chicago romantic boat tours, Chicago romantic, Chicago Theatre, Chicago fine dining French, Chicago naked midgets, Chicago July 1.

Hope you enjoy it...wonderful city!

Why would you recommend Google versus asking people who have actual experience with the city?

You have experience with chicago naked midgets? :-)

Alinea. Don't get jealous when your wife winds up loving the food more than you.

I know I have a lot of posts, but I can't go telling you guys all my secrets.

My wife and I stayed at the W Lakeshore May last year for a weekend. It was nice--far nicer than some here implied (or stated outright) it would be. However, it's not 10th anniversary nice. I'd splurge for something higher-class and in a better location (not that the W Lakeshore's that bad).


The architectural boat tour was definitely worth it. We took one that is done by professionals. At least that's what our concierge said. Former architecture professors, etc. We really enjoyed it.

b