Chicago 2009

After a few bumps, we finally left work around 10:30am. Kyle prefers to drive, so I was content to be a passenger. I caught up on my knitting. We gained an extra hour. It rained off and on the whole way. As you can see from the photo I took just outside Chicago, the cloud cover was low, hiding the tops of the skyline.

After we checked in, we exchanged room numbers. We had exchanged cell numbers on the way. Then went our separate ways. After about a hour of unpacking, I figured it was dinnertime. I tried Kyle's room, but he was out already and after checking for him at the hotel bar without seeing him, I decided it would be nice to go somewhere and enjoy a meal. I really didn't want to stay in the hotel, so I approached the concierge for a recommendation. I wanted someplace close that a lone woman could enjoy. She was happy to help. She was so sweet. She reminded me of our neighbor at the lake, Mrs. Flory! Same voice, glasses, and mannerisms. She directed me to a small place about 4 blocks away and asked me to stop again when I came back to tell her how I liked it.

The name was La Madia. It was small and cozy with comfy, upholstered chairs, huge windows, and a pleasant relaxed atmosphere. I could not tell you the "type" of food, but it was unique and delicious! Even the ice tea wasn't the usual ice tea. I drank 3 tall glasses of it. I probably will be up all night. lol I like to try new things when I am traveling. So, I ordered a wild mushroom bruschetta. Yep, mushrooms! I won't touch them at home, but this was pretty good. I ate 3 of the 4 served me and wondered how I was going to eat the main course, Straw and hay pasta w/chicken, crimini, mascarpone cream and white truffle oil. Oh my goodness, it was wonderful. It was a shame I couldn't eat all of it. I tried, but didn't even get close. When I left, I grabbed 2 menus and gave one to the concierge when I came back to the hotel. She was thrilled to receive the menu, hear about what I ate, and that I loved it. Hey, if the Twisted One can do movie reviews, I can do restraunt reviews!

My room is similar to the one I had in Detroit in March. The same cloud-like bedding that sucks you in. I am full of good food and don't have to be at the first session, a few floors below me, until 10:45. Aaaah, just what I need after not feeling well earlier in the week.

In my wanderings, I picked up a brochure for Shedd's Aquarium. It is too far away to walk, but it has the bus route to take. I will check with my buddy, the Mrs. Flory of the Marriott, and see if the hotel offers a shuttle.

I filled out my breakfast order and hung it on the door. They pick it up and in the morning, at the time you indicate on the order form, they deliver your breakfast! I love it. A pot of coffee and a muffin will run about $15 w/o tip though.

oh crap, I am hearing a crying baby in the room next door! I hope the bed overcomes the noise.

More tomorrow...