黄 嘉 維

When JetBlue got their millionth follower on Twitter, they offered a 20% discount on all flights if booked that same day. A quick glance at the Cubs schedule to see if they would be in town and the flights for a mid-week trip were booked moments later.

Here’s all the different places I went to while in the Windy City.

• Epic Burger: Looking for a lunch option after checking in to my hotel, I wandered south a bit on State Street to this organic burger joint. The flavor was okay but the sogginess of the patty was a huge turn-off. What might have been a decent char once turned into a weird looking surface, not unlike that of a portabello mushroom cap.
• Sears Tower Skydeck: Well worth the $14.95 to see Chicago from high up – especially on a sunny day like the day I went.
• avec: If you ever go, be sure to order the chorizo-stuffed Medjool dates with smoked bacon – four to an order but if you dine by yourself, they’ll serve a half-order. Absolutely delicious. The crispy pork and trotter salad they had on special that night was just as tasty.
• The Map Room: Great beer selection but remember to bring cash (or an ATM card) as they no longer take credit cards. The night I went was a good one since they were serving three soups on the house.
• Clark Street Ale House: It’s a classic pub where all the bartenders dress sorta classy. There’s a garden out back but I got there too late to be able to sit out there.
• Hot Doug’s: It’s all about the foie gras and Sauternes duck sausage with truffle aioli, foie gras mousse and sel gris. That and the duck fat fries but they only have that on Fridays and Saturdays; I went on a Wednesday.
• Giordano’s: This local stuffed pizza chain makes a popular pie but it’s just not for me.
• Wrigley Field: One of the last two truly classic old baseball stadiums remaining, its age is clearly evident but so is its charm.
• Hopleaf Bar: When I got to this bar a little before 10pm on a Wednesday night, it was absolutely slammed – barely any room to move. After a seat opened up for me at the bar, I was able to truly appreciate their excellent beer selection and the atmosphere.
• Corner Bakery Cafe: A cafe chain that’s somewhat similar to Panera. An okay option for a quick, decent breakfast.
• Frontera Grill: I didn’t have time (or the cash) for the Top Chef Masters menu so I went with some enchiladas doused in mole coloradito. That and a margarita was a great way to end this trip.