Visit Chicago: Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary

We had some time to kill before checking in to our hotel, so we walked through Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary.  

It's an easy stroll along the paved paths throughout the bird sanctuary, where you can see a variety of foliage.

We did see a few birds as well, but most of them were flying high above and hard to see within the trees.

The area was originally the location of Army barracks, and certain plants were grown to hide the barracks from view.  These plants attracted hundreds of birds.  After the Army left, more shrubs and trees were planted.

We saw hundreds of wildflowers and, as usual, I was drawn to the colorful plants.

The paths continue on to the shore, where you can get a nice view of the city.

The Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary was a nice way to spend some time outdoors in Chicago!

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Visit Chicago: Garrett Popcorn

You can't go to Chicago without buying some Garrett Popcorn!  Although you can find Garrett Popcorn locations worldwide, we had to visit while we were in Chicago, since that's where the popcorn chain originated. 

Of course we got the famous mix of cheddar and caramel - such a great sweet and savory combo!

You can get all sorts of sizes and containers, perfect for eating right away or for taking back with you as omiyage.  

Garrett Popcorn
27 W Jackson Blvd.

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Visit Chicago: Portillo's

After being on the road for several hours from Detroit, we arrived in Chicago tired and hungry, so we picked up take-out from Portillo's, a popular chain found throughout Chicago.

They have a pretty large menu full of hot dogs, burgers, salads, pastas, and more.

Their Signature Hot Dog consists of mustard, relish, celery salt, onions, tomatoes, kosher pickle, and sport peppers in a poppy bun.

Hot Dog

Chicken Tenders

Cheese Fries

I don't eat a lot of hot dogs, so I just got some Chicken Tenders and Cheese Fries.  It was the perfect amount of food!

Clam Chowder

Fettuccine Alfredo with Meatball

Onion Rings

Chili & Cheese Dog

Portillo's also offers shakes!

The variety of foods offered meant there was something for everyone!

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Visit Chicago: Lincoln Park Zoo

We had no plans on going to the Lincoln Park Zoo, but when we lucked out with parking, and after one of my kids said he wanted to go, we decided to make a quick visit.  The best part - there is no admission fee!

The 49-acre zoo was founded in 1868, and has never charged an admission fee.

We didn't spend too much time at the zoo, but we did get to see some amazing animals, such as a polar bear, giraffe, gorilla, rhino, and lion.

We also saw reptiles, amphibians, birds, and more.  

I thought it was a really nice zoo, with engaging exhibits, food options, and activities for kids, such as a carousel and train ride.  

I know there are many arguments that can be made for and against zoos, and my kids and I discussed some of them after our visit (eg unable to roam free; protection from predators; education and research; circle of life).

I respect opinions about zoos, and for us, this was a nice experience to see some animals up close that we normally don't get to see, and learn a bit about them.  

Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark St

Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-2000

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Visit Chicago: The Original Rainbow Cone

We couldn't leave Chicago without trying The Original Rainbow Cone!  For nearly 100 years, the shop has been slicing up (not scooping) the same five flavors in small and large sizes: Orange Sherbet, Pistachio, Palmer House, Strawberry, and Chocolate.

What a fun treat!  The flavors all work together and don't really clash, and of course - it's highly Instagrammable!

You can imagine that the ice cream melted quite quickly on a warm summer's day, but that was totally okay!

If the Rainbow Cone is not your thing, there are other flavors available!

Birthday Cake

Cookies and Cream

The Original Rainbow Cone
9233 S Western Ave

Chicago, IL 60643

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Visit Chicago: Jojo's Shake Bar

It was a warm day in Chicago, and I was looking for a cool treat for the kids, and found Jojo's Shake Bar was just a short walk away.

They specialize in - you guessed it, shakes, as well as boozy or CBD ones for adults.

Orange Crush Float

Root Beer Float

Rocky IV

Rocky IV: banana reese's pieces shake • toffee marshmallow • white chocolate boxing glove • peanut butter cookie

Wonder Years

Wonder Years: blueberry shake • candy marshmallow • gummy candy ribbon • cotton candy

Chocolate Nirvana

Chocolate Nirvana: chocolate oreo shake • double chocolate donut hole • double chocolate marshmallow chocolate chip cookie

Talk about a sugar rush! I loved the fun names of the shakes!

We did order some salty things to offset all that sugar: 

Jojo's Fries

The Fries were loaded with cheeses (A LOT of cheese!), sour cream, bacon, and chives. 

Onion Ring Tower

 

The Onion Rings were really addicting!

Jojo's Shake Bar was a really fun spot for some treats!

Jojo's Shake Bar
23 W Hubbard St

Chicago, IL 60654

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Visit Chicago: Pequod's Pizza

I did an IG poll asking followers for their recommendations on where to go for Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza. My foodie pal, Yuko, mentioned Pequod's, so we went to check it out!

There are two locations - one in Chicago, and the other in Morton Grove.  Silly us went to the Chicago one in the late afternoon thinking we could walk right in, only to be told there's a 2.5-hour wait.

Luckily, the Morton Grove location took reservations and still had some available for the same night, so we went there later in the evening.  

Appetizer Combo

We had the Appetizer Combo to start (since the pizzas take about 45 minutes).  It included mozzarella sticks, fried zucchini, fried mushrooms, and jalapeno poppers.  Everything was delicious, deep-fried good!

We ordered a large pan pizza, half Pepperoni and Mushroom, half Sausage and Onion.

The server brings the pan to the table and actually serves everyone a piece.

I loved the pizza.  It was my fave of all the Chicago-style Deep Dish pizzas I tried, primarily because of the caramelized crust.

Of the two varieties, I liked the Sausage and Onion way more than I did my usual fave combo of Pepperoni and Mushroom.

The sausage itself was really flavorful, and I could taste a lot of the seasonings in it, which made for a much tastier pizza topping.

Thank you, Yuko, for the recommendation!

Pequod's Pizza
520 Fernald Ave

Morton Grove, IL 60053

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Visit Chicago: Kasama

We didn't have time to sit for a meal in the Michelin-starred Kasama while in Chicago, but I did make time to order some sweet treats!

Apple Hand Pie

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Brownie

Chocolate Croissant

Chocolate & Salted Caramel Tart

Every single treat was divine!

If I had to choose a fave, it would be the Chocolate & Salted Caramel Tart.  The sweet and salty combo was just amazing!  I could've eaten the entire tart my self!

I enjoyed the Cookies and the Brownie was indulgent.   I'm not much of a fan of pastries, but the Chocolate Croissant was so flaky and buttery, and the Apple Hand Pie was amazing!  I thought it would be my least favorite, but I'd put it right behind the tart - it had the perfect crust with such a sublime filling. 

Tip - order ahead online so you don't need to wait in the long line of people making take-out orders!

Kasama

1001 N Winchester Ave

Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 697-3790

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Visit Chicago: Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken

I don't normally eat breakfast, and if I do, I always go for something savory.  When we ended up at Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken one mid-morning in Chicago, I wasn't going to get anything to eat, until I saw that a Fried Chicken Sandwich was on the menu, and I couldn't resist!

Fried Chicken Sandwich

The Fried Chicken Sandwich was one of the best I've had - perfectly cooked and seasoned, with lettuce, pickles, and mayo.  I would happily eat it for breakfast again!  For those who want something "extra" - they also offer a donut chicken sandwich.

And speaking of donuts, donut offerings are plenty.  The fam got: 

Buttermilk Old Fashioned

Baked Double Chocolate

Valhrona Chocolate Cake

Vanilla Birthday Cake

Fun fact - Do-Rite was started by two chefs who met while working at a 2-Michelin star restaurant. They now have multiple locations throughout Chicago.

Check out Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken to satisfy your sweet and salty cravings!

Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken
1027 W Addison St
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 977-7065

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