Chicago is my kind of town
Travel Talk
Mike Cohen
My family and I recently returned from our first trip to Chicago (www.choosechicago.com), a bustling, energetic city never stops. It ’s a destination with world-class cultural attractions, diverse neighborhoods and architectural wonders. Chicago is known for its restaurants and nightlife, shopping, world-famous museums, action-packed sporting events and thriving theater scene.
Visitors from around the world come to Chicago, the birthplace of the modern building, to admire its architecture. From historic landmark buildings to contemporary technological masterpieces, Chicago ’s unique and innovative designs have shaped American architecture. The city is home to the world ’s first skyscraper, designed by William Le Baron Jenney in 1885. Today, Chicago boasts three of the world ’s 10 tallest buildings, including the Sears Tower, which opened in 1974.
Grandparents will want to take the youngsters to Six Flags Great America (www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica), located in Gurnee, Illinois, half way between Chicago and Milwaukee. The 31 year-old park, open May through October, offers eight themed sections, a 13-acre water park, three specially themed children's areas, and other entertainment. There are 13 rollercoasters, including everything from traditional wooden ones to a bone-rattling hypercoaster. Altogether, there are over 75 rides and attractions. If you purchase a flash pass, you will have the benefit of not waiting very long in line for some of the more popular rides.
I was lucky to find Chicago’s most popular restaurant right next door to my hotel. When I booked our room at the Homewood Suites, I had no idea that Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab was seconds away at 60 East Grand. The stone crab claws with mustard sauce are a signature dish of course, and Joe's bone-in filet mignon is exceptional. The stone crab bisque is not to be missed. Ditto for the parmesan crusted Alaskan halibut. Add one of Joe's famous side dishes, like hashed brown potatoes or roasted sweet corn and finish with a slice of the justifiably famous key lime pie, cherry pie with jubilee sauce, or Boston cream pie. Mix this menu with an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, a bustling bar scene and impeccably dressed, tuxedo-clad wait staff (our server Oz was phenomenal), and you've got the makings of a new legend. The children ’s menu has a number of choices, all for $6.95. Go to www.icon.com/joes to learn more about this “must” dining experience.
Contact Mike Cohen at info@mikecohen.ca
Read his travel advice column at: www.sandboxworld.com/travel
