A Weekend With My Daughter

Last weekend my daughter (Megan) and I spent the weekend in Chicago to celebrate our birthdays.  It's a tradition of ours to spend time together for our birthdays instead of giving each other gifts.  As she gets older and busier in her own life I really treasure the one on one time with my only daughter.   We spent our weekend shopping, relaxing and dining at a few of our favorite restaurants. 

We took a break from shopping and had English Afternoon Tea at the Drake Hotel.  Along with a great assortment of hot teas we enjoyed  finger sandwiches, fruit breads, scones, and French pastries.   Each seating lasts approximately an hour and a half.  I highly recommend Afternoon Tea at the Drake as it is relaxing, delicious and  was a great time spent with my daughter. 

The Purple Pig, located on The Magnificent Mile, is one of my favorite Restaurants in Chicago.  Be prepared to wait but it's worth it.  They will take your cell number and call you so you can leave as there is plenty of good shopping close by.  The menu offers a different eating experience with a wide choice of dishes, small/medium in size and are meant to be shared. My daughter, like her dad, is a foodie so nothing was off limits.  Since it was just the two of us we didn't get to order as much as we would have liked, we got full after just a few dishes.  My advice is to keep a menu at the table and order as you go.  This way you won't order too much food.  A bit loud and crowded but has a good atmosphere and we were still able to have a comfortable conversation. Below are two of our favorites.

Eggplant Caponata with Goat Cheese

Turkey Leg Confit, Crispy Lentils, Treviso, Endive, & Agrodolce

Our last night in Chicago we just wanted a light meal so we went to the Gilt Bar for a glass of wine and the most amazing mussels I've ever had.  They're served with a warm baguette to sop up all the wonderful  dry vermouth & lemon broth.  Simply the BEST!

We still weren't ready for the night to end so we went for drinks at the  Signature Lounge, 96th floor of the John Hancock Building, which has the most magnificent city views and premium martinis.  It was the perfect place to unwind after walking the city. 
Our Birthday weekend was just what we needed.  Shopping, relaxing, eating and spending time together, life is good!