Chicago!

For the hubby's 40th birthday, we went to Chicago for a couple of nights. What a great city! It has a well developed waterfront, wonderful architecture, great night life, and it is super family friendly. People were very nice plus the food was awesome and reasonable. 

Heaven on Seven had a collection of hot sauces on the wall plus more on the table for guests.
Highlights were a tasty orzo-jambalaya and their Long Island iced tea that had a 1 order limit (hubby was smashed on half a glass).

Shaw's Crab House was amazing! Oyster shooters and lump crab cakes were so fresh. 

La Portillo's is a casual joint with a crazy hot dog garnished with slices of BEEF!

If ever in Chicago, stay at the ACME hotel. We loved the way it was decorated with a funky, modern edge plus their complimentary breakfast was delicious: stuffed croissants, hot waffles, quiche, and selections of breads, juices, fruit and cereals. 

We got an upgraded suite with a living room!

When the lights in the bathroom were off, the lips on the mirror would glow. Cool. 

We visited Navy Pier and the Shedd Aquarium (both of which we enjoyed and highly recommend). We left Chicago using High Standards Limo Services (www.MyHSLimo.com) to get to the airport. (A detail more for my future reference than anything.)  I hope to visit again with the kids or my mom and hit the museum, planetarium, zoo, children's museum, art gallery, and gardens on a future trip. Fun, fun, fun!