Jason Does Chicago!

Our good friend Jason came to town last weekend for his first trip to the windy city. It was great to see him again and always fun to show off our new home. Jason is essentially a much taller version of us. He was interested in doing all of the things we love, so it was a blast.

He got in Thursday morning (Ash and I both had to work Thursday and Friday) so he came to Argonne with me so I could print out some maps, etc. He killed some time exploring Naperville and Downers Grove and then we all went to Winestyles for a tasting. Then another flight of wines. Then we went to the Cellar Bistro for, you know, more wine. Friday morning was not awesome.

On Friday, Jason navigated the Metra to downtown to have lunch with his friend Elliot. When he got back we went to happy hour at Muldoon's (an Irish pub in Wheaton) with Mike Dunn for Ashley's birthday. Then we headed to Adelle's for a delicious birthday dinner. Everyone seemed to enjoy their dinner there as usual. When we got home there was a mint-chocolate ice cream birthday cake from Coldstone waiting for dessert.

Mmm... Coldstone...

Saturday we went to the Art Institute of Chicago. It was actually the first time either of us had been there in ages. The collection is one of the best you will find and we had a great time. Then we went to the Hancock Signature Lounge for drinks before dinner.

Which brings me to the best part. Jason's friend Elliot is the Chef de Cuisine at Avenues in the Peninsula Hotel. For those who are not familiar, Avenues is one of the highest rated restaurants in the US. Elliot sat us at the Chef's tasting bar where we settled in for the long night. We were served the 15 course (yes, 15 courses) paired with some of the best wines we have ever had. I'm not going to try and recall all 15 courses. All I will say is that it was by far the best dining experience we have ever had. All 15 courses were phenomenal which is an entirely amazing feat. Ashley and I are big fans of tasting menus, but there are always one or two courses (even on a reduced list) that are just so-so. Avenues blew away other similar places we have been (such as Komi, Zaytinya, Restaurant Eve, Spiaggia, etc.). I hate to heap on praise when many others have already said it better, but all of the accolades that Chef Bowles receives are well deserved. He and his staff have fine dining down to an art. After dinner, we went out with Elliot for drinks across the street from his restaurant before heading home. We had a great time hanging out with Elliot and hope for the opportunity again in the future.

The "Rookery"

Outside the Art Institute

Our view from the Signature Lounge

Enjoying our cocktails...

Sunday we made sure to get Jason some Chicago style pizza. Then it was off to the Shedd Aquarium (Ashley's favorite place in Chicago, if not the world), where we spent the afternoon checking out the fish. I think we were all fairly beat by that time so we went back to Wheaton and had dinner at the house.

Ashley, Jason, Lake Michigan and Navy Pier

Shedd Aquarium


Shedd Aquarium, the lake and the skyline

We were both sad to see Jason leave Monday, but we're hoping he'll be back soon. There is no shortage of things to see and do in Chicago!