36 hours in Chicago

A couple of weekends ago, I ventured to Chicago for a mere 36 hours!  I only had a couple of finite plans, which included my accommodations and lunch with my cousin.  Everything else kind of fell into place.  I met up with a few friends and did a lot of walking and consumed a lot of good food and beverages. The 2 most impressive parts about my trip was not setting foot in the downtown area and leaving my camera at home.   Staying in the Lakeview/ Lincoln Park area I explored several places in which I have never knew to exist. Check out the map I created, to see where I spent my short trip!

This up coming weekend I will be in Atlanta, Georgia for Midtown Music Festival!  Can't wait to add another state to my list!

Rachofsky House- Dallas

 

The Dallas/ Ft. Worth area offers many museums to visit.  However, one of the hidden gems of Dallas, is the Rachofsky House, designed by world renowned architect Richard Meier.  This residential development offers a unique experience with not just its aesthetic architectural features but, presents itself as a house of contemporary art.  Unfortunately, the house is no longer accessible to the public but, you can visit the Warehouse to view its international exhibitions.  You can sure drive by it and take a peak through the gate.

I was able to visit this residence a few years back with my family and I have to say, touring this private establishment is any architect's dreams.  Hidden from the congested Preston Rd, traffic, tucked behind a walled divider,  the residence deters its existence from the general public.  The fluid transitions from room to room, from public gathering spaces, to private bedrooms, creates a divide as if you were in low key museum.  You are free to roam at your leisure from space to space from its open front lawn to the human scaled installations and reflection pool.  The conclusion of the tour has you walking around the structure, you have a clear perception of how every wall, joint, column, and glazing, connects with one another.  It's hard to narrow down what my favorite part of this home is but, one of the most fascinating and beautiful parts of the building is its interaction with the nature/ landscaping that it sets in.  You see the reflection of the sky, light, trees, and grass against the windows.  The crisp white horizontal lines of the facade, creates a sense of a different tiered terrain that is formed by the surrounding of the lawn on three sides, leaving with the sight of the entrance of the building in your rear view mirror.

Dallas, has several other mesmerizing hidden structures like the Rachofsky House, each with its own identity.

Have any to share?  Stay tuned to see what else Dallas has to offer.

Favorite Eats- Chicago

My favorite city in the world- Chicago.  I lived in the Windy city for over three years of my life, and there are 3 places of food and beer that Michael and I go to when we visit.

 Lou Malnati's Pizza -  Preferred Location- River North- Don't get me wrong, Ginos and Giordanos are pretty great, but if you want to avoid the touristy vibe with a less expensive option- Lous is the way to go for your standard Deep Dish Pizza.  Another great thing about Lou's is that you can order pizza out of state, online.

My favorite- Half- Spinach and Cheese- Half Pepperoni with a side of ranch (my inner Texan) with Goose Island's 312.

Note:  You are expected to wait about 45 mins for the pizza to come.

2)   Half Acre Brewing Company/ Bad Apple-  North Center- This might be cheating but when a brewery is right across the street from a burger joint it might as well be just one. 

Half Acre Brewing Company- Being a microbrew, this venue has an incredible tap room with several seasonal beers.  They offer one tour on Saturdays, and only allow 50 people.  So, skip the how-to session and mosey on to the taproom.  One of the best perks is that it's BYOF- bring your own food.  So go to the Bad Apple, order your burger and take it to Half Acre.

    Bad Apple- I can go on and on about how incredible place is but it would never do it justice.  Just look at their beer list and menu and you will understand what I am talking about.

 3) Sushi Para M- Wicker Park- All You Can Eat (not a buffet,) BYOB, Specialty Rolls, Sashimi, and Maki, all for under $20 a person- Need I say More.

What are some of your go to eating spots in your favorite city?

Leave a message and I will be sure to try them, whenever I get a chance to visit.

Stay tuned for my "Favorite Eats- Dallas" post.