Chi city: Lolla eve

Lollapalooza eve started promptly at 4am. I'd like to thank Wolfgang Puck, Starbucks and the efficient Logan airport for attributing to my sanity in the wee hours of August 5th. I wish I could start everyday with a Wolfgang Puck egg sandwich. If sneaking past security for a breakfast panini daily is wrong, I don't want to be right. Airport security, watch out.

Insert another large Starbucks iced coffee upon landing here.

We met up with the lolla crew already situated at the hotel and began our free day in the city hitting all the hot spots: the bean, the fountain, the outside of the aquarium, a water taxi ride, navy pier...

Our original plan was to see the acclaimed Shedd Aquarium but the unimpressive 3-4 hour wait deterred and propelled us in the direction of Navy Pier and the architecture tour. The sights, sounds and food of Navy Pier then kept us from the tour. No one cared. Rolling with the tide.

.this one scares me. the future?

I promise to never dance like a chicken if you never grow a mullet. Please, thanks.


Cocktails at Haray Caray's Tavern

Before I get to dinner, I must discuss lunch. Preface, I like my hot dogs burnt. Post face, I love Chicago style hot dogs.

Who knew the unique combination of pickles, tomatoes, onions, relish, mustard, seeded buns and a steamed (not grilled) dog could be so perfectly delectable? Chicago knew. They have known since 1929 apparently. I am 27 and my hot dogs don't have to be charred anymore. It's a nice feeling.

Another nice feeling. Lolla bracelet fitting photo shoot. (We traded in our tickets early so to not wait on a long line Friday morning)

How am I still awake? Up since 4am I was fading at lightening speed, but Ryan's 30th birthday dinner was calling. The Grand Lux Cafe, brought to you by the creator of the Cheesecake Factory, is an upscale, casual establishment with a menu as deep as the mid-Atlantic. Check out the inventory on one side of the table:

Appetizer meal of Crispy Ahi Sushi Roll: Sushi rice filled with Ahi, avocado, ginger green onion and spicy chili sauce, wrapped in Nori then flash-fried crisp, sliced and placed around a small mixed baby lettuce salad tossed in Asian vinaigrette and Duck Potstickers: Duck Breast, Shiitake Mushrooms and Crispy Vegetables in a Spicy Hoisin Sauce. Steamed then Sauteed until Crisp

Short Rib Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Slow-roasted Short Ribs, Caramelized Onion and Creamy Melted Cheese on Grilled Country Bread. Served with French Fries and Peperoncini Relish:
Salmon Three Ways: 1) Horseradish Crusted with Asparagus and Almond Ginger 2) Soy Glazed with Shiitake Mushrooms 3) White Wine Butter Sauce with Green Beans:

The Grand Cobb Salad: A Top Shelf Cobb Salad with Chicken, Niman Ranch Bacon, Avocado, Cherry Tomatoes, Shaft Blue Cheese and Grated Egg Tossed in our Roasted Tomato Vinaigrette.
I think I passed out at the table. Joking, maybe. After eating and loving the salmon three ways(designed for the indecisive patron, in other words, me), the extensive day of tourism caught up to me, hard. Lolla eve had to end or I was going to ask our waitress for a pillow and blanket.

Goodnight chi city.

good morningggggg Lollapalooza!