It’s been a long, hard winter for our sisters and misters in Chicago.  So we feel pretty darn lucky that when we arrived in Chicago last week, the sun was out and there was not a cloud in the sky.  On every street the tulips were blooming, and outside patios for eating and drinking were in full swing. 

But, before we could take full advantage of the wonderful weather we had to take care of business and poured our wines at Around the World in 80 Sips event at the Museum of Contemporary Art.  The event had been sold out for months and was full of Chicagoans ready to have a good time!  Check out our pictures from the event on Facebook or Flickr.

If you haven’t had the chance to attend Club Wine Sisterhood at an 80 Sips event yet, we have many more on the schedule throughout the year.  See which one is nearest you! 

Oldies but Goodies

For the Wine Sisters, no trip to Chicago is complete without a bite to eat at one of our fave places in all of the land – Au Cheval.  It’s always the same order:  cheeseburger, fries and a tall boy to wash it all down.  Au Cheval is always the perfect ending after an evening of pouring wine.

The Lodge – a Chicago landmark since 1957 is another one of our fave places.  The beers are always cold, the juke box rocking and you can throw peanuts on the floor.  What more do you need during a night on the town?

Longman & Eagle – Second time and it’s still charming the pants off of us.  Love the English Tavern vibe and the adventurous dishes using fresh, local ingredients.  Plus their whiskey-centric cocktail list is awe-inspiring…we are hoping they will feature our very own Whiskey Sister some day!

The Newbies

And even though we have our favorite places to wine and dine in the Windy City – we always try to experience something new.  Experiment with something new?  You get it!  This trip, we were lucky enough to make it to three new dining destinations.  All very different, but all very Wine Sisterhood-worthy!

GT Fish & Oyster – We enjoyed an amazing lunch here after a very extensive walk (shopping spree) up and down Michigan Avenue.  The lustrous and nautical interior is beautiful, but the food is the ultimate star.  We absolutely loved the Shrimp Bruschetta with avocado and grapefruit, as well as the Lobster Roll served with pickled veggies and fried onions. 

Nico Osteria – Located in the posh Gold Coast neighborhood, the sleek dining room and Italian food exude rustic elegance.  We were lucky enough to snag two seats at the Chefs Counter and watched as beautifully-crafted dish after dish were prepared and sent out to the eagerly waiting diners.  Everything we put in our watering mouths was amazing, but we especially loved the La Quercia Prosciutto – translation:  thinly sliced prosciutto, fresh ricotta, radishes, and mint leaves drizzled with a black currant pepper jam.

Old Town Social – Not your ordinary neighborhood bar, but a sophisticated sports parlour.  Bar food is elevated to something fun and interesting, and they even have great selection of wines.  So ladies, if you need a place to watch the game this place is a no brainer!

Playing the Tourist

Most of the time when we visit a city the agenda is simple:  pour wine at an event and get a good meal in, maybe there is some shopping.  This visit to Chicago we tried something a little different as a special Mother’s Day treat to ourselves – we participated in two tours.  And if you are ever in Chicago, we HIGHLY recommend doing both:

1. Gold Coast Walking Tour
2. Chicago River Architecture Tour

Looking for more ideas? Check out our Chicago Pinterest board for more!

That’s all for now!  Until the next adventure!!!

XOXO – Natalie, @girlinthevalley