Exploring Downtown Chicago.

While the morning rain tapers off, I enjoy coffee with Julie and Vivian. After the clouds disappear and sun heats up the day, I jump on the bike and head into downtown to explore. Millennium Park is chock-full of people enjoying the amazing weather. Kids running in the fountains, teens sunbathing on the lawns and tourists snapping photos of the shiny bean sculpture all harmoniously coexisting in the great public space. The views of the city are spectacular from the park. I take the bridge over Monroe Street to the Art Institute of Chicago designed by Renzo Piano. The exterior detailing of the building is a bit fussy, but the proportions and glass roof of the central hall create a remarkable space.

[Cloud Gate Sculpture aka The Bean by Anish Kapoor]

[Crown Fountain in Millennium Park]

[bridge to Art Institute of Chicago designed by Renzo Piano]

[Art Institute of Chicago]

After exploring for a few hours, I find a place in the neighborhood to sample a Chicago-style hot dog. Gold Coast Dogs isn’t the best I’ve had, but it has all of the proper ingredients and is appropriately devoid of ketchup.

[Chicago-style hot dog]

I make a few more zigzags through the blocks between the park and the river, before getting back on the motorcycle to head back to meet up with Julie, Claus and Vivian for dinner. We end up in the neighborhood of Logan Square at Revolution Brewery. Their anti-hero IPA is great and a very potent beer they brew appropriately called 1Zenuff is exceptional. We try their bacon fat popcorn as an appetizer, which is covered in bacon and parmesan cheese. Needless to say, its as rich and delicious as it sounds. After a great dinner we stroll around Logan Square and check out all of the hip bars and restaurants. The neighborhood is definitely a very happening place. On our way home, Julie and Claus bring me by the new 606 Trail, which is an old elevated rail line that has been converted into a pedestrian walkway. Its great to see another one of these projects in existence after the success of the Highline in NYC.

 

[1Zenuff beer at Revolution Brewery]

[bacon fat popcorn]