heather & olive

cloudy day, windy city.

jackie at the art institute.

too many palomas.

short rib hash at sable.

eataly souvenir.

Last Thursday my sister and I headed to the Windy City--she had some things to do for work, so I decided to tag along and make a long weekend out of it. We used to go to Chicago annually but we haven't been since 2014--it was a long overdue sister trip.

When we landed Thursday night we checked into The James (a favorite hotel in a great location) and walked over to the Slurping Turtle for ramen. Every time we visit we always squeeze in a meal there, and it never disappoints (especially during cold weather).

On Friday my sister had to work all day so when I finally pulled myself together I went to the Art Institute. It was my first time there and they had so many amazing pieces, from Miró to Pollock--I especially loved seeing A Sunday on La Grande Jatte and channeling my inner Cameron Frye. After a few hours walking around I stopped at Remington's for a burger and read Pretty Girls (which is such a good thriller). When my sister was done we had a drink at the hotel bar, then headed out for dinner at GT Fish & Oyster and it was absolutely delicious--super fresh and good for sharing.

After my sister's meeting on Saturday morning, we went to Sable for brunch--they had a different chef from the previous times we ate there (no more Heather Terhune from Top Chef), but it was still very good (although I missed the small plates). We then trekked over to the Willis Tower to visit the Skydeck but by the time we got there the wait was over 45 minutes and I didn't feel up to it. We headed back towards the hotel and went to Eataly--this was my first time there and it totally lived up to the hype. We had wine and cheese at one of the restaurant bars and then did a little shopping--I'll definitely need to visit the one in Boston but I'm glad I don't live too close because it could be dangerous. I would be there every day. Saturday night we went to the original Morton's for steaks and chocolate mousse and then called it a night because our flight on Sunday was pretty early (and I was honestly so tired from all of the walking).

It was the perfect short getaway--I seriously love Chicago and I love sharing it with my sister...we're already planning the next trip.

Now comes the battle of working my first full week in 2017. Womp womp.