It’s been one year since our wedding in Italy (May 29th) and it feels like it was just yesterday. As our anniversary date came and gone, we would reminisce often about our travels through France and Italy, especially as a few of our friends are there now (oh, how envious we are!). A few months ago, we decided to celebrate in the windy city of Chicago. Chicago seemed like a great place to continue our quest for new experiences in new places, without going international. Chicago is well known as a close competitor to New York as being the greatest foodie paradise in the US (and perhaps the world). We had heard tons about the world-renowned chef, Grant Achatz, and Rob had just finished reading his new inspirational memoir about Achatz’s battle with stage 4 tongue cancer (“Life, On the Line“).

We took advantage of flight deals from Virgin who was adding the O’Hare destination from SFO on Memorial Day weekend. Lisa worked her deal-finding magic to get a great deal on hotel stay right off Michigan Ave. So, we were then ready to plan our eating destinations!

We secured dinner reservations at Achatz’s Alinea in Lincoln Park area for our actual anniversary date, even though we’d be dining at many great places throughout our stay. Alinea was recently named #6 top restaurant in the world by Restaurant Magazine, and the coveted top spot in North America. Alinea completely blew our minds. It was the perfect meal for us. Rob had the wine pairing with our 18 course meal, which even elevated each course. Each item was so complex, yet simple at the same time, and completely different from anything else we’ve experienced before. Topping off the whole experience was Chef Achatz artfully piece together our dessert on our table! Such a surreal experience! Check out the video!

We basically ate our way through the city, and fit in some sightseeing in between. The weather was hugely unpredictable (perhaps not to the locals), starting at 45 degrees and wet when arriving on Thursday afternoon, to 85 degrees, sunny and humid by the time we left on Tuesday. The rain was only a minor nuisance, since the rain came in short spurts, but came down heavy and strong when it did. We hit up all the typical landmarks and tourist traps, in addition to simply walking around and exploring. Highlights included:

-The ginormous Art Institute (free on Thursday nights)
-watching the Heat come from behind to knock out the Bulls of the Eastern Conference Finals at the United Center
-freshly-made churros and tortas at XOCO for lunch
-awesome $22 prix-fixe lunch at Blackbird
-scary glass ledge on 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (aka Sears Tower)
-Buckingham fountain (from Married With Children)
-Frank Gehry designed BP Bridge and Jay Pritzker Pavilion
-The Bean
-Intelligentsia coffee (x2)
-Chicago Blues club
-Standing in line for 90 minutes for Doughnut Vault
-Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House
-10 course “experience” meal at Graham Elliot (and seeing a glimpse of Graham Elliot)
-Cocktail tasting menu (4 drinks + 4 small bites) at Aviary (after eating 10 courses at Graham Elliot)
-awesome complimentary pastries and corned beef hash for Sunday brunch at Ralph Lauren Restaurant
-18 course meal at Alinea (and Chef Grant Achatz serving us dessert)
-spicy Szechuan food in Chinatown in 80 degree weather
-walking around Wrigley Field during a Cubs game
-Deep dish pizza at Giordano’s
-Rock ‘n Roll McDonald’s
-night view from the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of John Hancock tower (nicest view from the Ladies room)
-cab ride from a former boxer, Estaifan Shilaita, featured in a new documentary, “The Chosen Champion“

Here’s a map of our dining excursions across the city.

View Chicago in a larger map

In an effort to get back into shape and try something new, we both have taken up road cycling. We’re training for the 150-mile Waves to Wine fundraiser 2-day bike ride in September (from San Francisco, up the coast to Mt. Tam, to Rohnert Park, then finishing in Sonoma County). We’re riding with Team Chevron, which have organized rides every Saturday morning to help us prepare. It’s a fun, new, and healthy activity that we both enjoy and something we can learn together. Hopefully it’ll be effective to help us get back into shape!

In April, we took a short weekend trip with Lisa’s younger siblings to Scottsdale, Arizona to visit her eldest sister, Judy. It was fun to hang out (iPac movie theaters), eat (Italian, chicken and waffles!), Fry Bread (a must in Arizona!) and attempt to hike up Camelback Mountain. We made it part way up, with a casualty along the way (well, nothing serious, just vomiting). It didn’t help that we had a little bit of a late start, so the sweltering AZ heat was already beating down on us as we began the hike. Despite the difficulty and heat, it was a good challenge and nice to see the mostly flat Scottsdale from the near-top. Of course, the real reason for the trip was to meet Judy’s new bf, Chip. After introductions over gelato and affogato, we headed to the Giants v. D-backs game together. Hopefully Lisa didn’t scare Chip too much with her teasing. It’s just her way of making him more comfortable, and shows that she likes him. It was a good day for the Giants and a great day for all of us, even topped off with fireworks! Although we only spent a few hours with Chip, we are looking forward to hanging out with Judy and Chip again soon!

Scottsdale phoots

It seems this year has been full of baby announcements. Many of our friends have welcomed or will welcome new family additions month after month this year. We welcome Erin Wong (Michael and Grace’s beautiful daughter) to the world! Also of special note, congrats to Rita and Sam on their new baby, expected in October.

Even though many of our friends are having little ones, we must not forget the older ones. Since Lisa’s god’s son, JJ, and his older brother Stephen aka “Bubba” are starting up baseball season, she has been going to as many games as she can for support.

We also had a short but sweet visit from The Pham’s (cousins from Seattle). Tim played in a sand volleyball tournament in Santa Cruz so Lisa and Rob took a day trip out there. They were able to see Kristina, Tim and their extremely cute baby, Myles. Lisa had a great work out making Myles laugh. Hope we get to see them again soon!

We took a mini family vacation with Rob’s mom’s side of the family to San Diego to SeaWorld. We had a great time spending time with family and walking around Old Town. It was a short trip, but we had a great time seeing everyone and look forward to our next meeting.

Last but not least, we want to congratulate 3 of our cousins graduating from High School and College! Rhonda from Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Rachel from Walnut High School and Linda from U.C.Davis. We wish all of you the best of luck!

If you are feeling generous you can donate to Rob or Lisa’s bike ride (for Multiple Sclerosis)!

Chicago gallery
Alinea gallery
Aviary gallery
Graham Elliot gallery

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