As we wait for the cooler weather to stick around in Florida, it was a good time of year to make my first trip to Chicago. I'd connected through Chicago airports a bunch of times, but never had a chance to explore the city to hunt down the best deep dish pizza or catch a game at Wrigley Field.
Had to be a typical tourist and take a bunch of pictures with the famous bean (Cloud Gate).
Hmmm what should I have for dinner tonight... beans?
Ta-dah, tourist.
Love this pic... the foliage was just starting.
Yikes.
There's actually a little deli near Q105 that sells these in St. Pete. But I had to have a fresh one.
For years I've waited for this moment. A real Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza.
My friend insisted on bread... I passed. I knew this pizza would fill me up.
How beautiful is this thing?
Let's do this.
Looks perfect. And it tasted perfect. Chunks of tomato swimming with that sauce and cheese with a slightly crunch crust.
Geno / BeasleyMy first deep dish slice from Lou Malnati's.
Even though we have 'em in Tampa, had to get a meal at a Chicago Portillo's.
Daaaaaaaaaah beers.
Many told me I had to get a mix of caramel and cheese popcorn from Garrett. It was good but I've had just as good from bags I've bought at Sam's Club.
A few freinds suggested we take the architecture cruise. Chilly doing it at night, but the views were great!
Visiting this time of year is perfect - you get out of the Florida heat, but the frigid temperatures and snow haven't arrived yet.
Chicago opened their own Riverwalk just like Tampa's a few years ago.
Online reviews brought me here for lunch... it looked legit Italian.
I went with the Italian... great stuff.
Pretty busy spot... but it's a short wait.
Time to unwrap and try it.
Good but I might be more of a fan of the subs at Mazzaro's in St. Pete.
Don't know what's higher - the Sears Tower or gas prices. And yes, I know it's not called the Sears Tower anymore. But I can't remember the new name and a tour guide said most in Chicago still call it the Sears Tower.
Back again.
One more Lou's visit... this time a latenight one so I went with the smaller personal size.
Game time.
Was unsuccessful in getting a "Let's Go Lightning" chant going.
Seeing a Chicago Blackhawks game was a treat.
The other MJ.
They had Giordano's at the game so figured I'd give them a try. But they only offered the crispy thin crust style.
Honestly... wasn't impressed. Later in the night, I found out other sections sold deep dish.
I did finally try a different deep dish instead of just Lou Manati's. Pequod's is pretty well known. I liked it, but Lou's is the best.
All the Chicago staples at this place near our AirBnB.... Italian Beef, Hot Dogs, etc.
Good dog.
Chicago was really expensive... unless you went to little Mexican bakeries like this.
Great stuff and so cheap!
Lots to choose from.
More...
Reviews brought me to this place for a great burger.
Honestly, it was just ok. Looked good in the photo, but a B-.
If I had my own restaurant...
Chicago style hot dogs are a bit much... but when in Rome.
Love old ballparks!
GenoEditor
Hear Geno on the air weekday afternoons. Geno's passions include fat guy food, concerts, sports, travel to Europe and South America. He loves 80s and 90s music, from MTV hairbands to old school freestyle, alternative rock to TRL era jams. Geno's radio career began in his hometown of Portland, Maine. Since then he's been on the air coast to coast from Boston to Las Vegas, Tampa to California.
