Chicago DeTours

With the cold weather upon us, there are less and less options for good guided tours. One young lady has come up with a solution. Amanda Scotese, who has worked for the past few years with the well-known travel expert, Rick Steves, has begun Chicago DeTours, an architectural and historical tour that is mostly indoors. Thanks to the plentiful underground pedways, many of the grand and architecturally significant buildings of the loop are hooked by a series of passageways.

The two hour tour takes you to a variety of buildings in the loop from modern to historical, merchant to religious. It is a great way to get to know a lot about why Chicago is so internationally known for its architecture. One of the unique aspects of the tour is the use of modern technology in the form of the iPad. Historical videos and photos are integrated to give a little more background on what is and what was. Amanda has really researched the tour and provides little known facts about the locations visited. There is even an integration of local businesses.

The $20 tour is a great way to spend the morning in our incredibly historical city and can be scheduled through the concierge desk or on-line and is currently offered Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 about a mile and a half away from the hotel.

Enjoy!
Jeff

Q

One of the most memorable meals I have eaten in a long time has to be a good old BBQ dinner at Chicago’s Q restaurant located just about a mile northwest of the hotel. Recently opened, Q has a relaxing atmosphere and amazing service. This restaurant is not going to break anyone’s bank as it is as affordable as tasty.

The server starts you out with bottomless homemade potato chips and bread and butter pickles. Although no one beats Mom’s pickles, these are a very close second. For appetizers we tried the calamari and the cheddar bacon hush puppies. Both came with delicious sauces, which are tasty but not really necessary as the dishes are good on their own.

Entrees include a variety of in house smoked meat including Competition ribs and half a chicken plus another choice of meat for only $25! Very affordable and filling!! I opted for the brisket with coleslaw and a side of Macaroni and Cheese. The brisket melted in my mouth it was so moist and the bruleed Macaroni and Cheese was some of the best homemade I have ever tasted.

Now let’s talk about dessert. The manager wanted me to taste a few of the desserts (he must know me!). First was a moist piece of carrot cake……second came a dairy pie, in other words, chocolate pecan….my favorite was the espresso ice cream cake covered in homemade peanut brittle. Fantastic!!!

All in all the meal, service and price were right. I look forward to my next visit.

Enjoy!

Jeff