Trip Report - Chicago Birthday Celebration - Day 2

As wet and nasty as last night was, today was correspondingly gorgeous. We started by having breakfast at the doorman-recommended Wolfy's Original Chicago Steak House, just a block away from the hotel. Eggs, steak, Texas toast, fabulous fried potatoes, …. Can't you just taste them? Totally not good for your body; totally delicious. One of the online reviews I read called it "great recreational eating." Yep. I love that phrase and am going to employ it again and again.

After breakfast, we walked across the street to the Chicago Transportation Authority station and spoke with an attendant there, who advised us to go to Walgreen's and buy a $5.75 24-hour pass, that would give us unlimited use of the subway—the famous "L". We found it very easy to get around town on the L, and enjoyed this mobility. My knee continues to bother me, and I hate continuing to ask the Jazzman to pop for a cab.

We road the L to the Chicago Art Institute and saw the Matisse exhibit, plus the Seurat "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte," which is a personal favorite. This art exploration was followed by a lovely half hour relaxing on McKinlock Court with a pastry and a drink.

Moving outdoors, we walked to Millenium Park and wandered, relishing this treasure in the middle of downtown. It's wonderful to see so many people out-of-doors, enjoying all their city has to offer. This is one of the reasons I love Chicago so much.

After a brief nap, we went west on Randolph to Butterfly Mandarin, which had exquisite food. We sat outside and people-watched everyone on their way to the Randolph Street Fair. Gorgeous weather, blue sky, lots to talk about. It was a fabulous evening.

After dinner, we slowly strolled west on Randolph back to the hotel, then lingered in the Encore lounge for a final glass of wine before returning to our room to plan tomorrow's activities.

What a great escape this has been!

(The picture is taken at Cloud Gate in Millenium Park.)