Empire State of Mind- Christmastime in NYC

Prior to last weekend, I have never been to New York during Christmastime. Though I have visited the city more times than I can keep track of, I have somehow managed to have other things to do that kept me away. It has long been on my "bucket list," and I'm so glad that I finally got the chance to go because it is truly magical during this time of year. Chicago does an incredible job spreading the holiday cheer, but there is nothing like walking down Fifth Avenue and checking out all the fabulous store fronts.

Though it was just a short weekend getaway, the mini vacay was exactly what I needed. Work has been insanely busy for the holidays, and the timing could not have been better. Plus, this was a special trip because I got to go with my good friend Jo. This was her first trip since going with her family years and years ago, so she was really excited to go as well.  Going on trips with your significant other or your family is always great, but the experience really changes when you go with a friend. In other words, we got to go shopping ALL DAY and do girly things that would bore our husbands to death!

So our trip began with a quick bite of pizza and a show. We chose Promises, Promises because we are both HUGE fans of Kristin Chenoweth. Our only complaint was that we didn't get to see Sean Hayes perform (he was sick), but the good news was that his understudy was awesome AND we got to see Molly Shannon play the part of the drunk lady.  It was a fun show and a great way to start off the weekend.

After the show, we walked around Times Square and then grabbed a late night snack at Carnegie Deli. Now having had both Carnegie and Katz's famous pastrami sandwiches, I must say that Carnegie does not hold a candle to Katz's. Don't get me wrong- it's still very good, but I was more interested in the matzo ball soup and latkes that the couple eating next to us were having! Plus, the prices are ridiculously ridiculous. I guess that's a given seeing that it's in a touristy area, but seriously? $15 for one sandwich + another $3 to split it? And no free re-fills on $3 Cokes?  It's highway robbery if you ask me!

Anyway. Onto the next day...

We slept in and made our way to Bergdorf Goodman for a very belated birthday lunch for Jo. I had requested a special table by the window overlooking Central Park for the occasion, and let me tell you, BG does NOT disappoint. Lunch there is probably one of my favorite NYC experiences, and I know that I will be back again because it was that amazing. The food was incredible and the service exceeded my already high expectations.

If there is a place I love more the Bloomingdale's, it is Bergdorf Goodman. Thank goodness it is so far away because I would be bankrupt if I lived nearby. Shopping is divine, especially when you hit their amazing designer shoe sales.

After BG, we checked out The Plaza hotel, walked around the park, and hit up all our favorite stores down Fifth Avenue. Here are a few of my favorite decorated store fronts! Fendi was my favorite (sorry Tiffany, you were a close second!), and then Cartier was third.

Inside the Happiest Place on Earth. Yes, that is Tiffany and Co. for those of you who are not in the know.

Presents from Heaven (Santa).

Having some fun at the NBA store.

Of course, we worked up an appetite shopping so we had to have a hot dog. It totally hit the spot, and I'm happy to report that Jo enjoyed it!  Then it was off to see the famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. OMG was it a ZOO there- people pushing and shoving everywhere... not fun. But boy, was it a sight to see.

We had a few hours until our dinner, so we decided to get another snack (Junior's Cheesecake!) at Grand Central Station. I just love walking into the main concourse- it's so majestic, strikingly beautiful and breath-taking.

Macy's.

Dinner was at Boqueria, one of my favorite places to eat for Spanish tapas. I often crave their Seafood Paella because it is soooo delicious.  I remembered having this amazing strawberry sangria in the summer, but it was replaced with another seasonal drink. It sounded pretty good (cranberries drenched in rum), but that was mistake because it was WAY TOO STRONG, and I was definitely buzzing after a few sips! We were pretty stuffed after all the good eats, but powered through another round of drinks and dessert at a diner with Jo's family.

Sunday came too fast, but we got to have a nice brunch with my friend Kim who I met on KWEST Japan. It was really great to see her, and we mostly ended up chattering away about her wedding plans for next year. Her fiancee is classmates with Scott, but she still lives in NYC, so I am crossing my fingers that she'll move so we can hang out more!

NY, I'll be back soon. After all, it's such a quick and easy flight to and from Chicago. :)

Until next time...

40 Degree Weather? Yes, Please!

Every week, the temperature drops by a few degrees. I would say it's because of this fact that I am getting more and more used to the cold.

I no longer feel sorry for people who complain that it's cold back home. The wind chill here is serious! It makes the weather feel so much colder than it really is. For example, 35 degrees here feels quite different than 35 degrees there. I have now become one of those people who think 40 degrees is a FANTASTIC day for weather. I might even say that 50 degrees is... hot.

Next week we'll be in single digits, and at some point next year we'll probably go below zero. I can't even imagine what that's going to feel like!

So what do I have to look forward to these days? Snow. I LOVE walking in fresh snow and seeing the streets covered in soft white powder. The days that it snows are actually warmer than days that don't- it's so strange psychologically because the most beautiful, crystal clear days when the sun in sparkling and the skies are bright blue are the most bitter cold.

The thing I've really come to hate weather-wise is the rain. Man, rain sucks in Chicago!!! Mostly it's because of the wind- and to be honest, I think that rain is worse than snow here. It is a total pain in the ass to walk in, and you need an umbrella made of steel to weather the storms.

Despite the extreme cold and harsh weather conditions, I am (for the most part!) enjoying the winter season. Everything is decked out for Christmas, and the holiday spirit is all around us. I'm just hoping that this newfound excitement will carry me through my first winter here in Chicago.

Let's just pray that I don't slip on the ice and fall on my ass.

Happy Holidays!

'Tis the Season in Chicago

Some of you may already know this, but for those who don't, I will be spending the holidays here in Chicago. Not by choice, but because of the fact that hotels are open 365 days of the year. Weekends and holidays are the busiest, especially in the months of November and December.. so in short, going back home to Cali is not an option for me. =(

I wasn't expecting it, but someone at work must love me because I got Thanksgiving Day off. Of course, I work the day before and the day after- it isn't much, but I'll take it. We will be joining a few friends who aren't able to celebrate with their families, and I'm so happy to have a real Thanksgiving meal. Scott mentioned the possibility of going out to eat at a nice restaurant with this very same group, and I said no way in heck- I want to have a homeade turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and all the traditional fare! As the actual holiday is getting closer and closer, I am getting very homesick, but I just have to remember that this is only temporary and I'm fortunate to be spending it with good friends.

I'll be making candied yams, a pumpkin cake, and my favorite biscuits with cranberry jelly inside. If I can't be at home to eat my mom's cooking, at least I can eat a few things that I have every year. =)

I do have to say that Chicago does an amazing job at lifting spirits during the holiday season. I can't believe how gorgeous it is EVERYWHERE I go. The streets where I live are lined with beautiful lights, wreaths, and snowflakes. Downtown where I work, the window displays, hotel fronts, and millions of lights are gorgeous. Even the trains are decorated like crazy!

Tonight I watched the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony just outside of my apartment building. It was a lot of fun with all the other locals cheering together and trying to stay warm with tiny cups of mint/chocolate milk tea. Afterwards, I treated myself to a Creme Brulee latte from Starbucks, which is indeed the new love in my life. Tiny bits of caramelized burnt sugar? Yumm-O.

Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday, and today I am getting all the decorations and my little mini tree out of our storage.

Happy Holidays!

Living Like a Midwesterner

It has almost been four months since our move here to Chicago, and exactly two since I've started my new job.

Now that we're completely settled in, I've taken note of the most significant change in my lifestyle.

PRACTICALITY.

Yesterday I had brunch with my friend Phyllis, who like me, moved to Chicago from warm and sunny California. Although she's got a year ahead of me, we were both talking about how we had to make some major adjustments!

#1. Forget about all the fancy shoes and handbags. They will do you no good here. In the fall/winter, flat boots (no heel) are a must, and in the warmer months, a good pair of walking shoes and flats. A good, practical black handbag will take you through the year!

#2. Invest in a few good thick cashmere sweaters for the cold weather. NOTHING I brought from Cali is good enough for the bitter cold. My warmest sweaters still need to be layered with about three other things!! Puffy down jackets are also a must. I even bought a puffy hooded vest, which I never would have been caught dead with in LA. Funny how much your style can evolve.

#3. Coats, scarves, and gloves from Cali are stylish, but not warm or practical. I quickly realized that my coats were a waste of closet space. I could have worn them in the beginning of fall, but then locals would poke fun because it was too "warm" for coats yet. When it did become "coat season," I had to go out and buy a thick HEAVY peacoat... and the most popular color? Black. You don't want it to get dirty on the train, rain, etc. No pretty winter whites. Scarves can't be made of polyester or acrylic- yes, we do need to look at the labels now to see what is going to keep you warm!

For now, us Midwest newbies are building the basics. However, while we are living this so-called life of practicality, we can still try to be as stylish a possible.. which brings me to a new term I have learned out here:

The Coastie.

What is a Coastie, you ask? Anyone who hails from the East or West Coast whose style is noticeably fashionable. Although this sounds like a compliment, I can assure you it is not. As explained to me, it is like someone who styles their hair with the "LC bump" (if you watched The Hills, you should know what this is). Well, as much as I have adjusted my fashion sense here, I am not ashamed to be called a Coastie and embrace my fashion sense non-Coasties wish they had!

Though in a way, this all makes me think about how silly it was for me to spend so much money on expensive designer shoes and bags. When you see how unnecessary it is out here, you start to wonder how living in a particular part of the country can affect what you choose to spend your hard earned money.

In N Out, Shake Shack, or Five Guys. Which One Are You?

So I'm here to put in my two cents about which burger reigns supreme. 

THE VERDICT:  In N Out

I based my decision primarily on the chain that I would frequent the most consistently and never get tired of.

One of the things I miss most about California is the In N Out burger.  I probably went there more than any other restaurant/fast food chain by a landslide.  There was something so satisfying about having such a solid, tasty burger... and the best part was, it never felt like a guilty pleasure because it actually seemed healthy.

So here is the breakdown (in my opinion)-

In N Out

Pros: Best burger overall.  Love the thin patty, secret sauce, toasted bun, and chilled lettuce and tomato.  It's just addictive.  One of my favorite sodas is Dr. Pepper, and the fact that I can have that along with my burger is like the cherry on top.

Cons: Not a huge fan of the fries, and the shakes are just ok.

Shake Shack

Pros: Best hamburger patty- seems to be the most fresh and juicy.  Best fries, best shakes, and yummy frozen custard.  

Cons: Although the patty itself is really great, everything else on the burger is not as good as In N Out.    

Five Guys

Pros: You open up the door, and the first thing that hits you is a blast of groovy jazz music.  How fun is that?!!  Food-wise, there is a wide variety of free toppings.  Personally, I don't like to pile toppings on my burger, but for people who do, I can see how this place would be awesome.  The fries are also pretty good, and they also have a Cajun option!

Cons: Unspectacular bun, lettuce and tomato were warm and soggy.  I have to say that it was my least favorite of the three burger joints.  I really wanted to like this place, but have to say that it was quite underwhelming.  A brand new location just opened up on our block, and I can walk there in minutes.  Oh well. :*(

So there you have it.  In N Out, you still have my heart.

Japanorama

Sometimes I feel like I'm a student at Kellogg.  I never expected to be so fully involved with the community, and that, perhaps is the biggest and most pleasant surprise of all. Just being around such amazing people is very inspiring, and it almost makes me want to apply for next year's term.  Almost.

As a significant other of students in the program, you can pretty much be involved in everything that goes on at the school.  I fully intend to take advantage of all the possibilities, from attending classes to joining clubs and possibly even holding a position of some sort.  There is a huge number of significant others (termed JVs for JointVentures) here, and to be quite honest, it is often difficult to tell them apart from the students because of how involved they are.  The JV community in itself is impressive- you can be as active or inactive as you wish, but rest assured, there is always something planned for the JVs.

By far and above, my best experience in the Kellogg community has been the KWEST trip.  I've been hearing about how amazing KWEST trips were since I attended DAK last spring (which was the Admitted Students Weekend), and have since wondered how it could possibly live up to the expectations I already had in my head.  I'm happy to report that every expectation was not only met, but exceptionally exceeded.

A little background about KWEST.  Right before orientation starts, students and their SO's have an opportunity to do a little traveling around the world and bond with their classmates.  We were given a whole list of countries to choose from, and after ranking our top 10, we found out that we got our first choice- Japan.  There were so many great countries to choose from that spanned all over Central America, Europe, and Asia.  

In total, there were 25 of us on the trip, including 5 outstanding trip leaders (2nd year students), 15 students, and 5 JVs.  We were told from the beginning not to reveal certain information, such as where we were from, what school we went to, what job we had, or if we were the student or the JV.  This made it difficult at first because those are typical talking points when you first meet people, but this way it really forced us to get creative and know each other in different ways.  It also made the "Big Reveal" very exciting...

Although I didn't intend for it to be this way, I hung out with almost everyone else on the trip more than I did with Scott.  I genuinely wanted to get to know everyone else on the trip, and sometimes it is easier when you do that alone instead of always being with your other.  Similarly, I felt like people genuinely wanted to get to know me.    

There is a theory that a group becomes a group only when they experience something of significant magnitude together.  It could be extremely difficult, fun, or maybe not fun at all.  No matter what differences individuals might have, they will always have that common bond.  I was thinking about how much that related to pledgeship and sororities, but it was especially true for the KWEST experience.  We could not have been a more diverse group, but we got along so well, and I know I have made friends I will have for a lifetime.  I was happy to learn that our journeys together would not end here- there was a social chair to be appointed to make sure of it.  Can you guess who is super excited to plan away?!!

***

Below are a few pictures and brief description of what we did in Japan each day!

Day 1:  It all begin with a 13 hr. flight from O'hare to Japan, followed by a 1 hr. bus ride to the Hotel Monterey in Akasaka-Mitsuke.  For our first meal together, we had okonomi-yaki (Japanese stuffed pancakes) and afterwards we went to the Tokyo Tower.  

Day 2-  We started off the day with a nice Japanese breakfast at the hotel and then went to Asakusa to shop for souvenirs.  After that, we broke off into groups and had Kaiten sushi (think conveyor belt) and participated in a Tokyo scavenger hunt.  Tasks were spread out all over well-known places in Tokyo, including the Takashimaya department store, Harajuku St, and the Electronics District.  Last but not least, we had Izakaya (bar food + beer/sake) and Karaoke in Shibuya.

Day 3- This was our community service day.  We took a train to Sagami-ko and did a joint activity with the local college students.  After having a bento lunch together at the campsite, we participated in a version of the "Olympic Games" (my team, the Green Dragons won!) and then cooked curry together from scratch... at the end of the night, we performed skits, and had a campfire where some of the guys played guitar and sang songs.  Oh, and there were fireworks sparklers too... we felt like kids again running around and waving them everywhere!

Day 4- Two words.  Mt. Fuji.  Wow, did I ever understimate how physically and mentally difficult this was going to be- I couldn't have done it w/o the support of my friends on the trip, and especially Atsushi, who was the most amazing mountain guide ever.  His accomplishments climbing were truly incredible- he had once held the Guinness World Record for climbing the highest mountains on all 7 continents at the youngest age.  To top it off, his hike with us would be his 131st at Mt. Fuji.  Well, I am not going to lie.  The hike literally kicked my ass (I even fell on the way down and bruised my tailbone).  It was no easy task- 7.5 hrs to get to the mountain lodge (most horrible experience ever- most of us did not sleep a wink due to the "conditions" there).  By 2am we were out and about- it was pitch black and we needed our head lamps, not to mention that it was freezing cold and windy.  Words cannot describe what it felt like to reach the summit.  It felt like the achievement of a lifetime, and I could not believe my eyes when I saw the sunrise- it was unlike anywhere else in the world.  There was this dark red ring around the sun as it rose out of the sea.  I couldn't capture it on my camera, but the picture is crystal clear in my memory.

Day 5- After climbing Mt. Fuji, we were all exhausted.  We were practically zombies at lunch, and I think the greatest gift we could have received was a shower. Thankfully we got to stay at a Japanese inn and soak in the hot springs, which are known to have magical healing powers (much needed for all of us)!  At last, we were fully relaxed and had a chance to rest before a traditional Japanese dinner and the "Big Reveal."

Day 6- Back to Tokyo.  We had a delicious Katsu (breaded pork cutlet) lunch and some free time to ourselves... our farewell dinner was a traditional sukiyaki- dipped in raw egg.  After the egg scare in the US, we were a little weary of eating it, but since we didn't really have a choice, we sucked it up and ate it anyway.  We celebrated by having a night out on the town at the Roppongi clubs.  A few hardcore people stayed up all night to go to the fish market to see the tuna auction, but at that point, I was so beat. I wish I could have made it, but my body could not handle another all-nighter!

Day 7- Going home.  This time it took just under 12 hours.  JAL was fantastic, and this time I did actually get some sleep.

I feel so fortunate to have met so many great people.  The memories we made in Japan are unforgettable and I can't wait until we have our reunion!  

The Magnificent Milestone

One of the best parts about where I live is that the train station is literally across the street.  In a quick minute, I'm already at "The L," which is just about the easiest and nicest method of public transportation I have ever used (aside from the bullet trains in Japan).

It's quite different from the NYC subways, the main difference being that it runs above ground... so it's nice to be able to see what you are passing through.  I also got my official CTA card, which makes the whole process so much easier.  It works like a debit card, but when the balance hits $10, it refills back to $20.  No more stopping by the automatic tellers to grab tickets- love it.

I've already used my card way more than Scott has, and he thinks that I'm going to get to know Chicago better than he will!  Right now he's really busy with school, so I've been taking off on my own to go on job interviews or meet up with friends downtown.

This is my stop.  I felt incredibly touristy taking a photo here, but I thought it would be nice to document as it was my first time taking The L and going into the city. 

The very first thing we did was see the Macy's.  Until that day, Macy's New York had been my favorite department store in the US, but I have since changed my mind.  It was fabulous!  I wanted to spend so much more time there, but since I couldn't, I took a quick peek in the Walnut Room (where I desperately want to have a Christmas dinner when the tree arrives), read up on the history of the building (it used to be a Marshall Fields), and made a mental note about how awesome the food court was- come on... Marcus Samuelson AND Rick Bayless had counters there!

Since the food court was closed and we were starving, we decided to go The Plaza at Park Grill.  It was a beautiful day, and so nice to have lunch outside and people-watch.  I was very impressed with their Kobe beef burger and blue cheese potato salad.  I normally hate blue cheese, so I know it must have been good!  

After lunch, we saw the famous bean (cloud gate sculpture) and attempted to take several photos until we had a few that were "Facebook profile worthy."  I know it's just a bean, but it was pretty cool to see it so close up.

Then I thought I saw what looked like the Disney Concert Hall, and I realized that it was the same designer Frank Gehry's creation called the Pritzker Pavilion.  There was a free concert that was about to begin, and I made another mental note to come back one day and see one of the shows.  It was certainly a sight to see- funny how I know his work through his jewelry line at Tiffany, but no matter- his work is genius in any art form.

I also found the Crown Fountain to be quite interesting... we saw the Buckingham Fountain too, but I was less impressed with that one.  One can only get so excited about fountains.  I really wanted to go on the Chicago Architecture Boat Tour, but we just missed the last tour for the day.  The desire is two-fold- 1) because I am fascinated by the buildings and architectural design and 2) My Best Friend's Wedding is one of my all-time favorite Romantic Comedies.  Of course I need to see the boat tour!  And then maybe have a drink at The Drake hotel or something. :) 

My first two weeks in Evanston were dedicated mostly to getting the apartment ready, and there would be random times in the day where I would miss home and feel overwhelmed.  But I have to say that this trip made the difference in my whole attitude out here, and it really was the first day that I truly enjoyed being in Chicago. There is so much to do and see here.  I wish that everyone had the opportunity to pick up and live somewhere completely different from what they are used to.  You would be surprised at how much it could change your life.

Before hopping back on the train to go home, we walked along The Magnificent Mile just to take it all in and also visit a few shops.  

To me, Chicago is so different than LA and NY.  I feel like it's a great combination of the two.  A few things I noticed- it has an energy.  Not quite like NY, but it's there and just the right amount for me.  People stroll instead of walking super fast from point A to point B.  It's clean.  The architecture is just incredible.  There is great food and great shopping.  

It doesn't feel like "home" yet, and that realization sank in when I came back from Japan a few days ago.  It felt weird to have O'Hare be the final destination.  In any case, I am proud to be a part of this city.  

Next on the blog: KWEST Japan!  Another milestone waiting to be told... 

Northwestern Territory

It's been about two weeks since we've arrived in Evanston, and so far I am loving it. Almost everyone I have met -whether a neighbor, waitress, or salesperson- has been so friendly and helpful.  I know I keep saying this, but it is such a big difference from what I am used to.  I can't tell you how refreshing it is to be in an environment where everyone just smiles more and seems so much happier.  We have also been quite lucky with the weather and have taken advantage with some beautiful walks by the lake.

The apartment is getting close to feeling like home.  We're just waiting on our new couch to be delivered, so as soon as it comes, I'll post a few pictures.  I am so excited because for the first time in my life, I will have a REAL couch.  Not the IKEA futon excuse for a couch that everyone had back in the college days, but a real, soft ivory leather, beautiful, gorgeous couch!  The day it arrives will feel like Christmas.

Among other exciting news, having a doorman is the greatest thing since sliced bread. How in the heck can someone remember EVERYONE's name in my building (there are 25 floors for Pete's sake!)?  I don't know... but I like it and it makes me feel special. We are also ordering things like crazy online- even stuff like paper towels and energy bars.  I find it very exciting when I see the special key chain stuck in my mailbox that says I have a package waiting! Being able to have someone sign for your packages is so convenient.  It's the little things in life, you know?

                                                    bunny rabbits!

                                            
Living in a college town is fun.  I compare it to Westwood, but of course, it has its differences in many ways.  One of the things I noticed right away is how clean and safe the streets are.  Being able to walk to Whole Foods, the Farmer's Market, restaurants, the public library, shops, the lake, etc. has been one of the greatest experiences.  For Scott, it's more old hat since he used to live in NYC, but for me it is a whole new world.  Back in April when I was apartment hunting, I had no idea how much I would come to appreciate being in the most convenient part of downtown.

I've been told that I have three months left of good weather and then I will see what it is like to live in the freezing cold.  Today I purchased all my winter gear- down coat, base clothing, thick socks, and snow boots.  I got very paranoid when I heard that everything sells out by October, so of course I made my check list and got it all!  When Scott saw the receipt, I think his heart might have stopped momentarily.

Despite all the negative comments people make about how I'm going to hate the cold, I am actually looking forward to seeing the seasons change and the first snowfall. Check back soon for the next blog entry: a recap on my first real trip into downtown Chicago, taking the L, and my happiest day since the move.

Road Trip!

Well friends, we made it safely to Evanston and are currently in the midst of getting settled.  So far, the weather has been treating us well, and everyday there is something new and great to experience.  I am really enjoying living downtown so far, and I seriously can't get enough of the Midwest love!

The drive out here was definitely an experience I'll never forget.  At first, I didn't even want to think about a road trip.  Our initial plans were to pack up and take the first flight out to Chicago... but after much thought, we decided that it would make more sense to do the drive.  Plus, it would be an opportunity for me to go a few places I probably never would have planned on visiting.

First stop was Vegas.  It was hot as hell, but I had a great time there.  I still get paranoid every time the weather gets crazy hot because it reminds me of when I was hospitalized for dehydration/exhaustion about 3 years ago... but I ate well, stayed hydrated, and rested so there was nothing to worry about!  We stayed at the Encore, which I have to say I enjoyed much more than the Wynn.  The suite alone was incredible, and it didn't hurt that it was super cheap for midweek summer deals!

Notable mentions in VEGAS:

-Beef noodle soup from Noodle Asia at the Venetian.  Scott's foodie friend swears by it, and because of his reputation for knowing good food + the fact he was also Chinese gave us the confidence we needed to try it out.  It was a little pricey, which is expected in Vegas, but I have to say that I was very impressed!  Flavors were really good and it hit the spot for our first late night meal.  All the waiters and cooks were Chinese, so it felt like it was going to be the real deal.  We also had the black peppered beef stir fry noodles and chinese sausage and broccoli stem fried rice which were tasty, but the highlight was definitely the beef noodle soup.

-European pool at the Encore.  No one actually goes topless, but it was nice having a 21+ crowd w/o kids running all over the place.  It was very relaxed and the crowd was hip and cool.. Scott thought it would be funny to take a picture here.  Apparently, he really did look like a Pool Boy because a woman came over and asked him where she could get bottled water!

-ALEX restaurant at the Wynn.  I swear Steve Wynn is a genius and just knows what people want in a great hotel.  Between the Wynn and the Encore, the good eats are never-ending.  I have eaten at my fair share of amazing restaurants in the world, but this one takes the cake by a landslide... seriously the best dining experience of my life.  It is completely worth a trip out to Vegas for a special occasion!  The only way to do it is to go for the seasonal 7-course menu.  In-freakin-credible.  Just try it and you will thank me later.

After Vegas, we drove through Arizona for a little bit, then Utah to Denver, which was a gruesome 12 hours.  It definitely was the hardest leg of the trip and driving through those damn Rockies was pretty scary at times.  On a positive note, I did enjoy the scenic route- there is something so beautiful about the crazy rock formations... pictures don't do it justice.

So Denver.  I was very underwhelmed by this city!  I hope I don't offend anyone who hails from this area, but I guess I was expecting a lot more.  It was a quaint town and the people were very nice, but for some reason it just wasn't my favorite.  Maybe staying downtown wasn't the way to go?  The only two things that stick in my memory were the abundance of pawn shops and how many Cubs fans ruled the city.  They were in town to support their team play the Rockies- the Cubs have quite a following when they travel, which is pretty impressive.  We stayed pretty close to the ball park, and I swear I don't think I saw a single Rockies fan anywhere!!

Notable mentions for Denver:
-a cute little area called Larimer Square
-Snooze cafe for brunch.  Upside-down pineapple pancakes and coffee were delish~

It wasn't until about this point of the road trip that I really started to feel far from home.  It was almost like a fun game to point out Japanese or German cars; gas stations, fast food chains, and convenience stores were unfamiliar... I found comfort in junk food, which is of course totally acceptable and healthy on all road trips.

Now it was onto Omaha, which was the most pleasant surprise.  I honestly did not have high expectations, and considering the way I felt about Denver, I certainly was not excited.  This leg of the trip was easier- about 8 hours this time and much easier to drive.  It's funny how things work out, but this was actually my favorite stop (after Vegas) en route to Chicago.  What I remember most about Nebraska is all the green... and I can't really explain it, but there was just something different and really nice about the area.  I was also very impressed with their downtown "Old Market" area, which a local described as "a poor man's version of the Gaslamp District."  Apparently rent (and the cost of living) is dirt cheap there- I found out the average apartment was only $500 per month!  Below is a pic of all the barrels of hay I saw alongside the road... it reminded me of a challenge from the Amazing Race, my fav tv show.

Notable mentions for Omaha:
-The "Old Market"
-Upstream (freakin awesome!) restaurant where I had the BEST Omaha ground sirloin burger and homeade creamy rootbeer.  I even got a complimentary big scoop of vanilla ice cream to help me finish it at the end of my meal. =)

For the last major leg of the trip, we did another 8 hour drive through Iowa.  All I remember were fields and fields and fields and fields of corn forever.  And that is all.

At long last, we arrived in Chicago.  Of course, we had to pick up where we left off on the deep dish pizza tour.  I had previously been to Lou Malnati's, and this time, it was Gino's East.  We had the spinach deep dish, which I really enjoyed!  Since then I've also tried Giordani's, which I think is currently in the lead.  I used to think I was a New York pizza girl at heart, but I think I'm crossing over to the other side!!

The last stop: Evanston.  I can't wait to tell everyone how beautiful this town is.  We're living in the best part of downtown- walking distance from everything, including the train (which is a quick ride into downtown Chicago) and also the lake, which is so huge it looks like an ocean.

Look out for the next entry, which will be about everything Evanston!