Lincoln Square

After a hectic week of holiday shopping, family get-togethers and Christmas gatherings, it was nice to spend a relaxing day in my neighborhood. Lincoln Square, located in north Chicago, offers something for everyone. My husband and I started out our day with the necessary cup o’ joe at the local Starbucks. We then proceeded to window shop down Lincoln Avenue. After a quick stop in Merz Apothecary (they offer everything you need to pamper yourself) we headed over to Café Selmarie. Not only is Café Selmarie an incredible restaurant it is also a phenomenal bakery. At Café Selmarie, you will find some of the most decadent and irresistible desserts the city has to offer. This café is a neighborhood favorite. After happily stuffing ourselves with pastries we took in a movie at the Davis Theater. The Davis Theater is a neighborhood treasure. It was scheduled for demolition a few years ago but residences of the neighborhood were able to save it. It is architecturally stunning. Inside, you will find stained glass windows, antique movie posters and old-fashioned vending pieces. It is truly a unique theater. Our relaxing day ended with a leisurely walk home. Everything in Lincoln Square is within walking distance, the "El" (brown line), restaurants, the theater, parks, the library, Old Town School of Folk Music, shops, and so much more. I feel so lucky that I live in such a fantastic neighborhood.

Hotel InterContinental

Well, my team must be out selling, so it's up to me to get this blog thing off the ground!! Over Halloween, my girlfriend and I stayed at the Hotel Intercontinental on Michigan Ave. We booked the room on hotels.com, which in the past has hooked us up with some really great deals. Last year we stayed at the Fairmont, and had a wonderful time. The room was grand and large, and the service was supreme. Th eonly drawback was the location could have been a little better, since it was a little chilly outside which made walking less than conducive.

The Intercontinental was great in terms of the location. All the shopping and restaurants are right outside your door and the concierge and valet parking were very helpful. That being said, the room was barren and small. The view was horrible. That was disappointing, I mean you get what you pay for I guess, but still, I doubt I would return to the Intercontinental.

On Halloween we visited Narcisse, which was interesting. Lots of interesting people at Narcisse, food was great, but it does get very clubby after 9:30pm - beware! It was good to go once, but wouldn't go again. Perhaps if I was 20-25, it would have been more of a hip place, I tend to like things a bit more genteel. I think dropped $150.00 on the meal, not too bad with wine, etc.

The next night we ate at Shaws Crab House, now that was a fun and great meal. I had the Alaskan King Crab and my girlfriend had the Lobster...topped it all of with a wonderful creme brulee. I highly recommend this place!! A friend of mine went to Nine that night and loved that place, others have said the same, that is definitely on my list for my next visit.

Well that's all for now. Feel free to comment!

Brent