The Chicago restaurant scene is busy. Rooftops are opening and new restaurants are sprouting up all over the city. Spring has finally arrived. In my complete inability to turn down an invitation, I have attended 15 events in 23 days, and plan to spend the weekend relaxing. Here is a quick rundown of my favorite new discoveries from this month.
52Eighty – Above the 28 stories of the Mile North Hotel, this is the tallest rooftop in Chicago, and it boasts spectacular city views. This is the perfect place to sip champagne in the sunshine.
Cinq – The underground food, wine, and social club hosted a summer kick off party last Saturday. My takeaway was that more parties should have s’mores bars.
Le Pain Quotidien – The Belgian bakery has arrived in Chicago. The first of a few locations has opened at Oglevie, and some Windy City Blogger Collective members and I got to taste test and partake in a cooking class.
Books and Brunch – Last Saturday I had the pleasure of attending brunch at Range with some of my favorite bloggers and author Emily Belden, who wrote the New York Times bestseller Eightysixed. Many of Chicago’s top restaurants are featured in this delightful beach read.
Derby Party – Vineyard Vines hosted a lovely Derby Party at Del Friscos. My horse lost, but drinks were complementary, so we all won.
The Kensington – Perched on the rooftop of nightclub Parliament, this is the newest happy hour hotspot.
Ghost Guest Birthday Party – My friend Amanda’s restaurant blog turned 4 and we celebrated with cocktails and cupcakes.
Blogging and Brunching – This brunch party rotates locations and is a chance for my blogging friends to catch up and collaborate. I brought Chocolate Cake Pancakes.
Plus, Chefs’ Playground was a hit, I did a side by side pizza taste test at Eataly, and Mercato opened.
I hope that everyone has a wonderful long weekend. We all earned it!