It’s been nearly eight months of hard work and I was finally able to get away for a little bit.

The ponies at Fast Horse worry that if I take a trip back home to Hong Kong …or Puerto Rico (long story) … I might not make it back here alive. My supervisor specifically wrote it on my vacation sheet that I cannot come back sick. So I decided to take it easy this time and take a little road trip to Chi-town to get a local yummy food fix. (I won’t have incredible story to tell like the one in Vegas, though!)

My last few visits, I didn’t have enough time to explore the city and the food scene, nor did I know anywhere to go. This time, I did some research and planning. Well, not me exactly. I came across the site fiverr.com and found that a lot of people will do a lot to make five bucks. There are categories such as gifts, graphics, video, social marketing, travel, writing, fun & bizarre, tips & advice, etc. I happened to find this lady Shannon who will plan a non-touristy trip for $5.

I told her I would like to explore some interesting food, modern art and boutique shopping during my visit and here are her recommendations:

Food + Drink  (Tame but delicious):

Tweet Uptown
Recommendations: Veggie Country Benedict + the second finest private collection of art on public display in the city. (In her humble opinion)

 

Market West Loop
Amazing drinks, beautiful bar and an amazing rooftop deck/bar with the best view of the skyline.

 

Unique and interesting restaurant options:

Longman and Eagle
Shannon’s favorite restaurant in the city. Options range from the traditional to bone marrow and frog legs. Affordable and Michelin rated.

 

Hot Doug’s People literally fly here for the day to eat these gourmet hot dogs and duck fat fries. Of course!

 

Chicago French Market
Chicago finally has its first and only year-round, indoor marketplace providing customers with permanent, convenient and personal access to local artisans and purveyors.

 

Cibo Matto Downtown
Wit is the hottest hotel in the city and this restaurant is their gem. The food is amazing and the design/art is fantastic. After dinner Shannon suggest that I must have a drink on the Roof.

 

Flight Chicago
This is Shannon favorite new treasure, behind the scene glimpse into Chicago’s hottest restaurants. Meet the chefs, eat the food.

 

Clandestino
Mysterious underground supper club experience. Woooh..

 

Totally Bizarre:

Ing restaurant
This is a totally unique and very bizarre restaurant (expensive) that has a table dedicated to flavor tripping. Wow, talking about food addiction!

 

Shopping
Shopping should take place in Wicker Park. Shannon suggests I should probably want an entire day to explore this neighborhood.  Take the blue line right to the heart of the shopping district (Damen Stop)
Stores not to miss include: Myopic Books, Reckless Records, City Soles, The Boring Store and Pagoda Red

Wicker Park restaurant suggestions:
Breakfast/Lunch
EarWax
Feast

Lunch/Dinner
Big Star
Cumin

Drinks
Violet Hour
WormHole Coffee

Activities
Pop Up Art Loop
Download a map and check out all of the vacant storefronts turned impromptu art galleries while meandering the loop.

This is a perfect itinerary for my Chi-Town visit since I love food and can gabble down a ton! Thanks for Shannon and Fiverr.com help me save a tons of time to plan and research. I will post some pictures on Fast Horse Twicpic if I am not busy stuffing my face with delicious yumminess!