Sharing my Girl’s Weekend in Chicago with you today!
For the last 5 years or so I’ve been to all of the BlogHer Food cities. Over the years, I don’t necessarily attend the conference sessions, but meet my girlfriends to sightsee around the city. This weekend did NOT disappoint in Chicago. Hands down one of my favorite cities to visit. Photo, Left: Kristan, Shelly, Amanda and me.
Boarded my plane before the sun rose early Thursday morning headed to meet my friends. Chicago was chilly that weekend, so lots of jackets, boots and pants!
Photo via Omni Hotel
Took a cab to the Omni Hotel right in the city. I don’t know how they do it, but the man who helped me into the hotel with my luggage said “Welcome Mrs. Flake.” I didn’t even tell them I was on my way, ha! Still a mystery. They are great!
The Omni hotel is always amazing to us. We stayed in a beautiful suite on the 17th floor that overlooked the busy Chicago streets. I always look forward to sleeping in their dreamy comfortable beds.
After all of the girls arrived we walked over to XOCO quick service restaurant for some Torta’s and most importantly churros with chocolate dipping sauce. Everything was amazing.
Photo via the Doughnut Vault
The next morning we made our way to the Doughnut Vault that we’ve heard so much about. A small little shop inside a business building, but how adorable?
Let’s just get a few things straight, if there are a number of good doughnut shops around in a new city…..the food bloggers will find them. There wasn’t an overwhelming amount of doughnuts to choose from, but we did get one of every variety they had. They were all delicious. Sampled edges of each, ha!
Up next was Do-Rite Donuts. We got at least a dozen of their donuts and these were hands down my favorite donuts of the weekend. The old fashioned cake donuts. Amazing!!
I’m almost embarrassed to admit that after the doughnuts we went to Wildberry for breakfast, lol! Shared some eggs and enjoyed the brisk Chicago air. After breakfast, we walked over the the Giant Bean and took some tourist-y pictures as everyone at the bean does 🙂
We headed over the the BlogHer Food Conference center to see some of our blogging friends.
Got to chit chat with lots of our food blogging friends that afternoon. It was great. Here’s Shelly and I with Liz.
One of the highlights of the weekend was spontaneously getting tickets to see Janet Jackson in concert!! No words can describe how much fun it was. We sang and danced all night to mostly her older 80’s/90’s hits. Her back up dancers still have my mind blown. Some of the best dancers I’ve seen. Even two adorable 12 year old girls that kept up with the adults! Amazing! Such a fun night.
Saturday morning we made our way to The Bongo Room for breakfast. Take a look at the giant Chocolate French Toast Tower? How beautiful!
Later that morning we HAD to stop in to Jeni’s Ice Cream. Amanda and I shared this beauty!
Saturday evening we ventured over to Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. for their famous Pizza Pot Pie! Can you even handle this? It truly was as good as it looks. This little restaurant is so fun and quirky. You walk in to put your name in and they don’t write your name down, they just memorize your face and come get you when your table is ready. Note that it’s cash only too. This is a MUST if you are headed to the city. Click the link below to see how they serve the pizza pot pie.
Saturday night Amanda and I made one last doughnut run to Firecakes. They were delicious, but I have to say Do-Rite was the winner in my book.
So much fun in Chicago. Can’t wait to go back in the near future!
Disclosure: Omni hosted our stay at the hotel, however thoughts and opinions are my own.
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I live in the city and agree with one commenter…Stans or even Glazed and Infused.
Also, should explore more of the (Ukrainian V, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Andersonville, Pilsen, etc) neighborhoods. There are great eats all over the city than just downtown or the surrounding areas.
Glad you loved the city!
P.S. summer time in the city is awesome with the neighborhood street festivals!
I always love reading about your trips! The pictures really make me want to go to all of the places you’ve talked about, too. I make a list of your suggestions for every place you’ve traveled that I may want to go to and file it in my “future vacation” file!
Thank you for the disclosure, also, of the places who have given you discounts or hosted your stay. I’ve noticed a few bloggers who never add a disclosure and I think it”s a disservice to those companies.
Keep the travelogues coming!!
Love the pics! Enjoy your site very mychmuch! Your makeup looks great in these pics. Would you mind sharing your lipstick/ lipgloss combination as well as your eyeshadow color?! thanks! I always enjoy in your round ups when you share products you love!
I always love reading your trip write-ups…but how do you all stay so slim when you eat all that fabulous food? I’m a little envious!!
We had such a fun weekend!! I am dreaming about those doughnuts!!
omg with the donuts and the pizza! Glad you guys had so much fun- it was great to see you 🙂
So great seeing you too Heather! Chicago is so great!
Looks like you had so much fun! And the food – always the best part!
So much good food!
Looks like the best girls weekend!! Chicago is so fun!!
Agreed! I can’t wait to plan another trip there!
So glad you had a great time in Chicago! I’m living in the city and can’t rave enough about this place. And I’m so glad you tried all of those yummy donuts, my girlfriends and I at work have been bringing in donuts from different places and we’ve tried all of the places you hit except Firecakes. That place is still on our list 🙂 But had you guys heard of Stan’s? It’s absolutely my favorite donut shop in town aside from Do-Rite’s. You’ll have to try them next time!
Darn, how did I miss Stan’s?! Will have to try it next time for sure!!!