On Valentine’s Day, my mom turned 60 years old! I’ve always thought that her birthday being on Valentine’s Day was no coincidence, as my mom is one of the most loving and compassionate people you will ever meet. As a high school teacher, I know that she has impacted the lives of MANY students who have needed her guidance and encouragement and as a mother, there has never been a lack of hugs, “I love yous” and food sent home after a weekend visiting (like enough food to feed you for the next week).

For my mom’s birthday this year, being such a milestone of a year, we wanted to do something together as a family that she would love — something involving good food (she LOVES to cook) and learning (she LOVES to learn)! We settled on Chicago and did a short but sweet two day trip to celebrate. Along with pictures from the weekend, I’m sharing a review on where we stayed and the places we ate. Enjoy — and happiest birthday one last time, momma! I love you.

Hotel

• The Palmer House Hilton Hotel — an absolutely BEAUTIFUL hotel with gorgeous architecture and tons of history. Aside from that, we wouldn’t stay there again. Every staff member we encountered seemed either stressed out, overworked, and/or was extremely unfriendly.

Restaurants

• Frontera Grill — owned by renowned chef Rick Bayliss, I simply cannot recommend this restaurant enough. The food was INCREDIBLE (I’m still thinking about it) and the service impeccable. We had a blast eating dinner in the festive and bustling restaurant, loved our server, and I was so appreciative of how special they made the evening for my mom (which was completely unexpected!).
• Pearl’s Southern Comfort — I must preface by saying that my cousin’s husband is part owner of this restaurant, but another delicious meal! We went to Pearl’s for brunch and everyone loved their meal; completely noteworthy was the Creole Cornbread (OMG), the Kansas City Style Ribs, and the Louisiana Jambalaya.

To-Do

• The Art Institute of Chicago — if you’re interested in art, this is one of Chicago’s finest attractions! The museum is one of the oldest and largest in the United States, and its halls are filled with breathtaking architecture, not to mention Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and George Seurat (my personal favorite was the Thorne Miniature Rooms!).

 

The fam! (missing — the fantastic photographer, Caleb) ; )