Cocktails, Outdoor Dining and Ping-Pong in Chicago

It’s definitely Summer in Chicago. Rain or shine, there are so many fun things going on to share with you.

Sunshine

Earl’s Kitchen + Bar

I learned about this restaurant last August at a Food and Wine Event that I wrote about here. I had no idea that this place was going to become my “go-to” place for a bite to eat and/or cocktails on the patio. Earl’s is located in a newly developed area called New City which is bordering Lincoln Park in Chicago. In this community, you will find restaurants, a movie theater, bowling alley, grocery store, furniture store and apartments among other stores to check out. But for me, it is Earl’s fantastic food that brings me back every time.

A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to help start the summer season off right with other media folks on Earl’s super comfortable patio complete with fire pits and umbrellas with heaters (perfect for that chill in the Fall air). From cocktails to the most delicious seafood to vegetarian options, this place just does it right. Cocktails are creative and uber flavorful….enough so that you may forget about the alcohol part!

 

Next time you are in the area or just want to have a dinner with friends where you can enjoy the summer warmth in a comfortable setting with really good food and drinks, come visit Earl’s Kitchen + Bar.

Hendrick’s Gin

Well, you cannot have summer cocktails without a really good gin, right? Growing up drinking GnT’s was somewhat of a tradition where I am from. I didn’t have an appreciation for top quality gin though until I spent more time in the food industry. Now, there is no going backward. I was very lucky to be invited to a private party that Hendrick’s was sponsoring in their “Whimsical Takeover of this Year’s Cucumber Season”.

The event was held at the Hangover at ROOF on theWit (hotel) which is a space that you must see. The views are spectacular!

The event was showcasing Hendrick’s Gin cocktails expertly mixed by Fred Parent, Brand Ambassador for Hendrick’s Gin and Michael Simon, Beverage Director at theWit. From the cool punch we were welcomed with to the unique flavor combinations of the drinks, it was a seriously delicious and refreshing evening.

As a side note, Hendrick’s Gin is also a brand I saw at the previously mentioned Food and Wine Event last August. Here’s my photo from that experience.

There is nothing like a simple but top-notch gin and tonic to relax at the end of an evening. If you haven’t tried them yet, you are missing out. Cheers to a glorious summer!

 

Rain

SPiN

In the Midwest, you never know what the weather is going to bring. The perfect reason to visit my next new find, called SPiN. In the heart of the River North area tucked next to the Hard Rock Hotel is a new gaming experience for ping-pong fans co-founded by actress, Susan Sarandon.  

Once you enter the space, you see table after table just waiting for that paddle and ball to be picked up. Bonus is the opportunity to play the game on the patio table, weather permitting of course. Now, that is unique for the busy area it is located in.

No matter your skill level, you are welcome to play the game with friends, join tournaments, attend events or just hang out and watch the pro’s play. Add to the fun, good food and drinks and your experience is made. I can see this becoming a destination as the weather shifts from outdoor to indoor activities. Ready for a game?