Choose Chicago Archives - InspiringKitchen.com

First Bites Bash to kick off Chicago Restaurant Week

First Bites Bash Returns to Kick Off Chicago Restaurant Week

Posted by | Chicago, Restaurants | 8 Comments

Get ready for all the Chicago restaurant exploration you will be doing in 2023!

First Bites Bash, the celebratory kick-off event for the 16th annual Chicago Restaurant Week is returning. Making an exciting return for the first time since 2020, the event will be held Thursday, January 19, 2023 at Chicago’s Field Museum from 6 to 9 p.m.

First Bites Bash Returns to Kick Off Chicago Restaurant Week

“First Bites Bash is one of the events Chicagoans love the most about our city,” said Lynn Osmond, Choose Chicago President and CEO. “It is a signature celebration championing Chicago’s leading role as a culinary destination.… Read more

SWISSOTEL CHICAGO STAYCATION

A Staycation at the Swissotel Chicago Offers Rest, Relaxation & Stunning Views

Posted by | Chicago, Hotel, Travel | 10 Comments

The start of the new year isn’t so much about resolutions for me as it is about the need for a refresh. You know what I mean. A getaway to clear your mind even if just for a few days. The reason why a Swissotel Chicago staycation with the beauty of the city architecture seen from every window, relaxing environment and close proximity to all things Chicago is just the remedy to welcome in 2022.

A Swissotel Chicago Staycation

If you haven’t considered a staycation before, I highly recommend it. Whether you reside in Chicago or live in close proximity (driving distance if air travel is not being considered), you must book a stay at the Swissotel.… Read more

7 Chicago Luxury Hotel Suites That Exceed Expectations

Posted by | Hotel, Luxury, Travel | No Comments

When traveling to a city with world-class museums, architecture that makes for the most memorable of skylines, a magnificent mile of shops, a vibrant theater district, shimmering waters of Lake Michigan and a top rated culinary scene, high expectations for luxury hotel accommodations are not a surprise. Here are seven of Chicago’s most luxurious suites, in no particular order.

7) Ritz Carlton: The Presidential Suite 

Located on the famed Magnificent Mile above Water Tower Place, the Ritz Carlton Hotel stands surrounded by the energy of the boulevard. Once inside, the serenity and grandeur of the hotel’s design welcomes you.

7 chicago luxury hotel suites that exceed expectations ritz carlton

The Presidential Suite is an expansive 2,900 square feet of luxury.… Read more

Beer, BBQ and Country Music at Windy City Smokeout

Posted by | Chicago, Culinary Event, Festival, Restaurants, Tourism | No Comments
 
Grab your cowboy boots and hat and make your way to the Windy City Smokeout happening this weekend in Chicago. Gates just opened for the 5th year of this food and music fest with two stages filled with artists from around the country entertaining fans all weekend long. 

Beer, BBQ and Country Music at Windy City Smokeout

With over 25 country music bands playing throughout the three day festival

Beer, BBQ and Country Music at Windy City Smokeout

and 20 of the world’s best pitmasters sharing their BBQ creations, this is an event you just can’t miss. … Read more

6 Tips for a Successful Housewares Show Experience

Posted by | Chicago, Housewares, Tourism, Trade Show, Travel | 16 Comments

6 Tips for a Successful Housewares Show Experience – What to know when planning to attend the International Home and Housewares Show including where to stay for an easy commute and other valuable suggestions.

For housewares brands and fans, it’s all about those 4 days in March that we look forward to each year. The International Home and Housewares Show puts on a spectacular four-day extravaganza in Chicago with more than 2,200 vendors and 60,000 attendees. Held at McCormick Place, it is a vast assortment of new to global housewares brands, manufacturers, retailers, designers and media all looking to get the word out on the latest trends and perennial favorites.… Read more

The Healthier Pumpkin Spice Frappe

Posted by | Drinks, Recipes | 10 Comments

The Healthier Pumpkin Spice Frappe – Enjoy your favorite seasonal drink without the guilt with this delicious Pumpkin Spice Frappe recipe.

Do you just have those days where you want to eat or drink something sweet and decadent forgetting all your hard work to eat healthy? I know I do! As soon as fall starts, all you hear about are drinks with pumpkin in it. You know the ones, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Pumpkin Spice Frappuccinos, Pumpkin Spice ice cream, donuts and so many other choices. No matter how tasty they are, the calories you get with every sip are not necessarily the ones you want.… Read more

Talking Restaurant Reviews on Public Television’s Check Please

Posted by | Entertainment, Restaurants | No Comments

You are making plans to go out for dinner with a group of friends but aren’t sure where to go. So. Many. Choices. How to choose, how to choose?! If you live in Chicago, San Francisco, Miami and Phoenix, you tune in to Public Television’s Emmy Award winning show, Check, Please.

Or, if you are like me, you have a long list of must visit places that you have been jotting down as you watch each episode of Check, Please. This entertaining program, now in its 16th season in Chicago, showcases restaurant reviews made by a panel of three guests per show.… Read more

Experience The Peninsula Hotel’s Chocolate at the Pen

Posted by | Dessert, Hotel, Travel | 21 Comments

For most people, there is nothing better in this world when it comes to sweet treats than chocolate. In any form. Rich, decadent chocolate made from only the finest cacao beans.So, it should be no surprise that the elegant Peninsula Hotel Chicago is offering an adventure in to the world of chocolate from the eyes of a world-class pastry chef. Chocolate at the Pen is a chocolate bar like no other. Executive Pastry Chef and Chocolate Sommelier, Dimitri Fayard, sets the stage for an evening of sweet indulgences that range from desserts to chocolate truffles to a hot chocolate station to homemade ice cream all presented to appeal to your eyes first.… Read more

Celebrating the Holidays with Max & Leo’s and Chicago Trolley

Posted by | Restaurants, Tourism | 8 Comments

Everyone knows that coming to Chicago is an adventure in architecture, food, the arts, shopping and sports! From a tourism perspective, there are endless ways to see all that Chicago has to offer. In the winter time, our options are a bit limited given the weather. Which is why our recent holiday celebration of artisan pizza from Max & Leo’s and a ride aboard the Chicago Trolley Holiday Lights Tour made for such a festive evening.

We started out at Max & Leo’s for its artisan pizza and wings. Made in 900 degree coal fired ovens, the pizza’s char crust is filled with creative ingredients from the always popular Margherita to the Brooksy (Mascarpone and sliced mozzarella, grilled chicken, caramelized onions and wild mushrooms) to L’Umina (ricotta cheese, sliced pears, caramelized onions, basil, fresh sliced prosciutto and drizzled organic wildflower honey) to many other varieties that you can see here.… Read more

Dining and Drinking at Chicago Gourmet 2016

Posted by | Culinary Event | 5 Comments

The Fall season brings many wonderful things to Chicagoans. And nothing is more exciting for someone who loves the culinary scene more than Bon Appetit presents Chicago Gourmet. In fact, this is the 9th year of this upscale, diverse, educational, fun and delicious food festival.  

chicago gourmet 2016 inspiring kitchen

(Aperol Spritz – Aperol, Mionetto Prosecco, Splash of Soda)

Taking place in Millennium Park, Chicago Gourmet offers attendees a full weekend filled with activities, adventures and great food. You will find chef demonstrations, interactive wine and cocktail seminars, the best of the best restaurants offering samples of their creations, wineries, spirit purveyors and breweries pouring their specialties, food brands sampling new products, cookbooks being introduced and parties like Friday night’s Hamburger Hop and the exclusive Grand Cru tasting.… Read more