A year ago, hanging out with friends Terra & Marcus, raving about the latest episodes of Chef's Table and we commented 'wouldn't it be great to eat at Achatz's Alinea. The seed was planted.

And today the idea is in full bloom. Saturday night we have a coveted reservation for a sixteen course tasting menu at Alinea! So excited.

Landing in the Windy City during the Friday afternoon rush hour is not necessarily the best start to the trip but after a long commute downtown to the Thompson Chicago, we get settled into our whirlwind trip. And when I say whirlwind, what I mean is wind. They are not kidding when they call this the Windy City!

Rooms inspected, fresh outfits on and we are off to Pequods for what is apparently the best deep dish pizza in town. (We called ahead to be added to the wait list - apparently the trick to cutting down wait times as they don't do reservations). We arrive and check in and then head next door for a drink while we wait. 15 minutes later our buzzer is hopping on the table beckoning us back.

They do not lie. The pie is amazing. Sausage and pepperoni piled on heaps of cheese and tomato sauce all complimenting the crispy light crust that is simply delicious. We ate and ate and ate and could not finish. But it was sure fun trying.

A quick Über ride to our next stop and we are getting our Blues fix at Kingston Mines. Drinks in hand we get comfy and are entertained by Joanna Conner. This woman knows how to work that guitar. The vibe in this joint is cool and without pretense.

A great start to the Chi Town tour.

Until tomorrow.