I just returned from a visit to Chicago. Although having grown up may make me a bit biased, I must say that Chicago is the most wonderful city. It has a pulse all its own which easily compares with that of NYC but has the added benefit of the lake and the midwest hospitality and values which make it special.

If you have never attended a concert at Ravinia north of the city, you may want to get online  (www.ravinia.org) and visit the website of this beautiful venue. It has been a tradition of Chicagoans since 1904 and over the years has provided access to some of the greatest performers of our culture. From the city, you can take the metro directly from Ogilvie station to Ravinia’s gate (literally). We did so and it was inexpensive, uncrowded, clean and on time- clearly the best way to arrive rather than the traffic and parking.

We saw Diana Krall and had dinner beforehand at Mirabel Restaurant on the grounds. It was a wonderful and seasonal chef’s table buffet that had unique offerings and deliciously prepared entrees. There are two main restaurants there-both with outstanding reputations.

We also had a flavorful lunch at a place called 1492- a Tapas Bar and Restaurant. In addition to many tapas selections they offer a nice variety of Paellas and Salads. The wine list offers a wide selection and the ambiance of lunch out on the sidewalk, a chilled glass of wine and a unique selection of warm and cold tapas all on a sunny Chicago afternoon was unbeatable.

I have decided to add a “Tapas menu” to my Private Dinner menus list in addition to the Thai, French, Italian and Southwest menus. I hope you will try it and learn the many flavors of this cuisine and have fun with your own Tapas Dinner.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Fourth of July and that it is filled with the tastes and traditions of summer. If you are attending the fireworks and festivities at Lions Park here in Zionsville, stop by and see us at To The Last Drop. we will be open until 7 p.m. that evening so you may grab a meal to go and some last minute spreads or desserts on your way to the park. We are located just up the hill-

Happy Summer, happy Fourth of July, and I hope….happy travels to Chicago sometime soon!

P.S. I now carry some of my favorite “Pops” in their original glass bottles from Chicago- chilled, refreshing and filled with happy childhood memories! Stop in a try some-

Claudia

This entry was posted on Monday, June 29th, 2009 at 7:06 pm and is filed under Lucy's Corner. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.