We did not get a long sit-down but at least we could put our feet up for a little while, before heading out again. We walked to the John Hancock Center. It has been officially renamed. It is now the "875 North Michigan Avenue". This seems like a pretty odd name for a building. Everyone still calls it the Hancock building. It is a 100 floor building and it is an 1,128 feet tall. It is the 5th tallest building in Chicago.
The American Girl building is right next to the Hancock.
Cool art in front of the building
The 94th floor has the 360 degree observation deck and the Tilt (thrill ride 1,030 feet up). $40 gets you to the observation deck, a drink and a ticket on the Tilt. We were not interested. The 95th floor has the Signature Restaurant and the 96th floor has the lounge. That is where we went.
There was a long line for the elevator up and then a long line to get into the lounge. We made it to a table just before sunset. Unfortunately the sunset was not very impressive but the view was fabulous and it was great watching the lights come on in the city.
People were lining up to take pictures. We were seated very close so we could easily take pictures.
On our way out we stopped in the restroom. Little did we know that that was another place to sit and look at the view.
From the restroom.
When we left there was another line to get the elevator down. Each time we were lucky with the timings, because the line got very long behind us.
Lit up ball and reflection in the lobby of the Hancock.
We caught a cab to get us to the restaurant. We had an 8:15 pm reservation for patio seating. We got there early and we asked if there was indoor table available. Yes. Lucky again. It was getting a little chilly outside. Frontera Grill, is a fresh, traditional Mexican restaurant. Started by Rick Bayless. He has won several James Beard awards and written several cookbooks about Mexican food.
We did what we have done at our other restaurants, we ordered an array of food that we all shared. It has worked out perfectly.
We were right by the kitchen.
A lot of art around.
Shaking margaritas for Jeanne and Kris.
Guacamole to start
Individual Appetizer Sampler with Frontera’s Michoacán guacamole, tuna ceviche, Mexico City-style cheese quesadilla, crispy chicken taquito with homemade crema & fresco cheese.
Tamalón, Mole Negro, slices of great-big tamal roll (black bean filling), Oaxacan black mole, roasted rooftop turnips, mole crunch
Puebla-style Enchiladas, Homemade corn tortillas, heritage breed chicken, mole poblano, black beans. This and the guacamole were my favorites.... until we had the desserts.
Classic Flan, Classic Mexican caramel custard with pecan polvorones
Almond Tres Leches, Tender almond cake infused with classic 3 milks & amaretto, local peaches with acai berries, sour cream whipped cream
Both desserts were very delicious. We walked back to the apartment.
Jaleo, on the right, is where we will have lunch tomorrow.
Today was our most walking day. 19,273 steps for me.
Nice collage of the lights coming on in the city.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you're eating well there!
ReplyDeleteGreat views!
ReplyDelete