Dessert from Do Rite Donuts in Chicago, IL

Before we left we got some donuts to thank Debbie, and also to have some sweets for the road.  Delicious yeast donuts that were huge and not too expensive.  They had so many flavors I wanted to try but I couldn't get too many since I was leaving that day.

Bear claws, pistachio and glazed  All were incredible but I'd say the plain glazed was my fav

Dinner at Ming Hin in Chicago, IL

We had some dim sum for dinner since we felt like Asian food and something not quite as heavy after the pizza snack.  We were one of the few diners there so the food came very quickly and despite exercising restraint, we still over ordered.  Solid spot for dim sum but nothing super memorable.

Menu

Chinese broccoli

I always need at least 2 orders of shumai

Shrimp har gow

Turnip cake

Shumai

Sesame balls, short ribs, turnip cake, and spring rolls

Spring rolls

Sesame balls

Dinner at Pequod's in Chicago, IL

We had to hit up Pequod's for Chicago deep dish pizza.  It's a little different than some other places because the crust is caramelized.  Super good but very filling.  Definitely an experience and not something I could eat super often.

Pepperoni slice

Dessert at George's Ice Cream and Sweets in Chicago, IL

Found a cute ice cream spot while shopping.  It was cold out so ice cream was definitely not necessary, but who can say no when presented with the option.

Brunch at Big Jones in Chicago, IL

We went to brunch at Big Jones.  Another insanely rich menu full of comfort food.  The food ended up just being okay, but I'm glad we tried it since they had a lot of hard to find things like beignets and popovers.

Beignets - not as good as New Orleans but hit the spot

I got the Big Jones Benedict, subbing fruit for potatoes to be mildly healthy.  House cured and smoked ham in cream, on popovers with poached egg and bearnaise sauce

The ham was very thick.  I didn't understand why it was gray :/

Breakfast sammie on a biscuit

Another benedict with a side of grits

Dinner from Ramen San in Chicago, IL

We had plans to go out to eat at Ramen San, and then head out, but sadly our plans were foiled as we all ended up falling asleep early.  By the time we woke up, no one felt like going out, but it ended up being fine since Ramen San was on Uber Eats.  The food was delicious and packaged so well, that I definitely think the quality was on par to if we went to the restaurant.  Everything was delicious and I was super impressed.  A great ramen place if you're craving some in Chi-town.

Cool packaging and kept everything warm

We all got the same ramen - Kimchi and Fried Chicken ramen.  Plus we got three fried chicken buns 

The friedness of the chicken with the aioli and slaw were perfectly balanced

The ramen was FIRE.  Definitely had heat but the fried chicken stayed crispy and helped balance out the spice

Brunch at Little Goat DinerPo in Chicago, IL

We had an insanely filling and heavy lunch at Little Goat.  The menu was amazing and there were so many delicious and unhealthy options.  Very cute inside, a little hipstery, but great service.  We just ate SO much that it was mildly painful.

Pork Belly Home Fries w/pickled peppers, cilantro, fish sauce vinaigrette.  Great combination.  

Close up of the incredible pork belly.  Great flavor and richness and just the right amount of fattiness

Hot Crab Dip - creamy cheesy lump crab, ritz crackers.  Insanely delicious but oh so rich

(Top Left) This Little Piggy Went to Market - sesame cheddar biscuit, sunny side eggs (on the side since Nicole doesn't like eggs), sichuan pork sausage, chili garlic chive sauce, gooseberries

Pork Belly Pancake was insane - scallion pancake, house hoisin, bok choy salad, ginger maple dressing

Huge and look how thick the pork belly was.  The veggies added some nice lightness and crunch to what otherwise would've been super heavy

Dinner at Al's Italian Beef in Chicago, IL

Took a girls trip to Chicago and our first meal was at Al's Italian beef for - what else - Italian beef.  We ate quickly and it was a great base for the rest of the night.

Italian beef sandwich, cheese and bacon fries, and Chicago dog with fries

Juicy Italian beef

Bad shot of the Chicago Dog.  Not my jam but a Chicago staple