Chicago is a Horn of Plenty of GOOD FOOD

Let me tell you. This last weekend was all about the eats. And so is this post.

For those of you who don't know, a Horn of Plenty is more properly known as a Cornucopia. And what I'm here to tell you is that, as far as plenty of food goes, Chicago definitely brings it to the table.

THURSDAY

The Wheels rolled in around 5:30pm and we all got settled in my apartment for a few hours before heading to Rush Street - a few blocks north of my apartment and full of chic stores & restaurants - for dinner.

We ended up at The Tavern on Rush. We were immediately seated and immediately, Whitney and I noticed the Crab and Artichoke dip on the appetizer menu. That's an immediate immediate. I simply pointed at the menu and we both got a little giddy.

The Appetizers

It did take some hemming and hawing, as we were all a little shy - but we were excited to discover that we all wanted appetizers. And more than one dish of them. We got soy-ginger potstickers and the highly desirable crab and artichoke dip. When our waiters announced the specials, we recklessly ordered a third: oysters.

In summary:
- POT STICKERS A Half Dozen Crispy Pork Filled Dumplings with Soy-Ginger and Hot Chili Oil Dipping Sauces
- HOT ARTICHOKE AND CRAB DIP Hot, Creamy Crab, Artichoke and Dill, Served with Rustic Toast
- OYSTERS

Now, it should here be stated that while the rest of the meal was also good, the appetizers were exceptional. Okay, now that I've set your expectations, we'll move on....

The Entrees

Whitney
SHELLFISH LOUIE SALAD
Lobster, Crab and Shrimp Louie, Chopped Egg, Tomato, Avocado and Classic Louie Dressing

Karren (<--- not pictured)
SEAFOOD JAMBALAYA
Zesty Creole Tomato Rice, with Shrimp, Mussels, Scallops and Andouille Sausage

Cam
BABY BACK RIBS
Char-Grilled Tender Full Slab in Our Own Tavern Barbecue Sauce

Whitney's was compact, beautiful, and tasty. Mine was spicy and had absolutely delicious scallops. Cam's inspired us all with significant awe. I stole these pictures from Whitney's blog (thanks, Whit!) Cam's ribs were reminiscent of the opening sequence for The Flintstones, and Fred has his meat delivered to him at the Drive In. Literally like this. But with a more elegant presentation.

And then ...

The Dessert

Never fear; regardless of our ability (or inability) to finish our entrees, we made it a priority to order dessert. In this instance, we agreed to share a single order. It was a difficult decision, but we finally settled on the Mocha Mud Pie (Mocha Ice Cream with Oreos and Pecans,Topped with Chocolate and Caramel Sauces on an Oreo Cookie Crust). I should probably add here that the piece of pie was about the size of my head. No joke. It was substantially larger than a pint of Ben & Jerry's. Fab.

FRIDAY

Yes, that is a giant Hershey's Peanut Butter Cup.

Yes, I hugged him upon sight.

We (Bruce and I) were at the Hershey's Flagship Store in Chicago where you can buy coconut hershey's kisses, reese's pieces chocolate cookies, and chocolate dipped almond joys. We bought none of these things, because we were saving ourselves for the Chocolate Buffet at the Peninsula Hotel on Saturday night. (This was merely Friday afternoon).

They call it CHOCOLATE AT THE PEN

Which brings me to...

SATURDAY

So, Saturday was key because we started out the day with Lou Mitchell's. Lou Mitchell's is just the best place for breakfast in Chicago. If you end up in Chicago, be sure to hit up 565 West Jackson (the line goes fast) to get your french toast, malted waffle, or the apple & cheddar omelette.

Regardless of what you order, they will give the ladies some milk duds, they'll give everyone an orange & a prune, and after your breakfast, you get a little dessert :)

This was the first meal we were all united, and as usual, our meals were eaten United Order style:

Bruce --> Apple & Cheddar Omelette
Whitney --> Malted Waffle with blueberries & whipped cream
Cam --> Denver Omelette
Karren --> French Toast

I'm sorry to say I don't have pictures for you - you'll just have to go experience it for yourself :D

Now, to get back to the Chocolate...

We all went back to the apartment and got all dolled up for the Chocolate Buffet.

We then all walked over to "Chocolate at the Pen" (Pen is short for the Peninsula Hotel). In case you're not familiar with it, it's a pretty posh place. The Chocolate Buffet is in their Lobby. They dim the lights, they bring out live jazz, and basically, it's an evening of indulgence. Superb.

My friend Brian joined us, even though he had just gotten back from London (by way of Indiana). He couldn't resist the lure of chocolate.

So, we all loaded up our plates with small chocolates, mousses, cookies, cakes, chocolate dipped strawberries - you name it. You can order Godiva chocolate martinis, but we opted for the White Hot Chocolate instead. Lucky for you, we documented our exquisite satisfaction so that you will realize how key this experience is for any Chicago visit:

Here is Bruce indulging in a chocolate-dipped Strawberry.

Here is Karren anticipating another fantastic sip of WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE.

And here is Brian stuffing his face with a petite chocolate mousse & pastry cake.

Here we see Cam intently drinking his chocolate mousse. (He ultimately ate it with a spoon)

And, of course, Whitney - who enjoyed her strawberry to such a degree that it was impossible to capture it