Chi-Town

This weekend we took a trip to Chicago.  It was technically a work trip for Mark(Printing and Bindery Show), but we found plenty of time to sneak in pleasure.  We snuck out a little early Friday and got into town just in time for dinner.

We went to Zed 451 which is a cool steakhouse of sorts.  They have a rooftop bar, so we had a drink there before dinner.  It was a beautiful, warm, summer night!  Not sure what the 2 guys in back are looking at…but kinda looks like they’re checkin’ out Mark’s butt.

We went with one of Mark’s partners Bob and his wife Debbie.  We were bummed that Brian and Ami coundn’t make it, but kid duties prevailed. 

   

The concept at Zed is basically all you can eat.  There’s a huge buffet of fresh salads, soups, and antipastos to choose from first.  Then when you’re done you set a special rock out next to your plate.  This signals the wait staff that you are ready for meat.  There are probably 12 different meats and fishes.  They keep coming to your table until you can’t eat another bite! 

We were told the “Wagu” is unbelievable.  A must have.  I think they were out back killing one, because we didn’t see it until the very end when we asked for it.  I could NOT put another thing in my mouth.  I just had to take Mark’s word for it that it was “OK”.  

After dinner we walked and walked because we were so full!  It was a beautiful night in the city!

The next morning we decided we would take a Segway tour.  Helmets not optional.

We signed our life away in the contract, absolving them of any responsibility of injury or death.  Then we headed to the training ground for the 10 minute tutorial.  Biggest message?  Don’t get to close to things!  Remember your wheels extend 6 inches out from you!  We practiced a few minutes and were on our way.  We followed the guide to the riverfront.

We got a short history lesson on the buildings and beaches, and then the guide turned us loose to race around on our Segways in the nearby park.

 

Segway Tour: $39

Helmet: Included

Watching Bob Hit the Lamp Post and Go Flying: Priceless

I’m telling you I have not laughed this hard since Mike Jessup hit the parking block on his bike in Florida.  Seriously, my stomach hurt from laughing so hard.  Debbie was crying laughing so hard.  All weekend long we laughed about this.  It was by far the highlight of our weekend.  Besides a scraped up knee and bruised thigh, he came out of it okay. 

Bob and Debbie went on to spend the afternoon at the ball game(where Bob redeemed his day by catching a ball) and Mark and I did some walking and shopping.

That evening we went out for Italian at “Volare”.  Our friends Josh and Christi came into the city to meet us.  Mark is a customer of Josh’s, and they also have a Russian adopted little guy.

 

Dinner was amazing!  Bob’s Segway fall provided another round of laugh till hurts. 

Mark was the only one not drinking wine.  Rule breaker!  Great time, great people.

Sunday Bob and Mark went to the show, which left Debbie and I on our own.  We did some shopping and ended the day at Grand Lux for lunch.  Of all the times I’ve been there I’ve never been seated in the big glass corner overlooking Michigan Avenue.  Super cool!

If you happen to see me this week and I’m chuckling to myself, I’m just thinking about a Segway and a lamp post!