Thanksgiving in Chicago
We woke up to a beautiful morning in Chicago on Thanksgiving Day, which has always been a strange holiday for me, but then again most of them are actually. Here's my Facebook post that I labored long and hard over to give you an idea:
"Jon Danniells tends to over think all holidays, leery of origins, distorted histories, intent and the inevitable commercialization. On the other hand I appreciate any reason to celebrate. Trying not to offend and not to endorse, Happy Thanksgiving to all. Have a wonderful and beautiful day."
So while contemplating that I also contemplated whether we should all drag ourselves out of the highrise and get down on the streets to check out the Macy's Parade. (Not quite like the one in New York, but...)
Cindy was ambivalent, Skye on the other hand left no doubt about her preference. Since it was mostly about her experience anyway it was an easy decision to stay inside, nice, warm and cozy. There would be plenty of time to face the chill coming off Lake Michigan later.
So we just relaxed, watched the parade on the tube, marveled at the various dancers, musicians etc that were marching and performing down on that very cold State Ave.
We wanted for the sun to warm things up and had a yummy little breakfast before heading out for some sight-seeing.
It would have been fun to visit and get a good roll in, always interesting to see schools in other parts of the country and world and their interpretation and practice of Brazilian Juijitsu. But not this time around.
Millennium Park
Using the timer mode to get a pic of the family together. Turns out "the bean" is actually "Cloud Gate" by British artist, Anish Kapoor.
We headed over to Millennium Park to check out the sights and take in Chicago's beauty. I really enjoyed "the Bean".
Using the timer mode to get a pic of the family together. Turns out "the bean" is actually "Cloud Gate" by British artist, Anish Kapoor.
We had fun posing and exploring this 110-ton, 12 foot arch of stainless steel that runs 66-feet long by 33-feet high. Don't worry, I wasn't out there with a tape measure, looking like I was on a tech scout or something, just checked out the Park's website, which is quite interesting.
More art play
Posing and playing
My girls at the foot of Cloud's Gate
Then we headed back to get ready for the big event.
After much research and discussion we opted for Bin 36 as our 2010 Thanksgiving destination.
It turned out to be an amazing choice. Check out the menu. Since there were 3 options of each course and 3 of us, we ordered everything on the menu and then enjoyed it family style. Eating a little bit and then passing the plate. Delicious beyond words. And because of the way we shared, none of us got too stuffed, satiated to be sure just not to that uncomfortable-unbutton -your-pants-to-accommodate-your-expanding-gut level.
After much research and discussion we opted for Bin 36 as our 2010 Thanksgiving destination.
It turned out to be an amazing choice. Check out the menu. Since there were 3 options of each course and 3 of us, we ordered everything on the menu and then enjoyed it family style. Eating a little bit and then passing the plate. Delicious beyond words. And because of the way we shared, none of us got too stuffed, satiated to be sure just not to that uncomfortable-unbutton -your-pants-to-accommodate-your-expanding-gut level.
It was perfect.
Bin 36 from their FB page:
With a seasonal American menu and a user-friendly list of 50 wines by the glass, BIN 36 is a natural choice for a crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends. This year, BIN 36 will once again offer a scrumptious all-American three-course menu from Executive Chef John Caputo to celebrate America’s favorite food holiday. Delicious favorites and creative spins on classic entrees are complemented by family-style sides and Pastry Chef Matt Kelley’s decadent seasonal desserts.
Special Holiday Menu:
First Course Options:
Endive Salad with Bartlett pears, blue cheese and hazelnut vinaigrette
Roast Turkey Consommé with chestnut tortellini and Brussels sprouts
Duck Confit Rillette with apricot chutney
Second Course Options:
Rotisserie Turkey with sage gravy
Salmon and Crab Coulibiac with buerre rouge
Slow Roasted Prime Rib with truffled hollandaise sauce
Family-Style Sides:
Spaghetti Squash with vin cotto
Roasted Yams with toasted pecans and marsala brown butter
Sourdough, Wild Mushroom, Apple and Hazelnut Stuffing
Farro with butternut squash
Butter Whipped Potatoes
Apple Cider Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Cranberry, Quince and Star Anise Relish
Dessert Options:
Pumpkin Pithivier with toasted pumpkin seed croquant and Chantilly cream
Chocolate Pecan Bar with chocolate crisp, espresso granité and bourbon anglaise
Warm Date Pudding Cake with brown butter ice cream and Vermont maple reduction
Yummy, Warm and Cozy
Later that night we were treating to some fireworks.
Actually the fireworks were almost completely out of our view, but the effect it had on the buildings and the sky was gorgeous.
Happy Belated Thanksgving
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