QH SENSATIONS
Chicago...
It’s Time To Taste It! By Lynsey Riach
Two things are guaranteed on a visit to this epic city – you’ll understand why it’s called ‘The Windy City’ and you’ll definitely find yourself belting out “and all that jazzzzz”. But Chicago is also home to a newfound foodie haven that’s easily explored.
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f, like me, you remember the television series ER where the L –train thundered past George Clooney in his scrubs outside the hospital then yes, that’s Chicago (although I can’t guarantee celebrity sightings). But this city which is the 3rd largest in the United States has more to it than a grimy, well-connected train system. Chicago is a city of culture – where art meets sport and the architecture is so impressive you’ll get a sore neck craning up at all those marvels. Oh and wait ‘til I get to the food…
The Magnificent Mile; that’s what they call it (but it’s Michigan Avenue in your guidebook) and I can see why, as recognized retailers line this well-kept street that is arguably the centre of town. Home to The Chicago Tribune, turquoise water flows beneath you as you cross bridges that intertwine and link avenues seamlessly together. Staying on Michigan Avenue at the upbeat Hard Rock Hotel, we could see the super-shiny silver ‘Bean’ from our bedroom. Its correct name is ‘Cloud Gate’ which is creative yet cute since, thanks to its mirrored reflection, you can wave at yourself, everyone else and watch clouds graze past on a clear blue-sky day. Set in Millennium Park, Chicago loves the outdoors and offers visitors plenty of breathing space away from the drama of Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D (new TV shows available in Qatar on OSN). After you’ve enjoyed some park life, fuel up for the day ahead on the best pancakes in town located across the street at Wildberry –and don’t forget the maple syrup!
Chicago's iconic 'Cloud Gate' sculpture – better known as the 'Bean'.
The boardwalk at Navy Pier
If you love to sight-see by foot then this is your town (but you can also tour it by boat or bus). Located
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Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs
An aerial view of Millennium Park
in the financial district just a few blocks from Millennium Park is Willis Tower, home to Sky Deck. If heights are your thing then you’ll like this – hover on ‘The Ledge’, an encased glass box that hangs 103 floors over the Chicago concrete. Close your eyes maybe? Meandering back down through Miracle Mile, the Nike superstore is a must for basketball fans – after all, this is where Michael Jordan sent the Chicago Bulls into overdrive.
No trip to The Windy City is complete without a trip to Garrett Popcorn
A Chicago classic – deepdish pizza from Giordano's
Gorge yourself on chocolate at Hershey’s World before meandering over to Lake Michigan where Navy Pier is set on an old-fashioned boardwalk that’s home to amusement rides and ferris wheels. Grab some cotton candy and feel like a kid all over again. Believe me when I say Chicago actually smells tempting. Just spot the lines of people outside Garrett Popcorn and you’ll have to stand along with them to find out what all the fuss is about –but be warned, this stuff is addictive. No wonder it’s been a Chicago favourite since 1949. Of course this town is also known for the deep-dish pizza. Voted best in town, Giordanos has several branches and each one is another line to wait and wonder in.
Once you’re at your table you’ll need to hold on a little longer as each deep-dish takes 45-minutes to be made, but boy is each slice worth it! Superbly filling, gooey goodness…they’re so popular, these guys even deliver nationwide! And of course no ball-game would be complete without onions piled high on a foot-long hotdog. Join flocks of fans at Wrigley Field to watch their home team, The Chicago Cubs make a few home-runs. Sit back and soak up the allAmerican atmosphere that will leave you with a real taste of what Chicago has to offer, but you’ll want more… Qatar Airways flies direct from Doha to Chicago daily. For more information on Chicago, visit www.choosechicago.com. Safe travels and happy holidays! n Lynsey Riach is a qualified yoga instructor living and working in Doha, normally walking her dogs, on her yoga mat, or on her travels. To learn more about her services visit www.andstretchyoga.com.
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