Yes it was Tony Lucero's Birthday and Donna and I were invited to celebrate this very special occasion.
I chose the word "Grand" for several reasons, first of all because Amy and Tony rented a 3 bedroom condo in the middle of downtown Chicago in a modern high-rise building on the 47th floor. Then, on he's actual birthday on Friday the 21st, we all had dinner at the Mid America Club, an exclusive, member only club, located in Chicago's second tallest building on the 80th floor. An establishment where only famous or very wealthy people patronize, we would not be able to go to without having some connections.. Mike Lucero, Tony's brother is actually the regional VP in charge of operations. He invited us to join him for dinner and a tour of the Club.That evening became the highlight of our 5 day trip to Chicago without exaggeration, beside the fabulous food and wine we had the greatest view over the town of Chicago.
First Day:
We left St. Louis at 9 am and arrived in Chicago at 3 pm. We had no trouble finding our destination and Tony and Amy where already there.
Donna and Amy catching up on the latest news
So do Tony and I
First things first: enjoying our welcome drink
Our first view of Chicago at night
The tall middle building is where the Mid America Club is located
at the top floor.
What a beautiful Town
The Willis, formerly Sears tower and tallest building in town
is located far right, with the two antennas on top
The Bacardi is starting to take effect
Tony is trying to explain the facts of life
I guess he succeeded
This is pure enjoyment
They are laughing so hard I think they are in pain
Amy relaxing between cocktails
Lots of laughs to get a self timed group picture
A last hurrah
before signing off for the night
Second day:
To cure a touch of hangover, we ate some "Huevos Rancheros" for breakfast and after a Bloody Mary we all felt good again. We stayed at the condo most of the morning until the arrival of Marci and Joe. Then around noon we went for a long, long walk. I am not kidding, we walked to the end and back of the Navy Pier, which is 1.5 miles one way, is considered the longest pier in the USA but that's not all because then we walked 9 city block to find a the pizzeria "UNO", had lunch and then walked back to the condo. There we settled with several cocktail and enjoying again the incredible view. Also Mike payed us a quick visit that afternoon We stayed in for dinner, with Tony and I cooking some pork medallions with mushroom cream sauce, noodles and salad. Another great day.
The beginning of the pier walk
We still look energetic
Coming to the end of the pier, looking tiered
Good looking pizza at Uno's
Mike and Tony, incredible how they look alike
Mike has some interesting facts about Chicago
I got all my questions answered about the Mid America Club
Great view of the Willis Tower, with the blue shining antennas
Third day:
.
We had several activities planned for today, but because of rain we had to limit them to indoor activity like going to the famous Shedd's Aquarium. Besides waiting in line for over one hour to purchase some tickets, the aquarium itself was very impressive. We enjoyed the show of some beluga whales, dolphins and a 250 pound Sea lion by the name of Biff. For lunch we tried out a German Bar and Restaurant that happened to offer a Octoberfest Menu, but the food was nothing to talk about.We then spent the rest of the afternoon at the condo in anticipation to go to the Mid American Club.
Also Mike payed us a quick visit that afternoon
Only photo of the show at the Aquarium, not very good
there was no flashes permitted
At 7 pm we arrived at the AON Building where Mike welcomed and helped us to pass trough tight security to get asset to the lobby. From there we took the elevator to the 80th floor. First things first, we got offered a cocktail and then Mike give us a tour of the whole floor. We saw high tech meeting rooms, a beautiful ballroom set up for a wedding, private dinning rooms, a very elegant Bar, and even the modern restrooms came with an incredible view. We then arrive at our table and not to my surprise the centerpiece was a large china platter with crab claws, shrimp and fresh oyster on ice. This was the start to a great dinner. We all chose our favorite entree but before that we got served a pasta appetizer with tortellini Alfredo and pumpkin filled ravioli accompanied with a Italian red wine. A table side prepared Caesar salad was our third course. Then my grilled double lamb chop arrived served with fried polenta, oven roasted tomato and a delicious burgundy glace. Again served with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon.
on. To finish our meal, we got offered a variety of cakes and french pastry presented on a large silver platter.
A wonderfully fantastic and memorable evening at the Mid America Club.
On behalf of Donna an myself a great thank you goes out to Mike!
We all had to had this security pass
Fourth day:
Actually nothing was planned for this Day except for the lady's to hit Michigan Avenue for shopping or mostly window shopping. Tony, Joe and I made a trip to a specialty store for some food and alcohol supplies. We then waited patiently for our wife's while watching sport on television and having a few cocktails. Mike's wife and daughter Denise and Maire came to join us and we had a real good time. Tony fixed us all up with a great smorgasbord of meats, breads, hot and cold left overs and salads.
Personally I was not quit sure, if you know what I mean (to many cocktails), but I heard the next morning how great everything was and how everybody enjoyed it.
Men's shopping trip, we are on Michigan avenue
Amy and Marcie
Trying out the game they bought for the Children
So do Donna and I
Tony opens his gift's after blowing out the candles on his birthday cake
Tony and Mike with Maire
Look's like they are getting ready for bed
Last Day:
Sunday morning, by special request, I fixed the famous Huevos Rancheros again for everybody with the addition of fresh guacamole and chilaquiles. After breakfast we had to say goodbye to Mike, Denise and Maire. We took a architectural boat tour on the Chicago river. It was educational as it was beautiful.
For lunch we went to an Irish pub on the first floor right below our condo. It was very enjoyable, good snack food and great drinks and we watched a little bit of the Bears versus the Rams game on. TV. In the afternoon Joe and Marcie had to take the train back home to Traverse City. I am sure they had a great time the past 4 days.
The rest of the day we where winding down with just a few cocktails and some left over food. We had to pack, clean up and get ready to leave for the airport by 6:30 in the morning.
Tony and Donna before boarding
Joe and Marcie on departure
View from the lake
The tour guide explained all about architecture and history of most of the buildings,
sorry but can't remember much.
S-shaped building following the river bend
The black building is the Willis tower, former Sears tower
This river town house is all about triangles built by a Swiss architect
This building is called the X-BOX
The triangle building is the famous Swiss hotel
One more time
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TONY
