John Hancock Observatory | Unnamed Cocktail

This cocktail needs a name!

From now until the end of July, you have the chance to win a Sky High Annual Pass to the John Hancock Observatory with an exclusive tasting at the Lavazza Espression Cafe and two tickets to a select 2010/2011 Chicago Blackhawks game. It’s a sweet deal and all you have to do to win is suggest a name for the Hancock’s newest drink honoring the Chicago Blackhawks: a mixture of Maker’s Mark, lemon sour, ginger and blackberries.

To enter, send a tweet to the Observatory’s staff, @aThousandFeetUp, or leave a comment on their Facebook page. Entries will be judged by the staff and the winner will be announced on August 2, 2010.

If you don’t win the Hancock passes, it’s still worth it to drop by and see the changes at the Observatory. There’s not only a new bar, but also new telescopes that allow you to switch between day and night views of the city and get additional information about buildings and sites. The Observatory is open every day from 9am to 11pm.

The Ritz-Carlton gets a remodel

Posted by Tammy at 1:00 pm
May 042010
Chef Mark Payne | Deca

Chef Mark Payne hanging out in his new space.

Members of the media were plied with champagne and chocolate before traipsing through the newly remodeled Ritz-Carlton. It was a treat to peek into the Presidential Suite and see how the other half lives, but I was more interested in Chef Mark Payne’s new menu for Deca. The emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients may not seem as flashy as the prominent wood, gold and marble decor, but with dishes like the Salade Nicoise and the Burrata cheese? There’s plenty to wow the taste buds.

Ahi Tuna Confit Salade Nicoise

Ahi Tuna Confit Salade Nicoise will lure me back.

Deca at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago
160 East Pearson Street
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 266-1000
Get Directions

View more photos, including the scrumptious Presidential Suite, on our Facebook page.

I was invited to this event as a member of the media and attended free-of-charge.

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Apr 152010
Spring peas, faro and mint | The Purple Pig

This lovely Spring medley was a welcome choice on the menu.

Despite being located near the Mag Mile, The Purple Pig is a welcome neighborhood-y addition to the area. There’s a lot for meat lovers to enjoy on this menu, but those seeking lighter fare won’t be disappointed either. Join us as we review our recent visit to Chicago’s latest pig-lovin’ establishment.

Chicago Bites (17.7 M)

Show Notes:
00:00 – 04:25 Location & “Pig Barrel” Ambiance
04:26 – 05:21 Who should go
05:22 – 07:25 Picking through the menus
07:26 – 09:37 Cured Meat and pacing
09:38 – 11:55 Faro and stinky cheese
11:56 – 14:09 Fried and grilled
14:10 – 16:47 Dessert
16:48 – 19:16 Ratings and sign-off

Salami | The Purple Pig

Cured meats are an excellent choice at this restaurant.

The Purple Pig
500 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-3777
(312) 464-1744
Get directions

Bridget’s Ratings Tammy’s Ratings
Food Quality 4 3
Value 4 4
Service 5 4
Ambiance 5 4
Overall 7 7

Price per person: $50

Related Chicago Bites reviews:
The Bristol
Publican

Online buzz about The Purple Pig:
Chicago Food Snob
Chicago Reader
The Cured Ham

What do you think of The Purple Pig? Drop @chicagobites a line on Twitter and let us know!

Piggy Bowls | The Purple Pig

Desserts are served in little piggy bowls.

We have more photos from The Purple Pig on Facebook.

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