Good old USA
14/11/05 22:11
Good morning,
Just got back from a business trip to Boston and Chicago, two US cities I had not previously spent much time in. In both locations I ran into some hyperbole. Well deserved, so read on.
Firstly Boston. Very historic, very pretty (at least in late September) and very accessible. Not so large that a almost abled bodied person like me can get around and see most of the sites on foot. The tourist trolleys and amphibious 'duck' boats abound should you feel a little lazier. The 'Freedom Trail' is a three kilometre walk marked out by lines on the footpath to take visitors past all the historic sites; Paul Revere's House, Bunker Hill, USS Constitution to name a few.
(Fanneuil Hall - 2005)
As always, I was checking out the restaurant and bar scene. Steak and seafood is in plentiful and high quality supply. I especially enjoyed the swordfish at Todd English's 'Kingfish Hall', a very modern two storey space with excellent service to boot.
On to Chicago, and again I was fortunate enough to catch really great weather.
What struck me this trip was the architecture of the downtown area along Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River. I took a boat tour which explained all the designs, architects and highlights and it was a great way to get a feel of the city. The lakefront was busy with bladers and joggers and families out for a good time.
(Banks of Chicago River - 2005)
The food highlight was undoubtedly 'The Saloon Grill'. A double cut eye fillet steak on the bone was recommended by the waiter. 'Best in Chicago' he said confidently to someone who looked and sounded like a tourist. I am here to say he got it wrong. 'Best in the US' more likely. Almost unspeakably delicious with onion rings, hash browns and creamed spinach. And I think I washed it all down with a mid priced Bordeaux. Joyous!
Bye for now, BomberBoy
Just got back from a business trip to Boston and Chicago, two US cities I had not previously spent much time in. In both locations I ran into some hyperbole. Well deserved, so read on.
Firstly Boston. Very historic, very pretty (at least in late September) and very accessible. Not so large that a almost abled bodied person like me can get around and see most of the sites on foot. The tourist trolleys and amphibious 'duck' boats abound should you feel a little lazier. The 'Freedom Trail' is a three kilometre walk marked out by lines on the footpath to take visitors past all the historic sites; Paul Revere's House, Bunker Hill, USS Constitution to name a few.
(Fanneuil Hall - 2005)
As always, I was checking out the restaurant and bar scene. Steak and seafood is in plentiful and high quality supply. I especially enjoyed the swordfish at Todd English's 'Kingfish Hall', a very modern two storey space with excellent service to boot.
On to Chicago, and again I was fortunate enough to catch really great weather.
What struck me this trip was the architecture of the downtown area along Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River. I took a boat tour which explained all the designs, architects and highlights and it was a great way to get a feel of the city. The lakefront was busy with bladers and joggers and families out for a good time.
(Banks of Chicago River - 2005)
The food highlight was undoubtedly 'The Saloon Grill'. A double cut eye fillet steak on the bone was recommended by the waiter. 'Best in Chicago' he said confidently to someone who looked and sounded like a tourist. I am here to say he got it wrong. 'Best in the US' more likely. Almost unspeakably delicious with onion rings, hash browns and creamed spinach. And I think I washed it all down with a mid priced Bordeaux. Joyous!
Bye for now, BomberBoy