OK all you excellent planners...

[mrsv98]

I am working on my DH's 40th birthday and need ideas/input. He hates to be the center of attention so instead of a big party - like I had for his 35th - I am taking him away for a 1st class weekend in the city. We go to Lake Geneva once in a while but I wanted something different and Chicago in late May is beautiful. I have been saving for this for years so I have a nice bankroll to play with. Here is what I have planned so far...

Fri: Drive downtown after lunch. I was thinking of a limo down and back since we won't use the car once we get there, but I want to do other "fancy" stuff so I will see how much I have left and then decide. I have reserved a one-bedroom suite at the Peninsula hotel. I got a fabulous online rate. This is a 5 star hotel and it is AMAZING!

Fri Night: I am going back and forth between Charlie Trotters and Tru for dinner. Both are incredible and once in a life time places. Anyone ever been to either? Other thoughts on dinner?

Sat: Here is were I am waffling. I can't decide if I should do something like a spa package or do some "touristy" things like the Art Institute and the Aquarium. We do spa things when we go to Lake Geneva so I thinking I might do touristy. Also, the Shedd has a new shark exhibit that DH might really like and we love the Art institute and haven't been in ages. If we do this, then we can have a nice lunch out somewhere, not necessairly fancy, but nice.

Sat night: Big dilemma. I know I want to take him to Seasons for Sunday Brunch. It is incredible and is an experience in itself. We went a few years ago and loved it. My problem, what to do about dinner Sat night? I can't see us having a big dinner and then having a huge brunch. Room service? Small restaurant? Ideas?

Sun: Aforementioned brunch at Seasons and then a leisurley drive home.

Our DNiece is spending the weekend with DD and the dogs so that is covered and I will budget in paying her. This will cost a small fortune but I have been planning and saving for a long time. DH won't fly or I would take him on a 3 day DCL so this is the next best thing.

Comments? Suggestions? I know it is early, but planning and teasing DH about it is half the fun! I know he thinks I am planning a big party - HA!

 

[doxdogy]

Sounds like a great birthday gift. I would personally do the touristy stuff. Since that may pretty much make for a busy day, I would go with room service for dinner, that way you can relax and get ready for Sunday.

 

[pjlla]

Are you heading in a "romantic" direction for this weekend? If so, (or even if not), how about a "carpet picnic" for dinner Saturday night? Bring along a checkered picnic blanket/cloth and a basket filled with cheese, crackers, grapes, apples and/or pears, brie, pate, wine and/or champagne, a small wooden cutting board and knife, pate knives, cloth napkins, champagne/wine glasses, small china plates, a few really nice chocolates (Godiva?) for dessert. Put on a movie or DVD if you would like (maybe something old and romantic like "From here to Eternity" or "Casablanca") or a CD of your favorite classical music. Or if the weather is appropriate and you know of a spot, maybe a real outdoor picnic. Just a suggestion...............P

 

[tkyes]

Sounds wonderful!

I can't really give you any advice since I'm looking for Chicago tips myself.

Can you tell me about brunch at the Seasons?


Tamie

 

[CajunDixie]

For the dinner Sat. night why not ask the concierge to give you a suggestion. Our last stay at the Westin we did this and had a nice dinner in a lil family owned Italian restaurant. Can't quite remember the name but I think it was something like Tufano's. Menu was on a blackboard and the food was excellent.

 

[mrsv98]

Thanks for all the great ideas....keep 'em coming!

tkyes...The brunch at Seasons is AMAZING. Rooms and rooms of food, exceptional service, really the best, and of course, very expensive. Here is the web site with a sample menu...

Seasons Restaurant

I would definitely make reservations, especially if you have a large group.

pjlla - I like the idea of the "picnic" I think I will ask what they can do.

 

[Minnie824]

I think I would do the tourist stuff over the spa package. For Sat night, does DH like sports? You could go eat somewhere like ESPN Zone (which is very good and has great desserts by the way) or just to one of the touristy restaurants. Theres also a great place to eat above Ann Taylor on Michigan Ave....forgot the name...someone may know. Very good also, and a great view. Have fun!

 

[KarenC]

One of my DDs favorite "date things" to do downtown is to have dessert at Gharadellis (sp?) near the Water Tower and then to take a carriage ride around the Michigan Avenue area. That might be a good Saturday night activity.

I haven't been to either Charlie Trotters or Tru but work with lots of folks who've been to both. It seems to me everyone finds Tru to be a more amazing experience. My favorite go-all-out restaurant in Chicago is Everest. Yummy!

Have fun!