A Cultivated Catch of Cuisine and Culture for You and Your Friends in Chicago
(trip #62)3 days in Chicago, IL ($$$) — Indulge in a culinary class at The Wooden Spoon. Enjoy one of their classes, such as Simply Sushi, Paella Fiesta, or Grilling & Sipping, or host your own party with your group and any delicious theme you want. Explore art and culture at the Art Institute of Chicago. Stay at one of Chicago's most luxurious boutique hotels in the hub of the city's most famous attraction - the Magnificent Mile - and go eye-to-eye with a shark at Shedds' Aquarium. Then relax and lounge with your friends at decadent dinners and cocktails in the city's upscale Gold Coast district.
Day 1
3:00PM Group Hotel
at The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
909 North Michigan AvenueChicago, ILGet a Map
- Rates vary by season
- (800) 937-8461 (reservations)
8:00PM Dinner at Le Colonial
at Le Colonial
937 N. Rush StreetChicago, ILGet a Map
Because the restaurant is a stop for many foodies and stylish types, two hours are allotted to each table. But that is OK because after dinner, you and your friends will want to stroll through the streets among the other hot spots in Chicago's upscale Gold Coast district. The first level of Le Colonial provides a more formal dining experience with white linen tablecloths and traditional Asian punctuations of decoration. The lounge upstairs is frequented by trendier guests for dinner and drinks. Pick your preference.
- $30 per person average price
- (312) 255-0088
How to Book — Call ahead for reservations.
Day 2
12:00PM Culinary Class
at The Wooden Spoon
5047 N. ClarkChicago, ILGet a Map
If you have a large group, you can host a private party at The Wooden Spoon. Demonstration classes require a minimum of 14 people and are $55 USD/person. Hands-on classes require a minimum of 11 people and are $75 USD/person. Classes run for 2.5 hours.
- $75/person
- (773) 293-3190
How to Book — The Wooden Spoon is open Tues-Fri 12-7, Sat 10-6, and Sun 12-5.
3:00PM Fine Art Museum
at The Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Ave.Chicago, ILGet a Map
- $12/person (free on Thurs 5-8)
- (312) 443-3600
How to Book — The Art Institute is open Mon-Wed and Fri 10:30-5, Thurs 10:30-8, and Sat-Sun 10-5. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the museum is open until 9 on Thurs and Fri. The Art Institute offers cafes to stop for lunch or light fare.
8:00PM Dinner at Gibsons
at Gibsons Steakhouse
1028 North Rush St.Chicago, ILGet a Map
- $100/ person
- (312) 266-8999
How to Book — Call ahead for reservations.
Day 3
11:00AM Aquarium
at Shedd Aquarium
1200 South Lake Shore DriveChicago, ILGet a Map
- $8-28/ person
- (312) 939-2438
How to Book — The Aquarium is open different hours depending on the season.
Sept 1-May 28 hours are Mon-Fri 9-5, and 9-6 on weekends and holidays. May 29-Sept 1 hours are Mon-Sun 9-6. Thursdays from June 22-Aug 31 hours are Mon-Sun 9-10. Check the website for any unexpected early closings, extended hours or special
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