Tagged : Chicago

The James Hotel Chicago

James-Hotel-Chicago-ExteriorThis is my third stay at The James Hotel in Chicago, and I have to say there is a reason, or possibly ten reasons, why I keep coming back. The staff here is fantastic, and the rooms are great. The James has a modern, youthful vibe — minus the pretension. Upon check-in the clerk reminded me that that this is my home, so I should make any requests to make ‘home’ the way that I want it. I’m a pretty easy going person, so I’ll take this place ‘as is.’

The James has a great location close to a wide variety of eateries and shopping on the Magnificent Mile. There’s even a Trader Joe’s and a Starbucks across the street. An AMC Theatre is literally around the corner. All this makes The James one of my all time favourite hotels in the USA.

[update March 2009]

I return to The James once again and can honestly say this is my favourite hotel in North America. The staff are an A1 class act. Everybody here is super friendly and professional, but without being over the top. The atmosphere is modern, but classy. Basically The James has achieved balance. Staying at the James is a real throwback to the days of good old fashioned service. I love it here.

My Bed at the James Hotel

My Bed at the James Hotel

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They mistook me for someone important and sent this to my room

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The awesome mini bar selection

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View from bed to living area

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Mini bar area

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Chicago Hot Dog Chronicles

Chicago Dog at the Mall at 900 Michigan Ave - Magnificent Mile Shopping Mall

Chicago Dog at the Mall at 900 Michigan Ave - Magnificent Mile Shopping Mall

Similar to my Montreal Poutine adventures I seem to have developed an unnatural fascination with Chicago style hot dogs, so this trip I somehow managed to eat at least 4 different Chicago Dogs in 3 days. Post trip, I’ve even started making them at home. Hello coronary angioplasty. Continue reading “Chicago Hot Dog Chronicles” »

David Burke Primehouse Chicago

David Burke Prime House 22oz Porterhouse - Dry Aged For a Bloody Long Time

David Burke Prime House 22oz Porterhouse - Dry Aged For a Bloody Long Time

Whenever I’m in Chicago all I want to do is eat. Eat, eat, eat. I love eating in Chicago. Even hot dogs here are great, but steaks are even better. Unfortunately for my rather un-American appetite eating a 22oz steak is almost enough to put me in a food coma, but I somehow still managed to down two large steaks two nights in a row. Since I was at The James Hotel I decided to eat in the well reviewed David Burke Primehouse both nights, which also fits my “repeat diner” theory. My first steak night consisted of a 22oz Porterhouse – Dry aged for an undetermined length of time. This was an insanely expensive, gigantic, amazing piece of meat! Night 2 I opted for the 20oz 55-day dry aged Rib Eye Steak. Also delicious. Both were tender and full of flavour. I’m not sure what the effect on my body will be going in to next week, but I suppose I don’t really care. When in Rome…