A few of the amazing Healthy Living Summit sponsors offered evening activities for a handful of our attendees on a first comes, first serve basis. There was core fusion, kick boxing, zumba, etc to choose from. I actually enjoyed how everything was broken up into smaller groups so we could all get to know each other more on a one on one basis rather than the 225 group setting from earlier.
Most of the activities went quickly, but lucky for me, I just happened to score a spot of the Arnold & Oroweat walking Tastebud Tour of Chicago. Score!
Actually, according to Jessica I was the first one to sign up! 🙂
A walking food tour of a new city I’ve never been too?
Umm… YES PLEASE! 🙂
The tour concentrated on the Millenium Loop area of Chicago. It was a great mix of Chicago history and food. I learned a lot, I ate a lot, and I had an awesome time with my fellow bloggers. 🙂
Did I mention we had a photographer following us around the whole time? I felt like a celebrity! Thanks Arnold!
Out first stop was the Berghoff restaurant. Apparently we did good by eating there yesterday – it’s a Chicago landmark!
We were served a mini brautwurst in a pretzel bun with saurkraut and german potato salad.
I didn’t want to fill up so I just had a couple of bites of each. The brautwurst was salty and meaty while the potato salad was slightly sweet and delicious.
We really wanted another Octoberfest, but were told we had no time. Booooo….
Next stop the Palmer Hotel
The original hotel burnt down in the fire, but they managed to preserve the blueprints so that an exact replica could be resurrected in it’s place. The only difference were all the modern convinces such as elevators, electricity, etc and the beautiful French decor influence.
Apparently a former owner’s wife had also assisted in the creation of the modern day brownie. In her honor we were give pieces of fudgy brownie’s from Sarah to sample and enjoy.
I only had a couple of bites because the brownie was go rich and chocolately. Delicious.
Did you know Chicago has a whole underground tunnel system of getting around the Loop? It was news to me.
We were led to a popcorn place and offered samples of the famous Chicago mix of Cheddar and Carmel Corn.
Some people my roll their eyes at the concept, but I’m always one up for a new fun flavor combination. If you mix something completely out there and tell me it’s good – you better believe I’m going to try it myself!! 😉
Not bad. Not great either, but I wouldn’t turn a handful or two down. 😉
Next up we got to try something I’ve been dying to have since I’ve arrived in Chicago – a bonified Chicago Dog!!
A Chicago Dog has mustard, relish, peppers, mustard, tomato, and a full pickle spear – all served in a steamed poppyseed bud. And ketchup? We don’t need no stinkin’ ketchup. Apparently you will be forced to hang our head in shame if you ask for ketchup in Chicago. 😉
It was just a good as I knew it would be. So many flavors going on at once, but all complementing each other in the perfect way. I want to go back for more and more. 🙂
Now, the tour wasn’t all about food, it was also about getting to see the city! And what a beautiful and amazing city this truly is!!
Our last stop was the ‘world famous’ Billy Goat Tavern.
If you ever go be sure to ask for a pepsi and french fries to go. 😉
Look what we found!!
Many thanks to Ashley’s husband Bo for the refreshing and delicious beer. I owe you one when we’re in NYC in a few weeks. 😉
Here’s to HLS 2010!!! Drink up ladies!!
The whole group got cheeseburgers!
And loaded them up with toppings
So much bread! But, good bread! I had about half before calling it quits. Stick a fork in me, I was done. 🙂
I had planned to ‘dinner hop’ but am just too exhausted. I got back to the hotel and could barely keep my eyes open.
Tomorrow morning I have an early wake up call and big plans to meet a few lovely ladies for SIXTEEN miles in the morning! This run is going to rock. True story. 😉
Good Night!
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