Freezing in Chicago

A weekend trip to Chicago turned out to be a really interesting experience. We went up to receive the National Main Street Award for being the top Main Street Downtown in the Country. Can you believe it: El Dorado, Arkansas, a little southern town of 20,000, beat out a 1000 or so other towns in 50 states for the honor. It's been a lot of hard work to revitalize a dead downtown, but we did it.

As I mentioned in my last posting, we had reservations in the President's favorite restaurant, Spiaggia, 980 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, an upscale Italian restaurant overlooking the lake. Here's my review: The place is absolutely gorgeous, with wonderful views from almost every table. The service was extraordinary, made even better by our server, Erin, who just happened to be from Crosset, Arkansas, 30 miles east of El Dorado--small world. Of course, small town living means you know nearly everybody in your town and a lot of folks in every town nearby, so we had a lot in common.
Now, the food: For my first course I had their famous Italian pasta shells--gnocchi--- filled with cheese and covered with a creamy sauce. Small portion, but it melted in your mouth. I'd give it a 5 out of 5--probably the best appetizer I've ever had. For my second course I had loin of free range rabbit wrapped in polenta. Again it was superb. For the entree I had breast of duck covered with a glazed caramel sauce. I love duck and I try it almost every time I go out. Only at Mr. K's in New York have I ever had duck any better. Actually, it would be hard to pick the best. So as you can imagine, I'd give the President's restaurant a five star rating. However, there was one shocker--the check---I left some of my economic stimulus money--about $350 to help the folks in Chicago recover from the recession. But we splurged on wine--$75, and had three courses. Hey, they're in a high rent area--but for a big night out it would be hard to find a better restaurant.

On another subject, my hunt for the perfect literary agent: Well, I've got a bite or two, so maybe in a week or so I'll have somebody.
More later.
Richard