Grocers Get Away - Day Two

Chicago is one of my favorite cities to visit. 

I've had the opportunity to attend the Kehe Specialty Distributers Food Show in Chicago  for many years.  Every time I go, I intend to do something different than I've done before.  And this trip, with Associated Wholesale Grocers, has a totally different agenda than the food shows would provide.

This is day two, Thursday.   Our trip coordinator, Marie, has informed us of several other stores that we can explore. There is a Trader Joes and also a Whole Foods not too far from our hotel.  Additionally, I was very interested in seeing the market in the Hancock Building. 

Only businesses occupy The Hancock Building up to the 43rd floor.  There is a reception area and market on the 44th floor, and all the floors above there are residences until you reach the 95th floor with the Signature Room Restaurant. 

One floor above the restaurant is the Signature Lounge.  And one floor above that is the Observatory complete with an outdoor "Skywalk".  The Observatory has Chicago history on all the interior walls.    

The Market on the 44th floor has been a Potash Market for the last five years.  Owner, Art Potash, met us on Day one, at his State Street Potash Market.  He was Mr. Hospitality, and was even agreeable to showing us his store in the Hancock building.  This store is only open to residents and employees of the building.  This store is only 5,000 SF, but has a remarkable variety of products. 

As we enter, there's fresh flowers and a well stocked Produce section.  Workers transport product from their store just a couple blocks away.  They have vertually no backstock.

An extensive Deli section has cold luncheon meats and cheeses.

And many prepared Meals as well.

 

A full case of fresh salads, and a hot deli section are ready for lunch Patrons.

Additionally, there is an extensive salad bar including a choice of four different soups.   

 

I love the view.  We learn that the previous store proprietor had covered the windows with his freezers.  The first thing Art knew he was going to do was open the area to see out the windows, also allowing the natural light into the room.   There are 4 or 5 tables to sit and enjoy the view and have a bite to eat, here on the 44th floor.

Thank you again, Art Potash, for your hospitaity!

After this morning's store tour, we decide on a bike tour with Bobbie's Bike Hike.
Leaving from the Chicago River Bike shop, we toured Streeterville, the Gold Coast, Old town, Lincoln Park, and the Lakefront.




This is Hugh Hefner's very first playboy Bunny Mansion. 
Above the door, at that time, was a sign that read, "If you don't swing, don't ring."   In 1941, the building was sold to the next door Illinois Institute of Technology for $1 (One dollar).  It was then used as a dorm for students as was known as Heff Hall.

It's Considered good luck top rub Lincoln's shoe, and since mother is hoping to visit the new Casino later, let's rub his shoe.

Next on our tour is St. Michael's Cathedral.  This Cathedral in German town was destroyed in the Great Chicago fire and subsequesntly built back by German communities donating materials from around the world.

This three hour bike tour was fun, educational, and not difficult at all.
Our guide, Ian, was excellent.

At the end of our bike tour we visit one more really cool market, 
Fox and Obel at 401 East Illinois Street. 
I've been here before and I really want to show it to Rich Carr, another participant in our grocer group. 

It was here that I first saw the backlit shelving that I loved so much.  Also they have a dry aged meat cooler that we were very excited about.  The decor is very inviting. and they have a lot of specialty products.

Look at all these candies.

They have a very wide variety of prepared foods which is very popular in all the large citites we visit.  Just take it home and warm it up.   They have a wonderful bakery, a deli off to the side for sitting and eating.  And newly added this trip, I saw a formal dining area and also an outdoor dining area.

We sat outside and enjoyed a glass of wine and light appetizers.
I love Chicago!

Enough of work, now we play. 
We went to two St. Louis Cardinals vs Chicago Cubs ballgames at Wrigley Field.  Friday, we were guests of Kraft Foods and we sat in the Rooftops on Sheffield Street.  We saw a winning game!!! Awesome!  Thank You, Kraft Foods!!! 

And Saturday, I had bought tickets for mother and I inside the stadium.
This was a losing game, but still fun!

I absolutely LOVE our tour coordinator, Marie Lewis.  She lives and works in Oklahoma City, so we dn't get to visit as much as we would like.  But we are sisters, and soul mates.  Thank you, Marie, for all you do for us!

 

 Next stop!  Boston and Martha's Vineyard in October.  Yay!!!