Exploring Chicago’s Culinary Delights and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Architectural Legacy

Our recent trip to Chicago was an extraordinary adventure, blending world-class dining experiences with profound architectural exploration. After an already exciting start to our visit, our second full day in the Windy City proved to be just as captivating, filled with unforgettable flavors and inspiring designs.

A Culinary Indulgence at Girl & The Goat

Before diving into the day’s adventures, I simply must recount our incredible dinner from the previous night at Stephanie Izard’s acclaimed Girl & The Goat. We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have secured a reservation a few weeks prior, as this spot is famously sought after for its innovative and delectable menu. From the moment we stepped in, the lively atmosphere and the tantalizing aromas promised an exceptional evening.

My partner, Connor, and I embraced the restaurant’s philosophy of shared plates, allowing us to sample a wide array of dishes. By the end of the meal, we were utterly stuffed, yet every bite was a testament to the kitchen’s mastery. Each dish was not only delicious but remarkably rich, a true celebration of bold flavors and creative combinations. This is definitely one of those places where you push your limits to try as many things as possible, a delightful habit we often fall into when exploring new culinary landscapes.

Among the highlights were the pan-fried shishito peppers, a vibrant blend of smoky char, savory parmesan, umami miso, and fragrant sesame. The kohlrabi salad, with its crisp pears, delicate fennel, and earthy roasted shiitake, offered a refreshing counterpoint to richer plates. We also savored a perfectly prepared hamachi crudo, showcasing the fresh, delicate flavors of the fish. The country sourdough bread course was elevated with a delectable tuna and niçoise tapenade, preparing us for the grand finale. The star of the evening, and a truly iconic dish, was the restaurant’s signature pig face, topped with crispy fried potato sticks and a perfectly sunny-side-up egg. It’s exactly as intriguing as it sounds – a rich, textural experience that exemplifies Girl & The Goat’s adventurous spirit. If you’re curious about its preparation, this Serious Eats post offers a detailed, albeit graphic, look into how this celebrated dish comes to life.

A Morning with a Master: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home and Studio in Oak Park

The following morning, we embarked on a journey to Oak Park, a charming suburb renowned for its stunning architecture, particularly its collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings. Our primary destination was a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s personal home and studio. As an ardent admirer of architectural marvels and house tours in general, this experience was high on my list. The intimate group, fewer than five people, made the tour exceptionally personal and engaging, allowing for a truly immersive experience.

The entire Oak Park neighborhood exuded a timeless beauty, and our visit coincided with the peak of fall foliage, painting the streets in breathtaking hues of red, orange, and gold. It was a picturesque setting, perfectly complementing the architectural wonders we were about to explore.

Having never had the opportunity to visit a Frank Lloyd Wright property before, this particular one held extra significance. It serves as a living testament to the genesis of many of Wright’s groundbreaking architectural philosophies, design concepts, and early experiments. It was here that he began to refine his distinct ‘Prairie Style,’ characterized by open floor plans, horizontal lines, and an integration with the natural landscape.

While Wright is undoubtedly an iconic architect and designer, my knowledge beyond a few famous photographs and facts was limited. The tour provided a fascinating deep dive into his life, his early career, and the evolution of his innovative ideas. Learning about the man behind the masterpieces in such a personal setting was truly captivating.

The natural light pouring into the home was absolutely perfect for photography, a fact I took full advantage of. Opting for the ‘photography’ group pass, I was able to capture the intricate details and serene ambiance of the interior spaces. I must admit, I was incredibly shutter-happy, snapping countless photos. This post is already bursting with them, and I could have easily shared a million more! I’m pretty sure our patient tour guide was ready to hand me a professional camera and let me lead the way by the end of it.

Of course, I made sure to photograph what I jokingly refer to as the most important room in any house: the kitchen. Well, kind of, sort of! It offers a fascinating glimpse into the domestic life of one of America’s greatest architects.

In addition to touring his ‘Prairie Style’ home, we explored his attached studio, which served as the operational hub for his prolific architecture and design firm for many years. It’s difficult to fully describe the innovative layout and design of this workspace. The man was, without a doubt, a creative genius – an understatement of the century, perhaps. The studio offered a profound insight into his working methods and the collaborative environment he fostered.

Exploring Oak Park’s Architectural Gems and Local Charms

After our formal tour concluded, we embarked on a self-guided exploration of the surrounding historic Oak Park neighborhood. This area boasts the world’s largest collection of Wright architecture, featuring seven other distinctive Wright homes. The entire neighborhood is incredibly picturesque, with each house telling its own unique story of design and history. Walking these tree-lined streets, enveloped in the stunning autumn colors, was an architectural feast for the eyes.

During our stroll, we serendipitously wandered into Oak Park’s charming downtown area and couldn’t resist stopping at a local bakery. Here, we indulged in a warm, comforting slice of caramel and chocolate croissant bread pudding – a truly divine autumnal treat. Priorities, people, always. A good pastry can truly elevate any exploration.

Halfway through our neighborhood tour, I momentarily lost all concentration when I spotted the world’s cutest yellow Labrador puppy. My love for dogs often overrides my focus on sightseeing, and this adorable pup was no exception. I need one, urgently!

A Late Lunch Sensation: Rick Bayless’s XOCO

By this point, it was nearly two o’clock, and I absolutely refused to miss the opportunity to dine at Rick Bayless’s XOCO. I had heard so much about this celebrated establishment, and its unfortunate closure the previous day only fueled my determination. So, we made our way back into the heart of the city, heading to River North for a much-anticipated late lunch.

XOCO, known for its authentic Mexican street food with a gourmet twist, did not disappoint. We started with a generous portion of chips and guacamole, complete with all the essential toppings. The vibrant, fresh guacamole, generously loaded, was a flavor explosion I knew I had to recreate at home. For our main course, we shared two incredible tortas: the warm Woodland Mushroom torta, a symphony of earthy mushrooms, tangy goat cheese, hearty black beans, fresh arugula, and a smoky three-chile salsa. The other was the Ahogada torta – pictured at the bottom – which featured golden pork carnitas, black beans, and pickled onion, all nestled in a crusty baguette. What truly set the Ahogada apart was its presentation: it arrived literally “drowned” in a spicy tomato and arbol chile broth, creating a comforting warmth and a delightful kick. It was impossible to pick a favorite; both were exceptionally good, showcasing Bayless’s genius for elevating classic Mexican flavors.

My new, somewhat serious, goal is to move to Chicago so I can systematically eat every single item on XOCO’s menu and experience all of Rick Bayless’s other renowned restaurants. I’m barely kidding!

Many of you, through Instagram, strongly urged me to try XOCO’s drinking chocolate, and naturally, I couldn’t resist. Especially after reading about their dedication to the craft on the menu. XOCO takes pride in roasting and grinding their own cocoa beans to create their signature drinking chocolate. I opted for the Aztec hot chocolate, a rich concoction featuring freshly ground chocolate, warm allspice, and a subtle hint of chile. It was wonderfully smoky, with a delicate spiciness that was incredibly interesting and distinctly different from any hot chocolate I’d ever tasted.

While I savored my unique hot chocolate, Connor, somehow still having room, insisted we pop around the corner to Glazed & Infused for a doughnut – yet another excellent recommendation from you all. Seriously, you guys are awesome at providing insider tips! He devoured a massive caramel pumpkin pecan doughnut, and we even picked up an old-fashioned for our road trip the following day. A little planning for future cravings!

An Evening Finale at The Purple Pig and Reflections

The remainder of the afternoon, which was relatively short as it was almost 3 PM, was spent walking around the vibrant River North area before we eventually headed back to our accommodation. There, I caught up on some work and promptly succumbed to a well-deserved food coma nap after our epic lunch.

Given our significant midday feast, we didn’t venture out for dinner until nearly 9 o’clock that night. We were incredibly fortunate to snag a table at The Purple Pig after about an hour’s wait, and it was absolutely worth it. This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, known for its small plates and charcuterie, provided one of the best meals of our entire trip (though, to be fair, every meal was exceptional). The bustling, convivial atmosphere and the expertly crafted dishes offered a perfect, memorable conclusion to our culinary exploration of Chicago.

The next morning, we rose super early to begin the long drive of over 700 miles back to Washington D.C. It had been a while since I’d embarked on such an extensive road trip, and I must admit, boredom set in after about four hours into the 11-12 hour journey. However, there were some definite silver linings! We drove through a time zone, which was a new experience for me. We also made a spontaneous stop to explore the beautiful campus of the University of Notre Dame, marking my first time in Indiana. To pass the hours, we listened to a hilarious audiobook by comedian Jim Gaffigan, which kept our spirits high.

It’s quite surreal to think that we might be making this journey again in just a few (far too short) months, potentially to search for a new place to live in Chicago! It’s a daunting yet incredibly exciting prospect. This trip wasn’t just a vacation; it was an exploration that deepened our appreciation for Chicago’s unique blend of culinary innovation and architectural grandeur, leaving us with a longing to return and perhaps even call it home.