Every year for our anniversary we take a trip up to Chicago to our favorite restaurant and stay at a nice hotel. This year we stayed at the Waldorf Astoria in the River North area. This chateau inspired hotel has it's own restaurant, café, spa and pool! When we first arrived we were taken back by the beautiful courtyard and fountain. The valet was quick and friendly as he helped us out of the car and into the hotel. The gentlemen checking us in was a delight and very helpful when asking about some local places to stop. While staff took our bags to our room we enjoyed coffee and French pastries at Petit Margeaux, the café in the lobby.
Then it was up to our room. We are Hilton Honors members and one of the perks is receiving room upgrades when they are available. We were lucky enough to be upgraded to the Premiere King Terrace Suite with views of the Gold Coast. This room was stunning! Black, white, sliver and marble made for a very regal look. There was a fireplace, good sized terrace, soaker tub, amazing shower and a fully stocked mini bar. Once we settled into our room we went down to the spa for massages and to lounge by the pool. Their spa was equipped with a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and a very nice quite room. After enjoying our time at the spa we decided to go have drinks before getting ready for dinner. We went to Doc B's, since it was right down the street, and we are so glad we did! With great dinks, a delicious menu and an amazing atmosphere this is a such a nice spot. We stared with a couple of their signature cocktails. I had the Crazy Beautiful, a martini made with vodka, Voveti, elderflower liqueur and spiced pear. The hibiscus petals floating on top made the drink change colors and added a touch of sweetness. Ryan got The Internal Affair, a cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, jalapeño, pineapple puree, and basil, with a salted rim. He let me try it and it was delicious, I tried trading but he wasn't having it, haha. After cocktails Ryan had a beer and I switched to a glass of red wine.
Then it was time to get ready for dinner at out favorite restaurant in the city, Roka Akor. This Japanese steakhouse serves up amazing wagyu steaks, delicious sushi and other great Asian dishes. If you have never had true wagyu beef before you are missing out! I know it is a bit pricey but so worth it.
We started our meal with the Toro Tartar with Osetra Caviar, Quail Egg, and Taro Crisps. Then we moved on to our sashimi platter and it was stunning! We ordered the Hamachi, Kanpachi, Shima Aji and two of the Toro, because it is just that good. This was served with fresh wasabi and pickled ginger. Then it was time for some mouthwatering wagyu steaks. We went with our favorite the Miyazaki and tried Yamaguchi, both were delicious but the Miyazaki is still our top pick!
For our sides we ordered the Japanese Mushroom Hotpot and Crispy Brussel Sprouts, which went perfect with out steaks. After indulging ourselves with just a rich meal we needed something light and sweet to finish with. We went for the Yuzu Semifreddo a Apricot-Lemon Sorbet with Candied Ginger and Macerated Berries. We only ordered one but knowing it was our anniversay they brought us out two. This was the perfect way to end an amazing meal! During our meal we had a bottle of our favorite champagne the Krug Grande Cuvée. I always like to have a glass of red wine with my steak. Per our server's recommendation I went with the Alma Mora Malbec, still to this day the best Malbec I've ever had!
If you think our culinary journey was over, you are incorrect! The next morning we had breakfast on Margaux Brasserie, the restaurant in our hotel. Talk about a rich and savory meal. Ryan ordered the Main Lobster Eggs Benedict, I got the Hearth-Baked Quiche Du Jor and we shared the Croque Madam Crepes. All accompanied by fresh squeezed OJ and delicious coffee.
Another great Chicago trip in the books! Thank you to the Waldorf Astoria for making our stay so wonderful and to Roka Akor for treating us like family. The next time you are in Chicago, do yourself a favor and stop by atleast one of these places. You'll be so glad you did!