Places to eat: Chicago

Chicago is a melting pot of culture and that is very clear in the food category. Rich flavors fill every bite and will no doubt leave you feeling full. Some of the restaurants are local chains that can be found in different neighborhoods of the city, others are one-of-a-kind.

Chicago style deep dish pizza

Chicago's infamous deep dish pizza is a must try (unless you don't eat gluten or dairy). Layers of sauce and cheese fill a bowl-like pizza crust and slips over the edges of the cut piece when plated. There are numerous pizzerias and other restaurants in Chicago that serve deep dish pizza, but according to a Chicago native, the battle for the title of the best is between Gino's and Giardano's.

Because deep dish pizza is such an attraction and must do while in the city the dish is named after, these restaurants are usually busy. It is also good to prepare when going to the restaurant because once you are seated and ordered, it will take awhile before the pizza is ready. A deep dish pizza takes 30 minutes, up to an hour, to cook. Some restaurants will let you order ahead to reduce the wait time once you arrive.

Garrett Popcorn

Butter. Cheese. Caramel. Chocolate. If you need a snack or are looking for a great gift to take home to friends and family (why do other people get gifts when we travel?), then Garrett Popcorn is a great option. The rich salty, sweet, and savory flavors of popcorn meet whatever your palate desires in the moment. Not to mention the mouthwatering smell the moment you walk through the door. Bonus, somehow Garrett's recipe has little to no kernels in it that you can't eat or that get stuck in your teeth. Disclaimer, it is a bit pricey.

Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House

Hugo's is a primarily seafood restaurant with twists of Midwestern flavor. The bartenders also know a thing or two about mixing the perfect drink, including creating something new. There is a "formal" dining area as well as the bar where guests can catch the latest in Chicagoan sports. The best part is that their mascot is a frog and its cute in a suit and bowtie.

The Signature Room/ The Signature Lounge

I cannot speak to the food at The Signature Room or The Signature Lounge because I did not eat at either, but regardless of the food, it is an experience. This restaurant and cocktail lounge are on the 95th and 96th floor of the John Hancock building. You can pay to do just the observation deck on the 94th floor or go to the restaurant and enjoy the view with a drink and/or some food while one or two floors higher. As long as you are not afraid of height or claustrophobic (it is a long elevator ride to the 95th floor), then sit back and enjoy the view for awhile.

Eataly Chicago

Italian culture is one of the biggest influences in Chicago. Eataly is an Italian restaurant and market. One of my favorite features was the food court style set-up with different stalls for pizza, pasta, bread, fish, and desserts. This set-up makes it easy to pick and choose what you want and sample all of the different flavors.