Portillo's: Beef. Burgers. Salads.

ABBEY: There is one item that we wanted to get from Portillo's: their chocolate cake shake. So after a day in Downtown Chicago, our Kuya and Ate treat us for dinner at Portillo's at Harwood Heights. And yes, the chocolate cake shake is available. 

But first I indulged with big bites on their Italian Beef and Sausage combo; beef and sausage in a sandwich. It was so delicious and packs a lot of flavor. No need for any condiments like ketchup or mustard. 

Then came the dessert. It is literally a slice of Portillo's famous chocolate cake put into a blender. You can still feel the cake texture in every sip. Just be moderate with this. Lots of sugar and calories my friends.

Portillo's: Beef. Burgers. Salads. - Italian Beef and Sausage Combo

Portillo's: Beef. Burgers. Salads. - Menu

Portillo's: Beef. Burgers. Salads. 

Portillo's Famous Cake Shake

Portillo's: Beef. Burgers. Salads. - Italian Beef

WILL: Portillo's is one of the pride Chicagoans. And of course, our hosts dropped us there for a dinner after our first "all-alone" tour in downtown.  

They suggested for us to order certain dishes. For me, I got Italian Beef. The meat is overflowing and so the oil. Ohh men! It is delicious..and fattening..argh! But delicious! Haha! The serving is large and of course I requested Abbey to finish the quarter I had left! Damn those yummy calories! 

Then my favourite, the chocolate cake shake. A slice of well-known Portillo's cake. From there the magic began. Whewwww! Now I am missing this sinful drink! 

If you are going to Chicago! Do not miss to visit Portillo's! 

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Portillo's: Beef. Burgers. Salads

(A) 7308 W Lawrence Ave, Harwood Heights, IL 60706, USA
(T) +1 872-484-1919

(W) http://www.portillos.com/

Kim And Carlo's Chicago Style Hot Dogs Store

ABBEY: On our first visit to Shedd Aquarium, we saw Kim and Carlos Chicago Hotdogs stand. Who can miss their yellow flag? A combo of hotdog, chips and drink costs US$7.00. 

The hotdog comes with pickles, relish, tomato, and chili, and it was delicious. Just beware of the seagulls. They want a piece of that delight too. 

Oh by the way, put only mustard and no ketchup please. It's a "sin".

Kim And Carlo's Chicago Style Hot Dogs 

Kim And Carlo's Chicago Style Hot Dogs Store

WILL: If hotdog in Philippines is usually served with ketchup, in Chicago its a NO-NO! 

Chicago hotdog is consist of pickle spear, onions, pickled green pepper, mustard, tomatoes and poppy seed bun. Too many toppings! Haha! So when I took my first bite, it seems my taste buds is having a feast of flavors! 

Thanks Kim and Carlos stand for making our first taste of Chicago Hotdog memorable. Why memorable? We are eating those yummy buns on a freezing cold wind in front of Shedd Aquarium. Haha! 

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Kim And Carlo's Chicago Style Hot Dogs Stand

S Lake Shore Dr Museum Campus Chicago, IL 60605 

Stands between The Field Musuem and Shedd Aquarium

Chicago USA: Public Transportation - Experience Chicago Without A Car

ABBEY: We're used to take public transport in Singapore so we took up the challenge of riding trains and buses going Downtown Chicago. As a tourist, we opted to buy a day-pass for 10USD. Unlimited train and bus rides for a day. By doing this, we were able to go to the museums like Adler, the Navy Pier, 360 Chicago, Willis Tower, Chicago Riverwalk, Magnificent Mile and a lot more. 

I cannot help comparing the trains of Singapore and Chicago. Not an insult but for Chicago Transit Authority to improve the system or service. 

The trains are just plain dirty; floor, windows, and seats. They have smell too. I even observed that there are people literally "living" inside the train. Safety and health issues. 

The buses on the other hand are clean. Touch the door and it will open just like magic.

Chicago USA: Public Transportation - Bus

Chicago USA: Public Transportation - Train Station 

Chicago USA: Public Transportation - Train Coach

WILL: It will be our fist time to roam around without relatives. No guides. Kuya just dropped us off at Harlem station and we are all by ourselves. Ha! 

Our fist time to buy a Ventra ticket, we had a hard time because the machine is asking for our postal code number and we do not know how to key-in. The officer saw us and indicated to press "0" for international. And voila! Tickets came out from the machine. It costs USD10 for unlimited one day ride (per person) for trains and bus. 

I am quite shocked to see how their trains and their stations are. The inside of the train is dirty. I am wondering if they are sweeping or mopping the floors. Drinking and eating is not allowed but some passengers were doing it. I saw a passenger that her leg is up on the other seat. Imagine, all the dirt of her shoes will be at that train chair. :( There is a beggar in a station asking for alms. Orange Station was guarded by policemen with heavy arms. I am wondering what is there about that line. 

The busses are tidier. The bus drivers were welcoming and polite. 

Overall, now I know many people are buying cars. Haha! But how about people who cannot afford or just do not want the stress of having their own car? 

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Chicago Transit Authority - CTA Buses & Train Service

(W) http://www.transitchicago.com/howto/

1-Day Ticket: $10

Good for unlimited rides for 24 hours.