On my trip to Asia I had an unexpected 12 hour layover in Chicago, thanks to a mechanical issue on the flight. Though a hassle, I always appreciate the airline making the call not to go if everything is not working right! What to do in Chicago for 12 hours? I took a cab straight to the new JW Marriott to see The Florentine.
The Florentine is the newest Italian addition to a city filled with Italian restaurants. A member of the BLT Group, I was excited to see their newest concept and the new JW Marriott. I am a big fan of BLT Steak at the JW Camelback and San Juan Ritz-Carlton, and Florentine has gotten great press. It did not disappoint.
The waiter looked at me kind of funny when I ordered a fill size pasta and pizza at 11 am. I am sure he thought I was expecting someone to join me, but pretty soon out came the Bucatini Carbonara and Bacon-Leek Pizza. The pasta is topped with a duck egg, lending brilliant creaminess to the smoky bacon laced pasta. Really great, really simple. The pizza crust was thin and perfect, (hard to find in Chicago). Topped with winter leeks and more bacon (it was brunch time, so I figured two bacon items were ok), I intended only to eat about half of the pizza but soon found it too good to leave.
I finally made the flight after spending the day in the lobby of the hotel working on my computer. This hotel is well designed for this. I was able to use the Great Room communal table and stay plugged in all day. Business travel is always full of surprises, but I was actually thankful to have been forced to wait 12 hours for my continuing flight and have the chance to see Florentine and the new JW Marriott Chicago.
What’s on YOUR plate today? Bacon pizza I suppose.
Brad, u can (almost!)never have too much bacon....totally understand your double dip!!...
Posted by: Adam Ashe | Monday, January 31, 2011 at 05:10 AM