A Keel and a Wheel: Navy Pier

We went to Navy Pier with the Cruisers on the most gorgeous day.

It was gray and rainy the day before, so we really appreciated this.

Make sure to eat before you go because the food offerings are rather limited and unimpressive at Navy Pier.  Even so, we managed to secure an Italian beef sandwich for Mr. Cruiser at America's Dog.

Mr. Monkey and I each had a dog.  Ms. Cruiser got a salad at another food court eatery.

We all shared some Garrett popcorn.

So very Chicago.

Then we headed to the Tall Ship Windy for a short sail.

It was a relaxing way to get some nice city views.

We couldn't go to Navy Pier and not ride the Ferris wheel.

Pretty cool views from up there, too.

I'll leave you with some bonus pics from walking around Chicago the previous day.

We love Chicago, and we love it even more when we go there with our friends.

Late-Night Munchies: Chicago's Dog House

Because this was Mr. Cruiser's first time in Chicago, we were determined to get him as many traditional Chicago eats as possible during our short visit.  After a fun show at The Second City, we headed to Chicago's Dog House.

I didn't actually eat anything because I was still completely full from our dinner at The Bristol.  (Shocking, I know!)  But Mr. Monkey and the Cruisers said these 2 a.m. dogs really hit the spot.  Mr. Cruiser had the Chicago dog, of course.

Doggystyle: The Slaw Dogs

I had a Blackboard Eats deal for 30% off lunch or dinner at The Slaw Dogs.

I rounded up Rants and Craves and Wan Life to Live to join me.

Half Belgian fries, half sweet potato fries ($3.99).


#8 Thai Slaw Dog -- chicken sausage, spicy peanut-coconut satay dressing, cilantro-carrot slaw, crushed peanuts, Sriracha aioli ($6.59).

#5 The Reuben Dog -- butterfly spicy Polish, pastrami, Swiss, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, grilled rye ($6.59).


Yes, that is mac 'n' cheese and bacon and jalapeños!

#7 The A.B.L.T. Dog -- double bacon, chopped Romaine, tomato, avocado, roasted garlic aioli ($6.29).

If you like hot dogs, you should visit. Interesting toppings. Good prices.

Doggone Good: Japa Dog

Right outside of our hotel was a famed Japa Dog stand! How's that for lucky?

Japa Dog has several locations in Downtown Vancouver.

Kurobuta Terimayo -- (CAN $6.75).

Okonomi -- Kurobuta pork, Okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, fried cabbage, bonito flakes (CAN $6.25).

Spicy Cheese Terimayo -- jalapeño and cheese smokie, teriyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, seaweed (CAN $6.25).


Nom nom nom.

We loved Japa Dog so much that we grabbed some dogs during both of our Vancouver trips. Why don't we have Japa Dog in Los Angeles?!