By Claire Taylor
Expensive Things to Do in Chicago
If you have money to burn,
Chicago is a great city to visit. Expensive food, expensive entertainment and even an expensive bed to sleep in make this a great destination. Whether you're in town only for a night or planning a longer trip, there are many places in Chicago at which you can spend, spend and spend.
Alinea Restaurant
Alinea Restaurant is part of "Forbes" magazine's list of the 10 most-expensive restaurants in the U.S. With set dinning menus that cost either $125 or $175 (for 12 or 24 dishes, respectively), visitors to Alinea have a chance to enjoy not only an expensive dinner but also an innovative one. Rather than being served on plates, the food is served on glass tubes. The food may not be for the faint of heart, because it includes bison, rabbit, duck and a tuna jerky stick, although the 24-dish option means vegetarians will also be well-pleased (as long as they don't mind skipping some of the dishes). Desserts are mixed in between salty snacks, and some dishes, such as the strawberry wasabi square, are difficult to label as either. The key to dining at Alinea is enjoying the 5-hour experience while dishes are served decorated, on top of lavender-scented pillows and floating on a variety of liquids.
Alinea Restaurant
1723 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 867-0110
The Joffrey Ballet
The Joffrey Ballet Company is widely known in Chicago for putting up some of the most impressive musical and dance shows in the state. Rather than focusing on traditional performances, Joffrey presents innovative, one-of-a-kind shows such as "Valses Poeticos" (love letters interpreted as pas de deux) and "Carousel" (set to the music of Richard Rodgers). Tickets for orchestra seating average $145 during the weekend.
The Joffrey Ballet Administration Offices
10 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 739-0120
Drake Hotel
With rooms starting at $229 per night and going all of the way up to $1,100, the Drake is not only Chicago's most expensive hotel but also one of the top 10 most expensive in the U.S. However, the Drake is a lot more than a hotel, specializing in packages for its guests. The most popular, the Shop Till You Drop Package, includes deluxe accommodations, a $75 gift card for Bloomingdale's, a Shiseido facial massage, a cookbook and food coupons, a sparkling-wine reception and a series of discounts to several shops. Prices start at $850 per night, depending on the season and the day of the week. There are also restaurants, bars and cafes inside the hotel, some offering live piano music alongside five-course dinners.
Drake Hotel
140 E. Walton Place
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 787-2200
About the Author:
Claire Taylor is a health, wellness and travel writer with credits in publications such as "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." Taylor is also a seasoned independent traveler, as well as a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant.
Photo Credits:
Charlotte Pickering
