Chicago is also known for Garrets Popcorn, flavored popcorn flavored with cheese or caramel, which my son Troy has a particular weakness for. People wait in line for a fresh bag, but lucky for us the popcorn fairy at the Park Hyatt surprised us with one in our room when we returned.
I went to the famous old Pump Room at the Public Hotel for a quick meeting. I last visited the Pump Room many years ago when I was in town making The Dollmaker. They even had a photo of me from that time, as they do of many celebrities who have dined there over the years. Its been completely redone but it was delicious and the room was so beautiful!
the Pump Room which I am told is quite the hang out
The next day we went to Millennium Park. There is the Jay Pritzker Pavillion, a public amphitheater type structure designed by my favorite architect, Frank Gehry. Every week in good weather there are free concerts including the Chicago Symphony.
The Jay Pritzker Pavillion. My favorite architect Frank Gehry designed this. Troy knew I would love it, he was right.
BP Pedestrian Bridge also designed by Frank Gehry.
BP Pedestrian Bridge leading to Jay Pritzker Pavillion
We also saw Cloud Gate affectionately known as the Bean, an amazing piece of sculpture by Anish Kapoor. As Troy pointed out, it is probably one of, if not the most, interactive piece of sculpture anywhere. Hundreds of people gather, year-round, around the outside, walk beneath it, stare into it.
Approaching Cloud Gate
Notice all the people engaged
a self portrait
an abstract photo I took from underneath
Close by The Bean is an L.E.D fountain, Crown Fountain which becomes a sort of wading pool where a lot of children were having water fun. The fountain wall becomes different images including faces that spew water from their mouths. While watching the fountain and other art pieces throughout the park I realized that there is a sense in the air that the city officials and wealthy Chicagoans really care about people’s quality of life in downtown Chicago. There is so much art, beauty and public activities. The parks and gardens are gorgeous, in large part thanks to the late Mrs. Daly, who was responsible for all the city’s plantings and landscaping. What a beautiful gift.
Crown Fountain
From the park we went to the bustling Navy Pier where there are many restaurants, a Ferris wheel, all kinds of rides, the Shakespeare Theatre and the Funhouse Maze. I waited in the Billy Goat Tavern (the kids are too young to know about cheeseboger cheesebooger) place next door while the others did the funhouse and, judging by their looks when they finally emerged, they had fun.
The Swing ride at Navy Pier
Exiting the Fun House after a game of Time Freak
Cheeseborger cheeseborger no fries chips...
