Chicago IL – Around The World in 80 Days – Days 58

Day 58 – Thursday, May 16^th Las Vegas to Chicago

Seattle WA to Vancouver (Canada) was the original concept for this trip, not to be. Five nights in Chicago was the fallback option. On the California 2000 school trip, I was offered big money by the airline not to fly back to Glasgow with the kids. That would have been hard to explain to the parents. A first free night in Chicago as an adult was not to be.

With a midday flight to Chicago, we avoided both the early rise or having to hang about all day before heading to Las Vegas Harry Reid International. The Uber from Excalibur was appreciably less than the reverse journey. Our driver, an interesting lady, is/was an event organiser, yet was still putting in hours driving people around Las Vegas.

Flight AA1490 (11.51 – 17.33), the two hour time difference meant a flight of under four hours, plenty of time to get more writing done. Our first of two flights with American Airlines, as with Alaskan, their app wouldn’t let us check-in online, at least they honoured our baggage allowance.

Baggage reclaim at O’Hare International was in the depths, further complicated by ongoing works. Is any airport actually finished? Chicago Transit Authority, time to embrace another travel card, this time – Ventra. The $5.00 fee for the card would be refunded once the card was registered.

The Blue Line took us towards the city. I had time to work out that we needed to change to the Red Line at either Monroe or Jackson. Monroe came first, a good choice. The Transit Police informed us that the Red Line was off northbound, an incident. A bus was suggested, but given the throng when we found the stop, Marg insisted we walk the few blocks our hotel – Freehand Chicago.

Freehand Chicago, a – trendy hostel with a bar and cafe. The Downtown location is why I chose it. So imposing was the entrance, we walked past it. The room was small, comparable to San Francisco, the elevator old, rickety. The bar at the entrance had nothing to keep me, however, to the rear of the building was a substantial bar and seating area. Freehand would do.

Chicago Pizza, Deep Pan Pizza, Hector’s favourite, a reminder that Marg has forbidden me to order Pizza in Italia. It was the time and place to sample the American version, at source. Pizzeria Uno, where – Deep Dish Pizza – was created, just happened to be on the same block as our hotel.

Who planned this trip?

Dusk, not that warm, those who had to were sat outside. Inside was stowed, a popular place. I was surprised that we were not turned away, instead we secured a small table near the door.

The individual pizza was not on, we would share the medium. A pizza without black olives ain’t a Pizza, and so we negotiated the main event. Marg, who might have been hungry, managed to add a complex salad to the order. More Pizza for Hector.

Hector’s first Bier in Chicago was local: Son of Juice (Maplewood Brewing, Chicago IL) at 6.3% was the only NEIPA on tap. Imagine a UK Pizza chain serving New England style Bier! Suitably hazy, the hop hit could have been more, still, there was nought wrong here. Mosaic, Mosaic Cryo, Simcoe, Simcoe Cryo and Nugget, were the hops.

This would be the only Bier of the day, so almost a teetotal day?

The Pepperoni Pizza was topped with abundant black olives and green peppers. It looked the part, how misleading was this? This would be Hector’s first and last Chicago Pizza. Why? Because it wasn’t Pizza, but biscuit. The whole point of Deep Pan is thick dough, so where was this invented?

It was a chilly evening outside in Chicago, especially after the comfort of Las Vegas. We retraced our steps down N State St towards Chicago River. We found the Red Line entrance to Grand on our block, Hector had plans for this tomorrow.

Having reversed the flow, Lake Michigan drains into Chicago River. The riverside skyline seemed slightly familiar. As with San Francisco, Chicago feels like a proper city, I had never planned to come here, pizza aside, there was an air of optimism, five nights may well be justified.

Back at the hotel, I fetched my netbook and chargers and retreated to the grand seating area and bar on the ground floor. Other guests were like minded. Not a bad place to chill, a pity the water to hand, was not.

Restaurant and hotel bar visited today:

Pizzeria Uno – 29 E Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Freehand Chicago – 19 E Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Day 59 – Friday, May 17^th

Chicago in daylight, a blank canvas, a day to be tourists. After her early morning exercise venture Downtown, Marg returned appreciating the location of our modest accommodation and insistent that we do a boat trip. High places and boats, here we go again.

Before all that, there was a journey on the Red Line to the north of the city where the Hector had identified the motherlode of Curry. En route we passed Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs baseball ground. Some had suggested we visit this, why? Professional rounders, not a real sport. There was a particularly handsome chap on the metro.

Alighting at Loyola University, we took Bus 155 westwards – Devon & Campbell.

Devon Avenue was everything I hoped for, restaurants aplenty, I could even narrow these down to Pakistani. Alas, being early Friday afternoon, choice #1 was closed – Friday prayers. Heading back east, there was a fallback, Sabri Nihari, this was grander than Hector’s preferred Curry Cafe venues, needs must.

The food was wonderful, authentic Punjabi Fayre, and Marg’s Fish choice was way larger than the snack she hoped for. That would sate the appetite, for a while.

Back Downtown, Marg led me to the quay where the river boats ply their trade. Marg seemed to have a particular vessel in mind, nevertheless, we ended up with tickets for – Chicago’s Classic Lady, leaving soon.

Being warm enough to sit up front, we sat outside. Who planned this trip such that we would reach mainland USA when winter would have passed in the Mid-West?

The boat journey was all about the architecture, the voice on the tannoy was a retired architect, city planner, what would he know? He knew everything, and was honest when it came to the brutality of the 1960s.

Built along more classical lines, the Wrigley Building was a standout. We resisted booing as we passed a certain former US President’s Tower, twice.

The bridges constructed in the style of – trunnion bascule – are part of Chicago‘s character. The Kinzie Street railroad bridge may be permanently raised, it remains fully functional, as are the rest.

Having sat up front, well it wasn’t a ‘plane journey, we were able to secure quality photos without obstruction. Our guide took his well deserved bow at the end of the journey.

Back on dry land we headed along the Riverwalk. A refreshment was required, Marg had already located Chicago Brewhouse.

A bar-restaurant, with the majority sitting outside, we managed to acquire a table indoors. The service was abysmal, it was clear some staff had no idea what they were about. The Hector was already miffed, Brewhouse by name, not by nature. Why do so many venues claim to be brewpubs?

With no Bier to be had at source, I decided to maintain my custom of after Curry, comes Cider.

Rose Cider (Northman Cider Co., Chicago IL) at 6.5% was made from Michigan apples and Midwestern grapes, so part wine. Rose tinted, it was dry, had a decent body and was quite refreshing. Serving it in plastic did not go down too well.

The Green Line took us a couple of stops to Adams/Wabash. Our walk thereafter took us past a crowd of undesirables, Industry Ales Brewpub was the objective. If there was a brewery plant here, it was well hidden, but sources do include a photo of this.

Downtown in the Chicago Loop, this was quite a pukka establishment, as much a cocktail bar as a restaurant. Being here for drinks only, we were guided to bar stools. I would have headed there anyway, more chance of finding out about the place, as it happens, I have little more information.

With six house Biers and a further four guests on tap, at least the Hazy was from Industry Ales.

Marg had water, unless my Bier choice was wonderful, I didn’t feel we would be staying long.

Out of Focus (Industry Ales, Chicago IL) a Hazy IPA at 5.0% might be flattered by the photo. This Bier lacked the full haze but packed a hoppy punch. Citra, Sabro and HBC 472 were the hops. There was nothing wrong here, the body was decent for the abv, as ever, I was looking for something better.

Franklin Tap lay six blocks west. Instead of journeying two stops anticlockwise on the Loop, we walked. An opperchancity to see more of Chicago at street level.

Franklin Tap was everything the two previous venues were not. 100 Craft Beers – advertised, large, spacious, and most of all – welcoming. Our table was close enough to the bar to see the action, and also get served.

Our waiter was up for the challenge of making Hector happy, he knew the Bier, with two taps standing out, directions were given, then there was the list of cans. How long would Marg last?

First up: Juicy Bits (WeldWerks Brewing Co., Greely CO) a NEIPA at 6.7% featured Mosaic, Citra and Eldorado. With the full milkshake haze and a body to match the abv, the mouthfeel was spoiled partly by the sharpness. The required hop hit was present. Had I stuck with this, the palate would have adjusted, and subsequently, I may have celebrated this Bier more, but choices…

Marg was hungry, and so Chips and Guacamole would accompany her Ginger Ale. I may have helped here.

Shower Thoughts (Old Irving Brewing Co., Chicago IL), a NEDIPA at 8.5% had the rights US hops: Nectaron, Citra and Mosaic. Fruity, rather than hoppy, this was not the perfect Bier. Again, more might have altered this viewpoint. More was possible, our second night in Chicago, the feet were planted under the table; too often on this trip it has been have a Bier and move on, not tonight.

One can stood out in the extensive list of possibilities, our waiter could see where I was heading.

Placeholder Text (Phase Three Brewing Company, Elmhurst IL) a DDH-NEIPA at 8.0% is what I had been looking for. Here was a perfectly balanced hoppy Bier, the flavours being right in the style. Poured properly by Hector, the full milkshake haze was attained, this was smooth, wonderful. The hops: Citra, Enigma, Galaxy, El Dorado and Mosaic. Straight five! – as someone back home is prone to saying.

Marg ordered a Franklin Mule, Hector was going nowhere anytime soon.

Having had yesterday off, and to some extent, the day before also, another two of these were accrued. A pity the brewery was so far away.

Despite ordering on my phone, the staff were always attentive. I did like having the bill to keep.

The twelve minute walk to the Red Line at Jackson was painless. This was a good day, but then how many have not been? Two days ago we were flying over Grand Canyon, every day, every Bier, is different.

Brewery, bars and restaurant visited today:

Industry Ales Brewpub – 230 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60604

Chicago Brewhouse – 31 W Riverwalk, Chicago’s Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601-1730

Franklin Tap – 325 S Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606

Sabri Nihari Restaurant – 2502 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

Day 60 – Saturday, May 18^th

Day 60, the three quarter mark, life on the road has become the norm. at least the third day in Chicago means we know our way around, and there’s no more flying until Tuesday. Today it was time to indulge Marg, the free zoo at Abraham Lincoln Park to the north of us, was a bit too far to walk. Bus 22 at nearby Dearborn & Grand took us to Clark & Lincoln, one could kinda tell we were in the right place on alighting.

I don’t know how many bird photos I have taken since arriving in Singapore almost two months ago. The basking turtles were something different.

Before heading to the north end of the park and the actual zoo, there was the Ulysses S. Grant Monument and the Chicago skyline behind us.

On reaching the zoo perimeter, we headed west, across another pond lay a pit-stop, Café Brauer.

Finding the entrance was a frustrating challenge, no not this way. Thereafter, we were treated to a display of total indifference by the serving staff. I have oft wondered how check-in and despatch staff at airports can man their posts and never make eye contact with those waiting. Café Brauer may well be their training school. Eventually, we established there was no room at the inn and so headed next door to The Ice Cream Shoppe. There are no prizes for guessing what was purchased.

Zoo time, given that it was free there can be no complaints. After Honolulu Zoo the Hector was not keen on spending needless funds to see animals already seen. I correct myself, at Honolulu Zoo, animals not seen.

No giraffes, Marg’s favourite, the rhinoceros had to suffice.

The apes stole the show.

Actually, my lasting memory of this zoo visit was the pond life. An extended family appeared to be on the same route, at the same pace, we couldn’t shake them off. I don’t understand why when visiting a zoo, one’s denims have to be at half mast. An underwear sponsor? The females in the entourage were needlessly – loud. We heard their inane comments whether we wanted to or not. The weans were out of control, save the over-sized one in a pram. Pond life, but maybe a higher class of citizen than those featuring in what follows.

Some Like it Hot – what an educational movie. Apart from introducing a very young Hector to the joy of Marilyn Monroe, this movie also made me aware of Chicago for the first time, and what made it famous: The Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre, The Mob. I had planned the day such that we would walk back and take in the site of the Massacre. Prohibition, down with that sort of thing. Al Capone, we visited his temporary home at Alcatraz. In Las Vegas, I eschewed The Mob Museum on the assumption that Chicago would offer more. I got that all wrong.

The death toll, seven. At the OK Corral it was three. American mainland history, more are taken out in random shootings in the current era. The garage at 2122 N Clark St, where the machine guns did their job, has long gone. The site is open ground, but a chalk mark on the pavement gave a clue. 2120 N Clark St remains.

Marg was hungry. When this daily declaration is made, the Hector has ten minutes to find an appropriate menu. Being mid afternoon, not everywhere was open yet. Two doors down from 2120 was Ricardo Enotica, an Italian restaurant, Marg’s favourite.

The restaurant was just opening, the young lady who greeted us at the door to the empty premises asked if we had a reservation. A table on the pavement was offered, no way, Pedro. She was for turning us away, the Hector was not having this. A chap realised he was about to lose business, the window table was ours, as long as we were off within the hour. How fast can you serve us?

We both had Carbonara, served by – Hector – tasty.

Lake Michigan, it was time to go to the beach and so back through Lincoln Park.

I still don’t think Marg believes that this is fresh water. The police were searching all those who crossed the bridge over Dusable Lakeshore Drive, no booze on the beach. I suppose grass, marram or otherwise, was OK? We walked down North Avenue Beach to the Pier which resembled a recumbent spit. From here, the Chicago skyline was an irresistible view.

It was approaching Bier o’ clock, a few venues between our current locus and home were en route. How does this keep happening? We walked west then south through what is now called the Old Town, a pukka area, so much for Burgess’ Concentric Urban Model. If one could afford a hotel in this area, I would recommend it. A Saturday afternoon, there was the buzz of city life.

Old Town Pour House boasted – 30+ local taps – there must be something here worthy of the Hector.

A large premises, comparable to a Wetherspoons, we were seated at a high table on the bar side of the room. The welcome water went down well, but it took some effort to secure it. A dizzy waitress.

Space Dust (Elysian Brewing Company, Seattle WA) was hardly local. A gold IPA with a chill haze at 8.3% and a whopping 73 IBU, was stepping back in time. This was a proper dry tasting West Coast IPA, the hops, Amarillo.

Starting with a big hitter, Marg was relieved when I said one here was enough.

Continuing south and back on Clark Street, the Clark St Ale House, it was busy. We squeezed on to stools at the bar, from there, getting served would not be a problem.

Le Griffon (Hidden Hand, Naperville IL & Old Irving Brewing Co., Chicago IL) is a Hazy IPA / NEIPA. With the full milkshake haze, and a big hop hit, this was smooth, delicious. The hops: Nectaron, HBC 586 and Amarillo. Yesterday’s Old Irving brew was a bit short of being stunning, today’s got the straight five!

Having found this splendid Bier, there’s the inevitable thought of more. The ongoing activities at the rear of the room made this unlikely. We moved to a table near the door, away from the noise and particularly loud females. How long had they been out?

With Centennial Crafted Beer and Eatery just around the corner, there was further incentive to move along.

Sat at the bar, thirty six taps to choose from, two NEIPAs. I’ll never know if I chose the better one.

Gummypalooza (Noon Whistle Brewing Co., Naperville IL) a Hazy IPA / NEIPA at 6.7% had the full milkshake haze and a substantial body. This was easy drinking despite the sharp mouthfeel. Citra, Cashmere, Idaho 7 and Sabro were the hops. A second Bier from a Naperville brewery, looks like this could be town worth visiting.

Three bars, it was time to have a Bier at source. Along from our hotel, Freehand Chicago, which we could now see the full extent of the building, as in upwards, lies Crushed By Giants Brewing Company. The escalator on the first floor, second floor in USA, was like visiting a mall cinema.

This was the largest Chicago venue visited yet. Given the crowds we had left, this place was eerily quiet. Again, a seat at the bar, the brewing plant was in sight, a proper brewpub.

Neon Werewolf, a Hazy IPA at 6.8% had the haze but not the body. Too thin for the abv, this Bier could be put in the dangerous category, too easy to swallow. The brewery tasting notes claim a – soft mouthfeel – then this is not what I seek in a NEIPA. Citra and Simcoe are reportedly the hops.

The choices here were not great. Something made me go west once again, mouthwash or just the need for a goodnight Bier?

User Error, a 8.3% DIPA was amber, clear and had an almost burnt flavour, not smoky. Mosaic, Galaxy and Cashmere were present, an abuse of hops? – was recorded as I drank this.

The Bier count was now five, American pints, there was still life in the old Hector. Marg too, was it the sight of Bally’s Casino that had Marg accompany me past the door to our hotel?

Snickers Bar & Grill opens early and closes late, it was tempting to have a marathon session here. A – dive bar – is how the Americans call such venues, as was Suzy Wong’s Hideaway back in Honolulu HI.

We found seats at a window table with decent views of the TVs which, for once, was showing proper sport.

This would keep Marg amused, as did the Baileys which had subliminally, or otherwise been planted in Marg’s consciousness. Else, she was watered out.

There was a long list of tap Bier I did not want to drink. The can list had something familiar.

Son of Juice (Maplewood Brewing, Chicago IL) at 6.3% was had two nights ago at Pizzeria Uno.

I persuaded the compliant waitress that I should pour my own. Poured properly, here was a NEIPA. I knew this Bier had potential, now the Hector was happy, and today’s underlying frustration was tempered. It appears The Famous officially came second in the SPL today. There’s always the Scottish Cup Final.

Let’s have another Son of Juice.

Brewery, bars, restaurant and cafe visited today:

Crushed By Giants Brewing Company – 600 N Michigan Ave 2^nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60611

Old Town Pour House – 1419 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

Clark St Ale House – 742 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610

Centennial Crafted Beer and Eatery – 733 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654

Snickers Bar & Grill – 448 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

The Ice Cream Shoppe – 2012 N Stockton Drive, Chicago, IL 60614

Ricardo Enotica – 2116 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Day 61 – Sunday, May 19^th

Curry-Heute! The second and final opperchancity to enjoy real food in Chicago. The Red Line heading north past Wrigley Field was busy, there’s a game on! Baseball fans look nothing like their football equivalent. More females, two pint cartons of sugary drinks in one hand, big plastic hand in the other, children, all of them. Once again we changed at Loyola University and took Bus 155 westwards towards – Little India. We have come to accept that – The Vagrant – shall often accompany, today’s distraction was somewhat different.

He’s here, every Sunday – so the driving Doris informed her passengers. A young chap on his bike kept overtaking us, then at lights, would block the bus. Much gesticulation, choice language, angst. The background to this we’ll never know. If this is a regular Sunday event, and with this driver only, why don’t the chaps who bear arms deal with it?

Karahi Corner Restaurant & Catering House, as written, was my first choice Chicago Curry House. This was in the style of Hector’s preferred – Curry Cafe, nothing like the salubrious Sabri Nihari, the fallback, enjoyed on Friday. Karahi Corner was closed for Friday prayers early-mid afternoon. The young chap serving at Karahi Corner was most attentive. The eating experience was memorable, loads of food, the efficacy of what I ordered I challenge.

The return journey Downtown shall never be forgotten. The same Doris driving, the cyclist had disappeared, another distraction. Behold a chap in an off-the-shoulder frock, his/their brown shiny skin was quite simply – beautiful. He loved himself. Once again we witnessed an – American – who shamelessly held a conversation so loud, we all had to hear it. In the UK, such people would be sectioned. Poor Doris, the personal questions/comments, she was not having a good day.

There was an unexpectedly lengthy wait for the metro. The weirdo was on the platform, we skilfully managed to get in a different carriage. At Wrigley Field, the train filled to the point of being stowed, similar to Cessnock/Copland Road (Glasgow) on a match day. The fans had seen enough baseball by mid afternoon.

Still more people squeezed on, the disruption to the service making things worse.

Having gone underground, the train stopped. Two Neanderthals decided that smoking was suddenly permitted. An off-duty CTA employee dealt with them.

Progress was slow, then ceased. The driver got off the train, in the tunnel. I assume he returned. This was a long journey, finally we reached – The Loop. BB King.

Millennium Park was the objective, Cloud Gate aka – The Bean – the attraction. Alas, ongoing renovations in the surrounding – Plaza – restricted access to this gigantic mirror. No funny mirror images.

The Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain became the focal point of the park. Lake Michigan, so yesterday.

Having completed the typical tourist objective for the day, it was approaching Bier o’clock. The walk back to the Green Line metro at Adams/Wabash was longer than anticipated.

We journeyed west, inland to Ashland. The blocks north of here have a veritable cluster of breweries. A Sunday, not all open, and according to Untappd, not all offering NEIPA. We found ourselves in Chicago’s old industrial zone, the Burgess City Model felt applicable.

Goose Island Taproom, and Brewery, was the principal objective, All Rise Brewing was passed en route. I’m sure Dr. Stan has a well worn Goose Island t-shirt, hence this was one Chicago brewery I had heard of.

A large room, spacious, we chose a high table mid room.

Marg had Cream Soda, aka American Cream Soda in the UK. Brown, sweet, maybe not as good as AG Barr’s (Glasgow)?

Hazy Beer Hug at 6.8%, a Hazy IPA / NEIPA lacked the full milkshake haze. Thin for its abv, this was too mainstream. The big – hop hit – was lacking, the magic blend of hops not achieved. Amarillo, Galaxy and Nelson Sauvin have been put to better use.

There was little temptation to stay.

Burnt City Brewing up the road appeared to be a better prospect. There was a a bit of confusion as we approached District Brew Yards which actually houses four breweries. This would pull up the average for the day.

Around The Bend Beer Company, Twisted Hippo, and Casamhumilde provided other options. A pour your own venue, the Hector quickly found what was sought.

Juice Pillow (Burnt City Brewing Co.) at 7.4% was a delightful NEIPA. This Bier was close to perfection. Citra and Amarillo hops had been put to good use here, this was a Bier.

Pour your own, I did, more than once, and still I managed a rebate on the deposit paid at the door. Marg had been patient, time for Baileys.

Bus 65 from nearby Grand & Ashland took us directly east to Illinois & State, home, but not yet. Snickers Bar & Grill was fun last night, we had to go back.

Four chaps and a chapatti occupied our previous table, tonight, we were right in the room.

Cans of Son of Juice (Maplewood, Chicago IL) at 6.3%, was once again the tipple of choice. This has proved to be a most satisfying Bier.

Our waitress was excellent, a repeat order was achieved by just raising a thumb. We – saved her life – at one point, when one round disappeared from the system.

Meanwhile, back at our previous table, the noise, vaping too. Have people no regard for other people’s enjoyment, no self-awareness? Again today, we had no choice but suffer the inane conversation of our neighbours. Has the Hector had enough of the USA?

Breweries, bar and restaurant visited today:

Goose Island Taproom – 1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612

Burnt City Brewing – District Brew Yards, 417 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Snickers Bar & Grill – 448 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

Karahi Corner Restaurant & Catering House – 2658 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL, 60659

Day 62 – Monday, May 20^th

It’s raining outside, but that’s not unusual (Hensley) – actually, we have done well to avoid rain of late. A slow start to the day for Hector, but Marg was out earlier capturing photos of the area downriver.

Rain until 14.30, out in the street, only one of us was suitably prepared. Nevertheless, it was only a short hop round the corner to Cafe Cremerie. Marg was hungry. There was a light breakfast as food was planned further Downtown.

We have become used to seeing The Chicago Theatre and the muriel (sic) of BB King.

Adams Street is the official start/end of Route 66, we had travelled along part of it in Arizona on a school trip back in 2009. Here also lies a long established restaurant and associated brewery – The Berghoff.

Note the double – ff -, a family name, nothing to do with an infamous building outside Berchtesdgaden (Deutschland).

We had been told – we had to come here – and have a pretzel. Hector does not eat pretzel, Deutsche Essen at its worst? The decor dated back to the nineteenth century, this place survived – Prohibition!

The Bier on offer was fundamentally traditional German Helles/Pils, however, there was a choice of NEIPAs.

Dat’s Da Joose (Adamas Street Brewery, Chicago, IL) at 6.2% was OK. The hops remain a mystery, there was a sense of their presence, but this was not a big hitter. The haze was appropriate for the style, but the Bier was way too thin for this abv.

Marg ordered the pretzel and a Salad. I kept it simple – Schnitzel, alas it came with – Gemüse – the dreaded – Rahmspinat – as I have come to know this Spinach-based mash. Still better than burgers & pizza. The portion size was insulting, this is not how Schnitzel is served in Deutschland, it should cover the plate. Miserly.

Thereafter, I did not tell Marg where we were headed. The Blue Line took us from Monroe to Grand.

From there, westward on foot passing an interesting building with multiple hanging baskets. We were not in Musselburgh.

The Aberdeen Tap, a bar, no more. And no way was Hector buying an Aberdoom t-shirt.

The barman was confident that his Bier would please. He could only serve what was available.

The Bier list didn’t offer much. Ordering – One Man Mosh Pit (Surly Brewing Company, Minnesota USA) was about the name as much as being the best chance of a NEIPA. This 7.2% Hazy IPA was almost clear, gold. If this is how it was meant to be, I again ask wtf? Else, do staff never kick the kegs? Day 62, how often have I asked this question?

This was a West Coast IPA, and tasted as one with a high IBU would. Amarillo, Citra, Mosaic and Simcoe were the hops that could have been put to better use.

Our fifth and final day in Chicago. Four would probably have done, however, the full quota enabled a return to a favourite place. As with Snickers the last two nights, return visits on this trip have been at a premium. Tonight, the Hector was going back to Franklin Tap, most certainly one of the best bars found on this – Round The World – excursion.

The Pink Line from Morgan took us to Quincy, metres from Franklin Tap.

We were recognised and welcomed back. I said it was good. The Can list had to be explored further.

Two would be sufficient, we have a flight to catch tomorrow. Marg had an Aperol Spritz.

Blossom (Drowned Lands Brewery, Warwick, NY) a 7.1% NEIPA had the full milkshake haze, well I poured it, so a true representation. This was quite a Bier. The body matched the abv. Strata, Nelson Sauvin and Simcoe were the featured hops. With full on tropical and juicy flavours, there was a further blast of fruit in the aftertaste.

Five (Phase Three Brewing Company, Elmhurst IL) a DDH DIPA at 8.0% was the – goodnight Bier.

The full haze was achieved well before I had finished pouring it. The body was a thick as the abv commands. Citra, Vic Secret and Motueka, were perhaps understated. Possibly, the previous Can was still affecting the taste-buds.