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Sunday, July 25, 2010

Day 1 CHA Summer: Setup

We're so excited to be here in Chicago (Rosemont actually) setting up our booth for CHA Summer Show!

The very awesome Kenny and Matt flew in a day before us to start building our booth. Then me, Bridget, Nicole and Matt H. flew in today. We started helping put product up on display. But the highlight of my day was trying to lug 12 BIG boxes of product across the street from our hotel to the convention center. I'm sure if someone had been filming us we would have made for a great "America's Funniest Home Videos" segment for sure. But anything to keep from having to make more then ONE trip!! 

Matt covering up the product shelves until the big reveal.

Bridget standing in the center of the sign
that will eventually hang high above our booth. 
We've all been to Chicago a couple times, but we're open to suggestions on where we should go after the show. Tell us the name of your favorite restaurant or site here in the windy city. You'll be entered to win some fun Summer CHA products. And don't forget to stop by tomorrow to find out more of what we did at CHA!!

106 comments:

Melinda Spinks said...

Set-up is looking good! So wish I was going to join in on all the fun!!! :(
Might go and scrap myself a CHA money box and start saving - wonder how much flights are from Australia to America at the moment?

katemade designs said...

Oh I can't wait until Friday to see the final set up. Favorite restaurant in Chicago - hmm so many to choose from but I'm going to go with Banderas on Michigan Ave. Love the fire roasted chicken and garlic mashed potatoes.

Dawnll said...

Weber Grill is outstanding, but also suggest you ask the door man or office desk person . They usually have some great suggestions.

Ann Cicilie said...

Mmmmmm, wish I was there!

I do not have any good restaurant tips, perhaps you should check with the locals? Hope you find somewhere really good and healthy, so you can get all the energy you need for the big show :)

Sarah Rice said...

if you ask my dad you need to go to the hard rock on ohio avenue

last time i went to chicago he told me to go there about 15 times... and kept reminding me to remember bc i live in ohio. we were out drinking at the time and it was pretty funny.... but i guess you had to be there... lol

Emily said...

I've never been to Chicago and am wishing I would have been sent to CHA, but I would still love to win some goodies ;)

Debbie Bakk said...

Oh I can't wait till Friday I will be there only live about 30 min. north of Rosemont-can't wait to see your booth. There are so so many great food places, but you have to go to UNO"S for Chicago pizza. YUM-YUM.

eclectic_Paperie said...

Gino's East(the one near Magnificent Mile) for Sausage Patty pizza and great atmosphere. Then get fresh hot Garretts Chicago Mix popcorn.

Lydia said...

We love Chicago! Lawrys is a great steak house to eat at. Would love to win some goodies!!

Unknown said...

ohhhh my.....I miss Chicago....my DH is there right now visiting family and he is hitting all of our favorite restaurants...
Lou Malnatti's pizzeria....full ooey gooey cheese. So much better than Gino's east...
ohh yes...and if you want an italian beef sandwich...you have to go to portillo's....yummy....
and weber grill and lawry's steak house...
I'm making myself hungry.....
Have fun...there are so many places to choose from that I doubt you will have any problems finding one youlike

Mel said...

Because I am in Australia, I would probably recommend the seafood steak at Sizzler, hope everything goes well for you at CHA lucky things. Melxx

Bonnie said...

Wish I were there!!! I've never been to Chicago so I can't give you any suggestions of where to go.

ruth said...

Well if you want a good laugh (and a good milkshake) go to Ed Debevics. :) And don't be shy...be sassy!

Denise Bryant said...

Ron of Japan is excellent! Lots to choose from in Chicago! The zoo is always great or the aquarium. I have only been to Chicago once, but those are my top memories of the trip.
DeniseB

Scrappin with the bug said...

I Say Lou Malnati's pizza its the best. There is one not to far from Rosemont. It is in Elk Grove Village. What ever pizza you get, get it with the Butter CRUST... MMM. If you want a good hot dog or beef sandwich then Portillo's. There is one in Arlington Heights. They have awesome fries and a great strawberry shake/malt.
If you make it to the city - then Bubba Gump is pretty cool. Also Garrett's carmel/cheese combo popcorn. There are a few locations. Have fun...

Jamie Simms said...

Giordano's Pizza is AMAZING. Get the stuffed pizza!! Also, just walking down the magnificent mile is always a good time!

Angie said...

I would have to say my fave is the CHEESECAKE factory! Yummmmo! Enjoy your time in Chicago and have fun at CHA! Can't wait to see more pics of your setup!

Unknown said...

Eat at Ed's....Debevics that is! LOL!! You will not regret the experience and the food is fantabulous! I drive once a year to take my kids there! Good luck with the continued set up and start of the show. can't wait til' all your goodies are in stores!

Erika M. said...

I've never been to Chicago so I can't give you any suggestions!

iceprincess95 said...

I have never been to Chicago...so no tips here. I can't wait to get my hands on the new stuff though! Have fun at CHA!

Summer Braxton said...

Leona's has some great pizza and lasagna. Try the mac-n-cheese lasagna!!

Denise G said...

I am sure it is going to be so much fun! I don't know of any great places to eat, but I hear there are tons to choose from!

Good Luck!

Andrea said...

Pizzeria Uno for sure. Can't beat this Chicago Deep Dish FAV!

GabrielaD said...

how fun!!! I went to Chicago years ago, but I remember having the best four cheese Ravioli at Maggiano. Crazy good!

I wish I was there!

Heidi G said...

You need to go to Xoco!! 449 North Clark Street (enter on Illinois St.), Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 312-334-3688

Mexican street food, awesome sandwiches

heidi @ dicarlo 1 dot com

mommyof5kidz said...

Never been to chicago, so ANYPLACE you eat would be good for me! LOL...have a FABULOUS time!!! Can't wait to see what you all have in store for us!

Alexandra Lundgren said...

You are in Chicago- you MUST go to Unos!! THE original Chicago pizza and the place is just not at all what you expect. We got a waitress who was still there from when they were first opened. GO!!!

Hollyk said...

Thinks are looking great, can't wait for all the great new products. While you are there you must have chicago Deep dish pizza.

Nicole Laird said...

I haven't been to Chicago since I modeled there...ummm...almost 15 years ago!! lol There's a hot dog place there that was amazing...just can't recall the name.

I'm sure ya'll will have an amazing time no matter where you end up! :0)

Elle V. said...

I'm from Canada and have never been to Chicago ...but I have heard that "UNOS" is awesome! Check it out and let us know! Have a great time!

Laurie (Wally) said...

I don't live in the States.. but I have a cousin that attends Moody... and he always has a Starbucks in hand.. so I would say a stop there is a must...

Kelly Massman said...

frontera grill!

Yesterday's Tomorrow said...

As far as *I* have gotten in the windy city is sleeping on the bench at O'Hare! :( so I'd be of no help... just take my advice, keep your bed, really the bench was NOT so fun ;)

Jess said...

I've never been to Chicago but my roommate moved there during college and I've been told her mom makes the best Indian food so maybe you could bribe your way into their home.

Thebug415 said...

I have never been to Chicago, so can't really pick a favorite place. Although my DH's cousin had to go there, and said there is some hole in the wall pizza place that you actually write on the walls, and the food is awesome too.

Kathy said...

Best sandwiches? Why, Perry's Deli of course!!
I would have LOVED to have seen you crossing the street with all your goodies, cuz it would have meant that I was GOING to CHA myself!!! Have fun!

carrie said...

If you are going to the city you can not pass up Garrett's popcorn that is for sure!

D said...

Definitely Giordano's! They have the BEST pizza. Make sure you order your pizza while you are waiting for your table. It takes 40 minutes to cook ;)

Jennifer Moore said...

I just visited Chicago last month with a bunch of scrappy girlfriends! DEFINITELY try Giordano's deep dish pizza downtown. It is the BEST! You can call and order ahead of time since it takes a good 40 minutes to an hour to cook a deep dish pizza. Lou Malnati's Pizza is good too. Oh, and if you can ever get some Eli's Cheesecake...OMG! It's HEAVEN!

Cindy deRosier said...

I haven't been to Chicago in 25 years, so I don't remember the names of anything, but you definitely have to have some famous deep-dish pizza. I also had some amazing cheesecake.

Anonymous said...

It's been a long time since I was there but I always pick up Garrett's popcorn to nibble on, have fun :)

Chelle said...

No thoughts...the only time I was actually in Chicago was on the bus and it was a stopover...other than that we drove around it to go further south in Illinois to visit my parents. Have a great time at CHA!

Vicki said...

Can't remember the names of any of the resturants, but if you want sights - Navy Pier, Museum of Science & Industry, Field's Natural History Museum, Willis Tower, Shedd's Aquarium.

Sharon said...

Lou Malnatti's pizzeria has awesome pizza. YUM!!

Anonymous said...

I have never been, but my mom went to a great steakhouse downtown. Can't wait to see what you have in store for tomorrow. Have Fun!

Janet's Joy said...

Sorry but I've never been to Chicago but I'm sure you will be able to sniff out some fabulous!

Kirsten Moran said...

Cheesecake Factory is my favorite. Have fun!

ShoppingTamii said...

Wish I had ever been to Chicago! Have fun :)

Jamie said...

I have never been to Chicago so I can not tell you where to go. However my hubby is in the military and has taught me that when you go some place new always ask the locals where they go and you should be able to find someplace fabulous!!

Samantha Taylor said...

IKEA!

Kristin - The Fifth Sparrow No More said...

I've never been to Chicage but saw this place on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives.
Here is the info!
Smoque
3800 N. Pulaski Rd.
Chicago, IL 60641
Tel: (773) 545-7427

Have fun!

Nana Nassar said...

Well girls...I´m quite far from Chicago but I have to tell you as a tourist when I go...I´m addicted to burguers....so any restaurant with burguers I´m in! xoxoxo

Jennifer Hansen said...

Boo hoo..never been to the Windy City! Was hoping to be able to go to CHA this summer, but not in the cards.

Martine said...

well, can't help you there, never been to Chicago! But I'm sure you gals will have a blast! enjoy!

Unknown said...

I have no suggestions as I've never been there.
But the booth looks like it's coming together nicely.
I hope all of you have fun and wish I could have been there to join in it with all of you!

Wendy said...

I would have to say for a GREAT time, head to Ed Debevic's! They are so much fun! If they give you any attitude, give it right back! That's what it's all about!

Joli said...

Visit the Amreican Girl store - it is AMAZING!!!!!! And don't ride the subway, its VERY scary!!! Have lots of fun!

Abby Beard said...

Looks great! I so wish I could be there!

I'm originally from Chicago, now I live 2 hours south. I've so many yummy places runnin through my head lol But if I had to choose one, you should definitely go to Harry Caray's! They have one in Rosemont, although I've only been to the one in Chicago several times, my sister used to waitress there. It was awarded the best steakhouse in Chicago! And so many famous people dine there, too.

Harry Caray's Steakhouse, Rosemont
O'Hare International Center
10233 West Higgins Road
Rosemont, IL 60018

Suzuki said...

Maggiano's Little Italy has great food!! Haven't been there a lot but remember this place!
Can't wait to see the unveiling.....

Jean said...

We were in Chicago a year ago. The girls had a great time riding the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier. They could see forever!

Ronda Archangelo said...

Hotdogs originated in Chicago so be sure to have one if you go to Portillos. Guy Fieri of 3Ds had good things to say about Depot Diner & Vito & Nick's too.

Melanie said...

I've never been to the windy city, so I'm not much help with restaurant ideas. But I would love to win some summer CHA goodies :)

fong33 said...

I love Chicago and had the best pizza at Giordano's! Thanks for the chance to win! I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Unknown said...

Since I have never been to Chicago - I would have go with McDonalds lol!! Have fun this week.

Anonymous said...

Well, torn patterned paper...I have never been to Chicago :( Oh well, looking forward to seeing CHA via the blog! Have fun!!!

Nita K. said...

I haven't been to Chicago in years, but I do remember getting great pizza there. Hope you all have fun!

Lysa said...

Hmm, my favs are Portillos (yummy burgers & fries), Wild Tuna (sushi) out in Naperville, Erie Street Cafe (steak) downtown and Taverso's (pizza & italian). Be sure to check out Woodfield Mall, it is pretty nice.

Olivia said...

Wow, your booth is going to look fab!
If you're into architecture Frank Lloyd Wright's house is woth a visit :)

Cynthia Baldwin said...

Well it's been years since I've been to Chicago, but my fondest memories of a restaurant there are at Gino's Pizza. They let you write on the walls, and my friends and in just hung out and had a great meal od deep dish pizza!
Just don't ask me how to get there...*sorry*
Wish I could be there to check your booth out in person - have a great time!

smahrty said...

Check out House of Blues Back Porch Restaurant!

Manhattan Mandie said...

I can't WAIT to see the booth tomorrow!!! I'm SOOOO EXCITED to actually get to go to CHA! If you want to go downtown for dinner I suggest the fun touristy places, Gino's East (Pizza), Ed Debevic's... well, Chicago just has great food everywhere : )

KellyG said...

Love Chicago, wish I was there! I have not been there in a long time, but Hard rock is always a good place!

BethW said...

Wow never been to Chicago. Have a big favor though-post some pictures of the bagpipers for the rest of us to see!

karennarelle said...

ummm, well i wouldnt have a clue since i live in Australia!! BUT you wont have time to eat any way so it wont really matter....:-}

Sandy said...

Ive never been to Chicago so I am no help on where to go, however if you're ever n North Alabama, I can hook you up with the greatest place ever!

Debbie said...

Never been to Chicago, so I can't name a good place to hang out! Wish I could for a chance to win!

Melinda AKA medialady said...

I have never been to Chicago so I haven't any clue but please have some good pizza for me!!!

Melissa D. said...

My suggestion is not a restaurant but a place to tour. Take an architectural boat tour with the Wendella Boat tours. It gives you a whole new perspective on an amazing city (with a bit of history thrown in). Well worth it!! I am hoping to visit on Friday or Saturday! I will be sure to stop by!

Queen Mary said...

You must go to Pizaria Uno or Due or Gino's East for Chicago Deep Dish Pizza, Steaks at Lawry's or Eli's and Eli's also has the best cheesecake, and for great food while enjoying great views of Chicago, you must go to The 95th atop the John Hancock Tower and after dinner walk across Michigan Ave, to the Hershey's Store and Ghiradelli's for chocolate galore! Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! Have fun!

Queen Mary said...

Yes, if you have time for sightseeing, absolutely take an architectural tour with the Wendella Boat Tours for amazing views of the Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan!

Queen Mary said...

Ed Debevic's has good food and is lotsa of fun! Navy Pier is another great fun, place to go and another of my favorite pizza places is Giordano's. West Egg has the best breakfast! yummm! And you can't go to Chicago without have a Chicago dog! Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! I'm getting hungry!

Dolly said...

Your booth looks great - I wish I could be there!!! I've heard that Lawry's is the best for steak!

Michele said...

Giordano's (pizza) is awesome and the Big Bar at the Marriott is a great place.

Paula said...

Try the Park Grill at Millenium Park - I've only been for lunch, and it was delicious. The burgers and sandwiches are all great - fresh and unusually mixes of ingredients makes everything taste so yummy!!

Kelly Sas said...

You have to go to Lou Malnatti's for pizza and get the butter crust. Go shopping on Michigan Ave of course but you have to go for amazing bargains on designer cloths,accessories and stuff at Filene's Basement! Have a blast. I LOVE Chicago!

sucor said...

I've never been to Chicago so I can't give you any suggestions of where to go. Wish I was there, have a great time!

rush8888 said...

maybe you have already noticed the great sculptures in the airport (i think it is o'hare). also, i just got a kick out of the EL...the public transport system. it was a novelty for me.

Steph Ackerman said...

I'd have to say Pizzeria Uno for awesome pizza.

craftymom205 said...

Never been to Chicago or Rosemont so I don't have a favorite restaraunt.

nadine said...

Wish I had a suggestion for you but I've never been to Chicago. :( Looks like you are having a blast setting up. Have a fun week.

Unknown said...

I have never been to Chicago but would like to visit, with my dd, the American Girl store and then eat at the Cheesecake Factory :)

Just Me said...

I have only ever been to the airpiort in Chigago (long story) so I don't know where to go, but so many of these places sound fabulous!

Sally Watkins said...

Been a long time since I ate in Chicago. I hope to get some good pizza and maybe do some research on some local off the beaten path places. Looking forward to the Supershow.

Laura Stewart said...

has to be Weber Grill

Karen S. said...

Be sure to visit the Navy Pier! When we were there years ago it was pouring! My hubby and I loved Chicago. You have to eat some deep dish pizza!

Marla said...

I know nothing about Chicago because I have NEVER been there but I LOVE your scrapbooking products and hope you have fun at CHA!!

Unknown said...

Lou Malnati's or Gino's East for Pizza. Billy Goat Tavern for burgers. ENJOY!!

Brittney said...

The booth is looking great. Have a blast at CHA!

Larissa Heskett said...

The booth looks awesome!! I have never been but my roomie says any place with the famous deep dish pizza is a must try while you are there!! Have TONS of fun for us!!
Larissa Heskett

Vanessa B said...

I´m so far from Chicago but I would still love to win some goodies hehe have fun!!!

silvia said...

You HAVE to go to Billy Goat for a cheezborger :)

Anonymous said...

I have never been to Chicago sorry, but would love to someday.

Pammejo said...

Ed Debevic's, fun restaurant. Love Chicago-go there about 3 times a year.

LesleyfromWI said...

When we visit we love going to Navy Pier!!

Adri said...

I have never been to Chicago!!! Sorry!!!

Ginny Penn said...

Willis Tower Skydeck!

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