Last week we hit the open roads, or more accurately the semi-clear I-65N, up to Chicago for the Taste of Kizomba weekend. While I’ve been to Chicago on many occasions I’ve never had the pleasure of checking out their social dance scene. I drove up with my friend Jen for a girl’s weekend of food, dancing and a little exploring and we managed to accomplish all three. In case you’re wondering, The Beard was working, and yes I did bring him back presents!

We stayed in this charming Airbnb that was about 10 minutes, depending on traffic, away from our dance studio. Everything about this place was cozy. I’m talking sink into all the furniture, binge on chips and chocolate, never want to leave cozy. However, we had things to do and healthier foods to eat so off we went.

As you may know by now, I’m a foodie. The best part about traveling is experiencing the local cuisine and our first night there we headed to Cuba 312. Let me just say, these were hands down the best yucca fries I have ever tasted! Looking at them now is making my stomach rumble. Also, I haven’t eaten breakfast yet but I don’t think that has anything to do with it.

When it comes to dresses I’m a fan. I wear one almost every day to work and love wearing them for salsa dancing. However, when it comes to dancing Kizomba, I’ve found that pants are far easier and less revealing. So this weekend I decided to rock some new jumpsuits for the dance socials and they were cute and comfy! I mean, when  you look dressed up and yet feel like you’re in pajamas, it’s a win-win folks!

Saturday morning we headed to Lincoln Park and explored a little bit before heading to the dance workshops. It was so hot, we were a sweaty mess by the time we were finished, but totally worth it.

This jump was actually higher than I had calculated so there was some genuine fear here.

This is a blue herring.

A little Lily Pond oasis.

Dance workshop selfies! Me, Jen & Jessie!

We stopped at this cool place called Bow Truss Coffee Roasters to get The Beard his coffee gifts. I try and bring him back coffee beans from where ever I travel without him.

I also made my own Beard Stick Figure so he could be in some of our photos!

We had dinner at a place called Knife & Tine and if I’m ever back in Chicago I will be hitting them up again. To start, the restaurant was absolutely gorgeous. I wanted to be that instagrammer wondering around taking pictures of everything, everyone and their food! However, I contained myself to just my table. Behold, pork belly with onions, candied apples and a cornbread cupcake. I cleaned my plate!

Sunday we stopped for the required Chicago pizza. Below is a garlic artichoke pizza that was divine. We also became the nicest people ever as we turned our car into a pizza delivery vehicle and brought The Beard and others their very own Chicago Pizzas on our way home.

All in all it was a fun weekend. In case you were wondering, yes I did make a video for you! I used some Kizomba music so you can get a taste for yourself!