Once upon a time, three little princesses stumbled upon a magical courtyard in a big city. After exploring the courtyard, they wandered in and were greeted by a nice gent that gifted them toy dinosaurs and off they went to explore!

What they found was this pretty little french bistro with options for everyone. Vegan for mom with a delicious vegetable sandwich and our household staple, pizza for the kids and Dad. The stumbled into the spa area and spacious bathrooms and were able to catch some views from the building.

Besides the beautiful and magical amenities, we highly recommend that families check out this spot, it is very kid friendly. Their employees catered to the children's every need and wish. The cafe was very accommodating to kid requests--they even somehow let them have dessert while waiting for food--hey when in France? Lol. Waldorf Astoria staff really made the space come to life for the little ones.

Stay:
Why the Waldorf Astoria of course: For all the reasons listed above, beautiful, magical, and kid-friendly.

Food:
1. Spiaggia: If you are going to do Italian for dinner, this is IT! Lake views for days and days and days.
2. Neiman Marcus: Who does not love popovers and chicken broth? The girls and I cannot get enough.
3. Eataly: For a quick bite, we absolutely adore the foccacia counter--it is the only authentic italian spot in the area, so you HAVE to go. Also, their book selection, household selection, and grocery selection is our go to spot for all our Italian favorites, like Santa Maria Novella soaps and italian dishware and cookies.

Leisure:
1. American Doll Store: Renamed in our household to the Doll store, this 2 story mega American Doll store does not disappoint, bring your children and their dolls to enjoy some doll clothes or accessories, a blowout, and maybe some dessert--the cafe and restaurant serve the best dessert.
2. Disney Store: My kids believe this to be like visiting a Disney Park, except we can get in and out in 30 minutes or so--talk about kid and MOM friendly lol.
3. Oak Street Beach: When the weather is nice, no better beach in the Chicago, beach life, not too crowded, and best skyline views in the City. Bring some cash and rent chairs for the day and pretend you are a tourist in your own town.

We love exploring Chicago and this list will keep growing, we explore as a family, we explore through our Law Firm with our Looks, Leads, Lifestyle events at the prettiest places in Chicago and Chicagoland, be a tourist in your hometown, you'd be amazed at what you find. We welcome you and your family to our June 5th events, the 630pm event should be more kid friendly, hope to see you all there, reserve your seat at panzicalawoffice.com/blog!

-Theresa





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 Who needs a botanical garden when you have this gem in the neighborhood? We came across this beautiful lush garden space in Irving Park, Chicago.

Now we sometimes have driven by this spot, but walking across this beautiful garden store. Farmers Market--Chicago's Garden Center was a little different.  Its beauty draws you in and as we explored we were not disappointed.

The girls loved all the Melissa & Doug toys and the store was filled with lots of pretty little things by way of gifts or crafts for gardeners and homemakers--my favorites were all the garden scented hand soaps and lotions.

Farmers Market does not disappoint, they had all the seasonal flowers ready to plant and all the indoor and outdoor trees you'd ever need to beautify your home.  They had a lot of pretty garden pieces like columns and fountains to beautify your yard as well.  While we were there, a custom order from Florida arrived, over sized indoor palm trees that were absolutely gorgeous! 

We hope that one day, after we defeat the negative neighbors and soon to be former alderman and building department that rejects to code plans, that we will be able to able to shop at this beautiful store. 

If you visit Irving Park, here are my current recommendations of where to stay, where to eat, and things to do: 

Stay:
1. The Hotel at Midtown: If you want access to Irving Park, this hotel is just a short drive down Elston Avenue which cuts through the Irving Park neighborhood.  The amenities at hotel are grand, tennis, indoor and outdoor pool, restaurants, roof decks, exercise classes and equipment, salon, store, and so much more.  It is like staying at a country club.
2. Hotel Zachary: This new hotel is directly across from Wrigley Field, so if you are visiting to catch a Cubs game and want some respite at this pretty garden center, come. 
3. Airbnb: Lots of local Chicago residents in Irving Park have opened their homes up for you, check them out, over 316 listings for every price point. 

Food:
Now that our beloved Sabatino's is closed, this is a tough one.  We would love more italian spots since in our opinion that is the BEST food.  Have to check out some first before we recommend, but here are some suggestions:
1. Astoria Café & Bakery: This Serbian bakery has the prettiest desserts packaged like eye candy and even prettier on the mouth. Their ethnic food is also delicious.
2. Tuscan Hen Market: For amazing Italian style sandwiches and lite bites, this is the spot, amazing preparation and taste.
3. Cafe Beograd: One of our favorites for Nutella crepes and ethnic Serbian dishes. 

Leisure: 

 1. Wrigley Field: Now we are more a soccer family, but this is one of the oldest fields in the Nation, Irving Park is really close to the stadium and you will find the neighborhood residents covered in blue and red on game day. 
2. Riverwalk: If you enter on Rockwell and Berteau (off of Irving Park) takes you through a secret garden and respite off the river. 

We love exploring Chicago and this list will keep growing, we explore as a family, we explore through business with our Looks, Leads, Lifestyle events at the prettiest places in Chicago and Chicagoland, be a tourist in your hometown, you'd be amazed at what you find. 

-Theresa