Chicago is one of the greatest cities in the world and holds a very special place in my heart. My husband proposed to me on Lake Michigan, a year later we were married on the Magnificent mile, and two months after that we relocated there. During our brief 6 month stay, we were lucky enough to get hit with the worst winter the city had seen in over 100 years. Thundersnow is real my friends, and if I never see another snowflake I won't be sad about it. #neverleavingTexasagain

I am sad however, to no longer be a short train ride away from these glorious eats. This merely skims the surface of all Chicago has to offer, but it's a good place to start. I hope you enjoy indulging in these as much as we did! :-)

First up, The Doughnut Vault. These babies sell out quick so GET THERE EARLY! They are worth every second in line (especially for the buttermilk old fashioned). Be sure to follow them on twitter to see their flavor of the day too. Click here for my review on Yelp.

Next is Wildberry. Their menu has something for everyone. Pancakes, waffles, benedicts, skillets, you name it. I loved their signature berry bliss waffle along with the cinnamon spice latte (made with Intelligentisa espresso of course). Click here for my review on Yelp.

You can't go to Chicago and not have deep dish pizza, and my favorite is Giordano's. I understand people are passionate about their pizza preferences, so go where you like. I simply happen to find their less sauce to more cheese ratio appealing. (Pictured is a small pie with our favorite toppings trio- fresh garlic, pepperoni, and jalapenos). Click here for my review on Yelp.

Another must is Garrett's popcorn. The Chicago blend is their most popular (fun fact! this was also our wedding favor to guests) and is a combination of caramel and cheddar cheese popcorns. While the savory sweet thing works for most, I'm an all sweet kind of gal. This is why their plain caramel popcorn with pecans makes me weak in the knees. The smell alone lures me inside to get my fix, even if I'm shopping 4 blocks away. First timers are required to try it when it's still warm. Don't say I didn't warn you... Click here for my review on Yelp.

Keeping with the theme of sugar highs, Goddess and the Baker is next with their incredible rainbow cake. This is as delicious as it is gorgeous. The cake itself is tender and fluffy, and not overly sweet either. The whipped cream adds extra richness (which never hurts) and the sprinkles are a welcomed crunch. Their ice blended coffee drinks are also great and way better than any coffee chain's version. Click here for my review on Yelp.

If you like Cajun food, put Heaven on Seven on your list of places to try. They have the best chicken and Andouille sausage gumbo I've ever tasted (outside of New Orleans). We love their fried jalapeno cornbread blasters too, but normally skip the sauce that comes with them and dip them into the gumbo instead. They have a dynamite bananas foster French toast on their brunch menu, and my husband can never leave without ordering a slice of their pecan pie as well (which they drizzle with maple syrup).

While deli's are something more akin to NYC, Eleven City Diner in the South Loop has the best matzo ball soup EVER, and stellar pastrami sandwiches (stacked a mile high). Don't miss out on their divine challah French toast either, or their old fashioned soda jerk. If you leave here still hungry, you didn't do it right. Click here for my review on Yelp.

Vegans, I haven't forgotten about you ;-) Ground Control on Armitage is so good, even my meat and potato loving 6'11" husband enjoyed it! The Baja tacos with breaded and fried tofu were perfection and filled with bold flavors. I also highly recommend the plantain cakes that sit on a savory tomato sauce and are topped with a black bean relish. Click here for my review on Yelp.

Another favorite is located in the French Market on Clinton St. They have a ton of great vendors and treats, but one you must try is Beavers Donuts. These are unique not only because they are miniature, but they are made fresh to order and rolled in your toppings of choice! It doesn't get much better than that you guys. We like a half cinnamon sugar half powdered sugar combo, but you can be as adventurous as you'd like and get one (or many!) of their signature toppings such as PB&J or even Smores. Click here for my review on Yelp.