We are delighted you will be joining us for a weekend in Chicago. - m+w
a note from us
Our original idea when putting this together, was first to celebrate our union. And second, to share a weekend at some of our “regular” haunts with our closest people. Just a reminder, since we do not include alcohol or drugs in our lives, this celebratory weekend will not either.
We are just so excited to see you!
email questions to mrcxwam@gmail.com
details
Friday, April 11, 2025
4:30P-5:30Pish Open House of Malika & Wesley’s Apt. 55 E Erie St. Unit 3003, Check-in w/front desk for access to the 30th fl.
6P-6:45P AA Mtg. at St. James Cathedral Commons 65 E Huron St. Everyone is welcome. If coming from M+W Apt it is a 1 block walk, meeting is held downstairs in the basement.
7P Dinner at M+W Apt Building, 55 E Erie St. Check-in w/front desk for access to the 12th fl. Social lounge
Saturday, April 12, 2025
9A Private Group Workout at Ethos., 3620 Lincoln Ave. You can participate in the group program led by Cousin Tim or just go at your own speed. There is no pressure here. We own the gym for the hour. If you did not rsvp yes, but wake up in time and want to join us, please do!
10A Coffee & Empanadas at Ethos., 3620 Lincoln Ave. Feel free to sleep in and just come for a late morning snack & to hang.
5:30P Chef’s Tasting Dinner at Smyth, 177 N Ada St. Upon entering the glass door, walk up a short flight of stairs and the door is on the right. Please be timely, we aim to be seated for dinner by 6P.
Sunday, April 13, 2025
9:15A Chicago Water Taxi Boarding, Dock is located at the River level where N Rush St. Meets Lower N Water St. There will be multiple water taxis departing from the dock around this time so make sure you confirm its the one for us. Please be timely, we aim to depart shortly after 9:30A.
10:30A Dim Sum at Imperial Restaurant, 2100 S Archer Ave., 2nd Fl. There is an elevator if you go around to the back of the building.
12:45P Chicago Water Taxi Boarding, Boat will depart from the same dock at Ping Tom Memorial Park that we arrived to earlier in the morning. Please let us know if you came with us, but are not returning on the water taxi. We will return to the Downtown dock before 2P.
transportation
Parking (Friday) Metered street parking is available. Park Chicago is the app to download to pay. There are also public parking structures all around our neighborhood.
Parking (Sunday) The closest public parking structure to the Water taxi dock is at 150 Lower North Water St. If you are meeting us at Imperial, there is a parking lot in front of the restaurant at the corner of Archer/Wentworth. There is also street parking.
Public Transportation The Blue line from O’Hare can be an easy way to get from the airport to Downtown. Once downtown you may have to transfer to the Red line, depending on where you are staying. On Saturday morning Malika will likely take the Brown line to Ethos from W Chicago Ave/N Franklin St. Feel free to text her if you want to ride together. You can swipe your credit card directly at the stalls to avoid downloading the Ventra app.
Uber Chicago makes it easy to get an Uber to/fro the airport. Factor in traffic if you are arriving on Friday. If you are staying in River North, also add in a little extra travel time on Saturday night. Our little downtown area is popular on the weekend.
Walking If you live or are staying near River North, the Friday & Sunday events are easily walkable.
fashion
Fri night Casual Attire Jeans/sneakers a-OK
Sat morning Workout Attire Something you can sweat in. There are cold plunge & sauna facilities so bring a bathing suit, if you want to partake before/after the session.
Sat night Chef’s tasting Attire Yes, this is a fine dining, 3 Michelin star restaurant, however we will own the space for the night. We want you to feel good, but also comfortable. (Read: some of us will have a stretchy waistband!)
Sun morning Festive Attire It’s Brunch, have fun! Lean into your personal style. Think creative Sunday best. And if none of that helps, check out this article. The water taxi has indoor & outdoor options. We are putting good vibes out for warmer weather, but depending on the temps you may need to bring some cold weather gear if you would like to enjoy the Chicago River air. There will be a 5+ min. walk from the boat to the restaurant and back.
favorites
In case you want some suggestions to fill in the gaps between events, here are a few of our River North adjacent favorite things…
Coffee Blue Bottle Coffee, Joe & the Juice, La Colombe, Ralph’s Coffee
Art Driehaus Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Charnley-Persky House Tour
Snacks Garrett’s Popcorn, Eataly, Levain’s Bakery
Lunch Doma, L’Appetito, Le Colonial, RL, Schneider’s Deli, Taco Maya
Activity Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, Riverwalk, Stroll along Lakefront
See you soon!
accomodations
For those visiting from out of town, please see below a few hotel recommendations, in different price ranges. These hotels are all in the River North neighborhood and in walking distance from our apartment and the Friday & Sunday events. Click on names for their direct website. There are also many other options nearby not listed, including Airbnb. Feel free to reach out to us if you need more help or suggestions.