We really hope you enjoy your stay at the wedding, and we have put together information about the wedding, where to stay, area restaurants, and things to do and see around Chicago.
The wedding will be held at the First United Church - The Chicago Temple and the reception will be held at The University Club of Chicago.
We have secured rooms at two beautiful places. Our blocks of rooms will be held until June 1, 2005. Please make your reservations as soon as possible.
University Club
The University Club of Chicago is a private club right off of Michigan Avenue and Monroe Street where the reception will be held. The club has offered our guests discounted rates of $150.00 for Courtyard rooms, $170 for Monroe rooms, and $210.00 for Michigan rooms. Be sure to tell them you are a guest of the Cooley-Jasper wedding.
This gorgeous venue is in a very convenient location with excellent service. However, being a private club they do have some rules regarding dress code and cell phone usage in certain areas. Please check out the web site so you are familiar with the club expectations.
The Hyatt Regency Hotel
This hotel is also very convenient and beautiful. The hotel has offered us rooms at a discounted rate of $99.00 per night. In the event that our block fills, the hotel will extend the discounted rate to our guests as long as rooms are available. Since the July 4th weekend is a busy time in Chicago, we recommend that you make your reservations as soon as possible. Be sure to tell them you are a guest of the Cooley–Jasper wedding. You may also make your reservations online by clicking the link below.
If these options do not meet your needs, downtown Chicago has plenty of additional choices.
Hyatt Regency Chicago.
Chicago is known all over for its wonderful food choices. We wanted to offer everyone a few of our favorites.
Spanish Tapas
If you are in the mood for Sangria and lots of people, this is the place to check out. CafÈ Iberico is our favorite tapas restaurant in the city. It is open late night as well. You have to try the beef tenderloin skewers. If you are daring, the grilled octopus is great!
Sushi
This restaurant was recently named one of the best sushi restaurants in the city by Chicago Magazine. It is by far, our favorite. We highly recommend the Bobby’s hand roll and the spicy tuna crunch roll. Enjoy!
Steak
If you have a craving for steak, this is our favorite place to go. This place is very old school and classic. The service is wonderful and the food is delicious. The lamb and the fillet are our personal favorites.
Bar Food
The Local Option - 1102 W. Webster, Chicago 773-348-2008
This is a great bar with exceptional food. The menu has a New Orleans Cajun theme and was created by Michael's good friend, Chris Morvis. We always start with the calamari. Then we enjoy the tuna tacos and the crab cakes. They also make a good grouper sandwich.
Pizza
Giordano's has been around Chicago for a long time and they make a great stuffed pizza. There are plenty of locations around downtown and they deliver.
The Art of Pizza - 3033 N. Ashland Ave. 773-404-0200
If you are willing to drive, Art of Pizza is the best in Chicago in our opinion. It is just a small neighborhood joint, but they make a mean pie.
This is one of Chicago's oldest comedy clubs. If you are a Saturday Night Live fan, you will enjoy Second City. The shows are first come first serve, so get there when the doors open and take advantage of the bar!
Chicago is a great place to catch a ball game. Tickets are hard to come by, but scalpers are always around. If you can't get into the stadium, it is still a blast to watch the game at one of the Wrigleyville bars. We love Murphy's Bleachers or Hi-Tops.
If you have never seen a Blue Man Group show, you may want to try and make time to check one out. We won't give you any details because we don't want to give anything away, but prepare to laugh!
This is a Chicago staple. It is a great place to hear music and people watch.
The Taste is a great street festival that will be going on in Grant Park during the wedding weekend. It showcases all of the great food in Chicago as well as good live music.