Throw in visits to some of the city’s best restaurants and our taste buds were tingling.
We flew from Heathrow with British Airways and, although the plane could do with an upgrade, we were really impressed with the cabin crew service, allowing us plenty of time to relax.
On arrival in Chicago we headed for the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, where we were wowed by the curved balconies that make it look like the exterior is rippling in the wind.
The interior is just as impressive, with huge modern rooms and beds so big you need a map to find your way out of them.
Its third-floor pool and gardens, complete with a 360-degree running track, offer great views and its Italian-themed Filini restaurant is as stylish as the clientele.
Heading out on our first night, we were jolted out of our jetlag by a couple of drinks at the lively bars on the Chicago riverfront, then dinner at the brilliantly named Duck Duck Goat, a Chinese restaurant in the up-and-coming Fulton Market area.
Delicious dishes such as beef and broccoli and grilled shrimp were served in generous portions and even early on a midweek night the place was really buzzing.
We’d been to Chicago before but the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise is always a must-do, so the next morning we boarded the First Lady for a narrated tour that serves as a refresher about the city’s history and impressive skyscrapers.
After that it was lunch at the Gold Coast branch of Lou Malnati’s, Chicago’s legendary pizza chain where the signature deep dish creation is as hearty as the chocolate chip cookie dessert.
The food festival wasn’t for another two days so that gave us plenty of time to take advantage of the CityPASS vouchers, fast-tracking us into attractions like the world-class Art Institute of Chicago and to the top of the Skydeck Chicago (famed for its pop-out glass booths that are a no-no for someone like myself who is scared of heights).
The pass also included entry to 360 Chicago, which has the better views and is in the Magnificent Mile shopping district, so you can combine a visit with some retail therapy.
As impressive in its architecture as New York but roomier and more relaxed, Chicago is a very walkable city, but it’s fun to hop a ride on an “L” train (the elevated transport system) or the Big Bus Tours hop-on/hop-off service to explore its many diverse neighbourhoods.
The River North area is especially vibrant and it was here we headed to RPM Steak, where the décor is sophisticated, the service impeccable and the dry-aged Kansas City Cut steak is beyond incredible – big enough to share – while the key lime tart is a dessert to die for.
Still full from lunch, we only managed to sample a couple of the many dishes at the Hamburger Hop – Gourmet Chicago’s launch event in the city’s famed Millennium Park.
The next day we were back at the park for the main event and it turned out to be quite something, with more than 60 stalls plying visitors with fine wines, tasting menus and cocktails alongside cooking demonstrations and drinks seminars.
The $ 185 (£137) per day entry fee might sound steep, but everything is included and having the spectacular Chicago skyline as a backdrop makes it a really special event.
There’s only so much fine wining and dining a body can handle so, after a second day at the festival, we were ready for home. We headed to the airport fully satiated, vowing that next time we’ll bring a bigger doggy bag.
For more about Chicago and Chicago Gourmet, visit choosechicago.com and chicagogourmet.org.
For more about the Radisson Blu Aqua, visit radissonblu.com.
To book return BA flights from Heathrow to Chicago O’Hare, visit ba.com.
