“Going once, going twice …… SOLD!!! Congratulations you have just won the Little Sisters ‘Habits on the Green Live Auction Progressive Dinner’.” With these words, my husband and I, along with our family, won a very memorable evening that we will treasure for quite some time.
On Saturday, August 20th, we, a group that included 18 family/friends, enjoyed a unique Chicago dining experience.
The Habits on the Green progressive dinner started out as we gathered at the Little Sisters of the Poor’s St. Mary’s Home. The Sisters warmly greeted us as we awaited our transportation for the evening — an authentic Chicago trolley complete with our spunky driver “William,” who just rolled with the punches navigating tight streets, weekend traffic and a lively group of passengers.
Our first stop on the trip was cocktails and appetizers at a stylish private home in the heart of Lincoln Park. Our very warm and gracious hosts Tom and Linda Ealy served up scrumptious eats and chilled libations.
The hour flew by as family and friends mingled and enjoyed each other’s company. Before we knew it we were back on the trolley and William had us driving towards Navy Pier and the famous Rivas Crab House of the Stefani Restaurant Group.
With Navy Pier buzzing all around us, we walked into a gorgeous private dining room, which had one whole wall of windows looking out to the magnificent backdrop of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. We dined on mouth watering filet mignon, fresh halibut and delectable salads rounding out a super fantastic meal. The Riva’s staff treated us like royalty and were attuned to our every request. Where else but Chicago can you get a gorgeous lakefront view, private dining and an unforgettable meal all in one evening?
As we left Riva’s and Navy Pier, William set his course on Little Sisters of the Poor in Lincoln Park. Truly the best was saved for last as we enjoyed a dessert table filled with at least 10 different homemade “treats” created by the Sisters themselves!
From amaretto chocolate cake, lemon clouds, pistachio cake, cranberry bars and thumbprint cookies — the desserts were out of this world. Every one of the delights melted in your mouth and left you wanting a lot more. We could not stop raving about this wonderful array.
This was truly a fun and exceptional culinary event. The warmth and generosity of all our hosts was so evident in every little detail. We are very grateful to the Little Sisters and their generous donors who made this evening so very special and memorable for our entire family.
This is a memory we will cherish for a long time!
Left: Steve and I pose with our new friend William.
Above: Leaving St. Mary’s Home for our adventure.
Below: Linda and Tom are great hosts!
Above, Left: Amazing, we all are in the frame.
Below: Rivas’ dining room overlooking the Lake.
Right: John and Margaret Mary Conley tasting Mother Patricia’s delicious pistachio cake.
Left: The Sisters stayed up late to greet us at the end of the evening.
Food, Fun, and Family — Conley Family Progressive Dinner