BIKE THE DRIVE May 24, 2019
MAY 26 SEE PAGE 6
DARE TO WALK ON AIR Glass balconies put you 1,353 feet and 103 floors over The Windy City! www.theskydeck.com | (312) 875-9696 Open daily 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Apr-Sep) 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Oct-Mar) Last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing
Willis Tower, 103rd floor, 233 S. Wacker Drive
ON THE
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GRAY LINE This trusted international tour company knows a thing or two about Chicago, and offers up a variety of intriguing tours that capture the best of the city Offering the “local experience” since 1910, Gray Line is an international tour company serving destinations from Rome to Hong Kong and Orlando. The company’s Chicago branch offers several sightseeing tour options — with a focus ranging from landmarks and history to breweries, gangsters or riverside architecture — allowing you soak up the must-see attractions and neighborhoods, as well as learn about the city’s rich past from insightful guides. Our suggestion is the Chicago Grand City Tour and pizza combo — a comprehensive look at the most popular highlights, bringing the best parts of several other tours together into one experience while traveling by bus through north and south side business and residential districts, the Loop and lakefront.
View the sparkling Millennium Park, Grant Park and Museum Campus. Get your Instagram account loaded up during a pitstop near the Adler Planetarium, where panoramic views of the famous skyline are breathtaking. The photo ops don’t stop there, as the bus cruises along Lake Shore Drive and South Shore Drive, passing Buckingham Fountain and Burnham Harbor on the way to Hyde Park´s famous Midway Plaisance, site of the World Columbian Exposition. Another highlight is being able to take in the nature surrounding the Lincoln Park Conservatory in late spring. And did we mention the Chicago-style pizza included at the end? Major perk there. For information, call 312-251-3100. GraylineChicago.us Get the app keychicago
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May 24 - May 31 B IK E T HE DR IV E SEE MAY 24
THIS WEEK IN CHICAGO MAY
24 FRIDAY The Chicago Cubs welcome the Cincinnati Reds to town for a holiday weekend series at historic Wrigley Field. Today through Sunday at 1:20 pm. 1060 W. Addison, 773-404-2827. Don’t forget to head to the official Cubs Store at 668 N. Michigan Ave. to gear up on all things Cubby blue. Expect plenty of visual dazzle and high-flying acrobatics as Cirque du Soleil brings its latest bigtop extravaganza VOLTA to the parking lot outside of Soldier Field. Today at 4:30 pm and 8 pm, Saturday at 4:30 pm and 8 pm, Sunday at 1:30 pm and 5 pm, Tuesday through Friday (5/31) at 8 pm. $49-$155. 1410 S. Museum Campus, 312-235-7000. Celebrate the genesis of a true Chicago original during this weekend’s Chicago House Music Festival, featuring dozens of live performances and DJ sets at the Pritzker Pavilion and all throughout Millennium Park. Tonight from 6:30–9 pm and Saturday from 2–9 pm. FREE. 201 E. Randolph, 312-744-3315. The Jets and the Sharks are at it again in a jazzy new production of the legendary Broadway musical West Side Story at the Lyric Opera House. Tonight at 7 pm, Saturday at 1:30 pm and 7 pm, Sunday at 1:30 pm,
CIR Q UE DU S OL EIL’S VOLTA Tuesday at 7 pm, Wednesday at 1:30 pm and 7 pm, Thursday at 7 pm. $26-$154. 20 N. Wacker, 312-827-5600. For more on West Side Story, see page 37. Veteran acoustic duo Rodrigo y Gabriela works the strings tonight at the Chicago Theatre. 8 pm. $42.29-$62.29. 175 N. State, 312-462-6300. Pianist Jason Moran and mezzo-soprano Alicia Hall Moran are joined by the Imani Winds and the Kenmore Academy Jazz Band for Two Wings: The Music of Black America in Migration tonight at Symphony Center. 8 pm. $26-$83. 220 S. Michigan, 312-294-3000. Check out a nighttime telescope viewing and get your questions about the cosmos answered by an astronomer during this evening’s Doane at Dusk event in the Doane Observatory at the Adler Planetarium. 9–10:30 pm. FREE. 1300 S. Lake Shore, 312-922-7827.
MAY
25 SATURDAY Get a jump on the summer street festival season at the 35th annual BelmontSheffield Music Fest – a full weekend of food, music, art and family fun in the city’s bustling Lakeview neighborhood. Today and Sunday, 11 am–10 pm. $5. 3200 N. Sheffield, 773-868-3010. Take some time this weekend to remember those who served at the annual Chicago Memorial Day Parade. 12 pm. FREE. On State from Lake to Van Buren, 312-744-3315. Today’s activities also include a wreath-laying ceremony at 11 am at Daley Plaza, Turn back the clock with music from Ginuwine, Dru Hill, Chante Moore and others at the V103 ‘90s Kick Back Concert tonight at the Chicago Theatre. 8 pm. $78.50-$98.50. 175 N. State, 312-462-6300. Get the app keychicago
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WHAT’S THE
Scoop? Celebrate Catholic mass right in the heart of downtown at historic St. Peter’s in the Loop. 9 am, 11 am, 12:30 pm and 6 pm. FREE. 110 W. Madison, 312-372-5111.
Editor’s Choice
FA M I LY BU I L D E V E N T M AY 2 6 Encourage your budding young city planner as they learn about architecture basics, take part in design challenges and build a take-home project during Family Build at the Chicago Architecture Center on Sunday, May 26 from 10 am–12 pm. $12 per person (3+). 111 E. Wacker, 312-922-3432. Get hell bent for leather with the veteran metalheads of Judas Priest tonight at the Rosemont Theatre. 8 pm. $37.75-$67.75. 5400 N. River in Rosemont, 847-671-5100.
(under 17), $17. Columbus and Jackson, 312-4273325. Need some wheels? Grab a rental at nearby Bike and Roll Chicago. 239 E. Randolph, 312-729-1000.
Summer officially kicks off with the return of another season of Saturday-night fireworks displays over Lake Michigan at Navy Pier. 10:15 pm. FREE. 600 E. Grand, 312-595-7437.
The Chicago Philharmonic plays popular fare from the stage and screen while acrobats from Cirque de la Symphonie perform eye-popping routines in a one-of-a-kind collaboration tonight at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. 7:30 pm. $10-$125. 205 E. Randolph, 312-334-7777.
MAY
27 MONDAY Hit the water this holiday to learn more about the city’s amazing skyline with a relaxing and informative 90-minute Chicago Architecture Center River Tour aboard Chicago’s First Lady. Hourly cruises between 10 am and 4 pm, plus 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm. $44.48-$49.21. 111 E. Wacker, 312-922-3432.
MAY
MAY
26 SUNDAY Don’t miss the only day of the year when bicycles reign on Lake Shore Drive during today’s Bike the Drive event. 5:30–10:30 am. Adults, $66; youth
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Get up early to search for a great bargain from one of hundreds of vendor tents at the sprawling Wolff’s Flea Market at Allstate Arena. 6 am–3 pm. Adults, $2; kids (6-12), $1. 6920 Mannheim in Rosemont, 847-5249590. Be sure to check Wolffs.com or Facebook for early closures due to arena events.
28 TUESDAY Featuring an audio tour narrated by Broadway superstar Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton: The Exhibition is a multimedia experience designed to take visitors deeper into the life and times of Alexander
THIS WEEK IN CHICAGO Hamilton in a new structure on Northerly Island. Timed tickets available for entry between 10 am–5 pm. $39.50. 1535 S. Linn White, 312-977-1710. For more on the exhibit, see page 10. Join the poignant and funny party in the celebrated revival of William Finn and James Lapine’s Broadway musical Falsettos, opening tonight at the Nederlander Theatre. 7:30 pm. $23.50$86.50. 24 W. Randolph, 312-977-1700.
CHICAGO GO S P EL FESTIVAL MAY
29 WEDNESDAY Witness a one-of-a-kind Chicago experience today, as the moveable bridges that span the Chicago River throughout downtown are raised to let sailboats make their way to Lake Michigan during the annual spring bridge lifts. The journey from Van Buren north and east to the lake generally flows between 11am and 2pm. FREE. Rising opera stars gather for a special one-nightonly performance of varied repertoire on the enclosed stage of the Pritzker Pavilion during tonight’s Beyond the Aria presentation at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. 7:30 pm. $65. 205 E. Randolph, 312-334-7777. Light up your midweek with tonight’s amazing fireworks display at Navy Pier. 9:30 pm. FREE. 600 E. Grand, 312-595-7437.
MAY
MAY
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THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Spend your evening with cocktails, fresh eats and some loveable penguins during tonight’s After Hours Penguin Party at the Shedd Aquarium. 6–10 pm. $24.95 (21+). 1200 S. Lake Shore, 312-939-2438.
Let the Windy City take you to church to open the summer music festival season, as the 34th annual Chicago Gospel Festival gets underway tonight at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. 5:30–9 pm. FREE. 201 E. Randolph, 312-744-3315.
2019 is the Year of Chicago Theatre, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by taking in a production in one of the city’s famed storefront theaters, like the comic fantasia Take Me from the Strawdog Theatre. 7:30 pm. $35. 1802 W. Berenice, 773-528-9696. For more on the Year of Chicago Theatre, see pages 37-38. British comedian Eddie Izzard returns to town with more provocative laughs at the Chicago Theatre. Tonight and Friday at 8 pm. $48.50-$83.50. 175 N. State, 312-462-6300.
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3 COVER STORY
GRAY LINE: This trusted international tour company knows a thing or two about Chicago, and offers up a variety of intriguing tours that capture the best of the city
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Explore the city
Hamilton exhibit & more
The musical, amidst a record-breaking open run at Chicago’s CIBC Theatre since October of 2016, has been a megahit. And, as a result, there has been an incredible amount of anticipation surrounding this 360-degree immersive exhibit. The multimedia experience, which opened just last month, takes a concentrated look into Alexander Hamilton’s life, this important time period in American history, how democracy was established and much more. The new structure on Northerly Island near the Museum Campus also features a guided voice tour by none other than Lin Manuel Miranda, the show’s popular creator. Open through Sept. 8 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1535 S. Linn White Dr. HamiltonExhibition.com
Two unique walking tours, Bizarre Bucktown and Bizarre Wicker Park, return this month to showcase the revealing stories of these adjoining northside neighborhoods’ churches, taverns, artists, mobsters, beer barons, hauntings and scandals — and how they helped shape the community. Gordon Meyer, a local writer, performer and trained magician, works to create what has been labeled “an engaging, thought-provoking and fun experience that is a welcome addition to the standard roster of historical tour offerings.” See the schedule and buy tickets at BizzareChicago.com
Re-opening for the season with an official celebration May 13 and sure to be teeming with activity this month is the Chicago Riverwalk, an open-air pathway more than a mile long that blends the energy of the city with a sense of outdoor living. Filled with several dining and drinking possibilities, as well as fun activities (kayaks, boat rentals, tours, etc.) it’s a gorgeous space to relax and take in the sights at river level.
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS Lined by some 200 trees, the beautiful three-block-long walkway known as the Chase Promenade cuts through the center of Millennium Park. The Chicago Architecture Center’s river cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady (left) provides an overview of the city’s architecture and history as well as opportunities for one-in-a-lifetime pics. Release your inner fears and step out on The Ledge at the Willis Tower Skydeck for an experience unlike any other.
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Tours and more
Top-notch tours Chicago Detours
Leading guided walking and bus tours of Chicago architecture, culture and history to both public and private groups, Chicago Detours provides a fresh, insider perspective you won’t find elsewhere. Their Historic Chicago Walking Bar Tour will teach you about the city’s vast entertainment history, including Prohibition, theatre, jazz and various vices. Think of it as a pub crawl with an educational twist. 312-350-1131. ChicagoDetours.com
Chicago Architecture Center
Founded back in 1966, the Chicago Architecture Center is one of the largest cultural organizations in the city, not to mention home to a fantastic 20,000-square foot space that serves as a gateway for discovering Chicago’s iconic architecture through exciting tours, programs and exhibits. If you like a wide variety of tours, this is the place to be, as the CAA offers an astounding 85 different options for discovering the city, with topics ranging from Historic Neighborhoods and Evolving Chicago to Art Deco Skyscrapers, Chicago’s Amazing Fair of 1893 and Parks and Public Spaces. 111 E. Wacker. 312-922-3432. Architecture.org
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Steve’s Segway Tours
Offering Segway tours along the lakefront and Museum Campus, as well as a number of themed tours (architecture, Riverwalk, haunted neighborhoods, etc.) and even customized adventures for those wishing to create their own excursion, this outfit covers it all — and is known to have a lot of fun along the way. 155 N. Harbor Dr. 312-946-9467. StevesSegwayTours.com
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Kids’ Corner
Take to the water Shoreline Sightseeing, now in its 80th season and owning the largest fleet in the city, is everywhere, offering plenty of opportunities for unique experiences on the river and lake. Grab the kids and head out on the classic lakefront tour for some stunning views of all the skyscrapers and landmarks. Nice and leisurely 40-minute experience. Departs from both Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue. 312-222-9328. ShorelineSightseeing.com
skyline from the lake,” says Gabriel Argumedo, a Mercury ship captain. “There’s something about seeing this magnificent city from the water that changes the perspective of what Chicago really is.” Save $10 with the ad on page 9. 312-332-1353. MercuryCruises.com
May can be a beautiful time to hit the water, and Kayak Chicago is the city’s premier, full-service watersports outfitter. Whether you prefer a kayak or standup paddleboard, going on your own or joining a tour, they’ve got you covered. 1220 W. LeMoyne, North Avenue Beach and Montrose Beach. 312-8529258. KayakChicago.com The kids are sure to love the new Sea Explorer 5-D virtual reality experience at Lincoln Park Zoo. Head out on an immersive journey with a polar dive or deep-sea dive in a high-tech virtual submarine, exploring all kinds of rarely seen landscapes and wildlife along the way. 2001 N. Clark. LPZoo.org Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline, offers plenty of delightful options for enjoying the water with the family. From city day and night tours, fireworks cruises, river cruises and lake cruises, you can experience it all. “I think most people are surprised at the vast beauty of the Chicago
When the weather’s nice, eating on the water just makes sense. Especially when the kids can enjoy all the boats, activities and scenery at Navy Pier. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. offers a delectable seafood-filled menu and fun patio, not to mention a happy hour for the adults (Monday-Thursday from 3-6 p.m.) that includes drinks starting at $2.50 ad appetizers starting at $4. On Navy Pier. 312-252-4867. BubbaGump.com Get the app keychicago
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Museums
The stars and the Silver Screen The Adler Planetarium, with its interactive exhibits and historical and scientific knowledge, is a great way to spend a day. Head to the Adler’s Definiti Space Theater to see the new film, Planet Nine, about the New Horizons spacecraft that, back in 2015, gave us a detailed look at Pluto and the outer reaches of our Solar System, making new discoveries along the way. Tickets are included in the Planetarium’s all-access pass. 1300 S. Lake Shore. AdlerPlanetarium.org The dynamic Chicago History Museum, located just north of downtown in the Old Town neighborhood, has a number of fascinating exhibits, programs and tours that highlight everything from the history of blues music to Abraham Lincoln’s impact on Chicago. Launching April 8 is the new exhibit, Silverscreen to Mainstream: American Fashion in the 1930s and ‘40s, which showcases various fashions from Paris, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles and how the glitz and glamour of Hollywood was able to reach all classes in the 1930s and ‘40s despite it being a tumultuous time in American history. 1601 N. Clark. ChicagoHistory.org
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Aquatic acrobats There is so much to see at the Shedd Aquarium, but don’t, whatever you do, forget to leave time for one of the aquatic presentations in the oceanarium, where beluga whales, sea lions and dolphins steal the show. 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr. SheddAquarium.org
Animals everywhere Field Museum
If you want to learn about the diversity of life on Earth and its history, the Field Museum — with its nearly 40 million artifacts and specimens — needs to be on your to-do list, especially the extensive dinosaur collection. Another worthy stop is the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit, where visitors can experience the sheer beauty and intrigue of the natural world by way of 100 of the world’s most striking nature photographs chosen by an international panel from more than 45,000 entries. Endangered monkeys, curious walruses and simmering volcanoes. It’s all here. 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. FieldMuseum.org
Nature Museum
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is loaded with enriching exhibits and opportunities for hands-on interactions with a variety of animals for kids and adults alike. The Butterfly Haven exhibit is a particular favorite, especially if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city outside. Become friends with more than 40 species of exotic butterflies and some stunning bird species in a 2,700-square-foot greenhouse filled with tropical trees, flowers, pools of water and more. 2430 N. Cannon Dr. NatureMuseum.org
Japanese prints The famed Chicago Art Institute is home to one of best, most expansive art collections anywhere in the world. Check out the new exhibit, Connoisseurship of Japanese Prints, which brings together the works of Hokusai, Utamaro, Sharaku and other ukiyo-e printmakers (think pictures of the floating world) to explore questions of the idea of connoisseurship. Visitors are left to compare multiple editions of the same design to fully appreciate the differences between them. The exhibit is open through June 22. Insider’s tip: Enhance your visit throughout the museum with an audio tour or the Art Institute’s free app. 159 E. Monroe. Artic.edu
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beyond the city
Milwaukee’s Traveling Beer Gardens
CHECK OUT ROSEMONT
Milwaukee’s Traveling Beer Gardens are on tour from May 8-Sept. 3. Over 12 weeks, the famous Sprecher Brewery firetrucks will visit 12 different Milwaukee area parks, serving up 12 tasty craft brews on draft (plus root beer for the kids). The beer gardens, which help support Milwaukee County Parks, are open daily from 4-10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on weekends. Bring your own steins, pint or liter glasses to save a few bucks, or pick up a limited-edition souvenir glass at the beer garden. Beer garden classics like pretzels and brats are available, as well as items from local food trucks. And make sure to visit on a Friday or Saturday night for live music. Milwaukee’s beer gardens are family friendly too, so feel free to bring the kids — or your four-legged family members. For 2019 tour locations and dates visit Travelingbeergardens.com
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Just outside of the city, conveniently located by O’Hare airport, lies the village of Rosemont’s impressive Parkway Bank Entertainment District. It’s home to the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, a fully enclosed, two-level facility that covers 530,000 square feet and offers up to 75 percent off every day at more than 130 designer outlets. You’ll also find venues like Zanies Comedy Club, iFly indoor skydiving, the Big Ten Museum, AMC Theater and numerous eating and drinking establishments like the Hofbräuhaus Chicago, the first and only German microbrewery, beer hall and restaurant in the Chicago area, where they will be ringing in the spring season with an annual Maifest celebration throughout May. 5501 Park Place in Rosemont. For more on Rosemont’s spots to explore, visit Rosemont.com/thepark/entertainment keymagazinechicago.com
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Shopping
Vale Craft Gallery’s Midwestern Metal exhibition For a diverse collection of American fine crafts handmade by dozens of Chicago and Midwestern artists, head this affordable River North gallery to browse a wide range of colorful glass, handcrafted ceramics, whimsical sculpture, functional art and unique jewelry in an uncluttered setting. David Huang, one of the artists featured in Vale Craft Gallery’s Midwestern Metal exhibition in May, creates small copper vessels with a variety of textures and patinas on the exterior, with 23-karat gold leaf on the interior. These gorgeous vessels appear to glow from within. His art studio, located in an experimental underground building that he built from car tires and other recycled materials, is powered by solar panels. “With my metalwork, I desire to express the nature and beauty inherent in the material, its plasticity and coloration potentials, as well as an exploration of individuality,” Huang says. Vale Craft Gallery is located at 230 W. Superior. 312-337-3525. ValeCraftGallery.com
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SHOPPING
SHOPPING SPOTLIGHT
MICHIGAN AVE. MAP presented by
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Friends.” For show schedule, visit PorchlightMusicTheatre.org
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restaurants
Chicago Insider: Soo Park KIMSKI
Three faves Q: If you’re hosting friends from out of town, what are three reservations you’re definitely making?
Underrated food neighborhood
People don’t realize the food diversity in Bridgeport. You can grab a Latin-inspired brunch at Nana or Korean-Polish street food at Kimski while sipping on invigorating drinks at Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar. Get chef-crafted, New American cuisine at The Duck Inn. If you’re into burgers, they have a secret menu item you won’t want to miss.
Best meal I’ve had so far in 2019
INSIDER PROFILE
I recently checked out the spring menu at HaiSous (1800 S. Carpenter) in Pilsen, and it was fantastic. Chef Thai Dang’s thoughtful versions of classic Vietnamese dishes are refreshing. Every dish has the flavors of a home-cooked meal but with sophisticated techniques, indicative of the chef’s background.I also loved Omakase Takeya, located on the lower level of Ramen Takeya in the West Loop. It is a prix-fixe Japanese menu with around 16 courses. The fish is carefully sourced and flown in mostly from Japan. Only premium rice and vinegar is used for the sushi rice.
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Soo Park moved to Chicago when she was three years old, and she credits her parents for unlocking her appreciation and love for food by exposing her to a variety of cuisines. Check out FabFoodChicago.com for her blog and details about her new book, Chicago Food Crawls, and follow her on Instagram @fabsoopark keymagazinechicago.com
Formento’s — An Italian restaurant built on family traditions but with a contemporary vibe. The menu plays homage to co-owner John Ross’ grandmother’s recipes with chef Todd Stein’s modern techniques. End the meal with the chocolate cake. You won’t regret it. 925 W. Randolph. 312-690-7295. Formentos.com Imperial Lamian — Features refined Chinese food in a sophisticated vibe. With an open-kitchen concept, you can see chefs folding dumplings, handpulling noodles and more. The presentation is just as important as the taste — as you can see in the artfully plated dishes. 6 W. Hubbard. 312-595-9440. ImperialLamian.com Maple and Ash — See and be seen at this luxurious Gold Coast steakhouse. Enjoy prime cuts of meat as well as fresh seafood in a lavish environment with exceptional service. It is a fabulous option for celebrating special occasions. 8 W. Maple. 312944-8888. MapleAndAsh.com
FREE ORDER OF GARLIC BREADSTICKS WITH OUR HOMEMADE MARINARA SAUCE *WITH PURCHASE
162 E. SUPERIOR STREET
312-266-3337 | GINOSEAST.COM
1112 S.WABASH
BREAKFAST ALL DAY
Old School Diner & Delicatessen
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restaurants
Indian-Nepalese
Chicago’s best ethnic eats Eastern European
TEMPTING THAI
Head to Russian Tea Time in the heart of the Loop to experience a restaurant filled with warm atmosphere, delicious food and excellent service. They boast a variety of dishes from the diverse regions of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Lunch offerings include some of the most popular and classic dishes like beef stroganoff, stuffed cabbage roll golubtsy, vegetarian domlama and many more. Don’t forget their relaxing afternoon tea service that includes homemade savory and sweet assortments along with soothing house-blended tea every day from 2-4:30 p.m. 77 E. Adams. 312-360-0000. RussianTeaTime.com
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For a go-to Thai spot, just off the beaten path of Michigan Avenue, Star of Siam is a cozy, comfortable and relaxing destination — ideal for a break from shopping, business lunch or casual dinner. The menu is loaded with specialty dishes and reliable favorites. Try the curry fried rice, Thai pepper steak, pad Thai or salmon. 11 E. Illinois. 312-670-0100. StarOfSiamChicago.com
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For some of the best IndianNepalese cuisine in Chicago in an elegant, relaxed setting, head to the Chicago Curry House in the South Loop. The lamb mimosas with tamarind and mint cilantro chutney or the tender, flavorful chicken tikka will leave you more than satisfied. Looking for a great lunch buffet? They offer an assortment of 22 dishes for just $13. Can’t beat that. 899 S Plymouth Ct. 312-362-9999. CurryHouseOnline.com
Brazilian steak
If you haven’t indulged in the endless parade of flame-grilled meat that arrive at your table at Texas de Brazil (think seasoned beef, lamb, pork, chicken, etc. cooked over a wood charcoal grill), then you’re missing out. The Brazilian sausage and baconwrapped filet mignon are top shelf. 210 E. Upper Illinois. 312-5950913. TexasDeBrazil.com
Italian at its finest Perfectly situated on Michigan Avenue and just a short walk from the Chicago River and Millennium Park, Labriola seamlessly blends Italian traditions with an innovative dining experience. Offering up everything from lighter salads, soups, sandwiches and Neopolitan pizza to heartier options like chicken parmesan or baked ziti, you’re sure to find plenty of options to suit your palate. Don’t forget to start things off with some crispy calamari or Prince Edward Island mussels for the table. 535 N. Michigan. 312-955-3100. LaBriolaCafe.com
French flavors
Mon Ami Gabi, a classic French bistro in Lincoln Park, has long been known for its delectable French fare, romantic atmosphere and historic rolling wine cart. If the Authentic, light Italian dishes that are perfect for sharing, as well weather cooperates, as a stylish atmosphere, rustic wood interior, tree-laden sidewalk aim for a table in the patio and small-batch boutique wine make Eduardo’s Enoteca a pretty outdoor area. fun spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. The housemade pastas and 2300 N. Lincoln Park seasonal creations are near perfection. 1212 N. Dearborn. Quarter Pg. India House West. 773-348-8886. Ad-03.qxp_Layout 1 11/3 312-337-4490. EduardosEnoteca.com MonAmiGabi.com
INDIA HOUSE FINE DINING RESTAURANT
Proudly serving Chicagoland for over 20 years! 59 W. GRAND AVE. | (312)645-9500 WWW.INDIAHOUSECHICAGO.COM
@indiahousechi
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restaurants
Japanese tradition meets innovation Restaurant reputations mean a lot in this city, and Arami, the forward-thinking (yet traditional) Japanese restaurant has taken home the Bib Gourmand Award six times if that tells you anything. Two different kitchens work together here to offer a wideranging dining experience. If you’re lucky enough to grab a seat at the sushi counter, you’ll get a front-row seat at the creation of masterful items like the spicy tako maguro roll (spicy octopus, spicy tuna, fried shallot, tempura cruch, eel sauce and chili oil), braised wagyu short rib or fresh Japanese flounder. Insider’s tip: Try the Ichi No Roii, a custom-brewed saki made exclusively for Arami. 1829 W Chicago Ave. 312-243-1535. AramiChicago.com
CANTONESE SPECIALTIES WITH A VIEW Voted the number one “Chinese Restaurant in Chicago” by Zagat Survey and consistently tabbed with the AAA Four Diamond Award, Shanghai Terrace offers Cantonese delicacies amidst 1930s supper club furnishings, as well as incredible skyline views from outside on the stylish terrace. Expect some creative interpretations of Chinese classics (like smoked duck, braised pork belly and seafood fried rice), and don’t forget a bamboo basket of steamed barbecue pork buns to share. 108 E. Superior. 312-573-6695. Peninsula.com
Endless servings of flame-grilled meats cooked over a wood-charcoal fire
Carving a New Experience
Chef-crafted gourmet salad area Ultimate caipirinhas, award-winning wines, and much more!
Downtown Chicago
210 E. Upper Illinois Street 312.595.0913 Serving Friday Lunch and Dinner Nightly Happy Hour 4:30 - 6:00 PM
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Eatery spotlights
Sixth Pg. Su Casa Ad-03_Layout 1 10/6/14 9:03
Nepal House
In business for more than 12 years, Nepal House has earned a stellar reputation in the South Loop for serving up high-quality traditional Nepali and Indian cuisine. A full assortment of flavorful chicken, lamb and vegetarian dishes are available, and no visit would be complete without an order of momos or garlic naan. 1301 S. Michigan. 312-922-0601. NepalHouseOnline.com
Mexican Cuisine since 1963
49 East Ontario Street (312)943-4041 | sucasamexican.com
Eleven City Diner
Considered to be “a hybrid of sincere respect for what family dining rooms used to be,” this oldschool diner and delicatessen downtown knows a thing or two about classic deli sandwiches stacked tall, decadent burgers and melts, shakes and loaded breakfast favorites. 1112 S. Wabash St. 312-212-1112. ElevenCityDiner.com
The Smith
The chain’s sixth location (four in NYC, one in D.C.) opened in Chicago’s River North neighborhood in late April with a lively, urban space and menu featuring bistro classics, rotating seasonal fare, a raw bar and craft cocktails. Try to snare a table on their sidewalk patio if the weather is cooperating. 400 N. Clark. 312-312-5100. TheSmithRestaurant.com Get the app keychicago
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434 W. Ontario St. & 1416 S. Michigan Ave. VictoryTapChicago.com
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60 E Ontario St • SafeHouseChicago.com
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Nightlife
New breweries in landmark locations The national reputation for Gino’s East and their famous deep-dish pizza is well documented. But two years ago, the historic River North location at 500 N. LaSalle, took the idea of satisfying the palate a step further by opening its own brewery and brewpub within the massive restaurant. Offering 12 craft beers on draft, a full menu of Gino’s salad, sandwich, pasta and pizza offerings, as well as some live music and the Comedy Bar upstairs, Gino’s Brewing Co. now seamlessly incorporates the best of all worlds. The cozy brewpub is a sanctuary of sorts, and the brewmaster, Kevin, is regularly on hand to answer questions, offer suggestions and expertly pair his concoctions with food items. Gino’s weekday happy hour is one of the best in Chicago, with $3 Gino’s draft beers, $4 house wines and well drinks, and $5 select appetizers. 500 N. LaSalle Street. 312-988-4200. GinosEast.com
You want true Chicago history? Try the iconic Berghoff Restaurant in the Loop, where the family brewing history behind founder Herman Joseph dates back to the late 1800s when he emigrated from Germany. Joseph had a successful stint selling his beer outside Chicago’s World’s Fair in 1893, so he decided to open a small café that served beer and sandwiches, located at the same corner of Adams Street downtown that houses the Berghoff Restaurant, which has been in business for 121 years. As a way to pay tribute to its century-plus history and staying near to their roots (including Chicago’s first-ever liquor license), the Berghoff, known its popular German fare, is now brewing its own beer in-house via the aptly named Adams Street Brewery. Suggestions: Pretend like you’re in a Munich pub or beer garden and snag yourself a dunkel lager or hefeweizen, or their tasty pale wheat ale. For happy hour, Adams Street beers are just $5. 17 W. Adams. 312-427-5820. AdamsStreetBrewery.com
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SEE CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE FROM A WHOLE NEW ANGLE. B R E AT H TA K I N G E X H I B I T S . A W E - I N S P I R I N G T O U R S . E N D L E S S W AY S T O D I S C O V E R C H I C A G O ’ S WORLD-CLASS ARCHITECTURE.
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Stage and music
A Chorus Line
The award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre presents the landmark musical A Chorus Line for a limited time in Chicago. Winner of nine Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize, this unforgettable work has electrified audiences around the world and features an incomparable score that includes “What I Did for Love.” Playing at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts. 1016 N. Dearborn. 773-777-9884. PorchlightMusicTheatre.org
Djembe! The Show
DJEMBE! The Show is a theatrical concert where ancient drumming meets some of our favorite songs in an exciting celebration of people and cultures. A Djembe drum on each seat means that the audience plays along with the performers on stage to create an immersive musical and theatrical experience. See DJEMBE! The Show at Apollo Theater Chicago, playing now! 2450 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-9356100. DjembeTheShow.com
HARD TO DESCRIBE. EASY TO LOVE.
NEW MUSIC BIG LAUGHS
MORE FUN TICKETS AT BLUEMAN.COM
800.982.2787
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West Side Story
This spring, Bernstein and Sondheim’s West Side Story is brought to life on the Lyric stage, featuring favorite songs like “Tonight,” “America,” “Dear Officer Krupke” and more. On stage only from May 3 through June 3. Tickets are available at westsidestorychicago.com or over the phone at 312-827-5600.
109 E. OAK STREET I CHICAGO