Passionate Chicago

When I moved here years ago, I learned that Chicagoans have a passion about them that is unbeatable. Sports, politics, art, food and theater. Just ask anyone from here and they will tell you their favorite show, team or restaurant and there are many to choose.

Baseball season brings on the cross town rivalry between Sox fans and Cubs fans. I have learned that you are either one or the other, and which ever one you are, you’re a fan until the end. Last year, when the Blackhawks won the Stanley cup, the parade was attended by thousands and thousands of locals who were there to cheer on the champs. We are hoping to do the same for the Bulls this year as well!

When a show like “Wicked” or “Billy Elliott” stays for years, you know a lot of it is due to the support of local patrons. Why should it not? With local theater like Steppenwolf and the Goodman being so well respected in the theater community, it makes sense that Chicago can maintain great theater for a very long time. Let’s not forget about all of the other great and diverse local theaters. I have to mention the incredibly important presence of Second City, the improv theater that boasts many alumni of Saturday Night Live!

Let’s talk about my passion. Food. Chicago can now brag about having the seventh best restaurant in the world, Alinea. If waiting a couple of months to enjoy one of the best meals in the world is not your thing, there are plenty of other choices from traditional steakhouses to every type of ethnic food imaginable. And there are as many opinions about which Chicago style pizza is the best, as there are people. Luckily, between Paul, Sheryl and myself, we have sampled many of the local cuisines and can share some of our favorites.

There isn’t enough space here to talk about Chicago’s love/hate relationship with politics or the incredibly supportive art and music community in the area, so come find out what your passion is in this wonderfully, passionate city.

Enjoy!
Jeff

Shopping the Magnificent Mile

How lucky are we to be so close to all of the major shopping in
Chicago? Right around the corner is one of the most notable and well represented shipping areas in the country. Being on the north end of the Mile, we are fortunate to be surrounded with the likes of Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Why not take advantage of one of our shopping packages to get your summer wardrobe. A wonderful stay in a beautiful hotel along with a $50 Amex gift card can jump start the warm weather season.

With three large shopping areas on Michigan Avenue, it is easy for men, women, and children to find something they may or may not need. Niketown, the Apple store, Garmin, the Crate and Barrel flag store, Tiffany’s, American Girl Doll Store are all within a few minute walk. There are several floors of shopping at The Shops at 900, Watertower Place and The Shops at Northbridge.

If you are more a boutique shopper, Lincoln Park, the Southport Corridor and Wicker Park are just a cab or train ride away to some unique areas of shopping. Andersonville has some very unique refurbished furniture stores as well as being part of the local Swedish community. Pilsen is an artist’s paradise and Randolph Street has a great weekend antique market.

Once you’ve settled into your room and unpacked, make sure to stop by the concierge desk for a shopping map and coupons to some of the local shopping.

Bye!
Jeff