This was KIND OF our 8th year anniversary. Which is technically in Jan. But don't know what happened to that month this year. So...anniversary?
Mag Mile 'Hoods flickr album/pics
'Hoods Mag Mile packet
I planned the Mag Mile.
I was joined by Bill, William, Kate, and newbie Erin N!
Ed and Max joined us half way.
I know a lot of folks weren't excited about this one. Cause we've all been on this stretch of road many times. But I think we still learned a thing or two with a closer look and a packet.
We met for coffee at the Lavazza at the Drake. Their croissant was abysmal. So you know. We'd done the Drake before, during the Gold Coast 'Hoods. We drank at the Coq D'Or. I've also had afternoon tea at their Palm Room. Adorable. Recommend. pics tea at the Drake.
From there on out we mostly just moseyed south on Michigan Ave.
I made everyone go into the mall at 900 N Michigan. It was a mall.
We did NOT do the Hancock cause we did that on the Streeterville 'Hoods.
We DID go into the Water Tower Place. We sat on the awkward benches 1/2 way up the escalators. Cause why are they there? Who sits there? Well, we do. Now. There's a weird Dr. Seuss art store in there. And the Lego store with some cool lego recreations of Chicago landmarks. There's a rad looking escalator. And elevator. But again. It's a mall. Oh, except there's some sort of Chicago Sports Museum there that we didn't go into. Cause, us. But I'm a completionist. So I HAVE to go back and do it someday. Regardless of how little enthusiasm I have for the sports.
We went into the Water Tower Pumping station to check out Lookinglass Theatre. But we discovered that you can actually go in and SEE the pumping station mechanics. And walk around them a bit, from above. Through glass. Loved that. There's also the cutest little Chicago library in there that Erin uses. As we walked out we DEFINITELY saw David Schwimmer right behind us. He's a company member at Lookinglass, and directed the show that was currently running. But I couldn't manage a pic. Just a sloppy back of the head shot. Ah well. 'Hoods magic, nonetheless.
Across the street the actual Water Tower is now a little museum. It had some pics of Chicago in it. Mk.
It was time for the 4th Presbyterian Church tour. Gorgeous stained glass windows. Beautiful painted wood details. Gothic. Really enthusiastic tour guide. Spent a lot of time proselytizing to us, unfortunately. Some story about his dead father coming back to him in a dream? Yadda yadda. But they have a slamming organ and do separate organ tours. And sometimes they have concerts there. So, perhaps a return visit.
The Loyola University Museum of Art was closed that day. I'd been previously to see an Edward Gorey exhibit. Very cool. No pics.
More walking south on Mich ave. More cool buildings.
The Women's Athletics Club is a private Club. But we sure did get buzzed into the lobby and took a few pics before we left the confused desk steward behind to wonder what the hell we were doing.
Lawry's is in an old McCormick mansion. And I KNOW that they've done tours of the mansion before. I actually joined their newsletter so I'd get news of any upcoming tours. Cause for a time a puppet theater was housed there. And the building itself is cool. Until then, I'll have to appease my curiosity by eating their prime rib sandwiches in their cool restaurant space.
We did NOT eat there. Instead we went to the Grand Lux Cafe across the street. Where Jeremy was working. And was able to come over and sit with us. Ed and Max met us there, too.
Back on the street. More cool buildings.
And more 'hoods magic at the Intercontinental Hotel. We were nosing around, as we do. And fell upon an events coordinator putting together a wedding. We apologized for barging in and started backing away. She said 'No!' Invited us in. Saw our enthusiasm. Asked if we wanted to see more. We did. And so she ended up giving us a private tour of the whole damn hotel. Their super sweet pool. All their ballrooms. The place where a panel falls away in one of the ballrooms so that they could keep liquor in there during prohibition. That place is gorgeous. And we should book a room sometime for a staycation. Just so we can use that pool!
We went inside the McGraw Hill building, which is another mall. But they have some of the art deco panels that decorate the exterior on view in the interior, as well. Very cool.
The Wrigley Building is where my Dad worked as a project manager for a long time.
We WOULD have gone below ground to the Billy Goat Tavern. But it was closed for plumbing renovations. pics from my visit to the Billy Goat in 2016
Tribune Tower is, weirdly, no longer owned by the Trib. In 2012, during Open House Chicago, we toured Colonel McCormick's offices at the top of the tower. Don't know if those will be kept by the new owner? Open House Chicago tour of Tribune Tower
We ended 'Hoods at the new Apple Store on Mich ave. It's a glass box with a roof like a laptop. It has gorgeous river views, space for squatting and resting. It's nice. Though, we did see some cracking in the glass. Apparently Chicago winters are rough on that bad boy?
Then the bus home.
Mag Mile 'Hoods just goes to show that there's still plenty to learn and see and discover about even the most 'known' parts of our city.
Thursday, August 9, 2018
'Hoods #52: Wrigleyville/Boystown, Oct 1 2017
Bill planned Wrigleyville/Boystown.
Me, William, Kris, Joe, and Sara all joined in.
We'd already done East Lakeview some time ago. Both Wrigleyville and Boystown lie within the larger neighborhood of Lakeview, but deserve their own 'Hoods.
This 'Hoods was nostalgic for pretty much all of us. We had all (except maybe Joe?), at one time or another, lived in the neighborhood. And so we were revisiting places we'd been. There was a lot of remarking on how things had changed. Lots of memories. Lots of feelings. I lived on Roscoe between Halsted and Clark, myself. For only 2 years back in my 20s. But still, we did a lot of living in those 2 years.
Got off at the Addison stop. My old stop. Now only reviled as the stop for Wrigley that clogs up the red line on game days.
Passed by the Nisei. My old bar. Husband was on a dart league there. I used to grade papers there. I had my husband's 32nd birthday there. Much love to my old dive. One of the oldest bars in Wrigleyville. And the former hang of the Japanese American Community.
Oh there's Gold Crown liquors! I used to buy crappy wine there.
We all met at the Pick Me Up Cafe. Which I'd weirdly only been to once before. Though I'd lived a block away. We ate a stupid amount of food, in a truly cute and neighborhoody context. Not much of that left in Wrigleyville.
We stopped in Strange Cargo. Which is now (2018) in Andersonville. They moved super recently. Another piece of old Wrigley gone. I got some Obama socks.
Popped just west of Clark to look at an old Jewelry building, now condos.
And with that we entered the belly of the beast. Wrigley central. Getting bigger and more characterless every month. There were huge new bars all around us. They were still working on the hotel at the time. Now (2018) open. Tons of construction.
We hit a couple of oldies but goodies.
We had jager shots at the Cubby Bear.
William had his first Malort at the GMan (formerly Gingerbread Man). He was not impressed.
Cubs park has even changed. Now there's a huge lawn out front. Called the Park. Games and drinking and eating. A strip mall. Newer condos ring the park proper.
That old gas station is still there across the street on Clark, serving as the office for the parking lot.
Remember when I ran into my Aunt and Uncle who were drinking at Vines!? We took a pic through the gate. Hilarious coincidence.
There was a game that day, so the place was HUMMING. We followed some fans around the back so we could get a look at the old scoreboard. Saw a few rooftops, too.
There's an old firehouse tucked behind the field.
Continuing North on Clark we stopped outside the Metro. Not sure if I ever really noticed how nice the exterior of that building is. My first time inside was back in the 90s to see Tim's band, the Drovers, when Julie and Kris and Jada were in town for Spring Break. I forgot my ID and Mike had to drive it up for me. Since then we've seen a few more shows. Not a ton. No seats. And we're old now. We saw M Ward there. Pretty sure I saw Iron and Wine there. I'm still pissed my mom wouldn't let me go there back in high school when the Dyslexic Apaches were opening for a secret Smashing Pumpkins show. Pissed.
We passed by Snow Junkie. Not open. But don't fret. Brooke and I went back in Nov. Snow Junkie pics. I recommend those eggettes filled with candy and ice cream!
Time for some history. We walked Alta Vista Terrace. This cute street of homes that mirror each other in a diagonal. Like London rowhouses. Built 1904. So pretty. So well kept. And of course there was an owner and a dog taking in the day on their patio and she talked to us a bit about the neighborhood. 'Hoods magic.
Bouncing from Clark/Wrigleyville East to Halsted/Boystown we rolled around some residential areas. We saw some big old courtyard apt buildings. A synagogue.
And popped out at the Kit Kat Club.
The Brown Elephant, where I used to thrift, is no longer there. But the Center on Halsted is. We've taken Max to storytime with Drag Queens there. Storytime with Drag Queens pics. And we've taken Max to a drag show for kids. Drag show for babies pics. It's a Gay community center with a lot of youth programming. We poked around. They have a nice timeline describing the history of the Center. There's a rooftop we could NOT get out onto (hoods down).
South on Halsted is a cool old police station.
Lakeview Presbyterian is a really pretty old Church.
And near that is the Salvation Army College (formerly a private mansion). Both of which we visited on an Open House Chicago Excursion. The Salvation Army visit was especially notable, because the Sargent leading the tour was OBVIOUSLY into Bill. After the regular tour was over, he let us hang around and help clean up. Then he took us, privately, to the upstairs and showed us the banquet hall room/stage area and some of the more private quarters. Then he gave Bill his card and invited him to come sing with the school sometime. I mean...
Open House Chicago Salvation Army College and Lakeview Presbyterian pics
There's my old Jewel!
Some of the side streets running between Clark and Halsted are really pretty. My old street, Roscoe, unfortunately has seen a lot of old buildings torn down, and new cookie cutter condo buildings go up (no offense, Tom, who used to own one). But Newport Ave still retains a lot of its old houses from the early 1900s. And trees. So nice.
There was a wait at the Chicago Diner, so we sat inside for a drink at Roscoe's. There were a lot of costumes that day. A bunch of handmaids. Did it have something to do with Rugby? Help me remember, y'all.
The Chicago Diner is vegetarian. So I had their 'award winning' shake. And some sort of fake corned beef. It was fine. People go nuts for it.
We hiked down to look at the Mandel brothers warehouse. Which maybe now houses the bathhouse? Do I have that right?
And you HAVE to end at Sidetrack. Especially when it's showtune Sunday. That place is so huge. Bigger than when it was my particular playground. Joe had never been. We were agog. So we all got their classic frozen drinks. They were disgusting but potent, as always.
And then Jeremy came and picked me up.
This neighborhood is hard to put a handle on. Cause it's always changing. Always. Hopefully the Wrigleyville side can retain some of its funk. But it's looking less and less likely as it sanitizes all of its personality away. Make it more safe and palatable for the suburbans coming in for a game. Boystown is also getting a scrubbing. As rich young families buy up houses, all the dildo shops and raunchy clubs start disappearing. Plenty of young gay community still there. But the elders have moved north to Andersonville or Edgewater. We'll see what this place looks like in another 10 years.
Popped just west of Clark to look at an old Jewelry building, now condos.
And with that we entered the belly of the beast. Wrigley central. Getting bigger and more characterless every month. There were huge new bars all around us. They were still working on the hotel at the time. Now (2018) open. Tons of construction.
We hit a couple of oldies but goodies.
We had jager shots at the Cubby Bear.
William had his first Malort at the GMan (formerly Gingerbread Man). He was not impressed.
Cubs park has even changed. Now there's a huge lawn out front. Called the Park. Games and drinking and eating. A strip mall. Newer condos ring the park proper.
That old gas station is still there across the street on Clark, serving as the office for the parking lot.
Remember when I ran into my Aunt and Uncle who were drinking at Vines!? We took a pic through the gate. Hilarious coincidence.
There was a game that day, so the place was HUMMING. We followed some fans around the back so we could get a look at the old scoreboard. Saw a few rooftops, too.
There's an old firehouse tucked behind the field.
Continuing North on Clark we stopped outside the Metro. Not sure if I ever really noticed how nice the exterior of that building is. My first time inside was back in the 90s to see Tim's band, the Drovers, when Julie and Kris and Jada were in town for Spring Break. I forgot my ID and Mike had to drive it up for me. Since then we've seen a few more shows. Not a ton. No seats. And we're old now. We saw M Ward there. Pretty sure I saw Iron and Wine there. I'm still pissed my mom wouldn't let me go there back in high school when the Dyslexic Apaches were opening for a secret Smashing Pumpkins show. Pissed.
We passed by Snow Junkie. Not open. But don't fret. Brooke and I went back in Nov. Snow Junkie pics. I recommend those eggettes filled with candy and ice cream!
Time for some history. We walked Alta Vista Terrace. This cute street of homes that mirror each other in a diagonal. Like London rowhouses. Built 1904. So pretty. So well kept. And of course there was an owner and a dog taking in the day on their patio and she talked to us a bit about the neighborhood. 'Hoods magic.
Bouncing from Clark/Wrigleyville East to Halsted/Boystown we rolled around some residential areas. We saw some big old courtyard apt buildings. A synagogue.
And popped out at the Kit Kat Club.
The Brown Elephant, where I used to thrift, is no longer there. But the Center on Halsted is. We've taken Max to storytime with Drag Queens there. Storytime with Drag Queens pics. And we've taken Max to a drag show for kids. Drag show for babies pics. It's a Gay community center with a lot of youth programming. We poked around. They have a nice timeline describing the history of the Center. There's a rooftop we could NOT get out onto (hoods down).
South on Halsted is a cool old police station.
Lakeview Presbyterian is a really pretty old Church.
And near that is the Salvation Army College (formerly a private mansion). Both of which we visited on an Open House Chicago Excursion. The Salvation Army visit was especially notable, because the Sargent leading the tour was OBVIOUSLY into Bill. After the regular tour was over, he let us hang around and help clean up. Then he took us, privately, to the upstairs and showed us the banquet hall room/stage area and some of the more private quarters. Then he gave Bill his card and invited him to come sing with the school sometime. I mean...
Open House Chicago Salvation Army College and Lakeview Presbyterian pics
There's my old Jewel!
Some of the side streets running between Clark and Halsted are really pretty. My old street, Roscoe, unfortunately has seen a lot of old buildings torn down, and new cookie cutter condo buildings go up (no offense, Tom, who used to own one). But Newport Ave still retains a lot of its old houses from the early 1900s. And trees. So nice.
There was a wait at the Chicago Diner, so we sat inside for a drink at Roscoe's. There were a lot of costumes that day. A bunch of handmaids. Did it have something to do with Rugby? Help me remember, y'all.
The Chicago Diner is vegetarian. So I had their 'award winning' shake. And some sort of fake corned beef. It was fine. People go nuts for it.
We hiked down to look at the Mandel brothers warehouse. Which maybe now houses the bathhouse? Do I have that right?
And you HAVE to end at Sidetrack. Especially when it's showtune Sunday. That place is so huge. Bigger than when it was my particular playground. Joe had never been. We were agog. So we all got their classic frozen drinks. They were disgusting but potent, as always.
And then Jeremy came and picked me up.
This neighborhood is hard to put a handle on. Cause it's always changing. Always. Hopefully the Wrigleyville side can retain some of its funk. But it's looking less and less likely as it sanitizes all of its personality away. Make it more safe and palatable for the suburbans coming in for a game. Boystown is also getting a scrubbing. As rich young families buy up houses, all the dildo shops and raunchy clubs start disappearing. Plenty of young gay community still there. But the elders have moved north to Andersonville or Edgewater. We'll see what this place looks like in another 10 years.
'Hoods #51: Devon, July 9 2017
Odette and Dan planned Devon.
I was there. As well as Kate, Ed and Max. The Vickis. Bill and William.
And newbies Kris and Joe!
Julie joined us about half way through.
Devon 'Hoods flickr album/pics
'Hoods Devon packet
Devon is actually part of West Ridge, which we 'Hoodsed back in 2016. But it has its own flavor, and enough to do to fill its own afternoon.
We started with breakfast at Ghareeb Nawaz. I'm not kidding, I got a breakfast platter, a samosa, and mango lassi for $3.35. And it was delicious. I love that place. They'd redecorated since my last visit. Much cleaner and cuter than its previous incarnation.
And with that, it was a straight shot West on Devon.
We visited Par Birdie foods for some grocery shopping. Designed by the architectural partner of our old favorite, Jens Jensen.
We spotted Cary's Lounge from across the street. It was closed, cause daytime. But someday I'll visit that dive bar.
We noted some architecturally interesting buildings.
We took in all the beautiful sari shops and pastry shops, restaurants, grocery stores, corner stores catering to the Indian/Pakistani community.
A brief snack at Tahoora sweets. I got masala milk. Won't do that again. Kind of a chunky, yellow, hot milk? Bill somehow made best friends with the pastry counter guy and got a plate full of samples for us.
Khan's bbq (formerly Nathan's Deli. This portion of Devon used to service the Jewish community) calls my name everytime. But still, somehow, 15 years later, haven't yet been.
Devon bank is an interesting small, community bank owned by a Jewish family who, as the neighborhood changed, became one of the first banks in Chicago to offer Islamic compliant financing. It also sits across from both a live poultry shop, and a bar which has the business hours of either 2-4am, or 3-5am (on Saturdays). Yikes.
As we were scoping the exterior of a small electronics store, the owner came out and invited us inside to see a pic he had of the neighborhood back in the day. It was pinned up behind his counter. He was very proud. Street trolley and all. Cute 'Hoods magic.
Devon has all of these rad benches and corner art installations that we used as group photo backings.
We walked by Anmol Pan and saw all the betel juice stains on the sidewalk.
Viceroy Banquet hall used to be an old theater.
We popped into India Sari Palace for a second. Cause why not.
Patel's cafe allowed us a brief respite. A coconut to drink. Some freshly squeezed sugar cane. Some VERY good fruit juices.
There was the Muslim Women Resource Center.
And the Rohingya Cultural Center.
And that guy with the yo-yo that accosted us (in a friendly way) outside of Casey's Corner, drunk?, and wanted to aggressively chat us up.
We enjoyed the air conditioning at Iqra Book Center.
A few of us went and checked out the Shop n Help, a store outfitted with products made by (primarily Muslim) women, in conjunction with the Helping Hand for Relief and Development program. I was hot and tired so I sat on a bench.
The Indo-American center. From the outside.
We bought waters (so hot that day) from our old friend the Argo bakery (that Georgian bakery from West Ridge 'Hoods).
We passed by Levinson's bakery (the Jewish heritage of Devon), the Croatian Cultural center, FREE (friends of refugees from eastern europe), a big mural, the alderman's office, a giant Devon street emblem painted on the road, a cool synagogue.
We ended at the baseball stadium at Devon and Kedzie. It was built in 1938. And when WW2 halted bball, the owner helped developed the Ladies League (A League of Their Own).
We took the Devon bus (bus stop conveniently located next to the baseball field) back to our cars.
And I made poor Bill and William wait while I got some dinner to go at our original stop, Ghareeb Nawaz. Cause that biz is cheap and delicious.
Back in 2009 Julie, Neal, Jeremy and I made a concerted effort to visit a bunch of the restaurants on Devon. We managed 9 before we pooped out. Doin Devon restaurants flickr album/pics
Devon has spectacular Indian/Pakistani food. I like it cause it's a deep dive into another culture, but only a few miles from my house. It's always crowded. It's always busy. The parking is terrible. I got rear ended there once. But it's colorful and fun and delicious.
I was there. As well as Kate, Ed and Max. The Vickis. Bill and William.
And newbies Kris and Joe!
Julie joined us about half way through.
Devon 'Hoods flickr album/pics
'Hoods Devon packet
Devon is actually part of West Ridge, which we 'Hoodsed back in 2016. But it has its own flavor, and enough to do to fill its own afternoon.
We started with breakfast at Ghareeb Nawaz. I'm not kidding, I got a breakfast platter, a samosa, and mango lassi for $3.35. And it was delicious. I love that place. They'd redecorated since my last visit. Much cleaner and cuter than its previous incarnation.
And with that, it was a straight shot West on Devon.
We visited Par Birdie foods for some grocery shopping. Designed by the architectural partner of our old favorite, Jens Jensen.
We spotted Cary's Lounge from across the street. It was closed, cause daytime. But someday I'll visit that dive bar.
We noted some architecturally interesting buildings.
We took in all the beautiful sari shops and pastry shops, restaurants, grocery stores, corner stores catering to the Indian/Pakistani community.
A brief snack at Tahoora sweets. I got masala milk. Won't do that again. Kind of a chunky, yellow, hot milk? Bill somehow made best friends with the pastry counter guy and got a plate full of samples for us.
Khan's bbq (formerly Nathan's Deli. This portion of Devon used to service the Jewish community) calls my name everytime. But still, somehow, 15 years later, haven't yet been.
Devon bank is an interesting small, community bank owned by a Jewish family who, as the neighborhood changed, became one of the first banks in Chicago to offer Islamic compliant financing. It also sits across from both a live poultry shop, and a bar which has the business hours of either 2-4am, or 3-5am (on Saturdays). Yikes.
As we were scoping the exterior of a small electronics store, the owner came out and invited us inside to see a pic he had of the neighborhood back in the day. It was pinned up behind his counter. He was very proud. Street trolley and all. Cute 'Hoods magic.
Devon has all of these rad benches and corner art installations that we used as group photo backings.
We walked by Anmol Pan and saw all the betel juice stains on the sidewalk.
Viceroy Banquet hall used to be an old theater.
We popped into India Sari Palace for a second. Cause why not.
Patel's cafe allowed us a brief respite. A coconut to drink. Some freshly squeezed sugar cane. Some VERY good fruit juices.
There was the Muslim Women Resource Center.
And the Rohingya Cultural Center.
And that guy with the yo-yo that accosted us (in a friendly way) outside of Casey's Corner, drunk?, and wanted to aggressively chat us up.
We enjoyed the air conditioning at Iqra Book Center.
A few of us went and checked out the Shop n Help, a store outfitted with products made by (primarily Muslim) women, in conjunction with the Helping Hand for Relief and Development program. I was hot and tired so I sat on a bench.
The Indo-American center. From the outside.
We bought waters (so hot that day) from our old friend the Argo bakery (that Georgian bakery from West Ridge 'Hoods).
We passed by Levinson's bakery (the Jewish heritage of Devon), the Croatian Cultural center, FREE (friends of refugees from eastern europe), a big mural, the alderman's office, a giant Devon street emblem painted on the road, a cool synagogue.
We ended at the baseball stadium at Devon and Kedzie. It was built in 1938. And when WW2 halted bball, the owner helped developed the Ladies League (A League of Their Own).
We took the Devon bus (bus stop conveniently located next to the baseball field) back to our cars.
And I made poor Bill and William wait while I got some dinner to go at our original stop, Ghareeb Nawaz. Cause that biz is cheap and delicious.
Back in 2009 Julie, Neal, Jeremy and I made a concerted effort to visit a bunch of the restaurants on Devon. We managed 9 before we pooped out. Doin Devon restaurants flickr album/pics
Devon has spectacular Indian/Pakistani food. I like it cause it's a deep dive into another culture, but only a few miles from my house. It's always crowded. It's always busy. The parking is terrible. I got rear ended there once. But it's colorful and fun and delicious.
'Hoods #50: Norwood Park, March 19 2017
I organized Norwood Park.
I was joined by Odette and Dan. Bill and William. Ed, Kate and Max. And Cindy D.
Norwood Park 'Hoods flickr album/pics
'Hoods Norwood Park packet
On our way to stop #1 we drove by Resurrection High School, convent, retirement community, medical center, and nursing home. Quite the complex. Actually pretty attractive.
Our first official stop was Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral. Very cool doors. VERY cool interior, with blue sky ceiling covered with paintings. There was a service, so we couldn't spend very much time in there. Didn't want to be disrespectful. But so cool.
We drove by the site of the John Wayne Gacy home. Morbid. It was torn down long ago. A new house sits at the site. More power to the person who wants to live on that plot of land.
Time for brunch at the Norwood Restaurant. A typical diner. Had pigs in a blanket.
We started our OLD Norwood Park walk at the Noble-Seymour-Crippen House. Which is also home to the Norwood Park Historical Society. It's not just a cool old house. It fights with the Clarke House (seen on the Prairie Ave 'Hoods) for oldest home in Chicago. We had a noon appt and were well taken care of by the docent there, who spent a million hours with us.
From there we walked around the Old Norwood Park neighborhood, with its big central oval (NOT formerly a horse race track, unfortunately). We saw a Sears home. The Danish (old people) home of Chicago. The Norwegian old people's home. The Norwood Park train station (old). Norwood Park elementary school, more than 100 years old. The (former) Passionist Fathers Monastery (now, you guessed it, an old people's home). Norwood Circle Park and its Circle Avenues. Some GORGEOUS old homes. And a couple of random church exteriors.
We stopped at Norwood Park, proper. And its convenient Field House restrooms.
We walked by Taft High School and sang a bunch of songs from Grease. The guy who wrote it went to Taft and based Grease on his experience there.
We don't care if it's Chicago March chilly. When presented with the opportunity to rooftop, we take it. So we drive to the Garage Bar, on Milwaukee, and have a drink in the sun. In our coats and hats.
On our way home you GOT to stop at the Superdawg for a malt and the best Chicago style hotdog in the city.
I knew NOTHING about Norwood Park before planning this 'hoods. Just proof that at 'hoods #50, we still have plenty to discover about this city of ours. Norwood Park proved to be filled with tons of lovely old homes. And old PEOPLE homes. I really enjoyed this one.
I was joined by Odette and Dan. Bill and William. Ed, Kate and Max. And Cindy D.
Norwood Park 'Hoods flickr album/pics
'Hoods Norwood Park packet
On our way to stop #1 we drove by Resurrection High School, convent, retirement community, medical center, and nursing home. Quite the complex. Actually pretty attractive.
Our first official stop was Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral. Very cool doors. VERY cool interior, with blue sky ceiling covered with paintings. There was a service, so we couldn't spend very much time in there. Didn't want to be disrespectful. But so cool.
We drove by the site of the John Wayne Gacy home. Morbid. It was torn down long ago. A new house sits at the site. More power to the person who wants to live on that plot of land.
Time for brunch at the Norwood Restaurant. A typical diner. Had pigs in a blanket.
We started our OLD Norwood Park walk at the Noble-Seymour-Crippen House. Which is also home to the Norwood Park Historical Society. It's not just a cool old house. It fights with the Clarke House (seen on the Prairie Ave 'Hoods) for oldest home in Chicago. We had a noon appt and were well taken care of by the docent there, who spent a million hours with us.
From there we walked around the Old Norwood Park neighborhood, with its big central oval (NOT formerly a horse race track, unfortunately). We saw a Sears home. The Danish (old people) home of Chicago. The Norwegian old people's home. The Norwood Park train station (old). Norwood Park elementary school, more than 100 years old. The (former) Passionist Fathers Monastery (now, you guessed it, an old people's home). Norwood Circle Park and its Circle Avenues. Some GORGEOUS old homes. And a couple of random church exteriors.
We stopped at Norwood Park, proper. And its convenient Field House restrooms.
We walked by Taft High School and sang a bunch of songs from Grease. The guy who wrote it went to Taft and based Grease on his experience there.
We don't care if it's Chicago March chilly. When presented with the opportunity to rooftop, we take it. So we drive to the Garage Bar, on Milwaukee, and have a drink in the sun. In our coats and hats.
On our way home you GOT to stop at the Superdawg for a malt and the best Chicago style hotdog in the city.
I knew NOTHING about Norwood Park before planning this 'hoods. Just proof that at 'hoods #50, we still have plenty to discover about this city of ours. Norwood Park proved to be filled with tons of lovely old homes. And old PEOPLE homes. I really enjoyed this one.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
'Hoods #49: Buena Park, Feb 19 2017
Kate organized Buena Park.
We had a Kate, Ed and Max. Odette and Dan. Bill and William. Me and Vicki.
Oh, and Ed's niece Kelly met up with us at lunch!
Buena Park 'Hoods flickr album/pics
'Hoods Buena Park packet
We met at Dollop Coffee for a quick cuppa.
Walked around the Hutchinson Street Historic District. A BUNCH of Mahers. Huge, gorgeous mansions. I remember the story of a murder in one of them? Another I remember standing creepily empty? Kate, help me out here?
We tooled around in the jungle gym at the Disney Magnet School. It had this terrifying concrete, um, courtyard? Surrounded by a low wall? That was awkwardly, and only partly, painted with the creepiest versions of Disney characters? I loved it.
We walked by the Montessori school, which I'm pretty sure is now the French school, on our way to the American Islamic College.
We admired the Paddington Apartments from its courtyard. And then as we were inspecting what we thought were former stables in the back alley (totally were), an older woman named Elizabeth and her young caretaker stopped us. Elizabeth was an original condo owner at the Paddington and wanted to tell us all about it. And might have talked to us about it all night. But as Bill, William and I listened, mesmerized, the rest of our group disappeared up ahead. So we had to bid Elizabeth adieu.
It was UNSEASONABLY warm for a Feb day. So we HAD to eat on a patio. Michael's pizzeria fed the beast.
We walked to that Egyptian looking building across from the Holiday Club.
Then Saint Mary of the Lake Church. Where we busted in on a confirmation. Cardinal Blase Cupich was presiding, and as he processed with his posse, he stopped to bless baby Max. Hoods magic!
Someday we'll get into Graceland Cemetery. But it's pretty much a 'hoods unto itself. Se we noted it and moved on.
We ended at the Bar on Buena, where Max dumped his mom's entire cider all over me. Thanks, bud.
Oh, and a quick trip next door to check out the North Buena deli and wine shop, where I think Kelly ended up working for a bit?
It's a real cute neighborhood wedged between Uptown and Lakeview. Close to the lake. Mostly residential. Lot of money.
We had a Kate, Ed and Max. Odette and Dan. Bill and William. Me and Vicki.
Oh, and Ed's niece Kelly met up with us at lunch!
Buena Park 'Hoods flickr album/pics
'Hoods Buena Park packet
We met at Dollop Coffee for a quick cuppa.
Walked around the Hutchinson Street Historic District. A BUNCH of Mahers. Huge, gorgeous mansions. I remember the story of a murder in one of them? Another I remember standing creepily empty? Kate, help me out here?
We tooled around in the jungle gym at the Disney Magnet School. It had this terrifying concrete, um, courtyard? Surrounded by a low wall? That was awkwardly, and only partly, painted with the creepiest versions of Disney characters? I loved it.
We walked by the Montessori school, which I'm pretty sure is now the French school, on our way to the American Islamic College.
We admired the Paddington Apartments from its courtyard. And then as we were inspecting what we thought were former stables in the back alley (totally were), an older woman named Elizabeth and her young caretaker stopped us. Elizabeth was an original condo owner at the Paddington and wanted to tell us all about it. And might have talked to us about it all night. But as Bill, William and I listened, mesmerized, the rest of our group disappeared up ahead. So we had to bid Elizabeth adieu.
It was UNSEASONABLY warm for a Feb day. So we HAD to eat on a patio. Michael's pizzeria fed the beast.
We walked to that Egyptian looking building across from the Holiday Club.
Then Saint Mary of the Lake Church. Where we busted in on a confirmation. Cardinal Blase Cupich was presiding, and as he processed with his posse, he stopped to bless baby Max. Hoods magic!
Someday we'll get into Graceland Cemetery. But it's pretty much a 'hoods unto itself. Se we noted it and moved on.
We ended at the Bar on Buena, where Max dumped his mom's entire cider all over me. Thanks, bud.
Oh, and a quick trip next door to check out the North Buena deli and wine shop, where I think Kelly ended up working for a bit?
It's a real cute neighborhood wedged between Uptown and Lakeview. Close to the lake. Mostly residential. Lot of money.
'Hoods #48: South Michigan Ave, Jan 15 2017
Bill organized South Mich Ave.
We consisted of a William, me, Sara, Ed, Kate and Max.
We had a VERY rare Tom and Evan.
And we were joined by newbies Odette and Bill R.
It was our 7 year anniversary 'Hoods!
South Michigan Avenue 'Hoods flickr album/pics
'Hoods South Michigan Avenue packet
We met up at Yolk for sustenance. Bill revealed there his design for our 'Burbs patch, if we ever manage to get that up and rolling.
Then out into the cold! We began with the Agora headless statues.
I'm not going to recount every statue/fountain/building we saw. South Mich is PACKED. And Bill very clearly mapped them all out for you in his packet.
Standouts included a whimsical little park tucked just west of Michigan Ave, with statues of three standing wolves and a big throne.
We spent a significant amount of time pooping around the Chicago Hilton. They have some nice exhibits on their own history. Some REALLY pretty lounges and ballrooms. We stopped for a drink and a rest at their Kitty O'Shea's.
I'd like to get in that Merle Reskin theatre.
The Blackstone Hotel is pretty hot. VERY cute lobby. Very nice elevator doors. Someday I'll eat at their tapas restaurant, Mercat a la Planxa.
There's not MUCH for the general public at the Spertus Institute for Jewish learning and culture. But there IS a small, but nice, exhibit on the Jewish history of Chicago.
We checked out the lobby of the Congress Hotel. Pretty. Lush. A fancy presidential chair that you can't sit in.
We briefly popped into the Auditorium building. Though, several of us had explored it more thoroughly at the Open House Chicago in 2012. Open House Chicago 2012.
Time for a (rather disappointing cheesecake) snack at the Artist's Cafe.
Lots more exteriors of very cool buildings. Including the Art institute. Which I've been to a million times. Magritte at Art Institute 2014. Van Gogh at Art Institute 2016. Random xmas time Art institute 2015. Bacchus at Art Institute 2015. Ireland at the Art Institute 2015. Gaugin at the Art Institute 2017. Etc.
We passed by the (former) Illinois Athletic Club. Now the Art Institute's ballroom. We'd visited that during open house 2016. Open House Chicago 2016. Very sumptuous. Gilded. Staircases for days.
We also passed the Chicago Athletic Association, which houses a rooftop bar/restaurant called Cindy's. Cindy's at the CAA. Their lobby and game room are also really lovely and worth a visit. CAA lobby and game room (nestled in other pics). Bill, William, husband and I ate at their Cherry Circle room once before the Opera. VERY good. And they have a really exclusive bar there that I've never visited, the Milk Room, that only serves rare and old booze.
Bill and I, at a later date, supplemented this Hoods by visiting the Russian Tea Room (do it), the Pritzker Military Museum (personally? boring), and the Museum of Contemporary Photography, where there was an exhibit on Ai Weiwei, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Russian Tea Room, Military Museum, MCP
We finished at the Chicago Architectural Foundation, where they have a store and a huge model of Chicago. As I write this, in 2018, they've closed this location and are about to open a NEW one on the river. They've even changed their name from the CAF to the CAC (Chicago Architecture Center).
This one was long and exhausting, even though we didn't seem to travel that great a distance. There's just so MUCH packed into a fairly small amount of street. Bill's packet for this one is epic.
We consisted of a William, me, Sara, Ed, Kate and Max.
We had a VERY rare Tom and Evan.
And we were joined by newbies Odette and Bill R.
It was our 7 year anniversary 'Hoods!
South Michigan Avenue 'Hoods flickr album/pics
'Hoods South Michigan Avenue packet
We met up at Yolk for sustenance. Bill revealed there his design for our 'Burbs patch, if we ever manage to get that up and rolling.
Then out into the cold! We began with the Agora headless statues.
I'm not going to recount every statue/fountain/building we saw. South Mich is PACKED. And Bill very clearly mapped them all out for you in his packet.
Standouts included a whimsical little park tucked just west of Michigan Ave, with statues of three standing wolves and a big throne.
We spent a significant amount of time pooping around the Chicago Hilton. They have some nice exhibits on their own history. Some REALLY pretty lounges and ballrooms. We stopped for a drink and a rest at their Kitty O'Shea's.
I'd like to get in that Merle Reskin theatre.
The Blackstone Hotel is pretty hot. VERY cute lobby. Very nice elevator doors. Someday I'll eat at their tapas restaurant, Mercat a la Planxa.
There's not MUCH for the general public at the Spertus Institute for Jewish learning and culture. But there IS a small, but nice, exhibit on the Jewish history of Chicago.
We checked out the lobby of the Congress Hotel. Pretty. Lush. A fancy presidential chair that you can't sit in.
We briefly popped into the Auditorium building. Though, several of us had explored it more thoroughly at the Open House Chicago in 2012. Open House Chicago 2012.
Time for a (rather disappointing cheesecake) snack at the Artist's Cafe.
Lots more exteriors of very cool buildings. Including the Art institute. Which I've been to a million times. Magritte at Art Institute 2014. Van Gogh at Art Institute 2016. Random xmas time Art institute 2015. Bacchus at Art Institute 2015. Ireland at the Art Institute 2015. Gaugin at the Art Institute 2017. Etc.
We passed by the (former) Illinois Athletic Club. Now the Art Institute's ballroom. We'd visited that during open house 2016. Open House Chicago 2016. Very sumptuous. Gilded. Staircases for days.
We also passed the Chicago Athletic Association, which houses a rooftop bar/restaurant called Cindy's. Cindy's at the CAA. Their lobby and game room are also really lovely and worth a visit. CAA lobby and game room (nestled in other pics). Bill, William, husband and I ate at their Cherry Circle room once before the Opera. VERY good. And they have a really exclusive bar there that I've never visited, the Milk Room, that only serves rare and old booze.
Bill and I, at a later date, supplemented this Hoods by visiting the Russian Tea Room (do it), the Pritzker Military Museum (personally? boring), and the Museum of Contemporary Photography, where there was an exhibit on Ai Weiwei, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Russian Tea Room, Military Museum, MCP
We finished at the Chicago Architectural Foundation, where they have a store and a huge model of Chicago. As I write this, in 2018, they've closed this location and are about to open a NEW one on the river. They've even changed their name from the CAF to the CAC (Chicago Architecture Center).
This one was long and exhausting, even though we didn't seem to travel that great a distance. There's just so MUCH packed into a fairly small amount of street. Bill's packet for this one is epic.
'Hoods #47: Jefferson Park, Nov 21 2016
I organized Jefferson Park.
I was joined by regulars Bill and William, as well as newbies Cindy D, and Tom M. Kate, Ed, and baby Max joined us midway.
'Hoods Jefferson Park packet
Jefferson Park 'Hoods flickr album/pics
We started with some grab and go treats at Ideal Pastry.
The Congregational Church of Jefferson Park looks kind of colonial. On the inside their small chorus was rehearsing. And, as often happens, we were embraced by some congregants who toured us around and taught us all about the history of the church, and who pretty much begged us to become new members.
We rolled by the Gift theatre. And the Kurdish cultural center. Neither open.
Jefferson Memorial Park is built on the grounds of an old farm (1866). And the farmhouse still stands. National Register.
A highlight of this neighborhood was the Ed Paschke Art Center. It's not huge, but it has some big pieces by Paschke. And his studio is completely recreated. And there is some space for other local artists. When we were there Lupe Fiasco had an art exhibit.
Then it was time for the Copernicus Center. It wasn't technically open for tours. But I'd contacted the Center in advance and asked for access. So we arrived at an agreed upon time. And some dude vacuuming let us in. They had to turn the lights on in the theater for us. The Polish community center is built around a former movie palace. 1930. Balaban and Katz. Atmospheric. Very cool.
Bill, William and I also visited the Copernicus Center during Open House Chicago 2016. Open House 2016 pics. That day we ate at Beefbelly and Molly and Myles Ice Cream, also recommendations for Jefferson Park.
The Jefferson Park transit center. Buses and trains all coming together. Convenient.
Lunch at Gale Street Inn. An old school joint with ribs. The visit was notable because William actually held a baby.
There was a rad Masonic temple that we couldn't get into.
We pooped around the residential portion of Jefferson Park a bit. Some lovely, big houses.
On our way out of town we stopped at Andy's Deli, a Polish grocery store with a VERY impressive sausage selection. You have to get a number at the front of the store, which took me a million hours to figure out. Then you have to be READY when it's your turn. That deli counter was a machine. I was one of the few not communicating in Polish. I pointed at a sausage that looked most like the "Polish" sausage I grew up with. It was delicious.
This neighborhood was very compact, very walkable, very residential, with room for more commercial growth on Milwaukee.
I was joined by regulars Bill and William, as well as newbies Cindy D, and Tom M. Kate, Ed, and baby Max joined us midway.
'Hoods Jefferson Park packet
Jefferson Park 'Hoods flickr album/pics
We started with some grab and go treats at Ideal Pastry.
The Congregational Church of Jefferson Park looks kind of colonial. On the inside their small chorus was rehearsing. And, as often happens, we were embraced by some congregants who toured us around and taught us all about the history of the church, and who pretty much begged us to become new members.
We rolled by the Gift theatre. And the Kurdish cultural center. Neither open.
Jefferson Memorial Park is built on the grounds of an old farm (1866). And the farmhouse still stands. National Register.
A highlight of this neighborhood was the Ed Paschke Art Center. It's not huge, but it has some big pieces by Paschke. And his studio is completely recreated. And there is some space for other local artists. When we were there Lupe Fiasco had an art exhibit.
Then it was time for the Copernicus Center. It wasn't technically open for tours. But I'd contacted the Center in advance and asked for access. So we arrived at an agreed upon time. And some dude vacuuming let us in. They had to turn the lights on in the theater for us. The Polish community center is built around a former movie palace. 1930. Balaban and Katz. Atmospheric. Very cool.
Bill, William and I also visited the Copernicus Center during Open House Chicago 2016. Open House 2016 pics. That day we ate at Beefbelly and Molly and Myles Ice Cream, also recommendations for Jefferson Park.
The Jefferson Park transit center. Buses and trains all coming together. Convenient.
Lunch at Gale Street Inn. An old school joint with ribs. The visit was notable because William actually held a baby.
There was a rad Masonic temple that we couldn't get into.
We pooped around the residential portion of Jefferson Park a bit. Some lovely, big houses.
On our way out of town we stopped at Andy's Deli, a Polish grocery store with a VERY impressive sausage selection. You have to get a number at the front of the store, which took me a million hours to figure out. Then you have to be READY when it's your turn. That deli counter was a machine. I was one of the few not communicating in Polish. I pointed at a sausage that looked most like the "Polish" sausage I grew up with. It was delicious.
This neighborhood was very compact, very walkable, very residential, with room for more commercial growth on Milwaukee.
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
'Hoods #46: West Ridge, May 22 2016
I planned West Ridge.
Technically Devon and Little India are part of West Ridge. We DID start at a bakery on Devon (and visited the St. Henry church/cemetery), but we avoided the majority of the Devon area and saved it for another day (see July 9 2017).
Bill, William, Vicki, and Sara joined me on this one.
'Hoods West Ridge Packet
'Hoods West Ridge flickr album/pics
We started at Argo Georgian bakery. It had just a couple of small tables to accommodate us. But it was WORTH it! They've got a crazy oven in which they cook the Georgian bread. I had a hachapuir (filled with 3 diff types of cheeses) and a raspberry puff pastry. SO good.
Back in the car to drive through/walk through the Talman West Ridge historic bungalow district. There are...many bungalows.
I made a last minute decision and guided us back to Devon for a few non-Indian hot spots.
We walked around the grounds of Misericordia for a minute. Formerly an orphanage, it's now a home for 600 kids and adults with developmental and physical disabilities. There's a restaurant on site, the Greenhouse Inn, that looks kind of nice. Would like to check that out sometime.
Right next door is St Henry's Church, originally German, now the Blessed Aloysius Stepanic Croatian Catholic Mission. There was a service going on, so we couldn't do much more than pop our heads in.
And then we visited St Henry's cemetery, behind and attached to the church. It's just a small, old cemetery. Lots of original West Ridge inhabitants. And, if the legend is true, the original 'Cracker Jack' sailor boy.
Then we walked the entirety of Ridge Rd proper, from Pratt north to Howard. There are tons of old houses, some pretty grand. Many of which belonged to the original founders of the neighborhood. Ridge blvd is a literal ridge, a bit of high ground that is the ancient lakeshore.
We had a titch of 'hoods magic at Casa Bonita, a cool old apt building. The building manager noticed us snooping around their courtyard, and offered us a tour of the premises! So we got to go inside and see their game room, and woodshop, and children's room, and especially their rad indoor pool!
We drove to lunch at the Candlelight. It has great, thin crust pizza. And Jeremy's favorite fried cheese curds in the city. I got a corned beef pizza. Like a boss.
Onto Indian Boundary Park. Which has a little lagoon with turtles. Adorable. There just HAPPENED to be a sweet string quartet performing at the park house. 'Hoods magic, again. The park is ringed by more cool, old apt buildings. The park castle apts. The park gables apts. We did NOT get invited into those.
We walked around the bungalow district just south of Indian Boundary Park. Some rather nice homes!
Then time for a cool treat at the Western outpost of Lickity Split. We'd previously been to the original location, on the Edgewater 'Hoods.
We drove over to Deer Park, a pre-planned community of 10 homes, all different, all winners of a Chicago Tribune design prize in the 1940s. Now seems to be inhabited by an Orthodox Jewish community. Almost aggressively idyllic, with fathers and sons tossing balls, and groups of boys playing bball. I mean, a freaking lemonade stand.
A lot of West Ridge is Jewish. In fact, as we drove around we tried to spot the eruv that surrounds the neighborhood.
And then we ended by walking around the Peterson Woods neighborhood. Mostly homes from the 20s and 30s. Very tranquil. Very lovely. Bordered by the river on the west and a very nice park that runs its length.
West Ridge is REALLY residential. But some VERY nice residences. And parks.
Technically Devon and Little India are part of West Ridge. We DID start at a bakery on Devon (and visited the St. Henry church/cemetery), but we avoided the majority of the Devon area and saved it for another day (see July 9 2017).
Bill, William, Vicki, and Sara joined me on this one.
'Hoods West Ridge Packet
'Hoods West Ridge flickr album/pics
We started at Argo Georgian bakery. It had just a couple of small tables to accommodate us. But it was WORTH it! They've got a crazy oven in which they cook the Georgian bread. I had a hachapuir (filled with 3 diff types of cheeses) and a raspberry puff pastry. SO good.
Back in the car to drive through/walk through the Talman West Ridge historic bungalow district. There are...many bungalows.
I made a last minute decision and guided us back to Devon for a few non-Indian hot spots.
We walked around the grounds of Misericordia for a minute. Formerly an orphanage, it's now a home for 600 kids and adults with developmental and physical disabilities. There's a restaurant on site, the Greenhouse Inn, that looks kind of nice. Would like to check that out sometime.
Right next door is St Henry's Church, originally German, now the Blessed Aloysius Stepanic Croatian Catholic Mission. There was a service going on, so we couldn't do much more than pop our heads in.
And then we visited St Henry's cemetery, behind and attached to the church. It's just a small, old cemetery. Lots of original West Ridge inhabitants. And, if the legend is true, the original 'Cracker Jack' sailor boy.
Then we walked the entirety of Ridge Rd proper, from Pratt north to Howard. There are tons of old houses, some pretty grand. Many of which belonged to the original founders of the neighborhood. Ridge blvd is a literal ridge, a bit of high ground that is the ancient lakeshore.
We had a titch of 'hoods magic at Casa Bonita, a cool old apt building. The building manager noticed us snooping around their courtyard, and offered us a tour of the premises! So we got to go inside and see their game room, and woodshop, and children's room, and especially their rad indoor pool!
We drove to lunch at the Candlelight. It has great, thin crust pizza. And Jeremy's favorite fried cheese curds in the city. I got a corned beef pizza. Like a boss.
Onto Indian Boundary Park. Which has a little lagoon with turtles. Adorable. There just HAPPENED to be a sweet string quartet performing at the park house. 'Hoods magic, again. The park is ringed by more cool, old apt buildings. The park castle apts. The park gables apts. We did NOT get invited into those.
We walked around the bungalow district just south of Indian Boundary Park. Some rather nice homes!
Then time for a cool treat at the Western outpost of Lickity Split. We'd previously been to the original location, on the Edgewater 'Hoods.
We drove over to Deer Park, a pre-planned community of 10 homes, all different, all winners of a Chicago Tribune design prize in the 1940s. Now seems to be inhabited by an Orthodox Jewish community. Almost aggressively idyllic, with fathers and sons tossing balls, and groups of boys playing bball. I mean, a freaking lemonade stand.
A lot of West Ridge is Jewish. In fact, as we drove around we tried to spot the eruv that surrounds the neighborhood.
And then we ended by walking around the Peterson Woods neighborhood. Mostly homes from the 20s and 30s. Very tranquil. Very lovely. Bordered by the river on the west and a very nice park that runs its length.
West Ridge is REALLY residential. But some VERY nice residences. And parks.
Monday, August 6, 2018
'Hoods #45 Streeterville, April 17 2016 and June 8 2016
I organized Streeterville.
Bill and William, Sara and Jon, and Emily and Paul (with baby Hannah) participated. Though Emily and Paul left midway.
'Hoods Streeterville flickr album/pics
'Hoods Streeterville packet
We met up at Do Rite Donuts and Chicken. Bill and William accidentally got gluten free donuts, and didn't hate them. That's how good this place is. Chicken. Sandwich.
Do Rite is a great stop when visiting Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Which just happens to be in our network.
This neighborhood is pretty dense with some architecturally significant buildings. Many of which are very tall and have lots of metal and windows. So it's easy to get them confused. A standout is the Lakeshore building. It's a larger, older building facing lakeshore that looks like it's holding up its middle finger. It had some nice architectural detail.
We passed by the big old Northwestern Gate.
Sara taught us that we needed to go inside the Rehab institute of Chicago cause there was a secret tapestry there by Marc Chagall. Nice. I think the institute has moved since 2016.
We walked by the big hole where Women's Prentice Hospital used to stand. That was big loss of a beautiful brutalist building. Ah well.
More Northwestern University. We def snuck into the law building, following in a student using their key card. Very cool. Lots of wood. Old school lecture hall. Sexy.
We then walked up Inner Lakeshore, passing the Northwestern Lake Shore Center, and those apt buildings designed by Mies Van Der Rohe.
Then back interior on Walton, down Mies Van Der Rohe (drive? street?).
We saw the very exclusive Casino private social club. It's an unassuming black box of a building.
Time to rest. Drinks at the Hancock! Up to the 95th floor :)
We walked by the MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art). We didn't go in. Though I have before, often, and recommend it highly, depending on which show is there at the time. burger battle at the MCA 2016, murakami at the MCA 2017, MCA with mom 2018, MCA visit 2012, MCA and Le Petit Paris, a restaurant in Streeterville I highly recommend (Le Petit Paris is so old school. We were the youngest folks in there, by far. The owner is grumpy and knew ALL of the other patrons. We LOVED it.) David Bowie IS at the MCA 2014
Next to the MCA is the apt building where Mies Van Der Rohe lived. Which is decidedly not very Mies-y.
There's a firehouse that dates back to 1902.
We had brunch at Beatrix. Fine. After brunch we lost Jon and Sara. And William? Why was he gone by this point? Had he left for work?
We passed by the Arts Club of Chicago. Recently got to see an exhibit there on the Chicago Surrealist movement. They notably have a staircase that was designed by Mies Van Der Rohe. Once I have the pics uploaded, I'll add a link here.
Bill and I stopped for a cranberry vodka at the 2nd Story bar, a SUPER old school gay bar.
More old buildings. Polouze building and their former manufacturing plant.
We went inside the Embassy Suites hotel to look at their GIANT atrium.
NBC tower.
We walked the riverfront a bit.
Met up with husband for a drink at Lizzie McNiel's. On their riverfront patio.
Checked out the Centennial fountain, that occasionally shoots a stream of water over the river.
River East Plaza building.
Statue of Streeter.
Sayat Nova is a great Armenian restaurant in Streeterville
Bill, William and I did a 'Hoods supplement on June 8 2016. We wanted to check out all the rooftop bars that were closed on the Sunday of the actual 'hoods.
'Hoods Streeterville, rooftop bar edition flickr album/pics
We hit the Drumbar right when it opened. GREAT cocktails. Not much of a view, though. Can tell it gets super slammin later at night.
On to the Dec at the Ritz! It was...fine. Medium view. Kinda janky set up. Didn't feel super upscale.
We TRIED Green River, which was awkwardly in Northwestern Hospital. They decided it was too cold for the patio, and wouldn't let us out there. So we decided that they could shove it and left. I DID end up going back, once, in 2017. I met some ladies there for an after work drink. It was fine. Again, no patio, and thus no view. And then, soon after, it shut down. So...karma?
The Sky Terrace at the Ivy Hotel was hilariously bad. They didn't know how to make, well, any cocktails. Decorative pieces of the elevator fell off. While we were in it. They ushered us out about 45 min after we arrived cause they were closing. Before nightfall. It was almost so terrible it was endearing.
The last roof top of the night, 52Eighty, won for views and ambiance. Great vista with the Tip Top Tap sign. Felt like someone's backyard. But a lot of stories up. This is the one I'd go back to.
I DID end up at one more Streeterville rooftop, the Streeterville Social, later that summer.
Streeterville Social pics. It was cute. But not that high up. So mediocre views. But HUGE.
I kind of love Streeterville. It's like everyone in Chicago forgets that there's stuff East of Michigan Ave. So even on a crazy day downtown you can pop over and find quieter streets, restaurants with seats, and plenty of bars, some with views.
Bill and William, Sara and Jon, and Emily and Paul (with baby Hannah) participated. Though Emily and Paul left midway.
'Hoods Streeterville flickr album/pics
'Hoods Streeterville packet
We met up at Do Rite Donuts and Chicken. Bill and William accidentally got gluten free donuts, and didn't hate them. That's how good this place is. Chicken. Sandwich.
Do Rite is a great stop when visiting Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Which just happens to be in our network.
This neighborhood is pretty dense with some architecturally significant buildings. Many of which are very tall and have lots of metal and windows. So it's easy to get them confused. A standout is the Lakeshore building. It's a larger, older building facing lakeshore that looks like it's holding up its middle finger. It had some nice architectural detail.
We passed by the big old Northwestern Gate.
Sara taught us that we needed to go inside the Rehab institute of Chicago cause there was a secret tapestry there by Marc Chagall. Nice. I think the institute has moved since 2016.
We walked by the big hole where Women's Prentice Hospital used to stand. That was big loss of a beautiful brutalist building. Ah well.
More Northwestern University. We def snuck into the law building, following in a student using their key card. Very cool. Lots of wood. Old school lecture hall. Sexy.
We then walked up Inner Lakeshore, passing the Northwestern Lake Shore Center, and those apt buildings designed by Mies Van Der Rohe.
Then back interior on Walton, down Mies Van Der Rohe (drive? street?).
We saw the very exclusive Casino private social club. It's an unassuming black box of a building.
Time to rest. Drinks at the Hancock! Up to the 95th floor :)
We walked by the MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art). We didn't go in. Though I have before, often, and recommend it highly, depending on which show is there at the time. burger battle at the MCA 2016, murakami at the MCA 2017, MCA with mom 2018, MCA visit 2012, MCA and Le Petit Paris, a restaurant in Streeterville I highly recommend (Le Petit Paris is so old school. We were the youngest folks in there, by far. The owner is grumpy and knew ALL of the other patrons. We LOVED it.) David Bowie IS at the MCA 2014
Next to the MCA is the apt building where Mies Van Der Rohe lived. Which is decidedly not very Mies-y.
There's a firehouse that dates back to 1902.
We had brunch at Beatrix. Fine. After brunch we lost Jon and Sara. And William? Why was he gone by this point? Had he left for work?
We passed by the Arts Club of Chicago. Recently got to see an exhibit there on the Chicago Surrealist movement. They notably have a staircase that was designed by Mies Van Der Rohe. Once I have the pics uploaded, I'll add a link here.
Bill and I stopped for a cranberry vodka at the 2nd Story bar, a SUPER old school gay bar.
More old buildings. Polouze building and their former manufacturing plant.
We went inside the Embassy Suites hotel to look at their GIANT atrium.
NBC tower.
We walked the riverfront a bit.
Met up with husband for a drink at Lizzie McNiel's. On their riverfront patio.
Checked out the Centennial fountain, that occasionally shoots a stream of water over the river.
River East Plaza building.
Statue of Streeter.
Sayat Nova is a great Armenian restaurant in Streeterville
Bill, William and I did a 'Hoods supplement on June 8 2016. We wanted to check out all the rooftop bars that were closed on the Sunday of the actual 'hoods.
'Hoods Streeterville, rooftop bar edition flickr album/pics
We hit the Drumbar right when it opened. GREAT cocktails. Not much of a view, though. Can tell it gets super slammin later at night.
On to the Dec at the Ritz! It was...fine. Medium view. Kinda janky set up. Didn't feel super upscale.
We TRIED Green River, which was awkwardly in Northwestern Hospital. They decided it was too cold for the patio, and wouldn't let us out there. So we decided that they could shove it and left. I DID end up going back, once, in 2017. I met some ladies there for an after work drink. It was fine. Again, no patio, and thus no view. And then, soon after, it shut down. So...karma?
The Sky Terrace at the Ivy Hotel was hilariously bad. They didn't know how to make, well, any cocktails. Decorative pieces of the elevator fell off. While we were in it. They ushered us out about 45 min after we arrived cause they were closing. Before nightfall. It was almost so terrible it was endearing.
The last roof top of the night, 52Eighty, won for views and ambiance. Great vista with the Tip Top Tap sign. Felt like someone's backyard. But a lot of stories up. This is the one I'd go back to.
I DID end up at one more Streeterville rooftop, the Streeterville Social, later that summer.
Streeterville Social pics. It was cute. But not that high up. So mediocre views. But HUGE.
I kind of love Streeterville. It's like everyone in Chicago forgets that there's stuff East of Michigan Ave. So even on a crazy day downtown you can pop over and find quieter streets, restaurants with seats, and plenty of bars, some with views.
'Hoods #44: South Lawndale (Little Village), Feb 21 2016
Bill planned South Lawndale.
South Lawndale includes 2 neighborhoods called Little Village and Marshall Square.
Bill, William, Vicki, Sara and I participated.
'Hoods South Lawndale packet
'Hoods South Lawndale flickr album/pics
We met at La Central bakery. Mostly a grab and go bakery, so we ate our goodies on the street. I got some sort of delicious jalapeno and cheese bun treat.
We then walked around Cermak road a bit, soaking in the Little Village. We stopped by the exterior of the Marshall Square theater, now called Apollo's. Cool, old school looking theater.
Marshall Blvd, yet another of Chicago's grand boulevards. Don't think I'd been on this one, yet.
Caught a little service at Our Lady of Tepeyac Catholic Church on Cermac.
We then got in the car, moved, parked near, and walked around the Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy.
There was a monument to Jacques Marquette in a nearby park. Pretty bleak on a Feb day, but still.
Speaking of bleak, back in the car to drive around the Cook County Jail and the Criminal Courts Building. I remember it being visiting day and watching all the families headed in. Broke your heart.
Then we had an AMAZING meal at La Chaparrita. A delightful little taqueria. I'd def go back.
Then pooped around 26th, the heart of Little Village. Vicki bought some fresh churros from a guy on the street. Best I've ever had. Seriously. We checked out the El Milagro store. Will have to go back to the attached taqueria. Their location in Pilson is ON POINT. There's a great arch on 26th marking the Little Village neighborhood. This area was booming, vibrant, comfortable.
Back in the car to drive to the Shedd Park Fieldhouse. It's on the historic register. It had a really nice space upstairs with a stage. We walked the neighborhood around the Field house, as well. Lots of cool, old houses, including Anton Cermak's.
We drove over to Saint Agnes of Bohemia and managed to get inside. I seem to remember the priest there meeting with us, too? Talked about is history, a bit? Am I making this up, Bill?
Good god, it was time to snack. Los Mangos Neveria Y Fruiteria. I got yogurt and fruit. The place was weirdly jammin for a winter afternoon. That fruit was good, though.
We finished the day with one final walk on 26th, further west than we'd been before. We caught a million murals, the Atlantic Theater Building, Manuel Perez Memorial Plaza, a short shopping stint in a Village Discount (William got some sweaters), etc.
I'd love to go back during the summer. The neighborhood, esp 26th, was so colorful. I'll bet a summer afternoon at a taqueria then a walkaround would be a delight.
South Lawndale includes 2 neighborhoods called Little Village and Marshall Square.
Bill, William, Vicki, Sara and I participated.
'Hoods South Lawndale packet
'Hoods South Lawndale flickr album/pics
We met at La Central bakery. Mostly a grab and go bakery, so we ate our goodies on the street. I got some sort of delicious jalapeno and cheese bun treat.
We then walked around Cermak road a bit, soaking in the Little Village. We stopped by the exterior of the Marshall Square theater, now called Apollo's. Cool, old school looking theater.
Marshall Blvd, yet another of Chicago's grand boulevards. Don't think I'd been on this one, yet.
Caught a little service at Our Lady of Tepeyac Catholic Church on Cermac.
We then got in the car, moved, parked near, and walked around the Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy.
There was a monument to Jacques Marquette in a nearby park. Pretty bleak on a Feb day, but still.
Speaking of bleak, back in the car to drive around the Cook County Jail and the Criminal Courts Building. I remember it being visiting day and watching all the families headed in. Broke your heart.
Then we had an AMAZING meal at La Chaparrita. A delightful little taqueria. I'd def go back.
Then pooped around 26th, the heart of Little Village. Vicki bought some fresh churros from a guy on the street. Best I've ever had. Seriously. We checked out the El Milagro store. Will have to go back to the attached taqueria. Their location in Pilson is ON POINT. There's a great arch on 26th marking the Little Village neighborhood. This area was booming, vibrant, comfortable.
Back in the car to drive to the Shedd Park Fieldhouse. It's on the historic register. It had a really nice space upstairs with a stage. We walked the neighborhood around the Field house, as well. Lots of cool, old houses, including Anton Cermak's.
We drove over to Saint Agnes of Bohemia and managed to get inside. I seem to remember the priest there meeting with us, too? Talked about is history, a bit? Am I making this up, Bill?
Good god, it was time to snack. Los Mangos Neveria Y Fruiteria. I got yogurt and fruit. The place was weirdly jammin for a winter afternoon. That fruit was good, though.
We finished the day with one final walk on 26th, further west than we'd been before. We caught a million murals, the Atlantic Theater Building, Manuel Perez Memorial Plaza, a short shopping stint in a Village Discount (William got some sweaters), etc.
I'd love to go back during the summer. The neighborhood, esp 26th, was so colorful. I'll bet a summer afternoon at a taqueria then a walkaround would be a delight.
Saturday, August 4, 2018
'Hoods #43: Belmont-Cragin, Jan 16 2016
I organized this one.
Emily and Paul had recently moved to Belmont-Cragin, so we decided to learn about their new 'hood!
It was also our 6 year anniversary of 'hoods-ing.
Bill and William and I were the participants, with a visit to Emily H and her new baby Hannah :)
Belmont-Cragin 'Hoods flickr album/pics
'Hoods Belmont-Cragin packet
This hoods was balls cold. Crazy cold. So so cold.
We started by grabbing some Somethin Sweet Donuts. We got some to go for Emily, as well. Nice, locally owned. In competition with the Dunkin across the street.
We walked/drove through the Wrightwood Bungalow historic district. Lots of, well, bungalows.
Next we found a farmhouse built in 1858 sitting rather neglected at the back of some sort of industrial yard.
There was a fairly unassuming Belmont-Cragin mural. Pretty unimpressive. But, better than a kick in the pants.
Then came Emily H's house, and baby Hannah :)
Riis park had a park house that had, well, seen better days.
Gotta stop at Unique at the Brickyard mall for some thrifting delights.
We drove by Steinmetz high school, which mostly got me excited because of the documentary Louder Than a Bomb. Seen it? It's about a slam poetry competition in Chicago, and the Steinmetz team is featured. Go watch it. Right now.
We busted in on some sort of service at Saint Ferdinand Catholic Church.
It was now so cold that we mostly just kind of drove through our second bungalow district, Falconer Historic district.
But, man, we ended on a high note. Sol de Mexico. THAT was some EXCELLENT, finely crafted, Mexican food. Bill literally licked his plate. Michelan recommended. So good.
In the end, not super impressed with Belmont-Cragin. We may have been unduly influenced by the brutal weather. But other than bungalows, not much to do or see here. Except eat at that Sol de Mexico. I'd go back just to revisit that meal. Note, even Emily and Paul have since moved away. To the Pacific Northwest, sure. But Belmont-Cragin couldn't hold them. They DID sell their house super fast, and for above asking. So SOMEONE out there loves Belmont-Cragin.
Emily and Paul had recently moved to Belmont-Cragin, so we decided to learn about their new 'hood!
It was also our 6 year anniversary of 'hoods-ing.
Bill and William and I were the participants, with a visit to Emily H and her new baby Hannah :)
Belmont-Cragin 'Hoods flickr album/pics
'Hoods Belmont-Cragin packet
This hoods was balls cold. Crazy cold. So so cold.
We started by grabbing some Somethin Sweet Donuts. We got some to go for Emily, as well. Nice, locally owned. In competition with the Dunkin across the street.
We walked/drove through the Wrightwood Bungalow historic district. Lots of, well, bungalows.
Next we found a farmhouse built in 1858 sitting rather neglected at the back of some sort of industrial yard.
There was a fairly unassuming Belmont-Cragin mural. Pretty unimpressive. But, better than a kick in the pants.
Then came Emily H's house, and baby Hannah :)
Riis park had a park house that had, well, seen better days.
Gotta stop at Unique at the Brickyard mall for some thrifting delights.
We drove by Steinmetz high school, which mostly got me excited because of the documentary Louder Than a Bomb. Seen it? It's about a slam poetry competition in Chicago, and the Steinmetz team is featured. Go watch it. Right now.
We busted in on some sort of service at Saint Ferdinand Catholic Church.
It was now so cold that we mostly just kind of drove through our second bungalow district, Falconer Historic district.
But, man, we ended on a high note. Sol de Mexico. THAT was some EXCELLENT, finely crafted, Mexican food. Bill literally licked his plate. Michelan recommended. So good.
In the end, not super impressed with Belmont-Cragin. We may have been unduly influenced by the brutal weather. But other than bungalows, not much to do or see here. Except eat at that Sol de Mexico. I'd go back just to revisit that meal. Note, even Emily and Paul have since moved away. To the Pacific Northwest, sure. But Belmont-Cragin couldn't hold them. They DID sell their house super fast, and for above asking. So SOMEONE out there loves Belmont-Cragin.
'Hoods #42: Mount Greenwood, July 21 2015
I'm counting this one, even though it was just my Mom and I.
I planned it.
Mount Greenwood 'Hoods flickr album/pics
'Hoods Mount Greenwood packet
We started with lunch at Marie's cafe. Cute.
We then visited the Chicago High School of Agricultural Science. They have a farm stand, which wasn't open, filled with goods grown at the high school. We did manage to pet some school horses, though :)
We visited the Mount Greenwood cemetery. It's a nice spot. We saw some deer. A bronze elk statue. Its shady, and a little hilly. Lovely.
Saint Christina's was open. Mom, do I remember this right? Was one of dad's relatives the priest there at some point? Did we talk about that? Kind of a boring, modern church, really.
We walked around a residential portion of the hood a bit. Checked out some bungalows. You know.
We checked out Saint Xavier College. Not much to see there. But mom got to pee.
On our way home we stopped at the old Carnival McDonalds. One of my earliest memories is of a light up juggler on the wall of that McDonalds. I must have been about 3. I think it's technically in Marquette Park. But we were stomping around old ground for mom, so we stopped :)
Honestly, Mount Greenwood was fine. Working class. Residential. VERY south side Chicago. Not a lot of reason to travel down there. But can see how it would be a comfortable place to live.
I planned it.
Mount Greenwood 'Hoods flickr album/pics
'Hoods Mount Greenwood packet
We started with lunch at Marie's cafe. Cute.
We then visited the Chicago High School of Agricultural Science. They have a farm stand, which wasn't open, filled with goods grown at the high school. We did manage to pet some school horses, though :)
We visited the Mount Greenwood cemetery. It's a nice spot. We saw some deer. A bronze elk statue. Its shady, and a little hilly. Lovely.
Saint Christina's was open. Mom, do I remember this right? Was one of dad's relatives the priest there at some point? Did we talk about that? Kind of a boring, modern church, really.
We walked around a residential portion of the hood a bit. Checked out some bungalows. You know.
We checked out Saint Xavier College. Not much to see there. But mom got to pee.
On our way home we stopped at the old Carnival McDonalds. One of my earliest memories is of a light up juggler on the wall of that McDonalds. I must have been about 3. I think it's technically in Marquette Park. But we were stomping around old ground for mom, so we stopped :)
Honestly, Mount Greenwood was fine. Working class. Residential. VERY south side Chicago. Not a lot of reason to travel down there. But can see how it would be a comfortable place to live.
'Hoods #41: Southport Corridor, July 18 2015
Kate organized!
This one got abbreviated because of torrential rain. Even though there was 0% chance of rain. So, know that.
Tom and baby Evan joined us for breakfast only.
Kate, Ed, Jeremy and I, Bill, Julie, and Emily H rocked its entirety.
Southport Corridor 'Hoods flickr album/pics
'Hoods Southport Corridor packet
We started with breakfast at the Harmony Grill at Schuba's. As of 2018, Harmony grill is gone. Demolished. A new restaurant rose in its place. Schuba's still stands. Claire performs at Schuba's for brunch
St. Alphonsus church is beautiful! A sweeping sky blue interior.
Then our friend Al hooked us up with a tour of the Athenaeum theatre. I've seen tons of shows in its smaller, upstairs theatres: Matawan, Falsettos, Into the Woods, etc. Al let me work a Damien Rice show as an usher in its gorgeous downstairs larger space. But Damien had a cold and shut the show down early. It was all very dramatic. There's a little bar area where you can grab a drink before a show. Al let us up on the roof, which was amazing! Nice views!
Time to stroll back north on Southport. Ed and Bill and I popped into some sort of estate sale. Bought a book.
Stopped in Southport lanes (another Schlitz establishment, like Schuba's) for a drink. We didn't bowl. But we COULD have.
We started back north on Southport, but this is when we got derailed by the rain.
So we missed the Music Box Theater. Fortunately, I'd been there a million times before. We go to a Christmas double feature (It's a Wonderful Life and White Christmas) every December. xmas movies at the Music Box
We also saw Withnail and I there with Richard E Grant in attendance. That day we visited 3 other establishments on Southport: Toon's patio for a drink, an Argentinian empenada place, and an Argentinian gelato place to close out the night. Withnail and I at the Music Box
My friends also put on a show called Redacted in the front lounge area. They recreate movies. I'll insert pics here once I have em uploaded to flickr. They just did The Little Mermaid there this July (2018).
I also highly recommend Tango Sur on Southport. Argentinian steak place. BYOB. Dark and intimate and reasonably priced. Excellent steaks.
There's also the Mercury Theater. I saw Shana do a show there a million years ago, in their main theater. They recently just opened a cabaret space, Venus Cabaret, and Kris took me to see Company there. They have a bar and they serve little snacks before/during the show that are appropriate to the show's content.
Someday I'll get to the Dairy Queen on Southport. Weirdly never been.
It's a really cute stretch of road with a lot of drinking/eating/theater options that's quickly gentrifying. Hopefully all of the Argentinian and the neighborhood bars can hold on.
This one got abbreviated because of torrential rain. Even though there was 0% chance of rain. So, know that.
Tom and baby Evan joined us for breakfast only.
Kate, Ed, Jeremy and I, Bill, Julie, and Emily H rocked its entirety.
Southport Corridor 'Hoods flickr album/pics
'Hoods Southport Corridor packet
We started with breakfast at the Harmony Grill at Schuba's. As of 2018, Harmony grill is gone. Demolished. A new restaurant rose in its place. Schuba's still stands. Claire performs at Schuba's for brunch
St. Alphonsus church is beautiful! A sweeping sky blue interior.
Then our friend Al hooked us up with a tour of the Athenaeum theatre. I've seen tons of shows in its smaller, upstairs theatres: Matawan, Falsettos, Into the Woods, etc. Al let me work a Damien Rice show as an usher in its gorgeous downstairs larger space. But Damien had a cold and shut the show down early. It was all very dramatic. There's a little bar area where you can grab a drink before a show. Al let us up on the roof, which was amazing! Nice views!
Time to stroll back north on Southport. Ed and Bill and I popped into some sort of estate sale. Bought a book.
Stopped in Southport lanes (another Schlitz establishment, like Schuba's) for a drink. We didn't bowl. But we COULD have.
We started back north on Southport, but this is when we got derailed by the rain.
So we missed the Music Box Theater. Fortunately, I'd been there a million times before. We go to a Christmas double feature (It's a Wonderful Life and White Christmas) every December. xmas movies at the Music Box
We also saw Withnail and I there with Richard E Grant in attendance. That day we visited 3 other establishments on Southport: Toon's patio for a drink, an Argentinian empenada place, and an Argentinian gelato place to close out the night. Withnail and I at the Music Box
My friends also put on a show called Redacted in the front lounge area. They recreate movies. I'll insert pics here once I have em uploaded to flickr. They just did The Little Mermaid there this July (2018).
I also highly recommend Tango Sur on Southport. Argentinian steak place. BYOB. Dark and intimate and reasonably priced. Excellent steaks.
There's also the Mercury Theater. I saw Shana do a show there a million years ago, in their main theater. They recently just opened a cabaret space, Venus Cabaret, and Kris took me to see Company there. They have a bar and they serve little snacks before/during the show that are appropriate to the show's content.
Someday I'll get to the Dairy Queen on Southport. Weirdly never been.
It's a really cute stretch of road with a lot of drinking/eating/theater options that's quickly gentrifying. Hopefully all of the Argentinian and the neighborhood bars can hold on.
'Hoods #40: Taylor Street/Little Italy/University Village, Feb 15 2015
I organized this one.
Emily H, Bill, and Jeremy joined us.
As well as special guests Kelly, Jeff, and their sons Nico and Joey! (from out of town, Indy) Our first kids. And they were super troopers, even though it was cold and snowy. Great job!
Taylor Street/Little Italy/University Village flickr album/pics
Taylor Street/Little Italy/University Village 'Hoods packet
We started at Sweet Maple Cafe on Taylor, one of my favorite breakfasts in the whole frickin city. Fried chicken livers for days.
We walked down Taylor street a bit, and looked at the exterior of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, even though we KNEW it was closed. It's still on my list of places that I need to go back to, to check out.
There's a little piazza across the street dedicated to Dimaggio.
We stopped in a great little Italian bakery/shop called Conte Di Savoia and grabbed some goodies to go. Cookies.
We walked through a super snowy Arrigo park to check out the statue of Columbus that once stood at the 1893 World's Columbian Expo. Nice.
Time for a church. Notre Dame de Chicago. Really nice stained glass. Really nice painted dome.
Some super sweet old houses from the late 1800s.
Whoops, another church! The Shrine of our Lady of Pompeii. Nice doors. Peeked into interior, but service going on. So we keep moving.
We then drive over to the Jane Addams Hull House museum. Very cool museum about her and her mission in Chicago. Would recommend.
We then tromped around the frozen tundra of the University of Illinois at Chicago. UIC was built all in one fell swoop in the 60s, designed by Netsch. It's real groovy. Lots of concrete and an elevated pedway system (that's falling apart).
It'd been a minute since we'd been to a church. So onto Holy Family. It survived the Chicago fire. It was very grand. And, if memory serves, super closed. But someone just happened to be leaving some sort of meeting there as we approached, and we slipped in a side door. Like we do.
And then St. Ignatius College Prep. It's a very good, very expensive, and very snooty Catholic High School. With lovely courtyards. We managed to get inside THERE cause they were prepping for some sort of activity that we were crashing. They were very nice about it. We did NOT make it upstairs, though, to see their sexy library or their "natural history museum." Ah well.
We ended with some classic Italian American fare at Tufano's Vernon Park Tap. Super old school red sauce joint. Amazing.
All in all, a good day. If cold and snowy. Lots of great food in this neighborhood. SO MANY CHURCHES. Nice parks in the summer, I'm sure.
Emily H, Bill, and Jeremy joined us.
As well as special guests Kelly, Jeff, and their sons Nico and Joey! (from out of town, Indy) Our first kids. And they were super troopers, even though it was cold and snowy. Great job!
Taylor Street/Little Italy/University Village flickr album/pics
Taylor Street/Little Italy/University Village 'Hoods packet
We started at Sweet Maple Cafe on Taylor, one of my favorite breakfasts in the whole frickin city. Fried chicken livers for days.
We walked down Taylor street a bit, and looked at the exterior of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, even though we KNEW it was closed. It's still on my list of places that I need to go back to, to check out.
There's a little piazza across the street dedicated to Dimaggio.
We stopped in a great little Italian bakery/shop called Conte Di Savoia and grabbed some goodies to go. Cookies.
We walked through a super snowy Arrigo park to check out the statue of Columbus that once stood at the 1893 World's Columbian Expo. Nice.
Time for a church. Notre Dame de Chicago. Really nice stained glass. Really nice painted dome.
Some super sweet old houses from the late 1800s.
Whoops, another church! The Shrine of our Lady of Pompeii. Nice doors. Peeked into interior, but service going on. So we keep moving.
We then drive over to the Jane Addams Hull House museum. Very cool museum about her and her mission in Chicago. Would recommend.
We then tromped around the frozen tundra of the University of Illinois at Chicago. UIC was built all in one fell swoop in the 60s, designed by Netsch. It's real groovy. Lots of concrete and an elevated pedway system (that's falling apart).
It'd been a minute since we'd been to a church. So onto Holy Family. It survived the Chicago fire. It was very grand. And, if memory serves, super closed. But someone just happened to be leaving some sort of meeting there as we approached, and we slipped in a side door. Like we do.
And then St. Ignatius College Prep. It's a very good, very expensive, and very snooty Catholic High School. With lovely courtyards. We managed to get inside THERE cause they were prepping for some sort of activity that we were crashing. They were very nice about it. We did NOT make it upstairs, though, to see their sexy library or their "natural history museum." Ah well.
We ended with some classic Italian American fare at Tufano's Vernon Park Tap. Super old school red sauce joint. Amazing.
All in all, a good day. If cold and snowy. Lots of great food in this neighborhood. SO MANY CHURCHES. Nice parks in the summer, I'm sure.
'Hoods #39: Illinois Medical District, Jan 11 2015
It's the 5th anniversary 'Hoods!
Organized by Bill.
William, Kathy, and I joined him :)
Illinois Medical District 'Hoods flickr album/pics
'Hoods Illinois Medical District packet
We started at Rush University Medical Center, the building that's all curved, and its sides are like tall clover leaves? Does that make any sense? It's called the tower.
It has tall glass atrium tubes in the lobby, which are cool.
Then we walked around campus and looked at some medical buildings built in the late 1800s and early 1900s: Senn Memorial building, Rawson lab.
The Cook County Hospital has sat empty for a WHILE. But now, in 2018, it looks like there are plans to rehab it and bring it back, in part as a hotel. Excellent. Cause it's a cool, old building.
There's a big sculpture/monument to Louis Pasteur in the Cook County Hospital lawn. Some sort of sad memorial to nurses. And a rock with a plaque.
Another old building, the Pavilion building.
And now back into the Rush University Medical Center. It has pretty rad art, including 2 Keith Haring murals from the 80s.
Back on the street to walk through the Tri-Taylor historic district, a bunch of cool old queen anne and row houses.
'Hoods down on the Original Ferrera, an old Italian bakery. Closed. Rude.
So we went across the street for a Chicago dog at Lulu's, instead.
There's a Vietnam Survivors memorial tucked in amongst the old homes in the Tri-Taylor district. Interesting.
Back on a main road, we walked by the Chicago FBI offices, the Chicago Lighthouse (works with the blind) and a variety of other big, industrial and/or office looking buildings.
And then on to the University of Illinois at Chicago, and its medical campus. Its older buildings had some pretty interesting architecture: art deco, gothic. We MIGHT have slipped into a few buildings that we weren't allowed in. There were some VERY cook courtyards with some pretty great sculpture.
We drove by First Immanuel Lutheran Church on our way out, but it was closed and we were cold and tired...so just a drive by.
All in all some cool discoveries were made. Some great art was seen. LOVED the historic house district. Thanks, Bill!
Organized by Bill.
William, Kathy, and I joined him :)
Illinois Medical District 'Hoods flickr album/pics
'Hoods Illinois Medical District packet
We started at Rush University Medical Center, the building that's all curved, and its sides are like tall clover leaves? Does that make any sense? It's called the tower.
It has tall glass atrium tubes in the lobby, which are cool.
Then we walked around campus and looked at some medical buildings built in the late 1800s and early 1900s: Senn Memorial building, Rawson lab.
The Cook County Hospital has sat empty for a WHILE. But now, in 2018, it looks like there are plans to rehab it and bring it back, in part as a hotel. Excellent. Cause it's a cool, old building.
There's a big sculpture/monument to Louis Pasteur in the Cook County Hospital lawn. Some sort of sad memorial to nurses. And a rock with a plaque.
Another old building, the Pavilion building.
And now back into the Rush University Medical Center. It has pretty rad art, including 2 Keith Haring murals from the 80s.
Back on the street to walk through the Tri-Taylor historic district, a bunch of cool old queen anne and row houses.
'Hoods down on the Original Ferrera, an old Italian bakery. Closed. Rude.
So we went across the street for a Chicago dog at Lulu's, instead.
There's a Vietnam Survivors memorial tucked in amongst the old homes in the Tri-Taylor district. Interesting.
Back on a main road, we walked by the Chicago FBI offices, the Chicago Lighthouse (works with the blind) and a variety of other big, industrial and/or office looking buildings.
And then on to the University of Illinois at Chicago, and its medical campus. Its older buildings had some pretty interesting architecture: art deco, gothic. We MIGHT have slipped into a few buildings that we weren't allowed in. There were some VERY cook courtyards with some pretty great sculpture.
We drove by First Immanuel Lutheran Church on our way out, but it was closed and we were cold and tired...so just a drive by.
All in all some cool discoveries were made. Some great art was seen. LOVED the historic house district. Thanks, Bill!
Friday, August 3, 2018
'Hoods #38: Bucktown, Aug 16 2014
Kate planned Bucktown.
Emily H, Bill and I joined her.
'Hoods Bucktown packet
Breakfast at Gallery Cafe.
Walked west on North Ave, past all the restaurants (Piece, Lillie's Q) and the Real World Chicago house, now a gym.
The Bucktown Walgreens is in an old bank. The vault now houses vitamins. Pretty rad.
LOTS of cool old houses north of North, East of Milwaukee.
Stopped at Lottie's (since 1934) for a drink on their patio. VERY neighborhood.
St. Mary of the Angels was beautiful. Another wedding crashed! Angels ring the exterior of the dome.
I remember that it was the Air and Water show weekend and jets were zooming above us.
St. Hedwig church was very cool.
Lots of cute, neighborhoody stuff like lemonade stands, quirky signs, some sort of toy scene set up on a street corner, etc.
And time for yet another drink. This time at a place called, literally, the Corner Bar. Comfy and friendly dive.
Holstein Park had a sweet community pool.
We walked up Milwaukee, past a bunch of places no longer in Bucktown (Quenchers, Honey 1 BBQ) to dinner at Estrella Negra, a great Mexican joint owned by Emily's friend. Nice.
Final thoughts:
Glad that so many dive bars still seemed to exist in a gentrified neighborhood like Bucktown. As I write this in 2018, I wonder how many are left? The actual residential parts were really pretty. I think I prefer Bucktown to its neighbor, Wicker Park. Lots of bars and restaurants there still to discover.
'Hoods #37: Edgewater, June 29 2014
Bill prepped this one.
Bill and I started with brunch with William.
Then Bill and I continued on, solo.
Kate met up with us halfway.
And then Jeremy, Ed, and William met us all for dinner :)
'Hoods Edgewater packet
Brunch at Pauline's. Cute patio. Guy with parrots.
We walked around the Lakewood Balmoral historic district and peeped all the pretty houses. So many pop-its. Loved that everyone put plaques on their houses.
St. Ita's church was lovely. And the choir director definitely found us and was possibly flirting with Bill :)
Unity Lutheran church was welcoming, if kind-of utilitarian.
Epworth M.E. Church has amazing stone walls. Like, river rock. Couldn't get IN it, though. Should try to hit a service one day, just to eyeball the inside.
We walked the exterior of Senn High School. We couldn't get in. Summertime. But I'd seen Bill's choir perform in their auditorium before. Windy City Xmas show at Senn pics
We visited the young Lincoln statue at Senn Park.
The owner of the Walter Burley Griffen home came out to talk to us about his place, and Mr. Griffen. Happens to us more than you'd think.
Then the former Motor Row on Broadway.
Met up with Kate at Lickity Split. Best. Custard.
The Episcopal Church of the Atonement gets the exterior treatment. Only Catholic churches are ever open to us.
Then the mansions on Sheridan. We actually went inside the Colvin House, the Conway House (Driehaus center) and the 2 houses in Bergen Park during Open House Chicago a few years after this. Open House Chicago 2016 pics
We stopped for drinks at the Waterfront Cafe at Bergen Park. It's one of Edgewater's greatest secrets and my favorite summertime spot. Avocado tuna salad and the watermelon agua fresca. I'm not kidding.
We got inside the lobby of the Edgewater Beach apts. The big pink building related to the (now destroyed) Edgewater beach hotel.
We then shot down Bryn Mawr visiting the Edgewater Presbyterian church. Site of Julie's first play in town. A midnight show in which she dressed like a chicken.
Red Twist theater is on Bryn Mawr. Pretty good storefront theater. Saw Frost/Nixon there in 2018.
Lots of cool, interesting, old buildings along that Bryn Mawr corridor, west of Sheridan.
And to conclude we met up with our husbands at Moody's for our favorite neighborhood patio. Burgers. It's not summertime til we sit on Moody's patio.
Across the street from Moody's is the Broadway Armory, now a Park District building that houses gyms and a high wire school, a community kitchen, and Jackelope theater, where husband and I saw Exit Strategy.
As I write this in 2018, Edgewater is a movin and a shakin. Lots of new restaurants (Pearl's, Cookies and Carnitas) and bars (Income Tax) have come in. The older, richer gay population of Chicago has found a happy home there. It still has pockets of poverty and violence, but in general it's a neighborhood on the rise.
Oh, and one last thing. Try to visit Greek Fest, every July at the Greek Orthodox church, Sheridan and Hollywood. It's a hoot! Greek Fest 2011
'Hoods #36: River West, May 17 2014
I prepped this one!
Bill is the only one who stayed through til the end (dinner).
Julie, Kate, and Kate's friend Andy (and his lady friend?) came for portions of the rest of the day.
'Hoods River West packet
We started at Big Shoulders Coffee. Cute.
Someday I'll stop at that Silver Palm restaurant, in a train car. I want...
Intuit: the Center for Outsider art was a standout. Remember the exhibit on found family slides? Now I'm addicted to looking for slides of strangers at estate sales. The beginning of my sickness. Also, the Henry Darger room was very cool, especially after learning about him and seeing his apt on the Lincoln Park 'Hoods back in 2010.
St. John Cantius Roman Catholic church was pretty. But hilarious. We busted in on a christening. Or baptism. And the family ran us out after informing us that the church was open for their ceremony, and they were now done and had to shut up shop. Whoops!
lots of murals.
lots of industrial buildings, being converted to condos.
Delux Bar and Grill for lunch was, meh. Convenient. Bar food.
Then we went to that huge Salvation Army. Kate bought a big, framed picture that she then carried around the rest of the day :)
We stopped for a drink at Richard's Bar, which we discovered was a smoke-easy. What!?
At this point Bill and I are left to walk back to Goose Island where we had an AMAZING dinner at Kendall College. Those students can cook! We had a super fancy dinner for NOT super fancy prices. Everyone should do it. In fact, I should go back and do it again.
Moral of story: lots of condos, lots of restaurants and bars (many of which are still on my list).
'Hoods #35: Polish Village, March 16 2014
Bill prepared this 'Hoods packet.
This was a Bill/Kelly date 'Hoods.
Polish Village 'Hoods packet
We started at La Farine bakery.
We completed our basilica triad. We'd already been to the basilicas in Garfield Park and Forest Glen, and this day we went to Chicago's third and final basilica, St. Hyacinth. Pretty. Garfield Park's is still my fave, though.
There was a lot of pooping around Milwaukee Ave, which is a main vein of the neighborhood.
We drove by a number of manufacturing buildings, or buildings formerly used for manufacturing, now being turned into condos. (Olson rug, formerly with a super sweet park, ILG, Marshall Fields, Florsheim shoes, etc.)
There was a mural on Belmont that dates back to 1975. Polish.
Kurowski's polish sausage shop was a dream. And intense. And I wasn't supposed to take pics in there, per a sign I saw on my way OUT of the store. Whoops. Sorry, Kurowski's.
Hoods down on the Polish store, which was inexplicably closed. Maybe closed DOWN.
Remember that house that we accidentally found with the yard filled with, well, outsider art?
We could not get INSIDE St. Wenceslaus church, so we wandered around the outside.
Then we hogged out at the Red Apple buffet. Endless Polish food to conclude Polish Village.
Moral of story: Polish.
'Hoods #34: Noble Square, Feb 23 2014
I planned this one!
Kelly and Jeff were in town from Indy, and they joined us for the morning portion.
Kate and Ed mostly met us for breakfast, then kicked it.
Bill, as always, was my rock.
Noble Square Packet
supplementary Noble Square Packet, with our map and some attached articles about Noble Square
link to Noble Square flickr album/photos
Kelly, Jeff and I started just outside of Noble square at the Hoosier Mama pie company. They're from Indiana. They wanted to try. I actually ran into a former student, Becky, who was working there. She gave us free pie. It was a miracle. I had some sort of sugar cream situation. Lovely.
We then met the rest of the group at the Ugly Mug to kick off the official Hoods.
We had a 'Hoods fail trying to find the 'Settlement House.' Which wasn't there anymore. Happens.
St. Boniface was under some sort of construction. So we lurked around it and tried to peek in, to no avail.
Eckhart Park has a pool. Cool.
The Polish Museum was a delight, as always.
We stopped in at the Butcher and Larder, beloved local butcher.
We saw a building that we looked up and discovered was in some Jimmy Stuart movie back in the day.
Then Bill and I went to part of a service at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church. There was a children's choir singing in Polish that made us cry. The Priest found us afterwards to welcome us (obviously not regs) and invite us to donuts downstairs (we demurred). We DID go downstairs to see the fake catacombs, which were amazing, and I recommend. So bizarre.
We couldn't go in the Chopin theater. Though, I've seen shows there before. I believe Kris's pirate play was in their basement 100 years ago.
And then lunch at Podhalanka! The owner gave us menus. But then tossed them aside and declared he would just bring us food. And we'd like it. And we did. And there was so much. And it was great. Heavy. But great. And not overly expensive. Bill and I feasted on all the Polish food. All of it.
Now for another church. St. Stanislaus. Not the emotional journey of Holy Trinity. But pretty.
A visit to Pulaski Park.
And we conclude with a drink at the Chipp Inn, a neighborhood bar since the beginning of time.
On my way out I stopped at the Poop Fountain on Wolcott for a quick pic, then out.
All in all, a very comfortable neighborhood with a real Polish flavor.
Kelly and Jeff were in town from Indy, and they joined us for the morning portion.
Kate and Ed mostly met us for breakfast, then kicked it.
Bill, as always, was my rock.
Noble Square Packet
supplementary Noble Square Packet, with our map and some attached articles about Noble Square
link to Noble Square flickr album/photos
Kelly, Jeff and I started just outside of Noble square at the Hoosier Mama pie company. They're from Indiana. They wanted to try. I actually ran into a former student, Becky, who was working there. She gave us free pie. It was a miracle. I had some sort of sugar cream situation. Lovely.
We then met the rest of the group at the Ugly Mug to kick off the official Hoods.
We had a 'Hoods fail trying to find the 'Settlement House.' Which wasn't there anymore. Happens.
St. Boniface was under some sort of construction. So we lurked around it and tried to peek in, to no avail.
Eckhart Park has a pool. Cool.
The Polish Museum was a delight, as always.
We stopped in at the Butcher and Larder, beloved local butcher.
We saw a building that we looked up and discovered was in some Jimmy Stuart movie back in the day.
Then Bill and I went to part of a service at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church. There was a children's choir singing in Polish that made us cry. The Priest found us afterwards to welcome us (obviously not regs) and invite us to donuts downstairs (we demurred). We DID go downstairs to see the fake catacombs, which were amazing, and I recommend. So bizarre.
We couldn't go in the Chopin theater. Though, I've seen shows there before. I believe Kris's pirate play was in their basement 100 years ago.
And then lunch at Podhalanka! The owner gave us menus. But then tossed them aside and declared he would just bring us food. And we'd like it. And we did. And there was so much. And it was great. Heavy. But great. And not overly expensive. Bill and I feasted on all the Polish food. All of it.
Now for another church. St. Stanislaus. Not the emotional journey of Holy Trinity. But pretty.
A visit to Pulaski Park.
And we conclude with a drink at the Chipp Inn, a neighborhood bar since the beginning of time.
On my way out I stopped at the Poop Fountain on Wolcott for a quick pic, then out.
All in all, a very comfortable neighborhood with a real Polish flavor.
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