The Chicago Traveler

If you like inspiration and creativity all mixed together with a bit of Italian, you should try the improvisational cooking of Chef Gaetano Di Benedetto at La Piazza. Born and trained in Sicily, Di Benedetto has put together an extensive menu of authentic regional Italian fare. You won’t find any alfredos, spaghettis, or chicken vesuvios here. If you want a dish that will remind you of your Italian grandmother (or even the Italian grandmother you never had) or if you want something a little more adventurous, you’ll find it in this bi-level dining mecca.
Murals and iron railings help customers feel …read more

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Living on the north side of Chicago, I can tell you that there are more than enough places to buy Chicago Cubs souvenirs and memorabilia. But where do you go if you’re a Chicago White Sox fan?

Three blocks away from the White Sox’ home, U.S. Cellular Field, is Grandstand. Established in 1989, this family-owned business is the place to go for every White Sox product imaginable. The hats on display go from floor to ceiling. Current and former professional athletes come to check out the impressive selection of field gear, collectibles, autographs, sports apparel, souvenirs, memorabilia, and vintage reproduction jerseys …read more

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Once again, your expertise and observation skills have been called upon. You arrive at the scene: a cozy, peaceful neighborhood in the suburbs. But the serenity of this street has been compromised by the flashing lights of several emergency vehicles. They’ve been called to this horrible sight: a car has ran right through a house’s living room window. The driver is slumped over with his seatbelt on, his car door closed. Looking around the mess of a room, you find drops of blood and a questionable stain. Further investigation reveals shoeprints and handprints' of blood? Pizza sauce? Is this the …read more

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Looking for a new and different way to tour Chicago? Get a new perspective and even some exercise by seeing the city from a bicycle.

Bobby’s Bike Hike offers bicycle tours of Chicago, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. There are three different 7-mile tours available with a three-hour running (or should I say “biking”) time, and prices range from $25-$35. (Kids under 12 ride for $15-$20.) This price includes the bike and helmet rental, just in case you couldn’t fit yours in your suitcase. Locals, of course, are welcome to bring their own.
The two-wheeled tours will take you to …read more

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Most people only head to Bridgeport on the south side of Chicago to go to White Sox games at U.S. Cellular Field. That’s quite unfortunate because they’re missing out on the historic working-class neighborhood which has been home to Lithuanian, Italian, Mexican, and Irish immigrants.
One hidden gem is Gio’s Caf' & Deli, which has only been in the neighborhood for a few years but already feels like it’s been around forever. It’s a restaurant, deli, and Italian grocery store all rolled into one. Consequently, there aren’t too many tables to sit down at, but because it’s out of the way …read more

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When I was a kid, I had hundreds of Hot Wheels cars, which I loved to race around on those bright orange tracks that most of us remember from years past. It’s almost ironic, because I know next to nothing about cars now that I’m older. If you and your children are crazy about cars, there’s a pit stop in Vernon Hills with your name on it.
Raceline Motorworks is a concept store that allows customers to select, customize, and build a remote-control race car and then test it out on the indoor track before taking it home. Much more than …read more

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Let’s face it. You can’t talk about Chicago dining without talking about hot dogs. Folks discussing where to get the best ones may soon find themselves in heated debate. One controversial contender is The Wiener’s Circle. When it comes to this Clark Street hotspot, you have to ask yourself, what are you willing to sacrifice for good food? I guarantee you, when it comes to the Circle, you’re either going to love it or hate it.

Oh sure, during the daylight hours, it looks fairly innocent. The restaurant is a small brick shack with a few picnic tables out front and …read more

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The Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club will have you saying, “What a drag!” and enjoying yourself the entire time. With its campy entertainment, playful menu, and neon drinks, this place certainly isn’t your grandfather’s supper club. Stylishly-dressed clientele are seated on white-leather banquettes amidst flickering candles, flashing disco lights, and pulsing club music. And of course, there are the divas. Approximately every half hour, female impersonators (everyone from Tina Turner to Diana Ross to Madonna) strut their stuff through the restaurant, “singing” and dancing in a manner that is no less than fabulous, dahling.

The menu takes comfort food for …read more

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Is bigger really better? It seems we’ve been busy shrinking everything down, from our cell phones to our computers to our mp3 players. But what about our pets? Pocket Puppies in Lincoln Park is the only store of its kind in Chicago, specializing in teacup and toy-sized breeds. Dogs of this size can weigh anywhere from 3 to 15 pounds. The store carries Maltese, Chihuahuas, yorkies, pinchers, and shih tzus, as well as a number of others. Many are small enough to fit in one hand and certainly big enough to fill your heart with happiness.

These dogs are cute as …read more

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If you’re visiting Chicago for the next few weeks, you won’t be alone. The cicadas are here! Yay- These insects may be ugly and noisy, but considering the periodical bugs only emerge once every 17 years, you can understand why their appearance is a big deal to many.Cicadas spend 17 years underground, feeding on tree roots. When the temperature and time are right, the immature insects will emerge from tunnels they have been digging toward the surface. Before dawn, these nymphs (the larval form of some insects) will climb trees, plants, and even road signs to find a place to …read more

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