The Chicago Traveler

I’ve been writing The Chicago Traveler for about three months now, and I can hear you asking, “It’s Chicago… where’s the pizza?” Writing about pizza in Chicago is much like writing about the Cubs and White Sox rivalry. Chicago natives are very loyal to their favorite. Visitors to the city asking a group of Chicagoans about the best pizza, the best hot dog, or the best Italian beef may find themselves in the middle of a heated debate.
So let’s try something a bit off the beaten path, a pizza place many folks may not be familiar with. Just a few …read more

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Last week, I told you about Chicago’s Aon Center. Right next door is another interesting building, the Blue Cross-Blue Shield Tower. In fact, original plans included an underground pedway that would connect the two buildings, but alas, it never came to be.
The Tower currently stands at 411 feet (125 m) with 32 floors, but that will soon change. The only office high-rise to be constructed in Chicago between ‘92 and ‘99, the structure was completed in 1997 and made to support 24 additional floors, to be built whenever Blue Cross Blue Shield needed the space. Thinking ahead, the designers chose …read more

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If you think that all the wineries in the country are in California, you’re in for a surprise when you find out about Cooper’s Hawk.
When I walked into Cooper’s Hawk, I was greeted by a small gift shop, where several different wine glasses and other knick-knacks were for sale. Farther in, there’s a counter where customers can do a wine tasting. The winery features eight different wines each month, and you can taste all eight for only $7. Amateurs need not be intimidated; the staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating. And even farther into the building is the restaurant, where …read more

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I’ve just finished moving into a new apartment in the Edgewater neighborhood, and I need to know where to eat and what to see! If you have some suggestions for places in the Edgewater and Andersonville neighborhoods, shoot me an e-mail.
Just a few blocks away from my new home, the sign outside Anteprima boasts, “Cibo, Vino, e Amici,” meaning “Food, Wine, and Friends.” You’ll definitely find all three here at this new upscale Italian eatery in Andersonville.
The first thing you have to know about this spot is that they don’t accept reservations, so depending on what time of day you …read more

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This Saturday is the 50th Annual Venetian Night. Approximately 30 boats are decked out with lights and other decorations in some way that reflects this year’s theme, “Chicago’s Finest Moments.” This aquatic parade takes place along Lake Michigan’s shore line between the Shedd Aquarium at Roosevelt Road and the Chicago Yacht Club at Monroe Street. The parade begins at 8:30 p.m., but be sure to get there early. This free event attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year. With a crowd like this, public transportation or biking is your best bet. The evening ends with an amazing fireworks display …read more

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Moo & Oink is a Chicago staple and considered by many to be Chicago’s barbecue palace. And if there’s one thing this store is known for in this town, it’s their commercials, starring Moo and Oink, the dancing cow and pig.

This grocery store’s history traces back 150 years through several generations of butchers. Today, there are four Moo & Oink stores in Chicago, and their products are available in grocery stores all across the country. The oldest existing store is on Stony Island, while the one at Madison is the largest city location, housing a full smokehouse. No matter …read more

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Welcome to Lifestyles of the Rich and Furry! Pooches who expect only the best in luxury shop at Tails in the City. This upscale pet boutique in the Gold Coast neighborhood carries an extensive collection of the finest pet accessories. Designer pet carriers, embellished dog collars, unique toys, luxurious beds, fashionable clothes and accessories, harnesses and leashes, gourmet treats, and more are here to keep your pup pampered. This place even carries pieces from Paris Hilton’s Pet Collection, so your pet can look just as “Hollywood” as celebrity-pooch Tinkerbell. Some of these dogs probably spend more on their outfits than …read more

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Alright, so everyone knows the tallest building in Chicago, the Sears Tower. But can you name the second-tallest? Most Chicago natives probably know it without realizing it: the Aon Center.
Formerly known as the Amoco Building, the Aon Center was designed by architect Edward Durell Stone and completed in 1972. With a height of 1,136 feet (346 meters) and 83 floors, this building is the third-tallest in the United States and the 14th tallest in the world.
At the time of its completion, the building was the world’s tallest marble-clad building. Unfortunately, Chicago’s harsh winters caused the structure’s Carrara marble to crumble. …read more

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Even though Gennaro’s has been around for nearly 50 years, it’s still a well-kept secret among its foodie fans. It all started when owner Mary Jo Gennaro’s mother, Eleanore, would make food for all the patrons of her husband’s bar on Saturdays, hoping to attract more customers. Realizing just how good the food was, John Gennaro began selling the food rather than giving it away, and so, a restaurant was born.
The recipes haven’t changed in 50 years, and that’s just the way the customers like it. Gennaro’s has some of the best Italian food on Taylor Street. But the food …read more

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In the heart of Lincoln Park is a huge $4-million hotel with exercise facilities, spa treatments, air purification systems, a heated pool with ionized water, heated floors, and a concierge service. Sounds wonderful, right? Don’t start packing your bags just yet though. This place is for your dog.
Pooch Chicago is a sophisticated canine boarding hotel providing a clean and vibrant environment for your pet. The building has several indoor and outdoor play yards that are designed with the animals’ safety and comfort in mind. Worried about your petite pooch being trampled by a larger dog? No need; your four-legged friend …read more

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