The Chicago Traveler

August 16th, 2007

Mastro Auctions

The sports memorabilia market has been transformed by the Internet, i.e. online auctions. The Mastro Auctions warehouse stores athletic treasures before they are sold to collectors around the world. It is the paradise for sports-collectibles junkies, with incredible finds like authentic old-school seats from different stadiums, 30-year-old sports-themed arcade games, and even a turnstile from […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

August 15th, 2007

Alhambra Palace Restaurant

You can find the sights, sounds, and flavors of Morocco and the Middle East without ever leaving Chicago. Alhambra Palace Restaurant opened recently in the West Loop, and the place is massive. There is nothing subtle about this 1,000-seat restaurant-lounge. Every inch of this 24,000-square-foot space is covered with woven fabric, pressed tin, or tile […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

August 14th, 2007

Puppet Bike

While walking along Michigan Avenue, you can expect to see a variety of things: tourists with cameras in hand looking up at the skyscrapers, trendsetters with shopping bags from high-end stores, business men and women hurrying along with cell phones attached to their ear, penguins dancing with tigers to blues music… wait, huh?

The Puppet Bike […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

August 14th, 2007

Fairmont Hotel

Many people, upon first entering a hotel room, walk straight to the window to check out the view. However, at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago, visitors may find themselves unable to take their eyes off their rooms.
Acquired by the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts corporation in 1987, the hotel is accented with gold and marble throughout […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

August 13th, 2007

Three First National Plaza

In many office buildings, corner offices are prime real estate, and employees do whatever it takes to get these rare spots. One building in Chicago though has made these corner offices a little less rare. In fact, Three First National Plaza has 13 corner offices on each of its lower floors and 9 corner offices […]

By Matt B -- 3 comments

August 11th, 2007

Hideout

When I was a little kid, I had my own “secret” space where I felt safe and where I thought no one would find me unless I wanted them to. The Hideout is appropriately named; it’s a spot where you can be among friends and listen to great music, and people not in the know […]

By Matt B -- 3 comments

August 10th, 2007

Northalsted Market Days

This weekend’s 26th Annual Northalsted Market Days is no ordinary street fair. It’s the Midwest’s largest two-day outdoor festival, held in the heart of Boystown'Chicago’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender neighborhood. Thousands of people come from across the country to check out the live music, food, arts and crafts, and of course, the hot men […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

August 9th, 2007

Weekend Festivals

Do you like corn? Do you love corn? The 60th Annual Mendota Sweet Corn Festival begins tonight in Mendota, IL, about two hours west of Chicago. There will be about 50 tons of corn available at this fair, as well as about 80 food and merchandise vendors, live music, and contests. On Sunday, there’s a […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

August 8th, 2007

Moody’s Pub

I was brought to Moody’s Pub for the first time last week. I had heard of the place before, and with it being just a few blocks from home, I was looking forward to trying what this historical restaurant had to offer.
Established in 1959, the exterior of Moody’s looked a bit like a ’60s bank, […]

By Matt B -- 4 comments

August 7th, 2007

La Pasadita

La Pasadita may not look like much on the outside, but it’s been making Chicagoans happy and full for years. With amazing food and a lively atmosphere, this Ashland Avenue spot has been the topic of many debates, being possibly one of the best taquerias in the city.
“My father opened the restaurant in 1976,” says […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment