The Chicago Traveler

If you’re in the mood for a hot dog, don’t go to the restaurant standing at the corner of Milwaukee, Devon, and Nagle Avenues. Because ever since 1948, Maurie and Flaurie Berman have not been selling frankfurters, wieners, or red hots. Their delicious pieces of beef on a bun are known as Superdawgs.
The winking larger-than-life male and female hot dogs standing on top of the Drive-In have been a part of Chicagoans’ memories for decades, including yours truly. A definite local favorite, Superdawg is a flashback to the days when girls donning skirts and skates delivered your food to your …read more

4 Comments

“If all mankind minus one were of one opinion, and only one person were of the contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind.”
–John Stuart Mill, On Liberty

Intellectual freedom is the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. While we may not agree with each other’s opinions, we must defend each other’s right to express those thoughts. Our democracy could not exist without the freedom to express different ideas.
Censorship suppresses those ideas …read more

1 Comment

Considered the worst-ever owner of the Chicago Blackhawks, William W. Wirtz passed away at Evanston Hospital on September 26 at the age of 77, after a battle with cancer. He had served as the Blackhawks’ team president for over 40 years.
Wirtz was better known as “Dollar Bill,” a nickname given to him by Chicago Tribune columnist Bob Verdi, referring to Wirtz’s penchant for driving hard bargains in contract negotiations with even the team’s best players. Over the past 12 years, the Blackhawks have made just four playoff appearances and haven’t played in the Stanley Cup finals for even longer. In …read more

Comments Off

These days, more and more women are learning how to fix their own cars, change their own flat tires, and keep up with general auto maintenance. But what about their bikes?
The Cycling Sisters is a women’s cycling group here in Chicago aiming to increase the confidence and comfort of women cyclists. The organization teaches bikers how to fix flats, lube chains, adjust brakes, and even build bikes via year-round, low-cost (sometimes free!) workshops. The Sisters also hold group rides, social get-togethers, and other activities.
This all-volunteer group also has great advice on how to carry stuff on your bike, what to …read more

Comments Off

If you like meat and a lot of it, Fogo de Ch'o is the place for you. This all-you-can-eat spot will certainly get you in touch with your carnivorous side.
As soon as you walk in the door, you can smell all the delicious meat in the room; however, you’ll probably also notice the immense salad bar with a wide selection of greens and sides, enough to satisfy even your vegetarian friends. The white tablecloths and exposed wood beams tie everything together in a sophisticated atmosphere.
The fixed price menu is worth every penny of its $50. You’ll start off with the …read more

3 Comments

Even though I’ve lived in Chicago all my life, I have to admit that I haven’t done very much driving on the city’s interstate highways. That’s why I always have to “translate” directions from Chicago natives. Chicagoans do not call each of the seven major highways by their Interstate numbers. Instead, the roadways are known by various given names, completely confusing anyone not from the area.
For example, Interstate 90/94/190 is better known as “the Kennedy.” It runs east-west between the Circle Interchange (in downtown Chicago) and O’Hare International Airport. The CTA Blue Line train runs right down the middle of …read more

2 Comments

In Chicago’s Loop area, bordering Clark St, LaSalle St, Jackson Blvd, and Quincy St, stands an utter force of a building. Completed in 1924, the Bank of America Building is 20 stories tall and reaches a height of 305 feet (93 m). The main entrance is graced with an elegant Ionic portico, and above the columns is a beautiful sculpture in relief. Be sure to have a look inside; the ground level arched passageway was renovated around 1990 and runs through the entire building. Finally, a bit of history: it was on this spot in October 1883 that the four …read more

1 Comment

As a guy, I know next to nothing about women’s underthings. Fortunately, Gretchen Reachmack is here to help and give plenty of… support.
Gretchen’s hidden Old Town spot, Wildflowers, helps ladies update their drawers, so to speak. Ditch the grannie panties and try on something that will make you feel confident, alluring, and comfortable. From designers like Simone-Perele, Elle MacPherson, Cosabella, and Leigh Bantivoglio, this boutique offers an array of sensual lingerie, negligees, bras, and bustiers, along with an arsenal of lotions, books, videos, jewelry, music, and aromas.
With the courtyard setting and the buzzer-controlled entrance (code 0012), this will feel like …read more

5 Comments

For a perfect pairing of great wine and fantastic food with an amazing atmosphere, head to Hubbard Street and stop in at Coco Pazzo, one of Chicago’s best Italian eateries.
As soon as you walk into Coco Pazzo, you’ll notice a fabulous antipasto display and the wonderful aroma of fresh-baked bread. The restaurant features an open kitchen, an almost theatrical experience where the star of the show is the wood-burning oven. Simple, rustic Tuscan dishes emerge, including several house-made pastas, steaks, and fresh seafood. The fish is shipped straight from the Mediterranean, the flour comes from Naples, and the salt makes …read more

1 Comment

Mary Jo’s article on Monday about parking (c/o The Seattle Traveler) reminded me of something I’ve seen several times here in Chicago. Almost everywhere my friend and I drove (and parked), we would see parking meters with a bright yellow, square sticker on them, declaring “Zone 6″. “What’s Zone 6?” I wondered. At first, I wondered if it was a new music artist or band that had emerged with a vague and strange advertising scheme. But after seeing more and more stickers (all stating “Zone 6″), I realized it must be something city-related. But just how huge is Zone 6? …read more

2 Comments