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The Chicago Traveler

August 19th, 2008

Mirai Serves Sushi and Sake in Sleek Style

Sure, your local storefront seafood market that fries the heck out of your fish may be tasty, but it’s not very striking. When it’s time to impress your date, you’re going to need something smooth and stylish. Welcome to Mirai Sushi.
With a sleek dining room and trendy lounge (between Crust and Bravo Tapas), Mirai is […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

August 18th, 2008

Chase Tower Is the Center of Attention

If you’ve been to Chicago’s downtown area, you know one of its neighborhoods is called “the Loop,” named after the circular path created by the ‘L’ train tracks. Completed in 1969, the Chase Tower (across the street from Three First National Plaza) stands 850 feet tall (259 m) and is the tallest building within the […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

July 28th, 2008

Roll Out the Red Carpet for CNA Plaza

While Chicago’s architecture is incredible in terms of shapes and sizes, it doesn’t always offer much in the way of color. Most of these giants of steel and glass are some shade of black or gray. Standing out from the crowd in a unique red dress is the CNA Plaza.

While the building only stands 44 […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

July 18th, 2008

CTA Considers Standing Room Only

Now that seniors can ride the CTA for free and with the rising costs of gas, more and more people have been using the city’s public transit. While this is great in terms of “traveling green,” this means that there are more commuters during rush hour on already crowded buses and trains. But due to […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

July 14th, 2008

120 North LaSalle Breaks the Mold

The building at 120 North LaSalle is a fascinating structure to look at from any angle. Down the street from the Bilandic Building, the façade consists of two shades of granite, forming horizontal stripes. Three projecting rectangular grids surround the structure: one over the entrance, one emerging from the façade, and one over the side […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

July 7th, 2008

Substation Is Symbol of "Power" and Permanence

Some buildings are constructed so strong and durable, they outlast their purpose. Built in 1931, the Commonwealth Edison Substation has long outlived its neighbors on the infamous “Block 37,” where several plans of redevelopment have come and gone (between Oriental Theatre and Miss Chicago). Although relatively plain, its small embellishments are classic examples of the […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

July 2nd, 2008

Mado Lays Little to Waste

Your elders probably taught you to clear your plate at dinnertime, not wanting to waste any food. And yet, many restaurants throw out an incredible amount of edible food every day. Mado, a new restaurant in Bucktown, breaks that trend and does its eco-friendly part.
This Italian/Mediterranean eatery with exposed-brick walls is clean, casual, and comfortable. […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

June 30th, 2008

The Mysterious Miss Chicago

While this sculpture is absolutely fascinating, I had a difficult time finding much information on it. Miss Chicago stands 39 feet tall (12 m) and was completed in 1975 by artist Joan Miró.
The more I read about the artist, however, the more fascinated I became. The Spanish-born painter and sculptor received international acclaim for his […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

June 26th, 2008

Taste of Chicago 2008: Taste’s Better Every Year

It’s that time of year again. The Taste of Chicago is an annual food festival, where dozens of restaurants from across the city gather along Columbus Drive. Millions of locals and tourists sample hundreds of dishes from every cuisine imaginable, from hot dogs to ravioli to veggie gyros to pad thai to empanadas to omelets… […]

By Matt B -- 4 comments

June 2nd, 2008

Cadillac Palace Theatre

The Cadillac Palace Theatre, another beautiful piece of Chicago’s historic Theater District, first opened its doors in October of 1926. Although the theatre may not look like much on the outside, it more than makes up for that inside. Visitors then and now saw breathtaking design inspired by the palaces of Fontainebleau and Versailles, both […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments