The Chicago Traveler

July 26th, 2008

Surfing Chicago Online

As the CTA Tattler finds, drunk Cubs fans can make for amusing entertainment.
Robyn at Drive-Thru is less than impressed with Calvin’s BBQ… and with her attempt at making crème brulee.
Don’t forget about the GB Book Club’s Book of the Month, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Coincidentally, the Guardian UK reflects on the politics of Oz. […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

July 25th, 2008

Friday Film: Save the Last Dance

Many films that appeal to the young-adult audience are full of clichés and what I call “after-school-special” romanticisms. While Save the Last Dance is not an incredible film, it does present characters that are a little closer to reality than the stereotypes too many movies rely upon.

Save the Last Dance (2001)

Directed by:
Thomas Carter

Produced by:
Robert W. […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

July 25th, 2008

Alanis Morissette in Chicago

After losing fiancé Ryan Reynolds, Alanis Morissette explored her grief through her latest album, Flavors of Entanglement. While raw emotion has been a part of her music in the past, this album shows a more vulnerable and, consequently, lovelier side to the artist. She’ll be at the Chicago Theatre on Thursday, October 2. Tickets go […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

July 24th, 2008

Weekend Quickies (July 25-27, 2008)

• At the Newberry Library’s 24th annual Book Fair, you can browse through more than 100,000 books in 60 categories, most of which cost $2 or less. (July 24-27)
• In honor of Jimmy Buffet’s concerts at Toyota Park (July 24, 26), Lizzy McNeill’s Irish Pub is holding a Luau on the Chicago River. This Hawaiian-themed […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

July 24th, 2008

Indulge in Luxury Travel

We’ve all probably been more budget-conscious than usual, but sometimes it feels good to splurge a bit. If you want to get around town in luxury, here are some of the most extravagant ways of traveling around Chicago.
At Bentley Gold Coast, you can find some of the best cars in the world, ranging in price […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

July 23rd, 2008

Songza Is Your Own Personal Jukebox

“Yesterday, while we were at the club, that new popular song came on…”“What song?”“You know… the one by that singer that everyone likes now.”“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”“Sure you do. You’d know it if you heard it.”“Okay, so let’s hear it.”“Uh…”
Whether you’re satisfying a random Cat Power craving or wanting to reminisce […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

July 23rd, 2008

Tango Sur Is a Sure Thing

Those who love meat and plenty of it would do well to visit Tango Sur in Lakeview. This Argentine steak spot is a local favorite due to its quiet ambience and sensible prices.
The small area can be a bit crowded but cozy, as servers in white T-shirts cover the two rooms. The front room provides […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

July 22nd, 2008

Cowboy Up at Charlie’s

There’s something about a man in tight jeans and a cowboy hat that makes many ladies swoon. But if you’re a cowpoke looking for the company of other men, put on your big belt buckle and head on over to Charlie’s.
This predominantly gay establishment on the north end of Boystown (right next to Kreative Soul) […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

July 21st, 2008

Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect $200

I sincerely hope that when you visit today’s architectural feature, it is from the outside only. At the intersection of Clark and Van Buren Streets, located in downtown Chicago, is the Metropolitan Correctional Center.

Completed in 1975, the MCC is a 289-foot tall (88 m) administrative facility, more commonly known as a prison. It houses federal […]

By Matt B -- 3 comments

July 21st, 2008

Riverside Plaza: Another of Chicago’s Great Art Deco Designs

If you take a ride down the Chicago River, you’ll notice that many of the buildings actually incorporate the river into their design, either with reflective glass or stylish promenades and restaurants. But riverside buildings weren’t always this way. Originally, many of the structures were industrial, and a trip down the River would not have […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments