The Chicago Traveler

• The 44th Annual Chicago International Film Festival begins this weekend, featuring over 100 films from 46 countries. (ends Oct 29)
• More than five dozen vendors from Chicago will sell art, antiques, jewelry, and more at the Fall French Market. The fair also includes French cooking demonstrations and kids’ activities. (Oct 17-19)
• Sixty local and national chefs are featured at the 20th annual Celebrity Chef Ball, including Top Chef: Chicago winner Stephanie Izard, contestant Valerie Bonan, and Top Chef: New York contender Radhika Desai. (Oct 17)
• Oracle Productions holds their third installment of terrifying entertainment, Disturbed III. The audience stands …read more

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So, you and your significant other “work” together. (wink wink nudge nudge) As a couple, your performance reviews are usually pretty good. However, on occasion, you have creative differences. Sometimes, you feel like working a half-day, while s/he wants to put in some overtime. Maybe your oral presentations could use some work. Perhaps you’re interested in some (ahem) “business attire” that’ll make him stand up and take notice. Or you want to surprise her with a new technique of double-clicking her mouse.
Maybe it’s time for some “work-related” research. G Boutique offers books, videos, accessories, supplies, and clothing (or lack thereof). …read more

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It’s time to say good-bye to 2007. The year has treated me very well. I moved to a new apartment, did some traveling, and, best of all, began writing The Chicago Traveler! Many thanks to Mary Jo and everyone at b5media who has been so welcoming and helpful.
Even though The Chicago Traveler is only a few months old, let’s take a look back at the ten most popular articles of this year.
10. Abegweit. Resting peacefully on Lake Michigan, this beautiful ship was once the most powerful icebreaker in the world.
9. Let’s Boogie Records & Tapes. This music store on the …read more

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• Join the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement at Shikago Restaurant for their 2007 Holiday Party. Enjoy cocktails and modern Asian cuisine, all while taking in the beautiful city views. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. A $5 discount will be given at the door to those who donate professional apparel. (Dec 7)
• Want to support a Democratic candidate? RSVP for Change Rocks, a concert for Senator Barack Obama at the Riviera Theatre. Performers include Jeff Tweedy, Stephan Jenkins, and Jill Sobule. (Dec 7)
• The fifth annual Winter Arts and Crafts Expo at the Evanston Art …read more

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Happy Halloween everybody! Even though it’s a weeknight, there’s still plenty to do out there in the city…
• The Dead Diner will be serving up Halloween-themed food and drink specials, along with ghostly tunes, horror flicks, and a midnight costume contest with a $200 cash prize.
• Roscoe’s Halloween Night offers over $4,000 in cash and prizes in two big costume competitions: Best Costume and Best Drag. Each is limited to 30 participants so be there at 9:00 p.m. to sign up.
• Debonair Social Club celebrates its first anniversary with seven guest DJs and a live video photobooth.
• Casey Moran’s, across …read more

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So it’s costume time, and you’re on the hunt for something… fabulous. If you’re thinking along the lines of feathery angel wings, disco balls, vinyl, rhinestones, and size 12 platforms, walk loud and proud to Beatnix.
This outlandish boutique in the heart of Boystown (mere steps away from Sidetrack) attracts a clientele as flashy as its merchandise. Clubbers, drag queens, and a curious, giggling straight tourist or two can be found perusing the aisles. The staff has just about seen it all, so they won’t give a second thought to helping you find outrageous wigs, tiaras, feather boas, headpieces, or even …read more

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• A ghoul’s gotta eat. The Dead Diner (a.k.a. the Orbit Room) will be serving up Halloween-themed food and drink specials, along with ghostly tunes, horror flicks, and a midnight costume contest with a cash prize. (Oct 27, 31)
• Eat, Drink, and Be Scary at the Museum of Surgical Science. Hosted by the Foundation for Community Betterment, this costume party and fundraiser features festive drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and tours of the unique venue. An after-party and raffle complete the celebration at aliveOne. Proceeds benefit 7-year-old Mallory Langill, diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth. (Oct 27)
• Vision and Excalibur come together …read more

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 I have to admit, I love this time of year. While I’m not a fan of chilly weather or candy-greedy kids, I can’t get enough of all things creepy and spooky. If you enjoy an adrenaline rush and want to potentially bust some ghosts, grab a tour with Chicago Ghost Investigations. This paranormal research group will teach you how to use authentic ghost-hunting equipment, including cameras, sensors, and thermal scanners. CGI investigators will be there to guide you, but for approximately two hours, you are the ghost hunter. This mind-altering experience is incredibly fun but also very intense, so be …read more

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Halloween’s coming, and everyone’s got ideas of what they want to dress up as. But you don’t want to get one of those cheesy, plastic-mask, store-bought costumes. If you want to look authentic, it’s time to think outside the box.
If you’re considering an outfit that’s military-related, stop by the Army Navy Surplus Store (on the same block as A La Turka). They have everything. I’m not kidding. I’ve witnessed first-hand the huge selection of genuine U.S. military products. Bags, uniforms, watches, T-shirts, sunglasses, rain gear, helmets, goggles, belts, camping equipment, flight suits, boots, gas masks, jackets, parachutes, Swiss army …read more

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Friday, October 19, Y-ME Illinois will honor all those that have been affected by breast cancer and their supporters. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., The Big Night Out at Union Station will raise funds that will allow Y-ME to continue their work in the community, supporting and educating women. Guests will be treated to the delicious treats of Ethel’s Chocolate, Geja’s Café, Garrett Popcorn, Argo Tea, Kim & Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels, Starbucks Liqueur, Aveda Institute Chicago, Touch Salons, and Martini Park. A Mini Cooper will be raffled off at the event, and live music …read more

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