The Chicago Traveler

There was a bit of dispute over my last Best Pizzas list, as I expected there would be. It is a Chicagoan debate that has gone on for generations and will continue probably forever. So, just to add more fuel to the fire, here is another list of Chicago’s ten best ‘pies’ (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp).
Honorable Mention: Gino’s East. If you enjoy reading, the walls here provide plenty of material.

10. Pizzeria Uno. The one, the only, the original. Loosen your belts now.
9. Piece. These very non-Chicago-style slices are simply delicious.
8. Home Run Inn. This old neighborhood tavern offers the …read more

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Can you name the seven key ingredients for a Chicago-style hot dog? Here are ten great places to conduct your research (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp).

10. The Wiener’s Circle. Love it or hate it, this greasy spoon has got a “charm” all its own.
9. Gold Coast Dogs. All ten locations follow the Chicago-style recipe to the ‘T’.
8. Superdawg Drive-In. The winking hot dogs on the roof will be a sight you won’t soon forget.
7. Huey’s Hot Dogs. While serving up great dogs and burgers, this eatery is also well-known for its vegetarian-friendly dishes.

6. Portillo’s Hot Dogs. Both the nostalgia and …read more

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Some of the most beautiful architecture pieces are religious places of worship. Such is the case with the Alice Millar Chapel at Northwestern University.

Millar Chapel is interdenominational, serving a variety of faiths in the college community. Completed in 1962, the building stands 151 feet (46 m) at its highest point and was a gift to the school from Foster G. McGaw, a University trustee, and his wife. The chapel was named after McGaw’s mother and contains 720 seats and a 100-rank Aeolian Skinner organ.
 
Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) wallyg, giratikanon, Anne Ruthmann
Alice S. Millar Chapel and Religious Center: 1870 Sheridan …read more

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I love ice cream. Which is probably obvious from these love handles of mine. But I love it even more when it’s free!
Ben & Jerry’s has been holding its promotional Free Cone Day for a few years now as a way of thanking their customers. This year, the ice cream gurus are celebrating their 30th birthday across the globe, and you’re invited to the party. Today is your opportunity to get a FREE scoop of ice cream at participating outlets.
For a list of participating “Scoop Shops” in Illinois, click here. Did I mention FREE?
Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) Casual Chin

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If you want a hot dog that packs a punch, head to Wiener and Still Champion in Evanston, where the cartoon wiener over the door is sporting a pair of boxing gloves. Anyone who’s been here will be sure to tell you that these franks are champs indeed.
Inside this simple storefront, patrons of all ages come to enjoy the Chicago-style dogs, along with fresh-cut fries that have been raved about since the place opened in 1975. Wiener also offers honest-to-goodness corndogs. It’s amazing how something so simple can hit the spot so perfectly. And they’re only a buck with any …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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Back to our International Tour, it’s time for Asia. While many may be familiar with Chicago’s Chinatown down on the South Side, there is also a New Chinatown developing and growing near the intersection of Argyle St and Broadway Ave. It’s a mix of Chinese, Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian, and Thai shops and restaurants. Because Asia is the largest continent, there are plenty of cuisines to choose from. Sushi places and Chinese food are so common though, so let’s focus on some of the lesser-known tastes of Asia.
Zen Noodles in Wicker Park (around the corner from People Lounge) does offer sushi, …read more

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As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to an end, here’s a look back at some of the moments in which The Chicago Traveler celebrated Latin culture and tradition.
• Two to Tango: There are places throughout the city where you can learn and practice this passionate dance from Argentina.
• La Pasadita may not look like much on the outside, but it’s quite possibly one of the best taquerias in the city.
• Carnivale features Brazilian, Cuban, Colombian, and Puerto Rican food which the executive chef likes to call “Latin soul food.”
• A Mexican sauce made from chile peppers and other spices, mole comes …read more

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The Fountain Square Building in Evanston may not be very big, but it still makes a visual impact. The building takes its name from the plaza in front, which has a war memorial and three fountains, and it provided a temporary home to the Evanston Public Library while the library’s new building was being constructed.

April 27, 1951. Douglas MacArthur,
General of the Army, placed a
wreath on this site, honoring
Evanston’s war casualties with
these words:
I do not know the dignity of these
men’s births but I do know the glory of
their death. They died that this nation
and all the things it stands for
shall not …read more

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Chicago-style pizza isn’t just one kind of pizza. From deep-dish to stuffed to pan to even thin crust, Chicago has its own way of creating this delicious “pie.” But when most people think of Chicago pizza, they probably think of deep-dish, featuring a buttery crust and chunky tomato sauce.
The Chicago-style deep-dish pizza was invented by chef Rudy Malnati at Pizzeria Uno in 1943. It begins with a thin layer of dough which is laid in a deep round pan and pulled up the sides. The dough is then partially baked and then lined with cheese, vegetables, and meats. Crushed tomatoes …read more

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