The Chicago Traveler

Normally, seeing palm trees and animal prints in any establishment will make me want turn right around and run away. However, despite its questionable décor, Café Laguardia boasts a menu that couldn’t be more authentic, even if it came straight from Cuba.
Actually, the menu is Cuba-born. More than 50 years ago, the founder opened his own restaurant in Bainoa, Cuba. When he decided to move to Chicago, he brought all his recipes with him and opened a casual, family-operated eatery in what is now the Bucktown neighborhood. The atmosphere is very relaxed while the live music is always energizing. Take …read more

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Think country-western can’t be couture? Macy’s hosts the annual Glamorama, a fall fashion extravaganza. This year’s theme is The Good, The Bad, and The Beautiful. The rodeo will meet Rodeo Drive tonight at the Chicago Theatre at 8 p.m. Guests will be arriving via red carpet beginning at 6:30 p.m. Keep an eye out for Food Network chef Cat Cora and country music star Gretchen Wilson. They’ll be attending for sure, but past attendees have included Ellen DeGeneres, David Schwimmer, Pamela Anderson, Ryan Seacrest, Brooke Shields, and Queen Latifah… so who knows who else could show up this year! This …read more

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One of my favorite on-the-go snacks is a giant, doughy, chewy pretzel. Mmm… Kim and Scott have managed to perfect this salty treat, producing a stuffed-pretzel line that includes flavors like grilled cheese, cheddar jalapeño, chocolate cheesecake, stuffed pizza, mixed berry and cream cheese, and twisted omelet. You can have a lot of one type or one of everything. They’re sold in several stores throughout Chicago, but if you can’t find the flavor you’re looking for, you can order online and have them delivered right to your door. Heat them up right away, or keep them in your freezer for …read more

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There’s plenty to see inside Navy Pier, but you won’t need your eyes to find this special treat. The scent of delicious popcorn will draw you in to the Popcorn Palace and Candy Emporium. This old-fashioned popcorn-and-candy shop has been tempting pier-goers since 1995. This Palace doesn’t just offer the traditional butter-flavored popcorn you can find in any movie theatre. They have 27 flavors, including Cheesy Ranch, Jalapeño, Sour Cream & Chives, Cinnamon, Pecan Praline, and even Cookies & Cream. What’s my favorite? Well, I’m still trying to figure that out; everything’s good! Though I have to say, I’m partial …read more

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Just a few blocks away from my home, I can’t help but notice the Angel Food Bakery every time I pass it. Cute, retro, and with a bright green sign, this corner delight is awfully tempting. It’s filled with lime-green walls, custom-made cakes, and wide-eyed, drooling customers.
Pastry chef Stephanie Samuels is a self-taught artist, and her sweet masterpieces have been featured on the Food Network. Her cakes feature popular combinations like orange with caramel buttercream filling and white buttercream icing, lemon with lemon curd and spiky meringue, and carrot with orange-ginger buttercream. Feeling silly? Try a piece of the Spring …read more

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