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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Being Mexican-American, I can’t help but be excited about this coming weekend. This Sunday is Mexican Independence Day, celebrating Mexico’s victory in the armed conflict between the people of Mexico and Spanish colonial authorities, which started in 1810. A huge and colorful celebration parade will be held on Sunday on 26th Street, as over half a million spectators will cheer on the floats and mariachi bands. It’s a perfect time for dancing in the streets!
The annual Green Tie Ball takes place on Sunday with a “Garden of Good or Evil” theme, raising funds for the Chicago Gateway Green, a non-profit …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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For an unforgettable evening of fabulous food and impeccable service, try a taste of the Mediterranean at Isabella’s Estiatorio. An elegant spot with a rustic, warm atmosphere, Isabella’s is frequented by well-dressed west suburbanites looking for excellent Greek, French, Spanish, and Italian cuisine. The restaurant is seasonally driven, so the broad spectrum of vibrant flavors change on a regular basis. And even though the eatery is located in the suburbs, it offers an elegance and quality that matches and even surpasses many caliber restaurants within the city.
So what has got customers raving? For starters, the shaved Serrano ham is excellent …read more

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