The Chicago Traveler

The current economy may not support lavish travel, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get special treatment. Guests at the Fairmont Hotel can be treated like royalty and customize their own gourmet ice cream.
Made with all-natural ingredients, the decadent dessert is made overnight and can satisfy your unique cravings. So, if you want guacamole-flavored ice cream, the chef can whip up the perfect recipe for you.
This service, which premiered in June of last year, is available daily. For less than $20, you can enjoy a pint of your own signature ice cream, designed exclusively by you for you.
From one luxurious …read more

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When it comes to sweets, you don’t discriminate. You love them all: cakes, ice cream, candy. You don’t care how a dessert shows up, as long as it shows up. Sweet Tooths, listen here… and welcome to paradise.
Three female pastry chefs, each with their own individual business, brought their shops together under one roof, creating the Sweet Collective. Headed by Cathay Rayhill, The Sugar Syndicate is a boutique bakery that specializes in custom cakes for special occasions. And if your special occasion is called “Monday is over,” you can stop in for small individual treats like petits fours, mini-Danishes, bite-size …read more

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With crazy gas prices and now high sales taxes, Chicagoans and visitors are looking to save money where they can. But don’t let your budget prevent you from going out to enjoy a good meal. Here are eight of the best restaurants (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp) where you can get a big meal for a small price.

8. Red Apple. This Polish buffet just keeps on going and going and going…
7. Reza’s Restaurant. As if the extensive Mediterranean menu wasn’t enough, the Sunday brunch buffet offers an incredible number of options.
6. Mr. Greek Gyros. Everything from hot dogs to pork …read more

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Burgers, tacos, pizza, sandwiches: fast-food chains run the gamut of cuisines. However, Lindy’s and Gertie’s has a style all its own: chili and ice cream.
The oddball couple wasn’t always a pair though. Originating on Chicago’s south side, the original Gertie’s Ice Cream began in 1901, and Lindy’s was the city’s first chili parlor in 1924. Joseph Yesuits bought both of the businesses in 1977 and, despite the naysayers, put them together. The concept has been a hit ever since.
The chili, made both with and without beans, is just as hearty and delicious as it’s ever been. The recipe’s been left …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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The Italian Beef is a simple sandwich that is unique to Chicago, and there are several places in the city to find this great dish. Of course, just as is the case with pizza and hot dogs, Chicagoans can debate for hours on who has the best. I’ve tried to be as fair as possible with this ranking order, but I’m sure there will still be contention. Be sure to leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail, and let me know what you think!

8. Roma’s Italian Beef & Sausage. For decades, generations of loyal customers have been enjoying this …read more

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Jay Leno, host of The Tonight Show, often hits up Mr. Beef on Orleans Street whenever he’s in town. And the folks at Mr. Beef won’t let you forget it either, as there are over a dozen pictures of him on the wall. If you’re not one to take stock in celebrity endorsements, Leno isn’t the only one who comes back to this establishment time and time again. Locals and tourists alike sing the praises of the Italian beef here, declaring it among the best served anywhere.
If you didn’t gather from the name, this place is not veggie-friendly. The menu …read more

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It’s lunchtime at the downtown office. Greg wants something greasy. Tracy’s on her new vegetarian diet. And your pressing deadline has given you a stress headache that only the most comforting batch of French fries will cure. It’s time to go to Luke’s Italian Beef.
Luke’s is simple and straight up, which is what makes it so good. This little Italian place, spotted with red-and-white checked tables, serves up Chicago cuisine like no one else. The long lines that accumulate daily during lunchtime attest to that. Luke’s offers something for everybody, including sandwiches, chili, chicken, personal pizzas, soups, hot dogs, burgers, …read more

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I have seen some strange food combinations out there. A friend of mine likes to eat his French fries with tartar sauce. And a girl I know puts Ranch dressing on just about everything… even pizza. But what about ice cream and gourmet popcorn?
Dip & Pop is a tiny Loop spot (just west of the Chicago Athletic Association building) that offers 24 ice cream flavors, including coffee-toffee and apple cinnamon mingle. (Don’t worry; they have vanilla and chocolate, too.) Pick a flavor, and enjoy it in a malt, float, or shake. Then take a gander at the popcorn choices, …read more

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It’s the middle of winter, and that has many of us dreaming of spring and warmer temperatures. Which, of course, means frozen treats!
Scooter’s offers some of the city’s best frozen custard, coming in basic flavors (like chocolate and vanilla) as well as a unique flavor of the day ranging anywhere from strawberry swirl to “Belmont Avenue” (a.k.a. Rocky Road). This dessert really can’t be beat, made fresh daily with less air and ice than plain ol’ ice cream.
The menu also carries sundaes, Italian ices, cookie custard sandwiches, and the popular Concretes—loads of frozen custard combined with candy or flavorings like …read more

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