The Chicago Traveler

August 29th, 2008

Labor Day Weekend 2008 (Aug 29-31)

• The African Festival of the Arts is Chicago’s largest neighborhood festival, featuring three music stages, ethnic cuisine, and more than 300 vendors selling everything from fine art to skin care products. Presentations include book discussions and dance workshops. (Aug 29 – Sept 1)
• The 30th annual Chicago Jazz Festival is the city’s longest-running lakefront […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

June 5th, 2008

Weekend Events

I’ll be heading out of town this weekend, but for those of you staying here in Chicago, you’ve got lots to look forward to.
• The 11th Annual Chicago Improv Festival takes place at various locations and includes performances by Paul Scheer, Jack McBrayer, and John Lutz. (ends June 8)
• The largest free outdoor blues event […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

April 8th, 2008

Chicago’s Eight Best Italian Beefs

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 […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

March 11th, 2008

Roma’s Italian Beef and Sausage

Search the Internet for keywords like “Italian beef” and “Chicago,” and you will find dozens of ongoing debates about where to find the best jus and peppers in town. About a block or two east of La Peña, one contender whose name comes up often is Roma’s Italian Beef & Sausage.
Roma’s definitely has a nostalgia […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

January 3rd, 2008

Weekend Events

• Every First Friday of the month, relax with a cash bar and free Wolfgang Puck appetizers at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Enjoy live music from local DJs along with the work of an up-and-coming Chicago artist. This month’s theme: Fallen Stars. (Jan 4)
• There’s not much you can get for $10 on Michigan […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

November 21st, 2007

La Peña

La Peña is a family-owned restaurant that is bright and colorful, in more ways than one. From the rich tablecloths to the lively atmosphere to the vivid live music, this place is a South American celebration.
Many Latin restaurants start you off with a free basket of tortilla chips and salsa. However, La Peña offers […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

October 25th, 2007

American Science & Surplus

Got an idea for a creative costume? Not military-related? Maybe you should stop at American Science & Surplus in Jefferson Park, just down the street from Andy’s Deli.
There really is no adequate way of describing American Science. It’s a bit of an oversized junk drawer, with all kinds of odds, ends, doodads, and thingamajigs. The […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

May 8th, 2007

Polish Platters

The Polish culture has played a significant role in Chicago’s history, and there are plenty of authentic places in the city to satisfy cravings for Polish food.

Andy’s Deli in Jefferson Park has about 150 different products (including bacons, hams, cheeses, pork loins, sausages, and more) and also has its own bakery, producing its own breads […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments