The Chicago Traveler

Last week, my mother-in-law was celebrating her birthday, so we decided to take her out to an Italian restaurant she had visited in Chicago ages ago. La Gondola had since changed locations to a tiny storefront in a strip mall, located between a hair salon and a popular tax preparation company office.
I know what you’re thinking… a strip mall? But get that doubting thought right out of your head. As soon as you walk in, you’re transported to a charming dining room filled with the smells of Italian authenticity. The small room bears only six tables (5 four-tops and 1 …read more

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Fans of the American reality competition show Top Chef on the Bravo network had to know that there was no way I could not write about this season. The show was/is filmed in Chicago this season, much to my delight. The competition premiered last night, but if you missed it, don’t worry; Bravo airs the show several times throughout the week. Check your local listings.
Now, I’m not here to discuss the details of the premiere episode, per se. (For a more in-depth look at the episode, check out a fellow b5media site, Foodie Obsessed.) Rather, keeping true to The Chicago …read more

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I don’t need a lot of artistic foods on fancy plates to be happy. Sometimes, all I crave is a big helping of barbecued meat. Sometimes, all I need is Honey 1 BBQ.
The best kind of rib is one which you have to actually tug or eat off the bone, rather than falling off the bone, because that’s a sign of good slow-cooking. (“Fall-off-the-bone” is usually a result of boiling or steaming.) Chef and owner Robert Adams, Sr., smokes the ribs over cherry, hickory, and oak for about three hours. And the incredible flavor is a testament to just how …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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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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