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The Chicago Traveler

October 1st, 2008

New CTA Rail Cars Stand Out

About two weeks ago, the CTA began testing its new “max capacity” reduced-seat ‘L’ cars on the Brown Line in an attempt to provide more space (and garner more revenue) from overcrowded rush-hour trains.
About a dozen seats were removed from the trial rail cars, allowing each to hold approximately 25 more riders than normal cars. […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

September 30th, 2008

Gold Coast Dogs Are as Good as Gold

Do I sound like a broken record yet? From one of my earlier articles:
The Chicago-style hot dog has seven essential toppings: a boiled or steamed all-beef dog on a poppy-seed bun with (1) mustard, (2) relish, (3) chopped onions, (4) tomato wedges, (5) a pickle spear, (6) sport peppers, and (7) celery salt. I’ve […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

September 22nd, 2008

Civic Opera Building: the Throne on the River

If you’re fortunate enough to take an architectural tour down the Chicago River, one of the most memorable buildings is the Civic Opera Building (a.k.a. Civic Opera House). Across the River from the Riverside Plaza and across the street from the UBS Tower, this limestone skyscraper is shaped like a gigantic armchair facing the River, […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

September 22nd, 2008

The Madison Bridge of Cook County

Today, a friend of mine is driving up to Madison, Wisconsin, and his trip inspired me to write about the Madison Street Bridge here in Chicago, also known as the Lyric Opera Bridge, near Riverside Plaza. Completed in 1922 and rehabilitated in 1994, this was the first bascule bridge in Chicago to raise the deck […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

August 25th, 2008

Her Majesty, 311 South Wacker

The Sears Tower may be Chicago’s architectural shining star, but skyline neighbor 311 South Wacker Drive is a dazzling princess, complete with a beautiful crown.
Completed in 1990, this 65-story skyscraper stands 961 feet tall (293 m), making it the tallest building in the world to be known only by its street address. With few nearby […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

August 15th, 2008

A Mano Hands Out Great Italian

Most people try to find a wine that complements their food. The folks at Bin 36 put together a contemporary trattoria (next door to Crimson Lounge) named A Mano, thereby creating an Italian menu that would balance well with their wines.
A combination of Michigan Avenue tourists and white-collar executives fill the bar and dining area, […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

August 13th, 2008

Posh Pampering (Men’s Edition)

Last week, I talked about a few of the ways that women can luxuriously pamper themselves here in Chicago. But if you think high-end style is just for ladies, you’d be sorely mistaken.
If you’re a man looking for the best of the best, make a stop at Nieman Marcus. Here you can find shirts by […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

August 11th, 2008

65 East South Water Street: What’s My Name Again?

I know what you’re thinking. This 1928 24-story high-rise doesn’t look like interesting at all. And you’re right. There’s nothing about it physically that makes it stand out. Rather, what makes this building distinctive is its name… or perhaps, lack thereof.
Near the Seventeenth Church, what was formerly the Millinery Mart Building was renamed after its […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

August 2nd, 2008

Rebar Packs a Punch

Ah, the punch bowl. It’s a staple at every party and gathering, for better or worse. And it’s rarely as innocent as it appears. Under-spiked at the prom or over-spiked at college parties, these beverage bins are seldom just punch. It’s about time someone got the mixture right. The chic and sophisticated Rebar makes its […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

July 28th, 2008

Roll Out the Red Carpet for CNA Plaza

While Chicago’s architecture is incredible in terms of shapes and sizes, it doesn’t always offer much in the way of color. Most of these giants of steel and glass are some shade of black or gray. Standing out from the crowd in a unique red dress is the CNA Plaza.

While the building only stands 44 […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments