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The Chicago Traveler

October 27th, 2008

Here on the Chocolate Grape Vine

This coming weekend, you’ll likely be gobbling up the little candies at the door that you had meant to hand out to little ghouls and goblins. Instead of feasting on all those brightly-colored sweets, enjoy some grown-up desserts at Chocolate Grape.
With burgundy, faux-finished walls and a large wooden bar, this wine and chocolate place (a […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

October 21st, 2008

Chicago’s Ten Best Pizzas 2008

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 […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

October 20th, 2008

Eat Like a Bourgeois Pig

In college, I earned my degree in English, and now I appreciate anything with an interesting literature twist. I was intrigued by the opening of Purgatory Pizza, and I thoroughly enjoy the performances by the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. But one of my favorite places to visit by far is the Bourgeois Pig.
You might be a […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

October 15th, 2008

Voluptuous Volo

Oh Volo… where do I even begin? Your radiant décor? Your chic food? Your comfortable, social atmosphere?
Owner Jon Young (co-creator of Kitsch’n across the street) and chef Stephen Dunne are behind this Roscoe Village wine bar, which has been featured on The Food Channel. The restaurant bears striking design with dark brown walls, dim lighting, […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

October 14th, 2008

Skewerz Is a Midwestern Island Retreat

For some odd reason, everything tastes better on a stick: cotton candy, corn dogs, deep-fried candy bars, for example. But none of these are exactly healthy options. Fortunately, a Wicker Park restaurant is serving up tasty and less-sugar-laden treats on Skewerz.
Blink, and you might miss it. Skewerz is a bit of a small space, filled […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

October 7th, 2008

Chicago’s Ten Best Hot Dogs 2008

Can you name the seven key ingredients for a Chicago-style hot dog? Here are ten great places to conduct your research (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp).

10. The Wiener’s Circle. Love it or hate it, this greasy spoon has got a “charm” all its own.
9. Gold Coast Dogs. All ten locations follow the Chicago-style recipe to […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

September 18th, 2008

On with the Shochu

What’s your favorite cocktail? Gin and tonic? Rum and cola? Vodka and fruit juice? Sure, these classics are great, but perhaps your mixology menu could use a refresher. Have a taste of Shochu.
Shochu, a restaurant bar in Lakeview (formerly Platiyo, three doors north of Andalous), is named after a popular beverage in Japan. The alcohol […]

By Matt B -- 3 comments

September 16th, 2008

Ten Best Romantic Spots 2008

Romance shouldn’t be reserved for just Valentine’s Day. As the temperatures begin to cool down, you can keep your relationship hot by visiting one or more of the ten best romantic date spots (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp).

10. Shanghai Terrace. With elegant art and a beautiful view, this Asian restaurant offers delicious sophistication.
9. Cyrano’s Bistrot […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

September 9th, 2008

Keep Company at Juicy Wine Company

At Juicy Wine Company in River West, wine lovers browse through the retail space and select their preferred combinations of vintages and complements (pate, olives, and cheese). You can take these purchases home or head upstairs to the lounge. Here, hipsters gab in semicircular booths and small tables while a DJ spins on an elevated […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

September 9th, 2008

Ten Best Gay & Lesbian Bars 2008

Chicago is renowned for its culture and diversity, bringing together people from all backgrounds and labels. The gay and lesbian community plays a significant part in the Windy City’s population, attracting men and women from less resourceful rural areas across the Midwest. Two of Chicago’s most thriving gay neighborhoods are Boystown (inside the Lakeview/Wrigleyville area) […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment