The Chicago Traveler

Halloween is one of my favorite times of year. However, I have to say that I much prefer the scary, evil-looking ghouls over the smiling, cartoon-like ghosts. But whatever your likes, you can likely find a stage performance that suits the season.
• Dream Theatre re-presents Anna, in the Darkness, a terrifying story about a young teacher trapped in her own home while the entire town gathers to kill her… and the audience is trapped inside with her… (ends Nov 2)
• Think the goriness has gotten out of hand? You haven’t seen anything yet. Annoyance Productions hosts Splatter Theatre, a parody …read more

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• We’re all familiar with the Taste of Chicago, an all-out food fest featuring dozens of Chicago restaurants. Foodies will want to check out the upscale version, Chicago Gourmet. Over two dozen famous Chicago chefs (including Rick Bayless, David Burke, and Art Smith) will be offering some of their signature dishes for the event, along with wine tastings and cooking demonstrations. (Sept 26-28)
• Dia de los Muertos is still over a month away, but you can begin celebrating this weekend at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Dia de los Muertos: La Vida Sin Fin is the nation’s largest Day …read more

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Today is Mexican Independence Day, commemorating the start of an armed conflict between the people of Mexico and Spanish colonial authorities, which started on September 16, 1810. The war lasted 11 years, resulting in Mexico’s independence from Spain.
While the parade was held this weekend (despite the rain), there’s still plenty of celebrating to do. Head on down to Pilsen for ¡Buen Provecho!, where you can sample signature dishes from more than 20 restaurants. The event takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. along 18th Street between Wood and Halsted Streets. For more information, visit http://eighteenthstreet.org/event.html
Also, be sure to check …read more

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• Dress up as your favorite character and get your Disney on at the The Little Mermaid Sing-Along at the Music Box Theatre. (Aug 22 – Sept 1)
• MC Hammer and Cyndi Lauper perform at Glamorama 2008, a fall fashion fundraiser at The Chicago Theatre featuring top designers. A portion of ticket proceeds benefit the Art Institute of Chicago. (Aug 22)
• The seventh annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest features more than 100 art vendors and 35 bands. Be sure to check out the fashion show and fire performance on Friday, or take a self-guided tour of artists’ studios on Saturday …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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• Meet other cyclists at the Daley Plaza for the Bike to Work Rally, which includes live music, free t-shirts, and raffle prizes. (June 13)
• Celebrate Puerto Rican culture at the Fiesta Puertorriquenas in Humboldt Park, featuring crafts, food, live music, and dancing. The festival’s high point is the Puerto Rican Day Parade on Saturday along Columbus Drive, from Balbo Drive to Monroe Street. (June 12-15)
• Festa Pasta Vino is an annual celebration of Italian food, family, and culture, featuring authentic cuisine from local restaurants, cooking demonstrations, parades, and live music. (June 12-15)
• Meet paranormal radio show host Edward Shanahan, …read more

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If you’re familiar with the cartoon dog Scooby-Doo, then you know that he likes his sandwiches piled sky-high with more ingredients than two pieces of bread could ever actually handle. At Manny’s Coffee Shop & Deli, the sandwiches aren’t too far from those animated towers of meat and cheese, and they’ll satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
This cafeteria-style diner in the South Loop is the palace of pastrami, serving a mixed clientele of white-collar executives, blue-collar workforce, and elderly regulars from the neighborhood. On your first visit, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the wall full of daily specials. Manny’s …read more

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Recently, the CTA has been asking the opinions of “Mystery Commuters” to tell them all that is good and bad about Chicago’s buses and trains. The Chicago Sun-Times decided to take matters into their own hands and ride all 242 miles (389 km) of subway and eL tracks. They made a list of 10 “bests” and “worsts.”
The “Scariest Platform” goes to the State/Lake station right in the heart of downtown. The intersection of State and Lake is the hub of the Chicago transportation as dozens of buses travel through it or within a couple blocks. The Red Line runs underground, …read more

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• Jerry Seinfeld will be performing his stand-up routine at The Chicago Theatre. (Apr 11-12)
• At the Ibeji African Market Days, you can browse through handmade baskets, handbags, silk scarves, silver jewelry, and more on the ground floor of the James R. Thompson State of Illinois Center. Profits benefit orphans and women with HIV/AIDS in Africa. (Apr 10-11, e-mail)
• Support mentoring programs for local high school students at Spring for the Students: The Minds Matter of Chicago Spring Fundraiser. The event includes an open bar, appetizers, and auctions. (Apr 11)
• Ever wonder what your pet is thinking? Bring your pet …read more

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Don’t let the bright, neon, this-close-to-tacky colors on the outside of May St Café fool you. Inside, you’ll find upscale chic, incredible art pieces, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that you won’t want to leave.
Chefs and owners Mario Santiago and Guadalupe Aguilar often come out to check on their guests to see how they’re enjoying the Mexican and Puerto Rican menu. Many of the dishes are made with organically grown vegetables, so most of the selection is seasonal. However, first-timers absolutely must try the French double cream brie and pear quesadillas. Even patrons who stick to the basics like chips …read more

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