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The Chicago Traveler

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 30th, 2008

Set Your Date on Firefly

With low lighting, a handful of booths and tables, and a reasonably priced wine bar, Firefly is the perfect setting for an intimate date.
This Lakeview space with red walls and comfy booths has a seductive, sultry atmosphere that appeals to couples of all kinds. Located near the bars and clubs of the Boystown Halsted strip […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

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

July 21st, 2008

Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect $200

I sincerely hope that when you visit today’s architectural feature, it is from the outside only. At the intersection of Clark and Van Buren Streets, located in downtown Chicago, is the Metropolitan Correctional Center.

Completed in 1975, the MCC is a 289-foot tall (88 m) administrative facility, more commonly known as a prison. It houses federal […]

By Matt B -- 4 comments

July 21st, 2008

Riverside Plaza: Another of Chicago’s Great Art Deco Designs

If you take a ride down the Chicago River, you’ll notice that many of the buildings actually incorporate the river into their design, either with reflective glass or stylish promenades and restaurants. But riverside buildings weren’t always this way. Originally, many of the structures were industrial, and a trip down the River would not have […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

July 15th, 2008

Dance and Spin the Night Away

Chicago has plenty to offer when it comes to nightlife, but if you ever find yourself in a club rut, it’s time to throw your evening into a Spin.
While located at the south end of Boystown, Chicago’s GLBT nightlife neighborhood, the club caters to a diverse clientele. No matter what your label or orientation, Spin […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

July 14th, 2008

120 North LaSalle Breaks the Mold

The building at 120 North LaSalle is a fascinating structure to look at from any angle. Down the street from the Bilandic Building, the façade consists of two shades of granite, forming horizontal stripes. Three projecting rectangular grids surround the structure: one over the entrance, one emerging from the façade, and one over the side […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

July 9th, 2008

Spoil Yourself to Some Decadent Drinks

Like everyone else, you’ve probably been more conscious about where and how you spend your dollar. You’ve scrimped and saved, pinched every penny, and clipped every coupon. But every once in a while, you need to spoil yourself and splurge a bit. Here are just a couple places with incredible libations for jaw-dropping prices.
One of […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments