The Chicago Traveler

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 and Wine Bar. The River North eatery serves French basics amidst casual, rustic surroundings.
8. Le Bouchon. Authentic and delicious French dishes at remarkable prices make this bistro one of Bucktown’s best.
7. Angelina Ristorante. In Lakeview, the popular date spot provides authentic Italian in a comfortable …read more

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Sure, your local storefront seafood market that fries the heck out of your fish may be tasty, but it’s not very striking. When it’s time to impress your date, you’re going to need something smooth and stylish. Welcome to Mirai Sushi.
With a sleek dining room and trendy lounge (between Crust and Bravo Tapas), Mirai is often full of Wicker Park hipsters relaxing over sake and wasabi. Fresh fish is flown in daily, ingredients for the menu’s various rolls, entrees, and delicious appetizers like the grilled shrimp and steamed pork buns. Standout dishes like king crab in spicy mayo and steamed …read more

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As we watch the hundreds of countries compete in the Summer Olympics this week, I’m reminded of all the different cultures and cuisines we have right here in Chicago. French, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Thai, German… the list goes on and on. Another cuisine that has steadily become more popular is that of Brazil, as exemplified by Zed 451.
This “contemporary steakhouse” (just a few doors south of Le Lan) is furnished with wood floors, black steel, and stone, giving the restaurant a rustic, natural feel. A double-sided fireplace surrounded by leather seating graces the lounge area, and stairwells lead from the …read more

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Wine bars have a reputation of being stuffy and arrogant. However, The Tasting Room at Randolph Wine Cellars sets a sophisticated yet comfortable vibe with its exposed brick, soft lighting, and subdued music. Here, you and your friends can choose from over 100 wines to enjoy by the glass or the bottle.
Whether you’re a connoisseur or a novice, The Tasting Room can cater to your desires. Sure, we’ve all heard of the grand Napa Valley wines, but here you can have a taste of vintages from Italy, France, Australia, and South Africa. These taste portions are perfect for trying something …read more

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Earlier today, I wrote about Chicago’s architectural icon, the Sears Tower. I feel it necessary now to write about its older, shorter brother, the John Hancock Center.

It amazes me just how many tourists confuse the two. To me, the Sears Tower and John Hancock look nothing alike. Whereas the Sears Tower is made of nine square columns, the John Hancock is a single tower gripped by a series of cross braces. It is the third-tallest skyscraper in Chicago (following the Sears Tower and the Aon Center) and the fifth-tallest in the country. At the tip of its antennas, it stands …read more

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Welcome to The Chicago Traveler’s 500th post! For this milestone, it’s time to feature Chicago’s claim to fame, the Sears Tower.

In a city known for its architecture, this is the cream of the crop. Constructed like nine square columns, the building reaches a height of 1451 feet (442 m) and 110 stories with 104 elevators. It was completed in 1974 as a way for Sears, Roebuck & Co. to consolidate the thousands of employees that were distributed in offices throughout the city. Sears was the largest retailer in the world at the time and had deep pockets from which to …read more

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When you’re in a city full of skyscrapers, it only makes sense to check out the view from one of those tall buildings. The John Hancock Center is a popular place to take in great views of Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile. It also houses one of the best spots to get a cocktail: the Signature Lounge.
Located on the 96th floor, this elegant lounge offers a colossal view of the city. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer an incredible look at the city’s glittering skyline. Downtown businesspeople and camera-wielding tourists take in the quiet elegance of soft leather booths and mahogany-trimmed chairs. …read more

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The Illinois Bureau of Tourism asked the state’s residents and visitors to nominate their favorite destinations in Illinois. In May of 2007, seven of these were selected as the Seven Wonders of Illinois.

• Chicago: Wrigley Field. The atmosphere, neighborhood, and fans put this stadium in a league of its own. It’s not just a ballpark; it’s an experience.
• Chicagoland: The Baha’I House of Worship. This unforgettable sight is beautiful both inside and out. Its intricate construction took nearly 30 years to complete.
• Northern: Starved Rock State Park. Visitors can witness firsthand the results of Mother Nature’s power: 18 canyons framed …read more

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Illinois provides many opportunities for outdoors enthusiasts to hike, swim, camp, fish, and much more. But for those of us who are a little less enthusiastic about nature, sometimes just a nice scenic drive can be a nice relaxing getaway.
In southwestern Illinois, the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route travels for 33 miles (53 km) through the floodplains where the Missouri, Mississippi, and Illinois Rivers meet. At the rivers’ juncture, history and natural beauty also come together, for this area had great significance in early American times.
For example, on the south end of the route, Meriwether Lewis and William …read more

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