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The Chicago Traveler

September 2nd, 2008

Feeling Under the Leather

If you think all gay men are lisping, fashion-conscious, and limp-wristed, you’d be sorely mistaken. There are entire subcultures dedicated to expressions of masculinity and the body “anti-image.” Take, for example, the leather culture. If you’re unfamiliar with this scene, think of the stereotypical biker bar. (In fact, many conjecture that the leather world emerged […]

By User ImageMatt B -- 1 comment

August 28th, 2008

Fresh Faces in Food

The restaurant scene in Chicago is constantly evolving, always keeping up with people’s new tastes or trends. Here are a few restaurants that have only been around for a year or so, but they have already made a name for themselves in the dining biz.
Chalkboard, a contemporary American restaurant in North Center, is just that: […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

August 26th, 2008

Find Italian Romance at Angelina Ristorante

Nothing says romance like fine Italian cuisine over candlelight and soft music. It should be no surprise then that many Chicagoans looking to impress their dates head up to Lakeview to Angelina Ristorante.
You’ll ease into a night of comfort as you enter the softly lit room, decorated with oil paintings and black-and-white photos. Show up […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

August 20th, 2008

Bhabi’s Kitchen Has All You Knead

As I’ve mentioned before, there are plenty of Indian and Pakistani restaurants along Devon Avenue. However, most of them feature either one cuisine or the other. Bhabi’s Kitchen, just off Devon, is one of very few that serve both.
This comfy, family-run establishment offers appetizers like samosas (deep-fried flaky pastry shells stuffed with onions, green peas, […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

August 19th, 2008

Mirai Serves Sushi and Sake in Sleek Style

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 […]

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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, […]

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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 13th, 2008

Zed 451 Sets the Night on Brazilian Fire

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 […]

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August 8th, 2008

C’est La Belle Vie

In an era of food chains and carbon-copy restaurants, it can be difficult to find a place that still believes in the purity and simplicity of home-grown food. However, chef Paul Virant cures his own meat and works hard to find ingredients locally for his contemporary American cuisine inspired by Western European fare at Vie […]

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August 6th, 2008

Magnificent Mile’s Posh Pampering

You’ve probably been making sacrifices with your budget in today’s economy, but many of us have a few indulgences we just can’t do without. There are many Chicago locales where you can find the hottest trends and must-haves in beauty and fashion that are on every well-pampered lady’s list.
At downtown’s Oak Street (near Le Colonial), […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment