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The Chicago Traveler

October 3rd, 2008

Fine Wine from the Midwest

Concluding my southwestern Michigan series, great American wines don’t just come from the coastlines. There are actually a few wineries just on the other side of Lake Michigan.
The Round Barn winery in Baroda is a family-owned and operated business that specializes in hand-crafted wines. The barn itself, built in 1911 in Indiana, was taken down […]

By Matt B -- 0 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 6th, 2008

Weekend Stuff (Sept 6-7, 2008)

• If fresh-shucked oysters and pints of Guinness sound like a good time to you, check out the Guinness Oyster Festival in Roscoe Village. There are also vendors of other foods, pints of Harp’s and Smithwick’s available, and live music. (Sept 6)
• Chow down on brats, potato salad, sauerkraut, smoked sausages, and beer at the […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

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 27th, 2008

Wine and Cheese Pizza at La Madia

Who says pizza is unrefined? Certainly not La Madia, a River North restaurant whose motto is “Art of Pizza, Love of Wine.”
You’ll know this isn’t any ordinary pizza place when you see the floor-to-ceiling wine wall behind the bar. Groups of friends and romantic couples fill the striped booths and the pizza bar surrounding the […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

August 21st, 2008

Weekend Events (Aug 22-24, ‘08)

• 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 […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

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, […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

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 […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

August 12th, 2008

Le Bouchon Is Bucktown’s Best Bistro

On more than one occasion, I have heard Chicago compared to Paris, France. And why not? Paris is one of Chicago’s international sister cities. With much respect for “the City of Light,” Le Bouchon offers authentic and delicious French dishes in Bucktown.
With white curtains, tile flooring, and a beautiful mural over the bar, the charm […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments