The Chicago Traveler

Football season has begun, and all eyes here in the Windy City are on the Chicago Bears. But there’s another football team in town you should be on the lookout for.
If you catch a football game at North Park University’s Holmgren Athletic Complex, you’d never guess that there was anything abnormal about it. But underneath all those helmets and shoulder pads are tough, athletic women. The Chicago Force is Illinois’ Independent Women’s Football team, and in their six-year history, they have put together a 45-14 record.
The team consists of over 50 women, ranging in ages from 18 to mid-40s and …read more

Comments Off

• 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

2 Comments

• Sip on specially-priced $29 bottles of wine from past leap years (2000 and 2004) at the Leap Year Dinner at Café Matou. (Feb 29)
• Shane Salois of Cream Wine Company and sommelier Rashed Islam lead a tasting of more than 12 champagnes with appetizer pairings at the Leap Year Champagne Seminar at Viet Bistro. (Feb 29)
• At the Leap Year Celebration at Zocalo, get a flan dessert for $2.29 (in honor of the day 2/29) plus half-price appetizers and live music in the bar. (Feb 29)
• The Leap Year Celebration at Café Penelope features buffalo frog legs, “frog’s leap” …read more

1 Comment

So, you and your significant other “work” together. (wink wink nudge nudge) As a couple, your performance reviews are usually pretty good. However, on occasion, you have creative differences. Sometimes, you feel like working a half-day, while s/he wants to put in some overtime. Maybe your oral presentations could use some work. Perhaps you’re interested in some (ahem) “business attire” that’ll make him stand up and take notice. Or you want to surprise her with a new technique of double-clicking her mouse.
Maybe it’s time for some “work-related” research. G Boutique offers books, videos, accessories, supplies, and clothing (or lack thereof). …read more

Comments Off

• The Annoyance pays homage to Harrison Ford via Bear Force One. After a series of assassinations, the Secretary of Agriculture becomes the first gay “bear” President of the United States. Now, the terrorists are after him, his partner “cub,” and his new staff! (Fridays, ends Apr 11)
• The 2008 Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in the nation and showcases domestic and imported cars, trucks, and SUVs. Of course, there are also plenty of interesting experimental and concept vehicles to see, too. (Feb 8-17)
• If you’re going to spend a lot of money on a date, maybe …read more

1 Comment

I know nothing about shoes, except that I can never find them in my size. However, if you ladies know your shoes better than you know your friends, check out the new boutique on Damen Avenue, just north of Hot Chocolate: Grace.
Heels, flats, boots, pumps, wedges: shop owner Kristi Ryan has ditched the stale office work and collected all these and more at her splendid shoe store in Bucktown. Peruse among names like Anya Hindmarch, Missoni, London Sole, Jean-Michel Cazabat, and Luciano Padovan. Ryan has made it a priority to find shoes that are high-quality but little-known, so you may …read more

1 Comment

• If you’re a fan of all things dark and gruesome, check out the artwork of author, film director, and artist Clive Barker at the Packer Schopf Gallery, showing Tuesdays through Saturdays and free to the public. (runs through February 16)
• The 24th Annual Playdough Palooza is the Wish List Auxiliary Board’s annual fundraising event to support the Child Life Department. This year’s fundraiser will be at Rockit Bar and Grill. All of the proceeds will fund new supplies for the Children’s Memorial Hospital. Tickets are $50-$60 via childrenswishlist.org (Jan 18)
• Ladies, spend A Night in Paradise. This girls’ night …read more

1 Comment

• 2007 has been one crazy year. Alberto Gonzalez, Blackwater, Michael Vick, Miss Teen South Carolina, and look! It’s OJ again! “Uh-Oh”7: The Year in Revue at Donny’s Skybox Theatre takes a satirical look at the names and events that made this year unique. (Dec 21, 28)
• Friday is National Burger Day! Join the folks at Silver Cloud Bar & Grill, and enjoy their specialty menu which includes the chili burger (chili, sour cream, cheddar, and red onions), southwest burger (blackened burger with avocado, jalapenos, cheddar, and cumin mayo), the burger of champions (fried egg, bacon, and cheddar), and more. …read more

Comments Off

• Join the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement at Shikago Restaurant for their 2007 Holiday Party. Enjoy cocktails and modern Asian cuisine, all while taking in the beautiful city views. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. A $5 discount will be given at the door to those who donate professional apparel. (Dec 7)
• Want to support a Democratic candidate? RSVP for Change Rocks, a concert for Senator Barack Obama at the Riviera Theatre. Performers include Jeff Tweedy, Stephan Jenkins, and Jill Sobule. (Dec 7)
• The fifth annual Winter Arts and Crafts Expo at the Evanston Art …read more

Comments Off

These days, more and more women are learning how to fix their own cars, change their own flat tires, and keep up with general auto maintenance. But what about their bikes?
The Cycling Sisters is a women’s cycling group here in Chicago aiming to increase the confidence and comfort of women cyclists. The organization teaches bikers how to fix flats, lube chains, adjust brakes, and even build bikes via year-round, low-cost (sometimes free!) workshops. The Sisters also hold group rides, social get-togethers, and other activities.
This all-volunteer group also has great advice on how to carry stuff on your bike, what to …read more

Comments Off