Chicago Weekend Fun!

The Garrett Popcorn Shops will open a new store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago this summer replacing the one on North Michigan Avenue that closed last year. Their presence on the Mag Mile was missed by locals and tourists alike. Their flavored popcorn is such a Chicago Classic and we are glad to see that they will be back. The new Garrett Popcorn Shop will be located on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Ontario Street. Look for the new store to open in late summer, (August?). Everyone loves the caramel popcorn but there is a large range of flavors available, all are great to try. Check them out the next time you are downtown shopping.

I was checking out the Taste of Chicago 2009 map of vendors and restaurants and there is more to choose from this year at the taste than ever. The Taste of Chicago 2009 offers everything from classic Chicago hot dogs and pizza to vegetarian dishes, to international specialties from all over the world to luscious sweets and deserts.

The Taste of Chicago is an annual event for many people who live in the city so be aware of the crowds that you will be working with. Don’t bring a lot of stuff to carry and wear comfortable shoes for the long walk from the Bus, El, Cab, Metra or Parking Garage. the taste of Chicago isn’t cheap either. There is no admission fee, but all the food costs you in “tickets”. Expect to spend $20-$40 in tickets per person including appetizers, drinks, main dishes and deserts.  

This is the full list of tents and foods available at the Taste of Chicago 2009 from explorechicago.org:

Taste of Chicago Food Booths - ¢¢¢ indicates a “Taste Of” portion and is priced lower for a smaller sample portion

9 - Abbey Pub - Address 3420 West Grace Street - Irish Classics
Roasted Corn on the Cob; Fish and Chips(Fries); Irish Egg Rolls; Oreo® Bailey’s® Irish Custard
¢¢¢ Irish Egg Roll; Fries with Irish Curry

54 - Adobo Grill - 2005 West Division Street
Guacamole and Chips; Cochinita Pibil (Pork) Tacos; Chicken Tamale; Churros
¢¢¢ Churros; Cheese Empanada

51 - Arya Bhavan - 2508 West Devon Avenue
Samosa (Crisp Patties with Potatoes, Peas, Coriander and Spices); Chana Masala with Bread/Nan; Pav Bhaji with Bread/Nan (Vegetarian Stew with Cauliflower, Peas, Eggplant, Tomatoes and Spices); Bhel (Puffed Rice, Sev and Puri mixed with diced Potatoes, Onions, Cilantro, Garlic, and Hot and Sweet Chutney Sauces)
¢¢¢ Samosa; Bhel

17 - Aunt Diana’s Candy Makers- 29 East Burlington Road in Riverside
Chocolate Covered Strawberry; Chocolate Dipped Frozen Banana; Combo: Strawberry, Fudge and Baby Banana
¢¢¢ Chocolate Dipped Frozen Baby Banana; Chocolate Fudge

8 - Bacino’s Pizza of Lincoln Park - 2204 North Lincoln Avenue
Stuffed Spinach Pizza; Stuffed Sausage Pizza; Thin Crust Cheese Pizza; Thin Crust Sausage Pizza
¢¢¢ Stuffed Spinach Pizza; Stuffed Sausage Pizza

6 - Billy Goat Tavern and Grill - 1535 West Madison Avenue - A Chicago Classic
Rib Eye Steak Sandwich; Cheeseburger; Double Cheeseburger
¢¢¢ ½ Cheeseburger; Potato Chips

33 - BJ’s Market and Bakery - 8734 South Stony Island Avenue
Mustard-Fried Catfish; Turkey Burger; Barbecue Chicken Tenders; Sweet Potato Chips
¢¢¢ Mustard-Fried Catfish; Peach Cobbler [yummm]

14 - Blue Bayou -3734 North Southport Ave.
Muffalletta Sandwich; Jambalaya; Cornbread with Honey Chili Butter; Gator Sausage on a Stick
¢¢¢ Jambalaya; Bananas Foster Bites

25 - Buona - Many Chicagoland Locations - A Chicago Classic
Italian Beef Sandwich; Beef and Sausage Combo Sandwich; Italian Sausage Sandwich
¢¢¢ Italian Sausage Sandwich; Mini Cannoli

15 - Canady Le Chocolatier - 824 S. Wabash Ave.
Chocolate Gelato; Blueberry Yogurt Gelato; Tiramisu Gelato; Peanut Butter Gelato
¢¢¢ Fruiti di Bosco Sorbet [healthy diet option]; Chocolate Gelato

24 - Celebration Creamery - 286 Golf Mill Center, Niles
Funnel Cake; Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Topping; Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate Topping; One Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream on a Waffle Cone
¢¢¢ Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate Topping; Strawberry Cheesecake Frozen Yogurt Sandwich

19 - C’est Si Bon! - 5225 South Harper Avenue
Sweet Potato Cheesecake; Collard Green Egg Rolls; Firecracker Chicken Wingettes with Biscuit; Fresh Fruit Cup
¢¢¢ Cajun Meatballs; Firecracker Wingettes

5 - Chicago Joe’s - 2256 West Irving Park Road
Breaded Buffalo Popcorn Shrimp with Fries; Beer Battered Butterfly Coconut Shrimp with Fries; Homemade Seasoned Fries; Breaded Calamari Rings with Fries
¢¢¢ Homemade Chili; Homemade Seasoned Fries

38 - Connie’s Pizza - 2373 South Archer Avenue
Deep Dish Cheese Pizza; Deep Dish Sausage Pizza; Meatball Sandwich; Thin Beer Crust Pepperoni Pizza
¢¢¢ Mini Meatball Sandwich; All Natural Vegetarian Panzerotti

45 - Costa’s -Address 340 South Halsted Street
Gyros; Greek Chicken on Pita; Loukaniko(Greek Sausage)
¢¢¢ Loukaniko; Baklava (super sweet Filo, Honey and Nut Pastry)

37 - Dominick’s -Chicagoland Locations - healthiest options at the taste!
Red/Green Seedless Grapes; Cherries; Watermelon Slice; Roasted Ultra Sweet Corn on the Cob
¢¢¢ ½ Watermelon Slice; Pineapple Bites

22 - Eli’s Cheesecake - 6701 West Forest Preserve Drive - A Chicago Classic
Frozen Chocolate Chip Toffee Crunch; Oreo® Cookie Cheesecake with Vanilla Ice Cream; Turtle Cheesecake; Plain Cheesecake (with or without strawberries) [personally I think their cheesecake is a bit dry]
¢¢¢ Plain Cheesecake; No-Sugar-Added Key Lime Cheesecake (made with Equal)

42 - Fireplace Inn - 1448 North Wells Street
BBQ Baby Back Ribs; BBQ Boneless Rib Sandwich; Mozzarella Sticks; BBQ Meatballs
¢¢¢ Mozzarella Sticks; Tropical Fruit Salad Bowl [heart healthy low cal option]

44 - Franco’s Ristorante - 300 West 31st Street
Lemon Italian Ice; Watermelon Italian Ice; Stracciatella Gelato (Vanilla with Chocolate Shavings); Chocolate Hazelnut Gelato (Giunduia)
¢¢¢ Lemon Italian Ice; Watermelon Italian Ice

52 - Garrett Popcorn Shops - Chicagoland and O’Hare Locations - A Chicago Classic
Popcornsicle (Caramel and Cheese Corn Mix, flash frozen on a stick); Chocolate Covered Caramel Corn; ½ lb. Mixed Nuts [careful of the popcorn and carmel if you have dental work]
¢¢¢ Caramel and Cheese Corn Mix; Chocolate Covered Caramel Corn

12 - The Grill on the Alley - Address: 909 North Michigan Avenue
Prime Rib Quesadilla; Gazpacho with Chopped Avocado and Chives; Rice Pudding with Mango and Dried Cranberries
¢¢¢ Gazpacho with Chopped Avocado and Chives; Grilled Anjou Pear Salad with Walnuts and Maytag Blue Cheese

7 - Guey Lon - 3968 North Elston Avenue
Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura; Orange Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice; Mongolian Beef with Noodles; “Crab” Rangoon
¢¢¢ Egg Roll; Vegetable Tempura

39 - Harold’s Chicken #71 - 2109 South Wabash Avenue
Chicken Wings; Chicken Nuggets; Fried Okra; Fries
¢¢¢ Chicken Wings; Hush Puppies

28 - Harry Caray’s - 33 West Kinzie Street
Homemade Potato Chips; Fried Dough; Toasted Cheese Ravioli; Chocolate Chip Cookie
¢¢¢ Toasted Cheese Ravioli; Whole Wheat Oatmeal Raisin Cookie

16 - Hashbrowns - 731 West. Maxwell Street
Maxwell Street Burger (Burger Patty Topped with Pork Chop, Polish Sausage and Grilled Onions)[heart attack city]; Sweet Potato Fries [yummy]; Mini Waffle Topped with Whipped Cream, Chocolate Syrup and a Strawberry; Sweet Potato Hashbrowns ¢¢¢ Sweet Potato Fries; Sweet Potato Hashbrowns

23 - Home Run Inn Pizza - 4254 West 31st Street - A Chicago Classic
Cheese Pizza; Sausage Pizza; Ultra Thin Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza; Strawberry Pecan Salad
¢¢¢ Small Strawberry Pecan Salad; Mozzarella Stuffed Bread Stick

46 - JR Dessert Bakery - 2841 West Howard Street
Plain Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry or Caramel Pecan Sauce; Frozen Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake Bar; Key Lime Pie; Apple Pie with Ice Cream
¢¢¢ Plain Cheesecake; Ice Cream with Fresh Strawberry Sauce

47 - Kasia’s Deli - 2101 W. Chicago Ave.
Pierogi (Potato, Spinach, Chicken) with Sour Cream [recommended based on all Perogi are great and a polish staple]; Grilled Polish Sausage Sandwich with Sauteed Onions; Chicken Kabob with Vegetable Rice and Honey Mustard [healthier dinner option]; Potato Pancakes with Sour Cream and Pico de Gallo or Apple Sauce {mmmmm}
¢¢¢ Cheese Blintz with Raspberry Sauce; Potato and Cheese Pierogi

3 - La Justicia - 3901 West 26th Street
Enchiladas; Steak Tacos; Chicken Tacos; Combo: Taco, Enchilada and Quesadilla
¢¢¢ Enchilada; Chicken Taco

49 - Lagniappe-Creole Cajun Joynt - 1525 West 79th Street
Catfish Po’Boy; Crawfish, Corn and Potatoes; Beignets; Chicken and Waffles
¢¢¢ Praline Ice Cream; Beignets

48 - Las Tablas Colombian Steakhouse - 2942 North Lincoln Avenue
Empanadas (Beef, Chicken, or Cheese); Entraña Skirt Steak with Sweet Plantain Wedges; Marinated Grilled Chicken with Sweet Plantain Wedges; Verdes y Maduros (Crunchy Plantain Chips and Sweet Plantain Wedges)
¢¢¢ Verdes (Crunchy Plantain Chips); Maduros (Sweet Plantain Wedges)

40 - Los Dos Laredos - 3120 West 26th Street
Carne Asada Tacos (Steak); Tamales (Cheese and Green Pepper); Steak Gordita ala Mexican; Cheese Nachos
¢¢¢ Carne Asada Taco (Steak); Steak Gordita

30 - Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria - 958 West Wrightwood Avenue [A Chicago Classic]
Cheese Pizza; Cheese and Sausage Pizza; Chopped Salad; Bruschetta
¢¢¢ Chopped Salad; Bruschetta

1 - Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen - 1141 South Jefferson Street
Barbequed Turkey Leg [you have to try this once] ; BarbequeBeef Brisket Sandwich; Cherry Pie Square; Potato Pancakes [potato pancakes are not really a summer food, but they are so good it might be worth the calories/fat since they are from an authentic Jewish Deli, share with a friend]
¢¢¢ Potato Pancake; Macaroni and Cheese

29 - Mazzone’s Italian Ice - At Chicagoland Retailers [italian ice is fat free, a heart healthy treat, but skip the nuttela unless your a marathon runner]
3 Scoops Italian Ice (Lemon, Strawberry, Blue Raspberry or Mango); 2 Scoops Italian Ice; Nuttella® Crepe with Whipped Cream; Chocolate Covered Rice Krispies® Treat
¢¢¢ 1 Scoop Blue Raspberry Italian Ice; Scoop Lemon Italian Ice

18 - The Noodle Vietnamese Cuisine - 2336 South Wentworth Avenue
Sesame Beef on a Stick; Crab Rangoon; Shrimp Rolls; Curry Chicken on Rice
¢¢¢ Sesame Beef on a Stick; Shrimp Rolls

41 - Oak Street Beach Café - 5700 South Cicero Avenue
Grilled Slipper Tail Lobster with Garlic Potato; Grilled Shrimp on a Skewer with Garlic Potato; Grilled Spicy Chicken Wings with Garlic Potato; Grilled Cajun Turkey Link with Garlic Potato
¢¢¢ Garlic Potatoes; Spicy Wings

43 - O’Brien’s Pub - 1528 North Wells Street by the Chicago River.
Celtic Corn on the Cob; Loaded Baked Potato; Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich; Buffalo Shrimp
¢¢¢ Baked Potato; Onion Coated Green Beans

36 - Original Rainbow Cone - 9233 South Western Avenue
Cool off with the Rainbow Ice Cream (Chocolate, Strawberry, Palmer and Pistachio Ice Cream with Orange Sherbet) in a Cake or Waffle Cone; Cookie Dough or Cookies and Cream Cone; Waffle Cone Sundae (Vanilla Yogurt, Blueberries and Strawberries); Strawberry Shortcake Parfait (Vanilla Yogurt)
¢¢¢ Taster Cup of Rainbow Ice Cream; Dream Cup (Vanilla Yogurt and Orange Sherbet)

13 - Polka Sausage and Deli - 8753 South Commercial Avenue
Polish Sausage Sandwich with Kraut; Bratwurst Sandwich with Kraut; Grilled Breast of Chicken with Grilled Onions; Pierogi with Sour Cream (Potato, Cheese, Kraut) [perogi with kraut is also good]
¢¢¢ 1 Pierogi; Polish Sausage Sandwich with Kraut

31 - Polo Café and Catering Bridgeport U.S.A. - 3322 South Morgan Street
Shark Veracruz (Oven-Baked); Crispy Noodle Shrimp; Crab Cake Nuggets(Oven-Baked); Southern Fried Tilapia Filet
¢¢¢ Garlic-Mozzarella Cheese Bread; Crispy Noodle Shrimp

35 - Reggio’s Pizza - 1339 South Halsted Street
Turkey Sausage Deep Dish Pizza; Cheese Deep Dish Pizza; Sausage Thin Crust Pizza; Pepperoni Thin Crust Pizza
¢¢¢ Italian Ice; Sausage Thin Crust Pizza

4 - Ricobene’s - 252 West 26th Street
Italian Breaded Steak Sandwich; Beef and Sausage Combo Sandwich; Fresh Cut Fries with Cheese; Boneless Buffalo Wings [another vendor that is not diet friendly]
¢¢¢ Italian Breaded Steak Sandwich; Breaded Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich

21 - Robinson’s No. 1 Ribs - 225 South Canal Street and in Oak Park
BBQ Rib Tips; BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich; Boneless Rib Sandwich; Turkey Wings
¢¢¢ Hot Link; BBQ Rib Tips

50 - Sabor Latino - 3810 West North Avenue
Spanish Steak, Onions and Rice with Pigeon Peas; Puerto RicanSteak and Onion Sandwich on Homemade Criollo Bread; Steak Jibarito (Farmer Sandwich)
¢¢¢ Steak Jibarito; Pork Filled Banana Dumpling

2 - Soul Vegetarian East - 205 East 75th Street
Veggie Gyros [new?]; Vegetarian BBQ Twist on a Stick; Corn on the Cob; Vegetarian Tamales
¢¢¢ Sweet Potato Pie; BBQ Twist on a Stick

26 - Star of Siam - 11 East Illinois Street
Tempura Shrimp and Vegetables; Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce and Cucumber Salad; Pad Thai Noodles (Vegetarian); Pot Stickers (Chicken and Vegetable Dumplings)
¢¢¢ Pad Thai Noodles; Pot Stickers

11 - Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce- Jewel and Dominick’s Chicagoland Retailers
Hickory Smoked BBQ Ribs; BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich; BBQ Boneless Rib Sandwich; BBQ Chicken Sandwich [not heart healthy options, not for someone with IBS, I speak from experience]
¢¢¢ Mini Boneless Rib Sandwich; BBQ Meatballs

53 - Tamarind - address 614 South Wabash Avenue
Orange Chicken with Rice; Thai Red Curry with Chicken; Taiwan Shining Noodles; Banana Chocolate Egg Roll [yummy desert!!]
¢¢¢ Taiwan Shining Noodles; Taro French Fries

34 - Tuscany Italian food at 1014 West Taylor Street
Italian Beef Sandwich; Italian Sausage Sandwich; Italian Turkey Meatballs; Toasted Cheese Ravioli
¢¢¢ Italian Turkey Meatballs; Toasted Cheese Ravioli

32 - Tutto Italiano- Located at 501 Sputh Wells Street
Pasta and Chicken Salad; Fried Ravioli Marinara; Steak Burger with Blue Cheese
¢¢¢ Italian Fries; Fried Ravioli Marinara

20 - Vee-Vee’s African Cuisine - 6232 N. Broadway St.
Jerk Chicken with Red Beans and Rice; Sauteed Goat Meat with Plantain; Jollof Rice and Goat; Red Beans and Rice with Plantain (Vegetarian menu option)
¢¢¢ Jerk Chicken with Red Beans and Rice; Jollof Rice with Goat

10 - Vermilion - 10 W. Hubbard St.
Char-Grilled Chicken Kabob with Mango-Mint Chutney; BBQ Tamarind Pepper Boneless Rib Sandwich (Plain or with Grilled Onions); Chimchurri Masala Chicken Wings; Mango-Cumin Dusted Fries with Date Chutney
¢¢¢ Chimchurri Masala Chicken Wings; Mango-Cumin Dusted Fries

27 - Vienna Beef/Gold Coast Dogs- various Chicagoland Locations - a Chicago Classic
Hot Dog (Plain or Chicago-Style) and Potato Chips; Polish Sausage (with Mustard and Grilled Onions) and Potato Chips; Fire Dog (with Mustard and Grilled Onions)
¢¢¢ Whole Pickle on a Stick [the only fat free option]; ½ Hot Dog

Dominick’s has a Gourmet Grocer located on Buckingham Fountain Plaza, east of the Chef’s Table.
Also, Bobtail Ice Cream and The Fountain Cafe are located at Buckingham Fountain Plaza.

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The Chicago Outdoor Film Festival is back again this summer (for the 10th year!) with a great lineup of movies planned. If you live in the city or work downtown these classic movies are a great way to picnic for dinner and wind down from a crazy day at work. I highly recommend the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival because it is fun and Free!

Every Tuesday at sunset (about 8:30 pm) from July 14th thru August 25th, a classic film will be shown in Grant Park’s Butler Field. Movie fans can enjoy a very good outdoor sound system and pre-show activities at each weekly screening. These films are sometimes great American classics and other times they are movies you have heard about but never seen because you weren’t around when they were popular. You can discover a new favorite classic film this way or relax because you know the dialogue in the scenes so well.

Many people bring picnic blankets and dinner to enjoy while watching the movie. It is a Ravinia style event though, so even with food and drinks allowed, you have to be quiet so that other people can hear the movie.

Grant Park’s address is:
337 East Randolph Street Chicago, IL 60601
 

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To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the film festival, Chicagoans are invited to join Movie CriticRichard Roeper on July 14th in an opening night discussion with a screening of Sunset Boulevard to follow.

The rest of the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival in Grant Park is as follows:

Complete List of Chicago Outdoor Film Festival 2009 Classic Films

- Sunset Boulevard July 14

- Duck Soup July 21

- Cat on a Hot Tin Roof July 28

- Born Yesterday August 4

- Psycho August 11

- Young Mr. Lincoln August 18

- Tootsie August 25

Enjoy the Show!

These are the updates I just got about Memorial Day Parade and Street Closures in Chicago. If you are planning on attending the Chicago Memorial Day Parade, The JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge Race, The Memorial March, or the Bike the Drive event, check this list first to find out where the streets are closed and where/when the events happen. I hope eveyone had a great Memorial Day Weekend and have a burger from the grill for me!

J. P. MORGAN CHASE CORPORATE CHALLENGE (3.5 miles) on Thursday, 21 May 09, 6pm – 10pm:

This event site will be in Grant Park, Lower Hutchinson Field.

The run will take place on Columbus Drive from Roosevelt Rd to Wacker Drive.

Start time for the run is at 7:10 pm.

Columbus will close at 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm from Roosevelt Rd to Balbo.

Columbus from Balbo to Wacker Drive, as well as the east west streets in this area will remain open for as long as possible to allow for the end of rush hour traffic.

The on site CPD Commander will give the order to close the streets shortly before the race begins.

At the end of the race, as soon as it is safe to do so, Columbus from Balbo to Wacker Drive and the east west streets in the area will be opened.

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE on Saturday, 23 May 09:

The parade route is from Wacker Drive to Van Buren on State Street, step off 12 noon.

State Street and the east west streets along the route will close at 11:30 am.

Wacker Drive will be closed for staging from Wabash to Lake Street at 8:00 am.

Van Buren will be closed for vehicles and disbanding from Michigan to Franklin at 8:00 am.

The parade will last approximately 2 hours and streets will be opened to traffic as soon as it is safe.

BIKE THE DRIVE on Sunday, 24 May 09:

The event site will be in Grant Park, Butler Field the bike route is on Lake Shore Drive.

Lake Shore Drive will be closed to vehicle traffic from 5:00 am to 10:30 am from Hollywood to 63rd Street.

AMERICANS FOR LIFE, LIFE MEMORIAL MARCH on Friday, 22 May 09:

This group will meet at the Thompson Center Plaza; the march will step off at 11:30 am.

A group of 2000 to 3000 people will march south on Clark St to Adams, east on Adams into Federal Plaza.

The group will hold a rally at Federal plaza until approximately 2:30 pm.

During the march traffic will be affected from Wacker Drive to Jackson and State to LaSalle.

As soon as it is safe, streets will be opened to traffic.

Vintage Black and White Mother's Day Photos with Kids.

There are a lot of ideas for spending Mother’s Day in Chicago with mom this year. Whether your mom is a corporate VP or a stay at home multitasking genius, there is something you can do to make this Sunday’s Mother’s Day Special.

Mother’s Day Flowers are always a great gift. Most moms love flowers so getting a bouquet of roses, flower arrangement of dasies or car load of bedding flowers for the front yard are all great ideas.  I have been taking my mom flower shopping for several years now the week before Mother’s Day. We buy a few hanging pots of geraniums and some flats of flowers for the garden (petunias, begonias, dahlias and maybe a rosebush or a flowering shrub if we need one that year).

Blue Butterfly on an Orange Zinnia, Flowers are a great gift for Mother's Day

I end up spending about $100 since it is a fancy place for flowers (Vern Goers in Hinsdale), but the Jewel stores have their greenhouses up and the home depot sells a lot of interesting bedding plants also. (also try The Growing Place in Naperville. ) You probably want to go home and help mom plant them in the garden and pots too, in order to really make it a great gift and a great day.

Mother’s Day Brunches

There are numerous Mother’s Day brunches all over Chicagoland on Sunday May 10th. Some good local Chicagoland restaurants I know of are:

Vintage Moms of the 1950's. What would they would have liked? What do they want us to remember?

The Glen Prairie Restaurant in Glen Ellyn, McCormick & Schmick’s Restaurant in Chicago, ZED451 in Chicago and the very popular Naperville Hilton Sunday Brunch at Allgauer’s in Naperville. You need reservations for all these restaurants on Mother’s Day. They all are usually booked for their Sunday brunches and Mother’s Day is no different. Call now to see if there is still room!

Mother’s day Gift Ideas

If you can’t afford an iPhone or a luxury spa vacation for mom here are some good Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for kids and families.

What most moms want is to be appreciated and to spend quality fun time with their kids. With how hectic the schedules are in our lives with work and home responsibilities, nobody gets enough quality time. Doing something for the day for the family is probably what mom would like best.

The famous Blue Box from Tiffany's.

Also keep your ears open for what mom has been talking about needing latley. Does the dishwasher make a menacing noise when it starts? Would the thought of doing dishes by hand in the sink every night grind your life and schedule to a halt? Is the washer starting a leak or acting funny stopping mid cycle? Getting things for the home that need upgrading is a great way to get a gift for mom and help both parents in the house get things done quicker.

Not all mom’s want to be reminded of the work they do at home on Mother’s Daythough. Some moms want to go out and experience the world that they left behind when they had kids. Maybe this kind of mom wants a night out withdad in the city, with a broadway show, fancy dinner and four star hotel.

Mother’s Day Traditions

If you really think about it, moms are the glue that holds nature and life together. Without all their nurturing and caring how would human life transfer knowledge to the next generation and continue? If you think about it, its pretty amazing that life has existed as long as it has, and how within a few short decades the generational shift in the world is huge. Moms also influence heavily who you become and some of your deepest personality traits. Women have traditionally played an important role in making all life possible on earth, lets give them the credit they deserve.

Chicago Blues Festival 2008 by lanet and phil via Flickr.

The Chicago Blues Festival showcases the music Chicago is known for. If you are a fan of the Blues Brothers or maybe have seen BB King on commercials you may think you know something about the Blues. The thing is there is an entire world of Blues Music in Chicago with an incredible depth of talent just waiting to be discovered. the Chicago Blues Festival is a way for the general public to come discover these musicians, singers and talented artists perform their work. This speing on June 12, 13 and 14th Grant Park will be alivewith the sound of Blues, Soul and Jazz intermixing and providing some great entertainment to the city of Chicago. It is a living art form that is not to be missed.

Black Blues Guitar by Mr Noded via Flickr

It’s no surprise that Chicago Blues Festival is the largest blues festival in the world since Chicago is the largest of the cities known for Blues Music. What you may not know if that the Chicago Blues Festival the largest of Chicago’s Music Festivals. The festival lasts three days and contains six stages of performers. It’s pretty incredible that the Mayor’s Office of Special Events says that more than 640,000 blues fans attend the event and prove that Chicago is the “Blues Capital of the World.”

And did we mention it is FREE to the public?

Crowd at the Chicago Blues Festival in 2008. By Lanet and Phil va Flickr

The Chicago Blues Festival attracts big name mainstream performers who like to collaborate with local Blues singers and musicians including Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles, B.B. King, Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy and Koko Taylor.

This year if you are looking to attend the Chicago Blues Festival in Grant Parkit will have performers live on 6 stages from 12 noon to 9:30 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. From the looks of teh schedule it should be a great weekend for music. (if the weather cooperates)

And did we mention it is FREE to the public?  (oh, we did)

Location: Grant Park at Jackson Blvd. & Columbus Dr. in Chicago, IL 60604  

Admission is FREE but, Food and Drinks tickets are sold in quantities of 12 for $8. (most food/drinks are a bit pricey, but the festival being free makes up for it)

There is also a city site with a lot of history about the Chicago Blues Festival available at explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/special_events/mose/chicago_blues_festival.html.

some produce at the organic farmer's market

The Chicago Green City Market will be moving outside to Lincoln Park (1750 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60614) on Wednesday, May 6, with a kick off rally for the 2009 season on Saturday, May 9!

the Chicago Green City Market is known for having great locally grown and organic produce. If you believe in the 100 mile rule for buying food and consumables or just like the idea of fresh locally grown items this is the place to go in the city. The market grows to a larger size in the summer with the produce that is seasonally available then. The prices are very reasonable and usually lower than

The Chicago Green City Market will continue in the park Wednesdays and Saturdays (except 4th of July) from 7 am to 1 pm.

Until then, the Chicago Green City Market will continue in their winter home at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum on Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm, April 18th and April 25th.

Green, Yellow, Red, Orange and Purple Peppers

Alice Waters makes a special visit to the market on the 25th for her book signing of The Edible Schoolyard, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

Check out the Green City Market to find some great locally grown fruit and vegetables this year to improve your diet and your health.

This outdoor produce market near Lake Michigan in Lincoln Park Chicago is noteworthy because it’s usually a whole-day event to do with shopping as well as chef demonstrations and local vendors selling prepared food from products sold at the market. They focus on sustainable and organic agriculture where ever they can, and in Chicago that is a challenge. The City of Chicago farmers markets also open in May. Get your baskets, bags and bicycles ready. You can find out more about the schedules and locations of the farmer’s market in your neighborhood here at: explorechicago.org/city/en/supporting_narrative/events___special_events/special_events/mose/chicago_farmers_markets.html

Rock out with your _ out.

Lollapalooza Tickets are on Sale now! The Lollapalooza 2009 tickets went on sale today and are available at variable prices with the first come first served lowest price model. Here is how it works. Right now the early bird 3-day pass is $175. That is a great deal for 3 whole days and nights of concerts and bands. Then when those sell out, the advance tickets will be available at $190 each. Then when those advance Lollapalooza 2009 tickets sell out the price may go over $250. Then when all the tickets are sold out (in July) the re-sellers start charging around $350 for 3 day passes. If you are a rich exec or company looking to get VIP access those VIP Tickets are $850! (YIKES!)

Nine inch nails play for the crowd in Grant Park in 2008.

It is in your own best interest to go over to the Lollapalooza.com site and buy the tickets now and get them for around 1/2 price as an early bird. They get sent in the mail closer to the concert festival date so you don’t have to worry if you forget about them, and you don’t have to save up a ton of money later in the summer when there are lots of events going on that fill up the budget.

In this economy I think that the regular Lollapalooza tickets will probably still sell out since it’s such a festival about all kinds of people, music and ideas. People will still want to come together and be a part of the music because it is a unique experience (some call it a big hippie-fest) they can’t find anywhere else. It’s worth it to cut out other high priced items and keep Lollapalooza on your summer todo list or keep it on the agenda to travel to Chicago to see.

The concerts are usually from very popular bands and singers also so most everyone finds a few bands they love and a few new groups they have not heard of yet that they discover. (although somewhat less discovery these days) The lineup for 2009 has not been announced yet, but it is usually expected to have some of the biggest names in music on it. Check back for more details when they become available.

Spring is the time that most people look for an apartment in Chicago. Rental Leases are up and it is the first time for the year that it is warm enough that you can actually move furniture our of one apartment and into a new apartment without freezing. April-June are the high points for most apartment rental searches so that means most people start looking in February, March and April in order to see enough places to make a decision on which lease to sign and where to move to in Chicago by May or June.

There are many ways to start your search for a new apartment in Chicago. If you are moving here from out of town most people find that making an appointment with an apartment rentals listing/finder service is an efficient way to see a lot of apartments over one or two weekends (with a guide) that they visit and then they can make their decisions within a few weeks. This way of searching for a new apartment in Chicago has a higher price though because there is always a finder’s fee involved in the cost of the apartment.

Lots of vintage buildings have apartments available that have charm and character you won't find in new apartment rentals.

Other people prefer to go it alone looking at craigslist or other apartment rentals listing sites (like apartments.com) for individual apartment listings and see the units on their own time schedule. This is more convenient if you already live in the neighborhood and generally you find better deals this way,but it may take 2-3 months to find the right apartment unit. Craigslist has many search options and ways to filter the search results and RSS feeds so you only see what you can afford and most listings have some photos that help you weed out the seedy/gross places. 

A lot of people consider the night life and amenities in a particular Chicago neighborhood to be a large part of their decision on where to find an apartment. Getting around in Chicago with 9.5 million other people isn’t easy, so being as close to work, friends and convenient places to hang out is definitely an asset. The problem is that the places closest to downtown are the most expensive and the places closest to a lot of bars and trendy hangouts in Lincoln Park and Lakeview are also in high demand and therefore cost a lot also.

A typical 1 bedroom apartment floorplan in Chicago

Sometimes you can find better prices on rent for apartments further north in the city like Buena Park, Uptown and Lincoln Square. These neighborhoods have a longer commute if you work downtown, but you can save $200-$300 per month on your rent. Another option may be to rent a condo that someone can’t sell in this bad real estate economy. Many condo owners who have moved or gotten married just want to recoup some of the cash they are paying in monthly mortgage payments so they are usually very negotiable on rental prices. You also get someones home that was probably taken care of much better than a rental unit. A lot of newly rehabbed condos with luxury details are available for rent from individual owners listed on craigslist or other classified sites.  

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Chicago?

I know people in Lakeview/Lincoln park that pay $750 per month for a 500 sq ft studio apartment without parking, and the price goes up from there. A 1 bedroom might be around $1,200 per month and a 2 bedroom might be around $1,800 especially if you want parking. Extra parking rental spaces can run from $150 - $300 per month depending on where it is located and if it is a garage or not.

A modern apartment that would be typical in Lakeview or Wicker Park neighborhoods in Chicago.

If you go further north the prices drop a few hundred dollars per unit. Also, Oak Park is a convenient alternative where a 1 bedroom might only be $850 per month and the parking is free. Oak Park apartments are still walking distance to the el for commuting to work downtown every day and the suburb is right next to the city so you can enjoy all the nightlife. Other people have found Evanston to be an alternative to living in Chicago and paying high apartment rentals prices. Evanston prices are very comparable to Oak Park and the buildings there are very similar also. The only difference is which train line you take to work. The Purple line instead of the Green line.  

Even cheaper apartment rent yet is available the south side of the city or some of the near west neighborhoods like Humboldt Park in Chicago.These neighborhoods may have lower rent rates for a reason though and it is always important to feel safe in the area that you decide to rent an apartment and live for a few years. Checking the crime reports through the local newspapers online is a good way to assess the situation and decide. 

How much of your income should you spend on rent each month?

A typical starter apartment where someone brings their bikes in because in Chicago cutting the locks & stealing bikes is all too common.

I think the guide to getting approved for a lease is around 25-30% of your monthly after tax income.Don’t forget you have to figure in the cost of utilities, parking, food and transportation also each month on top of rent. Some apartments come with heat or water included in the rent price, but not all of them do. If you find one that does, it is rare. The cost of food and utilities is about 25% more in the city than in the suburbs also. Finding roommates can help share the costs of rent but finding someone you can live with and share a bathroom with can be a serious challenge.

Wherever you decide to live in Chicago I hope this information helps you find the best deal on cheap apartment rent while finding a place you really like to live in. After you find your new apartment that you love you may want to check out whitefence.com for finding the cheapest utilities in your area also.

Plenty of fast fun affordable spring break escape options in Chicago.

I know that the tradition is to leave Chicago and go to a warm sunny tropical location to celebrate spring break, but for many people who live throughout the Midwest, Chicago is the destination for a spring break getaway. If you’re from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri or Minnesota you might be thinking of spending Spring Break in Chicago. OR, Maybe you live in Naperville and want to escape and stay downtown for a stay-cation break?

It’s the big city with all the bright lights and events happening. Maybe you’re considering moving there some day and want to see what all the excitement is about in Chicago? Here is a list of things that you can do on Spring Break in Chicago, whether you’re 17 or 77.

1. Shopping on Michigan Avenuedowntown or at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg. Before the Mall of America was built, Woodfield was the largest mall in America. Do your civic duty during this recession and find the best sales and deals in the stores now. Shopping is a local pastime in Chicago whether the country is in a recession or not. I see Michigan Avenue filled with shoppers every day.

2. Eat a Steak.Or if you’re a vegetarian, check out some of the finer veggie options in Chicago (yes there are many). Some of the best steakhouses in Chicago are: Gibson’s, Morton’s, Ruth’s Chris, Mickormick & Schmick’s, Smith & Wollensky and Lawry’s Prime Rib (technically not steak but still very good). Some of the best well known Vegetarian restaurants are the Lakeside Cafe, Uru-Swati on Devon, Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant on Ashland and Mana Food bar on Division.  

The view of Chicago on spring break

3. Odyssey Chicago Lake Michigan Dinner Cruise or the Chicago River Boat Tours. Both of these options give you a great view of Chicago and the skyline. The Odessy Dinner Cruises are best at night when the skyline is lit up. The Chicago River Boat Tours are also fantastic on the Chicago River. I think the Architecture tour is the best but all of them are equally informative and entertaining.

4. Check out the Art Institute of Chicago. Ok, this isn’t really very spring breaky, but well worth the time and still provides a certain amount of risque topics for discussion. There are always special traveling exhibits at the Art Institute of Chicago that showcase collections of artwork that are very rare and exclusive. Check them out since they are usually only showing the exhibit for a limited number of weeks.

5. If your spring break is really late, or you are possibly waiting to plan a summer trip, consider Six Flags Great America. This is about the most spring break like activity we have here in Chicago. It’s pure fun, all the roller-coasters and rides you can possibly dream of. It is a day of pure escape from the everyday.

6. Check out the concerts. A lot of local bands play weekly in the city and if you plan ahead you can catch big national tours as they pass through Chicago. The Allstate arena, United Center, House of Blues and Chicago Theater all have new shows every weekend and you can get discount tickets the day of, if they aren’t sold out. The best way to check out these venues is their individual websites.

Ira Glass ready for the show.

This American Life has gone on the road again to produce 2 live stage shows, one in Chicago at the Chicago Theater and one in New York City which will be taped and beamed live via some fancy newfangled satellites to a bunch of movie theaters (400!) across the country so you can see the show as it happens from where ever you live. The two live shows have sold out instantly so if you want to get tickets to this yearly event you can only get tickets to the movie theater beamed shows now. See full list of This American Life Live Movie Theaters below.

I like that even though This American Life has gotten more popular and more widely known in the last 10 years they haven’t forgotten that people still like live shows on stage and seeing the personalities firsthand. I am also glad that  they haven’t forgotten their Chicago peeps since they went out and made it big in NYC, and are willing to still do a show in the Chicago Theater as a dress rehearsal of sorts.

The Chicago Theater from a past This American Life Show Live.

The show is said to include a radio show taped live with Ira Glass (as we would expect from past live shows) and include their local contributors: Dan Savage, Starlee Kine, Mike Birbiglia, David Rakoff and Dave Hill. They also mentioned an appearance by Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer?? (am I msising something?) The live show should last around two hours.  I am planning on attending one of the movie theater beamed shows in Illinois, since that is what is available. If you get tickets to the Chicago Theater version of the show, let me know how it goes. Things are rather unpredictable in live shows.

If you would like to find out which cities the live This American Life Show will be instantly beamed, here is the list that I found: (hopefully they won’t be pissed that I copied it from their site, but I like info to be all in one place when I’m researching it, and it was a few pages buried into the site. It seems like all the states are represented, way to go!

Illinois: 7 PM Tickets are $20.00 each.

Addison - Addison 21
Barrington - AMC South Barrington 30
Batavia - Randall 15 with IMAX
Bloomingdale - Century @ Stratford Square
Carbondale - Carbondale Showplace
Chicago - AMC River East 21
Chicago - Chicago City North
Chicago - Chicago Webster Place
Crystal Lake - Showplace 16
Deer Park - Century 16 Deer Park
Edwardsville - Edwardsville Stadium 12
Elgin - Elgin Fox Theatre
Evanston - Evanston 18
Gurnee - Gurnee Cinemas 20
Lincolnshire - Lincolnshire 20 plus IMAX
Lombard - AMC Yorktown 17
Naperville - Naperville Showplace
New Lenox - New Lenox Showplace
Niles - Niles Showplace
Orland Park - Orland Park Cinemas 14
Pekin - Pekin Showplace
Peoria - Willow Knolls 14
Rockford - Rockford Showplace
Savoy - Savoy 16
Springfield - Springfield West Showplace
Warrenville - AMC Cantera 30
Woodridge - Cinemark Woodridge 17 with IMAX
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Alabama: Birmingham - Trussville 16
Gulf Shores - Cobb Pinnacle 14
Huntsville - Hollywood 18 - Huntsville
Mobile - Stadium 18
Tuscaloosa - Hollywood 16
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Arksansas: Little Rock - Breckenridge Village
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Arizona: Glendale - AMC Arrowhead Town Center 14
Glendale - AMC Westgate 20
Mesa - AMC Mesa Grande 24
Mesa - Cinemark 16 - Mesa
Oro Valley - Century - Oro Valley Marketplace
Phoenix - AMC Ahwatukee 24
Phoenix - AMC Desert Ridge 18
Scottsdale - Sonora Village 10
Tucson - El Con 20
Tucson - Park Place 20
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California: Alhambra - Alhambra Renaissance 14
Arcadia - AMC Santa Anita
Bakersfield - Bakersfield Stadium 14
Burbank - AMC Burbank 16
Chico - Cinemark Chico
Chula Vista - AMC Otay Ranch 12
Cupertino - AMC Cupertino 16
Daly City - Daly City 20
Dublin - Hacienda Crossings 20 plus IMAX
El Centro - Cinemark Imperial Valley Mall 14
Elk Grove - Laguna 16
Emeryville - AMC Bay Street 16
Fresno - Fresno Stadium 21 plus IMAX
Hayward - Century - Hayward
Huntington Beach - Huntington Beach 20
Irvine - Irvine Spectrum 20 plus IMAX
La Jolla - AMC La Jolla Village 12
Long Beach - Long Beach 26
Los Angeles - AMC Century City 15
Los Angeles - The Bridge
Manteca - Showplace 16
Merced - Mainplace Stadium Cinema
Mill Valley - Mill Valley Cinearts Sequoia 2
Milpitas - Milpitas Great Mall 20
Monterey - Monterey 13
Mountain View - Mountain View Cinemas 16
Ontario - AMC Ontario Mills 30
Orange - AMC The Block 30 @ Orange
Orange - Orange Stadium Promenade 25
Palm Springs - Palm Springs Courtyard Stadium 9
Pleasant Hill - Pleasant Hill Downtown 16
Redding - Movies 10
Redwood City - Century 20 Downtown Redwood City
Riverside - AMC Galleria at Tyler 16
Roseville - Roseville 14
Rowland Heights - AMC Puente Hills 20
Sacramento - Natomas Marketplace
Sacramento - Sacramento Downtown Plaza 7
Sacramento - Sacramento Greenback Lane 16
Sacramento - Sacramento Stadium 14
San Bruno - Century Theatres at Tanforan
San Diego - AMC Mission Valley 20
San Diego - Horton Plaza
San Diego - Mira Mesa 18 with IMAX
San Francisco - Century 9 San Francisco Centre
San Jose - AMC Eastridge Mall 15
San Jose - Cinearts Santana Row 6
San Jose - San Jose Oakridge 20
San Mateo - San Mateo Downtown
San Rafael - San Rafael Regency 6
Santa Barbara - Arlington Theatre
Santa Clarita - Valencia Stadium 12
Santa Rosa - Rialto Cinemas Lakeside
Stockton - Stockton City Center Stadium 16
Tracy - Movies 14
Tustin - AMC Tustin Legacy 14
Union City - Union City Union Landing 25
Ventura - Ventura Stadium 16
Walnut Creek - Walnut Creek 14
Woodland Hills - AMC Promenade 16
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Colorado: Aurora - Southlands 16
Boulder - Southlands 16
Broomfield - AMC Westminster Promenade 24
Castle Rock - Castle Rock Stadium 12
Colorado Springs - Cinemark Carefree Circle with IMAX
Colorado Springs - Hollywood Theaters 14
Colorado Springs - Tinseltown
Denver - Pavilions 15
Englewood - Greenwood Plaza 12
Fort Collins - Cinemark Fort Collins
Greeley - Cinemark Greeley Mall
Highlands Ranch - AMC Highlands Ranch 24
Lakewood - Bel Mar 16
Lakewood - Colorado Mills Stadium 16
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Connecticut: Branford - Branford 12
Fairfield - Quick Center for the Performing Arts
Manchester - Buckland Hills Showcase Cinema
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DC: Washington - AMC Mazza Gallerie 7
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Wilmington - Brandywine Town Center 16
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Florida: Altamonte Springs - AMC Altamonte Mall 18 with IMAX
Aventura - AMC Aventura Mall 24
Boca Raton - Shadowood 16
Brandon - AMC Regency 20
Coral Springs - Magnolia Place 16
Delray Beach - Delray Beach 18
Fort Myers - Belltower 20
Ft Lauderdale - Cypress Creek Station 16
Gainesville - Gainesville Cinema 14
Jacksonville - AMC Regency Square 24
Jacksonville - Tinseltown USA
Lake Buena Vista - AMC Pleasure Island 24
Lakeland - Lakeside 18 Cinemas
Merritt Island - Merritt Square 16
Miami - Dolphin Cinebistro
Miami - Movies @ The Falls 12
Miami Beach - South Beach Stadium 18
Miami Lakes - Miami Lake 17 Cinemas
Naples - Hollywood Stadium 20-Naples
Oldsmar - AMC Woodland Square 20
Orange Park - AMC Orange Park 24
Orlando - Pointe Orlando with IMAX
Orlando - Waterford Stadium 20
Palm Beach Gardens - Downtown At The Gardens 16 Cinemas
Royal Palm Beach - Royal Palm Stadium 18
Sarasota - AMC Sarasota 12
Sarasota - Hollywood Stadium 20-Sarasota
South Miami - AMC Sunset Place 24
Tampa - Citrus Stadium Park Mall 20
Vero Beach - The Majestic
Wesley Chapel - Grove 16 Cinemas
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Georgia:Alpharetta - North Point 8
Atlanta - Perimeter Pointe 10
Augusta - Augusta Exchange 20
Chamblee - Hollywood 24 @ North I-85
Kennesaw - AMC Barrett Commons 24
Lawrenceville - AMC Discover Mills 18
Lithonia - AMC Stonecrest Megastar 16
Morrow - AMC Southlake Pavilion 24
Savannah - Savannah Stadium 10
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Hawaii: Honolulu - Dole Cannery 18
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Iowa: Ames - Movies 12
Cedar Falls - College Square 12 Theatre
Council Bluffs - Star Cinema 17 with IMAX
Davenport - Davenport 53 Showcase Cinemas
Dubuque - Star Cinema 14
Iowa City - Sycamore 12 Theatre
West Des Moines - Jordan Creek 20
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Idaho: Boise - Boise 21 plus IMAX
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Indiana: Bloomington - Bloomington Showplace East
Evansville - Evansville Stadium 16
Fort Wayne - Coldwater Crossing
Indianapolis - AMC Castleton Square 14
Indianapolis - Galaxy 14
Indianapolis - Indianapolis Showplace with IMAX
Lafayette - Eastside 9
Michigan City - Michigan City Showplace
Mishawaka - Movies 14
Muncie - Muncie Showplace
Noblesville - Hamilton 16 with IMAX
Portage - Portage 16 with IMAX
Schererville - Schererville Showplace 16
Terre Haute - Terre Haute Showplace
Valparaiso - Valparaiso Commons
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Kansas: Lawrence - Southwind 12
Leawood - AMC Town Center 20
Merriam - Cinemark 20 (Merriam)
Olathe - AMC Olathe Studio 29 with IMAX
Topeka - Hollywood Stadium 14
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Kentucky: Florence - Showcase Cinemas De Lux Florence
Lexington - Hamburg Pavilions 16
Lexington - Lexington Green Movies
Louisville - Stonybrook Cinemas
Louisville - Tinseltown Louisville
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Louisiana: Baton Rouge - Citiplace 11
Baton Rouge - Perkins Row
Covington - Hollywood Stadium 14
Harahan - AMC Elmwood Palace 20
Harvey - AMC Westbank Palace 16
Shreveport - Tinseltown
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Massachusetts: Boston - Fenway 13
Braintree - AMC Braintree 10
Burlington - AMC Burlington 10
Dennis - The Cape Cinema
Foxboro - Patriot Place
Framingham - AMC Framingham 15
Great Barrington - The Mahaiwe Theatre
Hadley - Hampshire Mall 12
Lowell - Lowell Showcase Cinemas
Marlborough - Solomon Pond Mall 15
Millbury - Blackstone Valley
Randolph - Randolph Showcase Cinemas
Revere - Revere Showcase Cinemas
Swansea - Swansea
Wellfleet - Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre
West Springfield - West Springfield Showcase Cinemas
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Maryland: Abingdon - Bel Air Cinema 14
Bowie - Bowie Crossing 14
Columbia - AMC Columbia Mall 14
Columbia - Snowden Square 14
Germantown - Germantown 14
Owings Mills - AMC Owings Mills 17
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Maine: Brunswick - Brunswick 10
Ellsworth - The Grand
Rockland - The Strand Theatre
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Michigan: Ann Arbor - Quality 16
Battle Creek - West Columbia 7
Canton - Canton Cinema
Flint - Flint West Showcase Cinemas
Grand Rapids - Celebration Cinema - Grand Rapids North
Holland - Holland 7
Jackson - Jackson 10
Kalamazoo - Kalamazoo 10
Lansing - Celebration Cinemas Lansing
Lansing - Lansing Mall Cinemas
Livonia - AMC Livonia 20
Mount Pleasant - Celebration Cinema Mt Pleasant
Oxford - Oxford 7
Port Huron - Krafft 8
Saginaw - Saginaw 8 / Quad
Sterling Heights - AMC Forum 30 with IMAX
Traverse City - State Theatre - Traverse City
Walled Lake - Commerce Township 14
Ypsilanti - Ann Arbor Showcase Cinemas
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Minnesota: Duluth - Duluth 10 Theatre
Eagan - Eagan 16
Eden Prairie - AMC Eden Prairie 18
Mankato - Movies 8
Maple Grove - AMC Arbor Lakes Megastar 16
Minneapolis - Brooklyn Center 20
Minneapolis - Kerasotes Block E
Oakdale - Oakdale Cinema
Roseville - AMC Rosedale 14
Waite Park - Parkwood 18 Theatre
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Missouri: Cape Girardeau - Cape Girardeau Town Plaza
Chesterfield - AMC Chesterfield 14
Columbia - Forum 8
Hazelwood - St. Louis Mills 18
Joplin - Northstar 14
Kansas City - AMC Barrywoods 24
Kansas City - Cinemark 14, The Palace
Kansas City - Kansas City 18 Cinemas
Saint Joseph - Hollywood Theaters 10
Saint Louis - AMC Esquire 7
Springfield - College Station
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Mississippi: Pearl - Tinseltown Jackson
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Montana: Bozeman - Gallatin Mall Cinema 11
Helena - Great Northern 8
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North Carolina: Asheville - Hollywood 14 Asheville
Charlotte - Stonecrest 22 @ Piper Glen
Concord - AMC Concord Mills 24
Raleigh - Brier Creek Stadium 14
Raleigh - North Hills Stadium 14
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North Dakota: Bismarck - Grand Theatre
Fargo - Century 10 Theatre
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Nebraska: Lincoln - South Pointe Cinemas
Omaha - AMC Oakview 24
Omaha - Village Pointe Cinemas
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New Hampshire: Portsmouth - The Music Hall
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New Jersey: Clifton - AMC Clifton Commons 16
Edgewater - Edgewater 16 Multiple Cinemas
Hamilton - AMC Hamilton 24
North Brunswick - Commerce Center 18
Paramus - AMC Garden State 16
Parsippany - Parsippany Cinema 12
Rockaway - AMC Rockaway 16
Voorhees - Showcase at the Ritz Center
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New Mexico: Albuquerque - Albuquerque Downtown 14
Albuquerque - Cottonwood 16
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Nevada: Las Vegas - Century 16 South Point
Las Vegas - Colonnade 14
Las Vegas - Orleans 18
Las Vegas - Sams Town 18
Las Vegas - Village Square 18
Reno - Riverside 12
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New York: Albany - Crossgates Stadium 18 - Albany
Bronx - AMC Bay Plaza 13
Brooklyn - BAM - Brooklyn Academy of Music
Buffalo - Elmwood Center 16
Farmingdale - Farmingdale Multiplex Cinemas
Holtsville - Island 16 Cinema De Lux
Hudson - Time and Space
Ithaca - Ithaca Mall 14
Loch Sheldrake - Sullivan County Community College
New Rochelle - New Roc Stadium 18 plus IMAX
New York - Chelsea Cinema
New York - First and 62nd Cinemas
New York - Union Square Stadium 14
Port Washington - Port Washington Cinemas
Potsdam - Roxy Theatre
Rochester - Tinseltown 17 with IMAX
Syracuse - Carousel Mall Stadium 17
Victor - Eastview Mall 13
Westbury - Westbury Stadium 12
White Plains - City Center 15 Cinema Delux
Whitestone - College Point Multiplex
Williamsville - Transit Center Stadium 18 plus IMAX
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Ohio: Akron - Montrose Movies 12
Cleveland Heights - Severance Stadium 14
Columbus - AMC Easton Town Center 30 with IMAX
Columbus - AMC Lennox Town Center 24
Columbus - Crosswoods Cinema 17
Columbus - Georgesville Stadium 16
Dayton - Hollywood Stadium 20 @ Fairfield Commons
Mason - Deerfield Town Center
Maumee - Maumee Showcase Cinemas
North Canton - Tinseltown USA 290
Pickerington - Pickerington Cinemas 16
Springdale - Springdale Showcase Cinemas
Valley View - Cinemark 24 Cleveland
West Carrollton - Dayton South Showcase Cinemas
Westlake - Crocker Park Stadium 16
Zanesville - Colony Square Mall
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Oklahoma: Norman - Spotlight 14
Oklahoma City - AMC Quail Springs 24
Oklahoma City - Tinseltown USA
Tulsa - Cinemark Tulsa 17 with IMAX
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Oregon: Beaverton - Cedar Hills Crossing 16
Bend - Old Mill Stadium 16
Happy Valley - Clackamas Town Center
Medford - Tinseltown
Portland - Lloyd Center 10
Springfield - Cinemark 17 (Springfield)
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Pennsylvania: Bensalem - AMC Neshaminy 24
Erie - Movies 17
Harrisburg - Susquehanna 14 Harrisburg
King Of Prussia - King of Prussia 15 plus IMAX
Lititz - The Penn Cinema
Moosic - Cinemark 20 Moosic
Philadelphia - Riverview Plaza
Philadelphia - The Bridge - UPenn
Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh West Showcase Cinemas
Plymouth Meeting - AMC Plymouth Meeting 12
Reading - R/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAX
Tarentum - Cinemark 17 Pittsburgh Mills
Warrington - Warrington Crossing 22
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Rhode Island: Warwick - Warwick Showcase Cinemas
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South Carolina: Columbia - Sandhill Stadium 16
Greenville - Hollywood 20-Greenville
Myrtle Beach - Cinemark 14 at Coastal Grand
Summerville - Azalea Square Stadium 16
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South Dakota: Sioux Falls - Sioux Falls Stadium 14
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Tennessee: Knoxville - West Town Mall 9
Nashville - Green Hills 16
Nashville - Opry Mills 20 plus IMAX
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Texas: Amarillo - Hollywood USA
Arlington - AMC Parks At Arlington 18
Austin - Cinemark Southpark Meadows
Austin - Metropolitan 14
Bee Cave - Cinemark Hill Country Galleria
Burleson - Movies 14
Cedar Park - Cinemark Cedar Park
Dallas - AMC Northpark Center 15
Dallas - Cinemark 17 with IMAX
Dallas - Galaxy Theatre
El Paso - Cinemark Cielo Vista
Fort Worth - Fossil Creek
Grapevine - Tinseltown Movies 17
Harker Heights - Harker Heights
Highland Village - AMC Highland Village 12
Houston - AMC Gulf Pointe 30
Houston - AMC Willowbrook 24
Houston - Houston Marq*E Stadium 22
Houston - Memorial City Mall
Humble - AMC Deerbrook 24
Killeen - Stadium 14
Lewisville - Vista Ridge Mall
Longview - Hollywood Stadium 14 Theatres
Lubbock - Movies 16
Mesquite - AMC Mesquite 30
Midland - Tall City
Pflugerville - Tinseltown USA Pflugerville
Plano - Cinemark 24 (The Legacy)
Plano - Tinseltown USA Plano
San Antonio - Cielo Vista 18
San Antonio - Fiesta 16 Theatres
Spring - Cinemark at Market Street
Sugar Land - AMC First Colony 24

Waco - Jewel 16
Webster - Cinemark 18 Webster
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Utah: Midvale - Union Heights 16
Ogden - Tinseltown Newgate
Provo - Cinemark 16 Provo
Salt Lake City - Salt Lake City 16
West Jordan - Cinemark 24 W. Jordan
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Virginia: Alexandria - AMC Hoffman 22
Arlington - Ballston Commons 12
Fairfax - Fairfax Towne Center
Glen Allen - Virginia Center 20
Hampton - AMC Hampton Towne Centre 24
Mclean - AMC Tyson’s Corner 16
Norfolk - Mac Arthur Center 18
Virginia Beach - AMC Lynnhaven 18
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Vermont: South Burlington - Palace Cinema 9
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Washington: Auburn - Auburn 17 Theatres
Federal Way - Century Theatres Federal Way 16
Kent - AMC Kent Station 14
Lynnwood - Alderwood 7 Theatres
Olympia - Capital Mall 14
Port Townsend - The Rose Theatre
Redmond - Bella Bottega 11 Cinema
Seattle - AMC Pacific Place 11
Spokane - Northtown 12
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Wisconsin: Appleton - College Avenue 16
Appleton - Hollywood Cinemas 14
Ashwaubenon - Bay Park Cinemas
Brookfield - The Majestic - Brookfield
Kenosha - Tinseltown Kenosha
Madison - Point Cinemas 16
Mequon - North Shore Cinemas 11
Oak Creek - South Shore Cinemas 16
Oshkosh - Oshkosh Cinemas 12
Sheboygan - Sheboygan Cinemas 13
Sturtevant - Cinema at the Renaissance
This show is one night only. Thursday, April 23rd, on these select movie screens nationwide.

Delaware:

The Wood Dale restaurant is small, it only seats about 20 but the food is worth the wait if it's crowded.

Sweet Baby Ray’s makes a great Barbecue Sauce. I am a huge fan and when I found out that there was a restaurant that served just BBQ items with that sauce I had to try it out.  I had the Sweet Baby Ray’s Ribs at the Naperville Ribfest last summer and loved them. (Sweet Baby Ray’s won best ribs and second place in best sauce at the Naperville Ribfest) The barbecue sauce and the ribs are both important to getting your barbecue right, and although there are a lot of places in Chicago where you can get good ribs and ok BBQ, there aren’t many restaurants as good as Sweet Baby Ray’s.

They are known for having an authentic barbecue menu at very affordable prices and I found that to be very much the case.

The Wood Dale Restaurant is located at: 249 E. Irving Park Rd in Wood Dale, IL 60191. The phone number is: (630) 238-8261 you can also check out their menu online at sbrbbq.com.

The amazing Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce is more of a Kansas City style sauce but they also have hotter options for people who enjoy more of a Cajun flavor. When I visited the Sweet Baby Ray’s restaurant they mentioned that they don’t go too hot with their sauces because you alienate a large percentage of the BBQ fans with sauce that is too hot. They prefer tangy, flavorful sauces with a little heat that are enjoyable by many.

We tried a lot of food that night at Sweet Baby Ray’s Restaurant and here are some of what we thought were the best highlights:

If you go to Sweet Baby Ray’s Restaurant for BBQ there are plenty of options. There are sandwiches, ribs, pulled pork, chicken and shrimp. They do make the distinction of doing a lot of research and bringing Barbecue styles and recipes in from all over the country so Chicagoans can taste the different regional flavors. I found that I am a fan of a good Kansas City Style Sauce, but they have many dry rub and hotter options.

One of the slabs of BBQ ribs you can get at Sweet Baby Ray's Restaurant

There are many side dishes at Sweet Baby Ray’s Restaurant that are artfully paired with the main dish when you choose a meal. We found that we were huge fans of Chef Paul’s Corn Maque Choux and the Baked Beans, Sweet Baby Ray style. All the sides are great, but if your BBQ doesn’t come with the Corn Maque Choux you can still order it on the side for $1.29.

We were lucky enough to meet the Chef at Sweet Baby Ray’s Restaurant in Wood Dale, IL. Chef Duce Raymond (son of the creator of the famous Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce) is a local grad of Kendall College’s professional cooking program and a proud innovator of the restaurant menu. They try and change up the menu often to feature new dishes and offer a taste of BBQ from all over the country. They take great pride in their food at Sweet Baby Ray’s Restaurant and try and make it a high quality dining experience even though the price won’t break the bank.

In this less than stellar economy, going out for BBQ is one of the simple pleasures most of us can still afford and don’t have to go without. A dinner at Sweet Baby Ray’s Restaurant can range in price from around $9 for a BBQ Sandwich, $20 for a full slab of ribs, $10 for Jamaican Jerk Chicken and $16 for shrimp New Orleans style. (including tax) Drinks are about $3 and Desert should not be missed with $3 specialties like Banana Pudding, Chocolate Mud Pie and Pecan Pie to choose from. The only problem is that with generous meat portions it is really hard to still have room for desert. Even harder after you taste the honey kissed cornbread. (which may be the best cornbread I have ever had) Personally I would go back again for the BBQ Ribs, Corn Maque Choux and the Cornbread

Overall a dinner at Sweet Baby Ray’s Restaurant will cost around $15-$25 per person depending on what you order from their menu. There is also another restaurant location in Elk Grove Village, IL and they have started to concentrate on a new venture into the catering business for corporate functions and parties. The food is definitely a crowd pleaser and has an upscale taste even though it is down home comfort food.