Aaaaahhhhh!!!! Runs screaming from the open house...

Even though we are still feeling the affect of the recession, Chicago open houses are on my calendar this weekend. My husband and I have decided that its time to find a house to settle down in and move from our small 2 br townhouse. We spend a lot of evenings searching through hundreds of real estate listings in the Chicago area to find a diamond in the rough. (and there is a lot of rough!) We probably look at more homes online than most people because the area we are searching to buy in is pretty large. (most of the western suburbs) We also end up rejecting a lot of homes for a lot of reasons that are probably pretty common in this economy.

Something’s gotta give though, and the economy isn’t going  to move forward until all of the people like us (with a 20% down payment ready to go) are able to get past at least one of these barriers and buy a house sometime soon. If you are trying to sell your home these things we’re running up against may provide some insight into why your home isn’t selling yet.

1. Not close enough to the METRA train. Parking is notoriously difficult to get in most west suburban metra stations (like 7 year waiting list long) so a lot of pressure is put on the homes within walking distance to the train, and not just the tracks, the station itself. Homes with 4 bedrooms or more within 6 blocks of the Naperville train station go for $600,000 to $1.5 million. Sometimes I wonder why we even try to find a house in these areas… What is less than that is usually painfully small, painfully out of date or demolished or earmarked for demolition so a McMansion can be built for some rich executive that needs to travel downtown every day.

If we only had the skills of these guys...

2. Kitchens/Baths not recently updated and we’re not Bob Vila or Norm Abrams. (we wish we were though) We can update some things, but a full house rehab is not our cup of tea. We’re going on 2 months on a simple Vanity/Paint/Sink bathroom remodel at home now. We also aren’t Richy-Rich enough to afford someone else doing the renovation either. I think if one room needs an overhaul that is ok, if the entire house needs it, the house gets rejected. (about 90% of what I see online is in this category)  Everyone knows that once you have kids you won’t ever have any money to renovate again, so it’s either included when you buy the house or it never happens and you have a lifetime of relatives trying to politely avoid Christmas Eve invitations. This is why there is so much pressure to get a recently updated house. Just watch HGTV’s suite of 12 million shows on how to quickly and cheaply update and stage a home to sell. They’re actually very good at it. Just don’t believe how fast its done in. That part is not true. (and a test: if your kitchen cabinets have hinges on the outside of the door that are visible OR have an oak strip across the bottom of a white laminate cabinet door, you need to get them replaced or refaced before selling. And Advice: all wood tones go out of style within a few years, get white instead! Likewise, if you have flourescent tube lights in the celing with a fake window pane cover, they need to go now!)

3. Pre-Recession home pricing. I have switched from using Realtor.com’s site listings to using Redfin.com. There you can see the past sale history of the home you are looking at if it is publicly available. (it usually is if its been sold within the last 15 years) If we see that the home was purchased at the top of the real estate bubble in 2006-2007 and they want the same price for it now, no-way-Jose. The entire Chicagoland metropolitan area has declined in value about 20% from then and the people who price accordingly are the ones selling. If your home is not updated, take off the mandatory 20% plus the cost of renovating the rooms that need it. I had to sell my condo at 20% less than the value, how can I go pay a premium for someone else’s home?

The holy grail of kitchens, celing height cabinets, lots of storage, an island and white cabinets!!!

4. Its already contingent on a sale. You would be surprised how fast a home sells if it’s had the kitchens/baths recently updated (within the last 10 years)  and its price is about 20% lower than the peak. Maybe a week and its sold. So if your goal is to move out of town and loose that mortgage payment to start your new job and life somewhere else, this is how to do it. And by recently updated we don’t mean super fancy, just nice basic stuff is way better than a 1972 kitchen. (and there are surprisingly still thousands of 1972, 1961 and 1985 kitchens out there. It’s been a trend lately that as soon as we find a house that has dropped the price with the market and it looks like its in good working shape, it’s contingent. One loophole we are hopeful about is possibly finding Foreclosed Homes or Short Sales. We know some are in bad shape, but a lot of the homes being foreclosed on are recently renovated or built when the bubble was high and are still in nice shape. One thing that makes this difficult is the length of time it takes to close with the bank that owns them.

5. Near water and/or has a pool. (hot tubs are not great either, and why on earth do you have a professional Bowling Alley in your basement of a 4 bedroom ranch?) I am not a swimmer so pools, lakes, rivers, retention ponds, hot tubs and bowling alley’s scare me. Ok not the last one. I just don’t have extra cash to maintain these water works (waterfalls in the backyard are also a bad idea, difficult to maintain) so remove them if possible. Plus, who wants to sit in a Hot Tub where the last owners got-it-on anyway???

6. Sometimes the home has been discounted but the Property Taxes are still too high. This is difficult because some homes are discounted heavily and the taxes are almost as much as the mortgage payment from 2007 levels. No county or town is going to lower them without a serious fight either. They are short on budgets and cash also. So, these usually are excluded too. If you can re-negotiate your property taxes before you sell this will be a huge help to getting it sold faster.

So, I will not be spending my weekend frolicking in the leaves at Morton Arboretum where I would like to be. It is very likely we will be walking through open homes for sale and trying to find one that is affordable, nice and in a good location, but judging from the last month or so it may be a while…

Have you been thinking of some home improvement projects but are afraid to spend the money in the current economy? Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency Products can help. It is scary not knowing if all our jobs will be around in 6 months, but if you have some savings to use for these projects and really need new windows, doors, more efficient electric appliances, new attic insulation or a new furnace or air conditioner there are some Tax Credits that may help you save 30% more  than you can get discounted at the store.

I recently got an email from my realtor about making these home improvements that are tax deductible. You can’t get all the money back that you spend on the energy efficient appliances, windows or alternative energy sources like solar and thermal heat, but you can get up to 30% back. If you need these things anyway now is the time to buy before the end of 2010 because the Tax credits may not all be available beyond then. Here are the details from the home buyer email:

Energy efficiency Tax Credits offered by the federal government could be even more useful for the average homeowner.

You may be eligible for a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the cost of materials (up to $1,500) for certain products purchased between January 1, 2009 and December 31st, 2010.

Below are the rating specifications for eligible energy efficiency products:

Product Category Product Type Tax Credit Specification

Insulation Meets 2009 IECC & Amendments

Windows & Doors Windows, Doors, and Skylights Before June 1, 2009: Must meet ENERGY STAR criteria After June 1, 2009: U factor <= 0.30 SHGC <= 0.30

Storm Windows & Storm Doors In combination with the exterior window over which it is installed: has a U-factor and SHGC of 0.30 or below Meets the IECC

Roofing Metal Roofs, Asphalt Roofs All ENERGY STAR qualified metal and reflective asphalt shingles HVAC Central A/C Split Systems: SEER >= 16, EER >=13 Package systems: SEER >= 14, EER >= 12

Air Source Heat Pumps Split Systems: HSPF >= 8.5, EER >= 12.5, SEER >= 15 Package systems: HSPF >= 8, EER >= 12, SEER >= 14

Natural Gas or Propane Furnace AFUE >= 95

Oil Furnace AFUE >= 90 Gas, Propane, or Oil Hot Water Boiler AFUE >= 90

Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan No more than 2% of furnace total energy use.

Water Heaters Gas, Oil, Propane Water Heater Energy Factor >= 0.82 or a thermal efficiency of at least 90%.

Electric Heat Pump Water Heater Same criteria as ENERGY STAR: Energy Factor >= 2.0

Biomass Stove Biomass Stove Stove which burns biomass fuel to heat a home or heat water. Thermal efficiency rating of at least 75% as measured using a lower heating value.

Extended Opportunities: The following upgrades are eligible for a 30% of cost tac credit (without an upper limit) if placed into service before December 31st, 2016:

Geo-Thermal Heat Pump Geo-Thermal Heat Pump Same criteria as ENERGY STAR: Closed Loop: EER >= 14.1, COP >= 3.3 Open Loop: EER >= 16.2, COP >= 3.6 Direct Expansion: EER >= 15, COP >= 3.5

Solar Energy Systems Solar Water Heating At least half of the energy generated by the “qualifying property” must come from the sun.

Homeowners may only claim spending on the solar water heating system property, not the entire water heating system of the household. The credit is not available for expenses for swimming pools or hot tubs. The water must be used in the dwelling.

The system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC). Photovoltaic Systems Photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence, and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement.

Small Wind Energy Systems Residential Small Wind Turbines (windmills) Has nameplate capacity of not more than 100 kilowatts.

Fuel Cells Residential Fuel Celland microturbine system Efficiency of at least 30% and must have a capacity of at least 0.5 kW.

It is Fall TV Season Premiertime again in Chicago. Yet few of the listings I see on the internet are in local Chicago time zone time. So, I have taken the eastern standard time zone listings and converted them below into the new fall season schedules for Channels ABC 7, NBC 5, CBS 2 and Fox 32 in Chicago. (and the suburbs)

Every year this is the time new TV shows start popping up on TV and unfortunately within a month about half of them fail on average. I hope you enjoy all of the new TV season premiers this year in 2009. I also hope you find some good shows to watch this season and I hope your favorite premiers become long running series shows. Sometimes you can find recaps and episodes of the season premiers on the web also, on the network websites within a week before the launch date. I usually watch everything once and then whittle it down to the shows I want to watch and its usually 2-3 per year.

ABC New Fall TV Series Premiere Dates: Channel 7 in Chicago

Saturday Night Football: Saturday, September 5, 7 pm CST
20/20: Friday, September 11, 9 pm CST
Dancing With the Stars: Monday, September 21, 7 pm CST
Castle: Monday, September 21, 9 pm CST
The Forgotten: Tuesday, September 22, 9 pm CST
Dancing With the Stars Results Show: Wednesday, September 23, 7 pm, (special day and time)
Modern Family: Wednesday, September. 23, 9 pm CST
Cougar Town: Wednesday, September 23, 8:30 pm CST
Eastwick: Wednesday, September 23, 9 pm CST
FlashFoward: Thursday, September 24, 7 pm CST
Grey’s Anatomy: Thursday, September 24, 8 pm CST
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: Sunday, September 27, 6 pm CST (two hours)
Desperate Housewives: Sunday, September 27, 8 pm CST
Brothers & Sisters: Sunday, September 27, 9 pm CST
Shark Tank: Tuesday, September 29, 7 pm CST (summer run began on Sunday, Aug. 9)
Hank: Wednesday, September 30, 7 pm CST
The Middle: Wednesday, September 30, 7:30 pm CST
America’s Funniest Home Videos: Sunday, October 4, 6 pm CST
Ugly Betty: Friday, October 9, 8 pm CST (two hours)
Supernanny: Friday, October 16, 8 pm CST

NBC Series Premiere Dates: Channel 5 in Chicago

Sunday Night Football (Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers): Sunday, September 13, 8:15 pm CST
The Jay Leno Show: Monday, September 14, 10 pm CST (series premiere, every weeknight)
The Biggest Loser: Tuesday, September 15, 8 pm CST (two hours)
Saturday Night Live Weekend Thursday Update: Thursday, September 17, 8 pm CST
Parks and Recreations: Thursday, September 17, 8:30 pm CST
The Office: Thursday, September 17, 9 pm CST
Community: Thursday, September 17, 9:30 pm CST (series premiere); moves to Thursday 8 p.m. six weeks later
Heroes: Monday, September 21, 8 pm CST (new time, two hours)
Mercy: Wednesday, September 23, 8 pm CST (series premiere)
Law & Order: SVU: Wednesday, September 23, 9 pm CST (new day and time)
Law & Order: Friday, September 25, 8 pm CST (new day and time)
Southland: Friday, September 25, 9 pm CST (new time)
Dateline: Saturday, September 26, 8 pm CST
Trauma: Monday, September 28, 9 pm CST (series premiere)
Community: Thursday, October 8, 8 pm CST (new time period)
30 Rock: Thursday, October 15, 9:30 pm CST

CBS Series Premiere Dates: Channel CBS 2 in Chicago

Survivor: Samoa: Thursday, September 17, 7 pm CST (18th edition premiere)
How I Met Your Mother: Monday, September 21, 7 pm CST (5th season premiere)
Accidentally on Purpose: Monday, September 21, 7:30 pm CST
Two and a Half Men: Monday, September 21, 8 pm CST  (7th season premiere)
The Big Bang Theory: Monday, September 21, 8:30 pm CST  (3rd season premiere)
CSI: Miami: Monday, September21, 9 pm CST (8th season premiere)
NCIS: Tuesday, September 22, 7 pm CST (7th season premiere)
NCIS: Los Angeles: Tuesday, September 22, 8 pm CST
The Good Wife: Tuesday, September 22, 9 pm CST
The New Adventures of Old Christine: Wednesday, September 23, 9 pm CST (5th season premiere)
Gary Unmarried: Wednesday, September 23, 7:30 pm CST (2nd season premiere)
Criminal Minds: Wednesday, September 23, 8 pm CST (5th season premiere)
CSI: NY: Wednesday, September 23, 9 pm CST  (6th season premiere)
CSI: Thursday, Sept. 24: Thursday, September 24: 8 pm CST (10th season premiere)
The Mentalist: Thursday, September 24: Thursday, Sept. 24: 9 pm CST (2nd season premiere)
Ghost Whisperer: Friday, September 25, 7 pm CST (5th season premiere)
Medium: Friday, September 25, 8 pm CST  (6th season premiere, new network)
Numbers: Friday, September 25, 9 pm CST  (5th season premiere)
48 Hours Mystery: Saturday, September 26, 9 pm CST
60 Minutes: Sunday, September 27, 6 pm CST  (42nd season premiere)
The Amazing Race: Sunday, September 27, 7 pm CST (15th edition premiere, two hours)
Cold Case: Sunday,  September 27, 9 pm CST (7th season premiere)
Three Rivers: Sunday, October. 4, 8 pm CST

Fox Series Premiere Dates: Chicago Channel 32

Cops: Saturday, September 12, 7 pm CST
America’s Most Wanted: Saturday, Sept. 12, 8 pm CST
So You Think You Can Dance: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 7 pm CST
Glee: Wednesday, September 16, 8 pm CST (new)
Bones: Thursday, September 17, 7 pm CST
Fringe: Thursday, September 17, 8 pm CST
Brothers: Friday, September 18, 7 pm CST(new)
‘Til Death: Friday, September 18, 7:30 pm CST
Dollhouse: Friday, September 18, 8 pm CST
House: Monday, September 21, 7 pm CST (two hours)
The Simpsons: Sunday, September 27, 7 pm CST
The Cleveland Show: Sunday, September 27, 7:30 pm CST (new)
Family Guy: Sunday, September 27, 8 pm CST
American Dad: Sunday, September 27, 8:30 pm CST
Lie To Me: Monday, September 28, 8 pm CST
The Wanda Sykes Show: Saturday, November 7, 10 pm CST

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.

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.

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

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.

March Madness used to be the one time during the year when betting at work was ok. Everyone got their brackets, whether they understood the NCAA college basketball tournament or not and the smack talk at the water-cooler continued for a month. (three weeks plus one week to speculate about your favorite NCAA college basketball teams)

President Obama Fills out NCAA Brackets on ESPN Sportcenter

Now with Fantasy Basball, Fantasy Football, Fantasy NASCAR and reality Television I am not sure how people have time at all to work since there are so many sports to consume. Somehow March Madness hasn’t dominated the work conversations yet this year, but I know the college basketball smack talk is coming. Soon.

An entire month of college basketball on CBS Channel 2 in Chicago and nothing else used to be a huge let down for me, but now as a girl who lives with a fiance, it is a welcome time of peace and quiet. Tech Guy watches as much NCAA college basketball in 2009 as he would like, and I get to go blog as much as I would like.

We call it having interests on our own and I think March Madness 2009 was invented for exactly this purpose. All the NCAA college basketball teams are hoping for their best shot at winning it all this year and I am hoping to get some laundry done.

On a more collegiate note. If you are a recent transplant to Chicago and want to find a bar or pub to watch the NCAA basketball tournament and all of its commercials, Chicago has many options.

The Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville northside neighborhoods of Chicago are filled with bars that still fly college team flags for those who can’t move on and want to pretend they’re still at the fraternity while getting completely wasted. Other bars and pubs across the city offer a more low key approach to experiencing the excitement of March Madness and the Final Four in 2009 with food and drink specials.

Some of these bars are:
Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap – from March 19 to April 6 Entire duration of the tournament Jake’s will be serving the Madness Burger, a 9-oz. burger topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato and a fried egg served between two grilled cheese sandwiches, paired with a Miller Lite pint for $9.99.

The Full Shilling Bar in Wrigleyville - March 19-20 The Wrigleyville bar will be throwing an NCAA Tournament kick-off party for the first two days of the big dance. Withover one hundred Miller Lite scratch & win tickets, this lottery-style party will give everyone a chance to win. Prizes include mp3 player speaker coolers, aluminum bottle wraps, hats, t-shirts, bottle openers and more. Pitchers of Miller Lite will be on special for $7 both days. Food specials include the two-buck burger on Thursday and the $7.99 fish fry on Friday.

Rockit Bar & Grill On March 26, 6-8 pm Red Hot March Madness. A $40 all inclusive ticket includes drinks and snacks during the NCAA basketball Games, and the proceeds benefit charity.

O’Donovan’s - After the St Pats crowd clears, this friendly North Center bar’s 20 plasma TVs to watch NCAA Tournament Games throughout the bar, party room and patio. The bar will open at 10 am on March 19-22 and offer daily lunch and dinner specials all day.

Smoke Daddy – Celebrate Purdue: Smoke Daddy owner Josh Rutherford is a Boilermaker Alum, so you know the place will be decked out in black-and-gold. And a Purdue-themed menu will be available throughout the tournament, including the Boiler Burger, Mackey’s Mac and Cheese and Purdue Pete’s Pulled Pork Sandwich. (say that three times fast)

Harry Caray’s – Harry Caray’sTavern has the first round action from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (weekday games working lunch?) with a food buffet and domestic drafts included for just $20. Harry Caray’s(in Lombard) will offer $2 Bud and Bud Light drafts with commemorative March Madness pint glasses on all game days. Visit harrycarays.com before the tournament starts to enter your picks and you could win a private flight for four to St. Louis for a Cubs-Cardinals game by picking the most games right.

Kroll’s SouthLoop – Lots of Drink Specials and the “Madness Burger” and “Sweet Sixteen Wings are all on tap with their TV screens for watching all the games at one sitting.

Merkle’sBar and Grill – $4 22-ounce drafts and $5 bombs, along with 25 cents wings during all tournament games. And on March 28, try your hand at Merkle’s Sweet 16 flip cup tournament (everyone’sfavorite college pastime) with cash prizes.

Timothy O’Toole’s – has 45 TV screens, more than any other Bar I have seen. The bar specials include Wingfest famous wings and $2 draft beers on Saturdays and $16 Miller/Coors buckets on Sundays.

The Spread – March 20 Junior Board’s 7th Annual March Mania Party. $30 all-you-can-drink package from 9 p.m. to midnight and enter a raffle to win prizes like Final Four tickets and a flat-screen TV.

Moretti’s (West Loop) – April 6 Watch the championship game on over 25 big screen TVs, including 4 super bright HD plasmas.

Social Twenty-Five is new and offers spacious booths, loungey leather banquettes and 24 TVs on two floors. No specials listed though this late-night spot will open as early as 11 am for daytime games.

Cagney’s Bar has oversized booths, wooden chairs and 25 TVs on two floors. They offer specials like $15 select domestic beer buckets and $5 burgers and fries. Luckilly it’s a new bar and without an allegiance to any one college team yet, so this spot’s clientele consists of mostly low-key locals and is a best bet to avoid frat behavor.

Bull & Bear Bar has all the NCAA March Madness games on 26 TVs (the most I’ve seen) and one wall projector. No specials for the NCAA College Basketball Games and in addition to that you need a reservation for a booth! The regular Monday-Friday deal of half-price apps (3-7 pm) is still in effect.

Theory has 20 TVs on one floor, including some semi-private booth sets. There are specials like $3 Miller Lite in March, plus regular deals such as $6 Belvedere cocktails Thursdays, Effen cocktails on Fridays. There is no official team loyalty here but reverence to Illinois teams across all sports so less crazed frat behavior is to be found.

Hi-Tops has 20 (yes 20) TVs to watch all the NCAA March Madness at once plus a bunch of reality shows and cable TV nobody needs to see. Hi-Tops has Domestic draft beer and appetizer buffet packages March 21 and 22 ($25 from 11 am to 5 pm) and April 4 and 6 ($15 for game start to end). A spirited Lincoln Park crowd has a Michigan State University fandom inherited from the Gin Mill and is known for it’s rowdy.

Sully’s House has 12 TVs plus 3 wall projectors for full coverage of all games. They have $12 select domestic beer buckets, and half-price appetzers on Fridays. There is a loyalty to Gonzaga University and University of Florida here plus an unofficial gathering of Creighton fans from who knows where.

Grand River Bar has 5 TVs and $4 well drinks and $10 Miller Lite pitchers deals like $1.50 mini-burgers on Thursdays and $5 sandwiches on Fridays. The bar is owned by Michigan State University alums, this is the spot for Spartan fans to congregate and celebrate in Lakeview. If MSU is out, then Big 10 games get priority over the others.

Get discounted tickets to Rod Blagojevich Superstar online now with the promo code “Rod”. The tickets are usually $25 but get them with $5 off this week. I really think that most of Chicago is sick of hearing about Rod Blagojevich, superstar or not. The only thing that makes this show somewhat redeemable is that Second City is putting the show on. And with any luck only a small part of the show is actually about Rod Blagojevich. 

They tend to name and theme their shows about an idea and then run all over the place with whatever is funny. I hope they have turned over some new scenes by now and keep the Rod Blagojevish Superstar stuff in the beginning as a tie in to greater all around Chicago Comedy. I have not seen this show but I have probably seen about a dozen of the main stage shows at Second City while I was in their training center classes a few years back. 

Second City is known for always having a brilliant cast of improvisers and actors that can sing dance and bring in the funny. Sadly, few end up at SNL within a few years but some notable folks have persevered through other paths also. I think this show is probably a best bet for the funniest thing you will see during your entire week and recommend the Rod Blagojevich Superstar show regardless of how much we’d all like to stop hearing about the looser.

The show is based on the book by Ed Furman, the show music and lyrics are by T.J. Shanoff and the directed by Matt Hovde.

Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare
March 26 – May 3, 2009

See this site for the coupon discount on tickets. chicagoshakes.com/main.taf?p=2,36

The city of Chicago is shocked and saddened right now by the news that the Sears Tower is going to be renamed the Willis Tower for the new company renting/leasing the major quantity of office space there. The Willis Group is from London and they plan on leasing 140,000 sq feet of space according to Crain’s Chicago Business.

The building at 233 S Wacker Drive in Chicago IL, 60606 may have a new name and signs soon but the people of Chicago will take a while to stop calling it the Sears Tower and going to the Sears Tower Skydeck. (How many years has it been and I still call Macy’s Marshall Fields?) 

The traditional Chicago Skyline Shot with the iconic Sears Tower now the Willis Tower.

I don’t think Chicagoans have a particular affinity to the Sears company, (judging by how poorly Sears has done in this market in the past 10 years) I just think they knew the Sears Tower building as an icon and point of pride for a city that was second or third place for everything else. 

The Architecture Firm Skidmore Owings and Merrill designed and built the building over 3 years for SEARS which was the largest retailer in the world then. From 1970-1973 the city watched and waited as this new modern design changed the way the world saw Chicago.

The image and pride was somewhat lessened when the Sears Tower was no longer the tallest building in the world and now with the name change it seems like it might eventually just be destined to become another tall building in a world of metropolises.

This also lessens the novelty of the Chicago Olympic Bid. Seriously, what did we ever offer the Olympics anyway?

The Sears Tower was sold from SEARS to AEW Holdings in 1995 and since 2001 the building has been low on tenants and had a lot of space available. I understand that the owners need to sell space and if changing the name gets them a better sq footage rate and closes the deal, we really don’t have any say about it.

In this recession economy the companies and the people in Chicago are really just trying to get by. Live and work smarter, more efficiently and see if we can survive this mess. We really can’t be too worried about iconography of any kind right now. We’re really in much more of a practical mood right now.

I hope the insurance brokers at the Willis Group understand that you can change all the signage quickly but it’s just going to be a long time before most people refer to your building as the Willis Tower rather than the Sears Tower. After all Marshall Fields still got searches on Google for years after it was folded into Macy’s.

Image Credits to Flickr.com wallyg and paulmcdee and glenharper and celkins. Seeing their photos reminds me of how many people see that building every day and how visible is it from every part of the city. I am also so impressed by the quality of photos on flickr of the Sears Tower from all over town.

The dynamic Riverdance Show in Action

Riverdance Irish Dance Performances are returning to Chicago this spring for their last 5 farewell performances at the Rosemont Theater at 5400 North River Road on March 19-22, 2009. The tickets for Riverdance are on sale now through Ticketmaster. This Riverdance show celebrates Irish song and dance traditions and has shared them with the world over the last years while becoming a worldwide phenomenon, winning Grammy awards, selling millions of DVDs and being viewed by millions of people.

Many people don’t know that like many popular cultural trends the Riverdance show arose from a short dance entry into the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994.(Much line American Idol, but with dancing also) And when the popularity went through the roof the production went on the road. Riverdance has not only been able to popularize names like Michael Flatley, it has changed the image of the country of Ireland since the peace process has ended the violence that was present for decades there  and these dancers traveled the world to show that this country offers so much more. They also paved the ay for other Irish shows like Celtic Women and popularity for local Irish Dance Troupes like our own Chicago Trinity Irish Dancers.

The Riverdance Farewell Tour passes through Chicago for 5 shows in March 2009.

But like all trends and cultural phenomenons, they have to come to an end. Most people have seen Riverdance in person, at shows and on PBS and other TV channels or on DVD many many times by now. I know the Irish community will continue these traditions but the general public has probably ridden the trend wave and now the attendance is down so the show is ending. This is one last performance to say goodbye to this sensational show before it ends. I have seen the show and I recommend it if you missed it before or just want to see it one last time in person.

An innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song, “Riverdance” draws on Irish traditions and the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music to the present day capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures. This extraordinarily unique show features an international company all performing to the magic of Bill Whelan’s music.

Due to a scheduling conflict, performances previously scheduled for March 17 and 18, and March 19 at 2 p.m. have been cancelled. Patrons are being moved to alternate performances or refunds are available at point of purchase.

The performance schedule for “Riverdance” at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 North River Road, is as follows: Thursday, Mar. 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Mar. 20 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Mar. 21 at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Mar. 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets, which range from $32 – $69, are now on sale and may be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (312) 559-1212. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Rosemont Theatre box office and at all Ticketmaster outlets.

Many of us know Tesla Motors because of the news involving either:

1. High Gas Prices and alternative fuel vehicles talked about by magazines like WIRED.

2. The CEO of the Tesla Motors Company being removed by the board because of lots of personal differences and internal conflict which have led to the Tesla Roadster being behind on it’s delivery schedule and having engineering problems in getting the product to market.

3. The BBC UK show Top Gear reviewed the Tesla roadster this past season and it quit on them several times. They generally liked it when the batteries were running though.

The Chicago Tesla Dealership and Showroom will be located at 1053 West Grand Ave in Chicago, IL this spring near the Kennedy Expressway in the River West neighborhood. (kind of a desolate location from the looks of Google Street View) The dealership will be Tesla’s first electric car sales showroom and service center outside of California. I am also excited about this new Tesla Dealership in Chicago because this is the first fully electric car to be commercially available in Chicago that I know of.

I was a fan of the GM EV1 back in the day and they never even offered them here in Chicago since the test never expanded that far. Now Tesla will be the first company the test out battery powered electric cars (green cars) in this climate. Many people think that the cold winters will reduce the performance of the batteries that power the cars since batteries generally don’t do well here with out below zero temperatures.

Tesla is offering one couple model of their electric car for $109,000.00 ($55K down payment) at this time and have plans to offer another one at a lower price ($60K) in the future and maybe adding seats for more passengers. Right now Chicago is thrilled that we had enough people and interest to support an electric car dealership and we welcome Tesla to the Chicagoland area.

No word on how these little 2 seater Tesla roadsters will fare in the snow and cold, but we plan on enjoying them in traffic, emissions free, in the other season: construction.

The Odyssey Dinner Boat Cruises on Lake Michigan in Chicago are well known for providing an elegant evening on the lake with a spectacular view of the city of Chicago. When we got a chance to take one this weekend and have a night out we jumped at the chance. My fiance and I couldn’t remember the last time we had been out on a date night since we got engaged. The Chicago Odyssey Dinner Cruise was just what we needed among the crazy wedding planning we are managing right now. Here is a review of our experiences on the Odyssey Dinner Cruise this past Saturday night in Chicago.

Boarding Time: 6:30 pm

Cruise Starts: 7:30 pm

Dinner: 8PM

Jazz Music/Dancing: throughout

View of Chicago: the entire night until 10:30 pm when we got back to Navy Pier in Chicago.

Cost:  Saturday Night Dinner Cruises start at $92. This may seem like a lot of money, but there are many restaurants in the city that cost a lot more than that and don’t provide this kind of unique experience.

The weather started out rainy so we were not sure we would have much of a view on the Chicago Odyssey Cruise ship that evening, but we drove to Navy Pier anyway in hopes of a romantic evening away from everything stressful happening right now. We read that the dress code was somewhat formal and Steve actually pulled out a suit jacket to wear. The location was easy to find, we parked in the Navy Pier garage and the Chicago Odyssey Boat was docked right on the other side of the pier from where we parked by the #5 doors.  The cruise ship looked just like the pictures, big white modern looking boat with black windows. 

The rain was disappointing but when you are on a large boat for 800 people you don’t even know it’s raining outside. The interior was surprising, no communal tables or big buffets. The level we were set up on was a very elegant restaurant setting with individual tables and we sat right by the window to see the view perfectly. The meal was a 4 course meal which was very good. The appetizers, salad, main course and desert were all very good. The chicken I had as the main course was a bit heavy but Steve really enjoyed his steak and the cobbler for desert was amazing. I don’t think that people view the Odyssey or any of the Chicago Skyline Cruises as a big floating four star full service restaurant, but they really are.

The cruise started out with a champagne cocktail hour while people were boarding. Then we switched to diet pepsi so we would stay awake since we live sleep deprived lives at this point. The coffee later in the evening was also a welcome perk of caffeine. There was a full bar available though with all the amenities you would expect from a restaurant of this caliber.

The dining room on the Odyssey is really as nice as a fine dining restaurant.

The Chicago Odyssey Boat Tour Cruise also had a very nice 3 piece jazz band playing sets on the boat during the entire time we were there. They covered everything from smooth jazz to classic Sinatra standards and finished out the evening with an energetic rendition of Sweet Home Chicago. I think they are wise to have good quality music on a cruise of Chicago’s skyline. People in Chicago know their music and jazz and the couple next to us was commenting how the music was genuine jazz played well.

Our server was very attentive and the service all around was very good the entire time we were on the ship. We were still invited to go upstairs and view the skyline from the top deck of the ship even in the poor weather and the server even offered an umbrella if we needed it. I think having separate levels and rooms on this ship is a key to it’s success. There was a college honor society party on the 2nd level and a high school party on the 3rd and we never really came in contact with any of the immaturity you would expect from those younger crowds during the trip. I am sure that all the couples that were in that dining room were happy to be in a separate room also. 

We were surprised at the variety of events that people were celebrating on the Odyssey Cruise Ship that night. They make a special effort to find out what event you are celebrating and make it special. They announced people’s anniversaries and birthdays as well as had special birthday desert cakes with candles. They try and go out of the way to make your 3 hours on the lake a special and memorable experience.

We found that the Odyssey Ships don’t go far from the shore on to Lake Michigan (which is nice for the view), they initially turned south to view the city and then looped back north a few times cycling back and forth from the museum campus to Navy Pier. We did go up on the top deck and saw a beautiful view of Chicago (under a light fog) and of Navy Pier. Some HS kids were smoking up there but were just hanging out.

I can imagine how cool it must be for a high school or college student to take a date, or have a dance on Lake Michigan on a boat like this, especially if you’re from the suburbs.  It is like their first night out as adults and most of the kids looked like they took it pretty seriously. The rest of the crowd seemed like they were a mix of young couples celebrating birthdays and mid-aged people on anniversaries. One group was a girls night out all the way from Tennessee. I could see this as a great way for people traveling from other cities to really get to see Chicago and have an elegant dinner at the same time. I can also see the appeal for couples with kids to get away for the evening and go on a cruise like this just to relax and enjoy each-other’s company.

My overall experience surpassed my expectations on the Chicago Odyssey Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan andI can confidently recommend the experience for anyone looking for an elegant night out in Chicago or someone looking for tourist suggestions for enjoying a vacation in Chicago. The spring-summer-fall seasons are probably better weather than the first week in March but it is possible to go on these scenic dinner cruises almost any time of year and we’re glad we got to get away this weekend regardless of the weather.

Have you had an experience on an Odyssey Dinner Cruise that you would like to share? Comment below…

While most people are aware of the Mardi Gras side of Fat Tuesday but in Chicago there are probably more people who celebrate Punchki Day (p?czek or Paczki day) than Mardi Gras. Punchki Day is a Catholic (eastern European) tradition where you eat decadent fruit filled or cream filled doughnut like cakes to splurge before Ash Wednesday and the fasting and depravity required by Lent. Most Polish or Ukrainian bakeries will have Punchki available a week before Punchki Day and you can splurge all week.

Yes, I ate some of these Punchki last year.

Punchki come in a variety of incarnations. There are the doughnut style Punchki which are really the same as Jelly filled Doughnuts. These are good, but unless they are different than the regular doughnuts you can buy, what’s the point/novelty?

There is also a more cake-like type where the round baked/fried dough cakes are sliced in 1/2 and filled with fresh fruit fillings and sauces. There are other fillings like Boston cream, whipped cream, chocolate and cheesecake. I personally think the fruit is always the best way to go. You may find punchki available in these fruit flavors: Strawberry, Cherry, Peach, Apricot, Blueberry, Pineapple, Cinnamon Apples, Raspberry and Plum. (maybe even more flavors, these are just what I have tried) Most of these doughnut like mini cakes have around 400+ calories though, so this isn’t healthy by any means.

They sell them by the dozen.

I have had Punchki from Busy Bee Bakery in Downers Grove and they are pretty good. But the best Punchki I have had were from the Central Continental Bakery up north in Mount Prospect, IL. My dad works near by and places an order for a few boxes (dozens) of Punchki a week or 2 before the big day. They have a huge sign out advertising the countdown to Punchki day, so you can save up your calories. Then the crowds emerge and pick up all the punchki to take home and everyone shares them with family and friends since they are so good.

The prices range from $2.00 – $4.00 per punchki because they are huge and some are very elaborate to make. Plus they are so filling, you can’t really eat more than one in a sitting anyway. You can find the Central Continental Bakery in Mount Prispect at 101 S Main Street and call them at 847-870-9500 for ordering your Punchki or to just have them set some aside for you before they’re all gone!

The International Kennel Club of Chicago hosts it’s annual dog show this weekend at McCormick Place in Chicago. The Dog Show runs from February 18th through February 22nd at McCormick Place West 2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616.

Tickets are $13 (adults) and $17 for Parking for anyone who would like to be a spectator to this grand event. The International Kennel Club of Chicago’s annual Dog Show is a Westminster Dog Show-like event right here in Chicago with the same level of professionalism in dog breeders.

Many people attend this show even if they aren’t a breeder or dog owner. There is no denying the beauty of the dogs and their breeds. If you are looking for a pet, you may even find the International Kennel Club Dog Show to be informative about the different breeds while showcasing over 10,000 dogs.

This weekend Kennel Club Dog Show is the place to be to see everything from award winning Labradors to stately Irish wolfhounds and American favorites like golden retrievers and greyhounds. All sizes and breeds will be featured from toy breeds (toy poodles, chihuas) to working dogs and terriers (like Barney the former first family’s dog). Come out to the dog show with the family for a day of entertainment, awards and education.

It is that time of year again, Tax Preparation Season in Chicago. (it can ruin many weekends before April 15th) You get through Christmas and the Super Bowl and very quietly your 1099’s sneak up on you when you aren’t looking. Tax Preparation in Chicago can be just as challenging as any other location in the US and it is a lot harder to make the trek out to an accountant when it is below zero here.

The tax season is a different process for everyone. Whether you use a paper form 1040 EZ, an online form, TurboTax, H&R Block TaxCut, go to a tax preparing service like Jackson Hewitt or H&R Block or have your own personal accountant, there are deductions your should know about.

Personally I got to use the energy credit for new energy star windows last year which was thrilling considering how much they cost up front. I also started using TurboTax a few years ago and have enjoyed doing my taxes online with their Q & A format. I actually don’t dread doing my taxes anymore thanks to TurboTax.

I actually think the ads that say an accountant will find you thousands of dollars in refunds is a bit misleading. The people who own businesses and have complicated situations may find more deductions with H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt, but someone single and uncomplicated like me does just fine with an online tax preparation program.

Here are some tips and resources to help you through the tax season in Chicago for 2008 in 2009. I do need to state that I am not a tax professional by any means, but through some research I was able to find these tips that I wanted to share.

This is a helpful list of green tax credits you can claim in 2009.

$150 for some Energy Star furnaces/boilers
$200 for all Energy Star windows
$300 for some Energy Star heat pumps and central AC
$500 for insulation and sealing that meets model building code
$3,150 for the purchase of a hybrid car or SUV

Also, the federal limit in tax credits for home improvements is $500. More information on state tax credits can be found at the Database of State Incentives for Renewable and Efficiency.

This is also a list of common income tax deductions that are often missed:

1. State sales taxes as a deductions.This only applies if you live in a state without income tax like Oregon but work in a state that does have it like Washington. Keep track of these expenses during the year by saving receipts or logging them in Excel.
2. Reinvested dividends. This is more of a tax break since those dividends never got taxed. Bonus!
3. Out-of-pocket deductible charitable contributions. This includes mileage driven for charity and cash donations.
4. Deductible Student loan interest paid by parents. Since the IRS treats student loan repayments by parents as a gift to their child, students that aren’t claimed as dependents can actually deduct up to $2,500 of the loan interest paid by their parents.
5. Moving expense to take your first job. As long as you move more than 50 miles, you can deduct the cost of getting yourself and your stuff to the new locale. You can even deduct mileage.
6. Military reservists travel expenses. Members of the National Guard or military reserve can deduct travel expenses related to drills or meetings as long as they travel over 100 miles and are away overnight. The deduction covers the cost of lodging plus half the cost of your meals. You can also deduct mileage, parking fees, and tolls.
7. Child-care credits. If you pay someone to take care of your kids such that you can work, you might qualify for a tax credit. Note that this is true even if you claim your childcare-related expenses through a tax-favored reimbursement account at work because such accounts are capped at $5,000 while expenses up to $6,000 can qualify for the credit.
8. Estate tax on income in respect of a decedent. You can get an income-tax deduction for the amount of estate tax paid on an IRA the you inherit from someone else.
9. Any State tax you paid last spring. If you owed state taxes when you filed your 2007 return, you can deduct that amount along with the state income taxes that were withheld during 2008.
10. Deductible Mortgage Refinancing points. Any points that you pay when you refinance can be deducted (on a monthly basis) over the life of the new loan. Moreover, all unamortized mortgage points left over from prior years are deducted all at once if you end up refinancing your mortgage in any particular year.
11. Jury pay paid to employer. Some employers continue to pay their employees’ full salary when they’re on jury duty, but require that the employees turn over their jury pay. Since the IRS views this as taxable income, you need to be sure to deduct it. If you don’t, you’ll end up paying double taxes on a portion of your income.
     

After being absent for 2 years the Flower and Garden show is back this spring in Chicago. The Chicago Flower and Garden Show will be running between March 7 and 15 in 2009. This is a great show if you have a yard or garden area around your home that you enjoy spending time in or plan on renovating or improving this spring/summer.

The Chicago Flower and Garden Show is amazing for anyone to see because they have so many example gardens there that are inspiring for what you can really do with your space, even if you have a very small space to work with like urban dwellers do. There are usually a lot of vendors of plants, patios, decks, pools, hot tubs, landscape and design companies as well as lawn care companies exhibiting that can help. There are usually how-to talks also that help you find the right info if you want to do the work on your yard and garden yourself.

Tickets are $12 during the week and $14 on weekends for Adults and $5 for kids. This does not include the Navy Pier $23 parking fee. So, this is a fun family event if you want to take the time to drive downtown and don’t mind the parking costs. There are a lot of restaurants and shops at Navy Pier that are also fun to stop and see if you bring the family down to the Flower and Garden Show.

More details can be found at chicagoflower.com

In the past I have been very anti-valentine’s day, but now that I am engaged I am more ambivalent about it. If people want to get together on Valentine’s Day in Chicago and make love rather than war or money, it is probably a good thing. Those who don’t really want to bother with all the V-Day hullabaloo are always welcome to celebrate anti-valentine’s day too.

In Chicago it is cold in February and the options for celebrating Valentine’s Day with your special one are limited to the indoors and maybe someplace with a cozy fireplace. That said, there is a range of price to which you can celebrate this day of love.

If you have endless funds available the Trump Tower Hotel is offering a special Valentine’s Day package with a view of the Chicago River, a Dozen Roses, Champagne, Chocolate and a premium suite for $900. Yes, that is the cost for one night. That puts a lot of pressure on both parties for it to be a “spectacular” night at that price. At least at home you don’t loose $900 if things don’t work out. Plus in this economy who wants to spend a mortgage payment on one night in a hotel room? (just the room)

I have always liked the more simple ways to show someone you love them on Valentine’s Day. Nobody enjoys paying $100 for a dozen red roses at the Chicago FTD Florist so why not send something else? Believe me, pink roses can be just as romantic, white roses are elegant, and there are so many beautiful flowers, why limit it to just roses? (orchids, lilies and Gerber daisies are all great alternatives that get ignored by florists on Valentine’s day) Don’t all the flowers really say something beautiful? There is no reason that you have to be exactly like 9 million other people in Chicago. Originality gets you brownie points and wins over hearts big time.

Check out the little local Chicago FTD florists a week or 2 before Valentine’s day to see what they plan to have on hand. Ask about what else they will have besides 12 tons of red roses from Chile. I try to avoid large florist chains like Phillips because there is so little creativity there, but in a pinch they have a lot of stock. You have to tell them what you want though. Jewel and Dominicks have great low cost deals on flowers but they usually wilt in 24-48 hours. (Which is so dissapointing) I like Tulipia in River Forest for my fresh flowers and they usually last a week.

Chocolate is also a typical Valentine’s Day gift but I don’t know any woman that says she needs Chocolate when most women always complain that they are on a diet. (talk about passive aggressive) I know a few women who crave it, but I wonder if there is really something else going on there.

I think most women really want to be loved and appreciated. I think doing something to show you love them in a non-traditional way might be the best Valentine’s Day gift of all. Sure, an elegant dinner at the restaurant of her choice or a new pair of earrings would be great but save the big flower/chocolate/hotel room money for something else.

My fiance got me some flowers last year and new windshield wipers for my car. And yes, he even installed them for me. This year he is upgrading the memory in my laptop, very thoughtful of him. It was sweet and I do appreciate his thoughtfulness every time I am driving in the pouring rain in Chicago. Think different this Valentine’s Day and you will have a much better time with the holiday than all your friends and coworkers that do the same thing they do every year.

Update: 2 More events happening around Chicago if you really do want to brave the cold and go out to do something special on Valentine’s day:

The Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago Troupe makes its official company debut at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd., on Valentine’s Day. This event features performances from the company repertoire (including the jet propelled “Pyrokinesis”) …Plus, as the $46 ticket price includes a post-performance champagne and cheesecake reception and parking is free…this makes the event a great way to treat your honey to a great evening out without breaking the bank. For more info call 847.673.6300.

These local fine Restaurants have specially prices dinners available on Valentine’s Day with unique menu’s and Valentine’s Day details. Call for more information and details.

BIRCH RIVER GRILL – AN AMERICAN KITCHEN 75 W. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL (847) 427-4242
DINE at 733 W. Madison Street in Chicago, IL (312) 602- 2100
GLEN PRAIRIE at 1250 Roosevelt Road in Glen Ellyn, IL (630) 613-1250
KARMA – ASIAN FOOD & WINE 510 E. Route 83 in Mundelein, IL (847) 970-6900
Kinzie Chophouse at 400 North Wells Street in Chicago, IL 60654 312.822.0191
MAMBO GRILL at 412 North Clark Street in Chicago, IL 60654 312.467.9797

With the Fed lowering the interest rate to effectively 0% a few weeks back we have all been waiting to see how the consumer mortgage rates will be affected in Chicago. Both the city and suburbs have been affected by the real estate housing bubble and many people who have 6-7% mortgage rates on their homes and condos would love to refinance their mortgage and save some money in this economy.

Just this week Jan 12th, marketwatch reported that 30 year fixed rate mortgage rates went below 5% and down to the lowest rate ever. I am surprised that they have gotten so low and see that marketwatch lists the average mortgage rate for a 30 year fixed rate loan at 4.62% now. Wow that is low. A 300K mortgage with 20% down and a 30 year fixed rate loan at 4.62% is $1,333.00 a month.

If that rate was 5.62% it would be $1,481.00. Low rates save you a lot of money and allow you to use those savings to make extra principle payments and pay the loan off faster which saves a lot on interest paid to the bank over the life of the loan. (remember interest is calculated on the entire loan amount each year, so the amount you really pay for your house over 30 years is usually about 3x the value)

I am not sure which mortgage companies in Chicago can offer these rates though because so many of the banks are in trouble financially right now. Taking in less profit on loans would hurt their chance of recovery. Citigroup Banks is one that is giving higher interest rates like 5.5% on a 30 year fixed loan because of their current financial situation.

I hope that people living in Chicago can refinance their loans at the lowest rate possible and pay off their mortgage home loans quickly and own them outright. It is a difficult thing to do but owning your own home without a mortgage is one of the most rewarding things you can do and gives you so much financial freedom and saves a lot of stress. Look into how you can lower your interest rate and pay off your loan in a shorter time and get freedom from mortgage payments.

Trader Joe’s opened their new Oak Park Store location on December 5, 2008.Trader Joe’s is a great store for Oak Park because it is all about organics, low cost gourmet and foods from around the world. They have a great selection of interesting foods plus a Trader Joes House Brand that offers just about everything for less. The new Oak Park store is located at 483 N Harlem Ave in Oak Park, IL 60301. Parking is available in a garage near by but beware the elevators don’t always work, so if you plan to buy a cart full, park on the ground floor.

Oak Parkers are a unique breed. (I know, I live there) We appreciate the local delicacies but want to experience the best the world has to offer. We like the close availability of the city of Chicago and mass transit but want to live green and earth friendly lifestyles at the same time. We want really tasty enjoyable food but we want it to be good-for-us at the same time. We also like elegant new products but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg in a recession.

Somehow Trader Joe’s Food Stores cover this entire list of contradictions. Not everything in Trader Joe’s fits all the requirements, but everything hits at least 2 or 3 of them. I am not a vegetarian or someone who eats only Organics so I may not know as much about those foods as I should, but I know that a lot of people have applauded Trader Joe’s alternative foods that are vegitarian, vegan and organic friendly.

Others applaud Trader Joe’s for clear labeling and dating of their products that are perishable like deli meats, cheeses and breads. Some people contrast this honesty policy with whole foods no-date-labels on anything in a refrigerated case so you don’t know how long it has been there. (a day or a week?) I think the only complaint I have heard about Trader Joe’s is that sometimes products are discontinued and people can’t get them anymore. It causes a freakout situation because it is usually something that wasn’t available from other stores in the first place, and TJs was the only source locally for that item. (a balsalmic reduction is frequently mentioned) But this may be a result of that product not being available from the manufacturer or it not selling enough in the stores. Neither are much fun, but both are a factor of doing business globally.

I have been shopping at the downtown Trader Joe’s location lately since I work nearby and it is closer to walk over after work than it is to drive to the other locations in Lombard, Glen Ellyn or Downers Grove.  (or on the North Side) To celebrate having a new Trader Joe’s within walking distance from my house I came up with a list of my top 10 foods to buy at Trader Joe’s that I think you should check out:

10. Potato Pancakes – Latkes- I love potato pancakes because I am Ukrainian and they are part of my heritage and since I am no cook, I really enjoy the latkes that Trader Joe’s sells frozen. Just pop them in the oven to warm them up crispy, add a dollop of sour cream and voila, yumminess.

9. Quiche- There are 2 kinds of quiche, with crust and without. They are both wonderful for no mess one plate dinners. It might not be rocket science to whip up a quiche myself but sometimes during the work week I couldn’t be bothered to run the dishwasher let alone cook something. Microwaving the bacon-feta crust-less quiche or the crusted spinach or ham & cheese quiche and you have a hearty dinner with rich flavors.

8. Scones – the fresh baked scones aren’t always available but they are luscious.

7. Tiramisu- the boxed frozen tiramisu is just like at the fancy restaurants but half the price. I like to use Trader Joe’s tiramisu as a birthday cake for small groups (because it isn’t very large) and you can keep it frozen for several months just in case something comes up to celebrate.

6. Two Buck Chuck- this wine is good, but don’t overlook all the other unique wines that Trader Joe’s carries. I have found many good wines here to compliment my meals.

5. European Style Yogurt- I first tried this in France where this was the only style of yogurt they had and they sold it in small glass containers that got re-cycled. I found that this slightly tart but sweet thick yogurt is available at Trader Joe’s in a few flavors. I like the coffee and the chocolate. After tasting the richness of the European style yogurt, Dannon will taste too sugary sticky sweet and simple. 

4. Individual Chocolate Lava cakes – These are beyond decadent, and sometimes can take the edge off a particularly bad/frustrating day. I don’t recommend buying them all the time though because I would eat them all the time then. I have to make sure I consume some healthy food too after all!

3. Kashi Products- Now you can get Kashi everywhere (including Jewel and Target) but Trader Joe’s was the first place I saw the Tasty Little Crackers and the Go Lean cereals. You can still get great Kashi Products at Trader Joe’s and they are usually priced lower than most other grocery stores. Likewise Trader Joe’s was also one of the first places you could find organic/natural cleaning products, soaps and shampoos. They still stock a great selection of those also.

2. Organic Milk- They charge far less for the organic and hormone free milks than most grocery stores (Whole Foods) do. I have friends that only drank hormone free or Organic milk while pregnant and also use that kind of milk for their kids, and it saves them a lot of money to get it at Trader Joe’s. The organic meats (beef, chicken, fish)are also a good deal if you can buy them on sale and freeze them until needed. Most meat is ok frozen for up to a year.

1. Mochi- Trader Joe’s is the only place I have been able to find these yummy ice cream treats for sale in a grocery store in Chicago. They come in Chocolate (the best), Strawberry, Mango and Green Tea. I found the Green Tea flavor to be a bit odd at first but it grows on you. The best thing is that each ice cream ball wrapped in a rice flour dough is only 100 calories.

Let me know if you have any other Trader Joe’s favorites that you can recommend in the comments below.

Five Guys Burgers in Oak Park is a restaurant that originates from DC and has brought their brand of big juicy burgers to do the Chicagoland area. I went to Five Guys Burger Restaurant on a Friday night around 9pm and found a packed restaurant full of a mixture of both families having a late dinner and young people on date night. I was excited that a new restaurant was finally moving into the space that Five Guys has on Lake Street in Oak Park. That space seemed vacant all 7 years that I have lived there. The downtown area of Oak Park is always in constant renewal so this new restaurant is a fitting addition to the scene.

Five Guys has a small menu of basic items but they are made with high quality fresh ingredients. The menu consists of Hamburgers (Regular and Junior size with or without cheese or bacon (or both) and a whole list of toppings), fresh cut potatoes french fries (with or without spicy seasoning) Hot Dogs (with or without bacon and cheese), Grilled cheese sandwiches, Veggie burgers (not as popular) and fountain drinks. I have listed the Five Guys menu items, prices and nutrition calories below for easy reference. (Chicago / Oak Park Prices)

Hamburger $4.39 (700 calories)

Cheeseburger $4.99 (840 calories)

Bacon Burger $5.19 (780 calories)

Bacon Cheeseburger $5.79 (920 calories)

Little Hamburger $3.29 (480 calories)

Little Cheeseburger $3.59 (550 calories)

Little Bacon Burger $3.99 (560 calories)

Little Bacon Cheeseburger $4.29 (630 calories)

Kosher Hot Dog $2.99 (545 calories) (not really Chicago style)

Cheese Dog or Bacon Dog $3.69 (625 calories)

Bacon Cheese Dog $3.99 (695 calories)

Veggie or Grilled Cheese $2.29 (440/430 calories)

Reg Fries $2.59 (620 calories)

Large Fries $4.19 (1464 calories)

Reg Drinks $1.59

Large Drinks $1.79

Five Guys Address: 1115 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL

Phone (708) 358-0856 Fax (708) 358-0906

I was pleasantly surprised to see that the stacks of potato sacks in the lobby were not only for show when one of the employees came out and got one to go make into the fresh cut fries. I was also very happy with the burgers and the beef was very good. A burger here is much better than any fast food place and you don’t have to pay a lot more for the extra quality. They do distract you from all the calories by saying that all the potatoes are fresh cut from Idaho and they don’t use frozen processed meats. So, beware of the calories when you enjoy their food in moderation. (but it is good!)

The Five Guys restaurant decor is simple. They have a red and white checkerboard theme to the restaurant and the walls are dominated by their Zagat reviews and quotes from restaurant reviewers over the years. The place to get in line to order is a bit confusing because of where the door is, but most people figure it out within a minute or two.

I found out that a regular hamburger from Five Guys is really a double burger and in my case a double cheeseburger. The Jr is a regular hamburger, I would order that next time. The fresh cut fries are very good and I would go order fries there as a meal alone since they give you so many. I ended up not able to finish either the double cheeseburger or the fries but luckily I brought my fiance along and he did.

If you are on a diet or watching your fat and cholesterol intake this is not the place for you to go. The menu at Five Guys is fresh and made from great real ingredients without preservatives but the portions are large and the calorie quantity is huge. If you go to Five Guys Burger Restaurant and want to watch the calories I recommend thee small little hamburger and splitting a fri with someone you are with. Then you would end up with a total of 790 calories, which is a lot but far less than I consumed that day during my visit. If you don’t have to watch calories this is a great place to go enjoy fresh juicy burgers in Chicago.  

I got my Digital TV converter box this summer (with the $40 credit coupon) and I love it. Here is how to get your TV Converter Box Coupon and get your signal converter box hooked up to your TV before the transition happens on February 17th, 2009.

First though you may not need a digital converter box for your TV if you fit into these situations: 1. Over half of the population gets Cable so those people don’t have to worry about the Broadcast TV Signals changing over from Analog to Digital on February 17, 2009. The rest of us still do!(Some people might first object to the fact that I don’t get cable, but in this internet age why do I need it? The basics of free TV are just fine for me.) 2. If you bought your TV in the last year and a half it probably already accepts a digital signal with nothing new to add to it. (HDTV qualifies) (Personally, I did not want to replace my 2002 edition TV with a new digital TV since it really works fine and I don’t watch TV that much to warrant a $500 purchase anyway.)

So in summary, if you don’t have a digital TV, or cable TV, you will need to buy a very simple signal converter box before February 17, 2009. I recommend getting one now before they are sold out. These Digital TV converter Boxes are sold at most appliance and electronics stores, I got mine at Best Buy. (also be available at bestbuy.com)  

The trick is not to pay full price for the digital converter box and get one using the government sponsored coupon. After the $40 discount from this coupon I paid $25 for my box. That seemed like an affordable price to me for a small digital black box that is about 10 inches x 10 inches x 2 inches tall. You can go to dtv2009.govand sign up for a coupon to be mailed to you within a few weeks. I got mine in about a month. It looked like a credit card or a gift card and it was easy to swipe it like a credit card when I made the purchase at Best Buy.

Connecting the digital converter box to my TV was easy too. Dtvanswers.com has a great FAQ section that can help if you get stuck but the basic idea is that the digital signal converter box goes between your existing TV antenna and your TV. Yes, the same old antenna works to receive the digital signal, my parent’s attic antenna from 1968 works as does my 2002 rabbit ears antenna, it’s just the TVs that can’t receiver the signal, so we get converter boxes to help.

Take the Antenna cable from the TV and plug it into the converter box and then use the converter box cable to connect it to the TV. (the VCR goes in between the TV and the converter box if you still use one, see diagram) There is also a power cord to plug in. When you get your converter box it will also come with a new remote for the box. I have to leave my TV on channel 3 now and use the converter box remote to change channels there to get the digital channels. The new remote turns on the TV and the converter box and can adjust volume too.

I like the digital channels better than the old analog ones because there are more of them and there are more programs available now. I also have no problem with signal reception now although my parents live way out in the suburbs and have some trouble getting digital signals in bad weather or just at random times. When the signal is low the screen gets all pixelated and computer like. Which is kinda sci-fi future movie creepy but it doesn’t happen very often for me. It happens once or twice a week for my parents in Downers Grove though.

So, instead of watching ABC Channel 7 in Chicago I can now see 7.1, 7.2 or 7.3. Same for NBC 5, it is 5.1, 5.2 or 5.3 with widescreen and cropped screen views as well as a 24/7 weather and news summary channel. Sometimes 5 and 7 also re-run the noon or 10 pm news on the .2 channels or run other programs from other regions which are interesting.

WTTW Channel 11 has used the digital signals to diversify the most with the regular programming on 11.1, digital wide screen on 11.2, a new content channel called Create of all cooking and “how-to” shows on 11.3 and a spanish language versions of their shows on 11.4. Channel 20 has also diversified quite a bit the same way too. Channel 2 is the laggard here with only turning on it’s digital signal in the last month and I still don’t get it most of the time.

One last thing I want to mention about this digital TV conversion process. It is easy to do for most people but it may not be easy for older people who are not tech savvy. If you have a grandparent, aunt, uncle or neighbor that doesn’t understand how to get a converter box or the coupon for one, help them out and order one and get the box for them. You should also help install it for them so they don’t loose their link to news and information every day.

TV is much more important to the people who are in their homes a lot and either can’t or don’t, go out much. It is important for weather updates and alerts and general news. With newspaper delivery going by the wayside eventually (I predict) the TV and Radio may be the ways to find out what is happening in the world for people who are older, retired and don’t use a computer.  I read that 20% of the US does not use the internet, so there are still a great number of people in this group who might need some help.

Update 1/9/08: the Government has been reporting that they are out of money from the budget they had set aside for sending out discount cupons to citizens. This is not suprising since less than half of the cupons send out to date have not been redeemed. So, if you want one, still go to the site and get on the waiting list anyway. Then they are looking at also extending the analog signal for a while longer and pushing the cut of date back a month or two to help with this transition. I hope that happens also, since a lot of people would loose their link to information and updates if they have not converted.  

Update: Congress has decided to give people four more months to prepare for the upcoming transition from analog to digital TV broadcasting. The House voted Wednesday to postpone the end of analog TV signals until June 12, 2009. The move is meant to address concerns that more than 6.5 million Americans with older TVs would not be ready by Feb. 17, the originally mandated deadline.

This is a friendly reminder that the CTA train and bus fares will increase on January 1, 2009. Even though the state of Illinois approved the budget increases last year that prevented a fare increase then, the state revenues from sales and income taxes is down in 2008 and 2009 due to the current economic recession.

So, the CTA isn’t able to get the full amount of the funding and most estimates show that CTA public transit use it still up year over year even though the price of a gallon of gas has gone back down to about $1.70 in most areas of the suburbs and just under $2.00 in Chicago.

This means that the CTA fares have to increase to cover the gap between what the expenses are and what funding is provided from the state. Plus somebody has to pay for all those station improvements they started and the shiny new website design. Most people should be highly annoyed by the increase in CTA fares but it probably won’t keep people from going to work.

My daily commute is going from $3.50 to $4.50 per day. (still far less than driving and paying $25-$35 per day to park plus gas) My CTA Chicago Card Plus monthly unlimited pass will also go from $75.00 to $86.00. Most people pay for them pre-tax through companies like Wageworks though so you do save something on not paying taxes. (in an odd twist of fate keeping the CTA from getting more state funding) All of this will seem cheap someday when I have to take both Metra AND the CTA to work.

The people hardest hit are usually low income hourly workers that make around minimum wage. ($7.75) After the taxes and health insurance fees are deducted from a paycheck (if health insurance is even available) and they buy CTA fares and possibly buy lunch at work they are left with a very small amount of money each day.  I would guess about $800 per month is left for everything else from rent to utilities after “work costs” are considered. (plus uniforms are usually required to purchase) It is a meager life.

CTA Fare Types Current Fare Structure and Increases in January 2009

Full Fare Transit Card (TC) Bus Now: $1.75 January 2009: $2.00
Full Fare TC Rail Now: $2.00 January 2009: $2.25
Full Fare Chicago Card (CC) Bus Now: $1.75 January 2009: $2.00
Full Fare CC Rail Now: $1.75 January 2009: $2.25
Full Fare Cash (bus only) Now: $2.00 January 2009: $2.25
TC or CC Transfer Note #1 Now: $0.25 January 2009: $0.25
Chicago Card Bonus Note #2 10% Eliminated

1-Day Pass5 Now: $5.00 January 2009: $5.75
2-Day Visitor Pass Note #5 $9.00 Eliminated
3-Day Visitor Pass Note #5 Now: $12.00 January 2009: $14.00
5-Day Visitor Pass Note #5 $18.00 Eliminated
7-Day CTA Pass5 Now: $20.00 January 2009: $23.00
7-Day CTA/Pace Pass5 Now:  Did not exist, January 2009: $28.00

Full Fare 30-Day Pass Now: $75.00 January 2009: $86.00

U-Pass Note #3 15% Increase
Reduced Fare Note #4 TC or CC Now: $0.85 January 2009: Unchanged
Reduced Fare Cash (bus only) Now: $1.00 January 2009: Unchanged
Reduced Fare TC or CC Transfer Now:$0.15 January 2009: Unchanged
Reduced Fare 30-Day Pass Now:  $35.00 January 2009: Unchanged

Notes:
1 Transfer fare allows two additional rides within two hours of the first boarding
2 For every $20 purchase of pay-per-use fares, $22 of value is added to the card
3 Available through participating universities only; price change effective 2009 Fall Term
4 Reduced fares offered to eligible customers only
5 Only the 30-Day and the new CTA/Pace 7-Day passes will be valid on Pace beginning January 1, 2009. 

Happy New Year…

We only have a few shopping days left before Christmas and this is crunch time. It is the exact point where most women finish their shopping and the the men begin their shopping. (at least it is in my house) So, is it too late to get great gifts on sale for Christmas in Chicago? 

The selection is getting low, but there are a lot of great sales at most of the major stores in Chicago at 50% or more off most gifts.  This is probably the only time of year that it pays to be on the email marketing lists for online stores. They keep sending out coupon codes daily for free shipping and extra discounts and promotions to help people feel like they are getting a good deal this year with the recession, and so that they still buy all the stock in the stores that won’t be wanted at all after December 25th.

The stores that have promotional coupon codes going out all the time that you can sign up by email for are:

Macy’s – a wide variety of items are marked down, but not everything. If your favorites are not marked down, skip it. Daily emails let you know what the free shipping or discount code are today.

Old Navy – their clothing is really low priced to begin with and with extra sales and discounts, it is really affordable to stock up if you have kids.

JCrew, The Gap & Banana Republic - They mark down certain colors only, so if you want the tricky colors to coordinate like yellow, orange or purple you are in luck. If you want black or navy blue, it’s still full price. This is seriously annoying and I feel like boycotting these stores sometimes because it is so unfair.

Crate and Barrel & CB2- home furnishings aren’t as important to buy in a recession, and C&B knows that. They have had more on sale than usual but everything is still expensive. C&B is still good for those gifts you really have to impress with, like bosses and in-laws.

Kohl’s & JC Penny - get 50-60% off on most clothing right now but some items are already sold out. Like winter boots. Have fun trying to find any of those. And those portable outdoor wireless speaker sets. Really popular this year and sold out everywhere.

Sears (they even have layaway like the old days) check out the deal of the day and the 70% off sale. Craftsman tools still make great gifts for dad, grandpa and brothers.

Best Buy – Some electronics are marked down, but not everything. Get grandma and grandpa that converter box they need for the digital TV signal coming in February if they haven’t already gotten one.

The Premium Outlets in Aurora, IL also have sales offering discounts on their already low outlet merchandise prices. The trick is to go in the morning though since the afternoons are really crowded and there is no parking. Maybe go as a group and carpool so you only have to bring one car? Or have dad drop you off and pick you up?

With the end of the year just around the corner, my mind has shifted from entertainment and events to the New Year’s Resolutions 2009 that we all plan to make.  I am thinking there are some New Year’s Resolutions in 2009 that Chicago should try this year too. Not just government and officials but all of us collectively as people. Well, ok some are specifically for government and elected officials since this whole Rod Blagojevich thing is out of control and so opposite how most people really are in Chicago. So, after all the New Year’s parties sit down and think about if these ideas could really improve your life and those of everyone like you in Chicago.

1. Resolve to share the power and redistribute wealth. Enough of this you pay me to do something I am legally not supposed to do bullshit. Yes, Rod Blagojevich I am looking at you, and Former Illinois Governor Ryan you too. I am guessing that Mayor Daley does this stuff ALL the time but he has enough clout that people won’t cooperate in catching him at it.

For god’s sake, if you know (work with) someone who does this kind of pay for play stuff, out them. Tell someone, tell the Tribune, Sun Times or NPR. Copy documents that verify it and send them anonymously to the press if you have to. Publish them on an anonymous blog. The only way that this behavior will stop is if people stand up to it and say no, I am not going along with this and make sure people know about it. It is your responsibility as a citizen and there are a whole lot more of us little people than there are powerful ones you know. And this was the whole point behind rallying for Barack Obama and Change. (and not just so people stopped knowing Chicago only for Al Capone, Oprah and Michael Jordan)

2. Get some more exercise. All of us, myself included could benefit from more exercise. This means walking rather than driving sometimes, going out to run once a week and generally doing things around the house to clean and fix it up. You would be surprised how much cleaning and fixing up the house can do for exercise. Walking every day to public transportation is also a great way to get exercise without knowing it. (which is pretty much the only way computer based people like me can do this) Laying off the deep dish pizza, foot long hot dogs and cold stone ice cream is probably a good idea too.

3. Save some money. Forget the economy and how 70% of the activity is from consumer spending. Just do what you need to do in order to be ready for layoffs since this is so common these days. Have 1 year of reserves in savings for daily expenses should you loose your job.

It takes a year or more for most people right now to find a new job since so many more people are looking than there are jobs. Also, have your vacation days saved up so that if they do lay you off they have to pay them out. It is the law. Most companies don’t offer any severance packages when they lay off people so your 2-3 weeks vacation time is your severance package now. Save it wisely.

4. Learn something new. This is harder the older we all get. I find it harder every year to learn something new that is an actual functional skill or knowledge useful on the job. It is just so much easier to do things the old way. It uses less energy and fewer brain cells. But you become obsolete so much faster, and in this economy that could mean a lot less money if and when you can find another job. So, whether it is community college courses, web research or just asking someone who knows cool stuff on the job if you could help out and get into a new project, it always benefits you in the long run.

What other resolutions do you have for yourself? And for Chicago?

From December 5th 2008 through January 4th 2009 the Bank of America Winter Wonderfest will be open at Navy Pier in Chicago. This is one of the many Chicago Christmas events that are perfect for the family to attend while kids are on holiday break. A trip downtown on the metra is always an exciting day for kids. The Bank of America Winter Wonderfest is a spectacular holiday event that begins its 8th holiday season with more attractions and over 170,000 sq ft of indoor family activities.

The Chicago Winter Wonderfest includes lots of amazing decorations with over 750,000 Christmas lights, 25,000 ornaments and hundreds of Christmas trees. The activities at Winter Wonderfest include Winter Themed carnival rides, games, music and live bands and entertainment daily. Many families found that this was a great yearly tradition to go to with the kids and return every year. (in addition to going to the walnut room at Macy’s for dinner under the great tree.

One of the attractions at the Winter Wonderfest is the eWish Center. The ewish center is open in Festival Hall from December 5th through January 4th. Kids can email Santa Claus their holiday wishes on the internet. Elves are there to help the kids write or send the emails. The emails go direct to Santa Claus. This is far more hip than the old write your list on paper and send it through snail mail method.

strong>Santa Claus arrives at Winter Wonderland at Navy Pier on Saturday November 29th at 5 pm on the Grand Staircase. This was for the opening of the holiday season and the official lighting of the pier for the holidays. Santa Claus also made a stop on the Family Pavilion Stage. Then he and Mrs. Claus listened to the holiday wishes of children from 6:00 pm. until 9:00 pm. Since Santa can’t be there every day, the ewish center makes sure that Santa Claus gets all the wish information and everyone gets their wish.

The Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier is free to enter and walk around but it is either $12 or $16 to ride the activities and rides. The $16 wristband includes ice skating, the $12 wristband ticket does not include ice skating. There are a few family packs that include parking and 4 wristbands that offer some discounts. There is a winter wonderfest family pack for $64 that includes 4 premium wrisbands (the ones that include skating) and free parking if you drive downtown. Navy Pier is located at 600 East Grand Avenue. Phone Number: (312) 559-1212.

The hours that the Chicago Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier is open are:
Bank of America Winter WonderFest will be open:
 
December 5, 2008 to December 18, 2008
Sunday through Thursday: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 10:00am to 10:00pm December 19, 2008 to January 4, 2009
Sunday through Thursday: 10:00am to 8:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 10:00am to 10:00pm
Special Holiday Hours:
Wednesday, December 24, 2008: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday, December 25, 2008: CLOSED
Wednesday, December 31, 2008: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Notes:

In addition to the Winter Wonderfest, Navy Pier is also the location for the largest New Year’s Eve Party in Chicago. Get tickets online to experience the best fireworks presentation and festivities of the New Year in Chicago!

The Chicago Premium Outlets Mall in Aurora, ILis the hot place to shop for Christmas gifts this season. I keep hearing about it all the time from people at work, friends and family so I had to write about it. My last trip to the premium outlets mall in Aurora was back in 2006 but it looks like they haven’t changed much except for adding more outlet stores. I have been doing more of my Christmas shopping online this year but when I really don’t have any idea what to get someone for a Christmas gift, a trip to the Premium Outlets Mall helps because you can see so many items in person in one place with all the outlet stores.

If you don’t have kids in tow, you can pretty much knock off your remaining Christmas gift list in one afternoon at the mall. That is a lot of progress in a short time, which is what people like me (who have no time) need this season. The premium outlet stores at the mall in Aurora also have the benefit of being discount stores. You have all the major brands that have premium clothing, shoes, handbags and kids clothes at 25%-50% off most all of the time.

The Premium Outlets Mall in Aurora, IL is located at: 1650 Premium Outlets Boulevard in Aurora, IL 60502, phone: (630) 585-2200

The Hours are: Extended Holiday Hours 

Mon, Dec 1 – Tue, Dec 23 
Mon-Sat: 9am-9pm, Sun 10am-7pm

Christmas Eve Wed, Dec 24: 9am-6pm

Christmas Day Thu, Dec 25: Closed

After Holiday Sale Fri, Dec 26: 8am-9pm
Sat, Dec 27: 9am-9pm
Sun, Dec 28: 10am-7pm
Mon, Dec 29 & Tue, Dec 30: 9am-9pm

New Year’s Eve Wed, Dec 31: 9am-6pm

New Year’s Day Thu, Jan 1: 10am-9pm
 
The last time I was at the premium outlets mall in Aurora I got a black Kate spade purse at 1/2 off. I was happy! My friend who I was with got a bunch of kids clothing at 75% off and since they grow out of it so quickly, and it makes sense to always buy a few sizes to big and put it away in the drawer if it is on a deep discount sale like that. It saves a lot of money in the long run. Plus the clothing, shoes and handbags you find at the premium outlet mall are not last year’s styles, they are this year’s styles and current items just at a discount.

All these retailers found out a long time ago that in certain areas outlet malls make more sales so just mark things down from the beginning and they sell better. That is why outlet malls are always in far out locations, they don’t want them near the high regularly priced stores because then they would never sell anything at full price again. So, consider the Premium Outlets Mall in Aurora, IL your secret this holiday season for getting the same type of gifts everyone else buys but at 25%-50% off.

So, here is a list of stores I found that are at the Premium Outlets Mall in Aurora, IL and if you see a bunch of brands you like and are in the chicagoland area, check out the mall and see if you can get ahead of the game and get your Christmas shopping done this weekend!

A|X Armani Exchange   
Adidas   
Adidas   
Aeropostale   
Aerosoles   
Aldo   
Ann Taylor Factory Store   
Anne Klein   
Ashworth Golf   
Asian Chao   
Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels   
Banana Republic Factory Store   
Bass   
BCBG Max Azria   
Benetton   
Bose   
Brooks Brothers Factory Store   
Cafe Seattle   
Calvin Klein   
Calvin Klein Underwear   
Carter’s Children’s Clothing
Chico’s Women’s Clothing
Claire’s Accessories   
Clarks Bostonian   
Coach   
Cold Stone Creamery   
Converse   
Crabtree & Evelyn   
Crocs   
Designer Fragrances   
Diesel   
DKNY   
Dooney & Bourke   
Dressbarn   
Dressbarn Woman   
Easy Spirit   
Ecko Unltd   
Eddie Bauer Outlet   
Elie Tahari   
Factory Brand Shoes   
Fossil   
Gap Outlet – Kids & Baby   
Gap Outlet   
Geoffrey Beene   
Giorgio Armani   
Guess   
Guess Accessories   
Gymboree Outlet   
Izod   
J.Crew   
Jockey   
Johnston & Murphy   
Jones New York   
Journeys   
Juicy Couture   
Kasper   
Kate Spade     
Kenneth Cole      
Kitchen Collection   
Lacoste   
Lancôme – The Company Outlet   
Lane Bryant Outlet   
Le Creuset   
Le Gourmet Chef   
L’eggs Hanes Bali Playtex   
Lids for Less   
Limited Too   
Lindt Chocolate   
Liz Claiborne   
Liz Claiborne Shoes   
Lucky Brand Jeans   
Maidenform   
Maki of Japan   
Maternity Works   
MaxMara   
Michael Kors     
Mrs. Fields/TCBY   
Naturalizer   
Nautica   
Nike Factory Store     
Nine West   
Oakley Vault   
OshKosh B’Gosh   
PacSun   
Pearl Izumi   
Perfumania   
Perry Ellis   
Petite Sophisticate Outlet   
Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store   
Puma   
Ranch 1   
Rave    
Reebok   
Rockford Footwear Depot   
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory   
Rue21   
Salvatore Ferragamo   
Samsonite Company Store   
Sarar   
Skechers   
Sony   
Spyder   
Starbucks Coffee   
Strasburg Children   
Stride Rite Keds Sperry     
Sunglass Hut International   
Sunglass Icon   
Sunglass Shop/International Watch Station   
Swarovski   
The Children’s Place Outlet   
The Cosmetics Company Store   
The Fudgery   
The Great Steak & Potato Co.   
Theory   
Timberland   
Time Factory Watch Outlet   
Tommy Hilfiger   
Totes/Sunglass World   
Ultra Diamonds   
Van Heusen   
Villa Pizza   
Villeroy & Boch   
Vitamin World   
Waterford Wedgwood   
Wilsons Leather Outlet   
Zales Outlet   
Zumiez   

I was just viewing this video from Leigh Hanlon on ChicagoCareless.com about how this year’s Macy’s window decorations suck since the company let go their former window designer Amy Meadows and cut the costs to produce the motorized diorama type Christmas holiday displays. In fact they imply that they are so sucky and cheap this year that it’s not worth making the trek from the suburbs or other parts of Chicago to see them. Ouch!

I have been going to see the Marshall Field’s and now Macy’s Christmas window displays for about 5 years now. (since I have worked downtown) and I have to say that every year along the way they have gotten cheaper or re-used displays from past years to save money. Guess why? The department store business isn’t very good these days. People don’t really want to shop at a store that they can get everything in one place for some reason, and favor specialty niche retailers now. So, Macy’s like Marshall Fields, is not selling as much merchandise or making as much profit so they have to keep cutting costs.  (and the recession really isn’t helping)

Plus, in another criticism of Macy’s is that they must pay a boatload of royalties to all the celebs they licence names from to promote their house brand products. (Martha Stewart, we’re looking at you) So, there goes the profits that would have been there in other years.

Personally I don’t know if I would go as far as saying the window displays ”suck” this year but they aren’t near the glory they once had. The designs look much less traditional and rely on a lot of cardboard cut outs and less of the dolls and actual moving parts. (this has been the trend for a while though) I have posted some pictures of the windows now and some from 2005 that I took before Macy’s bought Marshall Fields here.

So, if you want to go see the window decorations at Macy’s downtown in Chicago this winter with the kids or maybe haven’t seen their windows in the past, it is ok but not wow kind of work. If you used to love the attention to detail in the old traditional windows, you won’t be happy with these, and it is probably worth saving yourself the trip unless you really like going to the walnut room.

I just read that the City of Chicago received a winning bid to hand over the management of the 35,000 parking meters to a private company from the department of revenue in Chicago. The new (privatization of) parking meter prices will likely have to be higher because they think this will close the $150 Million dollar budget gap (in a total of a $469 Million dollar budget shortfall) we have for 2008 and 2009 from several years of leasing. Yikes! The Chicago parking meter revenue was estimated at 19.5 million dollars in 2007. So, I am guessing this might be 10 years? More is due to be released in a press conference on Tuesday.

As if we needed another cost increase in the price of living in Chicago amidst a global recession.

UPDATE: The cost of the parking meters will quadruple from $0.50 per hour now to $1.00 per hour in 2009 and $2.00 per hour in 2013. The most competitive parking spot meters in the loop will go from $3.00 per hour now to $6.50 an hour in 2013. Holy cats, we will all have to sell our cars. The parking lease is also for 75 Years!  (and no free parking on Sundays) So Chicago has lost all future revenue from this area of the budget for the next 75 years. That will contribute to future budget shortfalls.

I think this privatization change may turn out like London or other crowded commuter cities where the parking rates are dramatically higher for peak usage times and the prices in general are raised anytime without any citizen or voter approval. Basically it just got a lot more difficult, expensive and exclusive to own a car in Chicago or to drive one downtown. (what’s next a congestion tax?) The higher meter rates will most likely influence paid parking garage rates to go up also and higher parking ticket rates if you fail to pay the meters. What I hope it improves is the way you have to pay for your parking meter. We really would like to see a pay by cell phone or pay by credit card swipe on the meters if they can get a high level of security with your private credit card data.

What they haven’t said is how long this private parking meter contract agreement is for with this un-named company Chicago Parking Meter LLC (which is made up of two Morgan Stanley infrastructure funds.) and the City of Chicago and how long we will have to endure even higher fees. (forever!) I am thinking the jump in Chicago private parking meter fees will most likely just push more people and commuters on to the already overburdened public transit bus and el train system. The rates for one time use CTA tickets and monthly CTA passes have also gone up in 2009, but it is far less that what people will see at the privatized parking meters.  Yuck!

All the people who golf in Chicago lament that 1/2 of the year here is unplayable. Some of us take that as a hint not to play Golf but others press on in spite of that fact. One option for golfers during the long Chicago winter is an indoor driving range. Another option to get your winter golf fix with is an online golf game that is played real time with other players.  Some people like this type of game because it allows them to play without buying a $500 game console and they can easily play from work or home. Personally I am not a golfer but I was asked to give the World Golf Tour Online Game a try so here are my thoughts:

1. The game takes a long time to load. Like several minutes. I have a DSL connection although not the fastest one available. This surprised me a lot. The game is in Flash 10 though which is high bandwidth stuff.

2. The game is not that intuitive for non golfers looking to learn. I watched the 2 tutorials that they had on the site and they never once mentioned how to get the golfer to swing. I understand how to choose the club or iron, choose the directionality and change the level of swing though.

3. After 3 wiffs and a score of over 1,200 I am not sure this makes much sense. I can’t get the swing to rotate up over his head with clicking or dragging the swing bar on the bottom of the screen. Right clicking and left clicking are no help. I am also doing this on a laptop because I don’t have a desktop computer at home and I am not sure it was designed for that either.

4. If nothing else, once you get the instruction manual figured out, this is an interesting representation of playing a golf game. They have re-created many of the most famous PGA golf courses in the game and the views of the course look very nice. I think the animation is clear and looks more realistic than most I have seen. They allow you to view instant replays of your swing and the shot just like they do on TV golf coverage.

So, my official opinion of the World Golf Tour online game is that it is confusing but someone who has more experience with golf might have better luck, and really appreciate a local escape to a warmer climate without ever having to leave Chicago. Other options might be to just do some golf betting online and feel like that is just as much fun.

All the polling places are closed across the entire US now and the ABC news organization is projecting that Barack Obama has won the election with 333 electorate votes and John McCain only has 155. This is only the preliminary projected result but people are thrilled. John McCain has just made a very eloquent and sportsmanlike concession speech praising Barack Obama and the historic nature of an African American being president. He also pledged his full cooperation in working with Senator Obama on fixing the problems that this country faces right now. I was very impressed by this speech. I did not expect John McCain to be that emotionally accepting of the projected loss that quickly or that complimentary of Barack Obama. It gives me great hope for the future that John McCain is willing to let this pass and still be an active member of the senate working together with both parties and the president to find real solutions to the issues we face as a country. I am also thrilled that race and ethnicity did not stop Barack Obama from becoming thefirst African Amercan President as the 44th president of our country.

I also want to mention to everyone that while this election outcome is worth jumping on your sofa and shooting off fireworks in the alley (as I just saw here in Oak Park) it is also a time to be patient with our new president. First off, he won’t take office until January 20th 2009. Second, Barack Obama doesn’t have a magic wand that fixes everything automatically any more than any other candidate does. He will face many long discussions with many people in government and the civilian public before any of the answers to the issues emerge and it may take even longer to make those changes that are needed.

We all need to be patient, understanding and supportive so we can help rather than make things more difficult. I still think in addition to Barack Obama’s leadership, this country needs each one of us to pitch in and make the right decisions in our own personal lives, our jobs and our local government to help. This may mean keeping people employed longer even if businesses aren’t as profitable as a result, keeping costs low for customers even if profits aren’t as high as before and not leveraging ourselves or our businesses to the hilt. We all need to save more money, be less statusy and consumption oriented and help each other out more often. We all need to be more like family in lending a hand and offering help and less like sales people over charging for everything and trying to swindle each other. We also need to seriously make changes with how we treat the environment.

So, that is my short list of how you, the general citizen, can help Barack Obama be a great president of the United States of America and be supportive of the changes we need. Other than that we should do some serious celebrating tonight. Whoop it up since Chicago is at the center of this celebration and the movement that made it happen. All we need now is to maintain this positivity and momentum and start working on making changes that we all can benefit from. And now I am going to go drink my champagne and enjoy the TV coverage since I cast my vote earlier this evening and can relax now.

I got the same pamphlet in the mail about a month ago asking about a Constitutional Convention in Illinois that everyone got. I put it aside thinking, I should read that, and never got back to it. Now it is November 3rd, the day before the 2008 presidential election and there is all this Buzz about voting in Illinois on the idea of holding a Constitutional Convention. I thought that was something we did back in the 1800’s or something? I had no idea that there were provisions in the Illinois Constitution that allowed people to call a convention to make changes to it.  Or as Wikipedia states is possible, to call in the old constitution and write a whole new one.

What I was not sure about was what is on the table for change?  What were some people so upset about in the Illinois Constitution that they have done all this work to get it on the ballot and are now rallying people to vote for it? Well I listened to NPR this morning and they had no details whatsoever on what was up for change. The coverage by other media outlets seems just as vauge and confusing. I am not sure what the real reasons are for this proposed convention and rewriting of the Illinois Constitution but here is a rumor I heard about yesterday.

Apparently, while I have been busy working (like every other average American) and building this non-political blog, Governor Blagojevich has been indicted like 20 times for a range of things from illiegal hiring practices to who knows what. Someone said that his biggest achievement as Governor has been not being arrested yet. (and seeing that our last Governor, Ryan is in jail right now I suppose that is an improvement) What I didn’t know was that some people who are opposing him (and potentially just as corrupt) are trying to impeach him and making his life hell by following him around and trying to write him up for every move he makes. So, I heard that this constitutional convention initiative is related. I heard that the big initiative driving this convention thing is that these opposing people want to add provisions for removing a Governor from Office while they are still in Office.

Basically it wouldn’t have killed Blagojevich to have made some friends and not been so sleazy in his Governorship and choice of friends and colleagues. He is making Illinois Politics look as bad as it really is. So, how does this relate to Barack Obama? I wouldn’t have guessed this, but another rumor states that to avoid being Impeached or removed from office after this Constitutional Convention he is going to pull a fast one. Apparently if Barack Obama wins the presidential election, the Governor of Illinois gets to appoint the Senator from Illinois to complete Obama’s term. The rumor states that Governor Blagojevich is going to appoint himself as the Illinois Senator to complete Obama’s term to escape this onslaught of protesters chasing him and give himself a big promotion at the same time. Then this convention thing won’t really matter to him and he will be gone to be corrupt with others of his kind in Washington. 

So, in light of all that gossip that may or may not be true, would you vote for a constitutional convention in Illinois and Chicago? I am not sure it matters anymore since it seems that the machines are just working the system either way it goes so the regular average people like us have no say in what really goes on anyway.

Every year millions of consumers flood the shopping malls on Black Friday the day after Thanksgiving Christmas sales and buy as many of their Christmas gifts on sale as possible. The point to this 5am madness is that there are special deals and sales only on that day and sometimes only on that morning of Black Friday that help you save money on your yearly Christmas gifts bill. This year in Chicago will probably have even more emphasis on cost savings, sales, deals and discounts since we are in the middle of a economic recession and everyone I know is cutting back on their holiday budget this year. With holiday spending budgets getting smaller and the same number of people to shop for gifts for, parents will be even more willing to get up early for Black Friday sales all over Chicagoland and save an extra 20% or 30% on the toys their kids want for Christmas. Cyber Sales on the Monday after Thanksgiving have also become more popular in the last few years leading CyberMonday to also be a big day for sales and black friday ads. (as well as Green Monday, the second Monday in December)

The Stores that participate in this Black Friday Sale tradition each year change and you never really know what the sales will be until the week before or maybe the last few days before Thanksgiving. Then there is a flurry of TV commercials, newspaper flyers and internet posts on a BlackFriday site on the internet. Why these retailers don’t run Google ads for the term Black Friday Sales and CyberMonday Sales, I have no idea. It would be much more efficient in search and content networks online.

Some great Sales going on for Black Friday and Cyber Monday:

WalMart is opening at 5AM in Chicago! They have a lot of flat screen HDTVs on sale but you have to go online to one of those dumb interactive flyers where you have to click to turn the page rather than just listing them in one long page. I hate interactive flyers online. The deals are in store only. 

MicroCenter has 2 Laptops each for $299.00. A MSI Wind Netbook with an Intel® Atom Processor N270, Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition, a 120GB Serial ATA Hard Drive, a 1GB DDR2-667 RAM and a 2.6 lbs; 802.11b/g Wireless Network. (Price after $50 instant savings / REG. $349.99 / 857565 / IN-STORE ONLY) OR a Acer Aspire Notebook with a Intel® Dual-Core Processor, Microsoft® Windows® Vista® software, 160GB 5400RPM Serial ATA Hard Drive and a 802.11b/g/Draft-N Wi-Fi Certified Wireless Network. (Price after instant savings / 860361 IN-STORE ONLY) Pretty cool deals on some very functional laptops. The stores open at 8am on Friday. Be in line at 6am if you want these deals!

Dell also has laptops on Sale and they have a deal where some are $530 off. That still isn’t as cheap as Microcenter though.

BestBuy’s sales don’t look that great, maybe because their largest competitor Circuit City is going out of business and they don’t really have anyone to force them into offering really good deals anymore.

MACY’s has a special sale going now before Thanksgiving that includes free shipping online and an additional 15-20% off when you use the checkout coupon code “PERK” and buy more than $99 worth of stuff before tax. They say over 25,000 items are on sale too. MACY’s actually has a pretty cool website and a lot of your Christmas shopping can be done online very efficiently. They also have a second coupon discount code for free shipping “GOBBLE” that is good through Saturday Night. And a third for Monday only “ONEDAY” that is good for free shipping on orders over $75. They also have a special deal on buy one get one free women’s sweaters. And for Tuesday through the end of the week Macy’s has another free shipping code of “MERRY” running on the site. It seems that they change their marketing programs daily.

Fancy housewares retailer Crate and Barrel is even getting into the Black Friday – Cyber Monday sales this year offerin free standard shipping on all orders over $100 (excluding furniture). They also have started to mark down some items which they never used to do until they hit the outlet. I still think Crate and Barrel has great gifts for coworkers, family and friends if you need to impress.

And of all the times of year to make upgrades to the site Hallmark.com is not available this weekend. At least they recognize that people will be upset about this and go elsewhere for cards and creative stuff so they are offering a $2 off on $10 purchase cupon right now and they are offering a discount coupon code “SORRY25″ for when you come back to order your cards later from the site. I am not sure though if it will make much of a difference. First Hallmark looses it’s real estate in all the Jewel food stores in Chicago (to American Greetings) and now they can’t get their web retail distribution right either. Not a good sign for this company.

JCREW also has some sales online offering an additiional 30% off all markdowns today on Monday using the promocode EXTRA30 at checkout but only through Wednesday December 3rd. JCREW always has the best sweaters for work and in great colors. See if you can find something great there online if the site is back up. It was crashed when I checked. Maybe there was a really great deal?

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The stores in Chicagoland that I have gone to or seen sale flyers for on Black Friday for sales have been: ToysRUS, Kohl’s Macy’s Department Stores, WalMart, Target, BestBuy and Carson’s. Amazon.com also has a lot on sale for that day only. That doesn’t mean there won’t be more stores around Chicago that will have special door-buster sales or early bird deals. When I find out what some of the sales are about, the times, locations and %off I will add that information to this early bird post. I come back and edit and add info to posts like this to help get the word out. Gift giving is an American tradition at this point and even if we give smaller cheaper gifts this season, we still mean the best things from the heart. 

I do see a few trends continuing this year despite the credit crunch. I think video game systems will be hot and computers and electronics will continue to be popular too. Kids are just to dependent on them now for so much of their time and the systems have all evolved to do so much more than Duck Hunt. (Wii, XBox, PS3) Anything related to Rock Band, Guitar Hero and Wii is just going to sell off the shelves, so get them early or pay a lot more on ebay than you want.

I hope your Christmas season is bright this year and that we all will be able to make a happy holiday with family and friends with 1/2 the money it used to take in this sluggish world economy. I think focusing on good food and good times with family is more important than a pile of gifts anyway. Check back later to find out what is on sale near you in Chicago and get the best local deals to save money.

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a yearly event not to miss on Michigan Avenue in Chicago.

If you are looking for the 2009 details you can find that post here.

Everyone comes downtown to Michigan Avenue at Christmas time. Not because there isn’t shopping in all the shopping malls across Chicagoland, but because of the lights and the festivities that happen there. Michigan Avenue got the name the Magnificent Mile because of the shopping spectacle and uniqueness of what happens there. Christmas season will be here soon (and some people are getting a jump on their Christmas shopping lists now in advance) and the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is one way to experience all that is glorious about this Midwestern shopping mecca and have fun with the kids in the Christmas season downtown.

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is on Saturday, November 22, 2008. The festivities start at 11 am and go until 10 pm. Take the train (Metra or EL) in from the suburbs with the family for a fun day in the city. A cab is the quickest way from Union Station to Michigan Avenue when it is cold outside.

11:00 am-5:00 pm The Harris Stage will have performances by Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players, Ralph’s World, and of course Jason Mraz. This musical event is sponsored by the radio station Mix 101.9FM. The Cheetah Girls will also be there courtesy of Radio Disney at the Harris Stage, Pioneer Court at 401 North Michigan Avenue.

5:00 pm Live bands and lots of local entertainment will be performing all along Michigan Avenue before the lighting procession begins. This will be at North Michigan Avenue on Oak Street all the way to Wacker Dr.

5:30 pm The largest Holiday Carol will be the next challenge for the WLS 890 AM Radio station team. They want to break the world record on this. It will be lots of fun and at Pioneer Court at 401 North Michigan Avenue.

6:00 pm–7:00 pm The lighting Procession begins. (like a parade) Disney’s Mickey Mouse will be the master of ceremonies this year and he leads the lighting of more than one million lights on Michigan avenue and in The Magnificent Mile district to officially start the holiday (shopping) season in Chicago! You can see the lighting procession happen at North Michigan Avenue all the way from Oak Street to Wacker Dr.

6:52 pm ABC 7 Chicago will be sponsoring a fireworks display over the Chicago River as the finalé to this weekend holiday event! View the fireworks at North Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River.

7:00 pm–10:00 pm You can get a jump start on your Christmas shopping with extended shopping hours at participating Magnificent Mile stores! Also, many restaurants downtown and hotels may have extended hours or special deals that weekend for the festival. The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented will also be televised on Channel 7 in Chicago.

I have been a technophile for many years. In fact I often say I am addicted to the internet in a good way. In Chicago this is not unusual though. This city of former livestock, fire and manufacturing glory is metamorphisizing into a midwestern technological oasis. More young people are living and working the digital dream in Chicago than ever before. I might just be one of them.

I have always been fascinated by discovering what information is out there online, how I can learn more about the interests I am passionate about and what all this information means. This means I spend an enormous of time online. Sometimes between my day job and my blogging habit I am online 12+ hours a day. The national average is about 3 hours.

This means that all my computers and my internet connection are very important to me. Luckily both are pretty stable and some cloud computing helps bridge the gap between places I am located. Yes, I have several computers and between work, home and my Fiance’s place there are too many to count. We are looking at setting up a network in our home at some point too. My dell laptop has been a faithful companion over the last 2 years and is still going strong.

Keeping up with the events in Chicago was something that I tried to do personally and then started this blog to write about and the tools I use for it are all online. I sometimes hear about something on the radio or TV and blog about it but usually I am doing all my research online. In this day and age most people research everything from home purchases to their next job online with the help of the Google guys. The affordability of personal computers made all this possible and I am always surprised to see them advertised for as low as they are these days. ($500 now vs $2000 when I was in HS)  And with free wordpress software everyone can have a voice on the internet.

I am also inspired by the new developments that come out every year in gadgets and computers too. I am really wanting a new smart phone that can photograph things I see as they happen in Chicago and then post it directly to the blog online, but I am not quite ready for the financial committment when I am in the middle of planing a wedding. Maybe someone will be kind enough to get us a smartphone for our wedding gift?
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Barack Obama is not only a Senator from Illoinois he is a wildly popular candidate for President of the United States. On Tuesday November 4th, 2008 when the voters go to the polls and we see this long time election come to a conclusion, Chicagoans will want to celebrate. There is a huge Barack Obama Celebration planned for the public in Grant Park downtown on Hutchinson field starting at 8pm CST. Click here to sign up for free tickets on a waiting list to the Obama Biden celebration in grant park with the democratic national party. OR Click here for the new ticket raffle available to those who are new donors to the campaign. See below for the details. A donation is not required for the free tickets on a waiting list but it is on the thank you page for the ticket process and is probably recommended for the tickets since this shindig probably costs a lot. The donation to the political party goes with your contact info so they can add you to their mailing lists and call you next time there is an election. Over 1 million people are expected in Grant Park for this celebration on election night in Chicago.

Barack Obama & Joe Biden Election Night Party Celebration Party Details from their site:

Location: Grant Park in Hutchinson Field
You can enter on on East Congress Parkway and East Jackson Boulevard
235 South Columbus Drive in Chicago, IL 60603
Date: Tuesday, November 4th
Time: Gates open at 8:30 pm

An official printed ticket is required for entrance. Each official printed ticket is valid for the ticket holder and one guest. You must sign up using the online form for a printable ticket. The official printable ticket will be emailed to you prior to the event. Only one request is allowed per person. Duplicate requests from the same name will be rejected. For security reasons, do not bring any bags or purses. Your Photo ID is required to enter. Please limit your personal items. No signs, banners, chairs, or strollers will be allowed at the event.

Chicago is a mostly democratic-party city with some outliers in the Richey-Rich areas of the suburbs still clinging to their Republicanism for tax reasons. The mainstream public in the entire Chicagoland area is all for Barack Obama all the time. Many people are even early-voting to get their votes in before the huge rush happens in Chicago on Election day.

The Obama election night celebration in Chicago will be a huge sight for all the TV and news reporters for sure. The thing is that MediaBistro is reporting that news outlets are a bit pissed that it will cost them up to $2,000 to get a press pass to cover the event because of the costs of running electric lines, phone lines, lights and setup materials in the middle of a public grassy park. Oh well, someone has to pay for it and I guess they decided that all the voter donated $20s and $50s should go toward the campaign itself rather than the coverage for media companies. 

There is no doubt it will be cold in Grant Park for Barack Obama’s election night celebration but people will be so excited especially if he wins, that they won’t notice. Plus it is great that Barack Obama and his staff decided to allow the public to take part in the event rather than just the people in his inner circle and big time donors. It is really true that the public has funded this campaign and brought Barack Obama to the center of the election from a relative unknown status 2 years ago. It is fitting that the Chicago citizens would be able to celebrate in the event that he wins.

Details are posted above. Registration may also be available online through Barack Obama’s website. And wear your winter coats, it is going to be cold outside.

Update: I have seen the reports that all the tickets are sold out for this event. The site linked above has a form for wait listed tickets so I am not sure if they will offer additional tickets to another outdoor park location near by to watch on a jumboscreen or if that was it. Plus they have to mail them to you and that could take 2-3 days depending on where you live. I do know that a lot of people are just planning on going anyway even if they don’t have a ticket and can’t get in. They just want to be near by or hear all the pandemonium and celebration. Anyway that the Obama camp could accomodate more people near by would be greatly appreciated by the citizens of Chicago.

Update 2: I have added a 2nd link above to the tickets that have been released for people who donate at least $5 to the campaign. $5 is not much money to go see this event. Check them out and see how long they last. I hope everyone who wants to go gets a ticket and that even those who don’t get tickets can still come celebrate with the world on Tuesday night. I know it will be crowded but now I want to go to cover the event for my blog…

Boutique Hotels are gaining popularity in Chicago and across the country. You would think that all the Hotels in Downtown Chicago are huge skyscraper complexes that have thousands of rooms and no individuality. The truth is that in addition to the large chain hotels many small luxury boutique hotels have popped up in Chicago and provide a unique experience for less money than the large chains.

One of the best Boutique Hotels in Chicago is Hotel Monaco. They are owned by the Kimpton Hotels group and I have stayed at their hotels in other cities. Most recently in San Francisco. The staff of the Hotel Monaco in Chicago is very friendly and goes out of their way to serve the needs of guests traveling. I walk past the hotel every day on my way to work and see the doormen greeting new visitors and giving directions and tips to tourists about the city of Chicago.

Chicago Boutique Hotels are also known for their luxury. In SanFrancisco the Kimpton Hotel I was at left no need unmet. I had a large jacuzzi tub (almost too large to be useful) a full shower, wireless free high speed internet, a full entertainment center and a desk work area in addition to a very comfortable well appointed bed. The staff there was also very helpful in giving me directions around town and the room service was happy to prepare dinner for me really late when I got in from the events I was attending. Truly four star service.

Many Boutique Hotels are built around a theme and the Chicago Hotel Monaco tries to be tropical and creative in a city of cement, wind and snow. The doormen even keep with the Monaco theme and wear purple velour suits in the winter and lavender Hawaiian shirts in the summer with fedora hats. No detail has been left out.

I am also always excited to see that Chicago Boutique Hotels offer more originality in their designs and decor. There are only so many beige walls you can look at in your life. Many of the Chicago Boutique Hotels have colorful themes like the Hotel Monaco in Chicago which features a stylish and vivid pallet of greens, plum and burgundy throughout the hotel. The Hotel Monaco Chicago is also one where you get a great view of the Chicago River and are within a short walk to many top Chicago steakhouses, the House of Blues, The Art Institute, Michigan Avenue and the great Broadway shows in Chicago too. Sometimes the locations of the small boutique hotels is far better than the big chains also.

So, the next time you are visiting Chicago, check out the Hotel Monaco from Kimpton Hotels or another Chicago Boutique Hotel and see if that is someplace that might make your stay even better. Room Rates range from $200 to $600 per night depending on the season and how booked they are. Some discounts are available. Book rooms or make reservations at Hotel Monaco at their website monaco-chicago.com or by calling 1-866-610-0081. Hotel Monaco Chicago is located at 225 North Wabash in Chicago, IL  60601. There are also Boutique Hotels by Kimpton under the Hotel Monaco name in Washington DC, Seattle and Denver.

Michigan Avenue has been a shopping, vacation and hotel stay destination in the midwest for more than 100 years and features some of the most exclusive stores, luxurious hotels and hip fashion boutiques.Michigan Avenue holds the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and north of the Chicago River is known as the Magnificent Mile. Chicago has long been the largest city in the MidWest so the retail stores set up flagship stores downtown (on Michigan Avenue and State Street) in Chicago to cater to the wealthy gold coast neighborhood residents and be a destination for all the Midwestern townspeople when they really needed to shop for something special.

Over time shopping on Michigan Avenue in Chicago has evolved from a street of mostly large department stores to many different speciality stores as shopper’s tastes and attitudes have changed. The three department stores still located on Michigan Avenue today are Macy’s (formerly Marshall Field’s), Nieman Marcus and Nordstrom. Other large flagship retail stores are Crate and Barrel, Ann Taylor, Forever 21, The Gap, The Nike Store, H&M, an Apple Store and Eddie Bauer. Smaller Boutique stores include Kenneth Cole, Hugo Boss, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Banana Republic, Coach, Garmin, Levi’s, Aldo shoe store, the Hershey Chocolate Store, Fannie May Candies, Talbot’s women’s clothing, Express, and Victoria’s Secret. Many Staycations are happening in Chicago this summer and Michigan Avenue has everything to offer that fancy shopping in NYC or LA would have.

Hotels on Michigan Avenue in Chicago

The most popular hotels to stay at on Michigan avenue are the Hotel Intercontinental, The Drake Hotel and the Peninsula Hotel. All of these hotels are historic places where the wealthy have stayed while visiting Chicago for generations. All three hotels have ample accommodations, well appointed rooms and beautiful views of the city. When they were built they were some of the tallest buildings in Chicago, now they aren’t anymore with skyscrapers near by, but they still offer great views of Michigan Avenue and the Lake. The Drake Hotel and The Hotel Intercontinental also have very posh restaurants. The Peninsula Hotel Restaurants are even more regal, and I haven’t had a chance to stay there yet. Expect large marble entry ways and columns and bell hops that help you manage everything. Also expect high room rates for these hotels in season. In the summer the hotels on Michigan Avenue can be $200-$600.00 a night.  (depending on the room and the view) Off Season they might drop to $150 – 300.00 but the top penthouse floors are always over $1,000.00.

Historic Landmarks on Michigan Avenue in Chicago

The most well known historical landmark on Michigan Avenue in Chicago is the Water Tower that survived the great Chicago fire in 1871. The limestone that the Water Tower and the Pumping Station across the street are made from is a local Illinois quarry stone that saved those buildings from going up in flames. After the Chicago Fire Limestone and brick became very popular building materials.

Restaurants on Michigan Avenue in Chicago

There are so many restaurants to choose from when shopping on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Here are some listings for the restaurants located on Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile or within a block or two of the street. The food choices range from family friendly restaurants to elegant steakhouses and chop houses. The prices range from $10.00 to $100.00 depending on how fancy a meal you are looking for.

410 Club and Conference Center
410 N. Michigan Avenue, 60611
phone: (312)944-7600

Bandera Restaurant ** Chicago Weekend Fun Recommends**
535 N. Michigan Avenue, 60611
phone: (312)644-3524

The Cheesecake Factory
875 N. Michigan Avenue, 60611
phone: (312)337-1101
thecheesecakefactory.com

Cafe Spiaggia
980 N. Michigan Avenue, 60611
phone: (312)280-2750

California Pizza Kitchen
835 N. Michigan Avenue – 7th Floor, 60611
phone: (312)787-7300
cpk.com

Chicago Chop House
60 W. Ontario Street, 60610
phone: (312)787-7100
chicagochophouse.com

Cielo Restaurant and Bar
676 N. Michigan Avenue, 60611
phone: (312)944-7676

The Dining Room At the Ritz Carlton Chicago
160 E. Pearson Street, 60611
phone: (312)573-5223

Foodlife
835 N. Michigan Avenue, 60611
phone: (312)335-3663
leye.com

Gene & Georgetti
500 N. Franklin Street, 60610
phone: (312)527-3718

Gino’s East Famous Stuffed Pizza ** Chicago Weekend Fun Recommends**
160 E. Superior Street, 60611
phone: (312)345-8500
ginoseast.com

Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop & Soda Fountain
830 N. Michigan Avenue, 60611
phone: (312)337-9330
Old fashioned soda fountain and chocolate shop.

Joy of Ireland’s Irish Tea Room
700 N. Michigan Avenue
phone: (312)664-7290

Kinzie Street Chophouse
400 N. Wells Street, 60610
phone: (312)822-0191

La Cantina Grill Mexican Dining
1911 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60616
Phone: 312-842-1911

Lawry’s The Prime Rib Steakhouse **Chicago Weekend Fun Recommends**
100 E. Ontario Street, 60611
phone: (312)787-5000

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant
41 E. Chestnut – Corner of Rush Street, 60611
phone: (312)397-9500
mccormickandschmicks.com

McDonald’s Water Tower Place
835 North Michigan Avenue, 60611
phone: (312)649-5562

Mity Nice Grill Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises
835 North Michigan Avenue, 60611
phone: (312)335-4745
leye.com

O’Brien’s Restaurant By the River – Enter by Michigan Ave and Wacker on the NW corner down the staircase to the river. **Chicago Weekend Fun Recommends**
1528 North Wells Street
60610 
phone: (312)787-9400
obriensrestaurant.com

The Signature Room At the Ninety-Fifth John Hancock Tower
875 North Michigan Avenue – Suite 1525, 60611
p: (312)280-5450
www.signatureroom.com
The traditional place to propose to someone you want to marry.

Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse
318 N. State Street At Marina City, 60610
phone: (312)670-9900
The best quality steaks in Chicago!

Spiaggia
980 N. Michigan Avenue, 60611
phone: (312)280-2750

Szechwan Restaurant
625 N. Michigan Avenue, 60611
phone: (312)329-9494

Tavern Club
333 N. Michigan Avenue
60601
phone: 312 263-1239

Tucci Benucch Lettuce
900 North Michigan Avenue, 60611
phone: 312 266-2500
leye.com

Weather Mark Tavern
1503 South Michigan Avenue
Phone: 312 588-0230

Bonus: Parking garages on Michigan Avenue listed for your convienience:

CPS Parking
1 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Phone: 312-578-1660

Downtown Parking
300 East Illinois Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone 312 296-3430

G. O. Parking
875 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Phone 312 335-8600

Hammerschlag & Co
350 West Hubbard Street
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone 312 494-0371

Imperial Parking Corporation
205 West Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone 312-960-0700

InterPark
111 West Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, Illinois 60604
Phone 312-935-2800

Standard Parking
900 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
Phone: 312-274-2040

System Parking
111 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Phone 312-819-5050

Valet Parking Service, Inc.
70 West Madison Street
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone 312-332-1134

Happy Shopping!
 

The first (Aurora) Sonic Drive In burger restaurant in the Chicago area is set to open in today August 19th. The address is 2974 Kirk Rd. in Aurora, IL 60502. Right by Fermi Lab. I wonder what impact Sonic Burgers will have on particle colliders and atomic research in the future?

I have never been to a Sonic because of their out-of-Chicago locations but anything that gives us more commercial opportunities to see TJ Jagodowski on TV can’t be all that bad. Sonic Burgers are known for being yummy, creative and fast food (like all ther burgers). So, what makes the Sonic Drive Ins so popular in the rest of the country? (besides TJ the Chicago improv comedy god?) Well for one thing they have a shake called the Fried Ice Cream Blast. In a city known for it’s deep dish pizza, hot dogs and love of all things fried, Chicago will love that one.

Or maybe you will come to love Sonic for their angus bacon cheeseburgers, the super sonic breakfast toaster or your ultimate drinkstop that allows you to combine as many different carbonated pop flavors, syrups and other add-ins to make custom drink combinations. Sonic also has “Coneys” which are basically hot dogs with chili on them. Chili-Dogs? Chilli Cheese Dogs? I hear it’s a Ohio thing.

Anyway, Sonic Burgers and Drive In will bring some needed excitement and creativity to the fast food and greasy spoon restaurant category in Illinois. And of course being human we want anything we have never tried before a few times before we get tired of it. I think Sonic will do a tremendous business at first but I wonder if they will be able to sustain that high level beyond 6 months or a year?

I remember Culver’s being a huge deal and now the parking lot looks empty every time I go by. (seriously who eats something called a butter-burger with custard? doesn’t that spell instant heart attack?) And we all know how McDonalds has had to completely re-brand after that whole Super Size me debacle a few years ago. They are just getting people to forget about how unhealthy their unbelievably cheap food is three years later.

So will I visit the Sonic in Aurora? Yes. I want to try it just like anyone else. But fast food is not a staple in my diet so it probably won’t be a habit for me. But I will enjoy the TV commercials. For more info visit their site at sonicdrivein.com/offers/index.jsp

Chicago got it’s very own version of the Huffington Post blog-news-internet-phenom site today August 13th, 2008. I am not a journalism major or a professional writer, but I still wanted to review what this new entry into the news fray in Chicago had going for and against it in the beginning. I have no doubt that the Huffington Post Chicago site will be successful and draw some online readers away from the Chicago Tribune, Sun Times and maybe even the Chicago Reader. But there is only so much time in the day, so how do people choose to stick to the Huffington Post sites when they don’t stick to newspaper sites? How are they profitable when so many newspapers are not? All good questions, and here is what I have been finding out. 

First off, the Huffington Post sites have never been in print so the layout of the site doesn’t have to try and mimic or emulate the print news experience at all. They are not constrained to traditional sections, structure or layout options so they have invented the site in a way that makes sense for their content. First off the home page uses a lot of pictures to promote current linked articles. This lends itself to how people surf the web, scanning and skimming information to see where to click next. The images draw people in and are very important to the story. Even more so when they are more prominent than the headline. The pictures have to tell a story or elude to one. This is a more modern format than a lot of sites use today.

The second major advantage for Huff-Po is that the writers are not paid. This isn’t something I agree with (I am at least paid something minimal for the time I spend on this site) but I see how they use it to compete and win on the profitability front. The PR you get from contributing an article can be a benefit of blogging there but it is no way to make a living. In fact most of the stories listed on the front page are not written or hosted by the Huff Po site at all. They link to sites all over the web, which does not seem to be the way I experienced the original Huffington site. Therefore, I assume the setup, management, editing and tech costs are much lower for the Huffington post site than a major news site. They have less to host and when they do publish content, they are much smaller and only go after hot topics online and not everything that a newspaper reports. And there is no article re-formatting process from print to web or vice versa. Overall, my guess is that the model is to sell ads that pay for the editing, tech development and daily site maintenance and ad sales staff and ad setup. Only in a blog filled world though could a site make money on free content.

The third reason the have a profitability advantage is really just a bunch of foggy reasons. I don’t work with or know anyone who works with Huffington Post, I have only read some articles about them and observed the site myself. I think the usability of the site is designed to convert and SEO is strong to pull in people from search engines. I also think there is a strong link between their content business model for ”news” and one for ”publicity” like in the celebrity world. They know what is trendy and what is hot and that is all they write about or link to. They don’t use AP feeds or generic news content ever, it’s all articles from a very personal analysis perspective. (even though some is linked from other sites, basically working as a news aggregator for now) I would also guess that they use Google analytics well and probably know exactly what is hot and go those directions with new content. Other new media news sites like The Examiner and The Reader bookend the Huffington Post site by being too bland and too weird/obscure. Huff-Po is just right. It is part activist, part gossip site and part social networking phenom. Basically a yuppie-magnet.

Huffington Post has few negatives working against it at this point. The main disadvantage is that if people haven’t been hip to the emerging media space in California they have no idea what Huffington Post is. (Maybe the celeb articles will help there.) They also have no way of getting the word out to build traffic quickly without advertising, which seems like something they don’t do. (the social linking strategy helps, but that isn’t fast growth) They have tried to reduce the “lack of credibility” factor (when no one has heard of you) by linking to all the official news sources in Chicago at the bottom of the home page, which is a nice gift of SEO but not sure if it indicates links those are partners or just other sites you can go read. Plus it is hard to know what is important and hot in Chicago when you have one employee here and everyone else is in California. Making an assumption that the same superficial stuff that usually works in CA works here would be fatal.

I am sure the Huffington Post site will bring an interesting perspective to the Chicago News Scene online in the coming months and I will be curiously watching. If you want to see Huffington Post Chicago for yourself you cat at this address: huffingtonpost.com/Chicago/

Update: The Zed 451 locations in Downers Grove and Schaumburg have closed. The only ZED location still open is in the River North neighborhood of Chicago.

The Zed 451 restaurant opened in Chicago a few years ago after Fogo de Chao brought Brazilian beef to the city and a new way of dining. Zed 451 is no copycat though. They have put their own spin on this unlimited buffet of beef in Chicago. First off, if you are a vegetarian, this is not the restaurant for you.

The concept is that for $49.00 (plus tax, tip and drinks) you get an all you can eat (prix fixe) experience featuring a large salad bar and about 15 choices of meat. The style of eating originated in Brazil and is called Churrascaria where all the meats are barbecued on a rotisserie and then usually served off that rotisserie by the Gauchos who walk around from table to table slicing off pieces of meat. This is an enjoyable style of restaurant if you are a big beef or red meat fan although there are some chicken and shrimp options now that they have diversified to meet the local tastes.

Zed 451 specialized in making this an upscale and more modern experience when they revamped the two Sal & Carvao restaurants without the gauchos under the new name in early 2007. (Located in Schaumburg and Downers Grove) In 2008 they went for more cache’ and opened a flagship Zed 415 restaurant in the River North neighborhood on Clark Street in downtown Chicago. Surely, all big Chicago steakhouses have a trendy downtown location. The atmosphere is cool but upscale and the wine bar and rooftop lounge downtown is a hangout most evenings for sales people, lawyers and the downtown social set. (or those who want to be)

Zed 451’s food is still centerstage though and it doesn’t disappoint. Some people have said that the meat is not absolutely perfectly cooked to their liking but I never have had that problem. The bacon wrapped fillet is the most amazing thing ever. The fillet mignon is also amazing on it’s own. The options also include fish (citrus salmon, macadamia nut encrusted fish) shrimp and chicken. The beef is usually cooked somewhere between medium and medium well so if you like rare meat, it will be hard to find here. It is just the level of cooking that most people want for their beef.

Overall, I think Zed 451 is a great place to go for a special dinner in Chicago, Schaumburg or Downers Grove. I like going to the suburban locations more than the downtown Zed 451 because they are less crowded and you can enjoy a meal there without traffic, reservations, parking hassles or hipsters judging you. 

Zed 451 is open 7 days a week for dinner from 4:30 pm to 11 pm and for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 3pm. Reservations can be made online through the opentable system or by calling the numbers below.

The Zed 451 address locations are at:

• 801 E. Algonquin Road in Schaumburg, IL Phone: (847) 925-0061
• 3008 Finley Road Downers Grove, IL Phone: (630) 512-0900
• 739 N. Clark Street in Chicago, IL Phone: (312)266-6691

Few things can ignite the senses of women in Chicago more than fat free desert treats like Fro Yo, Starfruit, YoBerri, Red Mango and PinkBerry (which hasn’t quite arrived yet). (what we have forgotten coldstone’s mashed up madness so quickly?) Remember how much you loved TCBY fat free white chocolate mousse frozen Yogurt in the 1990’s? This latest frozen yogurt craze of companies seem to have made that basic product tastier healthier and better.

It looks like these new stores do a lot more with flavors and toppings now than they did back in the TCBY era and Fro Yo, Red Mango, YoBerri, Berry Chill , Starfruit and PinkBerry are rolling in the profits as a result. There is also another copy cat chain called Berry Chill opening in Ogilvie Transportation Center (Metra Train Station) downtown in the loop this fall. Some people think that five or six dollars for ice cream (or fat free frozen yogurt) is too much to pay for indulgent guilt free treats. Others are addicted. I am usually one that is addicted to fat free snacky treats but as of yet I can’t find one of these hip trendy frozen Yogurt stores near where I work or live.

Here is what I found about the locations so far in Chicago and the suburbs (Evanston). They seem to all be open until 10 or 11 PM for almost midnight snacks and everyone is comparing them to see which one is the best in Chicago.

Fro Yo Locations: Some say it is a more tart sweet flavor than traditional frozen yo. This seems to be what is so addictive about it. They don’t have stores of their own but it can be bought at other ice cream and yogurt places like Treats in Lakeview – Lincoln Park at 3319 North Broadway Street between Aldine and Buckingham in Chicago, IL 60657. The phone number there is 773-525-0900.

YoBerri Locations: Lakeview & Lincoln Park Neighborhood in Chicago: 2814 N Halsted Street between Diversey and Wolfram Street in Chicago, IL 60657 Phone number 773-348-3762  This location isn’t even listed on the corporate website. Maybe it’s a secret test marketing spot? Brown Line stops at Diversey near by for easy transit. People seem annoyed at their lack of eco-consiousness in using Styrofoam cups for the frozen yogurt.

Red Mango Locations: Evanston just north of Chicago. Purple Line Accessible. The address is 809 Davis Street between Benson and Sherman in Evanston, IL 60201. The phone number is 847-866-0998.Red Mango has by far the most fans online and everyone has only good things to say about the yogurt, the fresh fruit toppings and the store. It is usually packed until closing time, expect parking to be hard to find (not that it’s any easier in Lakeview) and a line to reach the counter if it’s near lunch or dinner time.

Berry Chill Locations: Said to be the closest to PinkBerry available here in Chicago. The store is located on the Near North Side at 635 North State Street between Erie and Ontario in Chicago, IL 60610. Not far from the Drake hotel for visitors and vacationers. The phone number for the store is 312- 266-2445.

StarFruit Cafe Locations: In the Wicker Park neighborhood located at 1745 West Division Street between Hermitage Ave & Wood St in Chicago, IL 60622. The phone number is 773-328-2900. This one has more a jamba juice take on frozen yogurt adding more health related nutrient options and toppings on their slightly tart Kiefr frozen yogurt.  

PinkBerry Locations: Not in Chicago at this time. You have to travel to LA or NYC for this treat.

The kicker on all of this is that fat free frozen soft serve yogurt isn’t that hard to find at other restaurants and places around Chicago. It is even worth mentioning that the fat free soft serve frozen yogurt at McDonalds isn’t even that bad or different from all these other newbies except that it is only in chocolate and vanilla and costs $0.99. So, I will be on the lookout for trying these new frozen yogurt yo pink fro berry mango chill locations all over Chicago and I will probably try them too. But I don’t really expect them to outlast TCBY or certainly not McDonald’s. I may even head down to Bobtail for a shake full of real Ice Cream just for fun or get a pint of Fannie May mint meltaway ice cream to really taste what good ice cream is like.

The Drake Hotel is one of Chicago’s most elegant and historic hotels. The Drake Hotel is located downtown right on Lake Shore Drive in the Gold Coast neighborhood so it overlooks Lake Michigan and is located close to everything happening at the beach. Hilton Hotels owns the hotel now, but it has been in operation since 1920 and is a formal hotel built in a time when only the wealthiest people could travel for leisure and they wanted all the lavish accoutremonts of home. Now the hotel is known as a luxurious place to stay for business, vacation travel, downtown shopping and weddings. It can be a bit more expensive (hence the luxury) than other Hotels in Chicago, but you can still get good prices on rooms at off peak times of year.

If you live in Chicago it is also a great place to have a fine dinner experience or to stop in to hear live jazz and piano music in the cocktail lounge. The entire hotel renovation was complete in 2003 and the Drake Hotel has been restored to it’s full glamour and elegance and has been featured in several Hollywood movies.  

Drake Hotel Reservations can be made by phone or online at the Drake Hotel Chicago’s website. If you would like to call for reservations you can use the toll-free number 1-800-55-DRAKE or the local direct number 312-787-2200 if you are in Chicago. The room rates aren’t cheap, but remember the location is in the center of downtown and most rooms have spectacular views of the lake or the city or both. The room rates vary depending on the season, view, room size and number of beds (or a suite). In the summer travel season rooms range between $265.00 and $1,200.00 per night. In January and February when it is colder and less of a liesure travel season, the room rates vary from $145.00 to $1,000.00 per night. The official address of the Drake Hotel in Chicago is 140 East Walton Place. Because they are a Hilton owned hotel, you can earn and use Hilton Honor Points there for your stay.

There are several restaurants in the Drake Hotel Chicago. The Coq d’Or is open for lunch and dinner (11 am to 1 am) and they have an upscale restaurant and bar atmosphere. There is live jazz music performances played on weekend evenings. The Drake Brothers is a new steakhouse in the Drake Hotel with the best local food Chicago has to offer. Yet the attire can be casual for both of these restaurants.

The Cape Cod room is a seafood restaurant that has been a part of the Drake for 75 years. Seafood is flown in fresh daily to maximize the flavor of the dishes. Zagat has honored this restaurant many times since it’s opening in 1933. The Cape Cod is only open for dinner between 5:30 and 1o pm daily. It is difficult to get good seafood in Chicago, so this is a place not to miss if you visit.

The Palm Court is a kind of tea room and lounge all in one depending on what time of day you visit the hotel. I have been to the Palm Court room in the evening to see live music playing and enjoy some cocktails with friends after work. They have also served high tea in the afternoon to many dignitaries there over the years. The striking limestone water fountain in the center of the room gives the Palm Court an elegant garden feel. Afternoon tea is served from 1pm to 5pm daily. Jazz music and Cocktails are served between 5pm and 1am. Even if you live in Chicago, a trip to the Palm Court room is a fun night out.

It is also worth mentioning that the Drake Hotel is a great location for business meetings and conferences in Chicago. The room accommodations and the meeting accommodations are stellar. If you need meeting or conference room space in an elegant and impressive setting, the Drake would be a hotel to consider. The Drake is also popular for Chicago Weddings although they are usually booked a year in advance and are not cheap.

The room amenities include (from their web site):

• Fresh fruit at the Front Desk daily
• Elegant bathrooms with 100% cotton bathrobes
• Individual climate control in rooms
• Dual-line telephone system with speakerphones and caller ID
• Broadband Internet access in all guest rooms and meeting spaces
• Wireless hot spots in various public areas (Drake Bros.’, Palm Court, and the Gold Coast Foyer)
• Voicemail messaging
• Shoeshine Station
• A Secure safe in every room
• Non-allergenic pillows (optional by request)
• Remote control television with cable and video on demand access
• In-room iron and ironing boards for your convienience
• A Daily complimentary newspaper of choice
• Non-smoking floors and handicapped accessible rooms
• Chocolates with turndown service daily
• A Clock radio with alarm
• A Minibar
• A Hairdryer
• MSN TV (formerly WebTV)
• Valet parking
• Turndown service on request

The Drake Hotel also offers these following guest services:

• Gold Key Concierge
• Fully staffed Business Center
• Contemporary Fitness Center
• Luggage storage
• Multilingual staff
• 24-hour safety-deposit boxes
• Valet and laundry services: seven days a week
• Executive rooms with a private lounge
• Express check-out

I got an email announcing the launch of the new Chicago Drinks site with bar and restaurant reviews from the Chicago Reader and wanted to post about it since there are always new bars, restaurants and clubs opening in the city every week. I find it hard to keep up with all the new places opening and closing and find it difficult to make a good recommendation when people ask me where they should go out for drinks in Chicago. My areas of expertise are more around special events, improv, holidays and the loop and burbs. Drinking isn’t something I do very often so when people need a bar recommendation for a party or fun night with friends, I am rarely the one with the suggestions.

Chicago Drinks could change all that. The Chicago Reader has been rocking the city with real down to earth articles about local people, businesses and events since 1971. The new Chicago Drinks site offers 4 things to continue that trend in the local bar market. They offer a page of local drink specials for the week, a flickr group of local bar photos (where to be seen in Chicago), the Behind the Bar blog that will be writing about new bars and clubs weekly and some video content on news and information you can use in a handy youtube format. A big bonus is that they offer a weekly bar tab contest where you could win a tab covered by the Reader that weekend. From Andersonville to Wrigleyville Chicago Drinks has the city’s bar scene covered.

Of course Chicago Drinks is for over 21 visitors only although it does not ask for your age to enter like most beer web sites do. I know I will be checking it out for more information on what is new and hip with the bar scene in Chicago in the coming weeks. For your weekly dose of new bar, club and restaurant information visit the site at drinks.chicagoreader.com.

I think Chicago is a bad choice for the 2016 Olympic Games. I know that I am in the minority with that opinion, so I wanted to make my opinion points (and those of others like me) visible online. Just to be clear, it isn’t that I am not a fan of the Olympics. I actually am a fan and usually watch some part of the Olympics on TV when it happens. In fact I was such a fan of the Olympics that spent most of my childhood idolizing the Olympic athletes and spent a decade of my family’s own time and money pursuing a figure skating career inspired by the 1984 Olympics.

Now that I am an adult who works hard to pay a mortgage, taxes and transportation costs in Cook County my views of the Olympics have matured.  I now work in Marketing for a living so I realize that the Olympics much like the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL are glorified marketing advertising circuses and money machines maximized for entertainment value, seat ticket sales, advertising revenue and profit. Not much is done for the love of the game and in fact much is done in spite of it with drugs, enhancements and fixing. (the NBA Finals this year were largely believed to be completely rigged, and many olympic medals have been given back in recent years due to illegal doping and cheating) Therefore, I don’t see an overall benefit of the 2016 Olympic Games being held here in Chicago in an inspirational, financial or infrastructural way since none of those things are the actual goal of the games. (the only real goal is to make a lot of money)

The issue I have with the 2016 Olympics in Chicago would be that they are a huge industrial, infrastructural, financial and logistical process that will end up costing the citizens of Cook County and DuPage county millions of dollars in taxes. This raises the same question we ask about the Iraq war. Why should we be spending all that taxpayer money on something petty, frivolous and non-essential when there are so many basic needs not being met for the people in Chicago? Lets list a few basic community needs we have that aren’t being met that might be a better use of the city, county and local corporate investor’s dollars:

1. Basic Transportation- The Chicago CTA budget goes broke every year or two. The EL trains are falling apart and falling off the tracks every few months. The Buses spew black smoke into people’s faces when they pass by on the street clogging daily traffic and they keep cutting back on routes people need to get to work. Cars don’t have it much better. All the major highways have backed up traffic jams into and out of the city at all 24 hours a day now and construction rips things up every summer while cutting traffic down to 1 lane and yet the roads never get less congested or better in quality.  I think these funds would be much better spent overhauling the EL trains, tracks and stations, converting Buses to electric rechargeable power and research and installation of better quality road materials that don’t require replacement yearly. This also factors in to how the 2016 Olympic Games thinks they can route hundreds of athletes and thousands of viewers through a network of highways and train routes that can’t handle the 9 million people who live here now. The bandwidth just isn’t there.

2. Poverty – There are more people homeless, begging and asking for money on my 5 block walk to work downtown than I ever saw in the first 25 years of my life. Homelessness, poverty and drugs are a huge problem in Chicago. Some of this is created by Gangs, but now that the “projects” are taken down, there is no one place you can go to find the problem and try and work on helping. I shouldn’t see so many people desperate for a variety of reasons and it shouldn’t be Chicago’s priority to make a few developers even more rich with Olympic development contracts when so many people just want a stable income to live on so they can have a place to live and food to eat. Most of us believe that this situation is related to the continuing cycle of a lack of education, ease of finding drugs and lack of available jobs. This 2016 Olympic investment money would be much better spent on education programs in the low income neighborhoods, schools and work training programs. A lot of people say that the Olympics will bring jobs and money to Chicago, but a job for a year will leave these people out on the street again soon and doesn’t solve anything. Chicago doesn’t have a very good track record in helping the greater community, over choosing to help the rich get richer. Big corporations in Chicago choose to send money to Malawi and Africa (a certain jobsite and Oprah Winfrey) for the trendy PR value rather than fund needy local schools and children’s charities that make a difference in the community that they actually live in. Cook County has a board and a city hall constantly plagued with political patronage scandals, ghost employees and contracts awarded without competitive cost bidding because of under the table kickback deals. This town is still all about organized crime and patronage decades after Al Capone died. Some things never change. Maybe the Olympic Committee is really the same kind of organization, and they don’t care either? The Olympics being associated with Chicago’s patronage and organized crime problems is not going to be good for their PR.

3. Education - It is great for a kid to aspire to be a famous athlete, but isn’t it more practical and realistic that they aspire to finish school, make a good living and contribute to a better neighborhood? These are basic ideals in the suburbs but not seen as much in the city. I know the Olympic committee will lump Chicago and the surrounding suburbs into one category when they are here (and so do we sometimes) but we are really a completely divided culture. (a large number of suburbanites won’t ever go into the city because of the crime, cost and constant gridlock) The suburbs really want nothing to do with the Olympics because it doesn’t contribute to those goals that they have mastered. It doesn’t help their schools get better, their kids get smarter nor them to make any more money. It actually costs everyone more money for an experience no one wants with a lot of traffic and security nightmares.  In addition to all that, this money would be much better spent improving the Chicago Public Schools and making sure that these kids get better instruction, more resources and achieve more goals just like the suburban kids do. Even the suburbanites would agree with that.

Basically, I think it is important for the Olympic committee to get off the approved cleaned up shiny show path when they visit and see the real problems that Chicago has in addition to all that is being offered and see that they will negativley impact the 2016 Olympics if held here. We are a city with an identity crisis. We have lost most of the titles we had for years with business, manufacturing and standard of living (even tallest building) and we haven’t really figured out a clear path to success again. (seriously, right now we are mostly known for bringing childhood and adult obesity to the world through the success of McDonald’s which was started here and is still based in OakBrook) No offense to the Olympics, but a bunch of stadiums we don’t need and a 2 week sports party aren’t going to help us figure out how to reinvent the business and industry here any faster.

We should instead invest our time and money in our community, our citizens and our infrastructure for the right reasons, not because we can sell a lot of advertising and make some big money fast. A lot of people will be far more hurt in the long run by a lack of basic resources and higher taxes and living costs than will be helped by a transient sporting event bonanza. I would really like more people to voice their opinion about this in the comments, especially those who have been silent before now. It’s the silent people who don’t get represented and then have to pay the high price for decisions that affect our lives like hosting the 2016 Olympics in Chicago.

Chicago’s IO Theater has been a local school and proving ground for improv and comedy royalty for decades. These are the shows currently running at IO Theater in Chicago and my thoughts on the shows and actors I have seen. Most of the time when I go to IO, the improvisers surprise and enlighten me about something very funny. The theater isn’t new, so overlook some of the aging details and have a beer or two and enjoy the comedic genius. The history of IO and Del Close is a great contribution to the arts in Chicago and they deserve your support because they really do put together great work and very funny comedy shows. Whether improvised or scripted, they are all very high level performances and experimental at the same time. 

Shows usually cost between $5.00 and $18.00 per ticket depending on the popularity of the show and if they usually sell out tickets. Shows are an hour to an hour and a half depending on the show. IO also has some basic food you can buy there for snacks but the menu is limited to things like pizza, chips and whatever is microwaveable. The bar list of mixed drinks is much more advanced and they offer many microbrew beers from all over the country and the world. Improvisers love their beer. They also serve $2.00 Schlitz for those uncultured people who just like a cheap buzz. The theater also hosts special guest shows and performances from time to time, check the web site for updates or get on their email list for email schedule show updates too. Parking is tricky in this crowded Wrigleyville neighborhood. Get there a 1/2 hour early to find street parking or expect to pay $10-$25 to park in a lot within a few blocks of the theater.  Being across the street from the cubby bear and Wrigley field has its pluses and minuses and parking is definitely hard to find if there is a cubs game going on.

Most improv shows are at 8pm or 10pm, check IOChicago.net for full details and to buy tickets online or call 773-880-0199 for tickets and show times.  The theater is located at the corner of Addison and Clark Street in Chicago.

You can’t see performances or entertainment like this anywhere else in Chicago or the MidWest. Check out these recommendations below: 

Sunday Night IO Theater Shows

I haven’t seen these shows and most likely they are teams that may change by the month. So, check the IO Theater site to see who is playing this week.

3033
Children of a Lesser God
Level 4 Student Shows
Middle Age Comeback
Student Graduation Show
The Grasshopper Show

Monday Night IO Theater Shows

Sketch Writing Student Performance

The Armando Diaz Experience - This is an interesting format where a local celebrity guest is invited to tell a story to the audience and then the team of pro improvisers does scenes using some of that material. The results are usually twisted and hilarious. The team of pros changes weekly but can contain TJ Jagodowski, Susan Messing and many of the Reckoning team members. The best funny IO has to offer.

Tuesday Night IO Theater Shows

Big News - The Chicago version of the LA show that usually comes to Chicago for sketchfest every year. This show combines sketches, music, songs and some improvisation to make light of the week’s news. They are big into Political satire, of which you would expect more from Second City, but they do it on the fly with only a few days to write and prepare each show. It is a cross between improv and the daily show with very funny results.

Cook County Social Club
The Frank Hayes 4
The iO Pub Quiz
The Lottery

The Reckoning – a pro level of performance on Tuesdays! Every one of the performers in this group is so good they can make us laugh without even uttering a word.

Wednesday Night IO Theater Shows

Felt - Like Avenue Q, but improvised and funnier.

The Better Half

TJ & Dave- The best show at IO all week! See TJ and Dave while they last, we always think TJ or Dave will fly off to LA or NY and become famous one of these days so you never know how long this amazing improv show of interesting quirky characters will last.

Thursday Night IO Theater Shows

I haven’t seen any of these shows, so I am not sure how their format works or how funny they are, if you check them out let me know how funny they are in the comments.

Razzmatazz
Shotgun!
Shreeman Showma
Stubs
The Lindbergh Babies 2.0
The Living Room

Friday Night IO Theater Shows

Guy Friends

Improvised Shakespeare - Very funny show with some really talented performers. I highly recommend this show.

Steve and Jordan, Respectively

The Improv Jam - At midnight, expect this show to be a bare bones example of what happens when you get drunk novices trying to get up on stage with drunk experienced performers. All hell breaks loose.

Saturday Night IO Theater Shows

Cupid Has A Heart On - Very funny show about relationships told through song. I recommend this show for dates or for girls nights out. (Bachelorette’s parties too) Brian Posen has created a very funny and clever show about all the ups downs and sideways turns of our relationships.

Hogwash 
Klusterphuk
The Chicago Improv Rebellion

The Deltones - Improv in Song. This show was created to replace Baby Wants Candy which left after many years performing there. I think the format is much the same, they improvise and make an entire musical out of a few suggestions. All the performers here are very talented singers and improvisers, it is amazing to see this all come together using the harold format and song.

Whirled News Tonight - Very funny weekly improv show based on news headlines of that week. It usually sells out, so you should buy tickets in advance and get there early for a seat. You never know what will come out of this show.

I have lived in Chicago all my life and during that time not only has the Taste of Chicago been a huge event known for great food, music and entertainment, it has gotten larger every year and keeps on growing. Taste of Chicago features some of the best food in the city as well as some of the fastest to make and serve. Most all of the food is specific to Chicago and you won’t find anywhere else in the country. Whether your favorite foods are ribs, chicken, burgers, Chicago style hot dogs, PIZZA, pasta, beef, sushi, Thai, Italian, BBQ, vegetarian, giant turkey legs, desserts, chocolate, ice cream, or cheesecake, you will find something tasty to eat this year at the Taste of Chicago. Many people make it a meal (or two!) at dinner after work downtown. It does get crowded and you should read some of the reviews and advice from others before tackling this huge event.

Some basic information you need to know if you are coming downtown for the Taste.

Taste of Chicago Map (712 KB PDF File)

Event Dates:June 27th through July 6th

Event Hours: The Taste of Chicago opens every day at 11 am for lunch and is open until 9:00 pm. Ticket sales stop at 8:30 pm. On the Final day July 6th the event closes early at 6pm.

Event Location: The Taste of Chicago is located in Grant Park downtown in Chicago between the streets of

Tickets and Costs: Admission is free to the event, but the food costs a bit more than you would expect. The vendors also don’t take cash, so you have to buy tickets and each item on the menu at each restaurant booth is listed with a price in a number of tickets. A strip of 12 tickets costs $8.00. No item should be more than 10 tickets and some places offer a sample taste for 2 or 4 tickets so you can get a real taste of a lot of foods. The thing that always surprises me is how much drinks cost. Expect them to be 6 or 8 tickets each. You can purchase advance food tickets for the Taste of Chicago at Dominick’s food stores for $6.00 a strip beforehand if you don’t plan to buy them downtown or want to save money.

Parking:A lot of people come in from the suburbs and across the Midwest to experience the Taste of Chicago, so expect big crowds and no street parking. There are parking garages located under Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park that are popular because they are walking distance to Grant Park. The Metra is always also an option but Union Station is not anywhere near Grant Park. Expect to take a bus or cab down to the event from there it is a very long walk in the hot sun otherwise. The CTA has plenty of buses and EL stations also near by if you plan on commuting from city locations. It is always better to CTA or Cab it rather than to drive to a huge crowded event like the Taste of Chicago.

Taste of Chicago Concerts: There are several concerts and they are all free! But because they are free, the seating and space fills up quickly and you should arrive a 1/2 hour or hour early to get a good spot. It is also frequently sunny and hot during these free concerts so bring a hat, sunscreen and buy a water if you plan to be in the heat for a few hours.

Safety: As always keep a close eye on kids and all the people in your group. There are frequently so many people trying to walk between the food vendors and restaurant stations that everyone is elbow to elbow and if you loose someone it is very hard to find them again. Use cell phones to locate people in a crowd. Also keep an eye for pickpockets, in a crowd it is easy to mistake a pickpocket for a bump and then your wallet is gone. I have never had this happen, but it can, so keep your money in a safe place.

Taste of Chicago Map (712 KB PDF File)

This year the restaurants exhibiting at the Taste of Chicago are:

  A Natural Harvest
  Abbey Pub
  Adobo Grill (New!)
  Arya Bhavan
  Aunt Diana’s Candy Makers (sweet!)
  B.J.’s Market & Bakery
  Bacino’s Pizza of Lincoln Park
  Bella Luna Café
  Billy Goat Inn (cheeseburgers!)
  Bobtail Ice Cream Company (awesome Ice Cream)
  Bolat African Cuisine
  Buona Beef (aways a favorite)
  C’est Si Bon
  Canady Le Chocolatier (New!)
  Celebration Creamery
  Chicago Chocolate Company
  Chicago Joe’s
  Connie’s Pizza
  Costa’s
  Dominick’s
  Eli’s Cheesecake (a tradition in Chicago)
  Father & Son Pizzeria
  Fireplace Inn
  Franco’s Ristorante
  Grazie! Ristorante
  Guey Lon
  Harold’s Chicken #71
  Harry Caray’s
  Hashbrowns (New!)
  Helen’s
  Home Run Inn Pizza (my personal favorite pizza)
  JR Dessert Bakery
  Kasia’s Deli
  La Justicia
  Lagniappe-Creole Cajun Joynt
  Las Tablas (New!)
  Los Dos Laredos
  Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria (a taste of Chicago favorite!)
  Mazzone’s Italian Ice
  Now We’re Poppin’ (New!) Popcorn
  O’Brien’s Cafe
  Oak Street Beach Café
  Original Rainbow Cone
  Polka Sausage & Deli
  Polo Cafe & Catering
  Reggio’s Pizza
  Ricobene’s (another traditional Taste of Chicago Favorite)
  Robinson’s #1 Ribs (awesome ribs)
  Sabor Latino
  Soul Vegetarian East (New!)
  Star of Siam (great Thai Food)
  Suparossa Pizza
  Sweet Baby Ray’s (I love their BBQ sauce)
  Tamarind (New!)
  Taqueria Los Comales
  The Breakfast Club (New!)
  The Grill On The Alley
  The Noodle Vietnamese Cuisine
  Tiparos Thai Cuisine
  Tuscany Italian Restaurant
  Tutto Italiano
  Vee-Vee’s African Cuisine
  Vermilion Latin-American Cuisine
  Vienna Beef/Gold Coast Dogs (You can’t miss getting a real Chicago Hot Dog At the Taste of Chicago)
  Wow Bao (New!) (fresh hot buns they say!)

Also The Chef’s table Special Featured Restaurants at the Taste of Chicago schedule are:

Friday, June 27, 2008 – Heaven on Seven

Saturday, June 28, 2008 – Morton’s

Sunday, June 29, 2008 – Berghoff

Monday, June 30, 2008 – Tavern On Rush

Tuesday, July 1, 2008 – Chant

Wednesday, July 2, 2008 – Cafè Spiaggia

Thursday, July 3, 2008 – Les Nomades

Friday, July 4, 2008 – Art Smith Company

Saturday, July 5, 2008 – The Parrot Cage

Sunday, July 6, 2008 – The Parrot Cage

I was alerted that the former Virgin Megastore Music Store on Michigan Avenue has been silently changed into a hip young teen clothing store called XXI. And even though these are the roman numerals for 21, they don’t pronounce it Twenty One. They said “Hello Welcome to X-X-I”. Literally. I guess I am not the only one sketchy on the roman numerals anymore. The feel is like an early Express at around 1994-ish crossed with Bebe and  with more of what I can only assume are clubbing clothes. People excited about all this new stuff and they can’t get enough of it. It was very crowded at the lunch hour.

It is a new clothing store from Forever 21, which is either re-branding or branching out. They have super-cheap women’s clothes but there is a huge caveat. If you want the $12.99 dark denim jeans, the babydoll tops and strappy dresses you have to be really young, and really thin.

This isn’t really a surprise. I have a love hate relationship with H&M for the same reason. I love that they produce super cheap fashion forward clothing, but I can’t wear any of it. I normally wear a size 12 and nothing there fits. The large is like an 8 and after that you’re out of luck. I do understand though that by 18 years old you haven’t had 32 years to slowly get calorie creep or get off the fashion bus at 1998.

That brings me to the other problem with stores like this; these styles are either fugly or things I wore as a teen back in the 1980’s. I don’t really have any affection for the dropped sleeve diagonal stripe tops or big black polka dots on green, wide belts or high waisted pleated pants. Why are they bringing these things back? And why are the dresses and T-shirts all the same length? They aren’t long enough to be a dress nor short enough to be a t-shirt. I am so confused. Even with leggings these tops would be indecent on someone like me.

The other problem with this store is that it is huge. There are 3 levels and no real division of clothing type or organization by section. Things are either matched by color or by some other reason that escapes me. I find that there is no standard for finding anything and you end up roaming the store for hours unsure which European size will fit. Apparently a 12 is a 30 in their jeans, although there weren’t any there in that size. There were some fancier dresses upstairs in a corner, although none were even close to knee length, and a small men’s section that was just as confusing as the women’s. (mostly because it was in a women’s store)

I did like the accessories though. Somehow buying some big dangly earrings doesn’t seem so intimidating. (most from 5-10 dollars a pair) But all their shoes were sold out and the necklaces and headbands were a but gaudy over the top. There were a few other dazed and confused over 30 women in there too and we all left empty handed. Oh well, I guess another store gets my money then.