I just wanted to share the list of streets closed for this weekend’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon in the city. If you live downtown or up north in Chicago, beware of parking bans and getting your car towed tonight also in addition to these streets that will be inaccessible. Most streets re-open on Sunday afternoon when the race is over, but some streets take longer to clear and won’t be open again until Monday morning. If you are viewing/cheering the Chicago Marathon, take public transportation downtown. If you live in the area, I recommend staying in for the weekend, or using public transit. Driving will be difficult. But then again its just once a year.

The following information was provided by the Chicago Police Department.

Please note that although the Bank of America Marathon is on Sunday, some street closures will be in effect as early as Thursday evening.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon Date: Sunday, 11 Oct 09

Start Time: 7:30 am

Start Location: Monroe and Columbus

Finish Location: Columbus north of Roosevelt Street

Closures for site set up, event and teardown:

• Columbus from Roosevelt to Congress Pkwy- Closed: Friday, 09 Oct 09 at 10am Opened: Monday, 12 Oct 09 at 6am
• Columbus from Congress Pkwy to Jackson- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 4pm
• Columbus from Jackson to Monroe- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 11am
• Columbus from Monroe to Randolph- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3 am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 9:30am
• Balbo from Columbus to LSD- Closed: Thursday, 09 Oct 09 at 7pm Opened: Monday, 12 Oct 09 at 6am
• Balbo from Michigan to Columbus- Closed: Friday, 10 Oct 09 at 10am Opened: Monday, 12 Oct 09 at 6am
• Congress Pkwy from Michigan to Columbus- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 4pm
• North & South Congress Circle Michigan to Congress Pkwy- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3pm
• Jackson from Michigan to Columbus- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 11am
• Jackson from Columbus to LSD- Closed: Saturday, 10 Oct 09 at 6am Opened: Monday, 12 Oct 09 at 6am
• Monroe from Michigan to LSD- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 9:30am

For further marathon route and information go to chicagomarathon.com There will be rolling street closures and streets will be opened as soon as it is safe to do so. Also check the Chicago CTA website for updates on how they have modified the bus routes for the weekend and added extra trains to handle crowds.

The Chicago International Film Festival is a little event run by a few people on a shoestring budget but it packs a big punch. Somehow, the Chicago International Film Festival manages to get access to the latest independent films and often times show the award winners that year before they have gone mainstream. This year the Chicago International Film Festival has done it again, they have found some really interesting unique films that may not be shown in Chicago otherwise and are presenting them October 8th through the 21st, 2009.

This year the festival has changed formats slightly, locating all the showings in one theater rather than at 4 or 5 across Chicago (which I always found confusing). The one theater you need to know about in order to see these amazing new films is the AMC River East on Illinois Street.

45th Chicago International Film Festival
October 8 – 21, 2009
150 films from more than 40 countries.
All in two weeks. All under one roof.
AMC River East 21 (322 E. Illinois St.)

The films available this year look better than usual. I normally have interest in 2-3 films, but this year almost all of them look like something I would be curious about.

Tickets aren’t cheap but they aren’t any more than the regular price of a movie either. The Gala Events bring in celebrities that you wouldn’t normally see in Chicago and can be worth the extra money for the experience of the event.

SAVE UP TO 40% OFF Your ADMISSION!
If you buy now, get an extra $10 off your order with the promo code 45FEST09, valid until 9/23.

You can purchase tickets now online at: CHICAGOFILMFESTIVAL.COM

the Chicago International Film Festival Packages are:

MOVIEGOER (10 admissions)
$80 for Cinema/Chicago members; $110 for non-members

PASSPORT (20 admissions)
$155 for Cinema/Chicago members; $210 for non-members

GALA PASS (4 admissions to Gala Presentations)
$80 for Cinema/Chicago members; $100 for non-members

There are a limited number of Chicago International Film Festival Gala Passes are available. The Moviegoer and Passport Passes are not valid/available for/including Gala Presentations. All passes are not valid for Opening Night or Closing Night.

Individual tickets on sale September 23
$9 for Cinema/Chicago members, students, and seniors; $12 for regular admission

Gala Presentation event tickets
$20 for Cinema/Chicago members; $25 for non-members

Some of the movies I plan on seeing are:

The Chicago Theater hosts the Gala Event for the Chicago International Film Festival

Motherhood

(Gala Presentation) – USA
Director: Katherine Dieckmann. Uma Thurman is in a charming, high-energy comedy as a beleaguered Manhattanite just trying to survive another day of the madness that comes with raising two young kids (and a husband and best friend).

Made in China – USA – Director: Judi Krant
Wes Anderson’s whimsy meets David Mamet’s love of duplicity in the peppy, comic tale of a wide-eyed Texas hayseed who travels to China to find a manufacturer for the novelty product he hopes will put him right up there with the guy who invented the whoopee cushion

Hipsters / Stilyagi – Russia – Dir: Valery Todorovsky
Moscow, 1955. Soviet uniformity is the order of the day, but incurring the wrath of all the grim-faced comrades in Russia isn’t enough to stop a group of young “hipsters” from donning outrageous threads, puffing up their pompadours, pushing up their cleavage, throwing back martinis, and shakin’ their hips. Could this romantic, infectiously fun musical be this year’s Slumdog Millionaire?

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

The Chicago Holiday Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony has been moved to December 2nd in Daley Plaza downtown. The street address is 50 West Washington Street & Dearborn Street and the tree lighting will be at 12pm noon central time. This is the 95th annual Holiday Tree lighting ceremony and that long history is what makes it a tradition each year. Mayor Daley will be on hand to see the official city tree that is 90 ft high lit with thousands of tiny lights and begin the offical Christmas Holiday Season in Chicago.

Then afterwards the Christkindlemarkt opens with a variety of home made gifts and sweets in a German themed outdoor market. You can shop for authentic European Christmas Ornaments, decorations, textiles and yummy German Food. Most of the gifts are small type gifts that usually cost less than $25. If you are downtown for work or shopping on State Street or Michigan Avenue it is also fun to stop by and see the Christkindlemarket and the big Chicago Christmas Tree lit for the holidays. Make it part of your family tradition every holiday season.

Macy’s State Street Store in Chicago has continued the traditions of Marshall Fields with the lighting of the great Christmas tree in the Walnut Room (on the 7th floor) each holiday season. This year will be no different. I just heard that Tommy Hilfiger will be the special designated guest of honor for lighting the Macy’s Walnut Room tree this year and hopefully Tommy will design some cool unique ornaments to decorate the tree with. Last year in 2007 Martha Stewart lit the Walnut Room Christmas tree in person and her ornaments were featured on what I called the gradient tree. In 2006 the tree was covered in Wedgewood China ornaments and the year before in 2005 it was all about Swarofski Crystal Christmas ornaments. The Christmas Tree Lighting in Macy’s Walnut Room usually happens the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This year the event is scheduled for November 8, 2008 at 1 pm. The tree this year is supposed to be a vintage decorated one with tinsel and antique ornaments.

The Walnut Room at Macy’s is a great day out with the family regardless of who designs or decorates the Christmas tree. I have been going there with my parents for the last few years and it is a very enjoyable experience and a tradition we plan on keeping up as long as we can. The food at the Walnut Room is not super fancy but it is very good and they revamped the menu with some more modern dishes last year in addition to the comfort food favorites you have always enjoyed. (chicken pot pie anyone?)  Expect to pay between $10 and $15 per person for dinner plus drinks, tax, tip and desert. Last year we had the best little mini-bunt spice cakes with ice cream on top that were a Martha Stewart recipe. I have included that picture here at left. We also usually stop to shop a bit and get some Frango mint chocolates since they are very good also. If you go during peak times (afternoons) the line to get into the Walnut Room is long and it is a first come first served type seating order. So, either go around lunchtime or go later in the evening to miss the crowds. The Walnut Room is kid friendly and they have lots of room for stroller parking.

If you don’t know him alreay, Tommy Hilfiger got popular in the 90’s for the preppy look that urban youth ended up taking, changing and owning later on. (think boyz 2 men) In the years since then he has tried to open his own line of stores (one was in Oak Brook Mall) that did not last very long. I know Macy’s is really is loyal to this brand and celebrity marketing plan they have going but I am not sure this one will work. Tommy Hilfiger may be a big deal to Macy’s but the rest of us aren’t really into his designs anymore. The line hasn’t evolved and it is too similar to a bunch of other brands we get cheaper at Target and Old Navy. (and probably manufactured in the same factory in China) So, he isn’t my favorite guy but he is a celebrity so I am sure that there will be a crowd.

If you do plan on visiting Macy’s department store in Chicago on State Street this winter for the holiday displays or the Walnut Room Christmas Tree Macy’s is reachable by Metra trains to Union Station and then by taking a cab from there to the store on State Street. Or if you live near the el train, take the brown, green, pink, orange or red lines to the State Street and Lake Street stop in the loop and just walk one block south of there to get to Macy’s department store.  Enjoy the shopping at Macy’s, the Walnut Room Tree and the great food this holiday season.

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.

We need free things to do in Chicago now more than ever. Who can afford a $8 beer and a $12 movie in this financial and economic uncertain time. I have heard more people say they are staying in to save money than I have in years. I still like to go enjoy Chicago though and sometimes you can do that for free if you know where and when the events are happening. Here are some free things to do in Chicago that are scheduled over October and November. I am guessing this is going to be a lean Christmas too.

1. A Kevin Coval reading free admission from The author, educator, HBO Def Poet and founder of Louder than a Bomb at The Chicago Teen Poetry Festival. He reads from his newly released book “Everyday People.”

2. Sixth Annual Pumpkin-Carving Party at the Avenue Tavern at 2916 North Broadway in Lakeview Call 773-975-7000. Free at 8pm-12am midnight on October 16th. Carve your own pumpkin creation and win prizes (pumpkin carving tools are provided). Afterward, the weird and wacky jack-o-lanterns are displayed outside the bar sidewalk through Nov. 1 or until the rot, or are carried away by squirrels whichever happens first.

5. Free Bingo/Tango 312-397-4010 at the Museum of Contemporary Art at 220 East Chicago Ave. Play some bingo and Learn Tango in the same night. What could be better? Between games, Somer Surgit and Agape Pappas teach quick Tango lessons. Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month at 6pm.

6. Yay for Free Stitch ‘n’ Bitch! 312-280-2660 Don’t you know knitting is cool now? Meet more young hip urbanites with creative focus at the Stich and Bitch. Yarn and crafts not provided, but bring whatever you are working on. Evey 1st Tuesday at the Museum of Contemporary Art. 5:30 pm.

7. Dia de los Muertos: La Vida Sin Fin 312-738-1503 The nation’s largest Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead exhibit, this 22nd annual collection highlights local and international artists.

8. The 12th Annual North Halsted St Halloween Parade 773-868-3010 Expect crazy costumes and over the top behavior in Boystown. The parade travels north on Halsted Street, from Belmont Avenue to Cornelia Street. Post-paradefestivities include a costume contest for your pets and your humans as well as live performers and entertainment by Halsted and Roscoe Streets. 

9. Green City Market at 1750 North Clark Street 773-435-0280 Hey, window shopping and browsing is free right? This great organics fest of food is still going in harvest season through October 29th.

10. The Weekly fireworks show at Navy Pier 312-595-7437 This is still going too, the fireworks have not stopped even though summer is over. They still set off a 10-minute fireworks display over Lake Michigan set to music every Saturday night at dusk.

11. Free admission for the Museum of Science and Industry 773-684-1414  This is for General admission only and only on Tuesdays. It still costs to park, see the Omnimax and 3-D movies or go on the ”U-505″ submarine tour.

12.Freeeee Comedy Shows – Battle-Prov ComedySportz improv students face off against other funny local improv teams. For Discount/free days call 312-922-9410. There is free general admission in Feb and the 2ndMonday of each month. It’s usually wicked cheap funny anyway at $4-$7 per show at Comedy Sportz which is at 929 West Belmont Avenue.

13. Wicker Park Critical Mass Bike Ride 312-551-7300 ext. 11 This monthly bike ride through the Wicker Park neighborhood is a fun way to enjoy the fall leaves and colors and get exercise at the same time. Plus you meet cool hip urban eco friendly bike riding people.

14. Sunday Salutations Free yoga class 773-883-8860 Stretch and strengthen your muscles for free at this weekly class in the park, which is always weather permitting. Hosted by lululemon’s Halsted store anda different new yoga studio each month.

15. Free Literary Open Mic 773-489-2353 Bring your best poetry or prose and read it aloud at this weekly event.

16. Free Fall Cooking Demonstrations 773-241-5200 Get tips on picking seasonal produce and learn how to prepare turkey burgers with coleslaw and cranberry mayonnaise. Hyde Park Farmer’s Market at 5200 S. Harper Avenue at 9am on Thursday October 16.

17. The Free Grasshopper Show 773-880-0199 A rotating roster of eight current I.O. training center students pair up with I.O. instructors in a very funny longform harold improvised show. IO Theater is at 3541 N. Clark Street in Chicago.

18. The Free Improv Jam 773-880-0199 Be careful, the volunteer audience members perform improvscenes with veteran I.O. comics. Local improv guys Brett Lyons and Nathan Jensen host and drag you up on stage too if you let them. Same address as above.

19. Chelsea Handler book signing 773- 935-3909 The comedy writer and performer signs her new book of funny personal stories, “Are You There Vodka, It’s Me Chelsea.” 

20. Daniel Vosovic book signing 312-573-0564 The exciting “Pro ject Runway” finalist discusses his new book, “Fashion Inside Out: Daniel V’s Guide to How Style Happens from Inspiration to Runway and Beyond.” OMG!

21. The Free Daley Plaza 12th annual Halloween celebration, formerly called “Pumpkin Plaza,” features a haunted village, pumpkin decorating (weekends only), storytelling, live performances and more. Afternoons in late October.

22. The Great Walnut Room Tree Lighting at Macy’s in November 312-781-5454 Designer Tommy Hilfiger lights the 45-foot-tall tree in the Walnut Room. The tree, trimmed with nearly 15,000 lights and 4,000 ornaments, is on display through Jan. 11.

23. 13th Annual Christkindlmarket Chicago 312-494-2175 An open-air, German-style market showcases handmade ornaments, accessories, clothing and gifts from more than 50 vendors. Also features German food and drink such as beer, hot spiced wine, potato pancakes, bratwurst, schnitzel, strudel and more.

24. Howl-o-ween 312-595-7437 Bring your pooch for a cute dog costume parade in Gateway Park, or browse pet merchandise, information and animals are up for adoption inside the Festival Hall.

25. Isaac Mizrahi signing is new book at Barnes and Noble. 312-573-0564 The fashion designer discusses his new book, “How to Have Style.” Did you ever want to see the guy in person that brought high style to Target?

26. State Street Halloween Happening Parade 312-744-3315 Costumed participants march to Daley Plaza, where Halloween Pumpkin Plaza festivities include a costume contest, candy giveaways, performances, appearances by “Wicked” cast members and more.

I have found a few apple orchards still located in the Chicagoland area that would be a fun place for a family to go pick apples for the afternoon and taste them fresh off the tree. Most apple orchards that offer apple picking have much better prices per pound than the grocery store for the apples.

It is very economical to go pick a few bushels of apples and store them in the fridge for a few months as you eat them. You also get a better variety of apples than you can find at the store because many Orchards offer local varieties that you won’t get from the national suppliers. Also, many of these apple farms have other fruits and vegetables they grow locally and sell. In fact many of these places are the same farms that produce the fruit and vegetables you see every weekend at the farmstand farmers markets in the downtown areas of the suburbs.

Some of the other offerings many of these Orchard Farms have are: Blueberries, Raspberries, Pumpkins, Honey, Cider and home made Baked Goods. The quality and taste is far better from local growers that have food available fresh and ripe than the national supermarkets. Here are the addresses, phone numbers, directions and web addresses of the apple orchard farms that I was able to find. I hope they provide a fun and yummy experience for you and your family this autumn season.

All Season Apple Orchard Address: 14510 Route 176 in Woodstock, IL 60098 in McHenry County
Phone number: (815) 338-5637
Hours: Wednesday thru Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
Description: Pick apples, taste our delicious apple donuts, hanging out in the petting zoo or shop at our gift shop for your afternoon in the country.
website: allseasonfarm.com

Apples On Oak address: 16146 Oak Avenue in Lockport, IL 60432 in Will County, IL
Phone number : (815) 726-0386
Hours: Open August through October on Wednesdays & Saturdays from 9:00am to 6:00pm, Sundays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Directions: Located just 3 miles North of New Lenox Interstate 80 exit, or 3 miles SOUTH of Route 7 (159th street) in Lockport
Website: peceniak.tripod.com/home.htm

Curran’s Apple Farm address: 6385 Trask Bridge Rd (Route 70) in Rockford, IL 61101 in Winnebago County
Phone number: (815) 963-7848
Hours: Middle-September through Middle-December from 10AM to 6PM Tuesdays thru Sundays

Heinz Orchard address: 1050 Crest Road in Green Oaks, IL 60048 in Lake County, IL
Phone number: 847-287-5867
Hours: Middle September – October on Friday thru Sunday from 9:30am to 5:30pm
Directions: From Chicago: Take I-94W toward Wisconsin and exit at Rt. 176 Rockland Road). Make a right turn at the bottom of the ramp onto Rt. 176. At the second light St. Mary’s Road make a right turn. Take St. Mary’s to the second light Atkinson Road and make a right turn. From Wisconsin: Take I-94E to Rt. 137 Buckley Road. At the second stoplight St. Mary’s Road make a left turn. At the next stoplight Atkinson Road make a left turn. The orchard is 2 blocks down at the corner of Atkinson and Crest in Green Oaks.
website: heinzorchard.com

Homestead Orchard address: 11802 Charles Road in Woodstock, IL 60098 in McHenry County, IL
Phone number: 815-338-7443
Hours: May through October on Monday through Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm , Sundays 12:00 to 5:00
Directions: Rt. 47 north through Woodstock to Charles Rd. Then turn right and drive 1 mile East to orchard; From Rt. 120, travel west through McHenry ..instead of turning at Rt. 120 and Greenwood, keep driving west for 1 & 1/2 miles.
website: homesteadorchard.net

Honey Hill Orchard address: 11747 Waterman Road in Waterman, IL 60556 in DeKalb County, IL
Phone number: 815-264-3337

Jonamac Orchards address: 19412 Shabbona Road in Malta, IL 60150 in DeKalb County, IL
Phone number: 815-825-2158
Hours: Middle August through Thanksgiving open 7 days a week from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Directions: 3/4 South of Malta on Shabbona Rd. Visit our website for a MapQuest map and directions.
website: jonamacorchard.com

Knutson’s Country Harvest address: 13550 Townhouse Rd in Newark, IL 60541 in Kendall County, IL
Phone number: 815-695-5905
Season: Early June – Late October, Apples starting Middle of July;
Hours: June Sat 9am-4pm, July – Oct: Sat 9am – 4pm, Sun 1pm – 4pm, Wed 9 am – 1pm.
Directions: Newark is 30 miles west of Joliet. We are 1 mile south of Newark, on Townhouse Road See our website for maps and step-by-step directions or call.
website: knutsonsharvest.com

Kuipers Family Farm address: 1N318 Watson Road in Maple Park, IL 60151 in Kane County, IL
Phone number: 815-827-5200
Hours Times: September through Middle December on Tuesday through Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am to 6pm. Open Labor Day & Columbus Day.
Directions: I-88 W to Sugar Grove/Rt. 47 Exit North to Keslinger Rd., W on Keslinger about 5 miles to Watson Rd., N to Farm. OR Rt. 38, 5 miles west of Rt. 47 to Watson Rd., South to Farm.
website: kuipersfamilyfarm.com

Lang’s Orchard address: 17411 Secor Rd in Woodstock, IL 60098 in McHenry County, IL
Phone: 815-568-7547
Hours: Early September through October. Saturday through Wednesday, 11 am – 5 pm
Directions: Take Route 176 west from Route 47 to Franklinville Road and turn right. Stay on Franklinville Road for 1.6 miles and turn left on Secor Road.
website: langsorchard.com

More Than Delicious Orchard address: 9905 Thompson Rd in Woodstock, IL 60098 in McHenry County, IL
Phone number: 815-338-2309
Hours: Usually starting in middle September; on Saturdays and Sundays, 10am – 5pm.
Directions: Orchard located 2 miles East of Woodstock at the corner of Rt 120 and Thompson Road
morethandelicious.com

Plank Road Apple Orchard address: 50w737 Plank Road in Sycamore, IL 60178 in Kane County, IL
Phone number: 815-899-4020
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 10:00 am to5:00 pm – Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Directions: From Sycamore 5 miles east of Rt 23; 3 miles west of Burlington.

Prairie Sky Orchard address; 4914 N Union Rd in Union, IL 60180 in McHenry County, IL
Phone numbers: 815-923-4834
Hours: September 1 to October 31, 10 AM to 6 PM. Everyday except Tuesday.
Directions: Located at Rt 176 and North Union Rd. 12 miles west of Crystal Lake on Rt. 176. I-90 from Chicago to Rt 20, north to South Union Rd. thru town of Union, North Union Rd. to intersection of Rt 176.
website: prairieskyorchard.com

Royal Oak Farm and Fruit Orchard address: 15908 Hebron Road in Harvard, IL 60033 in McHenry County
Phone number: 815-648-4141
Hours : August 15 to November 30; 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Monday – Friday; 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturdays; Closed on Sundays
website: royaloakfarmorchard.com

Valley Orchard address: 811 E Elgin St in Cherry Valley, IL 61016 in Winnebago County, IL
Phone numbers: 815-332-9696
Hours Times: May – Mid-November; 9AM to 6PM Monday – Saturday and 10AM – 6PM Sunday

Woodstock Country Orchard address: 17015 Garden Valley Road in Woodstock, IL 60098 in McHenry County, IL
Phone number: 815-923-4359
Hours: September 1st through middle October, Friday 10am – 2pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am – 4pm
orchard website: woodstockcountryorchard.com

The Chicago Gourmet Festival (or the seriously fancy food show) brings the finest in foods, chefs, wines and housewares to the public downtown in Millennium Park on September 26th, 27th and 28th. This event is part housewares show, part celebrity gourmet cook instructional lesson and part wine tasting all in one. It makes sense though good food pairs well with fine wine and requires unique prep utensils and recipes to achieve. The Chicago Gourmet Festival would be the perfect place to bring your friend the “foodie” and the “wine snob” to socialize. I also think in a own economy people are saving money in some areas and spending it in comfort food and in enriching their experience at home. The Chicago Gourmet Festival offers new recipes and culinary skills which are a part of feathering the nest and keeping up with the Joneses at the same time.

The big draw to this event seems to be the Celebrity Chefs and Master Wine Sommeliers. Everyone from Chicago hometown fave Rick Bayless to AlpanaSingh will be there up close and personal to chat with and learn from. The Master Sommeliers for the Chicago Gourmet Festvial are Frederick Dame, Alpana Singh, Joseph Spellman and Serafin Alvarado.  There will me many more celebrity chefs in each of the events that are not specifically listed. If you enjoy the food network and channel 11’s create channel you will love this event.

The ticket prices are a bit…well, pricey. It is $150.00 for a one day ticket pass and $250.00 for a weekend ticket pass. (not including parking) ( Use your American Express Card and this code for a 15% off discount CG2008DC) I would guess there is some cooking schwagthat you get along withthat (cook books, wine bottles and housewares) to make it worth that much money? Or maybe it is just about exclusivity and access to the celebrity chefs? You can get into the special event tents for other amounts of money if you know there will be a certain chef there that you want to see. The Grand Cru tastings are $175.00, theCIA Worlds of Flavor Pavilion is $95.00 and the Whole Foods Pavilion and the Seminars are each $30.00. (the most reasonably priced thing on the menu)  Tickets can be purchased through the chicagogourmet.org website online or at the door of the event if they have not sold out.

- The Schedule of Special events for the Chicago Gourmet Festival:

- Friday, September 26, 2008

The Opening Night Receptionon the Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace from 6:30 to 10:30 pm Tickets are $250.00. All the celebrity chefs and master sommeliers will be there.

- Saturday, September 27, 2008

The Chicago Gourmet Festival Opens in Millennium Park at 11 am and goes to 6 pm.

Grand Tasting Tents on the Great Lawn 11 am to 6 pm.

The Seminar Seriesat the Cultural Center, The Gage restaurant, or Pritzker Pavilion Choral Room times: 11 am to 5 pm. All the Master Sommeliers are presenting wine seminars including “Wine Pairing in Chicago’s Neighborhoods” by Channel 11 Check Please Host Alpana Singh, “Tasting Wine the Master’s Way” by Frederick Dame, “Syrah, A Global View ” by Joseph Spellman and “Exploring Eco Friendly Wines” by Serafin Alvarado.

Whole Foods Market Family Village in Millennium Park is open from 11 am to 3 pm. Tickets are only $30 bucks. the most affordable part of this event. (I bet you never thought you would hear the words “Whole Foods” and affordable in the same sentence) Whole Foods will still offer celebrity chef cooking demos and great samples.

CIA Worlds of Flavor Pavilion on the Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace 12 pm to 2 pm.This event features a latin flavor and decor as well as cooking demonstrations by Enrique Olvera, Chef and Owner of Pujol Restaurant in Mexico City, Norman Van Aken, Chef and Owner of Norman’s in Miami, and Coque Ossio, Chef and Owner of a consortium of restaurants in Peru.

Grand Cru Tasting on the Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace from 4 pm to 5:30 pm. This event features the top 50 finest wines in the world as selected by the Master Sommeliers at the Chicago Gourmet Festival this year: Frederick Dame, Alpana Singh, Joseph Spellman and Serafin Alvarado.

- Sunday, September 28, 2008

Chicago Gourmet Festival in Millennium Park is open from 11 am to 5 pm.

Grand Tasting Tents on the Great Lawn open from 11 am 5 pm.

Seminar Seriesat the Cultural Center, The Gage restaurant, or Pritzker Pavilion Choral Room from 11 am to 5 pm. See the list above, the same wine tasting educational seminars are offered.

Whole Foods Market Family Village in Millennium Parkis open from 11 am to 3 pm. Tickets are $30.00.

CIA Worlds of Flavor Pavilion on the Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace is open from 12 to 2 pm. See the description from Saturday, the same Celebrity Chefs will be presenting and cooking. It was inspired by the Worlds of Flavor International Conference & Festival held annually in Nappa Valley.

Grand Cru Tasting on the Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace is open from 3:30 pm 5 pm. See Saturday’s descriptions as the same sommeliers will be presenting the top 50 wines again at the Chicago Gourmet Festival.

The Chicago Celtic Festival is another free festival in Grant Park from the Mayor’s office of Special Events in Chicago. (they are so generous there) The Celtic Festival originated to celebrate the 7 original Celtic Nations. The original Celtic Nations were: Ireland, Scotland, Wales, The Isle of Man, Cornwall, Spain, Brittany France and Galicia. For the purpose of the festival they celebrate Celtic music, dance, golf sports, food, tartan kilts and more fun activities for the whole family. It is Free to the public and runs from 11 am to 9pm on Saturday and Sunday. Come out to explore your Irish, Scott, Celtic or Welsh heublritage as well as learn more abut the history, music, culture and food from that green region of the world.

The Schedule of events at the Celtic Fest include many musical acts, dance,

At the Petrillo Music Shell the bands will be:

Saturday, September 13, 2008
6:00pm The Elders
7:15pm Great Big Sea

Sunday, September 14, 2008
6:00pm Old Blind Dogs

At the Celtic Crossroads Stage the Musical performers will be:

Saturday, September 13, 2008

11:30am Cara
12:50pm Beoga
2:10pm Old Blind Dogs
3:30pm Larkin & Moran Brothers
4:50pm Men In Kilts Leg Contest

Sunday, September 14, 2008

11:30am Errigal
12:50pm Mary Jane Lamond
2:10pm The Willis Clan
3:30pm The Muck Brothers
4:50pm Bodega

The Celtic Voice Tent has all kinds of interesting speakers with a wide variety of Celtic, Irish, Welsh and cultural topics. I have heard about the shapeshifters from listening to Glen Hansard talk in concerts I have listened to online. It sounds like an interesting folklore and history.

Celtic Voice Tent

Saturday, September 13, 2008
Noon Finding Your Chicago Irish – with Sharon Shea Bossard
1:15pm Kevin Henry and Maggie Healy
2:30pm Tim O’Sullivan
3:45pm Learn to Speak Welsh
5pm Mary Jane Lamond
6:15pm Irish Heritage Singers

Sunday, September 14, 2008
Noon The Old Town School Women’s Choir
1:15pm Jim Wearne
2:30pm From Celts to Christians, Ireland in Late Antiquity and Early Middle Ages – with Sean Doyle
3:45pm David Llewellyn
5pm The Shapeshifters and Fairy
6:15pm Navan

Learn to dance at the Céilí Dance Tent!! I have always wanted to learn more about the Riverdance style of Irish Dance, here is my chance.

Saturday, September 13, 2008
12:00-1pm Emma O’Sullivan & Sean Nos performance and instruction
1pm-3pm Broken Pledge Ceili Band & Ed Heffernan, dance instructors
3pm-4:30pm Glen Ayre & Ken Chau, dance instructors
4:30pm-6pm Broken Pledge Ceili Band & Ed Heffernan, dance instructors

Sunday, September 14, 2008
12:00-1pm – Emma O’Sullivan & Sean Nos performance and instruction
1pm-3pm – Ceoltoiri Chicago & Brendan Houlihan, dance instructor
3pm-4:30pm – Glen Ayre & Barbara Cool, dance instructor
4:30pm-6pm – Ceoltoiri Chicago & Brigid Sutton, dance instructor

And finally all the Irish Dance Companies that will be performing this weekend!

Saturday, September 13, 2008
12:00pm Sets of Erin
12:30pm Evanston Scottish Country Dancers
1:00pm McNulty School of Irish Dance
1:30pm Thistle & Heather Highland Dancers
2:00pm Trinity School of Irish Dance
2:30pm Teresa y Los Preferidos Spanish Dance Co.
2:45pm World Academy of Irish Dancers
3:15pm Gillan School of Highland Dance
4:00pm Dennehy Irish Dancers
4:45pm Sheila Tully School of Irish Dance
5:15pm Teresa y Los Preferidos Spanish Dance Co.
5:30pm Cas Dannsa
6:15pm Lavin-Cassidy School of Irish Dance

Sunday, September 14, 2008
12:00pm Gaelic Park Set Dancers
12:30pm Royal Scottish Country Dance Society
1:00pm Spriorad Damhsa
1:30pm -illan School of Highland Dance
2:15pm Cross-Keys School of Irish Dance
2:45pm Teresa y Los Preferidos Spanish Dance Co.
3:00pm Mullane Healy O’Brien Academy
3:45pm Thistle & Heather Highland Dancers
4:15pm The McDance Company
4:45pm Teresa y Los Preferidos Spanish Dance Co.
5:00pm Anam Mor
5:30pm Cas Dannsa
6:15pm Dillon-Gavin School of Irish Dance

If you do decide to go to the Celtic Fest, remember that street parking is impossible to find and parking underground is the only option and it is expensive at ~$30.00. The best way to get there is by public transportation. Buses and EL trains are convieniently in the area and the Metra is also an option from the suburbs with a cab from the station to the fest if needed.

The Chicago Celtic Festival is free to the public and open from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm both Saturday and Sunday this weekend. The only rules are no dogs of course for saftey purposes. For a map of the Chicago celtic fest click here.

The Labor Day Weekend and Holiday Monday are so jam packed with events you won’t be able to stay home for long. Both in the City of Chicago and in the suburbs there are large events and parades happening in addition to all the shopping sales all over Chicagoland. The Chicago Jazz Festival is this weekend, the JayCees Naperville Last Fling and the Labor Day Parades are all day Monday. I know the weather will also be good this Labor Day Weekend, it should be in the upper 80’s and no rain is in the forecast.

First, on Friday at 5pm there is the monthly Critical Mass Bike ride through downtown and the streets of Chicago. Join up wiht them at Daley Plaza at 5pm if you want to ride along. There is a police escort at the front of the pack and bike riding helmets may be required….

The Chicago Jazz Festival is also this weekend in Grant Park. The 30th Annual Jazz Festival runs Thursday through Sunday.  In the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park they will be celebrating 30 years of jazz with two time Grammy Award winner Sonny Rollins. The admission to the Chicago Jazz Festival in Grant Park is Free! The Jazz Festival will run August 29-31 for three days of free music on three stages from 10:00 am-9:30 pm per day. No Dogs or Alcoholic beverages will be allowed in the festival. The Grant Park Petrillo Band shell Schedule is as follows:

Friday, August 29, 2008
5:00-5:50 T.S. Galloway’s Tribute to Capt. Walter Dyett featuring Julian Priester, Ken Chaney, Mwata Bowden, Edwin Daugherty, Ari Brown and Von Freeman
6:00-6:55 AACM Roscoe Mitchell, Wadada Leo Smith, Amina Claudine Myers, Michael Logan and Thurman Barker
7:10-8:10 Dee Dee Bridgewater’s Tribute to Betty Carter
8:30-9:30 Eddie Palmieri’s Latin Jazz Band

Saturday, August 30, 2008
4:30-4:45 – Remembering Franz Jackson
5:00-5:50 – Pharez Whitted Sextet
6:00-6:55 – Vijay Iyer Quintet
7:10-8:10 – Dave Douglas Brass Ecstasy
8:30-9:30 – Gerald Wilson Orchestra with a special guest Kenny Burrell

Sunday, August 31, 2008
5:00-5:50 – Ron Dewar Quintet
6:00-6:55 – From the Netherlands: The Instant Composers Pool
7:10-8:10 – 8 Bold Souls with a Special Guest Dee Alexander
8:30-9:30 – Ornette Coleman

Naperville is also hosting it’s Jaycee’s Last Fling Concert Event in the downtown area. This is the traditional last event of the summer to celebrate and socialize before the official fall season and back to school craziness takes off and fills the calendar. Click here to see the full last fling booklet with the map, directions, schedule and more info you may need.

The Naperville JayCee’s Last Fling 2008 features a Carnival, Main Stage Performances featuring Nationally known Artists, Free performances on the Entertainment Stage daily, a Beer Garden and Dozens of Great Food Vendors and Business Expo Booths From local Naperville Businesses. It is a great place to take the family for a fun night out. Tickets are $10.00 per person on Friday night and $12.00 per person on Saturday and Sunday night. Tickets can be purchased at Oswald’s Pharmacy at 88 Gartner Road in Naperville, 60540 (in the Naperville Plaza Shopping Center) or at Dean’s Clothing at 226 South Main Street in Naperville, 60540 (in Downtown Naperville). The actual location of the Last Fling is: The Naperville Riverwalk, 100 West Jackson Avenue Naperville, IL 60540 phone: 630-961-4143

Naperville Last Fling Dates and Times:

• Friday August 29 @ 5 pm – 11 pm
• Saturday  August 30 @ 10 am – 11 pm
• Sunday  August 31 @ 10 am – 11 pm
• Monday September 1 @ 10 am – 6 pm

Music Concert Schedule
Friday August 29th
8:00 pm to 10:00 pm Dennis DeYoung
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm The Music of Styx – Hi Infidelity

Saturday August 30th
8:00 pm to 10:00 pm The Doobie Brothers
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Painkiller Hotel
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Josh Holmes

Sunday August 31st
8:00 pm to 10:00 pm Gavin DeGraw
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Absentstar
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Kimi Hayes

Monday September 1st
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm The Hat Guys
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Stellar Road 

Enjoy the Labor Day Holiday and have a great weekend!

There are a lot of very affordable (cheap) entertainment and (family) fun options this weekend in Chicago. Whether you live in the suburbs or are planning on getting a hotel room and vacationing in Chicago for the weekend, there is lots to do. If you haven’t gotten tickets to see the award winning show Wicked (the musical) or Jersey Boys, get them quick, the last block of tickets is on sale now. Also, in perfect timing with the Olympics on TV, Circqe Shanghai: Gold is in town performing at Navy Pier. The Museum of Science and Industry also has a new exhibit on Glass Making called The Glass Experience that is a lot of fun for the family. The Chicago Shedd Aquarium also has a new exhibit also called Lizards & the Komodo King. Here are my recommendations and best picks this weekend in Chicago:

1. Everyone knows that the Opening Ceremonies for the 2008 Beijing Olympics will begin on NBC Channel 5 at 6:30 pm Friday evening. You can also see Cirque Shanghai: Gold at Navy Pier’s Pepsi Skyline Stage this weekendin between watching Olympic TV events from China. They will be performing there through September 1st so get tickets for later in the month if you are already booked. Tickets are very affordable from $15.00 to $30.00 and it is a fun family event. If you re coming in from the suburbs, take the metra and then a cab or bus from the train station to avoid traffic and the high cost of parking the car.

2. The Museum of Science and Industry has a new exhibit on Glassmaking and Glassblowing that is a lot of fun for the family while also being a learning experience. The Museum of Science & Industry is located at the address: 57th Street & Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60637. Call 773-684-1414 for more information. The Glass Experience, runs through September 1 and this interactive exhibition reveals the science, craftsmanship and beauty from the world of glassmaking. There are live glass blowing demonstrations, Dale Chihuly glass bowls artwork, Tiffany glass shaded lamps and Frank Lloyd wright stained glass windows. Admission is 8.50 for kids and $13.00 for Adults. the Museum of Science and Industry and the Glass Experience is open from 9:30 am to 4pm daily.

3. The Chicago Shedd Aquarium has a new exhibit also called Lizards & the Komodo King through September 1. The John G. Shedd Aquarium is located at the address 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive (Museum Campus) Chicago, IL 60605. Call 312.939.2438 if you have questions for the Shedd Aquarium. This exhibit is neat because the world’s largest lizard is making his first-time appearance in Chicago and they have brought out all the lizard creatures he is related to for show also. Lots of great fish and amphibious creatures are always viewable at the Shedd Aquarium (penguins!) also. Admission is $27.00 for an adult day pass which includes this exhibit.

4. The award winning show Wicked is ending it’s Musical Theater run in Chicago at the Ford Center for the Performing arts (formerly the Oriental Theater) in January. The last blocks of tickets to the shows through December have gone on sale now. They won’t last long, plan tour trip to Chicago and book your hotel rooms now before it sells out. Get your tickets to see Wicked from Broadway in Chicago before it leaves Chicago whether you have seen it many times or have never seen the show before. I saw it 3 times and loved it. Ticket prices range from around $30.00 to $100.00 per seat.

Have a happy and safe Olympic weekend in Chicago!

It is officially Fourth of July weekend now and we have a lot going on around Chicagoland. I am not sure how anyone would go to all these events, but here is a list of things going on from the family friendly to the avant gard. If nothing else, enjoy the holiday weekend and relax while celebrating our independence one more time. It is a good time to pause and reflect on patriotism, freedom, our values and the upcoming presidential elections in November. It is also a time for food, family and flags. So it’s your 3 day weekend, have fun with it!

1. Taste of Chicago is still running. If you haven’t had your giant turkey leg yet this year, this is the place to do it. Downtown in Chicago in Grant Park. Admissions is free, food is sold by a ticket system and expect drinks to be expensive.

2. The Naperville Ribfest (the suburban anti-taste) is running this weekend also. This festival celebrates the joy that is barbecued ribs with rib cooking specialists from all over the country. My favorite is still Sweet Baby Ray’s though. There will be Fireworks at 9:30 pm on Friday night for the 4th of July.

7/4/08 Update: If you go to the Ribfest, you must-must-must park at one of the lots and take a shuttle to the event. We found no parking within a mile of Ribfest yesterday and we ended up parking at the 5th Avenue Metra Station in Naperville and taking the bus shuttle to Knock park behind Edwards Hospital. (the Ribs were great though!!!) And Ted Nugent was mighty entertaining.

3. The Lisle Eyes to the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival is also happening this weekend in the  SW suburbs. The Lisle Eyes to the Sky festival is off Route 53 in Lisle,IL at Short Street between Maple and Ogden Ave. But much like Ribfest, if you go there isn’t any parking located there. You have to go into downtown Lisle at the Metra station, park there and walk or take a shuttle to the festival. Also much like Ribfest there are live musical acts, fireworks and all the carnival foods and rides you would expect of these summer carnival fests. The balloons usually launch at 6:30 pm each evening and 5:30 am each morning. The one bummer of this fest is that you can’t actually ride in a balloon yourself and the wind sometimes grounds the launches all together. It is a free event though, so at least there is no cover charge.

4. The Navy Pier City of Chicago fireworks display will be the day before the 4th on July 3rd at 9:30 pm. The fireworks are from Navy Pier but are viewable from most places near the lakefront downtown.

5. Summerdance is back at the Grant Park Spirit of Music garden in Chicago. Sunday July 6th is a Swing night with a USO swing band and free dance lessons beforehand by the professionals of Big City Swing. Lesson is at 4 pm and big band swing music starts at 5pm and goes until 7pm. The park is located at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Harrison Street. Summerdance does happen every weekend all summer long, so mark your calendars for next week too.

6. Free workouts in Millennium Park in Chicago on Saturday Morning. Work off all those BBQ ribs…

7. The Chicago beaches are open but there has been a swimming ban put out by the National Weather Service because of a seiche (wave) warning so please stay out of the water. Picnics and volleyball on the beach are still ok though.

8. Most cities and towns in the suburbs will have fireworks on July 4th at dusk. My favorite has always been the Darien/Downers Grove/Woodridge fireworks at 75th street and Main street (Lemont Road). They are viewable from all 4 corners of the intersection in the shopping mall parking lots. I also have seen a great fireworks show in Carol Stream at the intersection of Idaho St and Lies St. They use a retention pond area to display the fireworks over and they are really close to where you sit on Lies Street so you end up watching the fireworks overhead most of the time. They are even more dynamic up close like that. I have also heard that DesPlaines has a nice fireworks show over Oakton Community College and that Glen Ellyn’s Fireworks are really good too, over Lake Ellyn.

9. And lastly, if all these events aren’t risque enough for you Going.com is listing an event at Crowbar for “P*rn on the 4th” with a p*rn star Jesse Jane. I guess that is celebrating freedom of a completely different kind. You can RSVP for no cover charge early at the going.com/pornonthefourth website.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July in Chicago!!

Naperville Ribfest has become one of the largest suburban summer festivals in Chicago. It has been running for at least 20 years and the Ribfest has grown to now include major music acts along with great ribs from all over the country.

The thing that makes the Naperville Ribfest so attractive for both businesses and local residents is that it is in the suburbs and there are over 128,000 people living in Naperville and many more in towns of similar size around it. All these families with kids get something fun to do over the July 4th weekend and advertisers and entertainers love to be in front of them.

Over 1 million people go through the Naperville Ribfest over the 4th of July weekend. With that in mind save yourself some time and park in the 5th Avenue Metra Station lot and take the shuttles they have running every 10 minutes to the Ribfest. Otherwise there is no aprking within 1 mile of the fest. It is actually located in Knoch park behind Edwards Hospital but the hospital parking lot is off limits too. All the street parking was full by 3pm in the afternoon when we went too.

We suburbanites live 1 hour or more southwest of Chicago so the Taste of Chicago isn’t really an option for us with the awful traffic Chicago has these days. Plus if you live locally walking or biking to the Naperville Ribfest makes it more community friendly and less like the big city. The festival tries to be kid friendly and family friendly but local high school and college kids enjoy the Ribfest too.

Here is some helpful information about  the Naperville Ribfest schedule, rib restaurants selling food there and the events that weekend. 2009

Ribfest 2009 will run from Thursday, July 2rd through Sunday, July 5th.

• Thursday, July 2nd 12:00 Noon to 10:00 p.m.
• Friday, July 3rd 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday, July 4th 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m. Gates open to public at 7:00pm for fireworks
• Sunday, July 5th 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m.

The Ribfest Food Vendors selling Ribs will be:

• Desperado’s BBQ & Rib Co. – Their 10th year at Ribfest
• Fast Freddy’s Electric BBQ Ribs – They aren’t cooked fast but they are eaten fast!
• Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue and Catering – You know and love Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce from the Jewel grocery store and come see what they do when they are cookin’
• Texas Outlaws BBQ – They have won first place two of the last five years
• Uncle Bub’s- The Hichory Smoked BBQ Restaurant was born in 1997 in Westmont
• Famous Dave’s – Well, they are famous for their ribs of course
• Pigfoot BBQ Company – A Ribber at Naperville Ribfest for 13 years
• Aussom Aussie – A 20 year veteran of the International BBQ Circuit and they have great cornbread for $2.00 also.
• Butch’s Smack Your Lips BBQ – They offer both tomato based as well as vinegar based sauces.
• Porky N Beans – a member of the National Award Winning Rib Cookers of America since 1983
• Rasta Joes BBQ – Joe Alexander (Rasta Joe) has been at Ribfest for over 15 years
• Sgt. Oink’s Pit BBQ – Last year they won Naperville 3rd place best ribs
• Johnson’s BBQ – They have a BBQ sauce called “Thermonuclear Sauce”
• Smokin’ Joe’s Hog Wild Barbeque
• Armadillo’s Rib and Que Company
• Howling Coyote Southwest BBQ

The competition for best ribs prizes is Fierce! Last year Uncle Bubs was voted best in the Naperville Ribfest and Armadillo’s won best Sauce. I think that those plus Sweet Baby Ray’s will be the best ones to check out first because it may be impossible to try them all unless you plan on eating lunch and dinner there every day of the festival. There are other food and drink vendors there at the fest too. You can always count on Oberweis for some great ice cream and root beer floats.

If you come to Naperville Ribfest for the food, stay for the music. They have brought nationally known bands and acts to the suburbs for years and this year is no different. There are 2 stages; the Main Stage (Heart, Sarah Evans, Todd Rundgren and Huey Louis and the News) and the Brian R Schultz Rock and Roll Stage (Blue Oyster Cult, North Mississippi All Stars, WAR, Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone) plus there is also a BP Family Area that has a lot of fun activities for the kids. The schedules for both stages are below.

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Some tips for making your trip to the Naperville Ribfest more fun:

1. If you drive be prepared to walk because parking fills up in downtown Naperville quickly and you end up parking far away. Wear comfortable shoes. Park in the 5th Avenue Metra station lot off Washington and take the shuttle to the fest.

2. Buy your tickets in advance through the Ribfest web site or pre-sale tickets locally in downtown Naperville at the Jewel Grocery Food Stores and save $2.00 per ticket. Otherwise it is $10.00 at the gate and there are usually long lines.

3. Bring the kids, your appetite and stay for the music and entertainment all evening long. Here is a Map of the events and locations of the Naperville Ribfest.

4. The Ribfest will close if when it is raining there is any Lightning. At that time the park will close and everyone will be asked to leave for safety reasons. It is very very crowded and everyone just sits on the ground with their ribs to eat. So bring handy wipes for your fingers or get them at the Sweet Baby Ray’s station.

Enjoy the Ribfest and have a great time!

I have been out walking on Michigan Avenue in Chicago and noticed all the spring shoes in the windows for Easter this year. Or at least I think they are for Easter.Why else would the shoe stores be showing strappy high heels and slingback shoes this time of year? Easter is usually a cloudy rainy cold holiday in Chicago. We don’t get a lot of that light green grass and tulips that the ads like to flaunt. The pastel dainty offerings at Nordstrom, Macy’s Pay Less Shoe Source, Target and Kohl’s seem completely out of context for one feezing wearing regardless of how painful they are. I remember how the white or pastel shoes bought for Easter got tossed to the back of the closet soon after Easter and never worn again. No matter that warm weather will come in a few months, they aren’t practical for daily wearing because they are usually too uncomfortable. It’s not that Easter isn’t important, it’s just that the Chicago weather makes spring clothing impossible.

I am not sure who decided that pastel hats, gloves and shoes would be worn on Easteras we celebrate with pagan themed eggs and bunny rabbits while it pours rain at 45 degrees outside. This year Easter falls on April 12.  I think that the whole pastel frilly Easter theme should be suspended for anyone who isn’t under the age of 7 in the name of more practical attire. I know we miss warm weather in Chicago this time of year, but wearing a dress that blows in the wind and freezes your legs off won’t bring the warm temperatures any faster. Neither will strappy sandals. I have gone to church too many times freezing cold just to look fancy enough to keep up with the Joneses. No more. Here is a guide to dressing sensibly for this Easter in Chicago.

1. Wear Pants. It’s just too cold to get your style on yet.

2. Wear sensible shoes, whatever nice ones you already own. No need to go out and spend money on new stuff you will only toss to the back of the closet when we are currently in a recession.

3. Hats optional. I actually really like hats, but not in the wind. No amount of hairpins will help.

4. Gloves? Only the woollen kind are really necessary.

5. Plan on the pastel being from the colored eggs and tablecloth rather than a whole new wardrobe.

6. If you want a bunny you can always put bunny ears on the cat.

7. Enjoy the chocolate eggs and jelly beans.

8. Forget the blackberry, cell phones and computer at home and enjoy a day with the family.

Everyone is getting into the Halloween spirit now that the holiday is only about 2 weeks away! This includes lots of office Halloween candy, Pumpkins everywhere, costume shopping and the annual trek to your local Haunted House. If you live in the city of Chicago or are going downtown to the loop, you can visit the Daley Plaza and see the local events happening there leading up to and celebrating all things ghoulish and spooky this Halloween.

The ChicagoWeen Haunted Village in Daley Plaza opened October 12th and will be there until the 31st and the Halloween Madness has ended. The events there are a FREE gift from the City of Chicago and the Mayor’s Office of Special Events. (they really like holidays there)  Haunted Village continues through Halloween open diring the hours of Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.   

Daley Plaza (at Washington and Dearborn) hosts the Haunted Village and is transformed into Pumpkin Plaza, with cute pumpkin decorating, spooky storytellers and more to thrill and chill. Each day there are performances from the high flying aerial entertainers, Midnight Circus: 11:30 am, 12:30 pm and 2 pm Thursday through Sunday includes evening shows scheduled at 5:30 pm and 7 pm Free pumpkin decorating is offered on Saturdays and Sundays (except for the parade day, Saturday, October 20) from 11 am to 2 pm (or while supplies last).

And there is even a new Halloween Parade in Chicago this year. The Go Green Halloween Parade is on State Street Saturday October 20th from State and Randolph at 12 Noon. It features lots of candy and costumes (come in costume with the kids) The parade route begins at State and Randolph, going south on State Street, West on Madison, North at Dearborn, ending at Daley Plaza at Dearborn and Washington. Join Mayor Spookenburger from the Midnight Circus as they spread the news of the importance of Chicago’s environmental movement. After the parade, kids can enjoy trick-or-treating, a performance by Midnight Circus, hayrides, a costume contest and special sneak performances by the WICKED cast members. Remember, WICKED loves Halloween.

If you live out in the Chicago suburbs and want to find some fun haunted houses here is a quick reference list of all the haunted houses in Chicago (courtesy of the haunted house chicago site) :

Sweet Dreams/Fun Time Square Alsip, IL
The Haunting at 332 Arlington Heights, IL
Ashmore Estates – Undertakers Laboratories Ashmore, IL
The Graveyard Shift Ashmore, IL
The Haunting at Elsinore Ashmore, IL
Auburn Haunted House Auburn, IL
Nightmares: Basement Of The Dead Aurora, IL
The Grudge Garage Aurora/Batavia, IL
Morton West High School Haunted House Berwyn, IL
Carnival of Terror Berwyn, IL
Creatures Crypt Bloomington, IL
Evil Intentions Bolingbrook, IL
Legende of Sleepy Hollow Boubonnais, IL
Nightmare on Maple CT. Bridgeview, IL
Bridgeview Haunted Hollow Bridgeview, IL
The Haunted Barn Brocton, IL
Brookfield Jaycees Haunted House Brookfield, IL
Frightmare 2007 at Haunted Trails Amusement Park Burbank, IL
Melvina Manor Burbank, IL
The Houdini Seance Chicago, IL
Music Box Massacre 2 Chicago, IL
St. Pascal’s Haunted House Chicago, IL
Chicagoween 2007 Chicago, IL
Haunted Scenes Chicago, IL
Supernatural Chicago Chicago, IL
I Scream for Eye Scream Chicago, IL
Trails of Terror 2007 Chicago, IL
Nightmare City Halloween Chicago, IL
The Annual Halloween Art Exhibit Chicago, IL
Murder Mysteries Gangster Style Chicago, IL
Seven Deadly Sins at Cabaret Chicago, IL
Anna in the Darkness Chicago, IL
The House on Tripp Chicago, IL
Richard Crowe Ghost Tours Chicago, IL
Chicago Ghost Investigations Chicago, IL
Twisted House of Horrors Chicago, IL
Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tours Chicago, IL
Disturbed II Chicago, IL
Little Flower Shop of Horrors Chicago, IL
20th District Haunted House Chicago, IL
The Horror Chicago, IL
Excursions Into The Unknown Chicago Ridge, IL
Spider Hill Chillicothe, IL
Statesville Haunted Prison and City of the Dead Crest Hill, IL
Robertson Family Cemetery Creve Coeur, IL
Custer Park FD Spooktaccular Custer Park, IL
Kishwaukee Kiwanis Haunted House DeKalb, IL
Amenti DeKalb, IL
Downs Haunted House Downs, IL
Elburn Lions House Of Terror Elburn ,IL
Elgin Turners Haunted Hall Elgin, IL
Three Fires Council Haunted Hike Elgin, IL
Halloween Expo Elgin, IL
Eleventh Hour Elk Grove Village, IL
Hall of Horrors (Farmer City, IL) Farmer City, IL
Fright Night the Sequel Forest City, IL
X-treme Haunting’s Haunted House Fox Lake, IL
Mack Manor Haunted House Fox River Grove, IL
Dragon’s Dome Haunted House Frankfort, IL
Killer Clown Funhouse Frankfort, IL
Frankfort Area Jaycees and Jayteens Frankfort, IL
Gilson Haunted School Gilson, IL
Dungeon of Doom Grayslake ,IL
Six Flags Great America Fright Fest Gurnee, IL
The Haunting of Chittyville School Herrin, IL
Hometown Horror Hometown, IL
Madness On Midland Joliet, IL
St. Pat’s Haunted High School Kankakee, IL
Haunt 31 Lake in the Hills, IL
Lake Zurich Haunted House Lake Zurich, IL
Haunted Harvest of Lambs Farm Libertyville, IL
Lincoln Jaycees Fear Fair Lincoln, IL
Thanatophobialand Lockport, IL
Lombard Jaycees Haunted House Lombard, IL
Nightmare on Elizabeth Street Lombard, IL
The Living Dead Of Lombard Lombard, IL
Haunted Corn Maze Malta, IL
Spook Hollow Marquette Heights, IL
Dungeon of Terror Mazon, IL
The Dark Haunted House McHenry, IL
McHenry Jaycees Haunted House McHenry, IL
Haunted Hayride McHenry, IL
Dream Reapers Melrose Park, IL
No Rulz Haunted Yard Melrose Park, IL
Haunted Yard Melrose Park, IL
Homewood Haunts cemetery Moline, IL
Asylum of MAD Dreams Morrison, IL
Raven’s Grin Inn Mount Carroll, IL
Maze of Screams Mount Prospect, IL
Mount Vernon Jaycees’ House of Horror Mount Vernon, IL
Sea Net Monster Tag Adventure – Haunted Laser Tag Naperville, IL
All Hallows Eve: A 19th Century Halloween Naperville, IL
Freaky Frights On Forest North Riverside, IL
Tour Of Terror Northbrook, IL
Carly Boos Crypt Oak Forest, IL
Midnight Terror Oak Lawn, IL
Torment At Twelve Hundred Orion, IL
Dark Shadows Orland Hills, IL
The Haunting at Space Golf Orland Park, IL
Palatine Jaycees Haunted House Palatine ,IL
The Halls of Madness Paris, IL
Halls of Madness Paris, IL
Chamber of Horrors Paris, IL
Terror on the Square Petersburg, IL
Haunted Plainfield Plainfield, IL
Eaton Preserve Haunted Barn Plainfield, IL
Souls of the Forsaken Plainfield, IL
Henry Street Horrors Pontiac, IL
Nightmare on Fairgrounds Road Princeton, IL
Fear Factory Haunted House Rantoul, IL
Haunted Dungeon 2007 Rantoul, IL
Riverside Township Jaycees Ghost Walk Riverside, IL
Boo Crew Rochester, IL
Sterling Rock Falls Jaycees Haunted House Rock Falls, IL
Tebala Temple of Terror Rockford, IL
Spooktacular Haunted Hayrides Rockford, IL
Trail of Screams Rockford, IL
The Haunting on Rogers Road (Haunted Yard) Romeoville, IL
Realm of Terror Haunted House Round Lake Beach, IL
Krypt Keepers Kingdom Sandwich, IL
Scream Scene Skokie, IL
St. Peter’s Haunted Church Skokie, IL
South Beloit Lions Haunted Barn South Beloit, IL
2000 Feet of Terror Spring Grove, IL
Springfield Jaycees Haunted House Springfield, IL
St. Charles Jaycees Haunted House St. Charles, IL
Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour St. Charles, IL
St. Charles Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour St. Charles, IL
Trail of Screams II Stillman Valley, IL
Trail of Terror Haunted House Streamwood, IL
The Haunting of Willow Road Streamwood, IL
Shotgun Manor Sullivan, IL
Wheaton Jaycees Haunted House Wheaton, IL
Overnight Investigation at Rico D’s Restaurant Willow Springs, IL
Halloween Scare Walk Wood Dale, IL
Kincaid Manor Haunted House Woodridge, IL

It is crazy that we have 137 haunted houses here in Illinois? I guess people really like to go to a Haunted House before or on Halloween. So, go forth, and be scared! Boo!

It’s that time of year when the leaves are changing color and falling off the trees and you want to find the best place to see them and take some pictures. It is also a great time to take a trip to a local apple picking farm and orchard or to a pumpkin farm to pick some pumpkins yourself from their pumkin patch. Autumn is my favorite time of yearand it’s the best season in Chicago for clear weather. So get out and enjoy it while it lasts!

Fall Leaves Viewing and Photography:

Morton Arboretum – Peak fall tree colors usually happen with the trees in the 2nd week of October. They might change color slightly earlier or later if it gets cold earlier or later this year. See the great view of autumn colors while driving on Route 53 going north as it cuts through the arboretum and you have a great view of the trees from I-88 to Roosevelt Road. They also have tours with guides that can tell you about the trees and the plants as well as you can also just walk through the arboretum on your own. It’s the best place in Chicago to see fall.

The Cook County Forest Preserve has a lot of great trees too. If you have a map and know where you are going, check them out too. And for out of towners wanting to know when their peak fall tree colors change call the National Forest Service Fall Color Hotline at 1-800-354-4595.

Apple Picking and Apple Cider – There are a few orchards still around within driving distance from Chicago for picking your own apples in late summer and early fall. See the list of Illinois apple orchards here.

Pumkin Patch Picking – Not many actual pumpkin growing farms are left near Chicago, but here are 2 I found:

I have noticed there are a lot of great labor day Sales going on around town right now and I wanted to share the information with all of you. Who doesn’t like saving money with a great deal on new stuff you need anyway? Most of you may already be done with your fall back to school shopping because the kids are in school again, but us working folk are still looking for some warm clothes for the cold we know is coming in a few months. Or you might be getting a jump on your Christmas shopping for the year already. It’s an achievement to have it done before Thanksgiving. Here are some stores having sales this week and in the next few weeks:

1. Crate and Barrel Custom Upholstery Furniture Sale: 25% off September 14 to October 14. All 200o fabrics, 150 Furniture styles and frames all 25% off. Any fabric, any frame, any sofa, any armchair, sectional, sleeper, recliner, ottoman or dining room chair.

2. Old Navy – Sept 12 – 26 50% off select Fall styles. Their prices are already so low, getting things on sale is a steal.

3. Macy’s Home Sale – Macy’s has a lot of home stuff on sale. Some of Martha Stewart’s merchandise is on sale (because it is overpriced and not selling well) In general they have a lot of bedding, towels and some furniture on Sale in addition to some fall clothing that hasn’t been moving. They have winter stuff coming in soon so moving merchandise is a priority. And Check out the Christmas Department, it’s already set up in the State Street (the old Marshall Field’s Store) downtown on the 6th floor. There are about 50 christmas trees in there all sparking and decorated already including the new Martha Stewart christmas decorations that will be on the Walnut Room Tree this Christmas. They are all 25% off right now because it’s pre-season. Macy’s has a lot on sale every week, check your Sunday paper flyer to find out what seasonal merchandise discounted this week.  Also on 9/27 Macy’s on State Street presents Macy’s Trend House Opening, on level 8.

4. 9/20 J.Jill All Chicagoland locations present their Guest Appreciation Events featuring an additional 10% savings on your purchases. (Woodfield Mall location event Sept. 21) A portion of proceeds goes to the J. Jill Compassion fund supporting women and children in need. Refreshments from 4 – 8 p.m. at most locations.

5. Target – They always have great deals. This week some things that jumped out at me for an office are a great wood book case for $29.99, a desk and book case set for $69.99 and a trash can for $2.99. A very affordable way to outfit your home office. You can always go to Target.com if you want to search for deals and ShopLocal.com offers a way to search the local flyers in your sunday paper too.

Happy Sale Shopping!

What is happening in Chicago this weekend? What is there to do this weekend in Chicago? I have been searching for the answer to those very questions. (don’t forget to fly the flag on Monday!) Here is the list of events and happenings for the Labor Day Weekend:

All Weekend:

** The 29th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival – In Grant Park – Friday – Sunday – Hear Great Jazz Music and musicians and it’s FREE!

** Taste of Polonia - Taste of Poland –  Live Music Food and Polka Dancing. (just like my ancestors used to do) @ the Copernicus Cultural Center 5216 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago – $3 – $7 Admission 773-777-8898

Friday August 31, 2007

** New Movies Opening this weekend: Halloween, Balls of Fury, Death Sentence, The Nines, Self Medicated and Deep Water. (none that I think are really must see, hey is Bourne Ultimatum still playing?) 

** Critical Mass Bike Ride – Meet at Daley Plaza Downtown @ 50 W. Washington St at 5:30 pm. Ride with some extreme bicyclists in Chicago.

** Wrigley Field – Chicago Cubs vs Houston Astros @ 1:20 pm  (avoid the Lakeview area because of huge traffic jams)

** Tony Bennett sings @ Ravinia. These shows most likley sell out, call for ticket availability.

** Second City – Between Barack and a Hard Place is still running at the Main Stage Theater. It’s a great show, and very timley. See it before they write their next revue. Second City is located at 1615 N. Wells Street Chicago. Book tickets online or call for reservations first. These shows almost always sell out.

**IO Theater – Something new from IO Improv Comedy Theater: The Harold Show @ 10:30 PM. This place is great. I have seen dozens of their shows, and no matter who is performing, it is always a great time and I leave laughing.

Saturday September 1, 2007

** Wrigley Field – Chicago Cubs vs Houston Astros @ 12:05 pm (avoid the Lakeview area because of huge traffic jams)

**Annoyance Theater  - Funny Improv Shows at 8pm, 10:30pm and 12 midnight. 4830 N. Broadway in Chicago.

Sunday September 2, 2007

** The Download Festival @ 1 p.m. Sunday at the Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island, 1300 S. Linn White Drive $40; 312-540-2000 or www.downloadfestival .com Hear, discover and download new music from a wide range of artists.

** Wrigley Field – Chicago Cubs vs Houston Astros @ 1:20 pm (avoid the Lakeview area because of huge traffic jams)

** Enclave (night club, dance and music club/bar)  is hosting a bash called Global Adrenaline 10 Year Anniversary Festival from 5 pm till 2 am. Enclave is at 220 W Chicago Avenue in Chicago, IL. RSVP MANDITORY FOR ADMISSION call (312) 654-0234  I have been to Enclave, and it is a cool night club with a very modern feel.

** Navy Pier – The last weekend fireworks display for the summer, courtesy of Navy Pier. See them one last time at 9:30 pm and tune in on Jack FM on 104.3.

Monday September 3, 2007

Huh? Like are we really supposed to get out of bed on a day off? Isn’t days like this intended for living in the virtual world only? Many people probably plan on logging on to Second Life and WoW for the day and never get out of their pajamas.

Or, this might be your best chance to hit the Chicago Labor Day Sales and get some cool summer stuff on clearance or some stylish new clothes for fall. All the hot new fall styles are out already even though it’s not even cold yet.  Check out the Amazon.com Labor Day Sale, plus Kohl’s and Ikea also have sales planned for the holiday.

And then there is always the chance to have the last grilling BBQ ritual of summer before you put your white shoes and handbag away until next year.

Did I miss a cool event? Post it below and let people know about it!

I was shopping the other day at the Chicago State Street Macy’s store (formerly Marshall Fields) and saw all the Martha Stewart products that they are carrying now. I wasn’t impressed with the quality of the materials and the designs were just ok, and not as fabulous as you would expect from Martha Stewart, but I found out something interesting while talking to one of the sales people. They said that Martha Stewart was commissioned to do the Chicago Marshall Field’s Christmas Tree in the Walnut Room this year. She mentioned it because the Christmas department of Macy’s was being unpacked right now and they expected it to be open to the public by September. Then in November they have an official Walnut Room Christmas tree lighting ceremony the week before Thanksgiving in November and Martha Stewart is supposed to be the guest of honor and light the tree. I think she must be doing ornaments and tree decorating designs for all the Macy’s stores, but it is nice that Martha will fly all the way out to Chicago for the ceremony at Macy’s. I wasn’t to keen on her house wares, kitchen utensils or bedding linens this time, but I am hopeful that she will do some vintage beautiful designs for the enormous Walnut Room tree.

 Marshall Field’s Walnut Room has been a tradition for many families for years. Macy’s was nice and left it pretty much the same when they bought the store and you can still see the giant tree in the middle of the room. The Walnut Room is a nice restaurant (with wood paneled walls of course) in the middle of the department store. It is on the 7th floor, on the opposite side of the food court. There you can take a break from your shopping trip and have an elegant lunch or dinner in their dining room. They have a lot of favorites there that have been on the menu for years. For the Holidays and Christmas they take the tables out of the center under the 3 story cathedral ceiling and assemble a giant 3 story tree. Then a special designer like (Martha Stewart in 2007) is asked to decorate it with custom designed ornaments specially for Marshall Fields and now Macy’s. You can buy the special ornaments too to take home for your tree. (I previosuly had a picture up here of the Tree when it was still Marshall Fields in 2005  and the Swarofski decorantions. I just added a picture of the actual Martha Stewart version of the Walnut Room tree today 12.4.07)  Last year (Christmas 2006) was the first year the Walnut Room was open with Macy’s ownership and we went and it was nice. Wedgwood china was the designer of the tree last year in 2006. The entire tree sparkled with twinkling lights and had light baby blue and white ornaments on all the branches. The dining experience at the Walnut Room hasn’t changed much, it was still good. I recommend the pot pie and the Poinsettia drink. (champagne and cranberry juice)  The service is good and the prices are reasonable considering this is downtown Chicago on State Street. In 2007 they have upgraded things a bit in the Walnut room with new menus, table salt pepper and creamers and the menu has additional selections from their celebrity chefs and gourmet dishes in addition to the traditional fare. When we went on 11/18/07 it was packed with a line out into the store with people waiting to be seated. (it’s first come first served, no reservations)

The Walnut Room was a revolutionary concept when it opened in 1907. It was a tea room for shopping ladies at the time and it worked because people traveled from far away in Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa to shop at Marshall Fields, and a meal during your trip was needed. The Marshall Field’s department store was a destination for everyone in the Midwest at the time. The chicken pot pie is actually one of those original recipes. Its served under philo dough puff triangles now, but it still tastes very good. I recommend making the trip to Marshall Fields or if you are calling it Macy’s on State Street now, and seeing their window displays and having lunch or dinner while you are there at the Walnut Room. Check out the Martha Stewart decorated tree and ornaments and pick up some Frango Chocolates while you are there too. It’s always a fun Chicago Christmas Holiday ritual and tradition for many families and it should be for yours too.