I just got back from a fabulous ten days in Chicago and was thoroughly impressed! I was lucky enough to stay with a friend and Chicago resident, so I was able to see the way the real residents of Chicago live. I stayed in Lincoln Park and became quite accustomed to the tall, thin greystones and tree lined streets. The park exuded a much simpler version of city life, but with easy quick access to the bustling streets of the city and just a few minutes walk from the beach. Chicago won over my heart with its city meets vacation attitude as I could shop, sightsee and lay out on the sand, all in the same day.

Mr. Beef

If you want to dine true Chicago style, you must go to Mr. Beef on Orleans. They are known for their Italian beef sandwiches. You will be asked to order it sweet or hot (I went with hot and was not let down). Much like a French dip sandwich, these Italian beefs are best when the bread is slightly soggy and even better with a chocolate milkshake on the side. As you enter the door of Mr. Beef’s from a seemingly random street, pictures of famous people line the walls and men stand in line for the infamous bites. Some men came straight from their Wall Street-like jobs in pinstriped suits, while other men wore paint-stained paints (telltale signs of more physical professions). All sorts of men were attracted to these sandwiches, as were my friend and me. It turns out my girlfriend and I were the only women in the whole place! It seems to be quite the “manly” grub spot.

Terzo Piano in the Modern Wing of the Art Institute

Open for most lunches and dinner only on Thursday nights, this modern and dainty restaurant on the roof of the Art Institute boasts quite the menu and location. Diners eat under the skyscrapers of Chicago and above the fabulous Millennium Park. The food was dainty and light, with all of the produce coming from the Illinois area. The presentation matched the Art Institute’s modern style and the pomegranate lemonade is a must order!

Millennium Park

Free concerts from around the world every Thursday night this summer! Millennium Park is absolutely fabulous! It has a European feel and truly brings the city of Chicago together via the “bean”, its fountains and its many architectural beauties. In front of the performance stage, there is a grassy green lawn perfect for picnics! A group of us saw a performance of music from Africa and snacked on grapes, sandwiches and chips and guac. People around us were dancing, sipping on wine, lying on blankets and simply enjoying the music and people around them!

Moon Palace in Chinatown

We took the “L” straight to Chinatown and got off the train and saw Pagodas and ornate Chinese architecture amidst the smoggy backdrop of a big city. Bubble tea, trinkets and Chinese food were all over the streets of this community. We walked a couple of blocks to Moon Palace by way of a suggestion of a dining fanatic who has lived in Chicago for over 30 years. The place lived up to my expectations. I ordered scallion pancakes and Beef and Broccoli – the best I’ve ever had! It had a clean, modern interior with quick service and unmatched Chinese dishes! I definitely recommend you try it! It wasn’t expensive either. I paid around $7 for a lunch special – soup, rice and a HUGE plate of beef and broccoli.

Greek Islands

Packed, with a wait list to prove its worthiness, I was thoroughly impressed with the Greek Islands restaurant. The food is served (somewhat) family style and most of the staff is Greek. This restaurant near downtown is a must!

Bourgeois Pig in Lincoln Park

A great breakfast and lunch place that also serves milkshakes, coffee and other treats! Nestled in the community of Lincoln Park, Bourgeois Pig is the perfect alternative to a Starbuck’s and a great place to start off a summer day. After we ate in the restaurant, we grabbed a couple of sandwiches to go and homemade rice krispie treats from the café, and headed for a picnic about 4 blocks away on the lawn of the Arboretum. After finishing our upscale-quality sandwiches, we headed next door, to the city’s zoo (which has free admission) for an hour of animal viewing followed by a 5 minute walk to the beach! A truly productive and wonderful day!

Shopping on Armitage

A bit upscale but nothing extremely high end, Armitage Street in Lincoln Park proved to be the perfect place for a little afternoon shopping. We started out in the CO-OP by Barney’s, a few blocks off of Armitage. We then made our way down a couple of blocks until we came to Armitage itself. Storefront after storefront of posh, fun escapes from the busy shopping of the Loop area downtown line the streets. Another plus: It’s a stop on the L!

Cubs Game

Not much is needed to be said about this, but if you’re in Chicago head out to Wrigleyville for some fun and hopefully a game! (only if you’re there during baseball season).