To Do - Chicago

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[todochicago]

Patio Theater

I grew up in the Regal and AMC dominated land known as suburbia. All I ever knew in regards to going to the movies was a minimum thirteen screen multiplex. I didn't get to the theater often as a child, so when we did go, it was quite the special experience. I remember being in awe of the ticket booths, the neon signs, the life size cardboard cutouts, arcade games, and the super long concession stand. Lately though we seem to be entering an era where that special theater experience has begun to vanish. Many say the future is in home theaters, I however have a new growing interest in a different movie experience. That experience is the revival of 'movie palaces.' A few years ago, when I moved to Chicago, I began to notice marquees and theaters all over the city that looked abandoned. I'd go home and do my research on them. I discovered stories of the great histories behind shuttered places such as the Goldcoast Theater and the infamous Uptown Theater (the largest movie palace in the United States). I thought to myself how amazing it would be to reopen one of these old places for the public to come in and enjoy once again. After thousands of dollars in repairs, last June, owner Demetri Kouvalis reopened the doors to Portage Park's Patio Theater (built in 1927). The single screen, 1500 seat auditorium is beautiful with its starry skied ceiling and classic movie palace facade. The lobby and ticket booth are built to match. The screen size rivals just about any you can find in the multiplexes downtown. Sure it's about an hour away from the loop, but to experience old Hollywood at $5 a ticket for a movie thats only 3-4 weeks old is a steal. On top of that, concessions are half the price that they are at any other theater in the city. I've been going to the Patio quite a bit lately and its quickly become a favorite place of mine.

Currently they are trying to raise money for the purchase of a digital projector so that they will be able to continue to show new release films after the studios complete the digital distribution transition next year. They are doing this by doing special screenings of classics in their original 35mm state. So far they've done Back to the Future, The Blues Brothers, and Jurassic Park (which I went to see and was an amazing experience on the big screen with an audience for the first time). I know for fact that this will continue throughout the summer and am pretty sure it will continue throughout the rest of 2012. If you want a different movie going experience than the multiplex you've been going to for years, make sure to put The Patio on your to do list. Where is it? 6008 W. Irving Park Rd. Chicago, IL 60634 http://www.patiotheater.net

[todochicago]

Chicago's Dog House

Don't tell anyone, but even though I live here I simply do not like "Chicago Style" hot dogs at all. This makes me feel pretty out of place in a city full of hot dog joints that pride themselves on their vienna beef, celery salt, pickle, tomato, onion, mustard, and relish covered creations. Finally though I have found a place that highlights their own specialties along side the local tradition.

Since 2009 Chicago's Dog House has been serving up all kinds of unique eats. You can order novelties such as alligator or kangaroo sausages. Even rabbit and wild boar have been on the menu at times. Each of these "gourmet" offerings run $6.50 a pop. Don't worry though, you don't have to be that daring. There are at least a dozen more traditional options on their menu that run from $2.50-$3.00 each. I enjoy sticking with my usual order, the snoop dog - covered in chili and cheese. No matter what you get you have to make sure to grab a side order of their delicious homemade frips (a fry/chip hybrid).

I think the prices at this place are a steal. Depending on your order, you can get a hot dog, frips, and a drink for just $5. That's not a common price for a full meal here in the city. And, since they're located right on DePaul's campus, they are open till 3am thursday-saturday so us college students have the option of picking up a late night snack. Even the Food Network has featured their restaurant (watch the video below)! Where is it? 816 W. Fullerton Ave (btwn Halstead & Lincoln Ave) Chicago, IL 60614 1/2 a block east off of the Fullerton Red/Brown/Purple line stop http://www.chicagosdog.com/

[todochicago]

Mr. Beef on Orleans

Chicago is a city famed for its italian beefs. There are countless chains that have spread around the Chicagoland area which sell the food. I have tried many of these such as Portillo's and Al's and not been too impressed. I feel the best and most authentic italian beef you can find in Chicago is at Mr. Beef. Jay Leno even claims this is a must stop restaurant for him whenever he's in the Windy City.

Each of the times I have gone I've simply requested an Italian Beef Sandwich "the way I'm supposed to have it." I'm pretty sure what they've given me is simply their Italian Beef sandwich with sweet peppers. I'm not usually a pepper fan, but this sandwich makes that void. There is not much else I can say for this restaurant. It's not an experience place - just a simple "hole in the wall" joint. I suppose my readers just get my opinion in this article. Mr. Beef sells one of the best tasting beef sandwiches I have ever had. That's that.

Where is it? 666 N. Orleans (at Huron) Chicago, IL 60654 (one block west and two blocks south of Chicago Brown Line Stop)

[todochicago]

iCream

It's different than any other ice cream you've had before. Rather than selecting from preprepared tubs of frozen dairy or a flavor lever on a soft serve machine, at iCream, your dessert is actually custom made instantly in front of your eyes using...liquid nitrogen!?!? Confused as to how? Allow me to break it down.

You select a base flavor or two (such as chocolate and banana). These two flavors are pulled from test tubes using syringes and put in a beaker together.

Next is the type of either ice cream, yogurt, or sorbet (in the off season they offer warm pudding). This decision determines which type of dairy they put into the beaker (you also have the options to go dairy and/or sugar free).

Part three is to choose your toppings (options include fresh fruit, candies, or other yummies such as graham crackers or nuts).

Lastly is to choose your color. That's right...you get to choose the color of your iCream. Want purple mint chocolate chip? No problem. How about orange green tea? They'll do it.

Once you're done making all of the difficult decisions above, they pour the contents of your beaker into a mixing bowl. At the press of a button the machine begins to spin and liquid nitrogen shoots down to turn the mixture into a tasty treat right before your eyes.

Now that you get the concept, I'll throw in my own thoughts. iCream is a cool place to take out of town guests to show off the city but it probably won't become a regular stop in your ventures around Chicago for two reasons. Price and wait. Each creation will cost you between $4-7 and on a weekend the wait can be around 20 minutes. If you have the time and the cash, iCream is delicious and fun (I personally suggest trying the key lime pie iCream). The name says it all, iCream is YOUR ice cream – instantly made to order! Where is it? 1537 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60622 http://www.icreamcafe.com

[todochicago]

Hollywood Mirror

Need a wig, cowboy boots, or an 80's prom dress? How about a godzilla themed lunchbox, fabric patches, or teenage mutant ninja turtle action figures? Hollywood Mirror in Lakeview is a go to store in the city for anything costume or vintage related. Although I've never actually purchased anything from the store, I will usually stop for a visit if I'm in the neighborhood. I look at it as a treasure chest. You never know what you're going to find amongst their mass supply of trinkets. One day it could be pretty picked out and the next you could get lucky and find gold. You don't know unless you look.

Because of its ever changing selection of merchandise, I can't tell you if you'll like Hollywood Mirror or not. I like it because its just one of those stores that couldn't exist in a small town. Only in a city do you have so many people around that would buy enough quirky products to keep this store in business. If you're the type who has fun looking at thrift stores or random knick-knacks, chances are you too will be glad you stopped in to take a peak at Hollywood Mirror. Where is it? 812 West Belmont Avenue Just one block east (towards the lake) of the Belmont Red Line stop.

[todochicago]

Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool

Need a break from the hustle and bustle of Chicago without going far from downtown? Check out the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. What I love about this little one and a half acre park is that often I can have the whole place to myself. It's very peaceful. Sitting around for just a few minutes one can spot dragonflies, turtles, and butterflies. Around the end of summer and beginning of fall, you can see all the lily pond flowers. Overall I find it to be a great, quiet place to study or just take a break.

How can you find this tucked away "secret garden?" Make your way to the intersection of Stockton and Fullerton in Lincoln Park. Simply walk toward the lake. You should see it on your right just before crossing the next block (Canon Drive/Lincoln Park Zoo Parking Entrance). There is a gate to the Lily Pond made up of wood and stone that I hope is open when you go to visit!

[todochicago]

Pat's Pizza - South Loop

Chicago is known for having delicious deep dish pizza, but sometimes, I'm just not in the mood for that type of a "pie" (let alone the hefty price and 45 minute wait time it takes to make). What options are there other than the big chains like Dominos or Pizza Hut? My favorite local thin crust pizza shop is Pat's Pizza in the South Loop. I discovered the little Italian owned and operated shop last year when I lived right above it. Even now that I live in the North Side though, I still like to stop by and get something every now and then.

I've always been treated great by the employees at Pat's. Walk in any evening and you'll see how busy they are. That said, they are always super fast. From the time I place my order on the phone, it is usually ready for pick up in just 15 minutes. Another great thing, especially for college students, is that Pat's is open late (11pm on weekdays, Midnight on Friday and Saturday). Prices are competitive. Although they're not the cheapest pizza shop around, they are not expensive. I think you get quality food for the price you pay. They even deliver when you're in their range (Western Ave To North Ave; 31st St To Lake Shore Dr). If you are looking for what I think is some pretty darn good thin crust pizza for Chicago or even some tasty wings, I highly recommend Pat's. Phone: [phone] Address: 628 S Clark St, Chicago 60605

[todochicago]

Renegade Craft Fair

My freshman year, a teacher suggested I get out and experience Chicago before the great weather faded away. She mentioned that the Renegade Craft Fair would be occurring during the coming weekend. I went and I must tell you, if there is one Chicago festival of each year that I wouldn't want to miss, it would be the Renegade Craft Fair. Is it for you? If you've ever spent any time looking around Etsy.com, then yes. It's like that website comes to life. To quote a Yelp user, "here was a HUGE HUUUUUUUGE real-life internet browser window open to Etsy and I was free to walk around in it." If you want to just see cool arts and crafts or shop for something completely unique compared to what you could find in any store, Renegade is your best opportunity of the year. My biggest mistake was not bringing money and assuming everything would be expensive. In reality, I didn't find it hard to come across great deals on all kinds of things. Whether its clothes, accessories, photography, print products, letterpress...the list goes on and on. The fair is just large enough that you get the perfect balance of feeling like theres more to see, yet at the end of the afternoon, knowing you didn't miss out on something. Because of its size and variety, this is a great event to find unique gifts for family and friends.

Even if you you're not looking to spend any money, Renegade can be quite fun. You can try your hand at letter pressing, knitting, or other arts and crafts during a workshop or take pictures in the free photo booth. Sit and listen to the live music performances and take in the smell of all the good food from surrounding local restaurants. The fair is a great way to get out and experience what I feel is the usually more abandoned side of the Wicker Park neighborhood while its at its liveliest. •September 10 & 11, 2011 (11am-7pm) •Get off at the Division stop on the Blue line and walk west on Division. The fair takes place on Division between Wood and Damen. •I recommend you bring at least $15-$30 incase you see something you like – chances are you'll never see it again.