Ryan is truly a man needing no introduction. Since the start of Sister Disco, I’ve known I wanted Ryan to contribute. He is someone that you want at every event because he’s simply certain to make it more fun. When we were last talking, Ryan mentioned that he loves being a tour guide to visitors. I was thrilled because I’ve been wanting to start a series focusing on what people love about where they live! So, we’re off – take us to Chicago, Ryan!
CHICAGO!
I started jotting down ideas and thoughts for this post while at one of Bucktown’s hippest hangout’s called Filter. This place is uniquely Chicago; it holds everything you would expect of an urban coffee shop and then some. Locally created art work adorns the walls with hand-written price tags and descriptions. Laptops and headphones can be seen from every angle. So keep the porn at home, because everyone can see your desktop background, dude. None of the furniture matches and it isn’t supposed to, because it was all bought from the neighborhood’s thrift stores. This gestalt is achieved by its lack of order and consideration, but really it’s the people that complete this picture. Students and service industry refugees, artists and musicians all keep their coffee cups filled and their pencils tapping at Filter seven days a week.
This is Chicago. This is my city. Let’s talk about it…
My favorite thing about this city is the unique character each neighborhood brings to the table. Chicago is organized on a grid of streets and boulevards that divide the city into no less than 40 neighborhoods. To be honest at least half of those are in what we call “the south side”, the half of the city that I never really visit because, well, it isn’t very safe. Now that I have over-generalized and offended south side natives, let’s move on with what most people see when they visit here: the north side and “The Loop”.
To get the most out of a visit to The Windy City, one must prioritize. There are so many things to do and see that without a game plan, you’re sure to miss out on a couple critical themes to this adventure. I’ve found it easiest to break it down into two categories: things to do and places to eat. Although it is easy to get around the city, it does take a fair bit of time to get from point-A to point-B. Therefore it is best to determine what to do, then figure out where to eat. With that squared away, let’s talk game plan…
The number one place to go, without fail, at any time of the day or year, is Millennium Park.
Completed shortly after its namesake year 2000, this is probably one of the nicest places in the city. Located in the heart of downtown only a few hundred yards from Lake Michigan, Millenium Park is a beautiful by every standard. On a sunny summer day the place is packed with people in every corner, usually with most attention focused around “Cloud Gate,” or as most people call it “The Bean.” I have been to the park and seen “The Bean” a couple dozen times and it NEVER gets old. Reflective and massive, this piece of art consistently evokes a smile every time I see it.
After tooling around the park, one might be in need of a quick bite to eat. Stroll on down to The Purple Pig. Only a few blocks down Michigan Ave, this small bistro has a creative menu of small plates that are all delicious. It’s a local favorite and well respected; so have a glass of wine from their extensive list and wait for a table, it’s worth it.
If weather permits, I would definitely recommend an architecture river boat tour. I’ve done these tours a couple times now and it is a really cool perspective from which to see the city. Full of trivia, anecdotes, and scandalous Chicago history, it’s a great way to get a handle on the architecture that makes up the city’s impressive skyline. Reasonably priced at around $30, it is a relaxing way to kill some time and learn a thing or two. And if that isn’t enough to convince you, price of admission covers a free drink. Sold!
Now that you’ve see the city from the lowest possible vantage point, its time to take it up a notch. Straighten your ties and button your blouses folks, because we’re going up 96 floors to get the best view in the city. That’s right, we’re going to The Signature Room at the top of the John Hancock Center.
Stacked amongst the clouds over 1,000 feet up, this view is seriously breath taking. The Hancock building has a great location near the coast line, which allows for panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the entire city. To get into the observatory, there is a one drink minimum per person. Drinks are overpriced and service staff is usually frustrated from dealing with tourists all day, but again, saddle up, because it’s well worth it.
After a cocktail or two you’re probably about ready to settle in to a nice warm atmosphere with delicious food and a mean wine list. Look no further than Vivo, a 20 year old Italian restaurant made up of veteran staff and perfected cuisine.
Exposed brick walls frame the dining room of the upscale venue, while white tablecloths and a single candle adorn each table. Vivo has employed the same head chef since day one, so believe me when I say the kitchen staff has these plates down to a science. They serve a truffle oil gnochi that is mind numbingly delicious. Throw in a little dessert and a glass of port, and you’ve got a dinner you’ll never forget…
This is just day 1, and you haven’t even left the loop yet! Needless to say…there will be more to come!
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I like the idea of living in balance between the head and heart, optimizing the full extent each has to offer. They are both such powerful forces.
Just imagine all the good that can come when they work together.
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