Cultural Chicago

Description:

Guests at The Palmer House Hilton found the beds to be extremely comfortable with down bedding and plump pillows. The hotel is located within walking distance of Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Michigan Avenue. The red line train and bus stops are also nearby. The size of the rooms are hit or miss with some guests complaining that they are small while others brag about how spacious they are. Most agree that the bathrooms tend to be large. In late 2010 there were reports of bed bugs in the hotel, so call ahead. Additionally, the hotel is being renovated so try to get a newer room if you can.

Our Local Expert Says:

Not only is the museum great for art lovers, the performances are not to be missed. World class performances are hosted by the MCA year round that are always cutting edge.

Description:

Located in the heart of the loop, The Museum of Contemporary Art brings today's most innovative visual work ranging from painting to sculpture to live performance. Pieces date from 1945 to present day, with works by famous artists like Andy Warhol. The MCA's permanent 2,500 piece collection focuses on a broad sampling of modern art in a variety of medias, and also shares works by great Chicago based artists. The performance series spans a wide scope from around the world as well, featuring artists like Philip Glass. Culture, history, and art become one at the MCA, sparking a great venue for new ideas and discussion. The MCA also features a great dining experience at its' restaurant Puck's, led by Chef Wolfgang Puck.

Our Local Expert Says:

It's like eating at Spiaggia (one of the best restaurants in the city) without paying for it. A little more casual than its fancy-pants sister upstairs, Café Spiaggia is a great spot to slip away from the hustle and bustle of North Michigan Avenue below. Great Italian food.

Description:

This is fine dining on the Mag Mile, without having to go overboard on the cash or the clothes. Right next door to the posh cafe is its smart, sophisticated and casual sister Spiaggia. And don't worry casual still means stylish, exquisite decor. The Chef Partner Tony Mantuano and Executive Chef Missy Robbins have teamed up to create a fantastic menu with items including Gamberi Al Forno Con Rosmarino, Aglio E Cannellini (Wood-roasted shrimp with rosemary, garlic, and white beans) and Branzino In Acqua Pazza (Oven-poached fillet of striped bass in a spicy broth with thyme and sauteed spinach). Don't miss the pasta dishes.

Description:

Chicago has two giant black buildings with observation decks- the Willis Tower downtown, and the John Hancock Center, which is at the top of the Magnificent Mile. Both are popular with tourists, but given its location in Chicago's main shopping district, a visit to the Hancock Center can be more of an afterthought than a planned excursion. Visitors must pay a fee to visit the observatory, but can go to the Signature Room, a restaurant on a floor above the observatory deck, for "free" with the purchase of a drink at the bar (or an expensive meal, if you prefer). The views from either the observatory or the Signature Room are impressive, and on a clear day visitors can see up to four states- Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and, of course, Illinois.

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No trip to Chicago is complete without a stroll down North Michigan Avenue, or "the Magnificent Mile" to those in the know (which includes most, if not all, tourists). This stretch of almost a mile to the north of the Chicago river is home to most of the city's powerhouse retailers, which attract locals and visitors year-round. It is worth noting that all land to the east of Michigan Avenue is landfill; it was built up from debris from the Great Fire of 1871. Also of note is the Chicago Water Tower, located at Chicago and Michigan Avenues, which provided much of the water to put out the Fire. For a break from shopping sprees, head beneath the street to the Billy Goat Tavern (stairs are at Illinois Street) for a cheezborger.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you are in the mood for a relaxing day, Millennium Park is the perfect place for a afternoon picnic, where you can take in the art and architecture. In the summer catch a performance at Pritzker Pavilion, while enjoying a bottle of wine with friends from the Great Lawn.

Description:

Chicago is full of must-see attractions, but at the top of the Can't Miss list is Millennium Park. It debuted in 2004, several years overdue, but it was worth the wait. It is a true gem, right downtown between Michigan Avenue and the lake. One can easily spend an afternoon just sitting on the benches at the perimeter of the Pritzker Pavilion, stare at their warped reflection in Cloud Gate ("The Bean" to locals), and watch the rotating faces in Crown Fountain spew water every five minutes or so. Immediately to the south of Millennium Park lie the Art Institute and Grant Park, which all together would make for a wonderfully relaxing day. If you only have time for one of the three, though, do not pass go, do not collect $200- without going to Millennium Park.

Our Local Expert Says:

No trip to Chicago is complete without a trip to Cloud Gate, or "The Bean" as locals call it. Soon after its unveiling in 2004, it was closed off in portions so that the rivets could be buffed out. Now it is a seamless sculpture, reminiscent of one giant fun-house mirror. When you're finished here, head over to the Crown Fountain in the spring and summer months to take in the walls of smiling faces.

Description:

This popular sculpture in Millennium Park has become a landmark of Chicago's cityscape. Ever since the public first glimpsed the then-unfinished structure in 2004, its unique appearance has drawn a great deal of both criticism and praise. Designed by British artist Anish Kapoor and forged from steel plates that have been polished to a mirror-like finish, Cloud Gate has been affectionately named "The Bean" by city residents because of its legume-like shape. At 66 feet long, 42 feet wide, and 33 feet high, this is one mighty bean, weighing in at 110 tons. The highly reflective surface and curved shape create an effect similar to that of a funhouse-mirror, distorting the shape of curious onlookers and making it a popular attraction for children of all ages. The sculpture often takes on a life of its own as its surface reflects Chicago's skyscrapers and the blue sky.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you are eager to learn more about the city, these tours are a pleasant and fun way to do so!

Description:

Chicago's architecture is world famous. Luckily, the Chicago Architecture Foundation offers first-rate guided tours to help visitors understand what makes this city's skyline so special. The foundation offers walking, bike, boat, and bus tours to more than 60 architectural sites and environments in and around Chicago, led by nearly 400 trained and enthusiastic docents (all volunteers). I highly recommend taking at least one CAF tour while you're in town -- they help you look at (and appreciate) the city in a new way. Tours are available year-round but are scheduled less frequently in winter.

One of the CAF's most popular tours is the 1 1/2-hour Architecture River Cruise, which glides along both the north and the south branches of the Chicago River. Although you can see the same 50 or so buildings by foot, traveling by water lets you enjoy the buildings from a unique perspective. The excellent docents also provide interesting historical details, as well as some fun facts (David Letterman once called the busts of the nation's retailing legends that face the Merchandise Mart the "Pez Hall of Fame"). The docents generally do a good job of making the cruise enjoyable for visitors with all...

Description:

Part sleek dining room, part sultry nightclub, Nacional 27 showcases the cuisine of 27 Latin American nations including Venezuela, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Brazil. Rich walnut and bamboo woods and gauzy curtains lend a tropical air to the grand dining room, which has cozy booth seating and tables arranged around a central dance floor. The innovative drink menu will get you in the mood: You'll find classic mojitos, sangrias, and trendy martini variations. For starters, there are a variety of skewers, ceviches, and empanadas; good choices are coconut-crusted shrimp and scallop-and-shrimp ceviche with avocado. The entrees are divided into steaks, seafood, and "Latin Comfort Foods," which include stick-to-your-ribs selections such as grilled pork tenderloin with corn-mushroom flan or honey-chile glazed duck. (Some of the food can be quite spicy, so ask before you order if you've got extra-sensitive taste buds.) Nacional 27 heats up on Friday and Saturday nights after 10pm, when a DJ spins fiery Latin tunes and couples take to the dance floor.

Our Local Expert Says:

Famous for its alumni, Second City will have you rolling on the floor and keep you entertained, plus the drinks and food make the experience complete.

Description:

Chicago is famous for comedy, and it has Second City to thank for that. Almost every famous comic to come out of Chicago spent time at Second City before they "hit it big." A few famous alumni include Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, and Steve Carell. Don't miss the revue on the mainstage (does not play on Mondays), sure to skewer politicians local and national in the most hilarious way possible. As a general rule, Chicago politics equals comedy gold. Be sure to get to the theater about 30 minutes ahead of showtime, as seating is first come, first seated.

Description:

A sophisticated café serving classic American cafe cuisine in an art deco ambiance that invites you to linger.

Our Local Expert Says:

Even if art is not your thing, you must visit the Art Institute for its brand new Modern Wing that overlooks Millennium Park.

Description:

You can't -- and shouldn't -- miss the Art Institute. (You really have no excuse, since it's conveniently located right on Michigan Ave. in the heart of downtown.) No matter what medium or century interests you, the Art Institute has something in its collection to fit the bill. Japanese ukiyo-e prints, ancient Egyptian bronzes, Greek vases, 19th-century British photography, masterpieces by most of the greatest names in 20th-century sculpture, and modern American textiles are just some of the works on display, but for a general overview of the museum's collection, take the free "Highlights of the Art Institute" tour, offered at 2pm on Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday.

If time is limited, head straight to the museum's renowned anthology of Impressionist art, which includes one of the world's largest collections of Monet paintings; this is one of the most popular areas of the museum, so arriving early pays off. Among the treasures, you'll find Seurat's pointillist masterpiece Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. The galleries of European and American contemporary art include paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Willem de...

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Another spot very popular with Chicago Symphony Orchestra patrons and musicians, Russian Tea Time is far from being the simple tea cafe that its name implies. Reading through this family-owned restaurant's extensive menu is like taking a tour through the cuisine of czarist Russia and the former Soviet republics (for Russian neophytes, all the dishes are well described). The atmosphere is old-world and cozy, with lots of woodwork and a friendly staff. Start off a meal with potato pancakes, blini with Russian caviar, or chilled smoked sturgeon; if you can't decide, there are a number of mixed appetizer platters to share. For the best sampling of old Russia, try the beef stroganoff; kulebiaka (meat pie with ground beef, cabbage, and onions); or roast pheasant served with a brandy, walnut, and pomegranate sauce and brandied prunes. If you want to extend your meal well into the night -- and have the stomach for it -- you can order one of the restaurant's "vodka flights," three 1-oz. shots of chilled, flavored vodka; the staff will even show you the authentic Russian way to down them.

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Built during World War I, this 3,000-foot-long pier was a Navy training center for pilots during World War II. Now, the military aura is long gone, replaced with a combination of carnival attractions, a food court, and boat dock, making it a bustling tourist destination (whether or not that's a good thing depends on your tolerance for crowds). If you do make it all the way to the end of the pier, though, you'll be rewarded with great views of the city.

Midway down the pier are the Crystal Gardens, with 70 full-size palm trees, dancing fountains, and other flora in a glass-enclosed atrium; a carousel and kiddie carnival rides; and a 15-story Ferris wheel, a replica of the original that made its debut at Chicago's 1893 World's Fair. The pier is also home to the Chicago Children's Museum, a 3-D IMAX theater (tel. 312/595-5629), a small ice-skating rink, and the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. The shops tend to be bland and touristy, and dining options include a food court, an outpost of Lincoln Park's popular Charlie's Ale House, and the white-tablecloth seafood restaurant Riva. You'll also find a beer garden with live music; Joe's Be-Bop Cafe & Jazz Emporium, a Southern-style barbecue restaurant...

Description:

If the Love Boat ever docked on Lake Michigan's shores, it would look a lot like the Odyssey Cruise Line. While you will not find Captain Stubing or Gopher from the television show on board, you will find one of the city's most romantic cruise ships. The four-deck ship, with its sleek white sides and black tinted windows, is easily spotted from shore. The two- or three-hour cruises usually include fine dining complete with a four-course meal. Entertainment varies and features a mixture of fine classic jazz, piano or contemporary music.

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Fulton's on the River is a classic Chicago Seafood and Prime Steak House with an unparalleled devotion to procuring nothing but the best quality ingredients. The finest seasonal oysters, fresh from the water seafood and 100% USDA Prime Beef are all served with an unrivaled view of the Chicago River and the sparkling Chicago skyline. Whether you're a guest in the dining room, Bridge Bar , exclusive wine room or on the outdoor Veranda, our servers anticipate and accommodate, creating an extraordinary experience. Fulton's on the River is a great place to celebrate! With seven distinct event spaces to choose from, accommodating parties of all sizes, Fulton's on the River is an ideal venue for corporate and social functions that will please the palate and the eye with its fantastic views.

Our Local Expert Says:

Located right downtown, lighting up State street every night, it is definitely an elegant theater offering a variety of upscale performances.

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"The best of both worlds" is the phrase that best summarizes this classic Loop theater. It is opulent enough to appeal to the most discriminating of tastes, but refined enough to satisfy the most discerning theatergoer. It is too bad that recent years have not seen the stage shows to match. The biggest draw here a couple years ago was Donny Osmond in "Joseph." Since then, the Chicago Theatre has fallen off in presenting new shows as more theaters start to crowd the new Theater District. However, concerts are frequent, and an occasional movie is shown here on its giant screen. Hours vary with showtimes.

Description:

Guests at The Palmer House Hilton found the beds to be extremely comfortable with down bedding and plump pillows. The hotel is located within walking distance of Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Michigan Avenue. The red line train and bus stops are also nearby. The size of the rooms are hit or miss with some guests complaining that they are small while others brag about how spacious they are. Most agree that the bathrooms tend to be large. In late 2010 there were reports of bed bugs in the hotel, so call ahead. Additionally, the hotel is being renovated so try to get a newer room if you can.

Our Local Expert Says:

Conveniently located downtown to help begin your Chicago exploration.

Description:

The Chicago Cultural Center was built in 1897 as the city's public library, and in 1991, it was transformed into a showplace for visual and performing arts. Today, it's an overlooked civic treasure with a basic Beaux Arts exterior and a sumptuous interior of rare marble, fine hardwood, stained glass, and mosaics of Favrile glass, colored stone, and mother-of-pearl inlaid in white marble. The crowning centerpiece is Preston Bradley Hall's majestic Tiffany dome, said to be the largest of its kind in the world.

The building also houses a Chicago Office of Tourism visitor center, which makes it an ideal place to kick-start your visit. If you stop in to pick up tourist information and take a quick look around, your visit won't take longer than 15 minutes, but the Cultural Center also schedules an array of art exhibitions, concerts, films, lectures, and other special events (many free), which might convince you to extend your time here. A long-standing tradition is the 12:15pm Dame Myra Hess Memorial classical concert every Wednesday in the Preston Bradley Hall.

Guided architectural tours of the Cultural Center run at 1:15pm on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Description:

Known as "the city of neighborhoods," Chicago is home to 77 diverse community areas, each with rich cultures and traditions. Explore vibrant communities and learn about heritage and ethnic backgrounds on four-hour walking tours that visit national landmarks, world-class museums and enthralling architectural sites. Special tours covering various historical aspects of Chicago's culture are also available. Topics include 'Women of Chicago', 'The Great Chicago Fire', 'Italian Heritage' and 'Roots of Chicago Blues, Gospel and Jazz'. Tour destinations vary each week, so call for information. Tours are not recommended for children under 8. Obtain tickets at the Chicago Cultural Center or call to make a credit card reservation.

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"A Taste of Italy...Unchained!" With three locations in Chicago, this place is all Italian, all the time. Except for dinner. This location is for breakfast and lunch only, and caters to a large number of professionals with generous sandwiches, salads, pastas and pizzas. The decor is predictably Italian-themed, with tastefully bland portraits of old farmers and bowls of fruit hanging on the walls. The tables, like an authentic Italian caffe, can be too close together at times, and fill up quickly.

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An architecture river cruise is a perfect activity for sunny spring and summer days, and is fun for the whole family. Tour goers are treated to a 90 minute description and back story of how Chicago literally rebuilt itself after the Great Fire of 1871. Each tour guide will add his or her take on some of the buildings discussed, as well as the heavyweight architects behind them. Remember sunscreen!

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This theater, one of the flagship attractions in the historic Century Shopping Centre, has multiple screens that feature independent and foreign films for your viewing pleasure. For a more enjoyable experience, sit back and relax with popcorn and a soda from the refreshment stand. For film times, ticket prices and further information, do check out their website.

Our Local Expert Says:

Hop Leaf is a welcome change to your run-of-the-mill bar in Chicago. Beer snobs flock here, and if beer's not your thing, there are lots of other options that are different than standard mixed drinks. Don't miss the mussels or frites.

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If you don't know your Farmhouse from your Trappist or your Abbey-style ales, or perhaps, more importantly, if you do, then Hopleaf should be your next destination for a goblet or two. In addition to an extensive list of Belgian beers available on tap (over 15) or by the bottle (over 100), this tavern also features beers from all over North America and Europe. If beer isn't your thing (gasp!) then check out the wine list; Hopleaf features a number of wines available by the glass or bottle. Of course, with all this drinking you'll probably want to do a little eating. A few standout features on the menu include the mussels (white-wine steamed or white-ale steamed, your choice) and the frites with aioli.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great history, great music, great fun!

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This is the absolute best place to see jazz in Chicago! The Green Mill is a former speakeasy from days of Prohibition, where it was the headquarters Chicago gangsters, including the infamous Al Capone. Also famous for being the location where Joe E. Lewis was attacked with a knife. The ornate, sophisticated, and dark atmosphere has not changed much from the old days, and neither has the music. It has definitely upheld its mission to uphold a "mix of down-to-earth friendliness and class." There are different regular acts every night, with Big Band swing on Thursdays, Sabertooth Jazz Qunitet on Saturday and Sunday after 1am, and even a Poetry Slam on Sundays.

Description:

Guests at The Palmer House Hilton found the beds to be extremely comfortable with down bedding and plump pillows. The hotel is located within walking distance of Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Michigan Avenue. The red line train and bus stops are also nearby. The size of the rooms are hit or miss with some guests complaining that they are small while others brag about how spacious they are. Most agree that the bathrooms tend to be large. In late 2010 there were reports of bed bugs in the hotel, so call ahead. Additionally, the hotel is being renovated so try to get a newer room if you can.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is another fantastic understated Chicago museum that provides a great way to see another perspective of Chicago history.

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Located in Chicago's famous Hyde Park, the Dusable Museum of African American History, founded in 1961, is named after a black Haitian fur trader who settled along the Chicago River, becoming the first non-Native settler to do so. Set within Washington Park the museum was founded to preserve the contributions of African Americans and today unites African American art, history, and culture. The museums galleries feature 15,000 pieces of painting, sculpture, and memorabilia by African and African American artists. The museum also offers performances, discussions, workshops, and festivals.

Description:

This place is a perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon or weekend. Bring a picnic and enjoy the children's playground areas, fishing pond, basketball courts, and baseball diamonds. A three-story water slide and figure-eight spray pool are favorites with kids in the summertime. A dozen fountains shoot water as high as seven feet in the air from the shallow end of the pool. The DuSable Museum of African American History is also located here.

Description:

Don't judge Harold's by its dingy, slightly scary interior. Harold's sells what may be the best Fried Chicken north of the Mason Dixon line. Smothered in your choice of mild or hot sauces, served with fries over white bread, this is the stuff homesick South Side Chicagoans dream of when they are out of town. Working stiffs and University of Chicago professors alike can attest to the appeal of this greasy ambrosia. Numerous locations can be found around the city.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you only have time for one museum, the Field Museum is it. Full of history, excitement, and exploration!

Description:

As part of the Museum Campus on the lakefront (in addition to the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium), the Field Museum of Natural History is always at or toward the top of the list when it comes to popular cultural attractions in Chicago. The Field Museum was originally named the Columbian Museum of Chicago for the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893, but changed its name to honor Marshall Field, its first major benefactor, in 1905. Since 2000, the Field Museum has housed Sue, the world's most complete and best preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex to date, in its main hall. The building itself was designed by famous Chicago architect Daniel Burnham, the mind behind the White City at the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Admission is free on the Second Monday of every month, and on additional days throughout the year as designated on the Field's website: www.fieldmuseum.org/plan_visit/free_days.htm.

Our Local Expert Says:

Enjoy getting sprayed by the 150 foot plume on the hour. On summer nights, stop by while walking through Grant Park to take in a show of sorts: fountain sprays choreographed to 780 colored lights and recorded music by the Grant Park Symphony and Chorus. Our local has been treated to a surprise rendition (her surprise, anyway) of the 1812 Overture.

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Graceful sea horses spray jets of water into the lagoon that surrounds what is perhaps Chicago's most beloved public piece of art. Philanthropist Kate Buckingham commissioned the fountain in 1927 in honor of her brother Clarence. Its design parallels one of the fountains at Versailles Palace in France. You may, however, recognize it from the intro to "Married with Children." Recently renovated, the fountain has been returned to its former splendor. At night, it becomes gorgeously illuminated, drawing crowds from May 1 (or earlier if warm) until mid-October.

Our Local Expert Says:

The cuts of meat are fresh, tasty, and huge, so go hungry. The dining room is dark and can get loud, but it's a friendly loud — everyone's having a good time there.

Description:

Romantic, European, fun, cozy, and savory can all be found at Lakeview's Tango Sur, a lovely Argentine steak house. The restaurant has several rooms to make your meal more private and intimate. The food is amazing with empanadas, steak, and flan. Patrons marvel at the quality of the steak, which is always cooked to perfection. Plus, the restaurant is BYOB, so bring your choice of wine to accompany your dinner!

Description:

From the music played before the show starts, to the live organ music played on the weekends, to the twinkling stars and wispy clouds projected overhead, a trip to this theater can be a romantic trip through time. Every month, the schedule is crowded with a huge variety of films, including foreign films, American art films and classics. The theater has been known to show such outlandish things as a 1970s 3-D adult film for the midnight and cult crowd. See website for show times, event calendar and more.

Description:

Guests at The Palmer House Hilton found the beds to be extremely comfortable with down bedding and plump pillows. The hotel is located within walking distance of Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Michigan Avenue. The red line train and bus stops are also nearby. The size of the rooms are hit or miss with some guests complaining that they are small while others brag about how spacious they are. Most agree that the bathrooms tend to be large. In late 2010 there were reports of bed bugs in the hotel, so call ahead. Additionally, the hotel is being renovated so try to get a newer room if you can.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you are traveling in the winter Garfield Park is a great place to warm up and enjoy some artful vegetation in the dead of winter.

Description:

The Garfield Park Conservatory is often referred to as "landscape art under glass" and is one of Chicago's best kept secrets. Off the beaten path, it is located on the West Side and is easily accessible by the CTA Green Line. In the late 19th century, each of the three large parks on Chicago's West Side (Garfield, Humboldt, and Douglas parks) had their own conservatories and greenhouses, but over 20 years they were not kept well, became obsolete, and were demolished. For their replacement, the Parks Commission decided in 1905 to build "the largest publicly owned conservatory under one roof in the world" at Garfield Park. The Conservatory now houses several natural landscapes; impressive among them are the Palm Room and the Fern Room.

Description:

Kamehachi is Japanese for 'eight turtles' - a symbol of long life and good luck. This hip joint offers the standard Japanese fare which includes tempura udon, ten zaru soba, yaki udon, and many more; it also features a massive sushi bar. All in all the restaurant offers you an opportunity to explore authentic Japanese flavors and styles, but in very contemporary settings!

Description:

Watch Chicago grow from a 1779 riverfront trading post to a modern-day, world-class metropolis. The Chicago Historical Society features dynamic exhibits, films, videos and performances that trace the city's history and culture. Visit a fur trader's cabin in the "Hands-On History" gallery and learn more about the abolition of slavery in the American History wing. Exhibits cover the city's different neighborhoods, the Great Chicago Fire and much more.

Our Local Expert Says:

The lakefront can get crowded here in the summer time; watch for rollerbladers and bikers when crossing the path.

Description:

Cross over the North Avenue Bridge from Lincoln Park, pause to admire the stunning view of Lake Shore Drive and Michigan Avenue, and then head to the beach to stake your ground for summertime fun. Left to crumbling and rust for many years, the North Avenue Beach House was recently restored. Shaped something like a boat, the beach house contains restrooms and snack bars. If swimming and sun bathing is not your thing, try matching wits with one of the players at the vintage chess pavilion near the beach house.

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Foodies flock to the namesake restaurant of chef Charlie Trotter, Chicago's first celebrity chef. Yes, he's done TV shows and authored a series of cookbooks (with almost impossible-to-follow recipes), but Trotter's focus is this restaurant, a shrine to creative fine dining.

There is no a la carte menu, so this is not the place to come if you're a picky eater. Your only choice is to decide between the vegetable ($135) or grand ($155) degustation menu. Trotter delights in presenting diners with unfamiliar ingredients and presentations, and prides himself on using only organic or free-range products (so you can feel good about indulging). The entree descriptions signal Trotter's attention to detail; sample dishes from a recent menu include steamed Casco Bay cod with cockles, picholine olives, artichokes, and stinging nettles; and roasted saddle of rabbit with fingerling potatoes, turnips, and mustard greens. Be prepared to linger: Dinner here can take up to 3 hours. The dining room may be formal, but the overall attitude is not intimidating. The wine list is extensive, and a sommelier is on hand to help match wines with each course.

For a taste of Trotter's gourmet fare without the high...

Our Local Expert Says:

Get down and dirty in this large blues bar that has non-stop music between two rooms, and some of the best blues musicians in the city. Get ready to dance!

Description:

Chicago is the home of the blues, and Kingston Mines is the prime location on the North Side. First established in 1968 as a coffee shop, Kingston Mines is now located on busy Halsted with two stages, two bars, and two dance floors. Patrons can get down with some of the most established Chicago blues artists and fresh up-and-coming talent. Besides drinks, you can also indulge in a great menu of southern comfort food. Kingston Mines always makes for a memorable night out of great music and dancing!

Description:

This tiny club houses big talent. The throngs of people lining up to get in on weekends are a sure sign of this. Chicago has always been known as a blues town and blues has a rocking home here. Come hear Son Seals if you can. He plays here often and may very well be the best blues guitarist in the country. Other acts in the past have included Little Ed and Albert King. The music starts at 9:30p.

Description:

Guests at The Palmer House Hilton found the beds to be extremely comfortable with down bedding and plump pillows. The hotel is located within walking distance of Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Michigan Avenue. The red line train and bus stops are also nearby. The size of the rooms are hit or miss with some guests complaining that they are small while others brag about how spacious they are. Most agree that the bathrooms tend to be large. In late 2010 there were reports of bed bugs in the hotel, so call ahead. Additionally, the hotel is being renovated so try to get a newer room if you can.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you are visiting in the summer, you must spend a day at the beach and take a dip in Lake Michigan. It is clean, there is food on the beach, and even palm trees. You will be wondering if you are actually in the big city!

Description:

With so many beaches to choose from in Chicago, make sure to put this one at the top of your list. There is plenty of room for lounging, playing volleyball, and running with the kids, all while you take in great views of Lake Michigan, Lake Shore Drive, and the Hancock building. Plus, enjoy food from Avenue, the adorable cafe right on the beach. The beach is also within walking distance of Gold Coast museums, restaurants, and fantastic shopping. This beach is also never quite as crowded as the North Avenue beach just 1/2 a mile away.

Description:

Modeling after settlement houses in London, Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr built their "Hull House" in 1889 in what was then a poor, immigrant district of Chicago. Countless immigrants passed through its doors, learning English, citizenry, music, dance, art and a host of other skills, both for fun and practical reasons. Benny Goodman first picked up a clarinet there and Clarence Darrow, another social reformer, often gave lectures. Today, Hull House is owned by the University of Illinois at Chicago and is open as a museum. Pass by late at night and you may spot the famous "Hull House Baby" peering at you from the third floor. Legend has it that the baby's father was a devil. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

Our Local Expert Says:

Graceland is not just a run-of-the-mill cemetery. Even an untrained eye can tell that the memorials here are one-of-a-kind.

Description:

Graceland Cemetery is the final resting place of many of old Chicago's elite. Graceland opened in 1860, and the tombstones and monuments of some of those buried there are quite spectacular, reflecting the opulence of their time. Notable tombs and memorials include those of Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe (all architects), Potter and Bertha Palmer, Marshall Field, and George Pullman. Pullman's tomb was reinforced with concrete and railroad ties so that angry workers could not exhume and desecrate his body. An urban legend says that the statue at Inez Clarke's burial site sometimes disappears, and some have reported seeing a little girl in period dress wandering the grounds.

Description:

Once upon a time, before Potter Palmer relocated to the swampy North Side around Schiller Street, this was the premier residental street in Chicago for the social and economic elite. George Pullman, Philip Armour and Marshall Field are but a few of the luminaries who once dwelled on what was considered Chicago's Fifth Avenue. Stately houses with gilded lobbies and huge mansions were the norm before the turn of the century. Today, this part of the city is tired, ravaged by years of economic blight and poverty. Still, parts of this once fabled stretch of road are intact and worth a look. Tours are run by the Chicago Architecture Foundation (+1 312 922 3432) and the Glessner House museum (+1 312 326 1480.)

Description:

If you are interested in the rich African-American culture and history of Chicago, this tour will show you some of the landmarks at its roots. The two-hour tour includes stops at the Oliver Baptist Church and the surrounding Bronzeville area, the A. Phillip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum and Louis Farrakhan's home.

Our Local Expert Says:

The awards and reputation speak for themselves - a foodies paradise.

Description:

Critically acclaimed Blackbird is home base for Executive Chef Paul Kahan, winner of the James Beard Award for Best Chef of the Midwest in 2004 and nominee for Outstanding Chef in 2007. Blackbird's principal partner, Donnie Madia, crafted a unique atmosphere of urban chic that earned the James Beard Award for Best Restaurant Design and Best Restaurant Design Graphics in 2004. Chef de Cuisine Mike Sheerin joined Kahan in the kitchen in 2006. Together they reinterpret classic recipes using simple, local, farm-fresh ingredients & cutting-edge culinary technology to create a menu both highly creative and utterly approachable. The premier pioneer West Loop restaurant, Blackbird's award-winning cuisine, high energy and precise service offer a modern approach to fine dining that has earned a place on Gourmet's 2004 list of the country's 50 Best Restaurants, an Ivy Award from Restaurants & Institutions and induction into the Nation's Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame.

Description:

Located in the heart of the River North, Cyrano's is one of Chicago's finest offerings. Styled like a typical Parisian bistro, a meal here would definitely transport you to the city of lights. Chef and owner Didier Durand has taken great care in selecting the exquisite food and wine menus. Dunard famously spoke out against the foie gras, by saying that you may not find it your check but you'll find $16 potatoes. Enjoy a grand five-course meal with items, such as Chilled Lobsters, Baked Frog Legs with Garlic and Crumbs, Smoked Duck, and Israeli Couscous - perhaps you'll discover some other $16 worthy treat in one of your dishes. And to complete the French tradition, there's an assortment of desserts and cheese to choose from. A live band, cabaret performances and comedy shows while you dine ensure that you return to Cyrano's over and over again.

Description:

Originally presented as a gift to the Art Institute, this theater is now the oldest and largest not for profit theater in the city. A new, much larger location, in the heart of the theater district, opened to rave reviews. While many students have honed their craft at the Goodman School of Drama, the theater has also won much acclaim for major productions like "Death of a Salesman" with Brian Dennehy as Willy Loman, and the annual production of "A Christmas Carol." Productions are of consistently outstanding quality, under the guidance of art director Robert Falls and his committed staff of associate directors and artistic staff.

Our Local Expert Says:

This reasonably priced bar in the Drake Hotel gives a wanderer a welcome respite from Michigan Avenue. The service is excellent, and why wouldn't it be — it's in a five star hotel.

Description:

Tucked inside the Drake Hotel, this is one of the city's most elegant bars. It is not hard to believe that this dimly lit bar with its Old World charm dates back to the early 1930s. Order up a martini, find a cozy table and bask in the swank of this experience. The menu features limited seafood selections, including a rich, flavorful clam chowder that is particularly satisfying on a cold day.

Description:

Bistro 110 enjoys a prime location just a half-block west of North Michigan Avenue. Although a harbinger of the now-booming bistro trend, it's really too large and pricey to be considered an authentic bistro, but it does have a bustling energy that I find invigorating. The menu covers a broad price range and includes several bistro classics such as escargots in puff pastry, mussels in white-wine sauce, French onion soup, cassoulet, and steak au poivre. While other restaurants chase the latest foodie trends, Bistro 110 keeps certain dishes on the menu year after year -- such as the decadently hearty Beef Wellington with a rich port demi glaze -- and that's just how the regulars like it. The wood-roasted items, including a savory half chicken and a bountiful roast vegetable plate, are consistently good. Although the menu touts "la fameuse" crème brûlée, there's nothing that really distinguishes it from its many cousins. Other desserts include chocolate mousse, lemon and apple tarts, and a massive Gâteau Paradis au Chocolat, a decadent mix of chocolate cake, caramel, and toffee (which satisfies chocoholics like me far more than the crème brûlée). On Sunday the restaurant hosts a popular...

Description:

Locations all over the city, thin crust and deep dish, and mostaccioli to die for--Giordano's is known for being at the top of Chicagoans' "best of" lists, particularly when it comes to pizza. Stuffed to the brim of its flaky golden crust, the deep dish at Giordano's won't disappoint--try the Special (sausage, green pepper, and onion) or the Hawaiian (Canadian bacon, pineapple, and onion). Definitely start off by sharing a family-style salad to get your greens in, and if you can possibly manage to save room for dessert, savor some tiramisu. Not in the mood for pizza? Try one of their meatball or Italian sausage sandwiches.