Showing 1 - 10 of 164 Results
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Fabulous Food and Great Service Make Any Birthday Sublime
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Review of: Five Forks
At the last birthday celebration of my friends and family, we decided to try a new restaurant in our area, Five Forks. We could not have chosen better. This upscale restaurant features a great range of choice of wine by the glass (including champagnes and other bubblies), has a great ambiance (white linens and candles), great service, and best of all, great food. Its unassuming location has prevented a mob scene, but once the word gets out, it is going to be standing room only. Food choices ranged from Wolfgang Puck-style pizzas to fresh fish, all for under $20 per entree. Dessert was great, with a small but excellent selection. Our waitress was perfect: helpful but unobtrusive. I'm sure there'll be many more celebrations here for me!
- Posted on 1/23/2007
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A Taste of Germany at Home
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Review of: Rathskeller Der
This unusual restaurant has been around for quite some time, and even with road construction on Auburn Street right outside its door, it continues to do a thriving business. Of course, being a German store and restaurant, you can purchase all the German goodies you long for, but my reason to visit always seems to be breakfast. Breakfast is served downstairs at cozy wooden tables that look like they were lifted from some Alpine village; the fare is simple: eggs, a variety of German sausages, rye toast, Lyonnaise potatoes, and (for those who prefer it) Reuben omelets. Service is excellent and attentive to empty coffee cups and other needs. This is a great place to meet your friends for a Sunday...or holiday...breakfast.
- Posted on 9/3/2006
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All the Films You Really Want to See
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Review of: Facet Multimedia
Facets is a real treasure for Chicago film lovers. This theater screens both old and new foreign films that you want to see but can't find in any mainstream theater. It's difficult to park around here, better to cab it. They offer a membership with discounted tickets, and if you like their offerings, you probably want to consider it. They also have a movie rental section, with some great choices. A friend brought me here, and I am so grateful he did. It's now one of my favorite places.
- Posted on 6/30/2006
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Built in 1800s and Still Kicking
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Review of: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum
Tinker Swiss Cottage is a charming house, dating back to 1865. It's a favorite jaunt for local school groups, so try and pick a day when you can look at things without it seeming like a madhouse. This charming house offers so many 19th century treasures and insights into life back then. From mundane chores like ironing to entertaining in the parquet-floored parlor to the production downstairs, there is much to charm you. They maintain a turn-of-the-century garden out back, and a favorite time to visit for everyone is the summertime ice cream social. Don't overlook this museum, even if you saw it back in 4th grade, there's always something new to discover.
- Posted on 6/30/2006
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Great Lunch or Tea in the Country
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Review of: Elderberry Tea Room
Elderberry Restaurant & Tea Room is a beautiful old house that has been converted to a charming restaurant that also serves tea. There is a small menu, and this is undoubtedly the kind of place that ladies prefer, but the food is very good, the service is excellent, and there's shopping on site. What could be better? They have a sweet garden in the back to enjoy in the nicer weather. My only complaint is that Elderberry is not open on Sunday. There's been a few times I've driven by on a Sunday and wanted to stop in.
- Posted on 6/30/2006
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Best of the Arts from Illinois Artisans
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Review of: Illinois Artisans Shop
This shop is a wonderful place to buy gifts that you can be sure come from Illinois. I love craft fairs, but what happens when the weather gets cold? Here is the answer for the Chicago shopper. The Illinois Artisans Shop is located in the Thompson Center on the second floor. More than 500 Illinois artists are selected to display and sell their wares here. This is an amazing place to look around; they carry ceramics, photography, textiles, baskets, paintings, and more. Kudos to the state for sponsoring this wonderful store.
- Posted on 6/30/2006
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Stadium of the Bulls
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Review of: United Center
The United Center is where the Chicago Bulls basketball team play their home games. I must preface this review by saying that I am the biggest non-sports fan around; I don't follow any teams, don't know the rules of any games, and prefer tennis any day to basketball. That said, I really enjoyed my visit to see the Bulls play the Lakers (back when Shaq played for them). I had never been to a professional sporting event of any kind except tennis, and I was amazed at all the action that goes on in a place like the United Center. There is a barrage of advertising, and anytime there is a break in the game, there is some kind of entertainment or raffle being held on the court. I would suggest a few cocktails to ease you into the experience. It was a fun night out. Would I repeat it? Hmmm...maybe, and that's saying a lot for someone who doesn't like sports.
- Posted on 6/30/2006
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Great French Bistro Fare
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Review of: Bistro 110
Bistro 110 is the closest you can come to a French wine bar in Chicago. Parking is a problem, but find your way here somehow. Chef Dominique Tougne's bistro dishes are simple but delicious. You can find great seafood, steak and frites, and other typical cafe dishes. They have a great wine selection, and this is a great place to transport yourself from the Chicago Loop to an outdoor Paris cafe for a glass of wine and a chat with an old friend. It can be very busy on the weekends. I recommend this very cozy restaurant with its wood-burning oven, for some classic French food and wine.
- Posted on 6/30/2006
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Good Food, Great Wine
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Review of: Bin 36
I've eaten here several times (once on New Year's Eve), and have always had a good meal, but the real reason to visit is their outstanding wine collection. Wait staff and sommeliers are very helpful with the wine selection. You can order by the bottle, glass, or try a flight (small tastes of several bottles). They have a very cute store with wine accessories up front, although the items tend to be overpriced. The bar is a very fun, busy spot and attracts the biggest crowds. You can probably have better food elsewhere in the city (try Blackbird, Alinea, Charlie Trotter's, Cafe Bernard), but this location is close to the House of Blues, so if you've got tickets for a concert, this is a perfect spot for a little pre-concert dinner or a post-concert cocktail.
- Posted on 6/30/2006
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Great Home Decorations and Furniture
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Review of: Z Gallery
This eclectic mix of furnishings, housewares, and furniture will remind you of Pottery Barn with a slightly funky approach. They have some great sales where you can pick up great gifts (think frames, candlestick holders, pillows, dishes). I got some great plates with an Eiffel Tower design here, small beaded lampshades, and even a purse made of bamboo. Its a great change from the typical mall stores. This is a great place to buy a wedding gift that will stand head-and-shoulders above the rest of the crowd.
- Posted on 6/30/2006
