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June 06, 2007
10 favorite things about Chicago
For the past few months, as Jackie and I contemplated moving the Church to Austin, we often reflected on the many things we love about Chicago.
In the spirit of generating some online word of mouth, here are 10 things we love about the city.
1. Chicago skyline. The city's skyline is a smaller version of Hong Kong's, but it's still unmistakable thanks to the Sears Tower and the Hancock Building which bookend the Loop, with a rich history of architecture in between. Whether we're driving in or flying in from a roadtrip, seeing that skyline is always impressive. Take a look at the work of the multi-talented Trey Ratcliff (who's based in Austin, no less) for some painterly Chicago skyline photos.
2. Michigan Avenue. It's home primarily now to national retailers (a few locals, like popcorn retailer Garrett's, are hanging in there), but Michigan Avenue is still charming. The landscaping is elaborate and the sidewalks and streets are magically free of debris and garbage. Any time of the day or year, the thousands of people who stroll along the Miracle Mile (who witness plenty of guerilla marketing in action) create a spectacle, even if some of the street musicians play the same three songs over and over.
3. Second City. Chris Farley, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, John Candy, John Belushi... they're a fraction of Second City's noteworthy performing alumni and a testament of how strong talent and management turned a cabaret theater into a thriving entertainment complex of staged and improvised comedy. SC continues to be the mecca for aspiring comedians to develop their writing and performing work and perhaps find themselves launched into the tubes of stardom. There's really no such thing as a bad show at Second City.
4. Old Town. Our favorite neighborhood in the city. As something of a common-sense buffer between the Gold Coast and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, Old Town is old school. It's earthier than the older Gold Coast and calmer than the younger and brasher Lincoln Park. Old Town is also home to the Second City theater as well as a strong lineup of locally owned restaurants and cafes.
5. Goddess and the Grocer/Cru. A Gold Coast gem, Goddess and the Grocer is a takeout place for upscale food. The polenta and jalapeno corn cakes are light and fluffy, and the goddess chicken is simply sensual, among many selections. Cru is the store's companion restaurant. The restaurant's menu is somewhat small, but the wine menu is extensive. Plus, Cru's outdoor seating extends for nearly a half-block, perfect for Rush Street people-watching.
6. Goose Island Beer Co. One of Chicago's homegrown success stories, Goose Island produces 14 complex (and tasty) beers. When John Hall opened his brewery in 1998, he understood the power of transparency -- customers could watch the brewing process up close. His operation and the beer have grown almost exclusively due to word of mouth; Goose Island beers are sold in 15 states and Hall runs two restaurant-bars in the city.
7. Gibson's. It's the quintessential Chicago steakhouse. Never have we had poor service, an incorrectly cooked steak or a dessert that wasn't as big as our heads. (I have a large head.) It seems as if the stars of every visiting pro sports team eats at Gibson's, too, so you may see a recognizable face at the bar or in the dining room.
8. Cinnamon rolls at Ann Sather. If you can't tell by now, we think food is a big part of what makes Chicago great. A dessert chef at a restaurant in California's wine country told us a few years ago that she and a friend had recently taken a 48-hour eating tour of the city because they kept hearing about all of its great food. Here's one stop we highly recommend on any eating tour: The cinnamon rolls at Ann Sather. They're made fresh daily at his casual restaurant and served with a typical overly generous helping of icing. They're almost a meal unto themselves (which we sheepishly admit has happened more than once).
9. Chicago taxis. A peculiar choice, perhaps, but Chicago taxis are in plentiful supply, cheaper than parking your own car (about $20 for an hour in the Loop), and rarely cause concern for your life. They seem to be easier to hail than in New York and less expensive than any other comparable city.
10. Midway Airport. When I first flew into Chicago in 1999 while contemplating my move here from Dallas, I arrived at Midway Airport. To call Midway the equivalent of a third-world airport then would have been generous. Inside, it was either sweltering or freezing. The interior design was depressing. The terminals were constantly jammed. Its primary restaurant was a sad and tired hot dog stand. The Midway of today is a beacon of modern airport design. Filled with natural light, Midway has wide terminals, easy pick-up and drop-off access and much-improved dining choices. Plus, more gates. It's easy to get to nearly any major or mid-tier city from Midway. On our many expected return trips, it'll be through Midway.
What are the 10 things you love about your city? Post 'em on your blog and spread some word of mouth for the things you love.
P.S. We'll be at Cru on Thursday, June 14 starting at 5:30 pm, hanging out one of the last times before we pack up for Austin if you want to stop by.
Other blogs that reference 10 favorite things about Chicago:
» http://stevedragoo.typepad.com/steves_blog/2007/06/notable_quote_m.html from Solutions Talk
Notable Quote: My kinda place, Chicago is my... - Frank Sinatra Great Blogpost from Ben McConnell and Jackie Huba today in Church of the Customer Blog. Can't figure out why they left Garrett's Popcorn off their Top 10 list... [Read More]
» A Winsome Windy City Blogpost... from Solutions Talk
Notable Quote: My kinda place, Chicago is my... - Frank Sinatra Great Blogpost from Ben McConnell and Jackie Huba today in Church of the Customer Blog Can't figure out why they left Garrett's Popcorn off their Top 10 list... [Read More]
Your comment about the taxis made me think of this:
I live in Boston but came to Chicago to talk to ad agencies and Tribune, a client. Coming out of the Tribune building I spotted a black and white car parked right across the street, with a light on top. Great, I thought, just when I need to get the airport in a hurry, one of your plentiful taxis and I don't even have to flag it down.
I poked my head into the passenger-side window and saw a guy in a uniform. Police car, not taxi. Sorry officer, just a stupid Bostonian . . . don't mind me. . . .
Great post, guys. My folks great up in Illinois and met at Northern in DeKalb, so I've spent a lot of time in the Windy City. Go Cubbies!
That said, I make my home in the greater Seattle area, and love it here. My top ten list for why I love Seattle is below:
http://mattonmarketing.blogspot.com/2007/06/10-great-things-about-seattle.html
Damn you. All I'm trying to do is stay tight in KC and save $ for a wedding/honeymoon/life and now I'll have to schedule a trip to Chi-town.
I live in Indiana, about an hour and a half drive south of Chicago. I'm also one hour north of Indianapolis, so I am a short drive from two great cities. I love Chicago for many of the same reasons - clean city, Michigan Ave., Second City. I'll have to visit the eateries you mentioned next time I hit town. If I wanted to add somthing to your list it would have to be the Clark St. record & CD shops.
And I visited Austin once. I'm sure you'll like it, but a good used CD shop is hard to find in Austin.
Good CD shops in Austin? Umm.. Waterloo records or Cheapo's!
And when I said, take me with you, ya know, back home to Austin (from Chicago.. I knew I moved the wrong way) I meant it!
I still can't believe you are leaving!
Well, what I love most about this town is the balance between metropolitan and accessible. It's not too big or small. Just right. The weather on the other hand should be more balanced. :)
We'll miss ya. Best of luck with the new location.
I've never been to Chicago, but this post made me really want to visit! Great blog, by the way!
Great post about a great city. Growing up east of Chicago in Indiana I cherish the memories of trips to the big city. Garrett's popcorn, Michigan Ave, Wrigley Field, the lakefront are just a few landmarks that have a special meaning to them.
However, no trip was complete without a meal eating our favorite Chicago pizza.
Thanks for a great post that recalled great memories. I think I'm off to Chitown!
Great list. Just moved up to Chicago about a month ago. You've given me some great ideas of places to check out.
I work in Old Town and absolutely love it!
Great Post! I lived in Naperville (moved in 2004) and now live in Northern NJ...35 mins from NYC. What a difference trying to hail a cab in NYC is like digging for gold in Ohio.
I miss the friendliness of Chicago and the fact that the city doesn't completely shut down with 2 ft of snow...but I really miss the great Sangria at Iberico on N. LaSalle!!!!
I love Chicago -- a great place to visit from nearby Pittsburgh (nearby via air, anyway). Old Town is a great neighborhood.
I wrangled up some cast members from our web sitcom and we compiled a list of 10 Things We Love About Pittsburgh -- thanks for the prompt!
Thanks for the post. We are going to Chicago later this month for the first time. I will check out some of your favorite places, thanks for the recommendations.
If you are ever in Pittsburgh you will want to check out some of the following places:
1. Primanti Brothers - the best sandwich on earth
2. Station Square
3. PPG Place
4. The North Shore
5. Shenley Park / Frick Park
6. Shadyside / Squirrel Hill
7. The view from Mt. Washington
8. The Cathedral of Learning
9. The Omni William Penn Hotel
10. The various kinds of architecture around the city
I can't believe you guys are leaving Chicago - I guess you'll need a new picture for your blog? Too bad, because whenever I'm in Millenium Park I think of you two!
You guys inspired me to make my own list:
http://lorisworld.typepad.com/lori_bourne/2007/07/ten-thing-i-lov.html
