The Palmer House lobby is a great place to relax. It has comfortable furniture and a low key setting. But most of all it provides a rich classic Chicago setting. The building has a long history. It is the third Palmer House hotel built in Downtown Chicago and opened in 1925. It was designed by … Continue reading Enjoy After Work Drinks at the Palmer House
Empire actor Jussie Smollett should face serious consequences for his actions. He faked a hate crime. That wasted the time of Chicago Police, tarnished the reputation of the city and made things more difficult for people who are genuine victims of hate crimes. None of that is to be taken lightly. To illustrate the gravity … Continue reading Jussie Smollett Should Do Time
It is amazing how Western Avenue transforms for the South Side Irish Parade. Normally it is a busy, wide main street like so many others in the city. But when it closes for the parade it takes on a close-knit community feel. The street is lined with large crowds. Many of the people know each … Continue reading Experience the South Side Irish Parade
All sandwiches are not created equal. One only need order an Italian Beef from a local hot dog stand or gyros restaurant to be convinced of that. What you get is often relatively dry and bland. A visit to Johnnie’s in Elmwood Park will, by comparison, be a religious experience. According to Metromix people with … Continue reading A Real Italian Beef
Jewel-Osco has introduced a new mascot: JOJO. Someone should have told them that a character conceived in a pool of nuclear waste is not very appealing. What made them think that a furry one-eyed monster would excite the masses? The positive impact on business is difficult to comprehend. It is hard to say what kind of … Continue reading Jewel-Osco’s New Mascot?
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago has an excellent museum in it. But you cannot easily tell from the outside. Staff at the FRB of Chicago’s Money Museum say this is because the bank will not allow any external signage. The musuem has something for everyone. For people interested in history there are many interesting … Continue reading Chicago’s Hidden Museum
Almost nobody uses bike lanes in Chicago. Yet the government goes on spending money installing them across the city and suburbs. Merriam-Webster defines a pipe dream as an illusory or fantastic plan, hope, or story. Clearly that is what is happening here. Over the last two years Practical Chicago has taken photos of unused bike lanes at about … Continue reading Bike Lanes are Not Worth the Money
After a period of uncertainty the future of the Kwa-Ma-Rolas totem pole is now secure. This Lakeview landmark has presided over the eastern terminus of Addison Street, at Lake Shore Drive, since 1929. The current totem is a recarving of the original. James L. Kraft, founder of Kraft Foods, procured the original during his … Continue reading The Totem Pole Lives On
The 606 Trail definitely adds something to the city. This project took an abandoned railroad right of way and converted it into an amenity that has pumped new energy into surrounding neighborhoods. Anyone who ever passed over the railroad right of way on a CTA train before conversion knows that it was a stagnant eyesore. … Continue reading The 606: A Great Addition to Chicago
Construction is underway at the Diner Grill, located at 1635 W. Irving Park Road. The long-time Chicago restaurant suffered a fire last Christmas Eve. Shortly after it was announced they would reopen within two months. That deadline came and went with no apparent action. Adjusting an insurance loss often takes time. So that seemed the likely … Continue reading Diner Grill Looks to Return