Posts by Lori Dake

It's no secret Chicago has a huge Polish population, many of whom speak English as a second language. Just go down to any public building around here, and you’ll see signs translated for them, along with the standard Spanish. There are so many Polish people here in fact, that it is believed there are more here than in Warsaw! Wow! With so many people, you’re guaranteed to find a plethora of good eatin' around here! So let’s get our pierogi, kielbasa and golabki fix on and check out some of these places below!

Podhalanka (1549 W Division): Okay, so the place looks like a total dump on the outside. Well, if that bothers you, then I say Fine! More Pierogies for me then! And potato pancakes! The place is just so charming inside, like what you’d expect to find at your Nanna’s house in eastern Europe someplace, which it does very well. One problem with that though is the pace at which everything runs around here is just about as fast as Nanna moves, but then again, you can’t hustle love into food. Of course, parking is a pain around here, but since it’s right by the Division Blue Line and just south of Hipster Central, it’s the sort of place you tap while you’re on the go and need some down time.

Red Apple Restaurant: You have two locations to choose from, but I prefer the one up north in Norwood Park, due to the parking issue, unless I’m already on foot in the other neighborhood. Either way, the food is always good and the wait staff are quiet, yet very polite. Just so you know, it is a buffet, in of which most Polish places are, but there is some table service involved. I will say though, if you are on any kind of a restrictive diet, you will be staring at a rather empty plate, because this is good, hearty and inexpensive food, and just about everything has meat or broth in it.

Jolly Inn: This is my other favorite place for buffet style Polish food. I think the blintzes here are better than other places I’ve been to, and the potato pancakes are kept in good rotation so as not to get mooshie from laying out too long. Again, no dieters welcome, because EVERYTHING has meat, butter and dairy on and in it; it does it’s best at being true comfort food. One thing that does irk me though is that even though it’s a buffet and you can eat all you want, each drink you get costs extra, and they don’t bring around enough water.

Peter Cottontail is packing up his gear and is getting ready to make his annual appearance, hiding eggs in just about every nook and cranny! Here's a list of fun-filled events of a secular nature the whole family will enjoy!

Celebrate Easter in the Parks! - Now through Saturday, March 22nd!: Pick a spot and go! The biggest event is down at Soldier Field this Saturday before the St Pat's parade, making it an egg-sellent way to spend time together and revel in the festivities!

Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club - Saturday, March 22nd at 10am: I remember going to this event as a kid, and I can tell you it was A LOT of fun! It's on Irving Park Road next to the river, where that HUMUNGOUS carnival is held every year! Mom and Dad will be up to their long, floppy ears with all the eggs the kids will be bringing home on this one!

Lamb's Farm Bunny and Easter Brunch - Friday, March 21st – Sunday, March 23rd: If you've never been to Lamb's Farm before, this will surely be a real treat for you all! And Easter weekend is even better! It's just a hop, skip and a jump north of the city, making the drive on the expressway so very worth it. (It also helps benefit folks with developmental disabilities to lead personally fulfilling lives.)

Easter Bunny Photos at the HIP - Now through Saturday, March 22nd: This is probably one of the nicest Easter mall displays around, so if you want to get your kids' annual photo taken, check this one out!

Breakfast with the Bunny at Brookfield Zoo - Now through Sunday, March 23rd: All you can east buffets every weekend leading up to Easter, and on the Big Day, photo ops with The Bunny are included, along with visits from his furry friends from the children's zoo! Seating is limited, so be sure to make a reservation!

Odyssey Easter Brunch Cruise - Sunday, March 23rd: Looking to step it up a notch for Easter Brunch where the kids can have fun at the same time? Then this might just be the perfect combo. It launches from Navy Pier, so if you really want to go all out, you can also take part in all the fun activities that's going on there as well! And don't forget to visit the Chicago Children's Museum while you're there and perhaps catch a flick at the IMAX at Navy Pier, too!

For many, Daylight Savings Time is one of those indicators that summer isn’t too long off, and with that is the looming dread of how many pounds have been accumulated over the winter. Well, buck up and buckle down! There are a lot of places around here that cater to your overall betterment, especially when it comes to fitting into that swim suit!

Galter Life Center: Looking to avoid the standard meat market mentality and want an affordable, accommodating and an attitude free atmosphere? Then head to Galter up on the north side. Besides the fact they offer a wide range of classes, machines, a lap pool and a track, their customer service is definitely something to tell all of your friends about! Not only will they remember your name and what you’re there or, but they don’t try to sucker you in on a bunch of add-ons you don’t really need. Oh and yes, this place is very clean and organized, too!

Bucktown Fitness Center: Two major great things that strike a cord with me are:
a) NO CONTRACT! Really! You get three free days to check it out, and you set up how you want to pay afterwards. Even if you want to pay by the day, that’s fine by them! How cool is THAT?

b) Free weights downstairs, machines upstairs. How nice is it for us ladies to peddle, peddle, peddle - without some meat head grunting behind you and staring at your keister? Seriously, this place is designed for getting into shape, not getting hit on!
I also like it for the simple fact that it’s a neighborhood gym and fitness center, where everybody and (body type!) are welcome. No real space for stretching unfortunately, but definitely worth the bucks.

Hapkido and Tae Kwan Do: Hiyeeee-YAH! Kick your butt back into shape the fun way, and you won’t even need a form fitting yellow jump suit to do it in! This place has been a mainstay in the city for generations, making it no surprise it’s also one of the most popular places to get your moves on! Try it out – the first week is free! And ladies, a third of the people here are women, so don’t be shy about getting a little extreme! An added plus is your “workout outfit” is comfy and can be very flattering and sexy to boot! Besides, that back of the mind worry you might have walking to your car in the dark will definitely become a distant memory. Now for those of you who think getting fit means you need machines to do it on, they have those too, and showers to match!

Just like that particular brand of breakfast cereal that promises to cater to your inner child while satiating your adult need to eat healthy, Chicago has plenty to offer those who want to plan a fun date that is also all about da love that never needs dressing up! Take a look at some of these fabulous fun and romantic dating ideas and see what sparks your interest!

Drive-Ins and Car Hops
Remember the excitement you had as a kid about going to a place like this? Well, now that you’re all grown up, you may think eating in the car is a major faux pas, but not so! You’re responsible enough not to get mustard on the seats, aren’t ya? Well then, let’s do this! There are a couple of these rare gems left around Chicago, and if the weather is cooperating, you two just might want to relive your youth, even if only for an hour or two!

Carnivals and Theme Parks
What girl doesn’t swoon over her man winning her a teddy bear? And how completely liberating and exhilarating is it to take that plunge 70 stories down at breakneck speeds? And admit it – even you fraidy cats like it when Frankenstein jumps out at you in a haunted house! Chicago is host to many carnivals throughout the summer, many for charitable causes, on top of full-scale theme parks just a short drive away. And you know what? Food always seems to taste better when served on a stick, even if it isn’t all that healthy.

Bowling Alleys, Arcades and Miniature Golf
So you’re not the most athletically inclined. Who cares at places like these! The idea of these games is not to win or lose, but to honestly have fun… and the more hokey, the better! And what’s more, many of these places are open 24/7 around here, because in Chicago, anytime is the right time to have a little fun! And hey – most of those pinball machines you loved as a kid were built here, too, many of which are still in action!

Sporting Events and Concerts
Rediscovering your youth almost always includes screaming at the top of your lungs, and aside from the aforementioned carnivals, these are the places to do so, right alongside hundreds and even thousands of other "adults" like yourselves! Whether it’s a favorite team or a rock concert, anything housed under a stadium is a great place to get the blood flowing! And surprise, surprise, us Chicagoans have plenty of events to choose from at venues of all sizes!

Here in the Windy City, there is just so much to see and do that nailing down your options for a fun date idea or two can get a little bewildering! After all, we are the third largest city in the US, so we need to be able to entertain quite a few people! But just like Momma always said, the best things in life are free (or nearly so); Chicago certainly surpasses those expectations, in spite of our unpredictable weather! Here are a few topics to get your gears churning while you’re getting your PlanJam on!

Sight Seeing
We sure do have a lot to see around here! Besides our towering skyscrapers, our plethora of cultural communities and numerous historical landmarks, Chicago is also host to nine museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, three major zoos and ten bird and wildlife gardens. What’s even better is many of these spots are in your own back yard! In Chicago, Man has intricately infused Nature together in perfect harmony. Aren’t you glad you live here?

Sports, Concerts and Performing Arts
Of course, let’s not forget about Da Entertainment! It’s no secret Chicago has plenty of great teams to root for and lots of great music to coincide with them, many of which are free or low cost to its residents! Of course, we also got our own version of Broadway, along with hundreds of movies being filmed here, which is why many major actors call Chicago home. So get dressed up (or down!), grab your sweetie and get out there!

Picnicking
Whether you are looking for a laid back afternoon under a secluded, shady tree or grilling up some mean burgers at the beach, Chicago has plenty to offer for everyone! With 33 fresh water beaches and 7,300 acres of public greenage, we sure do live up to our motto of being a City in a Garden! What’s more, so much of it can be appreciated in relative seclusion, allowing you and your date to really get to know each other on a more intimate level!

Getting Around Town
Leave the car behind and take public transit! Chicago has one of the best systems in the country, and just about every section of the city is connected by bus, train or passenger car, on top of all the cabs. You can also easily get just about anywhere on a bike around here, thanks to the glaciers flattening the landscape and for the City laying out designated biking paths on the streets as well as through the parks.

So, no matter where you two decide to go or what you want to do, there you are!

When people think of a romantic city, they’re probably thinking of Paris. Or Milan. Or even Casablanca. Well, all those fabulous locations have a little something more in common – they’re all sister cities to Chicago, and you don’t have to book a flight to ignite that flame! With so many superb restaurants located in tucked away neighborhoods that tap just about every culture, on top of all the unique beauty and brilliance, you certainly have nothing to worry about here! Take a look at some of these romantic date ideas!

Restaurants
Hungry? Then look no further than Chicago! Every appetite and budget is catered to here, from fine dining establishments overlooking the skyline to quaint, secluded corner bistros and everything in between, Chicago has something for whatever mood strikes you. What’s more, many of the best places in town don’t require reservations, so there is never an excuse not to go out and feed whatever craving you two may have!

Concerts and Performing Arts
There is simply no better way to polish off a great meal than to take in a show, be it at a jazzy night club or at a Broadway musical. Something in the middle, perhaps? Whatever you decide to do, you can be sure it’ll be a memorable evening! Of course, who could forget all the wonderful outdoor performances Chicago hosts in the summer, many of which are totally free!

Shopping
Looking for an exquisite piece of jewelry? How about a hard to find book of poetry? Flowers? Chocolates? Underground music? Whatever you need, Chicago has it, and shopping together to find such gems is a great way to make that love connection! Just be sure to bring the plastic!

Off the Beaten Path
One of the great things about Chicago is how there are so many beautiful parks, forest preserves, beaches, bike paths and trails to explore. Even in the dead of winter, the city is full of wildlife, if you just take a moment to see things the way Nature does.

Getting Around
While riding the Red Line train downtown may not seem to be the most romantic of things to do, riding a bike sure is, especially tandems! Any mode of transportation can be rented around here, even roller blades! Then of course, there are horse drawn carriages you can climb aboard, rickshaws, paddle boats and even yachts, many of which double as fine dining restaurants! Even if you two stick to your own two feet, any special place in Chicago is easily within your reach.

With the American palate in a constant state of change, seeking out a unique dining experience can be a real challenge when the kids are in town. You need to keep it on a budget, the food has to be quick, and you need to be able to score a parking spot. At the same time, you also need to be assured families are indeed welcome and the restaurant has something on the menu the kids will actually eat! Well I have some great news for you! I compiled a brief list of places to satisfy that special craving you got a hankering for that has booster seats at the ready! And since I’m also a mom, I made sure every restaurant listed is finger food friendly, too!

Ras Dashen: This Ethiopian restaurant has lots of mild and not too spicy items on the menu for them, and plenty of heat for you! The tables are spread apart enough so you don’t have to fold up the stroller, and the larger dining hall in the back is perfect for tots who can get rather vocal, without you feeling like you got dumped off into no man’s land.

El Cid: Show me a kid that doesn’t like tacos, and I’ll show you a kid that will happily eat here! The location on Milwaukee is better suited for families, since things are spread out a little bit better, and the parking at the CVS can’t be beat! Oh and mom – everything is cooked in vegetable oil, so this Mexican restaurant is even a little on the healthy side!

Andies Restaurant: Mediterranean never tasted so good, and these guys are sure to please! A lot of kids like falafel once they try it, and hummus and pita bread is an easy switch from chips and dip. And who knows, with all that Nom Nom Nomm-ing going on from you, they might just want to sample off your plate, too! (The Lakeview area has more ample seating and better parking!)

Manee Thai: Kids love noodles, so Thai is pretty much a gimme! What sets this place apart from other restaurants in the city is its location when it comes to being on the kid friendly side, since it’s housed in what used to be a family pancake house…so you know there’s plenty of space! That, and the parking in the area is pretty reasonable! Also, if you tell these guys to go easy on the spice and oil, they actually accommodate!

Gulliver’s: Give that pizza-hustling rodent the boot, because this place is not only makes a great pie, but it has a million other items on the menu, perfect for even the pickiest eater! There’s ample, free parking, plenty of seating, and lots of stuff to look at! Be sure to stop by Indian Boundary afterwards!

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past couple of months, you're well aware Illinois is now a smoke-free state. However, there are still plenty of places you can go where you are more than welcome to light up. Just keep in mind, they probably won't be selling food or alcohol, as 80% of their business needs to be coming from tobacco. Even so, here's a quick list of places to check out:

House of Hookah: Right on the corner of Belmont and Broadway, this hookah lounge offers 80 flavors of tobacco, along with specialty cigarettes for the world traveler in you. Oh and yes, while hanging out and chillin' with your friends, be sure to order up an espresso or tea! Or, go ahead and bring something in with you, because they're also BYOB!

Guess Hookah: Another place to hook up with a hookah and BYOB, this time in the Wicker Park area! This place is also a full scale retail shop in all that is sweet tobacco, just in case you want to revel in the ambiance in the comfort of your own home. The lounge also offers free Wi-Fi as well as plenty of games to while away the hours.

Sigara Lounge: This place is also in the Wicker Park neighborhood, but the difference here is, besides the tobacco, the coffee and tea, this place has beautiful belly dancers on Thursday through Saturday nights after 10:30! Not only is this place is the first of its kind here, but it's also the best: you can reserve a private booth, or lay back on the big throw pillows scattered in classic Persian ambiance!

Iwan Ries: Unless it's Cuban, you can get it at this downtown location, because these guys really do have everything! They're the oldest tobacconists in the entire country in fact! Their website really doesn't do this shop justice; you really need to see it for yourself! If you want a lunchtime break from the ordinary, come on in, do a little splurging and feel free to light it up right there and then... whatever "it" may be!

Capitol Cigar Store: Located on the corner of 63rd and Pulaski, this place is really hard to miss. The shop itself is nothing special, but trust me - you might want to bring the camera, because old White Owl will be sure to greet you! And ladies, that giant Indian (errr.. Native American!) likes it when you scope out what's under his loin cloth! (Your best viewing angle is from looking northeast from the front of the flower shop across 63rd!).

Find additional Hookah Bars & Lounges

Whether you met online, through a personals ad or got set up through a mutual acquaintance, a blind date is still a blind date. In these situations, it’s always best to meet in some open, public place and depart from there as well. It is also a good idea to select a location you like but don’t frequent and is not near your home. You never know if things will work out or not, and well… you might not want to take a chance on bumping into this person again. And don’t forget, before you leave, be sure to let someone know where you’re going. It also might not be such a bad idea to have that someone call you at a specified time, just in case you feel the need to pack it in early.

With that in mind, I have a few restaurant ideas for places that are slightly outside the regular stomping grounds and offer just the right amount of privacy, they’re light hearted and fun and, since you might be splitting the check, are not too pricey.

The Sphinx Café: I’ve yet to meet a person who doesn’t like falafel or kabobs, and for vegetarians and meat eaters alike, Mediterranean food is always a great choice! This place is an especially good choice, because belly dancing is just plain fun! And, if the night seems to be going well, feel free to stick around for when the place transforms into a night club!

Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine: If Indian food is on your mind but you want to take it up a notch, as well as guarantee finding a parking spot, be sure to hit this place up! The food is terrific, the $10 buffet on Friday and Saturday nights is really good, and the overall décor is quaint yet has a touch of class. Be sure to grab a mango lassi!

Addis Abeba: Ethiopian food at its most delicious and fun! It’s a great place to experiment something new while getting a sampling of something familiar at the same time. And communal, sans silverware eating is sure to strike up a conversation or two!

Al’s Char-House: If you like it big and beefy and ain’t shy about asking for a takeout box, then this is the place to go! And, there’s always the bonus of getting a great steak without breaking the bank!

Horan’s Snug: When Irish comfort food and casual dining is what you’re craving but you want to steer clear of the commercial and tacky, then be sure to give this place a try. And if you both also happen to be Karaoke lovers, then you’ll find yourselves in absolute heaven on Saturday night!

It’s no secret Chicago is home to a huge Irish population, whether residents are fifth generation descendants or new to the country, right down to our own mayor. So, it’s only fitting we host one of the most popular St. Patrick’s Day parades anywhere in the world, along with a second one specifically geared towards those who live on da South Side! On top of that, we have a plethora of Irish pubs and restaurants to choose from and even a highly regarded Heritage Center! So even if you don’t have an ounce of green blood in your system, there’s no reason to not go a little green and take part in one of the city’s largest celebrations!

9th Annual Chicago Irish Film Festival - February 29th – March 5th: Kick off the festivities by checking out some great films new and old down in Beverly! Whatever your taste in cinema, there’s bound to be something you’ll enjoy!

South Side Irish Parade - March 9th: This is how real people party, as the South Siders know they got it going on! Since many Chicago Irish are Catholic, it’s being held a week earlier than usual so the parade doesn’t clash with Palm Sunday. And hey, this way, you Heathens get over a week to party!

St. Patrick’s Day Parade - March 15th: They dye the Chicago River green around 10:45 and kick off the parade at noon. (Don’t worry – the dye is non-toxic!)

The Abbey Pub: Anyone will tell you, if you’re going to pull an Irish pub crawl, this place is a must have on da list! On the 17th, they have a huge party in store for you! St Patrick's Day Bash featuring Sand Carvers, Larry Nugent, Dave Dunne, Danny Bur- , Irish Dancers, Bag Pipers & more! Chicago's best St Patrick's Day Bash for over 25 years. Great music, dance and Irish fun. Traditional Irish food will be served. $10.00

Horan’s Snug: This charming little pub just outside the western city boundary serves up great food and karaoke on Saturday nights! Good brew selection as well!

Irish American Heritage Center: If you want a pint of the dark stuff and you want true Gaelic to go with it, then check this place out! They start partying on the 14th and head straight into Paddy’s Day itself! The 5th Province Pub’s inside the building and is open on the weekends; its authentic theme will really make you feel right at home!