Posts by Lori Dake

No matter what time of year it is, there is simply no better place to stop to smell the roses, or any other flower for that matter! And in February, there is no better place to kick start Valentine’s Day than to visit the conservatory for chocolate tasting! Of course, because this place is encapsulated within beautiful glass walls, any time of year is a great time to go, and its proximity to city dwellers makes it a great place to go!

If you go in winter, this can become a true oasis for you! There are prehistoric ferns, water falls to step over, and a large display of rare tropical plants and flowers. Self guided tours are more than welcome, which allows you to get in touch with your inner green thumb. While it’s certainly not nearly as vast as the Botanic Garden up north, just the fact you can escape the weather outdoors for a couple hours, perhaps before heading into downtown for a nice dinner, is a treat within itself. Also, since it’s only a quick bike ride from Millennium Park, you two can really take in some of the best the city has to offer without having to take the car out at all!

This place is surprisingly huge, and in the summer, the grounds it is held on is quite stunning in its own right, complete with its own lagoon. What’s nice about this place, unlike most other gardens, is there is free and ample parking available by the main entrance. Be sure to take advantage of it before entering by strolling through the park. And hey – why not pack up a picnic lunch to round off your trip? There’s nothing quite like tossing the Frisbee around while munching on some tasty nibbles!

Since many families also attend this beautiful indoor garden and includes many programs for them, the best time for couples to go is on Thursday evenings. Also, the Green Line train has a stop just for the Conservatory, for those who’d rather leave the car behind. Granted, the surrounding neighborhood still has its element, but with more and more folks rediscovering this beautiful garden, off experiences have dwindled to a bare minimum.

If you really get into picnicking and enjoy some wonderful music, then head up north to Ravinia! Just about every style of music is represented here, with the crowds being just as varied, from cozy casual to sophisticated sheik, and everything in between. And yes, in case you wish to go more for the experience than anything else, there are even free shows you can attend! Steans Institute concerts and master classes do not even need tickets!

Whether you’re a country music fan, love a full orchestra or just want to sing along with the likes of Tom Jones or Jethro Tull, Ravinia is such a wonderful and captivating place to see them. The general audience is much more amicable than some of the squawkers downtown, with the bratty Kid-O-Meter registering at almost nil. Believe me, that tidbit of info can be very much appreciated when you’re trying to focus on each other and the soft music in the distance, instead of what everyone else is up to.

Now sure, there are folks who actually go to see the bands play, of which they are highly encouraged to get pavilion seating tickets. For the rest of us, get your nibbles and chairs together and head on over! While parking can be an issue, many folks forego this and either jump on the Metro train, ride in on their motorcycles or their bicycles, where parking thus becomes a non issue. Besides, this is a see and be seen event, so don’t be afraid to really go all out when it comes to your setup! A handy item many folks opt for, besides the insect repellent, is one of those instant picnic table and chair deals you can score at any drug or department store for as little as $20. It is so much better than the dewy grass wetting your behind! With that, some soft lighting and a pretty wicker basket filled with wine, crackers and cheese, you’re all set for a comfortable, casual and yes, very romantic evening under the stars.

And hey – if Jimmy Buffet is playing, be sure to hit the sporting goods store beforehand: they sell portable margarita makers and even sell unbreakable glasses to match! Don’t forget the parasols and that long lost shaker of salt!

“That old car’s worth money!” Anyone who grew up in Chicago knows the commercial by heart, since that same green beater of a ‘71 Chevy has had its door fallen off for almost thirty years now. Of course, a couple things have changed, that the car “may” be worth money now, and that there’s an area code provided with the phone number. But darn it if that bushy blonde hair, wide banded wrist watch and bell bottoms donned by the star of the commercial aren’t as vintage as the cars on the lot!

Victory is a gear head’s wildest dream come true, where just about any part you can possibly think of can be found here. Since this salvage yard has been in business since the’40s, those looking to find a hood or door hinge for a classic muscle car will certainly be able to find it - without having to pay ridiculous eBay costs or getting a second rate knock off.

Of course, the whole thrill of the hunt deal gets involved, wandering through all those acres of classic cars, not unlike hitting up a flea market with a shopping list of specific finds. I remember many a rainy day walking around with my dad, tracking down parts for him to bring to his mechanic buddy. Regulars head down with their tool sets strapped on and jeans tucked tightly into their grungiest mud boots looking to find that rare part at one heck of a deal. Yep, even in drought season, this place is pretty muddy, and one has to wonder if the oldest cars haven’t gotten sunken down by the Morlocks. But hey - who cares! This is the sort of place that pretension gets thrown right out the door, uhhh… if there was a door. Just keep an eye out for a car that looks like yours, bust out your tools, rip it off and bring it up to pay for it. It can’t get any more simple as that, and hey - it just plain feels good to recycle!

A bonus is the folks who work here are straight up honest and tell it like it is, especially when it comes to junking your car. Since the value of scrap metal has gone down over the years, the thing they’re really looking for is the wind shield. Even if you lost the title, they seem to find a way to buy your car, and will come out to you to pick it up and will provide a receipt.

Have you been noticing the same trend I have lately - that “Dive Bars” are in, but the places springing up are really more like a commercialized Crabby Ole Mondays than a genuine hole in the wall? Well, for those of you who are fed up with the wanna be’s can rejoice, because The Mutiny truly IS a dive! It’s dark, dank and really rank, where the pool is free, the drinks are cheap, there’s never a cover and the guy’s can claim the dubious distinction of relieving themselves in what is quite possibly the world’s largest urinal… one of which us rubber necking ladies feel the need to get a sneaky peek of!

This is a place where you can shackle yourself to the bar and get loaded from a mere twenty, thanks to the frosty half pitchers! At the same time, you can get acquainted with the regulars, some of which are really past the expiration date, all while admiring a dizzying array of local art on the drop ceiling tiles overhead - some of it is really impressive! Add to that a fun juke box that caters to just about every rockin’ taste and live bands that pass a pitcher around for tips (since they don’t charge at the door). How much fun can a group have when they really do want to slum it?

The bands that play here are usually of the Punkish persuasion, though 80s cover bands and metal acts do find their way inside. The tie that binds is the acts are all pretty much starving artists looking to get a little stage time, so don’t expect too many up and comers or bands traveling from anywhere further than the south side. However, just like the prizes in a Cracker Jack box, you never know what you’re going to get: probably nothing with much pizzazz but plenty of moxie to make up for it.

Now of course, that make shift stage in back looks like it’s ready to collapse at any second, the sound is pretty bad, there aren’t a whole lot of places to cop a squat, there’s a weird smell you can’t quite put a finger on and Fire Marshall Bill might have something to say about the crowds. But personally, I think it just adds to the charm. The people are genuinely nice and easy going, and the bands play their hearts out, hoping to rattle a few wallets in order to scrape up some gas money home. Really, this place is a whole package, and singling out all it’s ills and woes does not do it justice. Needless to say, elitists, germaphobics and A-List bands would probably rather find someplace else to go.

Elegance, sophistication, class and prestige: these are all the things you won’t find at Ronny’s! What you will find is a great place to sit down and grab a filling and satisfying meal with your coworkers, served on actual dinner ware, and won’t clean out your wallet. Just about everyone goes here at one time or another, many of whom are regulars, all chowing down on some good grub at great prices.

Ronny’s is a Chicago institution for decades that has been used and mentioned in numerous films. It is a frequent haunt of local celebrities and politicians, due to its proximity to the government buildings, train system hub and theatre and shopping districts. Of course, what keeps the place running is all the regular Joes and Janes that have come in over the years. It ain’t healthy, but it sure is good!

When you enter this cafeteria style restaurant, grab a tray and silverware and take a quick look at the overhead boards. Be forewarned most people already know what they want, so step aside for them! The 8oz T-Bone lunch special is what almost everyone goes for, seared on the grill to your liking, served with garlic bread, baked potato and salad. Tips and the super tender half barbecued chicken are also popular choices. Vegetarians who tag along may want to check out the giant slices of spinach and mushroom pizzas. Drinks are for a separate charge, which does include bottled beer and wine, though most look forward to their delicious fruit punch with watermelon wedges in the pitcher. Folks on a budget just bring their own.

What’s nice about this place is there is almost always a nice place to sit, with tall cushion backed chairs and booths, including an upstairs area with a giant TV. No one is in a rush to kick you out, and the bus boys make frequent sweeps to clear the table for you. Unlike most fast food joints, you are not expected to bus your own; when you leave, leave your plates and trays on the table. What a concept!

Now it’s been said by fine dining snobs that the steaks they hustle have a distinct possibility of being carved from Secretariat, but for $5.95, the price can’t be beat! The service is quick and attentive, the atmosphere is very cozy and casual, and you just might rub elbows with some of the city’s most important people. Including you!

What was once an almost completely hidden gem in the Loop, tucked away in the back of a jeweler’s mall, is now all the rave for those on the hunt for cheap lunch eats!

The current location is pretty dismal and gritty, but the food is so good that it makes you forget all about the horrible fluorescent lighting and tacky train station “artwork”, set up next door to that foul mouthed sailor’s cajun chicken joint. No, Oasis certainly doesn’t describe the surroundings, but one bite will make you rethink that first assumption.

If you have never had falafel, then make this your first experience! Try its fried, crunchy yet moist goodness in pita sandwich form; it will make you will lick your fingers after you polish off that last morsel! Or, go for the veggie combo plate, where you can get a taste of yummy stuffed grape leaves, hummus and a bit of salad with pita bread for dippin’. Other suggestions include the kabobs, be it in beef, lamb or chicken form, and the lentil soup is simply superb. It also happens to be one of the few places to locate an IBC root beer to wash down your meal, which I happen to be a huge fan of!

Since Middle Eastern food is traditionally communal, make sure everyone gets a little something different, so you can all pick off each others’ plates. This food mall has quite a bit of seating and is pretty loud, making it perfectly acceptable to be boisterous with your Mmmm’s! However, since the decor is less than inviting, I suggest getting your food to go, unless looks aren’t your number one priority when eating such a fabulous meal. Head over to Millennium Park when the weather is cooperating, or duck inside to the Cultural Center when it’s not. Of course, it’s always fun to bring something that awesome back to the office, so you guys can force your coworkers to bask in its intoxicating aroma while they relegate to their mushy sandwiches and stale chips.

It’s a pay day Friday and it’s 5pm. You and your coworkers need to shake the week off, and you need some joint nearby to knock back a few. Where to go? Hit that cool Olde Englishe Pubbe - Monk’s! (Yes, the extra “E’s” are tongue in cheek.) Okay I admit it - I’m a sucker for places that ooze that old world charm chalet regalia to them. It just feels so cozy! But there is a whole lot more to be had at this place than just its looks, because the food and drinks are so on time. And throwing peanut shells on the floor is just plain fun, okay?

When you open those gigantic wooden doors and walk inside this dark, charming pub, the steel city skyline and the roar of the overhead train can feel like it’s a million miles away. You crush peanut shells on the wooden floors as you scope out a spot and snatch up a bowl for yourselves. You may then notice the glass bottles in the walls, if your eyes have adjusted to the darkness. But if you haven’t, you have at least picked up on the smell of the burgers, and of the chatter and laughter from the other Loopers who are also looking to unwind for the weekend. That’s what this place is all about, and it does a good job of doing it.

Some folks tap this place during the week for their lunch breaks, but the service is rather mixed depending on how busy they get. However, you rarely wait more than fifteen minutes to get a seat, so if you have an hour break, it works out. Most people order the burgers here, be it beef, turkey or veggie - all of which are delicious! And curly fries are just plain awesome! If burgers aren’t not your thing, you can relax, as an extensive bar menu is available to accommodate all tastes. Try the portabella sandwich - it’s incredible!

If I need to point anything out about this place is that you can’t miss it, but no one else can, either. Therefore, it’s a good idea to nominate one guy from your group to leave the office early and scope out a spot for the rest of yas, because the happy hour crowd can really pack the place. And after that first encounter, you just might have to set up a rotation on that nomination, because it might end up being your group’s regular thang!

Have you ever found yourselves in one of these situations?

a) Your hair style probably makes your Grandma cringe, and your specialist stylist is no longer around.
b) You haven’t done a thing with your hair in years, and you want a stylist that won’t mess with the length you worked so hard to grow.
c) You’re sick of your current stylist cutting your hair a certain way, because that’s what he / she likes!
d) You’re a guy that likes his hair styled and not clipped, but you don’t want to go to a foux foux place to get it done.
e) You’re female as far as anatomy is concerned, but your style is anything but girlie!
f) You want an expert stylist that doesn’t make you gulp when you pony up to the register.

Then get your potentially sexy butt on the phone with the folks at Milio’s and make an appointment! They can make the impossible possible and have been doing so for decades! This is the number one place in town that really does “get it”, no matter what “it” may be, and do it in a fun and crazy atmosphere!

Like many folks, I too have family members who are registered beauticians, but I see what their specialties are, and I really don’t like it. No hard feelings, but it seems it’s always better to get your hair done by an unbiased third party who listens to you and not to your other family members‘ ideas of what looks cute. And, as most ladies go, I’m pretty particular about my hair, so when it comes to suggesting a place for a great style at a fair price, there are very few places I will go out of my way to get it done - Milio’s is one of those few places.

It goes without saying Milio’s is a place that caters to those with a rebellious side, what with all the far out hair styles, tattoos and piercings seen on the other stylists. People who want to get dread extensions done go here often, as do those who want to make sure their multi colored hair is done professionally. If you want to look like a total Rock Star, this is definitely the place to go! But even if you’re the super fabulous, fashion model type and far from the post-Punk dye jobs many of the stylists sport, you can be rest assured you will look absolutely stunning. And yes, you can get your eye brows done while you’re at it! The best part is, no matter what you want, you will leave with plenty of cash left over for shopping for a new outfit afterwards. After all, you’ll need one to go with the new you!

It seems that just about everyone is experimenting with a healthier lifestyle these days, even if it’s just sampling a few new menu ideas. The bets place downtown to do a little lunch time experimentation is at Kramer’s, where you can try a few new entrees and do a little shopping at the same time.

As you walk in, you’ll immediately pick up on the health nut vibe, from that distinctive vitamin and incense smell to the hippie and hipster types wandering around. So much to shop for and to check out! For the regulars, this place feels just so cozy and welcoming, but newcomers might already be feeling a little overwhelmed. For the latter, I suggest to head straight for the back and go up the stairs to the little café.

The overhead menu on the left shows off the vast concoction of fresh fruit and vegetable juices, and on the right are the lunch items. Go for a lentil soup or a lunch special, like the veggie burrito. If you’re not sure about liking vegetable juice, ask the guys behind the counter to exchange it for an apple juice instead - fresh squeezed apple juice is just so, so good and makes you feel like a kid again! Be sure to season your food at the counter before sitting, because there is absolutely none in it, but is fantastic after you put your personal touch to it! Just remember to pay downstairs when you leave.

Once you’ve finished, go back downstairs and explore. The staff is very helpful, and there is a wealth of information to be had. It’s a little more expensive than bigger stores that carry the same products, but when there’s a sale, it’s very worth it. And hey - students get a 10% discount! What’s also nice is there are many products at this store that are made locally and are otherwise hard to find. And what gal doesn’t love testing hand creams and smelling the shampoo bottles?

Also, across from the register is a prepackaged cooler that has some dangerously good “health food”. The Totally Vegan products are really good, especially the seitan barbecue and the “corned beef” sandwiches - almost identical to the real deal! Pick some of this stuff up and bring it back to the office for even more experimenting! It’s little wonder why all the hipster bike messengers congest this section! Just remember when you leave to grab a store flyer for your next visit, because you’ll definitely be coming back!

Are you like me who have a real hankerin’ for good old fashioned fast food but, for one reason or another, want to cut out the bad stuff that makes it taste so good? Then you really need to pack up your buds and take a cruise down to the far south side to check out Veggie Bite! The guys who run this seemingly traditional fast food joint has found a way to make every single item on the menu completely vegan and taste absolutely incredible, to the point where no one would be the wiser!

The decor all blue and yellow like one would expect at any standard fast food joint to be, with traditional picnic tables and lit up menu boards. The food on the pictures look just like the real thing, too, from the gyros to the messy chili cheese fries and everything in between! They even serve soft serve ice cream and shakes, so those who are lactose intolerant can finally rejoice and indulge! Needless to say, this place sure ain’t all twigs and figs and nothing like one would expect to find at a vegan establishment!

There really isn’t a single item on the menu to focus on, since everything is sinfully divine. However, the chili cheese fries are a must do, as are the Italian beef melt and the hot dogs. I, for one, am a major hot dog snob, and somehow these guys seemed to have figured out how to make these really good!

There’s rumor these guys are going to be opening up a second location on the north side, and I for once certainly hope they do so! If and when they do, they are really going to need to take a nod from the big boys and hire up a whole lot of extra help, because the food here is really going to win over everyone who walks in the doors!

The one complaint I have is that these folks are obviously not from Chicago, since some of the items on the menu are not prepared the way they should be, but are dangerously delicious none the less. The hot dogs come with ketchup on them and the beef sammiches are not soggy from au jus and are topped with barbecue sauce. I know, blasphemy!, but like I said, they are really good anyway and really hit the spot!