Posts by Theresa Boehl

Sometimes it’s relaxing just to wander about all by yourself. One Friday night I was wandering around lovely Forest Park, the city that boasts small town charm amidst a big city atmosphere. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, but I stumbled across a few little treasures that revived my once-dead belief that the suburbs can be home to interesting places, too.

Not sure of what I’d find inside, I walked into Madison Street’s Priya Grocery. From the outside, it just looks like an old Mom and Pop corner store. But when you walk in, you see it’s much more than that. Priya Grocery stocks their shelves with Indian groceries, specialties and treats, as well as common staples to help you get through the week. In the cooler, you’ll find freshly made foods from local Indian restaurants. As you head farther back down the long, narrow aisles, the food becomes more and more authentic, and if you were going to prepare a delicious Indian meal, you’d probably want to stop here first.

As I approached the counter, I chatted with a young girl who was helping tend the cash register. She mentioned that she did Henna designs for $5.00. Thinking back to high school when my best friend and I would get elaborate Henna tattoos on our hands, I couldn’t resist the urge to take a few minutes and let her try her artistic skills out on me. She opened a tube of the dye and went right to work. The smell is so relaxing and it gives of such a soothing aroma. Having it done sort of has the same feel as getting your nails done, so I felt very pampered.

When she was done, I held my hand out and admired her artwork. It was the kind of spur-of-the-moment thing that you never could have planned. As my hand dried, I strolled through the store checking out the unique inventory.

The great thing about Priya is that it carries items you’d never find in say, Jewel or Dominick’s. I spotted a huge bag of loose tea and picked it up, holding it to my nose. The smell was terrific! Way in the back, in the freezer, there was all kinds of prepared foods that just needed heating up. I grabbed a few things from the freezer and from the cooler in the front. There was no way I was going to settle for McDonald’s tonight—I wanted to cook myself a real meal.

And as I stood in line to pay, my eyes wandered over the titles of hundreds of Indian movies, which the owners rent out as well. A grocery store and a video store all in one! Talk about dinner and a movie.

Chicagoland has tons of hidden treasures and I think I found one of my favorites. Keep your mind open and you might come across some rare gems yourself.

Beer and fried chicken, anyone? If this sounds like your cup of tea, you’re going to want to check out Stanley's Kitchen and Tap. The one I visited was located on Racine, right off 290, in the West Loop. A huge blue sign stands tall and calls out to your inner drunkard.

I have a friend who just happens to live a hop, skip and a jump away from this joint, so one Saturday night we headed there for a few drinks, planning to catch a nice buzz and then head somewhere else. But truth be told, we never left.

When you walk in, the place is split into two parts. There’s a quaint, cutely decorated dining area where you could ideally take your aunt Judy to lunch. Then, there’s the bar, a dimly lit, cozy, sexy area that is warmed up by a rustic (fake) fireplace. It sort of gives off the feeling of a secluded pub.

Me and my friend got a table. We weren’t surrounded by many people, although the night was still young. I ordered my favorite: a gin and grapefruit. My friend had beer.

I was surprised when the drinks arrived. My gin and juice came in a huge glass, as big as the mug of beer my friend got! I guess I was expecting to get shafted as usual. When I took a sip and the liquor proportion wasn’t to my liking, the super-cool waitress snuck behind the bar and dumped a whole crap-load more gin in my glass. Kick-awesome!

Needless to say, three more of these babies and I was pretty toasty. The conversation got lively. We ordered food. Me: a giant salad full of fresh, juicy chunks of cucumber and tomatoes. My friend: a huge, sloppy, greasy burger overflowing with cheese. I like salads and all, but I was mesmerized by this burger.

At some point, I think I fell out of my chair. But the waitress was still super great about everything! That’s what makes Stanley’s special. The staff really takes the time to get it just right.

And just at the point when I thought I was gonna be sick, the heroic waitress came by with a magical concoction of mashed potatoes and gravy and literally saved my life! There’s nothing like some carbs to bring you back to sobriety!

I hear Stanley’s has a great Sunday brunch, but I don’t know. We didn’t wake up the next day till it was already afternoon.

Just because you didn’t get paid this week, don’t think you can’t afford to take someone out on a date. You may have to venture outside the confines of the city, but it’s definitely possible. Just hop on the blue line and take it to the very last stop: Forest Park. It’s here that you can find a few destinations that are not only fabulously romantic, they’re cheap, too.

The other day I met up with my date and we headed over to Todd and Holland Tea Merchants, a one-of-a-kind store located in Forest Park’s famed Madison Street area. I’d been in there once before, and the aroma walking in was enough for me to fall in love. Every kind of tea imaginable can be found here, as well as lesser known flavors that will have you longing for more. Right away, the store’s owner approached and offered us a tea sample. Poured into a small glass, this “Waikiki Beach” Japanese green tea was a unique take on an old favorite. Even without adding sugar, the tea had a sweet taste and an even sweeter aroma, thanks to a bit of pineapple. This lightly flavored delight really did conjure up images of breakfast with fresh fruit on a far-off Hawaiian beach.

My date and I slipped into a calming, tea-induced trance. The owner invited us to open small sample jars of tea and smell them, giving us a better idea of the flavors behind the clever names. Quietly, we perused the spotless, carefully arranged shelves full of high-end merchandise and both wished we had brought our credit cards. But the experience that the store provides (which is free) left us both feeling relaxed and comfortable, and ready for a good meal.

Across the street and down a little ways was our next destination: a charming, lesser-known pub-style restaurant called Skrine Chops. I’d passed this place before and took a look at their menu. Shockingly, this place features a pork chop dinner for $8.00! That in itself caught my eye, and on this night, I was determined to find out what it was all about.

Stepping in, it’s hard to tell if the restaurant’s name fits the atmosphere. With tarnished wood tables, stuffed remnants of hunted deer and other animals, and a miniature train set that runs the entire length of the restaurant, it definitely shouts “rustic cabin,” not-so-much “chophouse.” Right away a waiter came by and gave us menus—consisting of only a page—and in only a few minutes we had chosen from this modest list.

My date and I sipped frothy beers in big mugs and watched families and couples wander in. The crowd was boisterous and cheery, and we didn’t feel we had to speak softly. Minutes later, two hot plates arrived: mine with a sizzling pork chop and a huge helping of mashed potatoes and my date’s oversized grilled chicken sandwich dripping with barbecue sauce. This sandwich has a twist: the mashed potatoes are spread on top of the meat! It seems strange, but it tastes great.

My chop was tender and juicy and everything you’d want from an indulgent chunk of meat. The mashed potatoes were creamy, hot and irresistible. Tangy barbecue sauce finished off the combination perfectly, and before I knew it, I was full.

When the bill came, I wasn’t worried. Even with both of our meals and both of our drinks, the tab was only $25! And I honestly felt that my meal alone would have cost $25 in any other establishment. In no hurry, my date and I sipped the last of our beers and took advantage of the cozy atmosphere.

It’s nice to have money, but don’t let a lack of it hold you back. There’s lots to do in both the suburbs and the city that are fun and romantic and won’t leave you broke. Check out Skrine Chops next time you’re hurting for cash.

Ladies, it’s time to go out for a night on the town. You’re gonna meet up with the girls and hopefully, later on, meet up with some guys. So you throw on your black stiletto boots, tight jeans, strappy low-cut shirt and accessorize with sparkly, dangly jewelry. Right?

Wrong. It’s time to spice things up. You want to stand apart when you go to the bar, am I right? My advice is: head to store B in Wicker Park. This upscale antique/thrift shop is full to the brim with classy accessories and rare clothing finds that will have you looking like an old-time movie star at a glamorous premiere.

I stopped in there a couple of weeks ago and the glimmer of style from an era past caught my eye with every unique handbag, cute hat and sophisticated fur coat. This is where you go when you want to liven up your wardrobe in a way that is completely new as well as old.

Beautifully decorated, this place gives me a vibe that I don’t usually get in antique stores. No stinky, dusty smell, no junk, nothing that made me cringe. Just upscale, good quality clothing in a soothing, relaxed environment. The exposed brick, pendant lighting and elegant chandelier certainly bring a modern feeling to the space.

Trying on a couple of hats, I thought back to a girls night out I had a few years back, where I loaned out some of my vintage hats to some friends before we ventured out and painted the town red. Sporting our unique style, we got plenty of interesting looks and lots of compliments. Store B has a great collection of hats, so grab your girls and try some on.

You’ll also find plenty of gift items here, like unique glasswares and captivating knick-knacks. Personally, I can’t keep my hands off the adorable handbags, some in shiny patent leather and some with intricate beadwork. You’ll only find the best of the best here, but expect to pay a hefty price for it. A vintage handbag in good condition will set you back between $50 and $100 dollars.

Ever thought of wearing a vintage party dress to a dinner party? Check out their dress racks and see if you can find something that you can pair with an old handbag or a awesomely gaudy necklace. Since a lot of the newer styles are throwbacks to the fashions of past decades, you won’t look outdated at all, just vintage chic.

When you’re shopping with the girls in Wicker Park, make sure to stop by Store B. It may make you change your mind about antiques.

There’s nothing like old world charm hidden away in a modern metropolis. I went out for a night on the town a few weeks back, and I found a little place that warmed me from head to toe—with both the hot tea and the inviting atmosphere.

It couldn’t have been a more romantic night. It started out with Mozart’s Mass in C Minor at a performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Up in the dizzying gallery, I could see the tops of all the musicians’ heads and the glimmer of the brass instruments. Surprisingly, there were tons of young couples there, dressed their best, sipping cocktails at intermission.

All told, it was a great show, and the perfect place to go on a date. But the best came next, when we skipped over to Russian Tea Time, a nearby after-concert hangout that drew us in from the cold with its cozy charm. Walking in, the place is decked out in lavish burgundy fabric and overly ornate chandeliers. Dark wood accents provided a nice complement to the neat, white tablecloths on the cramped tables. Truly, I felt like I was back in “the old country” (if I could claim a country other than this one).

Right after nabbing a seat a friendly waiter came over. “Russian tea?” And that’s when the evening really started. The waiter brought out a tea cup and saucer, along with sugar cubes and lemon, and then filled the cup to the brim. It wasn’t until I had a cup of that steaming, robust black tea that I knew that my night out was going to last until the early hours of the morning. Russian Tea Time describes their “Russian Caravan” tea by saying that the “unique aroma and taste is reminiscent of the campfires of traders as they made the camel-ridden long journey over the Silk Road.”

The tea really does take you to another place and time. Every time I would put my cup down after downing a huge gulp, the waiter would return and fill it back up with more hot, black liquid. All in all, I probably had four or five cups, and each sip was as hot as the last.

The menu there was amazing. Not only do they serve every kind of liquor imaginable, they boast a large wine selection, a sizable martini list, and of course, beer. On this particular night, though, I was sticking with the tea. If I’d had the chance to really peruse the menu first, I might have gone for their “Full Tea Service” deal: for $22.95 per person, you get a pot of tea, scones, “savories” (appetizers) and sweets.

Instead we ordered borscht and the pumpkin vereniky, which was served with a dark onion bread. I dropped a dollop of sour cream into the borscht, a soup made of beets and cabbage and spiced to perfection. The pumpkin vereniky—small, delicate dumplings—was a refreshing surprise. We spread the butter thick on the soft, dark bread, and after even more tea, realized we were full. And once our feast was over, we found ourselves conveniently nestled in the most romantic environment, full of deep colors, soothing music, and the sounds of gentle whispers as couples enjoyed their desserts from a decadent menu of blintzes, tortes, strudels and ice cream. We held hands on the table and I glanced down and caught a glimpse of one of the tea quotes printed on the menu:

“As long as it’s hot and wet and goes down the right way, that’s all that matters.”
–Duchess of York

Around midnight we left Tea Time and caught a cab over to Greektown. We were ready to paint the town red, and we ended up at a little neighborhood bar called “Spectrum Bar and Grill.” On this particular night, there was a live blues band, being enjoyed by an older crowd. We headed for the high tables and chairs in the back by the darts, and cuddled and talked until the band started to play. Pendant lighting created eerie shadows on people’s faces, and here and there was a creepy guy lurking.

But later, almost as if by clockwork, the crowd changed. Younger couples and groups poured in and immediately started with lively discussions, changing the atmosphere completely. By then, me and my date had downed a few drinks and were ready to come out of hiding. As the night went on, the place got livelier, until our eyelids were droopy and our tab was high and we decided to call it a night. But not before exchanging hugs and kisses to end one of the most romantic dates I’ve ever been on.

Take it from me; start with tea and see where the night goes.

Next time you have a whole day set aside for shopping, head over to Buffalo Exchange in Wicker Park, but don’t expect to go anywhere else. This store has everything you need, and chances are, you’ll find yourself unable to leave.

Trendier than a typical thrift shop but full of the one-of-a-kind items that only thrift shopping can turn up, Buffalo Exchange is a fabulous new addition to Wicker Park’s line of second-hand shops. This particular store opened in October of 2007 and is part of a larger national chain, although you definitely don’t get that feeling when you walk in. Right away, a jewelry counter overflowing with colorful, sparkling treasures will call out to you. And sprawled out before you are clothing racks that are just waiting to be explored. Tons of different styles are intermingling in this shop, and I guarantee there’s something for everyone. Putting an entire outfit won’t be hard; they have purses, hats, shoes, boots, coats, jeans, belts, sunglasses and other accessories in abundance.

The walls are decked out in the vibrant red paint color that has become popular as of late, a nice touch with the classic high ceilings and the thoughtfully tasteful displays. And when your arm is about to give out from the huge stack of clothes you’ve picked out to try on, you’ll be glad to know that this unique store has a wonderfully not-so-unique feature: eight, count ‘em, eight oversized dressing rooms! This is not your neighborhood Salvation Army, that’s for sure.

Not used to thrift shopping? No worries. This place doesn’t even really feel like a second-hand shop, with its friendly staff, wide aisles and laid-back vibe. As long as you have an eye for fashion, you’ll feel perfectly at home.

Of course, once you’ve sifted through the racks and compiled a mound of new additions to your wardrobe, you’ll undoubtedly feel that sense of apprehension as you head to the register. But the best part about Buffalo Exchange is that this sense of worry will dissolve once you’ve been rung up, thanks to the amazingly affordable prices. You’d be surprised at how much bang for your back you can get at this place, compared with some of the pricier shops in the same neighborhood.

And if you really don’t have much in your budget for shopping, keep in mind that this shop will actually buy your clothes from you, for either cash or store credit. So whether you need rent money or a new dress, this place can hook you up and will keep you coming back for more. Happy shopping!

Forget the other trendy sushi places in the loop. Come to Sushi Loop, a restaurant that’s all about the food, not about the glitz and glamour. Located, strangely enough, in the heart of Greektown, this unassuming sushi house serves your favorites in a pleasing, casual environment.

Step inside and you won’t necessarily be impressed by the decor. But you’ll be seated quickly by a friendly waitress, and before you even have a chance to look at the menu, the waitress will bring you a couple of hot, soothing towels to wipe your hands. Once you get settled, you’ll notice the restaurant’s calming vibe, where patrons have intimate conversations in lowered voices. Like other sushi places, you’ll hear the steady beat of electronic music being piped throughout the place, giving it the modern edge its competitors are known for.

Start with a hot green tea and a cup of miso soup and the warmth will travel from your head to your toes. But beware: if you’re a fan of miso with big chunks of tofu and seaweed, Sushi Loop can’t help you there. All you’ll get is a cup of hot, steaming miso broth, which is still quite delicious.

It’s always a good idea to start any meal with an appetizer. The only problem is picking one from their extensive list. For that matter, choosing your entrée will be hard, as Sushi Loop boasts a large selection by any sushi fanatic’s standards. If you want to take the easy route, choose a variety of delectable maki rolls. On their menu you’ll find uncommon creations like Kanpyo, a combination of marinated gourd and sesame seed. For the daring, they have Loopy, which they describe as whole deep fried tuna and jalapeno. Of course, you’ll find more conservative choices like California and Avocado. On this particular visit I tried the Negi White Tuna and was pleasantly surprised.

But by all means, don’t skip out on the main course menu if that’s your thing. You’ll find awesome dishes like the Korean Barbecue, a rib eye seasoned in Korean marinade served with a side of potatoes and vegetables, and favorites like Terayaki and Tempura dishes.

Rice and noodle dishes round out this awesome menu, which has a little something for everyone, whether or not you’re into raw fish. And before you head out the door, try the red bean mochi, a delicious ball of sugary dough filled with creamy red bean ice cream (it’s a lot better than it sounds!)

Try Sushi Loop next time you’re in Greektown and have a taste for something that isn’t…Greek. I highly recommend it.

While not as visually appealing as many of other Greek restaurants in the up-and-coming Greektown area, Mr. Greek Gyros has something to offer everyone who’s hungry and is looking for better-than-average portion sizes. Stripped of the glam and glitz, this corner diner has the feel of a greasy spoon but boasts a flavorful menu that makes you think twice about judging a book by its cover. In an area literally surrounded by other Greek restaurants, Mr. Greek Gyros stands out thanks to its large glass windows, which give you a peek inside, where you’ll see a plenty of seating and a huge menu above the counter.

I’ll be honest—this place isn’t where you go when you want the authentic Greektown experience. This is the place you go when you want the 24-hour diner experience. The perfect place to go at three in the morning after a night of heavy drinking, this eatery boasts a huge menu that includes both Greek and not-so-Greek favorites. Number one on their house specialties list is the incredibly affordable $5.75 daily special: Gyros with fries and a medium drink. But what you don’t realize when you order this special is that you won’t have room for the fries, much less the drink. As you wait, you might glance at the decadent cakes and pies that tempt you from the nearby dessert case. But then the cook will slam down a massive package on a red cafeteria tray that will change your mind.

Seriously, the pita on this gyro can hardly contain the juicy meat pouring out of it. Slathered in that delicious cucumber sauce with tomatoes and onions thrown on top, this bad boy will satisfy even the most wicked of appetites. Keep plenty of napkins nearby—you’ll need them.

If gyros really aren’t your thing, don’t worry. You also have hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza puffs, Italian beefs and even rib tips and tacos to choose from. Sound too fattening? Try a Greek salad or a Chicken Caesar salad and you won’t have to ruin your diet plans.

In the event that you’re actually still hungry when you finish your main course, you can order seconds from the side order menu, which includes everything from mozzarella sticks to Spanakopita.

And to top it all off, Mr. Greek Gyros serves breakfast standards like eggs and bacon, omelettes and pancakes. Any time you stroll into this place, whether it’s 6 pm or 6 am, they’ll be ready to serve you whatever you’re in the mood for.

Greektown is full of dining options, to the point where it’s hard to pick. But if you’re ever in the area and just looking to grab a quick bite to sate your appetite, do yourself a favor and stop into Mr. Greek Gyros. Your stomach—and your wallet—will be happy.

Wicker Park residents are known for their hip, trendy clothes. But who would have thought that in a big city like Chicago, you could find all the latest trends at a consignment shop? At Lenny & Me on Milwaukee Ave, you can do just that. However, upon stepping in, you might not even realize you’re in a used-clothing store.

Set up like an upscale boutique, Lenny & Me adds a touch of class to resale shopping, which isn’t always so glamorous. Beside carrying high quality vintage coats, dresses, hats and other clothing items, this store has a layout and organization that surpasses most resale shops, even in the area. When you first walk-in, your eye is drawn to the collection of vintage handbags that are neatly displayed to the right. At places like the Goodwill, purses would be strewn about in a haphazard fashion. But here, each purse occupies a rack with few other purses, making it easier to pick one up and admire it. There are also some exceptional furniture pieces here, and not the kind that you would find by the side of the road, either!

Unique jewelry design glimmer from the glass jewelry case, giving the pieces a more distinguished feel, and keeping them from looking like a bunch of old necklaces that Grandma dropped off.

Low lighting and stylish decor also add to the appeal of the store. This shop manages to balance having a large inventory with allowing for plenty of space to walk around. You can shop without feeling like you’re going to knock something over or run into someone.

You’ll find cute 60’s party dresses, one-of-a-kind-footwear, and almost-forgotten outerwear from generations ago. You’ll be surprised at the quality of the items, too. No stains or tears on these clothes!

Next time you’re looking for a really unique outfit, head over to Lenny & Me. You might find that one unexpected item that could take your wardrobe from drab to fabulous. And unlike the Goodwill, you won’t have to deal with any funky smells.

People say you can’t have your cake and eat it, too, but at Sweet Thang on North Avenue, you certainly can. Specializing in traditional French and American pastries, cakes and croissants, Sweet Thang has created quite a buzz in Wicker Park in its almost five years of being open. Anyone who has ever walked by and peeked in can attest to the romantic draw of the red heart-shaped chairs and the sugary sweets that call out from the pastry cases.

Inside, the café has a quaint, French atmosphere. Chairs and tables are cozily squeezed into the area across from the long counter, adorned overhead with ornate, vintage-style lamp shades over unique hanging light fixtures. Red paint, an exposed brick wall and detailed crown molding add a classy touch, and really make it hard not to stick around and have another cookie with your coffee. The back of the café features a slightly bigger sitting area, stylishly decorated with long draperies and chandeliers. To get to this area, you’ll pass under a decorative “wedding cake” that sits majestically over the entryway. A definite attention-getter!

As for cookies, they’re fresh and delicious, and the same can be said of the coffee. If you’ve got a few minutes to spare, let the person at the counter take a minute to make you a cappuccino. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee is something you’d expect to experience in a café like this. Go ahead, give a chocolate chip or a peanut butter cookie a try—when was the last time you got to have a freshly baked cookie, anyway?

Sweet Thang also boasts wedding and specialty cakes, which range in price from $4 to $15 per person. Their talented staff can accommodate almost any cake design, even such odd requests as musical instruments, books, tools and clothes, just to name a few. Sweet Thang’s dessert cases also house treats like cheesecake, tarts, pies and mousses. If you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, this place has just what you need!

Whether you’re by yourself looking for a quiet place to relax and read a book, or with friends looking for an intimate setting to make the latest juicy confession, Sweet Thang provides the ideal environment.