Do you know the symbolism behind the design of Chicago's City Flag? The two sky blue stripes represent Lake Michigan/North Branch of the Chicago River, and the South Branch of the Chicago River/and the "Great Canal." The four red stars represent events from Chicago's rich history, namely The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, The World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, The Century of Progress Exhibition of 1933, and Fort Dearborn. Even the white bands are significant; they represent the North, West and South sides of the city. (There's really no East Side - that would be Lake Michigan.)
Chicago is my birthplace and my hometown. I lived there until I was 14, when my family moved to the San Diego area. At 22 I moved back, and lived in Chicago for the next 30 years before moving back to San Diego.
I still love Chicago, for so many reason - especially for family members and dear friends still living there. For those of you who've never been, I highly encourage planning a visit. Time after time visitors to Chicago are shocked (in a very good way!) by the beauty of the city, the friendliness of the residents, the world-class activities and of course, the food. In fact Chicago has become such a foodie-town that the NYC-based James Beard Foundation holds its annual awards gala and ceremony in Chicago!
If you were to visit, here are a few things I would highly recommend:
- Chicago has a rich architectural history. Take an architecture cruise on the Chicago River - tours last about 90 minutes and travel up the river, with a knowledgeable docent describing notable buildings and their histories. Visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in nearby Oak Park; while in Oak Park stop by to see the gorgeous Unity Temple, also designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Chicago Architecture Center, located downtown, is a great resource finding architecture-related tours and activities.
- See a play! Steppenwolf, Lookingglass, Victory Gardens and The Goodman are among the best known companies, but Chicago is a great theatre city and there are so many choices! And don't forget that Chicago is home to The Second City - go to the late show and stay for the improv. Who knows, you may see the next huge comedy star!
- Visiting in Summer? Go to a baseball game! The Cubs play at Wrigley Field on the North Side; the park was built in 1914 and is as famous for its loyal fans as its ivy-covered bricks. The White Sox play at Guaranteed Rate Field; in my unbiased opinion, Sox fans are among the most knowledgeable anywhere. Not Baseball Season? The Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls and Fire all have loyal fan bases - it's fun to catch a game with any of these teams.
- Museums, Museums, Museums! The Art Institute of Chicago is probably the best known, and rightly so with their world class collection. It's the only museum to be listed in TripAdvisor's "World's Best" four years running; if you visit you are sure have an "I know that painting! moment. The Museum of Contemporary Art on the Magnificent Mile also has a wonderful collection, and is well worth a visit. Family friendly, The Field Museum of Natural History anchors the South End of Grant Park - kids really enjoy it - and it's within walking distance of The Adler Planetarium and The Shedd Aquarium. Kids also love The Museum of Science and Industry, located in Hyde Park, which is housed in the only remaining structure from the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Popular exhibits include a WWII-Era German submarine, a coal mine, and a gigantic walk through heart. Nearby, on the Campus of The University of Chicago, you'll find The Oriental Institute, a hidden gem with a collection of items from Egypt, Persia, Syria and Anatolia. The National Museum of Mexican Art, in the heart of Pilsen, is another gem; in October they have a wonderful display of ofrendas to celebrate the traditions of The Day of The Dead (Dia de los Muertos.)
- Chicago has a ton of landmarks, including Cloud Gate (better known as The Bean,) and Buckingham Fountain, both located in Grant Park. Navy Pier is a mile-long pier extending into Lake Michigan, with a vintage ballroom at the end; it's home to restaurants, attractions, The Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and lots of room for taking a lakeside stroll. The Garfield Park Conservatory provides a respite from city life - especially during the winter, with its warm, humid plant-filled rooms, all under a glass roof. And north of the city, in Wilmette, you'll find the beautiful Baha'i House of Worship - well worth the drive.
- Chicago is home to a myriad of festivals; during the summer months, there's a free open air music festival almost every weekend in Grant Park. Taste of Chicago is a summertime food festival featuring restaurants from the area, offering a "taste" of their menu items. Lollapalooza, held annually in Grant Park, is a (paid) festival attracting musical superstars and thousands of fans.
- 25 Michelin Star Restaurants call Chicago home, including 3-Star Alinea, considered by some to be the best restaurant in the world. But Chicago is also home to great food served in much less formal settings. You may have heard of the Chicago Hot Dog - why not try one at the source? The Vienna Beef Factory Store and Cafe is open to the public! Italian Beef sandwiches are another Chicago tradition - thinly sliced roast beef piled on a french roll - served with sweet or hot peppers and dipped in au jus sauce. Al's Beef in Little Italy lays claim to inventing the beef; and if it's summertime, don't miss nearby Mario's Italian Lemonade. Chicago Deep-dish pizza is the epitome of the "Pizza Pie" - it's baked in a cake pan, with crust up the sides, and layers of cheese, tomatoes and topping. My go-to is Lou Malnati's - the original restaurant is in Lincolnwood, with additional locations all over the city. Pro tip: their frozen pizzas travel well and reheat beautifully. Garrett Popcorn Shops offer the Chicago Mix - a blend of cheese popcorn and caramel corn. Sounds odd but it's delicious!
If you find you're cooking at home more these days, and would like to prepare your own "Taste of Chicago," please check out the recipes I've included below for two additional classics - Shrimp Dejonghe and Chicken Vesuvio. And when we are able to travel again, I do hope you'll consider a visit to Chicago.
Dream Now, Travel Later -
Joan
Shrimp Dejonghe
This treasured relic is a cocktail napkin from the late, great Binyon's, with the Shrimp Dejonghe recipe as told to me by their chef, Stanley. This was probably in the 1980s...I've transcribed the recipe and encourage you to try it - it's absolutely delicious!
Chicken Vesuvio
Chicken Vesuvio is a staple in Chicago's Italian Restaurants. It's a roast chicken and potato dish featuring lots of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and oregano - plus peas added at the end. Chicago spots I like: Tufano's Vernon Park Tap, The Italian Village, Rosebud, or Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse. But do try it at home!
Photo Credit: Serious Eats
