day 5
holy crap, day 5. it's getting real in here.for day 5 I was going to write about something else...but then in bed this morning I just kept thinking about all the little things I've picked up in Chicago over the years that had made living here easier. I kept thinking I hope I meet those people in other cities who know all the little "secrets" of New York and Boston and wherever-else I might land.I keep thinking that I need to download all my Chicago thoughts someplace for someone to read, and benefit from. Some of these are really silly...but I don't care.
You can find "evening special" parking downtown for $10 (Van Buren/Wabash) or that there is a lot across the street that is $12 or $14 for the whole day on the weekends.That you can park in the 900 N Michigan Ave building in the evening for $6 if you make a purchase in the mall (hello, this is why I have so many wonderful William Sonoma kitchen towels)That you can find free neighborhood parking just about anywhere as long as you read signs and know what time it is.That Sprinkles cupcakes does a "secret word" of the day that if you whisper it to the cashier they'll give you free cupcakes...and you can go everyday but it's only for the first x amount of people.That the best all you can eat sushi place is "Sushi Para II" on Clark/Webster...$18.99 a person.That you can get free museum passes from the library and go even if you don't have kids.If you are craving a slice of Chicago style pizza but don't want to order a whole one, Art of Pizza in Lincoln Park sells Chicago Style by the slice for $3.That the best Chicago Style Hotdog is "George's" in BucktownThat you can furnish an entire apartment (including your mattress if you're brave) on chicago.craigslist.orgThat IKEA is NOT really that far!The best place to go sit by yourself with coffee and toast is Julius Meinl on Southport.That George's ice cream has the best Rocky Road I've ever had.That you only need to get the 2 eggs special at Ann Sathers because it comes with ALL the sides you'll need (including cinnamon rolls!) and it's super cheap.Hunan Wok is the best Chinese you'll ever taste (Get the General Tso's Chicken and you'll see...)That Lawrence Fish market may not be the nicest storefront but you'll go back there for sushi when you're broke and craving it.There is a food court in Whole Foods on Kingsbury that you can eat on their beautiful outdoor deck.Take a food tour in Wicker Park!Go to iCream in Wicker Park.The best falafel is Sultan's Market, and remember the one in Wicker Park is cash only.The best time to go to a "nice" restaurant is lunch if they are open: my favorites is Blackbird or Province in the West Loop.Go to Mindy's Hot Chocolate in Bucktown...and skip the hot chocolate. Get any of their appetizers (I love the mini pretzels and the cheeseboard) and get a dessert. Go with a Restaurant.com certificate.Order Ala Cart from Mayan Palace...the Quesadilla+$4 margarita's on Tuesday/Thursday.Garcia's in Lincoln Square have the best Fajita's (yes, the chicken is orange, but that makes it better)Frasca Pizza is buy one get one free pizza's on Wednesdays.DMK is known for their burgers, but when we go we get ONE burger to split, and order half orders of all the different kinds of french fries on the menu.Big and Littles on Orleans/Oak. Just go and get one shrimp taco, one tilapia taco, and an order of truffle fries....! Don't be scared of the neighborhood.Pretty much any Bikram Yoga studio in the city has a $29/$30 special for the first month...so go try it.The best way to find an apartment here is padmapper.com.The best view of Chicago is from the Ladies Bathroom in the Hancock building.Ride the brownline from Kimball to the Loop and back...it's the best tour of the most neighborhoods in Chicago and it's only $2.25.Do not fear the Tamale Man...he has frequented the Maproom in Logan Square the few times we've been there...and yes he is selling Tamale's out of a cooler.My favorite Chicago beer is Half Acre Gossamer Ale.Best quick bite downtown right of Michigan Ave is M Burger on Huron right behind the Apple Store. It has a window inside that looks into the kitchen of Tru.The only place to get Stumptown Coffee in Chicago is Bagel on Damen (cash only!)I'm sure I'll think of more during the day...check back for updates.