Category: Hot Picks

Art lovers around the world know the paintings of Frida Kahlo, haunting self-portraits, Aztec inspired symbols and fearless feminist images. Very few, however, get to enjoy this Mexican painter’s other creative gift - her culinary skill. Chicago sisters Marlene and Lidia Benitez are changing that. Their restaurant, La Cocina de Frida, pays homage to Kahlo’s art and prepares delicious meals using her original recipes. The simple elegance of the food and décor will impress any date, especially an art lover.

As you make your way up Clark Street in Andersonville, look for the brown awning that simply says “Frida.” Notice the many versions of Frida’s paintings on the walls, and the beautiful portrait of her with calla lilies, painted by her husband Diego Rivera. If the weather’s hot, proceed to the cool, shady patio. If not, stay inside and enjoy the art and the brightness of the pink and orange room. Most tables seat two and the quiet, modestly-sized dining room allows for long conversations. Service is friendly, but never intrusive. Order a cerveza or wine from the full bar. I enjoyed the margarita, served in a pint glass with salt.

As Frida probably knew, a shortcut to the heart of a man or a woman is through the stomach. Start your meal with an appetizer like the guacamole de Frida with queso fresco, or the ceviche, a simple, addictive mix of shrimp, avocado, tomato and red onion ($8). The crimson salsa is smoky hot but won’t scald your tongue; spices are used wisely here. Offer your date some corn comfort food with the popular tamales ($2 each), baked fresh here every day.

Many dishes give you the option of steak, chicken, shrimp or beans and cheese. The Mexican cheeses nicely balance the spicy dishes. Vegetarians and others will appreciate plentiful, unique vegetables like the traditional grilled cactus salad, pickly yet crunchy, flecked with white cheese. I ordered La Bomba de Frida, an explosion of chorizo, ham, pork, pineapple, red and green bell peppers, crowned with melted manchego cheese and cilantro, with tortillas. There was plenty to share, so I sampled and traded with my dining partner, who enjoyed the special carne in chipotle, chicken with a white sauce of Chihuahua cheese smoked chipotle peppers, with a side of beans and cactus salad.

You can finish your meal on a romantic, traditional note with a thick slice of flan ($4). The creamy caramel flan sits in a light cinnamon sauce with a cherry on top. Or warm up with a big mug of hot cocoa; the original food of love from Mexico.

In a city with hundreds of good Mexican restaurants, La Cocina de Frida is a great one.

Let's be honest here: even if you happen to be fortunate enough to live just a stroll away from just about everything you need, and just about everyplace else you need to get to can be done by hopping on the train, bus or a bike ride, there are just some instances where you really do need to drive a car. Renting one for an entire day seems so illogical and full of hassle, and owning a car for those couple of trips every month is really just so impractical. Be it for industrial sized shopping for the month or getting out to the western burbs for an hour or two, sometimes it sure would be nice not to have to rent a car or call in a favor. For folks like you, may I present I-Go cars: a Chicago based company that's making the city a little greener, one car at a time.

I know you must have seen one parked at the store and it got you thinking a bit. Maybe you have even wondered if it really is as easy as the ads portray. Well let me tell you: I-Go cars are the wave of the future, and now that they have been around long enough to pass the business litmus test, it looks like they really are here to stay! Even my alderman drives one!

It's little wonder why it's so popular: on top of dealing with fighting for a parking spot or dropping hundreds of dollars on car payments, mandatory insurance and maintenance, folks are also waiving paying for city stickers, zoned parking and lot fees. Plus, with so many neighborhoods covered, pretty much anyone can reserve one within walking distance of their homes, right on their computers, for as little as $5 per hour. An added advantage is the cars available are rather nice, with many of them available in hybrid versions!

So hey, why not explore going car free? In this day and age, Chicagoans no longer need to be shackled to cars they hardly drive, now that I-Go has become such a fixture. Of course, folks are also discovering Zip Cars, which operate pretty much the same way and are available in many cities around the country, but for me, I'd rather go with the home team!

So you think you're playing it safe by buying flowers for the mom in your life? Not necessarily! You're not five years old anymore, and pulling dandelions out from the back yard just isn't going to cut it, and neither is grabbing a five dollar bouquet from the convenience or chain drug store. Even if you are one heck of a landscaper and can cut the perfect arrangement from your patio, you just might want to kick it up a notch and present it in a nice vase, with a card, of course!

Here's some fantastic places to shop that can make her forget all about the teen angst grief you gave her as a kid!

Fleur: Hands down, this place is the BEST in Chicago when it comes to beautiful arrangements, fantastic prices and wonderful, caring staff. If you tell them no carnations, they will oblige. If you just want a single, long stemmed rose, they will treat you just as well as they do for their big weddings. What I like is they stick with the seasons, so you always know what you order will be fresh, long lasting and treasured.

I recommend you visit the store instead of calling your order in, because you will find a lot of nice additions here you won't find anyplace else, like unique and locally made jewelry, soaps and purses. Besides, when it comes to Mother's Day, you really should be doing the delivery yourself. Like I said, this place is the BEST!

Cattails in Wicker Park is my second favorite place for all of the reasons above. I love working with the independent shops for things like this, because they genuinely seem to care and not treat you like a number. And wow - when you walk in, you feel like you have just stepped into paradise, with all the sights and smells of the most vivid romance or fantasy film ever created.

Now granted, they seem to run on the pricey side, but if you go in and chat it up with the staff, they can most assuredly assist you within your budget and not have you walk out feeling like a cheap skate.

Gethsemane Garden Center: Now if you're looking for guaranteed organic cut flowers, your best bet is to hit up your neighborhood WF. However, if you're going that route, I would suggest taking it a step further and tapping this local, indie nursery. Buy a couple flats for mom to plant in her garden (after the 15th, of course!) and decorate them in an open, gift wrapped box, lined to prevent water seepage. Go perennial if you can, so she can cherish the blooms year after year!

This place isn't cheap by any stretch, but you get what you pay for, and you just might end up calling it even when you count the gas and headache you save from heading out to the 'burbs to wheel n' deal with the chains. And hey - they're just plain sweet and helpful!

Now that spring is finally here, we all are just itching to break our cabin fever! Here's my top picks for driving out of the city for a couple nights and snuggle with your bunny!

Wisconsin Dells: Sure it has been transformed into Tourist Trap Central over the last decade or so, but there are still plenty of those classic nooks and crannies that are the real draws of the land. And because the kids are still in school, most of the craziness is still subdued for a good month or so! Not only that, but you can score some really sweet room rates at some of the most luxurious hotels in town!

If you go here, you got to have breakfast at Paul Bunyan's, ride the Ducks and explore the wilderness, be it by foot or horse! Also, the Deer Park is just so magical, and the hey - you can hit the slots, too!

Starved Rock State Park: Even with rush hour traffic, it only takes a couple hours to get from the urban jungle to the unspoiled wilderness. Be sure to pack your walking shoes and go on a marvelous hike to see the waterfalls and the budding greenery. There is truly no other place I like to escape to more when I just want to be, especially when I go with my snuggle bunny!

Lake Geneva: Crossing the Wisconsin border once again to what many have begun referring to it as "Illinois' Playground", this picturesque town is the perfect location when a bed and breakfast is definitely in order. Sure, there's plenty to do on the water and a romantic horse drawn carriage ride is truly memorable, but if you really want to see everything all at once, why not take a ride through the air - by plane, helicopter or even hot air balloon!

Indiana Dunes and more: Most of us born and bred Chicagoans know the experience well, that jumping on the Skyway means we're going someplace special. So why not relive that childhood thrill? Whether you want to lay out on the beach at the Dunes, go horseback riding or antiquing, there is just so many things here to fill up a weekend. And hey! Indiana's sales tax is a whole lot less too, so be sure to get some shopping in!

Brown County: What? Did someone mention antiquing? Well, if you don't mind a little more driving, keep heading due south and tap one of the most gorgeous regions in the Midwest! Down here, you can taste some truly incredible wine, relish in a much warmer climate and bask in the all the quaint, simple pleasures of the countryside. I've even found some incredible folk art down here that now sits prominently in my home.

With the weather finally cooperating and the date is drawing ever nearer, many of you are considering doing something for Earth Day this year. After all, anything that provides a glimmer of hope to lowering the price of gas while making you feel good about yourself and helps to improve the health of you and yours is always a good thing! Here’s a list of events around the city you just might want to check out!

Green Scene Earth Day Festival - Saturday, April 19th, noon to 5pm: Head up north to North Side Prep for this second annual fest, featuring vendors, informational booths, hands-on activities and kids’ crafts that highlight all the different aspects of leading an environmentally friendly lifestyle, such as organic food, fair-trade products, green energy sources, and recycling and conservation programs.

Sell used books, movies and music at Half Price Books and gently used brand name clothing and accessories for young adults at Plato's Closet. Also, bring old computers, cell phones and ink cartridges to recycle.

Participating Vendors:

• Chicago Fair Trade
• Ethical Planet
• Urban Habitat Chicago
• Temptation Vegan Ice Cream
• Green Wise Organic Lawn Care
• Sparkle Queen
• Consolidated Printing Company
• PoopBags.com
• Bower Natural Bedding
• Supporting Hands
• Bean Products
• Independent Mechanical Industries
• Choose Kindness
• Cartridge World
• Plato's Closet
• Half Price Books
• Soul Vegetarian East
• ecoLogical Home Ideas
• Wagner Farm Rescue Fund
• Department of Environment
• Roger Rickshaw
• I-GO Car Sharing
• Greenheart
• Lillstreet Art Center
• Renewal by Andersen
• Mercy for Animals
• Notice
• Tink Tinks
• The Leash We Can Do!
• Hannah's Bretzel
• Green Bag Lunch
• Chiro One Wellness Center
• SenTeaMental Moods
• Environmentally Sustainable Design

Lincoln Park Zoo - April 18th – 20th: Three days of fun and information for the whole family, with a day-long concert and speaking engagements on Sunday!

2008 Earth Day Network/Green Apple Festival Free Line-up for Sunday:

• Derek Trucks Band
• Dirty Dozen Brass Band
• Meshell Ndegeocello
• Chicago Afrobeat Orchestra
• Miss Lori Holton Nash
• The Gwalla Gwallas
• Event MC- Kyle Orton - Chicago Bears

And remember, even when it’s not Earth Day, see what you can do at home. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

The Hideout, Chicago’s favorite alternative country bar, makes a great date spot. Popular, but not overcrowded, the Hideout offers all kinds of entertainment and bargain price drinks. It’s fun, unpretentious, and feels like drinking at a friend’s house.

Best known for its alternative country music, the Hideout also offers blues, rock, dance mixes, metal and reggae. Last year, I saw Delta Bluesman David “Honeyboy” Edwards there, still sounding great at 92. Every Tuesday the house band, Devil in A Woodpile, plays ragtime and bluegrass with piano, string bass, jug and washboard. D.J. Bald Eagle and Mother Hubbard host a dance party every other Saturday night, starting at 11. The Hideout also throws block parties with food and music outdoors in the adjoining lots. Last summer’s Hideout Block Party included rock and roll choir Blue Ribbon Glee Club and post-modern marching band Mucca Pazza. An April 4 show called “The Hideout Gets Heavier” featured Yakuza, Rabid Rabbit and Kommandant. No matter what your date’s musical taste, you can find something to impress them at the Hideout. It’s a fun place to dance or just sit back and watch a show.

If you and your date prefer comedy or film, check out the Chicago Short Film Brigade or the Interview Show. Once a month, the Chicago Short Film Brigade shows serious and funny short films, with popcorn and sometimes pie for concessions. The Interview Show follows a Jay Leno/David Letterman format with host Mark Bazer bringing in local musicians, comedians and filmmakers. Covers for these entertaining shows are $5 to $10, less than a movie.

Drinks at the Hideout are also reasonably priced. My favorite beer there is the Berghoff Red for $2.50 a bottle. Goose Island, Red Seal and Newcastle Brown Ale are also on tap and the full bar serves cocktails like the house special “Wooden Leg” with rye. Note that there is no food except snacks, like the popcorn on movie nights and the bar is cash only, but there is an ATM.

True to its name, the Hideout is isolated from the rest of Wicker Park and somewhat hard to find. Industrial lots surround the Hideout, so there’s plenty of parking nearby. The Hideout is close to North Avenue and Elston. You can walk there from the Damen Blue Line El Stop, going east on North Avenue and north on Ada. Look for the Old Style beer sign.

The Hideout’s building is a two-story wood house with a big patio out front. Inside, it has stuffed deer heads and swordfish on the walls and yellow Christmas lights strung up from the ceiling. Its relaxed kitsch welcomes all visitors and the chalkboard above the bar reads “Drinking unites; sobriety divides.”

The thermometer is finally reading above freezing, buds are popping up on the tree limbs and the migrating birds are starting to arrive. And hey – even the calendar is agreeing with what Nature is saying – it’s Spring! Even though it’s not quite time to head to the beach and catch some rays, it still is time to get out there and enjoy the longer days and take in some fresh air! Check out some ideas for taking advantage of the slush free streets around Chicago.

March Critical Mass - March 28th: If you’ve never gotten the gumption to attend a Critical Mass bike ride, this is a great time to do it. Head down to Daley Plaza at 5:30 and find a group that’s planning on going where you’d like explore. Many go north, some go west and south, so there’s sure to be something for everyone. And remember, if you go towards the Wicker Park/Bucktown area, cap off at Handlebar’s for a brew and some good grub!

Maple Syrup Festival - March 29th and 30th: Where else in Chicago can you actually witness then taste for yourself how good fresh and natural maple syrup can be? At the North Park Nature Center of course! This annual event is free for all ages, and it includes a tour of the woods and even learn a thing or two!

Glenview Kite Day - April 5th, 9am – 2pm: Head down to the Attea Middle School in Glenview for some family fun and some kite flying action! This is the perfect weather for it, everyone is welcome and hey – it’s free! Professional kite flyers will also be there to show off their skills and offer up some tips.

Millennium Park - Taking a stroll through the park in spring has already become an annual event for me, especially when the trees begin to bloom those delicate little white flowers and watch the care takers plant the annuals. And since the weather here can get rather summer like at the drop of a hat, you won’t have to wait long to head down there for a much deserved lunch break, be it with coworkers or your partner.

And remember, any day is a great day to take your doggie out to the park! Wicker Park is the best park in the city for letting your four footed baby out to play and mingle with other dog lovers just as varied as their pups. Just be sure to wear your best looking grubs, because it can get muddy there and the other friendly dogs are bound to want to come up and say Hi!

I don't know about the rest of yas, but I sure do love a good maki roll, but I hate breaking the bank when it comes to fixing that hankerin’! Fortunately, there are quite a few places in Chicago that can satiate that craving for lunch or dinner, and on any day of the week! And no, “cheap sushi” does not always mean fishy, so be brave! Go ahead and indulge – it’s good for ya, too!

Under 55 – 55 E Monroe, Lower Level: Folks who work in the center of the Loop have probably ventured down to this high end food court at one time or another, especially when in groups. However, I know of so many people who are wary of giving the sushi cart the time of day, because they’re leery the food is going to be a complete disappointment… or worse! Have no fear – eat here! I’ve had their maki rolls and miso soup specials a number of times, and I can assure you it’s always fresh and delicious! Not too many options, but you really can’t beat the price or the service. And yes, great place to go with your co-workers!

House of Sushi and Noodles: Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner here, folks! Go to this Bucktown location hungry!!! If you go as a couple, you can get in on their $13.95 per person all you can eat buffet! Just be sure to go here early, because a lot of other people have been getting a clue about this place as well!

Kanok - Not only do they prepare a decent roll and also offer buffet specials, but it’s BYOB with NO corkage fee! This place is kind of smallish but modern and dimly lit, and fortunately not nearly as crowded as its more pretentious counterparts. This place serves as a nice Lakeview location to tap for an inexpensive (not cheap!) date.

Green Tea - Again small and no corkage, but what’s interesting about this restaurant is its location and it’s delivery service! Imagine this – a couple can dine on some of the freshest sushi in the area for under $30, and it’s not a buffet special! They also have some pretty large portions, and the presentations are very nice. And, because the bulk of their business is from delivery, you get to witness so many dishes being prepared while you decide on what to order. Only bad thing her is the delivery service – when they say an hour, they mean it!

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!