Category Archives: Date

Scooter’s

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What’s the first sign of spring in Chicago? Opening day at Scooter’s Frozen Custard! Last Friday March 1st was opening day at Scooter’s, and ChiCityCool once again attended the opening. We never miss it! Located on the corner of Belmont and Paulina in the Lakeview neighborhood is a small frozen custard shop that has gotten quite the reputation in Chicago. Sure Bobtail is great too, but nothing compares to the delicious, rich, creamy, and unique flavors of the frozen custard offered at Scooter’s. It’s my favorite place in the city for dessert! Even on a cold Chicago night like last Friday, people lined up out the door to get a taste of their delicious treats. They have an extensive menu with many fun options like “Elvis” and Peanut Butter and Jelly Concretes, but I was most excited to try their “Flavor of the Day”- Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel.  In case you were curious, it was as amazing as it sounds. In addition to their frozen custard “Flavor of the Day”, they also offer a concrete of the month. Bonus: Children and dogs receive free small cones! Yes, I have witnessed firsthand people feeding their dogs frozen custard cones. Don’t worry, they are bite size. For that reason, if you have a child that is older than 3, be warned that they may want more than the free tiny cone Scooter’s offers. So, no matter what the weather is outside, head on over to Scooter’s Frozen Custard and enjoy every delicious bite. I’d hurry though, because they aren’t opened year around and you want to get as much Scooter’s in while you can. No one every tries Scooter’s just once!

Tip: Avoid going inside by ordering from their walk up window on the west side of the building.

Dress Code: Casual

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Top: Express; Infinity Scarf: Coldwater Creek (old); Skinny Jeans: The Limited; Boots: Shoedazzle; Red Snake Bracelet: BaubleBar (old and not available on-line, bought in NYC Store); Watch: Michael Kors; Bracelets: Wanderlust + Co & Bijouterie Light Wood Skull Charm Bracelet; Earrings: K-Amato (Sample Sale); Gold Kensington Ring: Gorjana

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Caro Mio

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When it comes to Italian food in Chicago, most people think they should head over to Taylor Street. While it’s true there are some great restaurants over there, there’s also an excellent Italian restaurant on the North Side that tops my list of favorite places to eat. Located on Wilson Avenue in the Ravenswood / Lincoln Square neighborhood is a lesser known, but becoming increasingly more popular Italian restaurant called Caro Mio. After studying abroad in Italy in college, I’ve become pretty picky about Italian food. You won’t catch me at an Olive Garden unless I’m being forced to go, and I admit there are even a few popular Italian restaurants in Chicago that I am not a huge fan of, even after multiple attempts to try to like it. Since this blog is about things to eat, see, and do in Chicago that are “cool”, I won’t talk about those places though, nor will I recommend any places that I wouldn’t visit again. I started eating at Caro Mio almost 6 years ago, and back then I felt I had found one of the best kept secrets in Chicago. I would often tell friends and family to try this place, but many of them hesitated based on the location. Since then, the secret has gotten out, and Caro Mio has expanded their restaurant to the space next door. Although cabs can be difficult to find outside the restaurant, it is easily accessible and walking distance to the Damen and Montrose Brown Line stops.

Once you walk inside the door, you will find a cozy and romantic space. Although this place is a prime spot for romantic dates, it’s also an excellent place to go in groups. I’ve taken my family here, celebrated engagements here with friends, and have seen many birthday celebrations happening inside the restaurant. With the expanded space, you can bet that you will be seeing even more group events happening here. They only take reservations for larger parties, but they will take your phone number down so you can grab a drink at O’Shaughnessy’s Public House down the street while you wait for your table. Once you sit down, you will see a large menu of delicious items. Their specials are usually the best things to order, and I almost always get their stuffed Gnocchi. It’s the best gnocchi I’ve ever had, hands down. As someone once said to me while eating there, “It’s like a pillow of deliciousness in your mouth.” Enough said. The food is excellent. The best part about this place is that it’s a BYOB with no corkage fee. Yes, Chicago, another BYOB. So, while I feel the food prices are reasonable, the food feels even more affordable after not having a large alcohol tab attached to the bill. If you are on the North Side of Chicago and in the mood for Italian cuisine, head over to Caro Mio with a few bottles of wine.

Dress Code : Casual

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Date Night : Burgundy Skinny Jeans: TJ Maxx; Blazer: Banana Republic, old (Similar); Top: Forever 21; Belt: Target; Necklace: K-Amato Sample Sale; Earrings: Lia Sophia (old), Bracelets: Wanderlust + Co , BaubleBar (NY Store- Not On-line); Watch: Michael Kors, Boots: Nine West (Very Similar)

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Casual Dinner with Parents: Leopard Cardigan: Target (Currently In Stores Only); Shirt: H&M; Mustard Skinny Jeans: TJ Maxx; Earrings: random New York jewelry designer; Necklace: Tiffany’s (old); Bracelet: Tiffany’s (old), Boots: Nine West (Very Similar)

Longman & Eagle

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In a city filled with so many delicious restaurants, it’s hard to pick your favorite, but Longman and Eagle is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Many people would be surprised to hear that a Michelin star restaurant is tucked away in Logan Square, but actually, Logan Square has many great restaurants. This high-end gastropub serves American Contemporary cuisine and is a favorite among all walks of life. I for one jump at any opportunity to eat or drink here. Often people ask me where they should take their Chicago visitors to eat, and I almost always say Longman and Eagle. Named after the artist who sculpted the eagle on top of the Illinois Centennial Monument in Logan Square, Longman and Eagle has everything you could want in a restaurant. It has delicious food, unpretentious aura, vibrant atmosphere, diverse crowd, and an excellent drink menu. With a location off the typical beaten path and a hipster bar feel, taking your visitors here will allow them to not only have a great meal, but also see a side of Chicago that not many visitors check out. There must be a downside to this place, right? Well, you are right. Longman and Eagle doesn’t take reservations. That means sometimes you may have a 2 hour wait to get seated. Don’t worry, because they will take your phone number and call you when your table is ready. So, grab a drink down the block and wait it out. This place is worth the wait, and I don’t see the crowds slowing down any time soon.

Longman and Eagle is not only a great choice for dinner, but it also has an excellent brunch menu. I recently tried the Whole Hog Crepinette and Fried Chicken and Waffles, and both were excellent. They also have a PBR special for brunch, and you should take a look at the price of the meal with and without the PBR. It will make you laugh, and just shows you how great this place really is. If it’s your first time there or you might not be back for a while, get the Crepinette for brunch. For dinner there are many great options, so I won’t give you a long list of recommendations. To be honest, I haven’t had anything I didn’t like there. For my New York friends, I often tell them to get the Pork Belly. It’s one of my favorite dishes, and I found not many places in New York (or anywhere else for the matter) cook pork as well as they do at Longman and Eagle. Last, but definitely not least, come thirsty! This place has a great whiskey menu and even serves some good pints of beer as well. They pride themselves on the fact that you can grab a good cup of coffee in the morning and then return at night for pint of beer and more delicious food. If you haven’t checked this place out, then you should. It’s one of the few places in Chicago that I return to often. Did you know that they even have hotel rooms upstairs for you to stay at? I haven’t checked those out yet, but I’m hoping I can talk my next vistors in to staying there.

Dress Code: Anything goes! Hipster / Casual / Trendy

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Dinner Outfit – Floral Blazer: Ann Taylor; Peplum Top: Zara (No longer available on-line); Belt: Target; Burgundy Skinny Jeans: Marshalls; Shoes: Ann Taylor (old); Purse: Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C.(Other Colors Here and Here); Red Snake Bracelet: BaubleBar (old and not available on-line, bought in NYC Store)

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Brunch Outfit – Sweater: Target (In Store Only and No Longer Available); Vest: Old Navy (No Longer Available); Jeans: The Limited; Boots: Shoedazzle; Necklace: Forever21 (old); Earrings: K.Amato (Sample Sale); Watch: Michael Kors

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Brunch: Whole Hog Crepinette

Brunch: Fried Chicken and Waffles

Brunch: Fried Chicken and Waffles

Art Institute of Chicago: After Dark

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Chicago has many great museums to check out any time of the day, but if you want to really enjoy the museums and take in some great food, music, and people watching while you are there, then you should check out the various after hours events happening all over Chicago. A few weeks ago, I attended an After Dark event at the Art Institute of Chicago. Being that I am a big fan of the museum and my best friend happens to be on the Young Associates Board at the Art Institute, I often take part in many of the activities this museum has to offer. This specific After Dark event though was my favorite so far, because it featured in exhibit on Studio Gang Architects. I’ve been lucky enough to have worked with Jeanne Gang on some past projects at my previous job, and I was ecstatic to hear the museum was featuring an exhibit on her. I was even more excited when I saw a model of one of the projects I worked on with her in the museum! (Did I mention my old company also designed the Modern Wing at the Art Institute?) Enough about me. Jeanne is a successful female architect and graduated from my alma mater, so as you can imagine, I’ve looked up to her throughout my education and career. For those of you who are unfamiliar with her work and want to see some really cool modern architecture, drive down Lake Shore Drive and take a look at one of her most famous pieces of work, Aqua.

Each After Dark event features a different exhibit and gives you access in to the museum after hours with special tours of their featured exhibit. So, even though you may have missed the Studio Gang After Dark event, check out the next one. General admission is typically $25, and that includes complimentary appetizers, live music, admission in to the museum, and cash bar. There is typically a decent amount of food that is delicious, so don’t come too full like we did. They often have live performance art that brings a nice element of surprise throughout your night. You never know what fun things they will do! Wondering what to wear there? Well, let’s just say, anything goes. It’s an art museum. People typically get pretty dressed up (sport coat, but no tuxedos) and often use this as an opportunity to really express their own style. I wore a sweater dress and boots since I knew I’d be standing a lot, but I tried to get creative by wearing zig zag patterned tights and jewelry by my favorite Chicago designer.

Want to check out a similar event at a different museum? Check out the First Fridays events at the MCA. Tickets range between $10-$18 depending on when you buy and/or if you are a member, but it has a similar set up as the After Dark Event at the Art Institute. You’ll find all types of people at both events, so it’s great for mingling or people watching.

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Models of Studio Gang Architect’s Projects in the Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago

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Performance Art at the After Dark Event at the Art Institute of Chicago

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Sweater Dress: Laundry by Shelli Segal on Zappos (old, but can now find on ebay); Boots: Steve Madden (old); Belt: Mint Julep Boutique on Southport; Earrings and Necklace: K-Amato Sample Sale (recent); Zig Zag Tights

Dress Code: Smart Casual / Business Casual

Chicago Christmas Traditions & Winter Activities

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Although this blog started after the holidays and Christmas has quickly come and gone, winter seems to have just started in Chicago. The weather has been unusually mild this winter despite the weather forecasters’ predictions last summer. With the weather just getting colder and the holidays still on my mind, here are a few Chicago winter must-do activities that everyone should check out: (I go every year and they are budget friendly!)

–Lincoln Park Zoo Lights: They are free! Great place to take the kids to see Santa as well. Grab some pizza beforehand down the street at Rocco Ranalli’s (It’s family friendly and delicious!)

-Ice Skate at Millennium Park: Avoid lines and having to spend money by bringing your own ice skates (Check out the other free ice skating rinks around Chicago as well!)

–Christkindlmarket in the Daley Plaza: It gets super crowded, but is a must see activity in Chicago. Grab a nice German beverage served in a souvenir mug shaped like a boot and check out the beautiful ornaments and Christmas tree.

–CTA Holiday Train: This is more geared towards families, but if you currently have little ones at home, check out the schedule and catch a ride with Santa and his elves on the CTA Holiday Train.

–Walnut Room & Holiday Windows at Macy’s on State Street: Check out the holiday windows at the old Marshall Field’s, now Macy’s, on State Street. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat at the Walnut Room inside and enjoy the view of the beautiful Great Tree. (It’s 45 feet tall!) This is one of Chicago’s oldest holiday traditions.

–Snow Shoe at Northerly Island: Located on Chicago’s great peninsula (a.k.a. Northerly Island), many Chicagoans are unaware of this cool and interesting activity. Check the weather beforehand, and get there early since snow shoe’s are given out on a first come first serve basis.

-Check out hilarious holidays plays at various theaters around Chicago. My past favorites include “The Santaland Diaries” at what is now called Theater Wit in Lakeivew or “It’s A Wonderful Santaland Miracle Nut Cracking Christmas Story” at Stage 773 next door. If you are looking for something a little less humorous and a little more traditional, check out “A Christmas Carol” at the Goodman Theatre. Always check Hottix or Goldstar for good deals.

Dress Code: Casual

(Note for Walnut Room: Don’t get me wrong, the Walnut Room is a classy place that I tend to dress a little nicer for, but during the holiday’s, the beautiful space is filled many casual tourists that are there just to check out the tree. Dress however makes you comfortable and they won’t turn you away.)

A Few Casual Holiday Outfits:

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Wool Plaid Vest: Nordstrom; Angora Sweater with Lace: Zara; White Long Sleeve T-Shirt: Gap; Skinny Jeans: Limited (sold out); Gold Wedge Sneakers: Target; Kensington Gold Ring: Gorjana

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Christmas Day

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Christmas Eve Outfit: Top: Francesca’s (old); Vest: Loft (old); Dot Print Pants: Loft; Booties: Old Navy (Same boots in animal print); Necklace & Earrings: K-Amato (sample sale); Watch: Michael Kors; Link Gold Bracelet: Wanderlust + Co

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Family Christmas Party: Bow Sweater: Loft (No longer available on-line); Floral Skinny Pants: New York and Company (sold out); Boots: Nine West (old); Leg Warmers: Nordstrom (Same in different color); Watch: Michael Kors; Earrings: K-Amato (Sample Sale); Bracelets: Light Wood Skull Bracelet by Bijouterie and Black Leather Stud Wrap Bracelet by Wanderlust + Co