Blog Archives

Viva VIVO! by Mark Loehrke

10/27/2011

In the topsy-turvy restaurant industry, two decades may as well be an eternity – great eateries fall victim to difficult locations, tough economic times and challenging circumstances all the time. So it’s no wonder a place that reaches its 20-year anniversary would want to mark the milestone in a big way, especially when it pulls into that rarified territory not only surviving, but thriving.

That’s the happy situation on the city’s now-bustling Restaurant Row of Randolph Street, as VIVO toasts its 20th year as one of the pioneers and major success stories on this formerly forlorn stretch of the West Loop the best way it knows how – with a great lunch and dinner special. From November 1st through the 15th, diners can enjoy a hearty three-course Italian feast – including antipasto, soup or appetizer, a choice of several pastas and entrees, and a delectable dessert – all for just $20 (with a portion of each check going to the National Holocaust Memorial Museum, a cause close to the heart of VIVO owner Dan Krasny). 838 W. Randolph. 312/733-3379.

A birthday party where the guests get the present? Now that’s worth celebrating!

1 Comment

Lunch Counter by Mark Loehrke

10/17/2011

0 Comments

Politicians. Policemen. Construction workers. Tourists. Businessmen. Retirees. Just another typical overflowing lunchtime crowd at one of the city’s most distinctive dining landmarks – Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen.

For years – almost 70 now, in fact – Chicagoans from all walks of life have ventured south of the city’s Loop for the real-deal deli experience of Manny’s. From the sandwiches piled high with freshly shaved corned beef, pastrami and roast beef to the can’t-miss potato pancakes, the food alone is well worth a visit.

But that daily lunch line goes far beyond the menu. Linger in the dining room for awhile (as you may need to in order to finish off the mammoth portions), and you’ll soak up a sense of place and history that few places left in this city can offer. It’s more than a meal – it’s a taste of authentic Chicago, with a side of great food. 1141 S. Jefferson Street. 312/939-2855.

0 Comments

Going The Distance

10/5/2011

0 Comments

The running event of the year has finally arrived. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon commences this Sunday, October 9th in Grant Park (at Columbus between Balbo & Monroe) for what has become one of the countries most celebrated races. Starting at 7:30am sharp, 45,000 eager competitors claiming residence all over the country, and even the world, will embark on the 26.2-mile course that weaves throughout the entire city of Chicago.

Just finishing the marathon is something to celebrate. And you can bet there will be plenty of that going on after the race at the 27th Mile Post-Race Party in Butler Field (NE corner of Columbus & Jackson), which is free and open to the public from 10am-3pm.

For those participating in the Marathon, Packets must be picked up at the Chicago Marathon Health & Fitness Expo at McCormick Place Lakeside Center (2301 S. Martin Luther King) on Friday, Oct. 7th or Saturday, Oct. 8th 312/904-9800 or visit www.chicagomarathon.com.

Loading Up
When it comes to filling the old fuel tank the night before a big race, the time-honored tradition of carbo-loading is alive and well. Just wander into one of the city's popular Italian eateries on Saturday night to find huge crowds consuming copious amounts of pasta.

Given its central location and its long, storied history, the venerable Italian Village (71 W. Monroe; 312/332-7005) is sure to fill the bellies of several thousand marathon runners and their supporters this weekend. The penne and linguini will similarly be flying out the kitchen doors at River North favorite Buca di Beppo (521 N. Rush; 312/396-0001).

Getting Around
Race-day street closures and big roving crowds can make the task of following your favorite runner from mile marker to mile marker a challenging one. Fortunately, you don't have to miss a minute of race action thanks to the special marathon routes offered by the Chicago Transit Authority (888/968-7282).

For a different perspective and a great alternative for getting around, the boats of the Chicago Water Taxiline (312/337-1446) are a solid nautical play. One of the best routes to keep in mind – downtown to Chinatown via the south branch of the Chicago River.

Moveable Feasts
For many first-time marathoners, the race will likely be a four- or five-hour affair. For the supporters of these runners, that means a lot of energy spent moving from place to place. The good news is that much of the marathon course winds through the city's many rich and vibrant neighborhoods where there are plenty of great restaurant options. Consider these convenient choices for keeping up your spectator strength along the way:

Near Mile 1: Streeterville
355 E. Ohio, 312/822-9655
Start the day right with a protein-rich eye-opener at the burgeoning breakfast empire Yolk.

Near Mile 10: Old Town
1448 N. Wells, 312/664-5264
Time for some Q? Get your hands on some of the best barbequed baby back ribs Chicago has to offer at the legendary Fireplace Inn.

Near Mile 26: South Loop
1112 S. Wabash, 312/212-1112
Celebrate a big finish with a big sandwich and an old-fashioned egg cream at the decidedly old-school Eleven City Diner.

0 Comments