My Summertime "To-Do" List in Chicago

Every year when summer rolls around in Chicago, I always start to think about some of the fun-filled things I plan on doing, but never really seem to accomplish. I lived in downtown Chicago for most of my adult life and there are still a few attractions and activities that are on my to-do list.

Whether it’s because of my busy schedule working in the Chicago real estate business or that summers in Chicago are simply WAY too short, as each season comes and goes, it’s always the same old story.

So in 2012, I’m going to make a change! I’m going to FINALLY enjoy some of the awesome amenities Chicago has to offer and make a serious effort to take advantage of living in the Windy City!

In

Chicago's Top 5 Music Festivals in 2012

Everyone loves summertime in Chicago. I often hear remarks by people living in the city such as “Chicago is a totally different city in the summer” or “there’s nothing better than summertime in Chicago!” But what makes Chicago so great during these 4 months out of the year? Is it the one-of-a-kind beaches lining Chicago’s lakefront? Perhaps it’s the countless summer festivals many of the downtown neighborhoods host each year. Or what about the long list of concerts put on at Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and the numerous other outdoor venues scattered throughout our city?  

Well for me, as a huge music fan, it is in fact all of the fabulous musical performances

CTA Releases New Train Tracker Amenities

The CTA is continuing to make progress towards bettering Chicago’s grossly outdated “L” system as it recently unveiled a couple new tech-savvy options riders can access in order to track where a train is located and how long it will take before arriving at your station. Unfortunately, many of us still haven’t experienced the new, highly publicized rail cars that were part of a massive $1 billion order of 706 cars. Unknown safety concerns have been the culprit behind this unexpected setback, but I can obviously understand why these issues weren’t addressed before coughing up the one billion dollars. I mean that kind of money MUST be like pocket change to a high-end outfit such as the Chicago

Bar Toma NOW OPEN in Streeterville!

The much-anticipated and newest Tony Mantuano endeavor, Bar Toma, has officially opened its doors TODAY and is already making noise around Michigan Avenue and Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood. Just on Facebook alone, I’ve seen several articles about the brand-new Streeterville restaurant and even a great interview on ChicagoMag.com with Tony Mantuano, the chef behind so many fabulous Chicago eateries and now the trendy 250-seat Bar Toma. Given the tremendous 110 E. Pearson Street address, the location alone should give Bar Toma a great jump on business, but given the restaurant’s unique style and mouth-watering dishes such as the Insalata di Mare or the Seared Mortedella with homemade Giardinera,

10 Best 2011 Holiday Events in Chicago!

I am hoping that my recent blog about the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival generated a smidgen of holiday spirit, as I realize we’re still barely into November and the thought of Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s may be a bit overwhelming for many of us right now. But despite where we’re at on the calendar, The Magnificent Mile Lights Fest is still only one week away [roughly] and I thought this was the perfect time to generate a list of fun-filled activities happening on November 19th and throughout this year’s holiday season in downtown Chicago. So without further ado, I present to my readers 10 things to do during this year’s celebration:

1)      November 1st-December 31st: Winter

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival! 

The holiday season around the Streeterville neighborhood and Chicago’s Magnificent Mile represents the ultimate urban winter-wonderland. Whether it’s the thousands of holiday shoppers bustling up and down Michigan Avenue, the snowy walkways lining our city or the ceremonious Magnificent Mile Lights Festival held annually along Chicago’s most celebrated thoroughfare, the holiday season is truly a special time for many Chicagoans. I know you’re probably thinking, “is it time to start thinking about the holidays already!?” But the answer to that question is a definitive “YES!” This year, the 20th Annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival will take place on Saturday, November 19th from 11 a.m. to 10

Streeterville Residents to Embrace Foodease  

Have you ever been shopping at Streeterville’s Water Tower Place, went downstairs to Foodlife-the mall’s current food court, ate lunch and came away unsatisfied? Or maybe you thought the food was great at Foodlife, but would have preferred more restaurant choices? Well, now when shopping along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile or within the confines of Water Tower Place, consumers will now have triple the dining options as Foodease prepares to make its grand opening this week. The brand-new Foodease Market will have a similar concept to its food court neighbor, Foodlife, but offers a few other interesting perks. When entering, customers will actually grab a basket, instead of a tray, to accommodate a