Chicago in TV and Film

Yesterday, I was laying on my couch, recovering from a late night in Wrigleyville with my cousin, and got caught up in an ABC Family marathon of movies. One of my favorites came on, "While You Were Sleeping". It is fun to watch that movie these days because I can pick out a lot of the filming locations, as it was shot in Chicago. It got me thinking about all the shows and movies that are shot in Chicago. Here is a list of some favorites and comments on their filming locations...

(1) E.R. - The eL stop they always feature is Quincy, in the heart of the Loop. There is no hospital nearby however. The exterior shots are shot at UIC's hospital, which is about 15 minutes southwest of downtown. Also there was a scene last season where an ambulance are driving down Wacker Drive and went right past my work building.
(2) While You Were Sleeping - Sandra Bullock's character, Lucy, works as a toll taker for the CTA. This is back in the day where you had to give your token to someone to enter. These days, you put money on a card and there is an automated machine that you run your card through. Her eL stop that she works at is Randolph/Wabash. I didn't realize this until yesterday while watching. "Lucy" also lives in a courtyard building that is pretty typical of Chicago, so it was hard to place. The coma guy (Peter Gallagher's character) lives in a high rise. By the look of his view, it looks like he lives in the Gold Coast as he faces south towards the Hancock Building.
(3) Batman Begins - Chicago stood in for Gotham in the latest installment of the Black Knight's adventures. There are several scenes where the camera pans over Wacker Drive. There is also an awesome car chase scene on Lower Wacker Drive. If you don't already know, there is a whole underground road system that is closer to river level. There is also a scene where Batman is perches on a building and that building is close to my work as well.
(4) High Fidelity - You have got to put High Fidelity on this list as John Cusack is a hometown boy. The record store he owned is in Wicker Park, on Milwaukee Ave. I happened to walk by it one day and had a flashback to the movie. Also there is a scene where John Cusack (can't remember his character's name) is on a college campus with Catherine Zeta-Jones. That campus is actually the campus of Lane Technical High School. I use to walk by it on my way to the bowling alley (I used to be part of a league - don't laugh!). It is a massive and beautiful high school.

Of course, you can reference any John Hughes movie to see suburban Chicago life. I personally loved Weird Science!

Happy Monday :)

Fake Beach

As a Florida girl, the beach was a pretty normal part of my existance. The smell of the ocean, the feeling of sand between your toes, and the taste of saltiness from the Atlantic--this was my reality when I chose to cross "the ditch" (otherwise knows as the Intracoastal Waterway).

Now that I live in Chicago (at least for the time being), I accepted that skyscrapers replace lifeguard stations. However, Chicagoians believe they can have both city and sand with their own beaches outlining the east side of the city. Beaches? I asked myself, how could this be. Beach=Ocean. There is no ocean nearby. Well lo and behold, North Avenue and Oak Street Beaches. I like to call it the Fake Beach. I feel like someone shipped the sand here and put it on the banks of Lake Michigan. I'm sure I'm totally wrong, but honestly, this is not natural.

But I've decided to dismiss my moronic thinking and actually try going to this beach. Yes, I'm ragging on a beach I haven't even been to. It is supposed to be in the 90's all weekend, which is quite scorching for Chicago and as good a weekend as any to try this beach out!

ComEd is kinda dumb

When I moved from LSD (Lake Shore Dr., not the drug!!) to Wrigleyville, I had to switch the utilities over to the new digs. In this day and age, you can do all of this online. So I went to the ComEd site back in the middle of May and completed the necessary information. I even got an email confirming that they received everything. Electric was working just fine.

Now we are at the end of July and I had not received an electric bill from ComEd yet. When I checked my mail yesterday, I got a letter from ComEd saying "We know someone is using electricity at your apartment, but we do not have any information on the tenant." I'm thinking, well, guess my info never was received. So I call ComEd and they in fact do have me in the system and know that I live where I live. They just never linked my USAGE of electricity to my actual account. Yeah, they are kinda dumb. So I'm not going to get my 1st bill until the middle of AUGUST and it will be backdated to May. Yikes, I'm kinda scared to see how much it is!

Exploring Chicago Neighborhoods: Andersonville

I've decided that it would be fun to do a write-up of the different neighborhoods on Chicago. Chicago is a city of diverse neighborhoods. Each one of them has their own flavor and deserves to be recognized. For my first neighborhood write-up, I'm going to feature Andersonville.

Andersonville is located around the 5000 block of N. Clark. The best eL stops to take to the neighborhood include Berwyn and Bryn Mawr Red Line stops. My friend and I went there this weekend primarily to see my hairdresser's friend host a Drag Show at @mosphere. However, I had heard about this bar called Hopleaf that was known for having a terrific selection of Belgian beers. It was also featured on a local tv show called "Check, Please" where local Chicagoians review their favorite restaurants. So we had a plan--dinner at Hopleaf and Drag show at @mosphere.

We jumped on the 22 Clark Bus and took it to Clark and Foster. I immediately noticed the charming strip that the normally uninteresting Clark St. had become. The streets were lined with lightposts. The businesses were a mix of local cafes, bars, bakeries, stores, art galleries, and the Swedish-American Museum. I saw roughly 8 restaurants that I added to my "Must Dine" list. We had the opportunity to browse through a local art gallery. The art was tasteful and interesting. It definitely would provoke discussion but not for being completely vulgar.The stores ranged from boutique type establishments to local groceries where you could stock up on your Swedish delicacies. It did not feel like I was in Chicago, but rather in a charming small town.

Hopleaf was easy to find, with the lively crowd leading us to the modest storefront. Hopleaf offers a large variety of not just Belgian beers, but other beers, wines and a full service var (no Red Bull though!). Their menu, while small offered some tasty choices. Among the dishes tried were the Goat Cheese Macaroni and the Rainbow Trout with a Summer Veggie Pancake, Peas, and Corn. Both dishes were extremely tasty, although we had to ask for a new Pancake as the first one that came out was burnt. The staff remedied the situation quickly and did so with a smile. I highly recommend the trek up to Andersonville, even if all you do is go to Hopleaf.

@mosphere was a lot of fun. It was definitely a lot more welcoming than the other gay bars I've visited in Boystown. I always felt like people went to Andersonville did so when they outgrew Boystown. The Drag show was small but fun :)

I cannot wait to revisit Andersonville and explore more of the local neighborhood flavor. For my next review, I will go east of Andersonville to Uptown!

If there is something specific you would like for me to review, please let me know by leaving a comment!

Thank you Craig!

One of the first "friends" I made when moving to Chicago was Craigslist. This fantastic website has helped me with so much. Whether the results were short or long term, Craig was always there for me. Here is a rundown of how Craig has worked to enhance my life:

(1) My then-roommate and I found out wonderful apartment on Lake Shore Drive.
(2) I found many activity groups including 2 bookclubs and 1 trivia team. From those groups, I have made wonderful friends, even though the groups themselves may not be in existance anymore.
(3) Tickets galore- I saw Death Cab, Wicked and a Cubs game--all courtesy of the awesome tickets section.
(4) I went on a handful of CL dates. Albeit, they were more comical than anything else, it did allow me to brush up on my dating skills. Plus, they provided me with some great bar stories :)
(5) Selling off my junk - I was able to get rid of electronics I didn't use and make some cash.
(6) Pure entertainment! I still read the M4W, Rants and Raves, and Missed Connections to get my giggles in. Plus, my friends have me check out the M4W ads to let them know who I've gone out with.

So, Craigslist, cheers to you!

Trixie and Chad

When I moved to Chicago, I had to learn some new slang vocabulary. You know, the Loop, the eL, etc. The two most entertaining words I learned were "Trixie" and "Chad". After studying this websites, you too will be able to pick out a Trixie or Chad in a crowd. I believe studying creatures in their natural habitat is always the most fun, so get thee to Tilli's on Halsted. Happy Hunting!

Hot Fun at the World's Largest Block Party

I spent Friday and Saturday night at what is un-officially known as the World's Largest Single's Party. Otherwise known as the Old St. Pat's Annual Block Party, this event has been the scene where over 70 now-married couples have met. Since I am involved with the World's Best Boyfriend (hee hee), I didn't have a need to meet anyone. So why did I go? Well...the answer is CAKE. No...not the tasty dessert, but the band. The awesome, catchy tune creating band. They performed on Friday and they were everything I expected! In order to see CAKE for a reduced price, I volunteered on Saturday night. Honestly, volunteering allowed me to do some of the best people watching this city has to offer! I hope that people who were searching for that connection found it, whether it was for the long haul or for the night;-)

Ode to the Puppet Bike

The Puppet Bike is my favorite street performer in Chicago. While I typically see the Puppet Bike on Michigan Ave, around Erie..I have heard he/she wanders around the city. Please...if you see the Puppet Bike, take a few moments and watch. Last spring, even when I was unemployed and with a horrid boyfriend, the Puppet Bike always made me giggle and smile.

Sunshine + Crossword Puzzle = Perfect Lunch

I've been going to the park on my lunch breaks for the past few weeks when time permits. I bring my crossword puzzle and my lunch and bask in the sunshine. If I'm in luck, the orchestra is having an open rehersal and I'll have free music to set the scene for me. Simple but ever so lovely...

Pink is the new eL

The Pink Line debuts this Sunday. While riding into work on the Red Line this morning, I noticed that the maps have been updated to include the new line. This new line will service the 54/Cermak route currently serviced by the Blue Line. However, unlike the Blue line, the Pink Line will make stop on the elevated part of the Loop. I'm going to have to find a reason to ride the Pink Line. Other than the Yellow Line and the Blue Line (54th/Cermak), I've ridden them all. Here is my review of the Lines I've been on:

Red Line: As far south as 35th/Sox and north to Howard. Favorite stops: Chinatown, 35th/Sox, Addison, and Lake. Now you are probably asking how I could possibly list the Sox and the Cubs stops both as faves. However, the Addison stop is my home stop and I like the escalator. Yes, I'm lazy. Sketchiest stop: Roosevelt (only at night).
Purple Line: South to Howard and north to Davis. Favorite stop: Davis (it's the stop closest to the Dixie Kitchen!) I don't have a sketchy stop for the Purple line.
Brown Line: Southeast to the Loop and northwest to Western. Favorite stops: Paulina and Western. Sketchiest? There isn't one, but I'm not a fan of the Washington/Wells stop only due to bad memories of stupid exes.
Blue Line (O'Hare): Southeast to Washington and North to O'Hare. Favorite stop: Damen. Sketchiest: I hate to say it, but Irving Park. Plus, i've almost been hit by a car everytime I'm trying to cross the street to get to the station.
Blue Line (Forest Park): I've only ridden this once so I feel bad rendering a favorite/sketchiest.
Green Line (Harlem/Lake): West to Harlem/Lake to the Loop at Clark/Lake. Favorite stop is Harlem/Lake, which is in Oak Park. Oak Park was a safe haven for me when I first moved to Chicago. Plus my cousin used to be a barista at the Starbucks next to the Lake Theater. Can we all say together "Free Frappachinos"?
Green Line (East 63rd/Cottage Grove): I took this all the way to the last stop and back into the Loop. I was interviewing at the University of Chicago for an HR job. I hadn't even moved to the city yet. I was visiting for a week while I interviewed. I was sketched out the entire ride. Partly because the train goes through a less that desirable neighborhood. Mostly because there had been a story about a fire on the Green line the previous day. When I got on the train, I smelled smoke almost the entire time. Thank goodness it was nothing. i tried to take the Metra back into the city after the interview, but no such luck. I ended up wandering around Hyde Park and ended up getting on the #3 (King Drive) bus. THAT story, I'll save for another posting. It is a whole separate story.
Orange Line (Midway): This is actually the first eL train I rode. When I would visit Chicago prior to moving here, I would take this from the airport. Favorite stop: Midway--only because now it typically means I'm going home to Florida! Sketchiest: Well honestly, many of the stops were a little sketchy, but I'm used to it.

White Sox continue the insanity

I was at the White Sox game on Tuesday. Yeah. THAT one. Eleven runs in the 3rd inning. Final score of 20-6, which is deceiving since the Cards scored 4 of those runs in the 9th after Ozzie brought in the rookie. Even though I was sadden that Pods was benched, it was a fantastic game. Baseball in June...can't get any better!

A new addiction...

I tend to go through phases where I fixate on certain things for a 2 weeks period, get sick of it, and move on. A lot of time it has to do with food--like I'll eat the same kind of soup 3-4 times a week for a 2 week period. Or I'll want to read a certain website every day and one day, I'll just stop.

My newest addiction is fantasy baseball. I had no idea what I would think about it when my friend Paul invited me to be part of his league. Some friends (namely the girls) either (1) couldn't get why I would want to do this or (2) said I would tire of it quickly. I have been playing for about a month and a half now and I love it. I *finally* learned about all those darn stats. Also this is something my boyfriend could teach me about. I've actually made some smart picks --like picking up Pitcher Mike Mussina of the Yankees and Jeff Francouer and Marcus Giles of the Braves. I have made some stupid moves--namely dropping Hottie Scotty Pods. Now he is on fire! I never did understand the draw of fantasy sports, but I have to admit it is pretty entertaining :)

Sunshine here I come

I'm so excited to leave for Florida next Saturday! Before I get to go home, I'm moving to my new digs in Wrigleyville. So I've been spending a lot of my free time packing and cleaning and trying not to spend $$$. I've been pretty successful, especially at the last thing. I did go to lunch with Tania on Saturday. Cousin bonding time is always good. We went to Wishbone on Washington in the West Loop. I was actually able to order real sweet tea and biscuits. Holy smokes--i love a Southern brunch.

1,000 places to see before you die...

I went to one of these places tonight, thanks to my friend Chris!! She is too much fun...

Evanston in the rain...

I spent part of my day in Evanston (Home of Northwestern University) with one of my girlfriends today. Aside from the drizzle of rain, it was quite a lovely and relaxing way to spend a Saturday. Even the drive to Evanston is nice...winding about on Lake Shore Drive onto Sheridan...through Rogers Park into Evanston. The main reason we went was to eat at the Dixie Kitchen. When I miss home, I tend to indulge in the culinary treats of the South. I had Seafood Cakes with Cheese Grits and Greens. YUM! Then we wandered around to the different shops...namely Bookman's Alley. Bookman's Alley is a lovely used bookstore and a highly recommend it to any "libraphile" (if there is such a word). We ended up at Ethel's Chocolate Lounge, sipping hot chocolate and catching up on anything and everything. Yes...quite a lovely day :)

White Sox! White Sox!

I went to my first White Sox game last Saturday. I'm completely infatuated with Scott Podsednik(Pods). Aside from my schoolgirl crush, the game was terrific. U.S. Cellular Field (the "Cell", Comisky, etc) is a great place to watch a game. As well, to be able to watch a World Championship team do what they do best...amazing!

Also....gotta love a big polish sausage and beer!

Tulips and Sunshine

It is finally spring in Chicago. Tulips are lining Michigan Ave. The city population appears to have doubled with people emerging from hibernation. Outdoor seating is readily available at many restaurants. The Wendella Boat Tours are starting up again. Most importantly, it's Baseball season!!!

This is truly the best time of the year to be a Chicagoan!

Happy One Year Anniversary!

It is my one year anniversary of moving to Chicago. Wahoo!

A year in review...

- Met lots of great new friends
- Went to many pub crawls
- Rode almost every line of the eL (except the Yellow line) and too many bus lines to name
- Found my escape place (Evanston)
- Survived a Chicago winter (it was mild this year though)
- Went to lots of Cubs games
- Ate an Italian Beef sandwich and a Chicago style hotdog
- Survived the heat of the Taste of Chicago and the gluttany of the Southside Irish parade
- Memorized the city street layout
- Gave someone directions on the street
- Volunteered at the Chicago Children's Museum (ongoing)
- Found a favorite bar(s)

All in all, a pretty good year. but fate would have it that my time here could be limited. What am I --a nomad??

I heart Salad Spinners and GeekDating 101

I must rave about my favorite Chicago lunch spot, Salad Spinners at the AON Center on Randolph. Aside from their tasty Sunsplash salad (extra chicken!), I have realized that they are very customer oriented as well. I ordered my salad online for pick up. When I got to the store, I had a little bit of a wait until they could ring me up. The cashier was on the phone taking a lunch order. I didn't mine as I was listening to my favorite podcast Geek Dating 101. When they finally got to me (only waited 2 minutes), I wanted to add soup and a drink to my meal. They gave them to me for free! When they told me my total, it was just for the salad. I asked about the soup and drink and they said not to worry about it! They rock. Also, props to their delicious Butternut Squash soup! Sweet and creamy...you just can't go wrong!

A Chicago first

A very cute guy offered me his seat on the eL last night. I never see this happen! And who says Midwestern boys aren't as polite as Southern boys!!?

Also on the weather front, it was the "weathermen who cried wolf" yesterday. Supposedly we were going to receive 4-6 inches of snow. While the white stuff did come down, it was too warm to stick.