Edition: Summer Fun in Chicago
Chicago Celebrity Concierge
Author: Amber Holst
Editor’s Note: A true Chicagoan, Stuart Dybek has traveled the world, but Chicago remains at the heart of nearly all of his award-winning fiction. Frequently included in books such as The Best American Short Stories of 2004, Dybek’s work reflects his background as the son of a Polish immigrant who grew up in the Little Village and Pilsen neighborhoods. In addition to writing, Dybek teaches at Northwestern University.
His insider knowledge of the city makes for a unique exploration of the city worth duplicating.
7 a.m.
I wake in east Rogers Park, on a street called Farewell that dead-ends in a park along the lake. It's a summer morning, too early yet for the lifeguards to be out. I swim out into water which is near becalmed. There's a sailboat out already with sunrise in its sails.
9:30 a.m.
After I swim back in, hungry, I buy a Tribune to read the sports page and head down Devon Avenue to a deli around California Avenue for one of my favorite breakfasts, fresh grapefruit juice, poached eggs, nova, and coffee.
“At Wrigley I'm a spectator watching the athletes. If my kids were still young enough to take to ball games that's where I'd go.”
11 a.m.
How come I'm not at Wrigley Field? (1060 W. Addison St., 773- 404-2827) At Wrigley I'm a spectator watching the athletes. If my kids were still young enough to take to ball games that's where I'd go. But this afternoon I'm an explorer. I've loaded my kayak and driven down Lake Shore Drive to 18th Street. At Playa Azul (1514 W. 18th St., 321-421- 2552) I order a vuelva la vida, ceviche flavored with cilantro and avacado and onion, shrimp, fish, pulpo (octopus) and oysters at the bottom. For dessert I stop on my way out of Pilsen at a tamale cart and get a fresh tamale wrapped in banana leaf and a coconut soda. I eat it while I drive to the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. I put my kayak in and paddle back toward Pilsen, Chinatown, downtown, pigeons and gulls overhead, inedible fish leaping in the shallows.
6 p.m.
There's good Jamaican at a place called Jamaica Jerk(1631 W. Howard St., 773 -764-1 5 4 6). But since I've just paddled down the Chicago Sanitary Canal, I'm going to contrast that with a little elegance and go to Spiaggia (980 N. Michigan Ave., 312-280- 2750) My favorite dish is the scallop appetizer with a bottle of Ca'del Bosco. But if that's too easy a choice, then maybe, given that it's summer, I drive back north to a Japanese restaurant called Kaze (2032 W. Roscoe St., 773- 327-4860). They have little tables outside and some of the freshest sashimi in the city.
“The smelt fishers are there with their nets and hibachis. They whisper, their laughter is muted. They've saved a place for me. We'll fish till nearly dawn.”
8:30 p.m.
It's night now, and maybe there's a play at the Victory Gardens Theater (2433 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-871-3000). Or maybe there's some terrific live music at HotHouse (31 E. Balbo Ave., 312-362-9707). Or maybe there's chamber music in the that beautiful room overlooking Michigan Avenue on the second floor of Symphony Center (220 S. Michigan Ave., 312-294-3000). This is the hardest call because it depends what's in town and there are so many great venues. What if the Lookingglass Theater (821 N. Michigan Ave., 312-337-0665) has some new Mary Zimmerman production?
11 p.m.
I do know where I go late: either The Velvet Lounge (67 E. Cermak Rd., 791-9050) or The Green Mill (4802 N. Broadway St., 773-878- 5552), both classic Chicago destinations for live jazz.
Did you Know...
The Green Mill became mobster territory when Al Capone's henchman, "Machinegun" Jack McGurn, gained a 25% ownership of the club. Manager Danny Cohen had given McGurn the 25% stake to "persuade" comedian/singer Joe E. Lewis from moving his act south to the New Rendezvous Café at Clark and Diversey. McGurn managed to convince Lewis by slitting his throat and cutting off his tongue.
3 a.m.
Since it's my day to do all that I want with, when I drive back down the Drive, I find a parking place on Farewell, and all along the pier that stretches out into the lake there are lanterns. The smelt fishers are there with their nets and hibachis. They whisper, their laughter is muted. They've saved a place for me. We'll fish till nearly dawn.
Cafe Spiaggia
980 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
If you love class, wine, and many courses, then Café Spiaggia is for you. Be sure to indulge in their renowned selection of artisan cheeses and dessert options. Jackets are required for men, ties are optional. Jean and gym shoes are not permitted.
Kaze Sushi
2032 W. Roscoe,, Chicago, IL 60618
KAZE's seasonal cuisine, comfortable décor and knowledgeable service will provide you and your guests a dining experience that is both entirely satisfying and highly memorable.
Victory Gardens Theater
2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614
Victory Gardens Theater has been around since 1974 and stays true to its mission to develop and produce new plays. Most of its featured plays are written by Chicago-area writers, staying true to its heart of Chicago roots.
The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
4802 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60640
This 1930s and 1940s inspired jazz club was once a former hang out of the infamous gangster Al Capone. The history of the Prohibition-era gangsters still seeps through the musty walls.
