Edition: Chicago: Straight Up
Celebrity Concierge Jim McManus
Author: By Dan Velarde
James McManus was assigned by Harper's Magazine to cover the simultaneous stories of the Ted Binion murder trial and the World Series of Poker held in Las Vegas. McManus signed up as a contestant and played so well that he wound up at the final table. Afterward, McManus wrote the best-selling novel Positively Fifth Street. A novelist, essayist, and poet McManus outlines how he'd spend his ideal day in his hometown.
9 a.m.
My wife and I love going to the Milk and Honey Café 1920 W. Division St., 773- 395-9434. This friendly breakfast spot has lovely wood tables and chairs, a fireplace, a small breakfast counter, and storefront windows that open onto a sidewalk café (weather permitting, of course).
10 a.m.
After breakfast I head back home to write. I am currently working on a definitive piece on the history of poker. I usually write about three times a week or whenever I have the chance.
12 p.m.
I make my way to Barbara's Bookstore, one of my favorite stores in the Chicago area (1100 Lake St., Oak Park, 708-848-9140). Chicago has a lot of nice and old bookstores, but I always find myself back here. 1:30 p.m. Lunch would positively be at Kiki's Bistro (900 N. Franklin St., 312-335-5454). My wife and I love eating there. It is a French restaurant that has great steak frites, roasted chicken, and the best chocolate mousse in town.
3 p.m.
I like to take my family over to the Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan Ave. 312- 413-3600). I would recommend checking out the collection of artwork done by Joseph Cornell, my personal favorite.
6 p.m.
Topolobampo (445 N. Clark St. 312-661-1434) has the best food in the city for fine dining and the atmosphere is just as good. It is a very relaxed place where you can sit down and enjoy good Mexican cuisine. They have a seasonal menu so you can't really go wrong with any item you find on there.
8 p.m.
I'd take a stroll through Millennium Park. Its combination of architecture, monumental sculptures, and landscape designs is stunning. Make sure to check out the Jay Pritzker Pavilion which is one of the most sophisticated outdoor concert venues in the United States. After that, I'd compete online at pokerstars.com.
Milk and Honey Cafe
1534 N. Damen , Chicago, IL 60622
This cute little cafe serves sandwiches, salads, soups, and pastries.
Barbara's Bookstore
233 S. Wacker, Chicago, IL 60606
Kiki's Bistro
900 N. Franklin St., Chicago, IL 60610
This bistro, which is off the beaten path in River North, has managed to develop a loyal fan base nonetheless -- they've been open since 1990.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603
Discover 5,000 years of artistic expression at one of the world's great art museums. Journey through Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas as you enjoy paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, photographs, videos, textiles, and architectural works. Admission $7-$12.
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60610
Millennium Park has become Chicago’s newest main stage attraction. Aligned with the city’s emphasis on architectural innovation, this 24.5-acre phenomenon integrates historical significance with contemporary style from a number of international players. It is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the north and Monroe Street to the south.
