chi-town

So, over the weekend, I learned a lot about Chicago. For instance, people should read "Devil in the White City" about all the events that took place at the 1893 Chicago's World's Fair. I also learned that Donald Trump wanted to build a condo building taller than the Sears Tower, and had to go through negotiations with the city to build his building 90 feet shorter than the Sears Tower... and come to find out, the city is building another skyscraper, to be taller than the Sears Tower (2000 ft). I went to the Art Institute of Chicago, and saw some original Picassos. I walked around Millenium Park and saw the outdoor pavilion, which technically is "art" so it doesn't go against the city ordinance that nothing should block the city from their parks. Public art is allowed anywhere... gotta love loop holes.

Here are some highlights of my Chi-Town experience...

Where to eat breakfast: Lou Mitchell's. Best coffee I've had in a LONG time, AND I ordered an omelet and it was huge and it came with hash browns in a big skillet and (I don't have much of a sweet tooth, but I was still impressed) they handed out free mini boxes of milk duds! We also got a free cup of home-made soft serve vanilla ice cream, even though it was 9:00am.

Neighborhoods & Where to Go Out: Lincoln Park is filled with beautiful people, but very fratty. Rush Street, fondly referred to as "Viagra Triangle," consists of old men and cougars alike, on the prowl. The verdict: Wicker Park is your adult, hipster, Chicago neighborhood. We went to Boundry (trendy and crowded), Rainbow Club (dirty and divy), and Small Bar (dive bar that's just right...). Small Bar wins.

What to watch out for: In the 20s, gangsters like Al Capone ran the streets during Prohibition. Al Capone said, "there are no gangsters in Chicago." That may be true now, and really the only people you need to look out for are those old men and cougars in the wrong neighborhoods trying to get in your pants. But speaking of cougars, I knew Chicago required street smarts, but I wasn't expecting this kind of danger...

You can watch CNN's coverage HERE.