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This year, Netroots Nation is in Chicago. Which means happily I can commute. It’s just a short train ride from my house to the Hilton, pictured above, where the conference is. My pocketbook thanks the fact that I’ll only spend two nights in the hotel. The rest will be commuting. Anyhoo, I thought I’d give a short primer on my fair city for those non locals
FOOD: First and foremost, deep dish pizza is for tourists. REAL Chicago pizza is thin crust, square-cut Tavern Style. We allow the national media to focus on deep dish because we like our secrets. Second, it’s true about ketchup on hot dogs. Hot dog stands will give it to you, but know you are being judged. Speaking of hot dog stands, There are three must tries: The full Chicago dog dragged through the garden, the Maxwell Street Polish, and the Pizza Puff. All Chicago originals. You’ve all heard of the Chicago dog. The Maxwell Street is a Polish sausage on a bun with mustard, grilled onions, and sport peppers. The pizza puff is made with a dough similar to won ton wrappers. It’s deep fried, and the inside is basically like a better version of a hot pocket. Third, the Italian Beef. If you’ve seen The Bear, you’ve heard about this. However, the best beef in Chicago isn’t even in the city. For the hot dog stand, I recommend either Superdawg or Gene and Jude’s. For the beef, I recommend Johnnie’s in Elmwood Park. For tavern style pizza, Aurelio’s is just a few blocks south of the hotel.
Plus, Chicago has food from EVERY nation and culture. More than cities on either coast, Chicago is THE food Mecca of the country. Don’t go to the fancy spots. Go to the neighborhood favorites.
SIGHTS: Every city has its tourist traps, and Chicago is no exception. *cough* Navy Pier *cough*. River and lake boat rides are always fun. Plus, the week of NN also has many shows and concerts playing all over the city, most within easy reach of public transportation. The Sears (Willis if you’re not local) tower and Hancock building are favorites. Plus the MUSEUMS. The Hilton is SO CLOSE to not only the Art Institute, with its famous lions, but the Museum Campus which has the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium. ALL must sees. And the Museum of Contemporary Art is very close by. Also, there are several neighborhood (put a pin in that word) festivals, as well as the aforementioned concerts and shows. And BEST OF ALL, the Cubs and Red Sox are in town on Saturday and Sunday. Get your tickets NOW. I repeat, NOW.
GETTING AROUND: Chicago has one of THE BEST public transportation systems in the entire country. And of course lots of taxis, as well as the usual ride sharing services. Please use the Taxis. Y’all know why. And the “L” can take you to the Cubs games on Saturday and Sunday, or to local neighborhoods and suburbs (I recommend Oak Park on the Green or Blue Lines) where there’s EXCEPTIONAL food and entertainment. Why Oak Park? That’s where I grew up. And since I left, the food scene has gotten even BETTER. Hit me up if you have inquiries about Oak Park.
SOME DOWNSIDES: Yes, there is violence, but long time readers know that When Republicans equate Chicago with violence, they mean something else. However, the usual applies. Travel in groups, all that stuff.
Next, Chicago is the most segregated large city in the country. Chicago isn’t really a city in a city sense, it’s basically a collection of different neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own look, feel, and food. Such as Greek Town, Chinatown, Ukrainian Village, the Hispanic neighborhoods, and so on. You can have a rather well to do neighborhood, and cross the boundary street, you’re in an extremely distressed neighborhood. People will identify themselves by the neighborhood they live in. But do NOT let that dissuade you from exploring. Maxwell Street has become a “showplace”. But Bronzeville still has some of the best Soul Food ever. Pilsen is the MECCA of hole-in-the-wall taquerias which are WAY better than even Rick Bayless’s restaurants in Chicago. On the north side, Ukrainian Village. I need not say more. The food is AMAZING. Devon Ave is THE place for the best Indian food you have ever had. Take care, do your diligence, and you will have the best time exploring my city.
I hope all who come to NN this week enjoy the city I played in as a child and explore more than just the downtown Loop area. And I hope to see you all there!
Housekeeping: Our brillig has the evening off as she is on the way to NN and will be getting in LATE as the New England rains are playing havoc with flights. For those that were wondering about yesterday’s Tops, gizmo is on vacation and is just fine and dandy. I will be enjoying the company of friends tonight at a wonderful establishment near DePaul University (Lincoln Station for the locals), and will do recs and replies when I get home.
And now, on to Tops!