Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/786768
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTHONY TAHLIER TITLE: President/Partner, Ideology Entertainment MY NEIGHBORHOOD: "The Southport Corridor of Lakeview. I enjoy the wide sidewalks and neighborhood feel, yet the proximity to the city—it's the best of both worlds. Plus diverse neighbors in all stages of life keep it very dynamic, and there are plenty of local shops and restaurants. I love people-watching, and this is a great area to sit back and watch it all go by." FAVE NEW CHICAGO RESTAURANT: "Dos Urban Cantina (2829 W. Armitage Ave., 773-661-6452; dosurbancantina .com). I was privy to see their vision about four years ago when they were scouting locations and investors, and I really enjoy what they have created. I'm genuinely excited when those who have dedicated their lives to the restaurant industry see their dreams finally materialize. I enjoy the simplistic yet authentic and thoughtful approach to both the food and drink menus." GO-TO CHICAGO SPOT: "Pequod's (2207 N. Clybourn Ave., 773-327-1512; pequodspizza.com). I am a huge pizza fan. The caramelized cheese goodness that protrudes from the sides of the well-seasoned pans is fabulous. The vibe and feel reminds me of growing up in New Orleans." HIDDEN GEM: "Floriole (1220 W. Webster Ave., 773-883-1313; floriole.com), in Lincoln Park. Their croissants would be the best in Paris! A tremendous baking program that should be on everyone's radar." THREE THINGS EVERY CHICAGO VISITOR SHOULD DO: 1: "Choose any of Chicago's sports teams and go to a game—our fan base's passion for the home team is second to none." 2: "Brunch. I believe we do brunch better than any other city, and as a Chicagoan we plan our weekends around it—it's that important!" 3: "Take the Architectural Boat Tour (cruisechicago.com/architecture-tours/ ). I never get tired of it, as I learn and discover something new every time I go—plus, it has the best views of the city from the river and lake." GREEN MILL This century-old nightclub was a favorite among the Al Capone set and still attracts jazzheads from around the world for sets from Patricia Barber and the Alan Gresik Swing Shift Orchestra. INSIDER TIP: The Uptown Poetry Slam (Sundays 7–10 pm) is a rollicking celebration of the spoken word hosted with lacerating wit by slam poetry legend Marc Kelly Smith. 4082 N. Broadway, 773-878- 5552; greenmilljazz.co HARRIS THEATER From hosting performances of world music and international dance to serving as home to local companies like Hubbard Street Dance and Chicago Opera Theater, this sleek, subterranean Millennium Park oasis has evolved into one of the city's most compelling cultural venues. 203 E. Randolph St., 312-334-7777; harristheaterchicago.org HORSESHOE CASINO HAMMOND Twenty minutes from Chicago in northwest Indiana, this 400,000-square-foot gaming mecca offers diversions for beginners and high rollers alike, from 1,500 penny slots to $100,000 hands of Baccarat, plus four restaurants and the acoustically perfect Venue concert space. 777 Casino Center Dr., Hammond, Indiana, 219-473-7000; caesars.com/horseshoe-hammond MACKINAC ISLAND Four hundred miles northwest of Chicago between upper and lower Michigan, this idyllic island getaway has been charming visitors for 150 years. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride (no motorized vehicles are allowed), visit historic Fort Mackinac, or just lounge on the expansive front porch of the legendary Grand Hotel. 906-847-3783; mackinacisland.org MILLENNIUM PARK From expansive lawns and an extraordinary live music venue to a duo of crowd-pleasing public art installations in Anish Kapoor's iconic Cloud Gate ("The Bean") and Jaume Plensa's Crown Fountain, this 25-acre playground has become the epicenter of downtown Chicago. INSIDER TIP: Stroll across Frank Gehry's sinuous bridge toward the lake to discover the kid-tastic Maggie Daley Park, with climbing walls and slides aplenty. 201 E. Randolph St., 312-742-1168; millenniumpark.org MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY The largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, this institution celebrates innovation with interactive exhibits that explore green energy, space travel, future tech, and more INSIDER TIP: On a scale of 1–10, the baby chick hatchery scores an 11 for cuteness, eliciting "oohs" and "aahs" from all ages. 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., 773-684-1414; msichicago.org RIVERS CASINO Over 1,000 slots and 50 table games plus live entertainment along with dining venues like Hugo's Frog Bar and Chop House make this property northwest of the city a major destination for Chicagoans who are feeling lucky. 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines, 847-795-0777; riverscasino.com THALIA HALL A Pilsen landmark, this refurbished complex boasts hot spots Dusek's, Punch House, and Tack Room as well as an eponymous concert hall, which embraces the bohemian spirit of the neighborhood with an array of entertainment ranging from Janeane Garofalo to George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic. 1807 S. Allport St., 312-526-3851; thaliahallchicago.com ZANIES COMEDY CLUB A comedy institution in Old Town since 1978, this 100-seat venue—which featured the likes of Chelsea Handler, Jerry Seinfeld, and Jay Leno before they hit it big—is one of the most intimate showcases of rising standup stars from Chicago and across the US. 1548 N. Wells St., 312-337-4027; chicago.zanies.com 120 MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM ‒ Secret Source ‒ GABE GARZA The SOURCE: SCENE