Anokhi Fashion Lifestyle Entertaiment

Chicago, Illinois is a city bustling, bursting and bubbling with life. With its nightlife, food and music, Chicago — a city with a population of around 3 million — is large and diverse enough to appeal to just about everyone. A flight into Chicago will bring you to the O’Hare International Airport, which is said to be one of the busiest airports in the world and one of the best. From there you would find yourself at the northwest corner of the “Chicago Loop” a.k.a. downtown Chicago, nicknamed after the public transit that circles the area. Downtown Chicago consists of all the fundamentals: shopping, food, theatre and parties.

PLACES TO SEE
Founded in 1833, Chicago has plenty of history and heritage, but the city is also home to a number of modern-day attractions. One camera-worthy landmark to check out is the Buckingham Fountain. Modelled after the Latona Fountain at Versailles, Buckingham Fountain shoots jets of water up into the sky reaching 150 feet. Other attractions include the modern art sculpture Cloud Gate, a huge 66-foot long bean-shaped sculpture designed by the very talented British artist Anish Kapoor. Inspired by liquid mercury, the Cloud Gate reflects a distorted view the city skyline on its stainless steel surface. Once you’re done sightseeing, it’s time for the food.

PLACES TO EAT
One of the most exciting parts of travelling to a new city is trying the food. Though the culinary adventure can be as daunting as it is exciting, with a little help, it can also be made simple. Here is a compiled list of some of the (tried and true) tastiest places in Chicago.

For some of the best comfort foods, check out Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria for a great deep dish pizza and visit Hash Browns or Bongo Room for the perfect breakfast or lunch.

If you are inquisitive about Spanish tapas, visit Cafe Iberico. If you’re in the mood for some fusion, try Japonais for a blend of European and Asian cuisine. Meat lovers should check out Tango Sur, an Argentinean steakhouse. For those who love the meat of the sea, Catch 35 has some wonderful seafood.

Devon Avenue’s Desi Corridor is much like Toronto’s Gerrard Street, only bigger. This “Little India,” located not very far from the O’Hare Airport, is loaded with shopping and food. Complete with street vendors, it is one of the biggest of its kind in North America. Some of the tastiest restaurants include Udupi Restaurant for vegetarian cuisine and Baba’s Village Restaurant.

For some tasty desserts, check out A Taste of Heaven. With a menu full of cakes and ice cream, there is something sweet and decadent for everybody. If you are in the mood for something a little more French, Crepe and Coffee Palace will hit the spot.

PLACES TO LOUNGE & PARTY
For a relaxed but good time hit up the Suite Lounge, a small but hip lounge with plenty of fun cocktails and music. Looking for something that’s semi-club / semi-lounge? Ciao Bella Lounge is part dance floor, part bar (make sure to try the Bella-tini) and part restaurant, keeping their crowds very happy. And finally, if all you want is some great music, check out Funky Buddha Lounge for some funky beats.

Y Bar is one of the more chic spots in the city. With a bumped up dress code and pricey bottles of bubbly, it is a perfect place for a celebration. Empire Liquors is a hipster-chic hotspot that is both edgy and laid back, and full of great drinks and music. Looking for just a place to chill? For a great view take a trip to the lounge in the John Hancock Tower.

FESTIVALS
Attention music lovers! Chicago is full of fabulous music festivals each and every summer. The Pitchfork Music Festival takes place from July 17 to 19, 2009. For a reasonable price ($75 for all three days), the festival includes all sorts of musical acts (over 30 this year) such as Beirut, The Flaming Lips and Grizzly Bear.

In late July, you can stretch your stomach muscles with the Taste of Lincoln Avenue. The Taste of Lincoln Avenue is a festival covering six blocks of Chicago devoted to food and drink vendors from all nationalities. Spending a beautiful summer afternoon wandering around the city and tasting all it has to offer is certainly the way to go.

If you happen to be in Chicago in August, between August 7 and 9, do yourself a favour and check out Lollapalooza. Bands like the Beastie Boys, Depeche Mode, The Killers, Lou Reed, Snoop Dogg and Crystal Castles are all on the bill, and they aren’t the only ones either. Though the tickets are a bit pricier than the Pitchfork fest, if you are a fan of the music festival scene, this is a must-see.

For something to enjoy on a beautiful September evening, the 31st Annual Chicago Jazz Festival takes place from September 4 to 6. The festival takes place on the lakefront and welcomes several international and national jazz musicians to entertain you through the evening. There is always something to check out in Chicago, particularly in the summer. Take the time to visit some of the festivals and events the city has to offer. Once you have seen the attractions, tasted the food and lounged in all the best places, it will no longer be a surprise as to why Chicago is called “the city that works.”

BY: SARINA MURJI
(PHOTOS BY AJAY LAD)