So, I'm visiting my daughter in Chicago again and got some great advice last time. May 17th thru the 20th....any motorcycle or car stuff suggestions - shops/shows?? Yes - I'm gonna miss Larry's Showdown this year and I'm bumbed about it - but what could I do, she's my kid! Bob
That bums me out that you're not going to be at the Showdown in May. My fingers are crossed that you'll make the July event then. I'm heading to Chicago in a couple of weeks but I'm doing the shopping and siteseeing thing. Also going to see Jersey Boys. If you're into architecture Chicago is the place. There are numerous walking and bike tours and even a boat tour of all the cool old places to see. If you want some more ideas google Frommers Chicago. Have fun
I know, bums me too...but, she is amazing and she wants me there that weekend and nothing can be more important! We are going to do the boat tour, hit some motorcycle shops, see the Avengers movie, have a BBQ for her awesome step-son Owen (6), dining out of course in those great Chi-town steak houses...yeah, it'll be a blast! I got a tip from Silent Rick that I'm gonna follow up on too. I am planning to be at the July event - actually hoping Larry invites my Roadster in - I'm bringing it either way. Have fun on your trip - it's been too long since I've seen you!!! Bob
I replied to your pM. I have to post the details yet, but Sunday, May 20 is the 6th(?) Annual Czar-B-Q in Westmont (a lil' SW of Chicago). All are welcome. We supply the food, but BYOB. We'll be there rain or shine and so will a bunch of cool cars and friendly people. I highly recommend http://www.alscharhouse.com/ in LaGrange for gigantic, good steaks. There's also a very old place in the south suburbs, more of a supper club, that's supposed to be really good. I'll have to dig up the name. The SW Chicago HAMB and Eggs at Chucks in Burbank is always a good time with great food.
Hellfish - I got your PM and thank you for the invite, would be great to see your rides and meet you guys. Thanks also for the steakhouse recommendation! Greg32 - Great suggestion to meet some HAMBers - appreciate the reply.
-Volo museum might be close to 2 hours from downtown, but they have a great collection -Best steak I had was from Mastro's lately, but the place with some ambience is Gene & Georgetti's in River North -maybe poke around on www.halffastchicago.com for bike ideas
Jack Gibbon's Gardens is the other steakhouse I was thinking of. It sits on the edge of a forest preserve. I haven't been, but have heard great things. Here's a video review from a local show. The 1st video is an overview followed by individual reviewers. People who don't like it don't "get" vintage chophouses. http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...s+steak&um=1&hl=en&gbv=2&tbm=isch&um=1&itbs=1 A La Turka might be fun... if you like belly dancers with your food.
Just a friendly reminder that the NATO summit is being held that weekend. I would strongly encourage you to pay very close attention to the location of events/protests due to the history of violence that come with these events.
I believe all of that is happening at McCormick Place which is just south of downtown, closer to the lake. Traffic, and some Metra/train lines are expected to be slower than normal. I'd avoid Lake Shore Drive and I-94/290 going through downtown
Damn, was gonna go to the museum - my hip, I'm sure she has a lot figured out. Thanks for the heads up.
Which museum? There are a lot of them. The city is anticipating this, so the police will be prepared. The NATO summit is not expected to bring the crowds or chaos that the G8 summit was going to bring. The museums bring in a lot of tourist money, so they will make sure they are accessible, but plan on extra time just in case. Depending on where you're staying, and which museums, you may be able to walk, take public transportation, etc.
Ugh. It looks like all of the museums will be shut down Saturday through Monday, as well as major sections of major highways going through downtown. The city is basically saying that if you don't absolutely have to be downtown that weekend, don't come downtown. Good thing the CzarBQ is southwest of the city!
ZED451 - Brazilian steak house with a "Harvest Table" that you will never forget. I'm a meateater and it is by far the best gig I have ever hit.
So basically the City will be a nuthouse. Thanks for all your recommendations - I'll mention it to my very capable daughter to decide. Brazilian Steak House - sounds perfect!
There are a few "Brazillian" steakhouses around, but I think Zed451 is the only one that's not a chain. It, and Redhead Piano Bar are near where I work. Tourist central, and still may be affected by traffic. Take public transportation if you can
Somebody has to say Italian beef sandwich. I like Mr Beef, but lots of other great ones. After that steak digests, try one.
you gotta hit a portillos. we have their beef shipped to use in alabama,great food!!! and also try to go to the field muesum.last time i was there was like around 88 or 89 but man what a place.start early in the day cause it will take all day.but worth it!!!
Field Museum will be closed Sat-Mon due to the Summit... so will the Art Ins***ute, Adler, Shedd, and pretty much everything downtown.
I heard on the radio this morning that the Museum of Science and Industry will remain open during this weekend. Shedd & Adler will be open on Saturday, but NOT Sun or Mon. Field Museum is closed Sat, Sun, Mon.
If I were visiting Chicago, I'd see how many of the "Blues Brothers" filming locations I could see. Here's a map & list: http://kevinforsyth.net/film/blues.htm
They just tore down the shopping mall, one of if not the first mall in Chicagoland. The old Joliet prison lives on.