Chicago tips

Going To Navy Pier? Eat At Fox & Obel Cafe Instead!

food and drink

Oh dear.  A family of four we know was visiting Chicago from Seattle and the younger family members, ages 11 and 13 were keen on seeing the fireworks at the Pier.  We wanted to meet them but our sensibilities were going to be stressed, we knew, if we had to eat at the garish-looking places there.  Time was short since we all wanted to attend Wednesday night's concert at Millenium Park at 6:30 and the fireworks began at 9:30.

I had an inspiration to try Fox and Obel's Cafe at 401 E. Illinois, a short distance from Navy Pier where, when the weather is good there's a choice of eating outdoors at the sidewalk cafe or indoors alongside the grocery store.

They open at 8:30AM, Monday through Thursday and at 8 Friday,  Saturday and Sunday.  Inside they're open til 9PM.   Hours at the outdoor cafe which seats 28 are a bit later on weekends.

Instead of the overpriced junk food at Navy Pier we had our choice of things like:

gazpacho w/ avocado;  hummus plate w/cucumber, tomato and olive salad;  sandwiches such as:  maine lobster club;  roast beef and blue brie;  charbroiled black angus steakburger or classic grilled cheese and more.  among salads:  southwestern or grilled chicken caesar, cobb or fresh fruit.  larger plates included halibut veracruzana, spaghetti and meatballs, pasta with pesto, steak frites  (pictured at right) and crazy chow fung noodles.  yummy looking desserts too.  chocolate mousse, berry crisp, fresh asst'd pies, cheesecakes, ice creams and more.  prices range from $3.75 for a cup of soup to $20 for steak frites and there's lots in between.

The food was proclaimed very good by all.  I had a lobster club on marvelous fresh bread with a crunchy crust.  The lobster was terrific!

Parking, regular or valet, is free for 90 minutes at the AMC theater garage just east of F & O.  We parked at AMC ourselves  because the valet closes early but delving into the depths of the garage was a bit daunting.  Perhaps someone at F & O or at the theater can give some hints.

As you may know, Fox and Obel is actually an upscale grocery store.  Perhaps because it's off the beaten track they thought of the cafe idea.  The indoor space is a bit worn-looking but the food and the attentiveness of the staff makes up for it.   When you compare it to the over the top and over-priced food court at the Pier, this becomes a swell, very casual alternative for a quick meal. 

You just place orders at the counter and pay for them there.  A number system with tags at your table, ensures that your order makes its way to you quite soon.

Another possibility is ordering a picnic or selecting your own to eat at the Pier, the park or somewhere else.

Fox and Obel Cafe, 401 E. Illinois.  Call 312.379.0112 for additional info.
 

Long Ago Uncle Dan's Meant Surplus

shopping

Uncle Dan's seems to have been at 2440 N. Lincoln forever but the store was founded just yesterday in 1972!  It began as an army/navy surplus store and indeed an outdated sign to this effect remains above this emporium for the sake of nostalgia, I'd guess.    

Today the store carries such "in" brands as Patagonia, Eagle Creek and Keene, (those marvelously comfortable sandals that come in many colors) as well as more and lesser known quality brands.  You can find a wide variety of outdoor gear including small and large tents, sports apparel for men, women and children and footwear for same.

Small stuff too such as the best insect repellants, camp stoves, compasses.   I found such oddities as a dry pack for a roll of toilet paper, a small waterproof plastic case that you can keep valuables in while you swim, a faux sleeping bag to retain body heat in a pinch, water purifying tablets and lots varieties of electrical plug converters for exotic travel.

Despite a central Lincoln Park location, life remains real at Uncle Dan's. The salespeople are all trained and experienced in activities that include kayaking, canoeing, backpacking, bicycling, camping and general travel.  That must be why they're pleasant and straightforward.  There is no "attitude" or faux concern here for how you might feel personally on the day you choose to shop.

Check out www.udans.com, click on outdoors info and you'll also discover links to a variety of outdoor clubs and organizations such as Leave No Trace.

You can see now that if you don't know Uncle Dan's, you're missing something good and must head right over.  Long may it wave!

Uncle Dan's, The Great Outdoor Store, 2440 N. Lincoln, Chicago.  Also Evanston and Highland Park.  Central phone # 888.246.4453.  All stores open weekdays and Saturdays at 10 and Sundays at 11.

A New Warehouse For Vintage Artifacts

shopping

In addition to Architectural Artifacts and Salvage One, two well known places for this intriguing kind of salvage, there's a new kid in town, Olde Good Things at 1819 W. Grand Av.

In addition to vintage building artifacts which right now include such merchandise as a quantity of marble mantels from The Plaza Hotel in NYC and varied remnants from Staten Island ferry boats, the company makes mirrors and panels from vintage tin ceilings at their warehouse in Scranton.  A group of Amish workers fashions large decorative stars from recycled tin roof material.  Located there also is an iron shop where custom items such as headboards and tables are made. Custom flooring from salvaged old beams and barnwood are available from the wood shop.

When I stopped off the other day, Paul Szostak and Martin Warren (at left and right in photo) were lunching but took time off to tell me and my friend Susann, also in photo, about the biz.  Both are members of the Church of Bible Understanding.  Olde Good Things began about ten years ago with a table at the Chelsea Flea Market in NYC.  This new outpost in Chicago is the latest of a series of like locations on the East Coast and in L.A. where the Church has a presence. All are owned by the Church and the proceeds of sales, explained Paul, go to three orphanages in Haiti which house approximately 260 children.

Grand Av., by the way is really beginning to "happen."  New places are opening rapidly and the street definitely offers an aura of being just discovered.

Rush Hour Concerts Are Fine And Free

current calendar, culture, music

St. James Cathedral has just recently begun its' current season of summer Rush Hour Concerts.   They are organized by the classical pianist, Deborah Sobol.   

These short classical chamber music concerts presented on Tuesday evenings have earned quite a following.  At the opening concert over 300 people attended Mozart's 250th birthday celebration.  Performers at these mini concerts include members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and The Chicago Chamber Musicians.  The season runs through August 29.

Pictured above prior to their recent performance of movements from Mozart's oboe Quartet in F major, K.370 are violinist Yuan-Quing Yu, oboist Timothy Sawyier, cellist Abraham Feder and violist Rami Solomonow.

This year a multicultural focus will highlight aspects of the cultures of China, France, Germany, Great Britain and Mexico.  Included will be an unusual offering,  a mini-opera, "Bon Appetit" with music by Lee Hoiby and words by Julia Child.

All this takes place in an architecturally fascinating cathedral built before the Great Chicago Fire when it suffered enormous damage.  In the late 1980's a large scale restoration was completed of this elaborate Arts and Crafts Victorian Revival Style building.  The hand-stencilled design recreation is a  highlight.

Join other music lovers  at St. James every Tuesday during the summer season at 5:15PM when light snacks will be offered prior to the beginning of the concert at 5:45.  These concerts are free and open to the public.  Seats are unreserved.

To access the complete summer program visit www.rushhourconcerts.org.

Hot Hot Dogs At Weiner's Circle

food and drink

Chicagoans in the know know that a hot dog ain't just a hot dog.  Last Friday I tried Weiner's Circle on Clark just north of Wrightwood.  I loved my char-broiled hot dog...can't see why anyone would want boiled but they're both offered.   They come loaded with a huge portion of fries, and a virtual garden of genuine sliced tomatoes, onions and pickles.

Choose from other fare;  a char chicken breast, even a veggie burger!

For some time I'd heard that this place is an early AM institution. Indeed they're open til 4AM all the time and on weekends there are reputedly long lines and double parked cars at 1AM and beyond.

I was stunned to find parking right behind the building and bright red picnic tables out in front in this busy neighborhood.  Needing to savor the experience fully, I asked a customer seated at a shady table if we could join him.  He was much more gallant than the staff which is all business but service is quick so who cares?  Besides he provided me with two of his own favorites which you can try for yourself since one h.d. a month is my personal quota.

They are:

Wrigleyville Dogs on Clark just north of Addison near the ballpark.  My informant says the buns are also great.  3735 N. Clark.

Gene and Judes Hot Dogs at 2720 River Road in River Grove on the corner of River Road and Grand.  Here they serve two things only:  hot dogs and tamales.  Catsup is absolutely banned from the premises.  Don't go at lunchtime because there are huge lines.  708.452.7634 in case you get lost.

And of course, Weiner's Circle, 2622 N. Clark.

Marimekko At IIT

current calendar, culture
What is Marimekko?

It's a Finnish design firm whose work you may be aware of if (a) you remember cutting edge design from the 60's and 70's or (b) you've seen their sheets and towels at CB2 or Crate and Barrel or their fabrics at the latter.

When founded in 1951 in the post WWII years, the firm had the then radical idea of integrating the entire home environment.  The company, its ingeniously designed production facilities and its unique employee benefits became a source of national pride at a time when the depressing remnants of the war were still prevalent. 

Products for living, dining, kitchen and bath areas were available and, within a relatively short time were distributed in Europe and the U.S.  Since a wide range of fabrics were also stocked at participating retail outlets, customers were provided with many additional possibilities for home decor.

Head to the Marimekko exhibit at Mies van der Rohe's Crown Hall on the IIT campus and you're bound to be impressed.  There are huge swaths of fabric in multitudes of designs and colors hung from 4 sided armatures and women's clothing that dates from the 60's that still looks fresh today.  The marvelous open space of the building offers plenty of breathing room for the exhibit.

Crown Hall is at 3360 S. State.  You can take Lake Shore Drive and exit at 31st St.  Signs will point the way to campus buildings and visitor parking.

The exhibit which is free and open to the public runs until July 28.  Hours are Tues.-Sat. 10AM-4PM.  For further info., call 312.567.5014.

More on IIT to follow.

What Kind Of Quilt Is This?

culture

Inventive, that's what. 

Marie "Big Mama" Roseman, surely was.   Intuit:  The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art is  honoring Marie and her innovative quilts which are rife with stitchery magic in an exhibit through September 2.

"Revelation!  The Quilts of Marie "Big Mama" Roseman" is curated by Martha Watterson and Doug Stock.

Roseman (1898-2004) lived in Benton Harbor MI from 1947 on although she was born in Mississippi.  She was of African American, European and Native American ancestry and was a Native American healer and herbalist as were her father and grandfather.  She made quilts for many years, although her particular style of using a myriad of materials she found just lying around began much later when she was in her 70s.  In thirty years' time she produced hundreds of works, incorporating embroidery, three dimensional items of all kinds, and even dolls into her quilts. most of which, sadly were lost when her home was flooded.

During her life in Benton Harbor the town was filled with racial strife for decades.  This may have contributed to her reclusive nature since she rarely left home;  however her prodigous output of quilts testifies to her commitment to what has now been recognized as a unique art form.  Traditional quilts, although not lacking in workmanship are often variations on familiar designs and Marie Roseman was way ahead of these quilters.

Don't miss this opportunity to see an unusual body of work.

Intuit:  The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art is at 756 N. Milwaukee Av., (just south of Chicago Av.)  Access www.art.org for additional info about the exhibit or this edgy arts organization.  Tuesdays through Saturdays 11-5, Thursdays  11-7:30.
 

Marina Cafe Is A Hideout On The Lake

food and drink, parks
Transport yourself and a few friends to this relatively unknown little haven, an intimate cafe in a vintage and no longer used U.S. Coast Guard building on the edge of Jackson Park.  The Marina Cafe overlooks lovely Jackson Harbor in Lake Michigan.  It's quiet and oh-so-pleasant to be there.  Eating outdoors is the key and the seating has been increased to make this more feasible.

The cafe itself is a work in progress.  The food is simple but perfectly good.  I've only been there for lunch and when we recently tried to order crab cakes or pecan and brazil nut crusted shrimp as appetizers we found that they, having just arrived on the premises, would be ready for dinner.  It's very casual here and you should be in the same frame of mind to enjoy this special experience.

The menu offers quite a few choices of sandwiches and salads.  A friend of ours from the South proclaimed the po-boy the best ever.   Entrees include grilled salmon with fruit salsa, red snapper with pico de gallo and catfish with chicken and sausage jambalya.  There are vegetarian offerings and a kids menu.  Beer and wine and some cocktails are available.  Singrid Jackson, the chef and general manager says the martinis are terrific.  She hopes live music will be possible in July.

Directions, etc: Take Lake Shore Drive to Hayes Drive at 6400 South.  The turnoff is to your left and traffic lights mark the intersection.  Proceed ahead to the parking lot.  You'll see a large fieldhouse to the left.  Ignore that and park as far south as possible, taking the path south as well, and keeping alert for speeding cyclists who won't be expecting you.  You're aiming for the white clapboard building a short distance ahead where you'll see signs.

It's a must to bring a jacket or wrap since lake breezes can be much cooler here.  It could be a fine refuge on a hot summer day.

Also, you can bike.  That's how we found it in the first place.  Hours are Tues.-Sat. 11-10 and Sun. 11-7.

Marina Cafe, 6401 S. Coast Guard Dr.  773.947.0400.   Open in the summer only

The Cheese Stands Alone

food and drink, shopping

What a perfect name for this swell cheese shop in the Lincoln Square neighborhood opened by Matt Parker and his wife Sarah three years ago.  I must say I was enchanted to find this place, a throwback to old world tradition, in a quasi out of the way neighborhood in the city.

You can find all kinds of cheeses here, domestic and imported.  There are artisanal cheeses such as varieties of handmade goat cheese featuring special ingredients such as a Purple Haze Chevre from California with lavender and fennel pollen.   Humboldt Fog with its' special vein comes complete with lore about the original maker trying to evade the tax man.

I discovered that cheeses with a shorter shelf life are basically those with more liquid, such as fresh mozzarella or ricotta.  Wrapping soft-ripened cheese such as brie in wax or butcher paper enhances their flavor since they are better able to "breathe".  Storing them in plastic wrap ensures an "as is " flavor, if that's what you're after.

Matt (shown here in photo) can tell you about a special way to cure some cheeses that will result in a very creamy runny texture inside a edible rind mold, a great flavor experience.  Sometimes he cures such cheeses in the store and if your timing is good, there may be one for you to take home.  I'm trying this for two weeks on an Italian goat cheese with black truffles that I bought today.

These tricks and more are explained in a mini-library of books on cheese kept for customer reference on the premises.  Matt feels that the most useful all round book is Cheese Primer by Steven Jenkins (Workman Press, $16.95) and he always keeps a copy available for sale in the store.

Fresh baguettes from Red Hen Bakery are delivered daily.  The shop also carries serrano ham from Spain, a delicacy I can vouch for personally.

Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:30AM-6:30PM;  Saturday, 10:30-6 and Sunday, 12 noon-5PM.

The Cheese Stands Alone is at 4547 N. Western Av.  773.293.3870.
 

Practically Private Concerts At Millenium Park

music, culture, parks
One evening last summer my husband and I wandered over to Millenium Park to view Terry Evans' photographs when suddenly we heard a deep bass voice singing from the bandshell.  We knew there was no concert that evening but wandered over to discover Samuel Ramey, the world famous opera star rehearsing for one, wearing blue jeans, stopping and having casual conversations with staff, correcting things, and proceeding on.  Susanne Mentzer, the mezzo soprano joined him and transformed herself magically from a normal-looking person in street clothes into the same with an extraordinary voice.  It was a great behind the scenes experience.  There were just a few people in the audience which added to our sense of privilege.

Unbeknownst to us at the time, and to many others,  The Grant Park Orchestra holds regularly scheduled open rehearsals which are free and open to the public, rain or shine.  If you want to hear a guest artist for an upcoming concert in a totally different atmosphere you should try these.  Of course the same is true with the orchestral presentations.

If you want to hear a guest artist in rehearsal or a final rehearsal prior to a concert the best time to visit is the day prior to the concert itself. For example if you attend the rehearsal on Thursday, June 22 from 11AM-1:30PM it will be in preparation for the two concerts, A Tibetan Mozart Requiem, to be given Friday June 23 at 6:30PM and Saturday June 24 at 7:30PM.  (See photo of the monks of Tibet's Drepung Loseling Monastery in photo at right.)  The Requiem is preceded by Mozart's Piano Concerto #25 with Robert Levin at the piano.

Also before the regular performance itself, on specified Saturdays you may join Artistic and General Director James W. Palermo for a  45 minute backstage discussion which includes guest artists.  On Saturday June 24, for example the discussion begins at 6:30PM.  It is held backstage at the Pritzker Pavilion Choral Hall.  Enter from the walkway just east of the Pavilion.  Coffee is served.  On July 1 and 8 the discussion begins at 8PM;  on July 22 and August 19 it begins at 6:30PM.

For a complete rehearsal schedule access www.grantparkmusicfestival.com.  You'll find all kinds of info re the regular schedule as well.  You may be one of a few or many in the audience but it's great fun to peek behind the scenes like this.  Everything, of course takes place in the Gehry bandshell at the foot of Washington St. at Michigan Av.