Chicago tips

Indian Grill: A Pleasant Refuge

food and drink

The bar scene abates just south of Fullerton on Clark which I think is the reason for this simple civilized Indian restaurant's existence in a theoretically unsexy area.

We tried it last night and my husband, Angie Mills and I agreed that the food was very good.  The ambiance is soothingly quiet with soft Indian music as an accompaniment.   Photos of India on the walls and tables with white cloths (and a de rigeur red carnation) added a pleasant touch to the simple decor.  No TV or it wouldn't make it to chicagoTips.

Mixed vegetable curry, chicken saag (fresh spinach and chicken cooked with ground spices) and rogan josh (tender lamb with herbs and spices in gravy) were the dishes we shared along with  delicious fresh naan.  Nine different breads are offered along with a wide variety of meat, chicken,  vegetable and shrimp dishes.

Dinner prices are reasonable, mostly from about $10 -$13.  Indian Grill is open every day.  Lunch is also served except for Monday and Tuesday.  A carry-out menu and delivery are also available.  The restaurant is two years old.  We far preferred it to Hema's, just north of Fullerton.

Indian Grill, 2258 N. Clark.  773.477.8000.  It's also BYOB.

Hidden Pharmacy At Diversey & Sheridan

shopping (and architecture too!)

You'd never guess it from the unpreposessing facade of this building at left, but there's a terrific pharmacy inside, giving competent competition to the "catch all" merchandise at the Walgreens on Diversey and Broadway.

Besides prescriptions you can find all manner of special items here.  There's a truly marvelous moisturizing skin cream called Vanicream which is available in a one pound jar for $15.99.  It's free of all kinds of additives.  Salli Eley, a good friend gave it to me for Xmas a  couple of years ago when it was suggested to her by the Mayo Clinic.  (I'm about to stop by for my third jar.)

Then there's the all-time magical cuticle scissors with a special tip that gets closer to those troublesome spots than anything known to man.  Made in Italy, it's item # 2404 by Denco.

Who knows what other magic they have at this place.  Speak to Betty, who's very helpful.

Then, for a more esoteric look of the same corner, check out the Commonwealth Promenade Apartments, a project of Mies van der Rohe from 1953-56 and just across the street to the east (see photo at left).

Also the National Headquarters of the Elks Club (lower right photo) is on the southwest corner of the same intersection in a classical style building at 2750 N. Lakeview.  Free tours of the sumptuous interior may be arranged by calling 773.755.4876 or by email to DavidA@elks.org.

Stone Medical Pharmacy, 2800 N. Sheridan Rd., 773.929.6555.

 

Wow! A Big Top Rises In Millenium Park

current calendar, culture, parks

A coup by the Chicago Children's Theatre has brought us a  brilliantly colored "Big Top" as a venue for the group's upcoming production of  "Go, Dog. Go!", an adaptation of P.D. Eastman's children's classic with original music by Michael Koerner.  The huge tent just went up in Butler Field in the park, directly south of Monroe Street and between Michigan Av. and Lake Shore Drive. 

Dates are April 13- May 20 and tickets are on sale as you read this, either by calling 312.334.7777 or accessing the theatre's website, www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org.  Performances are held mornings, afternoons and evenings, depending on the day.  The full schedule may be viewed on their website. Ticket prices vary.  The play is suitable for age 4 and up.  Target will sponsor a family matinee series on Sunday afternoons with 2 for 1 ticket prices, depending on availability. 

When I stopped by today Michael Andrew Currey, the production manager was arranging to install sandbags to hold back spring rains and keep everything dry during the month plus run and enabling the play to go on, rain or shine.

A gala benefit is scheduled for Saturday, April 21.  For info, call 773.227.0180, ext.50.

The bright gold and fuschia tent looks pretty spectacular, especially against the loop skyline.  It was rented from the Giovanni family in Florida and shipped here especially for "Go, Dog. Go!"

"Go Dog.  Go!" by Chicago Children's Theatre in Millenium Park at the Big Top.  312.334.7777.

Correction Re Cell Phones And Do Not Call Registry

services

Despite internet rumors, (including mine, now deleted,) cell phone numbers will not be released to telemarketers. FCC regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automatic dialers to call cell phones.

You may, if you wish register your cell or any other phone you'd like to restrict from phone solicitations.  Call 888.382.1222 and follow the civilized sounding voice prompts.  If you want to list a phone number you must call the registry from that number.

In the case of some phones you may have to do this online. Access  www.donotcall.gov.  After you complete their form you'll receive an email.  When you open the email, which you must do within 72 hours, be sure to click on the link provided to complete your registration.  There's additional info on the site that will answer other questions you may have.

I just did this by phone and via the web.  Both methods are easy.  As the voice indicates, this service will continue for 5 years from the time you register a phone number.  If you're moving, there are instructions for that also.

There is only one do not call registry for all telephones and there is no deadline for registration.

Sorry for leading you astray previously!

It's Grilling Time Again For Afficionados

food and drink

One fine day last week the temperature soared so my husband and I decided that it was definitely the beginning of our own "jump the gun" grilling season.  My husband is the official griller which is potentially great since it relieves me from my longtime kitchen duties.

The aforementioned husband has learned much over the years.  He can load the dishwasher fuller than I can.  He makes his own breakfast and lunch daily.  (He works at home and he has always disliked my breakfasts.)

I don't remember exactly what he grilled but fresh asparagus from spring somewhere was on the menu.  We only like grilled asparagus.  I slathered the veggie with olive oil and salt and pepper and presented it to my outdoor chef along with a warning that I hoped it wouldn't be burnt as had the steak from the previous evening.  Asparagus has had a tendency to burn easily once it leaves our kitchen.

My husband came inside and when some time had elapsed I asked re the asparagus.  He rushed out and returned with the food in the photo (right), proclaiming it perfectly edible.  I must have looked dubious because he then added that it was ideal for him.

Would you eat this aparagus?  I've a fresh bunch (on sale so I couldn't resist) in the fridge just waiting for its' fate.

Two Chicago Architecture Foundation Events

architecture, culture, current calendar

Are you aware of the Chicago Architectural Foundation and its' many exciting projects?  This is the group that sponsors the architectural tours of the Chicago River that will begin again soon.  The foundation is at 224 South Michigan where there are always interesting exhibitions and lectures.

Right now through April 29th there's an exhibit in the Atrium Gallery entitled, "Prairie Skyscraper: Frank Lloyd Wright's Price Tower."  The tower, in Bartlesville, OK is celebrating its' 50th anniversary  this year.  The exhibit includes photographs, documents, reproductions of drawings, building components and furnishings, illustrating Wright's belief in merging architecture, design and art.

An exhibit catalog is available at the Chicago Architecture Foundation shop.

There's also an evening lecture on Thursday, March 22 at 6 PM, entitled, Frank Lloyd Wright: Designing an American Way of Living.  Virginia Terry Boyd, Professor, Design Studies, University of Wisconsin, Madison will emphasize Wright's interest in new spatial arrangements, aesthetics and affordability in his fervent and radical concept of American housing.

The lecture will be held in the John Buck Company Lecture Hall of the Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan.  Call 312.922.3432 or access www.architecture.org. for all kinds of aditional information.

Now Open: Swell Recycling Drop Off Center

services

There's a new city drop off center for a host of recyclables.  (We're not sure if the city's "blue bag" system is a) working or b) working well so this seems like a credible alternative.  It's on Goose Island at 1150 N. Branch.

You can bring a large variety of stuff here including plastic containers #1-5 and 7, glass, aluminum cans, oil based and aerosol paints, solvents, phone books, newspapers and magazines, computers, cell phones and more.  No garbage or yard waste, though.

Hours of operation are Tuesday from 7AM-12noon, Thursday from 2PM-7PM and the first Saturday of the month from 8AM-3PM.  1150 N. Branch ( a few blocks west of Halsted and south of Division).

Simona Is 5 Days Old Today

nepotism

You might (or might not) be interested to know that my ONLY grandaughter arrived on earth just 5 days ago.  She lives with my son Dan and his wife Valeria in Spanish Harlem in NYC  and will soon be moving to Brooklyn where she can avail herself of long buggy rides in nearby Frederick Olmstead-designed Prospect Park.  In the summer there are boat rides and I'm sure she'll love those, especially.

Yesterday I spotted a small rabbit in our city yard and wondered if I shouldn't forego my plans for rabbit stew and instead try to capture a small creature for Simona to keep in HER yard.  I'll bet airlines permit rabbits and we've got plenty here to share with the folks in the Big Apple.

One More Chance for "Carmen"

current calendar, music, culture

Tomorrow, March 4th at 5PM, there's a rare chance and the last one to see a version of Carmen much more akin to Bizet's original than the productions around today.  All the well-known arias are included and a spokesperson for American Opera Group in Oak Park indicated that this is a more serious production as well.

AOG's production of Mozart's Don Giovanni will be presented on May 13, 18 and 20 at  5PM, 7:30PM and 5PM, respectively.

Tickets for both operas are reasonably priced at $35 and $25 and are available in advance or at the door.  Call 708.434.0485 for additional information.

Both productions will take place at The Arts Center, 200 N. Oak Park Av., Oak Park.