Tagged chicago

It’s no secret that we Chicagoans can’t get enough of this wonderful city we call home. From the over abundance of restaurants, to the never-ending list of things to do, to the Midwestern charm we badge ourselves with, it’s hard to find a reason to not like Chicago. What makes this city even more special is the fact we have the unique experience to be exposed to people from all different walks of life-right in our very own backyard. How many other cities across the U.S. can truly compare?

Fat Tuesday: the last day to indulge in richer, heartier foods before the fasting of Lent begins. Or, for some, it’s an excuse to throw your diet out the window and eat whatever you want only to then give up “the bad things” for 40 days and nights(ish) – no judgment. New Orleans is known for their Mardi Gras celebration: masks, drinking, parades, music, drinking, parties, drinking…you get the point. In Chicago – and other areas with large Polish communities – Fat Tuesday is also referred to as Pączki Day.

Oui oui! Bonjour! Want to travel to Europe without leaving Chicago? (well, actually, no I’m sure we would all rather be in Europe!) But hey! Let’s save ourselves some money and head to the Chicago French Market for the FREE Eurofest event this Saturday!

Does your big box grocery store just not cut it? Are you in the River North area and looking for a touch of class from your local grocer? Looking for a little ‘take-home’ gourmet? Looking to try and different kind of shopping experience?

Cristobal Martinez is a Senior Program Associate with Urban Initiatives. Coach Cris implements the Work to Play Program, which encourages kids to live active and healthy lives through the sport of soccer across 5 Chicago Public Schools. They'd like to tell you about a great event that's right around the corner:

What happens when you combine leaders in the world of Chicago arts, culture & entertainment? An incredible musical that takes its audience on a journey of reflection and self-discovery through song, dance, fashion and design. Sita Ram began in 2002 when Krithika Rajagopalan of Natya Dance Company commissioned founding ensemble member of the Lookingglass Theatre Company, David Kresnar, and Grammy-nominated composer, Jai Uttal, to create a world musical that encompassed Chicago’s rich diversity and culture. The first show premiered in 2006 and was a great success. The Hindu epic, Ramayana, is the basis for Sita Ram as it fuses together the past, present & future – all themes that are as relevant today as they were 3,000 years ago when Ramayana was first written.

Martin McGarry, native of Co Mayo, Ireland spent his youth fighting for his place among his many brothers and sisters. His teenage years were spent in boxing rings spanning several continents. As an adult he devoted his life to training boxers and taking kids off the streets, giving them an outlet to box and a safe place to channel their energy. Now he is the one in need.

The holidays are upon us, shopping is in full swing and the stress of finding the perfect gift is alive & well. Maybe that stress can be alleviated, at least a little bit…December 6th-9th the One of a Kind Show & Sale Chicago returns to Merchandise Mart for the 12th year! For unique, artisan gifts this an event you don’t want to miss. Over 600 talented artists from across North America will come together to sell their goods at this market. Categories of what you can find at One of a Kind range from accessories, fashion & jewelry to ceramics, glass, mixed media & painting to gourmet & holiday – and many others!

Burberry asked me a few months ago to participate in a movement called "Art of the Trench" - they explained it as a living document of the trench coat and the people who wear it. The project is a collaboration between Burberry, fans of the brand and the world's leading image makers.

I know what you’re thinking. It’s too early to talk about holiday stuff. Halloween just ended, right? Well you may not want to participate, but next thing you know, you’ll be hearing “Let it Snow” on LITE FM. In between searching for the perfect gifts for your loved ones, take a break to enjoy some Chicago holiday classics.