CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS – PORTAGE PARK LINCOLN PARK LOOP GOLD COAST/OLD TOWN OAK PARK
CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS – PORTAGE PARK LINCOLN PARK LOOP GOLD COAST/OLD TOWN OAK PARK
The historic Portage Theater has been approved for landmark status by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. The commission gave preliminary approval to designate the 93-year-old theater a city landmark last year and in its final recommendations it will specify several features of the building be preserved. The features designated for preservation include the inner and outer lobbies the auditorium and the marquee according to Alderman John Arena’s chief of staff Owen Brugh. This neighborhood gem has an incredibly packed event schedule so if it has been a while perhaps it’s time to make an evening of visiting this beautiful venue.
LINCOLN PARK
Open through the summer the Vivian Maier photography collection at the Chicago Historical Museum should not be missed. See Chicago through the eyes of Vivian Maier and witness the life work of a photographer who wowed the world with breathtaking images of everyday life in urban America. Maier’s Chicago collection is presented at larger than life scale vividly documenting Chicago neighborhoods and faces of the 1960s and 70s. She was born in New York City in 1926 but spent much of her life traveling to places like Egypt Bangkok Italy and the American Southwest with camera in tow. In 1956 she settled in Chicago where she remained until her death in 2009. She spent her adult life as a nanny to a series of North Shore families and devoted her free time and money to her passion photography.
LOOP
The Chicago Transit Authority has announced a plan for robust speedy wireless coverage on the Blue and Red Line subways downtown. "To be a world-class city Chicago must have a world-class infrastructure so that people can get around the city efficiently safely and productively" said Mayor Rahm Emanuel in a statement. "CTA is investing in all aspects of its infrastructure from rails to stations to wireless access and as the quality of the service continues to improve I am confident more and more passengers will use the system to get to work and school and enjoy their lives." The news comes as the transit agency wages a PR campaign touting the benefits of its widely-panned Ventra payment system coming this summer.
GOLD COAST/OLD TOWN
Be a tourist for a day in your own city! Chicago Food Planet offers one-of-a-kind food tastings. Their guided Near North Food Tour features seven Chicago food tasting locations in the epicurean hot-spots of the Gold Coast and Old Town neighborhoods. Mouth-watering food samplings enough for a hearty lunch are served from "mom and pop" specialty food stores and one-of-a-kind ethnic eateries. Stops include a historic Jewish deli an authentic Polish bakery and Chicago’s top rated Chicago-style Deep Dish pizzeria. All food tastings are included in the ticket price. Whether you’re hosting an out of town guest or looking for something to try on your own this looks like a win-win for those who enjoy a good feast.
OAK PARK
The Park District of Oak Park is hosting a wine and cheese social on Thursday April 11th from 6-7:30pm at the Cheney Mansion (220 N Euclid). RSVP immediately. Cheese crackers and fruit will be available for you to sample. Get to know your wine and cheese before testing your knowledge during a wine and cheese based trivia game! This event will be sure to awaken your palate. First glass of wine is free additional drink tickets will be sold for $2. Enjoy the wonderful hors d’oeuvers and wine but make sure to take time to explore this beautiful 12000 square foot mansion designed in 1913 by Charles E. White Jr. a student of Frank Lloyd Wright.
CATHY MALLERS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
