Observations from Chicago

* Chicago is a city that commands respect for the way it prides itself on its architecture and the manner in which it repurposes building to accommodate changing times and lifestyles.

* Kate, Ana and Kris are each doing a superlative job in a musical juggernaut.

* What a thrilling experience to sit in the beautifully restored Oriental Theater, a movie palace of days gone by.

* Chicago women are in no way as attractive as their New York counterparts.

* Chicago men, who appear to primarliy exist on corn and beef, have a wholesome, genuine quality that makes them appeallingly attractive, despite less-than-model features; this is especially so when compared to the cloned Chelsea look favored by many in New York.

* The NYPD has a far better looking force than that in Chicago.

* Everywhere one is a patron the service staff is friendly, pleasant, smiling and go out of their way to assist. They make make one feel that your patronage is truly appreciated.

* Once one leaves Manhattan, one realizes how average America eatson the run--plastic utensils and plates, lots of sweets and with an acceptance of the push to self-service.

* My sense while walking in downtown Chicago was that I could be walking in any large city--Miami, San Francisco, Tampa--as they each feel the same (architecture and El aside). None possess the unique feeling that one feels in the streets of Manhattan.

* Millenium Park is quite wonderful. On a hot cloudless August afternoon over one hundred children and their parents and guardians were gleefully enjoying the wonderful water spray from the facing twin towers of changing images.

Updated On: 8/11/05 at 06:40 PM

The only time I worked the Oriental was in the dead of winter.

No one looked happy to be in Chicago.

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* The NYPD has a far better looking force than that in Chicago.

that's the truth....Chicago cops are UGLY

* My sense while walking in downtown Chicago was that I could be walking in any large city--Miami, San Francisco, Tampa--as they each feel the same (architecture and El aside). None possess the unique feeling that one feels in the streets of Manhattan.

?? I've lived in Chicago, Miami, and San Francisco. Both Chicago and SF have their own unique style, I did NOT feel that in NYC. I truly think it makes a difference if you LIVE someplace rather than are just visiting it.....

don't get me wrong, I loved NYC.........but living and visiting are like comparing apples and oranges, Jose

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very true Joe, and San Francisco is the same way, neighborhood wise.......that may be it exactly.....

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There's SO much more than Michigan Ave.

And I disagree about the cops. At least the ones I've been with in Chicago.

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If that's the way you feel about Chicago architecture, you haven't begun to see it yet.

Take the Chicago architecture boat tour conducted by the Chicago Architecural Society. It's magnificent.

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Not sure if this is true or not but I've heard that FLW was an apprentice for Adler and Sullivan in the building of Chicago's historic Auditorium Theatre. The Auditorium Theatre joins The Oriental and The Palace on the list of recent renovation projects.

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Boobs, I never knew that, thanks!

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boobs, actually I think I have talked Steve into doing that tour........especially since he couldn't get tix to Oprah (THANK GOD......as if I would have)
He's a big FLW fan........

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"My sense while walking in downtown Chicago was that I could be walking in any large city--Miami, San Francisco, Tampa--as they each feel the same (architecture and El aside). None possess the unique feeling that one feels in the streets of Manhattan."

Wow. I've visited all those cities and felt each one (even the downtown areas) were quite distinct. I guess you have to be paying attention, for they are very very different not only inarchetecture and transportation, but in climate, culture, geography and sociology.

The Lloyd Wright house and studio tour is fascinating. The studio alone is worth the price of the ticket. I couldn't believe it when they said it was rented out as apartments in the 70s. Amazing.

I never did the architecture tour because I walk along the river from North Michigan to the Lyric Opera almost every day and I figure that's at least half of it. I feel very lucky to be able to take that walk to and from work all the time. It's gorgeous.

"It's hard to find really good places to eat within walking distance of the 'theatre district'."

I've never felt that way. There are many wonderful restaurants in the theatre district including 312, Berghoff's, Heaven on Seven, Trader Vic's, Rhapsody, South Water Kitchen, Atwood Cafe, Petterino's, Russian Tea Time, loads of diners and pubs on South Wabash, and even the food court on the 7th floor of Marshall Field's has really good food (avoid the basement food court), and many others. They're really not hard to find at all. There are many fast food places, Corner Bakery, Cosi, etc., but they are mostly for the business lunch crowds. It's not very difficult to find other options.

"Once one leaves Manhattan, one realizes how average America eatson the run--plastic utensils and plates, lots of sweets and with an acceptance of the push to self-service."

I've always felt that way more in Manhattan than anywhere else in the world. I feel like many Manhattan restaurants can't wait to get you out the door and would rather serve take out than have any customers in their place at all. Not to mention all the self-serve delis everywhere.

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Updated On: 8/12/05 at 11:27 AM

Don't venture to the far South Side - my part of the city. It is not fun. The El doesn't even run out here.

Jose, you managed to find possibly the only stretch of daylight rain in Chicago over the last 4 months. Sheesh! Talent, boy!!!!

hey Mr Roxy, I'd love to know more about the Theater historical Society

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