Chicago New Years

The pictures were scarce, but the fun abounded.

Nicole and I enjoyed a long weekend in Chicago to celebrate the arrival of 2010. With a mixture of frozen exploration, brunches, shopping, talking and gathering over food and drink; we got a chance to experience Chicago from an entirely new perspective: the west.

The West Side of Chicago is foreign to me. I've spent years Metra'ing from Cumberland to the Loop and not stopping in between in order to get to the Brown and Red Lines. But the Blue Line neighborhoods hold a lot of charm and really allowed both of us to see the city from a different angle (literally).

Logan Square
This neighborhood has always been a bit of a mystery to me (well, not as much as Forest Park) but the diversity of commercial establishments made me enthralled enough to find out more. Enjoying lunches at upscale neighborhood brunch spots (Dunlays on the Square) and a quick walk afterward to an achingly-hip coffee house (New Wave Coffee for a quick internet browse and a latte makes for a pretty rockin' introduction. Without any time spent going out on the town in LS (obligations still center on Lincoln Park, unfortunately) I don't know that we got a solid read on the night life, but I think we're both excited to give it a shot.

Worth Returning For:
Lula Cafe: brunch is supposed to be amazing
The Whistler": hand made cocktails and live music

Wicker Park
I should have saved "achingly hip" for the descriptor of this neighborhood. With boutiques ranging from hand-made pseudo-goth shoe stores to curated resale to an Urban Outfitters, WP likely sustains brands like Super, and Casio's Old-Ass Watch Division. But damn it, I fell hook line and sinker. Though The Violet Hours's conspicuously inconspicuous facade beckoned and we heeded, it was to no avail. This windowless hipster haven was buttoned up early in the afternoon and wouldn't let us in. It's too hard to deny the intentional quirkiness of WP. It sort of lingers with you even after you've left. I'd steer clear if you pride yourself on how ironic you are. You'll be crushed. Unless of course, that's the irony you're looking for.

Worth Returning For:
Crocodile: bar and restaurant
Chaise Lounge: new American eatery


Both neighborhoods captured another facet of Chicago which keeps me wanting to explore my home metropolis with a partner in crime.



Other Places Visited
Gloria's Cafe: cuban and latin american litte cafe (BYOB)
Casbah Cafe: small middle-eastern restuarant (BYOB)