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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

'Italy' State of Mind



With the Chicago rain still in full force, it's not surprising that everyone is off to Italy soon! My parents are taking a cruise in May, and I have several friends that will also be there in a few weeks, exploring it for the very first time. Not only are people visiting, but two of my friends are actually moving from Chicago TO Italy! I can't think of anything more exciting and I'm eager to hear about their every day lives and what adventures they will take.
Last night, my dear friend (and sorority sister) who is moving to Italy and I had a "last supper" at my favorite Mexican restaurant in the city. We discussed how the move from Chicago to Rome (The Eternal City) won't be like any other move ie: from your parent's house to college; from college to a big city; from one apartment to another. You probably can't even compare this to moving from Lincoln Park to Wicker Park, har har. This move will be across the ocean, to a land where English is not the primary language. New customs will be learned in addition to the language, and new friends will be made. Fazoli's pasta and bread sticks will be replaced by authentic rolled pasta with fresh baked bread and straight-from-the-cow grated cheese.

Ars longa, vita brevis is a common saying in Italy. It means "art is long, life is short" and reflects the Italian love of leisure. With no doubt, everyday life will move a lot slower and with more ease in Italy. While the initial feelings of happiness, intimidation, excitement, and homesickness might be overwhelming, these feelings will subside, and the two will be able to treat Italy as it is-their new home. They will form daily rituals that may or may not be similar to those they had in Chicago. They will explore the different cities; towns; and neighboring countries, and will develop habits that one only has in Italy.

Now...for those of us not frequenting Italy in the near future, I've done my best to share with you the best Italian* spots in Chicago. Hopefully, if you just close your eyes, you will at least feel like you're in Italy.


Tocco Wicker Park, Modern feel, additional wine by the glass and $5 wine on Mondays.
Pizza (authentic thin crust) $12-$18 , serves 2-3
Apps $6-$14
Salad $8-$16
Pasta $14-$20
Chicken, Fish, Steak $14-$24
Dessert $4-$8

Sapori Trattoria Lincoln Park, Romantic and boastful. Big (but not huge) portions. Mailing list includes free gift certificates for birthdays and holidays!
Apps $6.95-$9.95
Salad $6.95-$9.95
Pasta/Risotto $18.95-$21.95
Chicken, Fish, Steak $19.95-$30.95
Dessert $5.95-$6.95


Rose Angelis Lincoln Park, Sophisticated and elegant while also family-friendly. Big (but not huge) portions. Large wine and beer list.
Apps $3.50-$8.95
Salad $3.50-$7.95
Pasta $12.95-$17.95
Chicken, Fish, Steak $13.95-$18.95
Dessert $5.95-$6.95

Angelina Ristorante Boystown, Romantic, outdoor seating right by the bus stop. Unlimited mimosas for brunch.
Apps $7-$10
Salad $9-$11
Pasta $15-$20
Chicken, Fish, Steak $16-$21
Dessert $5-$7

Mia Francesca Wrigleyville, Romantic, children's menu included. Open for brunch.
Apps $5-$9
Pizza $9
Salad $5-$9
Pasta $13-$16
Chicken, Fish, Steak $15-$22

*I almost used Italian speak with Antipasti, primi, etc. but all the menus are different.

For my full reviews, click here

"It's not the destination, it's the journey"

Monday, April 25, 2011

A post about moving...

Ah yes, I'm moving to another apartment...in 6 days!

I'm dedicating this post to procrastinate the packing. So, instead, I will write about how to pack and move efficiently, no matter what state you live in.


Let's start with the basics.
So, you've got a new place and you're talking with your new agency, assuming you're still renting...

Here are a few questions to ask the agency:

1. When can I get my keys? This is important because sometimes, you may be able to get the keys a day earlier and scope out your new place sans other occupant's furniture and organize your thoughts about where that new dining room table should go. This is also good to know because you may not be able to pick up your keys until right before you move in, which may force you to move your rental truck/mover's time.
(need a site to plan out different room arrangements? Go here: Bassett Furniture, and sign up for a free account that allows you to make your own room dimensions and add furniture).

2. Do I need to schedule a freight elevator move-in time? Self explanatory.
3. Will my new place be cleaned? Even if it is, it's important to buy those bathroom cleaning supplies and do a scrub down, no matter how clean it may look when you move in.

A checklist for the detail-oriented, or those trying to be proactive.

1. Cable hook up, electric, gas, etc. Each building is different and each lease is different. Your new place may include everything, nothing, or 1 thing. Find out the details and switch your address or look for deals on cable bundles, fight for a promotion!!
2. Change your mail address up to 2 weeks prior to your move-in date. You will get a notice at your current apartment about the change.
3. Set up a time on your calendar when you should check for double billing. Hey, we're not all perfect, and neither is Comcast or RCN. Make sure you aren't double billed for an apartment you aren't living in anymore.
4. Find the nearest coffee shop. You probably won't have internet right away, and if you don't have a smartphone or kindle, you'll find yourself bored and in the dark for the first few days. A bottle of wine and a clean wine glass will also do the trick.
5. Get some cash. Tip your movers or your friends that are helping you move. Pizza don't cut it anymore, even deep dish.

For the packing itself... Shit. Just don't do it. Write a blog post instead. No, just kidding.

1. Start posting items on Craigslist that you don't want 2-3 weeks in advance. Sometimes, it takes awhile to sell something that will give you extra cash or make extra room in your apartment for packing. Once it gets down to the wire, accept any amount of $$, it will make your life (and moving) much easier. If you are weary of CL, make a FB post or ask your friends/coworkers if they're interested in your goods.
2. Get boxes. Well duh, but from where? If you work in an office, ask the office manager if you can take some leftover boxes home. Go to Home Depot. Rummage around in some trash bins...No, don't. You're moving to a new place, not a new alley.
3. Figure out what you want to pack first and last. Everything in between doesn't really matter. My suggestion would be to pack kitchen first, bathroom last.
4. Make room in your apartment for the boxes. Trust me, blocking your bathroom door and bedroom door with heavy ass boxes will just make you mad.
5. Label your boxes by what they contain and which room they should go in. You don't want your movers (or your friends) looking at you all doe-eyed thinking, where do they want this?!
6. Put music on and drink an espresso. It's kind of like studying for that final when you were a senior in college. Just make sure not to break anything.

...Lastly, e-mail your friends your new address. You'll want them to know where you live so they can send over housewarming packages and holiday cards. In return, schedule a date for a housewarming party so you force yourself to keep your new place clean.

My first post...

It took me a long time to contemplate what my first post would share. Considering I write so many Yelp reviews, I felt it necessary to make my first post NOT about a restaurant. However, this left me in a panic. All I know is FOOD! Wait, not true!

My first post for you followers is this: How to prepare for your Chicago summer.

Whether this is your first summer in Chicago or your 20th, I'll give you some ideas on how to plan for a great summer, even if the weather isn't always up to par. You'll find lists for activities, new restaurants to hit, plays to catch, what to shop for, and what to do on a night in when it's hailing or storming.

I hope to refresh and add to this summer list in a few months. So, check back once it hits 70 degrees!

A compilation of websites that will assist you on a sporadic night out or a planned weekend with friends or family.

Yelp
I have to give credit to Yelp.com. There was a restaurant that I loved when I first moved here (no longer in business, yikes) that led me to this site. I wanted to share my experience with others and found this site to be both easy to navigate, and just all around helpful for my city search. Want to venture to a certain neighborhood, but not sure what you'll find there? Yelp it! Looking for cool events that may not be posted in the Red Eye or Metromix? Go to Yelp Events. With over 10 filters for price, hood, attire, and cuisine, you'll find what you're looking for AND more on Yelp.com

















Poggled
A site that some of you may know about... It's very similar to Groupon, Living Social, etc. but it is only catered to bar deals. You can search by day or neighborhood. This comes in handy when you want to have a cheap night out or you want to explore someplace new-for cheap! There is also an app on your iPhone if you feel so inclined. I believe this site is also offered in other cities.

Brokehipster.com
Don't let the name fool you. You don't have to be broke or a hipster to enjoy the benefits of this website. It will let you know what is free, what is cheap, and on what day/where it's offered. Frisky for some whiskey? You can see what bars make it cheap.


Beer Menus Chicago
Ever wonder what bars carry what beers? There's nothing better than showing up to a bar and realizing you favorite beer is on tap! On beer menus Chicago (also avail in other cities) You can find a bar and see every single beer they carry. What's better than that? I'll tell you what--they also post the alcohol content AND price of the beer. The internet is a beautiful thing. It also gives you the location, hours of operation, website, and a news feed activity. Events and deals are also posted on this site, so if you're inclined to do a tour, it's all here for ya.















Ok ok, so maybe you're not a drinker? Or, your parents and sister are coming to town? Here are some websites to find great activities (not necessarily only for summer, either).

Meetup
I'd like to give some kudos to this website. Although I have been a member of some running groups, I never actually got to go out and run with those members. I had the intention of doing it, but the timing was never right. I'd suggest that if you look through Meetup, you actually follow through because I have heard many good things. You can find knitting clubs, running clubs, dog owners clubs, you name it! If you're new to the city and need an outlet other than work to meet people, meetup is a great way to get started and make some new companionships.

Chicago Festivals
For all of your music festival needs. Here, you'll find information about JazzFest, BluesFest, Taste of Chicago, etc.

Chicago Traveler
No, this website does not make MY blog void, it just adds to more ideas for Chicago fun! It is extremely informative and detailed. For attractions and events, it tells you the exact address, how many people are in attendance, as well as some promo codes for cheaper events. Basically, if you're lazy or new in town, go to this website to easily scan Chicago attractions in one scroll.

Chicago Plays
One of my favorite pasttimes growing up was going to see plays and musicals with my family in Chicago and New York. I can't seem to afford the caliber of tickets we used to get for those plays, but no matter. At Chicago Plays, you can find any theatre with any showing. You can choose by genre (cabaret, children, family, improv) and even outside the city (Berwyn, Oakbrook, etc.) The site also has a blog so you can see what is most raved about if you're having trouble deciding. Be careful, you might find yourself wasting many hours on this site alone. :)

Museums
In all honestly, About.com rubs me the wrong way, I never feel like I'm getting real information. But, give them the benefit of the doubt on this one. A comprehneisve list of all the museums in Chicago with their website link ready for clicking. Note: if you don't feel like losing your kids, the Peggy Notebaert Museum might be your best choice.

More Music!
You'd be surprised with how may concerts there are not only during the summer, but also during the winter and on work days. I love being an adult because I don't have anyone telling me I can't go see a band on a Tuesday night. Metromix gives you a no frills search at your fingertips for everything happening in Chicago. Peruse the calendar, user ratings of venues, what audience is advised, genre, etc. on this site. In addition, I will eventually be adding my own commentary on music events I've attended so you can get the real scoop.