Happy New Year!!!!

The New Year, The Old Year, Closure

This makes it an even two dozen, this post. The year comes to an end and so does this blog. I will continue to blog on my other sites. I will continue to travel and write about Chicago but it will be at another site and it will not be my only focus. Pablo's place is his, not mine. It never was although I wanted to share.

I'm not bitter. I am better for it. And I look forward to discovering new places and rediscovering old ones. If you want to follow me on my journey, you can check me out at Jensense.

Until then.

Bye.

Christmastime in the City

Today is my last working day of the year. Campus will be closed until after New Year's. I wish I could travel far and wide. I will have to settle for traveling near and narrow. The weather promises to be decent, for Chicago that is, so I think I'll head into town early Friday.

One stop I will make will be the 12th Annual Christkindlmarket located in the loop at 50 W. Washington St. The open-air, German-style market should be an appropriately festive place to snag some last minute goodies while enjoying live entertainment. I'm not so big on German food but the hot spiced wine, potato pancakes, bratwurst, and strudel sounds like the perfect fare on a cold winter day.

My next stop will be to State Street to check out Macy's holiday window. That should put me in the Christmas spirit. Then I'll head over to Millennium Park to watch the brave souls ice skating.

If I'm not frozen yet, I might head over to the Clarke House on 18th and Indiana. It's the oldest house in Chicago, built in 1836. I actually visited the house decades ago when it was a church. Now It has been restored to its original glory. I missed the Holiday tour but I'm counting on the decorations still being in place. If not, I might revisit my childhood by enjoying the Museum of Science and Industry's annual Christmas Around the World.

That's enough to satisfy the tourist in me so that I feel like I went on a faraway vacation. I hope.

Every Year, Every Christmas

Pablo's Place lost some of its sheen when Pablo drifted away from my life. However, I loved the city even before I loved Pablo. A visit is therefore in order. I pledge to once again report on the going ons of the Place minus Pablo.

Apropriately, as I write, I am listening to Luther's "Every Year, Every Christmas." The last line says "I'll return every year, every Christmas. I'll come here every Christmas."

This is the best of times and the worst of times to trek to Chicago. The city always puts its best foot forward and the holiday is no exception. Knowing that the weather can discourage some makes the city try even harder to entice visitors. And that is also why it is the worst of times. It just snowed and snowed and snowed last night, over six inches worth. It is a perfect Chirstmas card photo opp outside--the optimum word being outside. The frightful weather is gorgeous to look at sitting near my big stone fireplace. Hopefully, the weather will improve so I can get into the city this week.

Chicago Outdoor Film Fest Begins

Tonight's the night. Even if it rains, the show will go on, as long as lightning and wind don't upstage the fest. Every Tuesday evening until August 28, the city will showcase classic movies at Butler Field in Grant Park (Monroe and Lake Shore Drive).

Young Frankensteinis the first offering and will be introduced by film critic Richard Roeper. This is one of my favorite Mel Brooks movie. It stars Gene Wilder, the late Peter Boyle, and the hilarious bug-eyed Marty Feldman. It is a great choice for a movie under the stars. I hope the weather cooperates.

For a change, I like every movie on the list. The Awful Truth, a typical 30's screwball comedy about marriage is my must see flick. It stars my favorite actor Cary Grant whose skill and timing as a comic actor is outstanding. It is scheduled August 7th, close to my birthday. I think I will definitely treat myself to this one. The other movies are Written on the Wind, The Sweet Smell of Success, Double Indemnity, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sound of Music. See what I mean. All of them are great classics.

Even better, they are all free. The action begins at sunset. Umbrellas, grilling, alcohol and pets are not allowed. Just bring a blanket and a buddy and some popcorn.

For more information, go to http://egov.cityofchicago.org. Click on Things to Do, then Festivals.

Bad News Travelled a Little Slow

It has been reported that at least 126 were made ill by food eaten at a certain booth at the Chicago Taste. Add one more to that number. I made my second food purchase during the Taste--a cucumber salad--from the booth operated by Pars Cove, the restaurant under suspicion.

Although I didn't feel immediately ill, the following week I had all the symptoms of salmonella. I couldn't even enjoy the usual fare of the Fourth of July because I was still suffering. I didn't really feel better until a week later. I never went to the doctor. Instead, I doctored on myself and suffered in silence.

It's too bad that this has happened and left a bad taste behind for a few of us. It probably still won't deter me from going next year though.

Henna anyone?

I left the Taste and headed for Chicago Arabesque at Daley Center. The crowd was smaller but still it was well attended. I wish I had saved room and time for the food there. The falafel looked so much better than the one I got from Zam Zam's booth.

Yes, I did get a henna tattoo. Unfortunately, it wore off before I got home. I also got a card with my name written in Arabic calligraphy. I wasn't able to get my belly dancing lessons. I guess I will have to wait for my daughter to give in to my pleas for lessons.

The atmosphere was one of a market place slightly removed from America. There was a definite feel of Muslim community. People dressed in beautiful caftans and women garbed in traditional scarves greeted each other. Arabic music from the booth selling CD's added to the exotic aura. They did brisk business.

It was a very enjoyable experience. I wish I had allotted more time for it. Probably should have gone there first instead of to the Taste. Every year I complain about the crowds and the long lines at the Taste and I still go back. I will definitely revisit the Chicago Arabesque next year.

A Taste of the Taste

I kept my appointment with the Taste yesterday. Can't say the same for my friend. That's two for two of them punking out but I didn't let that stop me.

It was a perfect summer day. The sun was shining. The temperature was just right. Hundreds got off the train from Indiana with me, most of them heading toward the fest. I decided I would go to the Taste first instead of Chicago Arabesque because of the number of people. I knew it would be worse as the day wore on.

I got a taste portion of fried dough at Harry Caray's first. I wasn't hungry yet. That was a mistake. It was okay but I could have saved my ticket for something I really prefered. The best for me was the Samosa from Arya Bhavan, booth 58. The samosa was hot in temperature and in flavor, which was delicious. I went back for seconds. Unfortunately, Zam Zam's falafel was a no no. It had no flavor and was so dry even after I went back for sauce. I threw it away. I also made the mistake of getting the Merlot ice cream from the ice cream shop by Buckingham Fountain. It was Merlot chocolate chip. I'm allergic to chocolate. Even though it tasted great, I broke out in hives later on in the day.

Chicago Arabesque Plus

This is the first year this festival is being held. Given the atmosphere in America right now, the fest is needed. It may also be a little brave of the Chicago Arab community but it is touted as a non-religious, non-political event.

I plan on checking out the shopping bazaar for some unusual items and the food booths for the middle eastern cuisine. I might even try a little belly dancing and dabke, a traditional Arab line-dance. I've been trying to get my daughter to teach me since she instructs a class on the north side. She has no patience for me so this will be my opportunity to find out if my hips don't lie like Shakira. To top off the experience, I will get a henna tattoo before we go over to the Taste of Chicago. Talk about culture shock. Saturday is country music day at the Taste.

Chicago Arabesque is being held free of charge starting today through June 30th from 10 am to 3 pm in Daley Plaza.

Taste of Chicago 2007

The week is finally here. They already started setting up this past Sunday for the beginning of the fest on Thursday. I'm scoping out which restaurants sounds most promising, planning my itinerary for Saturday to make the best of the day.

I will fore go the daily special. A steak sandwich even with blue cheese isn't special enough for me. Instead I will go for a smattering of taste portions that include food I don't usually get to sample. That means a stop at the ethnic restaurant booths like Arya Bhavan, booth #58 for Samosa and Pars Cove--booth #2 for Hummas Shirazi. I might give Blu 47's wings a try even though my experience at the restaurant was less than stellar.

No hot dogs, no pizza, no hamburgers, no turkey wings, no corn on the cob for me. I will be tempted by anything shrimp or middle eastern. Zam Zam's falafel sandwich and Star of Siam's tempura shrimp and vegetables are on my list. Deleece's grilled chicken sandwich and chicken Caesar salad is calling me. I may give into the temptation. And to top it all off I will stop by the Buckingham Fountain for two scoops of Merlot ice cream. Yum.

The taste makes me think of Pablo. Although it will be fun going with Beverly, I will miss him.

The Taste coincides with the Fourth of July, the middle of summer. I will not attend Chicago's concert and fireworks show on the 3rd of July. I did it once and that was enough. There had to be at least 750,000 people there. That's a lot of people! Too many people for me. If I do watch the fireworks, it will be much more private. Boy, that just brought up another memory. Oh, well. Here's to new ones.

Mother Nature, Human Nature

Mother Nature struck with 60 miles per hour wind force and knocked out my power last night. She was having a tantrum all over eastern Illinois and northwest Indiana. This is the second time this summer and it's only the 19th of June! At least she turned down the heat a tad. It's going to be a long summer.

I need something to restore my soul. Sounds like a trip to the lake may be the answer. Gary has great beaches alongside beautiful Marquette Park. On a clear day, you can even see the Chicago skyscrapers.

A CD player serenading my favorite music, a cooler with some goodies edible and otherwise, an attentive companion and the lake view make up a recipe for my restoration. That's the plan, if Mother Nature allows.

Not Singing the Blues

I didn't get my blues fix this weekend. I couldn't entice anyone else to share the experience with me so I stayed home. I did not sing the blues because of this. It was a very productive weekend. Besides, the summer is young. The Summerdance starts this week as does the Grant Park Concert. I probably won't make it this week although the opening act for SummerDance, Chicago Afrobeat Project, makes think about coming into town.

My friend and I have decide to check out Kenny Rogers at the Taste. He performs Saturday, June 30th. If I can talk her into it, we just might make a whole day of it and check out The Flat Cats at the SummerDance and the Chicago Arabesque, Chicago's first Arab festival, at Dearborn Plaza.

Chicago Updates

Alas, there will be no Gore Vidal at the Printer's Row Book Fair. I was really looking forward to hearing him speak. His wit is legendary. My second choice for the speakers event was Walter Mosley. He is scheduled to speak at 10 am. That's a little too early for me since it would mean I would have to leave Gary at 8 am to get there.

The weekend is looking like a washout for me. After last weekend's experience, I am even more a believer of sharing instead of going it alone. I haven't found anyone to share the blues with me. There's a metaphor in there somewhere.

The entertainers for the 15th African/Carribean Internation Festival of Life is up on their web page, http://www.festivaloflife.com. The only one I recognize is Leon the actor. I saw him in the stage production of "Friends and Lovers." I was not impressed but my friend was so it may be a matter of taste. Still, the festival seems to offer an exotic mix of music, dance and food. It's worth checking out.

Hallelujah!

I finally made it to the city this past Saturday and attended the Chicago Gospel Fest in Millennium Park. I got off at the Van Buren Street train stop in order to hook up with Pablo, briefly. I could hear the music as soon as I stepped onto Michigan Avenue. Pablo calls it screaming. Gospel music is controlled shouting and may be an acquired taste but I love it because of its passion, energy and spirit.

After Pablo left, I sat down across from the Beam, waiting for a friend. I enjoyed the music just as easily there. The beautiful weather brought out the crowds, many who seemed to have just wandered by, drawn by curiosity. Others came prepared with coolers and portable chairs. Unfortunately, my friend never arrived. I thought it was too late to get a good seat near the stage so I sat right outside the area on a concrete wall, people watching as I listened.

Toward the end of program, I ventured into the stage area and found a seat. The atmosphere inside was completely different. The crowd's attention was engaged. The spirit was high. The highlight for me were Pastor Donald Alford and Donald Lawrence. My only criticisms is that I could have listened to more from them.

Next weekend I hope to have an another excellent experience when I attend the Blues Fest in Grant Park. This time I hope I have someone to share it with.

Gary, Indiana--The Magic City?

Believe it or not, Gary was named in the Chicago Reader this month as a destination of choice when traveling off the beaten path. I read it and found places I didn't know about even though I was born and raised here. I also recognized tidbits that were left out of the story.

For one, Gary has had many other nicknames including City of the Century, Sin City, and the infamous Murder Capital. The article states that Gary "fell into a depression in the late 1960's." That's not entirely correct. Two unrelated incidents happened in 1967 and 1968 that changed Gary. The first was the election of its first Black mayor, Richard Hatcher. This caused White Flight by the droves. And when they left, their businesses left also. The second was the burning of businesses after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. I think that was the final straw for many remaining White businesses. Prejudice and fear started the depression.

Gary was still considered a Model City in the early 1970's and continued to receive lots of federal dollars. It hosted a National Black Economic Summit in 1972 and people expressed how impressed they were with the city then. Black celebrities came here all the time to visit Hatcher who was also a celebrity in his own right. But when the recession hit the United States in the mid '70's it rang the bell of doom for this city and we have never completely recovered.

The article pointed out places of interest--Miller Beach, Marquette Park, the Indiana Dunes--which are beautiful, better than any beach I have visited in Chicago. It mentioned the two Frank Lloyd Wright houses here also but not the modest cottage where Michael Jackson lived before he became pop king.

Surprisingly, it was a very positive article even if it compared us to Pompeii, "a city of ruins where life seem to have suddenly stopped." Living here all my life, I know Gary as a city of opposites--churches abounding with promises of paradise when you die, vacant houses standing in memorial to broken promises of the past. The citizens who live here either have low expectations and even lower motivation or they possess middle-class aspirations with middle-class displays of ostentation. That's Gary for you, my place.

Free For All Fests Begin

Even if it doesn't say it on the calendar, summer is here. Memorial Day has come and gone. The temperature is stabilized at a hot 80 degrees in the sun. And Chicago freebies are here. So much to do, so little time to do it.

This is when my long distance love affair with the city kicks into high gear. Saturday is the Gospel Fest. I'm trying to decide whether to go on Friday when there is no threat of rain or chance dodging raindrops on Saturday to see my favorite gospel star Donald Lawrence. To add to my dilemma, Tye Tribbett and G. A. may be singing late Sunday night. I'll figure it out.

The Blues Festival is the same weekend as the Printers Row Book Fair, June 9th. Even though I don't recognize any of the musicians (except Koko Taylor, of course) I will hit both. The walk from the Blues Fest in Grant Park to Dearborn isn't that far.

Chicago Printers Row Book Fair

I've been looking forward to this ever since I attended last year. This year it's being help a week later--June 9th and 10th, between 10 am to 6pm. Printers Row is located around Dearborn and Polk. You can't miss it with all the people milling around the booths in the street.

Last year the weather was gorgeous. It was fun meandering around the book stalls. I didn't recognize any famous authors but I did get to hear Nikki Giovanni. She was amazing, so down to earth and revolutionary. She talked mostly about her latest children's book "Rosa Park" and even more extensively about Emmett Till. At the end she nearly cried talking about the memory of her mother that passed a year ago.

There is not much news yet about the speakers. I did note three literary superstars are supposed to be there--Gore Vidal, Walter Mosley and Joyce Carol Oates. I'm going to try and get tickets for either Vidal or Mosley.

The event is free. The books are bargains. The atmosphere is very civilized. If the weather cooperates, it should be a very enlightening, laid back, cultural thing.

Bike the Drive

Indianapolis has the Indy 500. Chicago has Bike the Drive. Yes, it is speed in the slow lane but where else can you get exercise, donate to a cause, and experience a leisurely ride down Lake Shore Drive sans cars and horn blowing. In addition, you can get a cool jersey to announce to the world you were there.

It happens May 27th, the Sunday before Memorial Day. You have to register, of course, sooner rather than later. The fee is nominal--$40 give or take according to circumstances. Cyclists start their engines (non-motor, of course) at Columbus and Balboa as the sun rises, 5:30 am to be precise. Even if it rains, the ride goes on. It's a 15 or 30 mile stretch with three rest stops. Participants won't be allowed to join after 9 am. At 10:30 am car traffic will be allowed back on the drive.

Not a biker? Not a problem. You can join the festivities in Grant Park at the starting line from 8 am to noon. Live music will be provided by World Class Noise to serenade a pancake breakfast. Other family friendly events are promised.

For more information, check out www.bikethedrive.org.

Chicago SummerDance 2007

I was worried that there would be no dancing in the streets this year. Not to worry. Chicago celebrates the 11th Anniversary of SummerDance, the city's popular dance festival, beginning June 14th. The eleven week dance fest features one-hour dance lessons by professional instructors, followed by two hours of live music and dancing in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 South Michigan Avenue. The garden is a city oasis located between Harrison and Balbo, across from Columbia College.

The festival offers so much. Romance--dancing under the stars to hot licks from local bands. Enlightenment--learning steps to dances of diverse cultures. Fun--watching people of all ages, sizes, and ethnicities get their groove on. Best of all, it's free. What a wonderful way to wind down after work every Thursday, Friday or spend a weekend every Saturday evening, 6 to 9:30 pm, and Sunday afternoon, 4 to 7 pm, weather permitting, until August 26th.

If you work up a thirst from all your gyrations, there is a grill nearby that serves up liquid courage with your hot dogs and hamburgers.

For more information about the various DJ's, bands and featured dance lessons, click on www.cityofchicago.org and search "summerdance" or www.chicagosummerdance.org.

The Chicken and the Hawk

I'm the chicken. After all the brave talk, I chickened out of going it alone. The Hawk is the infamous Chicago hawk that visited the city's premiere outing of Looptopia. It was frightfully cold for a May evening. However, I pledge to make it for Chicago's Places and Spaces. It's a little less daunting to take a tour with 20 or so strangers than to face hundreds of singles on the prowl. And I have arranged to take my posse with me to Chicago's Gospel Fest the first weekend in June. No fear there. With Donald Lawrence headlining that Saturday night, it will sure to be a crowded evening of footstomping, hand-clapping, voices shouting--you get the picture. Let's just hope the Hawk stays away.

One Hot Night

Breaking news. First time ever, if you don't count me winning that TV trivia contest 15 years ago, I won a bona fide prize. I entered my email in a drawing for a free ticket to a charity event and I won! It's Today's Chicago Woman Magazine One Hot Night Top 25 Bachelor Party. It takes place this Thursday, May 10, 2007, 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM at the River East Arts Center, 435 East Illinois Street. Tickets are $75 at the door if you're interested in attending. The TCW Foundation awards funding to more than 100 organizations to support various special projects benefiting women in need.

The evening promises to be fun with music from Latin Street Dance Company, Latin cuisine, Corona beer (I'm not a beer lover) and other exotic cocktails. Last year 500 attended the event. Some came from as far as Indianapolis in hopes of meeting their very own bachelor.

I will attend as a journalist and report back all the exciting happenings. I am not looking for a bachelor. I'm thinking of giving them up for my birthday. Besides, then there would be way too much pressure. Since I'm going alone, I can fantasize I'm just there for the story. It's the only way I can make myself go and collect my first ever prize winnings. And, this way I get to have fun because of low expectations.

Taste of Chicago 2007 Acts Announced

Yeah! It's May. Let the festivities begin. Of course, the biggest of all Chicago fests is the Taste of Chicago. In fact, it's the biggest food fest in the world. But it isn't all about the food. It's also about the music. I look forward to the free concerts of famous musicians that would normally cost big bucks to see. Although this event doesn't happen until the end of June, information has finally been released about this year's acts. The schedule is subject to change.

Frankie Beverly and Maze gets the party started June 29th. A lot of baby boomers like this R & B group. I'm not one of them. They're alright, but I'm not going to squeeze myself into that crowd outside Petrillo Shell just to see them. Kenny Rogers headlines the next night with Sara Evans and Craig Morgan doing the honors on Sunday. I'm not a big country fan, so I'll pass these acts too.

In fact, for me, there is no one I've got to see this year at the taste. I may check out Los Lonely Boys who performs on the last night of the festival. More than likely, I'll have to go to the African-Caribbean International Festival of Life that runs from July 4 through the 8 at Washington Park to get my "groove on." Their schedule is yet to be announced.

The Taste runs from June 29th through July 8th. More information on the schedule and the food vendors can be found at www.cityofchicago.org. Click on things to do and then click on festivals. On that page there is a banner of the Taste. Click on that and it will take you to the index.

Great Chicago Places and Spaces

On the side of the Art Institute.

Last year I took a free trolley tour with Pablo to Bronzeville. The guide was knowledgeable and for a history geek, the tour was interesting. It was a little dry but with the right person, which Pablo was, it turned out to be fun.

This year most of the neighborhood tours cost but on May 19 and 20, you can go for relatively cheap. There is a $3 fee per person per tour which makes it a real bargain. The trick is you have to register on the day of the tour at 7:30 a.m. It is first come, first serve. Starting on May 1st at 12 p.m. until May 10th, you can also register on line for some of the tours. I'm hoping to get the Architecture River Cruise tour. I'm sure that will go fast. If I don't get that one, maybe I will try Chicago Kayak instead. Yeah, right.

There are so many to choose from, so if you don't get the one you want, there will be something left that will excite you. For more information, go to http://www.cityofchicago.org/Tourism/. You will be directed to their new tourist page. Once there look under festivals and special events for Great chicago Places and Spaces. It's hard to find, but worth it.

Loopy and Looptopia

I am not a Chicagoan but I live so close, I feel like one most of the times. I'm sure the natives recognize me for what I am, a weekender looking up at the tall buildings. I don't wear the prerequisite jaded look when I come to town. The real Chicagoan love their city with the emotions of an old suitor--cool, nonchalant, confident that the object of their affection returns their ardor.

Not me. I'm goofy about the city, going into town whenever I can. I have this spring ritual where I walk down Michigan Avenue on the first day that the weather turns good for sure, something like John Travolta strutting his stuff in Saturday Night Fever. I'm sure the stupid smile on my face marks me as a suburbanite. Most Chicagoans are too cool to smile.

While trolling the web for stuff about the upcoming festivals, I came across something new. Looptopia! Sounds like dinotopia. I don't know who came up with the crazy name but the idea sounds fantastic. It is being touted as the country's first all-night cultural and artistic party and it all takes place in the loop. Patterned after the "White Night" event in Paris and Rome, they are even having a slumber party at Harold Washington Library and a sunrise buffet at Millennium Park.

It all takes place May 11th and 12th from 8 p.m to 6 a.m. Most of the offerings are free, the others are for a nominal fee. There's dancing, movies, lectures, oh, my! What I'm looking forward to the most is the showing of the Invasion of the Body Snatchers at the Chicago Cultural Center in the wee hours. I think I will pass on the knitting circle event (yes, you read it right) but there are so many other things to do I won't get to sleep until Sunday afternoon.

For a complete list of the events, check out www.ChicagoLoopAlliance.com.

I Love Chicago in the Springtime

Spring has finally decided to stay for a while. May is next week. That means it is time for festivals in Chicago.
Watch this spot for upcoming events, photos of past events and various tidbits about Chicago.
Why is it called Pablo's Place. Pablo knows.