Review - Smokey Joe's Cafe: The Songs of Leiber and Stoller (at the Royal George Theatre)

Smokey Joe's Cafe: The Songs of Leiber & Stoller is a well executed production of over 35 songs written by the famed songwriting duo of the 1950's and 1960's (note: several of the songs performed had other songwriters attached as well). Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller gained great fame writing several of Elvis Presley's biggest hits. They penned the lyrics and the music for Jailhouse Rock and Hound Dog which are both included in this show. 

The nine performers in the current Chicago production are great representatives of what theater in Chicago can be. A few of the performers are more well rounded with their respective gifts and talents than some of the others, but that is to be expected in any showcase of talent.

Five men and four women belt out some of the most famous songs in the Leiber and Stoller catalog, but they also spend a great deal of time performing several songs that seemingly no one has ever heard of, but if you want to present a production that goes a couple of hours you will be filling it with several songs that aren't quite all that memorable.

The audience gets treated to Stand By Me, On Broadway, Love Potion #9 and Yakety Yak, along with thirty plus other tunes from a more innocent era.

The show is immensely entertaining and the cast deserves tremendous credit for providing a non-stop romp through some old early rock/pop tracks. Quite honestly, eight of the nine people on the stage are far more talented than pretty much anyone you will see on American Idol in any given season.

All in all, a wonderful night out at the theater or in the Royal George's case, the theatre. Valet parking is available and it is beyond reasonably priced.

Royal George Theatre
1641 N. Halsted
Chicago  

Copyright Chicago and Then Some 2013

THE LILAC FESTIVAL - LOMBARD 2013

The smell of Lilacs! The scent of a Lilac is one of the definitive scents of spring in the Midwest. They are going to be in full bloom for the festival and they will be glorious! The western suburb of Lombard, Illinois, is taking full advantage of the Lilac during their annual festival celebrating one of the most heavenly scents on planet earth.

Lilac Time in Lombard runs from Saturday, May 4 through Sunday, May 19, 2013. Follow the scent to Lilacia Park where some 200 different varieties bloom.

The festival includes concerts in the park, the coronation of a lilac queen, craft fair, beer tasting (huh? or duh?), guided walking tours, lilacs for sale and it all wraps up with a huge parade on Sunday, May 19.

There is an admission for some of the festival events. The smell of the lilac! This is the area's big festival, so go and enjoy.

Lilacia Park is open from 9:00am through 9:00pm daily. It's a stunning park in full bloom. The park sits on 8.5 acres and it features 800 lilacs and 25,000 tulips.

150 S. Park Avenue
Lombard, Illinois
630 620 7322

 

Restaurant Review - RPM Italian - One of the Best Restaurants in Chicago

 

I love when I can say this, particularly since it is a rare thing to say. RPM is one of the best restaurants in Chicago and it is a complete experiential dining event. The ambiance is cool and chic; and if there is a restaurant in the city that literally can be mistaken for one of Manhattan's finest it is RPM Italian. The decor is a minimalist design of black and white adornments and a spaciousness that allows for comfortable conversation with a group. It's an elegant and lovely dining room and the menu is full of flavorful food - all of which meets the plate with pure perfection.

The service is superb without being overbearing. Here is a point worth making when it relates to the hip and trendy locations - note how senior citizens (we had a 90 year old in our party) are treated. RPM Italian treats them with respect. Many hipster locations are dismissive and act like seniors are invisible. RPM gets the concept of courtesy. Very impressive.  

Appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts are all first rate. This is one of the finest dining experiences I've had in the last 8-10 months. The fried olives, provolone stuffed small red peppers and the Parmesan encrusted fried zucchini were all standouts. Appetizers don't get better than these offerings.

The salads are unique without being so weird that you have no idea what you are eating. I dug in to a beautifully designed endive salad with pears, Gorgonzola and almonds sitting side by side. The salad was stunning. Seriously, stunning. It was designed, but more importantly, it was superb to the taste.

The garlic bread worked its way around the table before I could get a second slice. This is the most unique restaurant bread since I first indulged in the famed onion loaf at Morton's.

Entrees - all the way around are tremendous and memorable. Can anyone manage to come up with a pasta dish that goes beyond the norm? RPM has served up a reasonable portion of bucatini with pomodoro sauce that is fittingly fine. All the pasta dishes are worthwhile, but even the craftsmanship of the design of the food is wonderful in its simplicity.

The desserts were the high point among multiple flashes of near brilliance in the adored food category. The chocolate tartufo is not necessarily a dessert you can always excel in, but RPM has put forth a dessert to satisfy the best meal dreams you've had in some time. Yes, some of us dream of food. Bill's Chocolate Budino and the Rice Pudding Gelato are also both delicious desserts and a reason to go back again.  

The restaurant's initials represent Bill and Giuliana Rancic (the celeb owners), Doug Psaltis (the chef owner) and Melman family members from Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. Psaltis is an inventive chef (remember the fried olives) and several of the recipes come from the mind of Giuliana's Italian mom.

If you live in Chicago, make a reservation (it may be a wait, but it will be worth the wait) and if you live near Chicago make a point of coming to Chicago and book this into your short or long weekend. Elegant, but not standoffish. One of the best restaurants in Chicago! Do not overlook this restaurant.

RPM
52 West Illinois Street
Chicago, Illinois

Copyright Chicago and Then Some 2013
 

Restaurant Review - Basils Greek Dining, Aurora, Illinois

I love when I can say a restaurant is fabulous on all levels. Well, I can say this about Basils Greek Dining. This was a superb dining experience. Basils is in Aurora, Illinois. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but one wouldn't expect to find such an all-around perfect experience in this far west suburb of Chicago.  Having said that, Aurora is now the second largest city in the state of Illinois.

From the moment you walk in you feel welcomed and the ambiance is elegant. Basils Greek Dining is a perfect-sized, focused dining location and it starts literally at the door.

The food was near exquisite. The tomato basil soup was delicious with the perfect combination of tomatoes and basil. It's a downright divine mesh of a cream soup. Since you are in a Greek restaurant you have to have a classic Greek salad. On the one hand, what could go wrong with a blend of field greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives and feta cheese, but much could go wrong. Not here. Their Greek salad is colorful and highly palatable.

The white fish was drizzled in a perfect amount of olive oil, garlic, oregano and basil and the sidebar of rice sprinkled with a succulent sauce was a dining highlight.  The veggies on the side were the only weak spot on the entire table. They weren't a bad blend, but they weren't memorable. This could seal the deal for pure perfection if it had a bit more of a tasty and appealing setting.

The vegetarian dolmades filled with rice and vegetables were a cut above many other similar dishes at other restaurants. The broiled pork chops were juicy, tender and beyond excellent.

The final affair with the chocolate layer cake was over the top in the goodness category.

The overall service was outstanding. Our young server couldn't have been more than 23 years old and yet he had the class and sophistication of a seasoned and wise server. He was kind and knowledgeable and he got rewarded with a heck of a giant tip. When you are served this expertly - tip big.

The hostess was professional and she looked like a woman who would have been the muse of some major rock star from the 1960's. Think Pattie Boyd - for those of you who love rock and roll.

This is an elegant and wonderful dining experience and the prices are not outrageous.

I loved this place and if it weren't so far it would be on a regular go-to list. Highly recommended.

Basils Greek Dining
4000 Fox Valley Center
Aurora, Illinois
630 692 1300      

CHICAGO'S HISTORIC MUSIC LEGACY: INTERVIEW WITH CARL GIAMMARESE OF THE BUCKINGHAMS

 

 

"The British Invasion rocked our world – musically and otherwise -- but there was something cool (dare I say groovy) about Chicago groups making music and hitting the charts. Our city was on the musical map and hey, so was our fountain! It’s nice to know The Buckinghams are still around and still sounding great."   Rosemary Backes - Rosemary Backes was a junior in high school the first time she heard Kind of a Drag. All these years later she is still enjoying the music of her youth.  

Back in the winter of 1967 some cold winds howled through the city of Chicago, but the cold and historic winter couldn't prevent the upbeat sounds of supremely spirited pop/rock music from rolling right on in with old man winter. On that memorable Thursday, January 26, 1967, snow began to come down and it would keep snowing until the following evening. While an entire population of people were locked and stocked in their homes the first single by the Buckinghams was playing on radios all across the country. Three weeks later the song would become the number one song on the Billboard charts and it would sit there triumphantly for two straight weeks. The rest as they say...

The music of the Buckinghams is embedded in the catalog of the musical minds of older and younger baby boomers, but those songs are emblems for older boomers. Carl Giammarese is one of two original members of The Buckinghams and he and fellow original member, Nick Fortuna continue to tour; and from time to time they create new music. Recently, I went with my entire family to see The Buckinghams perform and they put on a fantastic two hour plus show. Their delivery of their own songs is perfection to the ears, but their interpretations of other 1960s' gems prove to be as gratifying as their performances are of their original material.    

Since this a site dedicated to all things Chicago, having an interview with a member of one of the signature pop/rock acts that hailed from the city of big shoulders is a thrill for me. Several other bands called Chicago home, among them, Chicago, REO Speedwagon, Styx, the Ides of March, the Cryan' Shames, Rockford's Cheap Trick, the Shadows of Knight, the New Colony Six, the Smashing Pumpkins and more recently, the Plain White T's. The city's legacy of music lives on. Carl Giammarese was kind enough to agree to an hour long session of a series of questions.

Judith: At the performance I was surrounded by mostly older era boomers, so obviously much of the audience was composed of people that assuredly bought your records upon their original release back in the late 1960's. However, there were plenty of teens sitting in the auditorium, including a 17 year old guy in front of me who clearly was enjoying the show. How do you explain the interest of young people loving the music from the 1960's and 1970's?

Carl: I've known it for years. We've long attracted a younger audience and it's particularly noticeable at the fairs and festivals we play. Usually the younger end of the spectrum is 50% of the crowd. 

The only thing I could say is the music from the era was great. Younger audiences relate to four or five piece guitar bands. Good music is good music. Don't get me wrong there are a lot of talented people making music today. The songs from the generation I was part of are memorable, but there are some talented people leaving their stamp on and making significant contributions to the music business today.

When I was starting out we didn't really relate to a great deal of the music our parents had been listening to even though I now appreciate much of that music. 

Judith: Carl, you mentioned new music. Who are the acts out there today that you genuinely appreciate and follow?

Carl: I like John Mayer very much. He's a gifted guitarist. Maroon 5 are good. Train makes some good music. They have a sound that could be timeless. I think Alicia Keys is fabulous. She's one of the best singer/artist/pianists in the music industry today. Very talented. I listen to a great deal of contemporary music, but I love older music as well. I have grown to appreciate Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett more and more as I've grown older and learned more about music, vocals and styles. I find myself attracted to several different genres, including jazz. My wife likes jazz, so it's playing in the house and it's grown on me. I get my satellite radio going and I play with the buttons and listen to a variety of musical genres. A great song is a great song.

The American Music Awards turn me off. Seeing Justin Bieber's dance routines to songs that have no melody is unappealing. A great song to me should have you sitting down with a guitar or a piano in your living room and you just sing and play and it still should come across without all of the production. That's a great song that will live on for many years.    

Judith: At the Joy of  Christmas show I noticed you played acoustic guitar, steel guitar and bass guitar. When and why did the guitar become your passion?  

Carl: I started playing when I was 13 years old. My dad found a guitar teacher for me. Her name was Mrs. Seitz. Obviously, I still remember her name. Mrs. Seitz was in the neighborhood and she taught me how to play. At first I wanted to play the saxophone, but my mom was a huge fan of Elvis Presley's and she wanted me to play the guitar, because he played the guitar. I always remember her saying you can play the guitar and sing at the same time. Of course, she was right!  

Judith: Once you had the guitar who were the influences on your playing and your style?

Carl: Johnny Smith was a gifted jazz guitarist. He used to be Perry Como's guitarist on his television show. Whenever Perry Como sang a song with just the guitar you could really hear Johnny Smith's great talent. Also, I had a deep appreciation for James Burton. Burton was a superb guitarist. He was one of country and country rock's big talents. I loved his playing. The first time I saw him was with Rick Nelson. At that time, Rick would play one or two songs at the end of the The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet. I'd watch all the time and I couldn't wait until the end of the show since I knew they'd be playing. Burton played with Elvis Presley and he was a session guitarist on a million different records. Talented guy. 

I loved the Ventures, Chet Atkins, Les Paul. When the Beatles came along, I wanted to learn every lick George Harrison was playing with that big "Gretsch" guitar. 

I new that this is what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to do this for the last 40 plus years. 

Judith: As a non-professional musician I still enjoy visiting recording studios. I went in to a couple of famed studios while living in Los Angeles. I took a tour of Abbey Road Studios and I went on the Sun Studios tour when I was in Memphis last year. Where did the Buckinghams record?

Carl: Our first recording session took place at the legendary Chess Studios at 2120 South Michigan Avenue. I would never forget the address. At that time, Chess produced some of the great legends of Blues music. Muddy Waters and Little Walter recorded there. Chuck Berry did some of his recordings there. The Rolling Stones came in to do sessions there from time to time. Leonard Chess owned the studio. We were a pop band, so our recording there was unusual. We had a great engineer named Ron Malo. He did a lot of blues albums. We were brought there by our manager and producer, Carl Bonafede and Dan Bellock. Dan owned the Holiday Ballroom on the north side of the city of Chicago. We were basically a house band at his club and we played there every weekend. Dan thought we were special, because every time we played people stopped dancing and watched us perform. At that time, we were a cover band. We would do everything from the Beatles (we even recorded "I Call Your Name" which was a unique John Lennon song), to Wilson Pickett and James Brown.   

Judith: Looking back - what was the big break?

Carl: Our first big break was on WGN. WGN was huge. Not as huge as it would become in the cable era, but it had a reach even way beyond Chicago, which at the time was the 2nd largest market in the country. They had a show on the air called All Time Hits. We auditioned for the show with a group of other local acts and we won the audition. They gave us a 13 week contract and every week we would come in and do a few songs. We'd perform whatever was popular at the time. The show was responsible for giving us the name of The Buckinghams. The British invasion had already started and the Beatles were bigger than life, the Rolling Stones were out there, the Dave Clark Five, Herman's Hermits. Someone on the set decided we should have a British sounding name, so we became the Buckinghams. Our first album cover photo is in front of Buckingham Fountain. A friend of ours took that photo with a Polaroid camera. The fountain had nothing to do with our name, ironically enough. 

All Time Hits led to a contract with USA Records. We covered some songs and had a few regional hits. Carl Bonafede found Jim Holvey and his writing partner, Garry Beisbier and they were writing songs they couldn't use in their band, the Mob. The material they were writing wasn't right for them, so they gave us Kind of a Drag. 

We took the song and rehearsed it. Dan Bellock had the idea of putting horns on it. We weren't a horn band, but Dan was a big band leader. He thought the horns would give us polish.  His trombone player, Frank Tesinsky did the arrangements since we couldn't arrange horns. The label released it and it ran up the charts. Ultimately, it became a number one song, although initially it was played regionally and then it grew and grew before it went national. 

Judith: Carl, you were all from Chicago. Chicago is a city of neighborhoods. Was then and still is now. What neighborhood where you born and raised in?

Carl: I'm a guy from the Albany Park area. It's near Sacramento and Lawrence. Dennis Tufano lived near Grand & Fullerton. John Poulos, our original drummer lived near me. Nick lived up in Niles and Marty was our sole southsider. He was raised in Blue Island. 

Judith: I can remember all kinds of things. Sometimes I can even tell you what outfit I had on when something of consequence took place in my life. Where were you exactly when you first heard Kind of a Drag on the radio?

Carl: The band was rehearsing in my parents' basement. We would rehearse at our houses. We would spend a couple of days at one house - drive the neighbors wild and then we would move to another house. Our parents gave us the freedom to play and enjoy the experience of that first rush of success. The day the song was heard for the first time, we were in my basement. My parents ran down the stairs and said our song was on the radio. It was on WLS. The entire band ran up the stairs to hear the tail end of the song. To be on the big 89 was a big deal. You could hear a song over and over again on a record, but when you heard it on the radio it was like nothing else. Pure magic.     

Judith: The Buckinghams appeared on television consistently during the late 1960's. Thanks to YouTube, one can still have a revisit with many of your performances from the time. Any particular standout memory that still lives on with you and Nick? 

Carl: Doing The Ed Sullivan Show was a big deal for us, but during that time it was a big deal for any artist. His shows were the "when you knew you had made it moment." Ed Sullivan was smaller and shorter than I thought he would be. Also, the theater itself was small. When you see clips of the audience, you don't realize how small the actual theater seating area was. 

When we appeared on The Joey Bishop Show - Joey was interviewing us and a bit of spittle came out of him and landed on Dennis Tufano. From that point on every other act on that night referenced Joey spitting on Dennis. 

The appearance on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour has the now wild mishap of the British Union Jack flags on our set. The set designers thought we were British, so we performed in front of a multitude of Union Jack images. 

Of course, The Jerry Lewis Show appearance was memorable for the actual meet and greet with Jerry Lewis. We were backstage and Jerry was going into his dressing room. He was all decked out in tie, pressed shirt, but he didn't have pants on. We learned that night that performers put their pants on at the last minute, so they would be as wrinkle free as possible. It's still kind of funny looking back on it and seeing Jerry Lewis standing there in his boxer shorts - just talking, like no big deal.

American Bandstand was an iconic brand for pop/rock music and we enjoyed being on that show. Dick Clark was a wonderful person. Years later, we had the good fortune to work with him. In the 1980's and 1990's, Dick was hired to do a series of big corporate shows and he booked us many times to do the shows. We enjoyed working with him.  He was unassuming and down to earth. 

Judith: Ok Carl, you're on a desert island. Which albums, artists do you want shipwrecked with you? 

Carl: I'd have a crowded island! I'm in love with Joni Mitchell. Her album, Blue is one of my all time favorite albums. She had a great gift for writing lyrics. I can't listen to that album without getting emotional. I have always appreciated James Taylor. His work holds up and I still enjoy what he's doing now. October Road (the album was released in 2002, long after Taylor's chart topping years) is a great album and it can reside on a shelf with some of his classic albums from the 1970's. I love Stevie Wonder. Of course, The Beatles. If I had to pick just one artist - I'd pick the Beatles. Being around during their recording years was exciting, particularly if you were a musician. You anticipated every new album. It was like Christmas bearing gifts when they released a new album. You knew it was going to sound like them, but be something completely different. They were constantly reinventing themselves and everyone else was trying to catch up and no one was able to catch up. 

I'm also a big fan of the Eagles. Don Henley and Glenn Frey are talented songwriters, musicians and singers. Led Zeppelin had a unique sound and I loved the band, America. Their music still works today. They were produced by George Martin, who produced all of the albums by the Beatles.   

Judith: I'm always fascinated by who is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Who should be inducted that hasn't been inducted yet?

Carl: The Buckinghams! Honestly, you've caught me off guard, but I do think someone from the Happy Together tours should be in the Hall of Fame. Some talented people have been left out. Tommy James and the Shondells, the Grass Roots, the Turtles, Paul Revere & the Raiders. A lot of acts with significantly fewer hits made it in and if it were a time capsule you'd want some of the bands from that period of time in the Hall of Fame.  

Judith: My family went to see your show in Chicago and it was billed as a Christmas show. Any particular reason why you wanted to do a Christmas show?

Carl: I still love recording, so recording The Joy of Christmas was a labor of love. We revisited our sound from the 60's and put it to some new music and we did a couple of covers of a few Christmas classics. Every artist either has or should do a collection of Christmas songs. The Joy of Christmas is our contribution to the sounds of Christmas.

Judith: By the way, you do a lovely interpretation of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.  It's one of my favorite secular Christmas songs. Judy Garland's version in the movie Meet Me in St. Louis still gets to me, but your version is beautiful. Just the right touches of sentimentality. Just thought I'd let you know.

Carl: Thank you.

Judith: Are you political?

Carl: No, we aren't. We just want to entertain people. We live in interesting times. We got offers to perform at one of the inaugural balls in 2004 and again in 2008. We enjoyed it, but when we performed in 2004 we received a ton of hate mail from people that hated George Bush and then when we performed in 2008 we received hate mail from people that hated Barack Obama. It was strange for us, because publicly we are pretty apolitical. Most of the mail was hateful with things like we are so disappointed in you guys and on and on. From my perspective, there is no cooperation between the parties. They are both at fault. Let's do what is best for the country! Personally, I've met a lot of nice people on both sides.

Judith: You are a Chicago born and raised guy and you still live here. If you have guests coming in from out of town who have never been here before what would you set them up to do?

Carl: I'd take them to the city. Grant Park, the lakefront, Millennium Park, the magnificent mile - the entire city center is beautiful and it offers a great deal for residents and visitors.  Gorgeous lakefront and skyline.

You have to have Chicago food. I love the Little Italy area, so I'd probably take them to the Rosebud Cafe and then on another night, we'd go to Lou Malnati's for pizza. I'd make sure they had a taste of the city's music scene too. Blues music is still a large part of the city's culture, so pizza and then we'd go to Buddy Guy's.

Judith: Sort of curious about something. You were a major act from our great city and you made it nationally with five huge hit singles. This was all going on during the Vietnam War. Outside of Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix I wasn't able to think of any artists from the rock era during that time that served in the military. Was there an exemption for musicians (I ask knowing that isn't true)?

Carl: Actually, we got lucky. Our draft numbers didn't come up during the draft, but our original lead singer, George LeGros was drafted in 1966. George kept saying at the time that we shouldn't worry, because he had a bad knee, but he did get drafted. We all went to say goodbye to him at the train station when he departed for basic training. Several months later Kind of a Drag went to the top of the charts. George passed away several years ago and it's still all sad.

Judith: Carl, you've been writing an autobiography. What's going on with the project?

Carl: It's been years in the making. I wanted to have it released in conjunction with a new album. The album would pretty much be an acoustic work, but the book has been taking me a lot longer to write than I thought it would.

Judith: Carl, thanks so much for taking us on another part of the journey with you and the Buckinghams. I still love your music and it always makes me feel good! Classic songs - Kind of a Drag, Don't You Care, Hey Baby, Susan and my personal favorite Mercy, Mercy, Mercy should all be listened to - repeatedly. They are great treats for the ears some forty plus years after their initial release dates.    

To see upcoming tour dates for The Buckinghams, please visit www.thebuckinghams.com. 

                                Carl Giammarese and Nick Fortuna
                                   Original Buckinghams today
             

Copyright Chicago and Then Some 2012

              

 

THINGS TO DO IN CHICAGO AT CHRISTMAS

It's a wonderful time to be in the city of Chicago. The city's official Christmas tree was lit on Tuesday, November 20; and there is a wide assortment of displays, shows and events running from this weekend through the end of the year. Enjoy the season and stay safe and healthy during this wonderful season!


Macy's Holiday Windows
Macy's State Street, 111 North State Street, Chicago
Macy's has historically been the premiere place to see beautiful window displays in Chicago and this year will be no retreat from their long held historical roots. Also, make sure you view the Macy's 45-foot Great Tree which features 10,000 LED sparkling lights and 1200 ornaments. The tree is located on the inside of the store by the famed Walnut Room.

Art Institute of Chicago
Michigan Avenue
The lions have been wreathed for the 2012 Christmas season, so hustle down to the glorious sight of the bedecked lion guards. Chicago's legendary Art Institute Lions always get flowered up for Christmas. The wreaths will remain on our big cat buddies through the season. While you are at the Art Institute, go inside to see the display of their Christmas Theme Rooms.  This feature will be on display through January 6. There is a charge to enter the Art Institute. This is one of the great art museums in the world, so don't take it for granted.

"It's a Wonderful Life"
Victory Gardens Theater at the Biograph
Check dates and times
This show is outstanding and it is highly recommended. The theater is small, so the evening with the stage is cozy and comfortable. The audience participates in a couple of sing-a-longs prior to the actual start of the official show and it concludes with a sing-a-long as well. Actors are all professional. The final moments brought our group (females in the group) to tears. Very emotional re-telling of a brilliantly executed look at the importance of every life. The performance is ninety minutes and it isn't a line for line re-telling of the original Frank Capra film, but it is a group of actors dressed in 1940's garb doing a radio show of the story. Excellent night out in Chicago!

Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier
Chicago
November 30-January 6
Navy Pier turns itself into a "Winter Wonderfest" each Christmas season, featuring a number of different attractions, including ice skating.

The Nutcracker
Presented by the Joffrey Ballet
December 7-December 27
Tchaikovsky's classic ballet set to his monumentally timeless piece of music is the single most elegant event of the Christmas season in Chicago. The Mouse King comes to life to take on The Nutcracker! Gorgeously produced!

Christmas Around the World
Museum of Science & Industry, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
November 24-January 6
The Museum halls will be decked and holiday singers will fuel the spirit of the season. The sparkle of dozens of decorated trees will greet you at this year's Christmas Around the World. The Museum's grand tree takes center stage in the Rotunda, while more than fifty trees representing nations from around the world adorn the Museum's Main Level. This is a highlight in the city every year. It's so magnificent that if you don't live here, then take a trip to the city. If you do live here, then don't miss this fantastic celebration of Christmas Around the World.

Christkindlmarket Chicago 2012
Daley Plaza's Christmas Market
November 24-December 24
Christkindlmarket Chicago is a tradition brought here by the Germans. The shopping palooza is a Christmas shopping market that runs through Christmas Eve.  It features unique crafts & gifts, entertainment and German food & drinks. German pretzels! Artisans and craftspeople from other countries participate as well. Santa Claus pops up every night at 8:00pm. He is working hard this Christmas season!

"Let It Be" Christmas
The Epic Theatre Company's original Beatles rock opera of the Nativity story told in one act.
Community Christian Church, 1635 Emerson, Naperville, Illinois
Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children
Thursday, December 13 @ 7:30pm, Friday, December 14 @ 7:30pm, Saturday, December 15 @ 7:30pm, Thursday, December 20 @ 7:30pm, Friday, December 21 @ 7:30pm, Saturday, December 22 @ 4:00pm and 7:30pm
If you love Jesus Christ and you are a huge fan of the Beatles - then let it be! If you aren't sure about Jesus yet, but you love the Beatles, then get it into your life!

Decking the Hall: Welcome Yule
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan, Chicago
One of the most magnificent orchestras in the world (get their Beethoven collection as conducted by the late Sir Georg Solti - that is the correct spelling of his name) perform Christmas carols and traditional pieces of music.  New arrangements and sing-a-longs.
Performance dates: December 15, 16, 21, 22, 23
Call 312 294 3000 or visit www.cso.org

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 North Cannon Drive, Chicago
November 24-January 6
Lincoln Park Zoo gets into the Christmas spirit with their zoo lights display.  Check out their ice carving demonstrations as well. The zoo lights shine on every Friday through Sunday until December 26 and then the lights go on every night through January 6.

Drury Lane Children's Theatre - A Christmas Carol
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
November 23-December 22
Drury Lane offers families the special opportunity to have breakfast or dinner with Santa Claus on select performance dates. The Charles Dickens classic comes to life again this Christmas season!
Contact 630 530 0111

City of Chicago - State Street & Michigan Avenue
Lights!  Everywhere lights!
Free
Walk or drive down Michigan Avenue (Magnificent Mile) & State Street (that great street) and take in the Christmas lights on display. Walk over to Wabash Avenue where the elevated train runs overhead and you might catch the Holiday Train.  It's a completely decorated Christmas train. You can look up the schedule by checking out the Chicago Transit Authority's site.

Music Box Holiday Sing-Alongs
Music Box Theatre, 3733 North Southport, Chicago
December 14-24
The 29th annual tradition carries on with people who can carry a tune and with people that can't! Come and sing with St. Nicholas and hang around for screenings of "White Christmas" and "It's a Wonderful Life."

35th anniversary of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"
Goodman Theatre
November 17 - December 29
Timeless story of hope and redemption. Excellent production elements all the way around.  Tickets 312 443 3800.

Holy Name Cathedral - One of the oldest churches in the city of Chicago decorates for the coming of the King! Gorgeous architecture; and on a completely different note, holes are still in the walls from the Al Capone gangster days.
For more information: 312 787 8040

John Hancock Observatory
Four states can be seen from the 96th floor of this building. Visits with Santa Claus and a holiday train display. Breakfast with Santa every weekend in December and kids get to hang out with Santa's special helper, Seemore Miles.
312 654 5019

Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield, Illinois @ 1st Avenue and 31st
Brookfield Zoo comes to life with more than a million twinkling lights.  The zoo also has a light laser show, animated displays, ice carving demonstrations and costumed characters (think lots of photo ops). Saturdays & Sundays beginning December 1 and then running from Wednesday, December 26 through Monday, December 31. 4pm-9pm

Denver and the Mile High Orchestra Christmas Show
Friday, December 21 @ Moraine Valley Church, Palos Heights, Illinois
7:00pm - $15.00 for tickets - Call 800 965 9324
If you have never seen DMHO, then make sure you make it a life experience. This is a superb big band (with young musicians) that will bring smiles to the faces of any member of your demo! They put on a show - true entertainers.

Martina McBride's Joy of Christmas Show
Chicago Theater
Friday, December 21
McBride is a superb vocalist and she brings a Christmas spirit to the stage four days before Christmas Day. You don't have to like country music to enjoy her show.

Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas) Screening
Beverly Arts Center
December 19 @ 7:30pm
This is a unique screening opportunity for those in the area. The film tells the true story of how on Christmas Eve in 1914 the war came to a stop. Enemy soldiers stopped World War I for a night of rejoicing to their shared King. By the way, the film has subtitles! You can see this film for $7.50 and the popcorn here is only $1.00. Joyeux Noel!

A Chanticleer Christmas
December 4-5
Chicago Symphony Center
312 294 3000
Award-winning a cappella ensemble sings traditional carols, sacred works and Christmas favorites.

Vienna Boys Choir
November 24
Chicago Symphony Center
The angelic voices of one of the oldest boy's choirs in the world.

Christmas Walk & House Tour
Geneva, Illinois
Christmas with 200 shops. For an events calendar visit genevadowntown.org

Christmas at the Mansion
Bloomington, Illinois
Saturday, December 15
David Davis Mansion is a historical site in Bloomington.  If you are up for a drive this is quite a lovely display. The Davis Mansion was built in 1872. You can park and take the shuttle to the home. All Victorian decor with costumed guides.  There is a charge.

Night of Luminaria
Galena, Illinois
Saturday, December 15 from 6pm-9pm
If you are up for a three hour drive, you can go to beautiful Galena. You can walk, drive or take a horse-drawn carriage to see the 5000 luminarias flickering through the lovely town of Galena. Locations include Grant Park, the Old Train Depot, the footbridge, the riverfront levee, Main Street and other parks and walkways.
Call in advance and be careful in bad weather since it is a distance from the city.

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, Illinois
It's a drive, but the weather is beautiful (well, today it is). More than one million lights. Displays at the Shrine are downright stunning!
618 397 6700

If you are visiting Chicago, there are several five and four star hotels that we highly recommend:
The Peninsula, Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Renaissance Blackstone, Sofitel Water Tower, Hotel Monaco, The Drake, Conrad Chicago

Christmas is a wonderful and miraculous event in history. There is a reason for this glorious season! Merry Christmas and enjoy the offerings in and around Chicago!

         

Restaurant Review - Francesca's on 95th, Oak Lawn, Illinois

The Francesca's brand is consistently good. Their various locations around town are similar and yet different, which is one of the reasons why Francesca's is a brand worth reviewing. There is little to argue with when it comes to their brand, so hopefully, they will not miss the mark at any point. There are 20 locations in the Francesca's world here in the state of Illinois.

Francesca's on 95th provides excellent service, good food and a worthy wine list. It does have a somewhat odd location smack dab in the middle of a south suburban strip mall. However, once you are inside the building, you would never know that this neighborhood dining location was in a strip mall.

Francesca's on 95th provides an elegant and warm ambiance. The service is excellent. Our server was gracious, prompt and diligent. Ultimately, this is what service is supposed to be, but surprisingly many restaurants don't stress the concept of good service. Do you want me to come back and spend my hard earned money? Provide the basics!

The menu is ever changing and we found (I've been there on two occasions) that if you want something that isn't on the menu (within limits, of course) the chefs will prepare something for you. Again, within limits and this was my experience.

Pasta dishes are delicious and unfussy. Salads are fork-first and delightfully good. Their salads aren't necessarily unique, but they are quite tasty.  The asparagus, blue cheese and tomato salad, along with the tomato, onion and blue cheese are standouts on the menu. Order both for the spread of good nutrients. The pizzas are also excellent and sharable. The highlight pizza on the menu is the arugula, cherry tomatoes, garlic and cheese (Provolone and shaved Parmesan) pizza. It's absolutely winning in every way for the palate. I'd go back just for this pizza. The bread basket is grab friendly.  I had three slices, even though I'm still trying to lose those four pounds.



Francesca's on 95th
6240 West 95th Street
Oak Lawn, Illinois

Copyright Chicago and then Some 2012


      

Restaurant Review - RL

Since my years as an angst filled teen-aged girl I have loved the look of Ralph Lauren's classic and timeless designs, so when a meeting this past week brought me within a couple of blocks of Lauren's RL restaurant (yes, he has a restaurant) I had to go in.

The restaurant is a signature Lauren piece in his catastrophically successful portfolio.  The entrance alone is all him and once you enter the zone of rich and formal magnificence you will be treated well. Very well. One couldn't ask for a better location as it sits right next to a Ralph Lauren store (duh?!) and right off of Michigan Avenue on Chicago Avenue. It is an elegant and refined dining delight and if you aren't old-moneyed wealthy (how many are left?) you will feel like a Rockefeller or Getty from another time. The decor is polished, sleek and downright high end.

Dress for business or cocktail (at night) since this is not the place you will enter with those dreaded pajama bottoms that I now almost fear. Yes, I saw a woman with an actual (no knockoffs in sight) Coco Chanel bag. The art collection alone is quite impressive with displays of sophistication and style on nearly every inch of the walls.

The classic American (what else) food is subtle and delicious. Their multi-grain breads were true standouts in the baked goods arena. This is not an inexpensive destination, so even at lunch be prepared to pay a bit more than you might be thinking, unless you want the omelet/omelette (grammar is correct both ways) which is one of the lowest priced items on their menu. Specials are intriguing, but not too intriguing, which is actually a compliment. There aren't any bizarre attractions offered as food.  

The service is excellent, but not arrogant which is another trait often found at high end (price or stature) venues, but not here. The servers were appreciative of the business and they displayed a sense of courtesy that is in line with the classic statement you expect from anything with Lauren's name on it.

There is outdoor dining, but as we head into autumn, it is also a plus to know they have a fireplace!

The dining room takes reservations.

Superbly crafted from the architectural and artistic design to the food placed before you.

RL
115 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 

Weekend/Weekday Getaway - Door County in Wisconsin

One of the loveliest locations in the entire nation is a heartbeat away from the city of Chicago. I've been to Door County before, so its beauty was not a surprise to my eyes. Last week, I drove up to Door County and the scenery is quite a spectacle. Driving onto the Door County Peninsula, one is surrounded by the glories of Lake Michigan on both sides of your ride.

I will admit to this and it's a tough thing to admit to, but my brother-in-law (who is a die-hard Chicago Bears fan) insisted on stopping at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Go figure, but I did have my photograph taken with the gigantic Vince Lombardi statue. The statue doesn't look like Lombardi, but it does look a great deal like the late (long late) actor, Wallace Beery. Unless you are a film buff (I am) or you are over 80 years old (I'm not) you might have to look him up. Take my word for it, this statue looks like Wallace Beery. Even as a Chicago Bears fan, you can have lots of respect for the late Coach Lombardi. 

After looking online for several days I managed to come up with a few locations I thought would provide a pleasant couple of nights in Door County, but then it dawned on me that I recently had been around an old friend who goes up there almost every year, so I made it easy on myself and I asked her for a recommendation. Her recommendation was to stay at the High Point Inn and I did. The High Point Inn is centrally located in Ephraim (not in the town's center, but close enough), which is smack dab in the middle of Door County. The High Point Inn is a lovely property. It has great curb appeal, excellent customer service and a clean and livable room! I would stay there again and that's always a high praise compliment. Three other people were in my party and we stayed in a two bedroom suite with two bathrooms.  Private and quiet as well.  The price was quite reasonable.  

While in Door County we ate at two respectable breakfast eateries. Both the Summer Kitchen and Carroll House were good choices for eggs, etc... I love to support small businesses whenever I can, so it's a treat to go to these locations.

The drive around the entire County is a wonderful experience and if you intend to only do this once in a lifetime, then enjoy every frame of it.  Ephraim, Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Sister Bay are all gorgeous small towns along the water of Door County.  Door County is a quirk of topography - 70 miles - north/south! There is some jaw dropping scenery on this peninsula.  If you don't want to drive around, although you will enjoy every moment, there are plenty of boat excursions to take you around.

One of the best restaurants in Door County is the Gibraltar Grill.  Excellent meal.  Quite honestly, you couldn't get a better meal at a restaurant in the city and by that I do mean, Chicago.  Outstanding food and service.

Wilson's has been in existence in one way or another for a hundred years.  It's a classic in more ways than one. Classic decor, but more importantly, the ice cream is creamy and superb. It rivals any great ice cream parlor in America, including Illinois' own, Oberweis Dairy.  Make this a must stop on your trip to Door County. Prices are beyond reasonable.

Wilson's

Nothing could possibly beat the sun setting along the shore of Ephraim.  When you exit Wilson's you will be treated to a sight beyond sights.  Every three to four minutes you will get another amazingly wow of a sight as the colors change along the skyscape.  Picture perfect!

Peninsula State Park is a stunningly beautiful state park and it offers a wide variety of trails, so take advantage of those trails. Many are difficult on rugged terrain, but there are a few for the light of heart and easy of feet. The Lighthouse in the Peninsula State Park is another must see while in Door County and you can drive around the Park as well as enjoy it by foot or bike. There are 20 miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of bike trails.  The Eagle Bluff Lighthouse has been there since 1868 and the tower gives you a 180 view of the park and the surrounding area.

There are a wide variety of shops and boutiques in Door County, but two standouts are the two Christmas stores.  The Mistletoe Holiday House in Egg Harbor not only offers a wide variety of unique items (I purchased two items), but the proprietor is a lovely woman who serves up an ornament as a bag tie. The other Christmas store is the Tannenbaum Holiday Shop in Sister Bay.  Both stores are musts for the shopper and non-shopper alike.

Two other must see places - Cave Point and the Old Rugged Cross. Cave Point is stunning and it's in a County Park, so it is not necessarily going to be heavily promoted like a State or National Park. Cave Point is located in the Sturgeon Bay area.  Also, George Bennard wrote the inspirational hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross" in 1913 and an old rugged cross is on display at Friends Church in Sturgeon Bay. For those who believe in the saving power of the Cross, this will be a highlight on a trip to Door County! Bennard was from this part of the country.

Travel to the northernmost tip of the peninsula and take in Washington Island for a further adventure on your painted journey!

Door County is beautiful during all four seasons, but much of the County is closed down during the winter months, but a hearty soul can travel up there and find a place to stay and things to do.

Galleries, lighthouses, state and county parks, boat rides, and don't forget the famed fish boils. Go to Door County!
 

Restaurant Review - La Luce, Chicago, Illinois

Have you been to Al Capone's grave site at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois? I have and so have lots of other goofy people that want to see his grave marker.  People leave change all the time. As I said, goofy people.

His life and career (if you will) have had a long shadow on the history of Chicago. Back in the mid 1980's, while travelling in Great Britain and Ireland I had most people look at me (after I told them I was from Chicago) and do the machine gun whirl scattering left to right. Legacies of the old gangsters live on. This same experience happened in Spain, Italy, Israel, Singapore and several other places I've been to during my slightly let's go, let's go younger phase.

I love historic Chicago. La Luce is housed in a building that was erected in 1892. 1892! I love the building! It reminds me of the building my maternal grandmother lived in. Those old back porches that lifted their way into the air on the back side of the house still get me to wax sentimental.

There is a great deal of history in this location. Real history and cinematic history. Recognize that window? The ambiance of the big dining room is one looming artifact after another from another generation. When you have to go to the restroom you must walk down an old flight of stairs (not handicap friendly, but there is another restroom in the building, but that's not easily accessible).  While walking down the stairwell it dawned on me that this must have led to some speakeasy from the 1920's. Was Capone here? Did Dillinger pick up any women in the venue? Who sang here? Who gambled here? Who made moonshine here? It's a historic location.

I love this place. The bar has the old coolers. Now that is not a sight one sees too often. Chicago and Then Some received a backstage tour and they didn't know we were from Chicago and Then Some, so there was no preferential treatment given. We had an 89 year old with us and she talked about all of these things as if she knew the lawless ones (she didn't) and they offered up the tour.  Of course, we took it.

The bars are downright monumental and you will jump up and use the expression - "they don't make them like that anymore."

Getting to the food.  It's good.  Admittedly, I wasn't overwhelmed with any tastes of brilliance on the plate, but it was good.  The marinara sauce was a tad sour, but the tomato and basil sauce was quite good. Lots and lots of grape tomatoes filled my plate and I love tomatoes, so this worked.  There had to be 30 grape tomatoes and lots of basil!

The chicken parmigiana is served with two huge breasts of chicken and according to one of my dining partners it was absolutely fantastic.  It must have been, since he scarfed it down quite quickly. It was as if he were going to be on the run from one of the old hoodlums!  The lasagna is large and the whitefish is pleasant (nice side portion of steamed veggies).

I would highly recommend La Luce as an experience.  It is a unique and historical location. The food is good, but not great.

Wonderful for big groups, mid-sized groups and intimate two party dinners. Full bar and a private parking lot, so you don't have to spend a dime on parking in this dining night out.

La Luce
1393 W. Lake Street Street (West Loop)
Chicago, Illinois
312 850 1900