Journey Woman- Girl Talk - Women Chat About Chicago

Women Chat About Chicago
....travel tips, advice and trivia

You must get to this museum..
The Museum of Science and Industry is a "must see" on your visit to Chicago. You can spend hours with lots of hands-on exhibits. The hours fly by, and if you're like me, you won't have enough time to see everything.
Sara Schmucker, Franklin, KY

Her culture-vulture advice..
Take in the small theaters. Chicago has more of them per capita than any other city and admission is usually under $20. Companies which usually put on a good show The Footsteps Theater Company, Stage Left Theatre, Trap Door, Mary Archie, & the About Face (located on Broadway & Belmont in the Jane Adams Hull House). The Cafe Voltaire is nice for atmosphere. For more info check out the Chicago Reader or the New City Journal, both free places. Lesbian women may want to look for activities in Nightlines or Outlines, also free & available at various locations around the city. 1/2 price tickets are available through Hot Tix (in the Watertower) on the day of the performance for every theater that is a member of the League of Chicago Theaters and for many other events.
Rachael L. Howard, Chicago

Two of my favorite solo-friendly eateries..
In the Gold Coast neighborhood, at 1260 N. Dearborn, is "3rd Coast" (312-649-0730), my personal favorite restaurant haunt, which is open 24 hours, casual and comfortable, especially for solo diners. European in feel, you are never rushed. There is art for sale on the walls, entertainment after 9:30 pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Food is good and modestly priced with a nice selection of wine, beer and coffee drinks. I recommend the scones and the Salade Nicoise.

Farther north in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, at 444 W. Fullerton (at Clark), is a restaurant serving sample sized portions of Spanish food. Open for lunch and dinner, "Emilio's" features an extensive list of wine, sherry, port and cognac. The nice staff will help you decide on their moderately priced specialties.
Sharon Wingler, Chicago
Ed. note: Flight Attendant, Sharon Wingler lives in Chicago and is the author of the very helpful guide, "Travel Alone and Love it." To network with her, simply click here!

Discount shopping..
I live in the Chicago area. Any interest in coming to the suburbs? We have some wonderful discount stores here in Schaumburg...Sak's 5th, Nordstroms, etc. Also Woodfield Mall, the most stores under one roof in the country (200+).
Mershon Shrigley, Chicago
Ed. note: Mershon is the Editor/Publisher of The Business Woman's Advantage e-mail newsletter. Want more info about it? Just click here!

Woman's words..
There's a female-friendly book store in Chicago. It's called "Women and Children First" and it's right on Clark.
Emily John Peace, Chicago

Roger Ebert-- best veggie restaurant
I read this tip in one of the tourism publication that I found in my hotel room. When asked for a favorite restaurant, Roger Ebert (of Siskell and Ebert movie fame) writes -- The Chicago Diner on Halstead offers vegetarian cuisine with new specials every day. The decor is 1960's cozy, the cooking is creative, and the neighbourhood includes lots of interesting shops, theatres, bars and specialty shops.
Evelyn Hannon, Toronto

Take a friend..
I'm not recommending this as a single-friendly restaurant, but I love to go to Carmine's on North Rush Street with all my girlfriends. Food's great!
Michelle, Chicago Transit Employee

Chicago's best laughs..
For over thirty years, Second City (1616 N. Wells), the best comedy theatre in the city, has provided Chicago with consistently popular comedy revues. John Belushi, Shelley Long, Gilda Radner, and Allan Arkin all began their careers here. If you want to go, make reservations well in advance. Call: 312.337.3992
(Source: The World's Best, Kathleen Peddicord, Ed.)

Pizza, pizza, pizza..
Don't forget about the deep dish Chicago style pizza.
Mark Reitman, Chicago

The place is a bit shabby but Gino's East, off Michigan Avenue at Ohio (near the Omni Suites Hotel) makes great single size, personal pizzas. Order a take-away and eat it in the park.
Jamie, Chicago

If I'm not mistaken, Gino's deep dish pizza was the inspiration for Pizza Hut's Pan Pizza and later for it's Priazzo Italian pie. Don't even try to eat one of Gino's deep dish pizzas by yourself. It's impossible!
Bob Brent, Toronto

Nice to know this after a hard day of sightseeing! The California Pizza Kitchen has a take-out menu and they deliver. Choose from such interesting selections as Santa Fe Chicken, Southwestern Burrito, Grilled Eggplant Cheeseless or just plain Vegetarian. These people even have a website: www.cpk.com
Sally Baker, Gold Coast Guest House, Chicago

The Walnut Room at Marshall Fields
This dining room is an institution and ...there's always a line-up to be seated for lunch at the Walnut Room in Marshall Fields Department Store. What to expect? A piano player offering gentle background ambience. Good "American" food served with great care and politeness in a huge walnut panelled room. The focal point of the restaurant is a rather large fountain (not working) but just lovely to look at. I was there at Easter and there was a fabulous fresh floral display around this fountain. I'm told that the color scheme of the flowers changes for each American holiday. Try their Chicken Pot Pie and for dessert you must taste their Frango Mint Ice Cream. Both delicious! (located at the corner of State and Washington)
Evelyn Hannon, Toronto