By BakitWhy.com Chicago team
Musical great Frank Sinatra described the Windy City the best when he sang: “This is my kind of town, Chicago is … My kind of people too/ People who, smile at you … One town that won't let you down/ It's my kind of town!”
We couldn’t agree more with Sinatra. To pay homage to our hometown, the Chicago Team of BakitWhy.com – Ryne, Ram, Gephine and Rowena – are thrilled to share with the greater BakitWhy.com online community a glimpse of what makes our city so great.
As Chicagoans, we are proud to be from the major metropolis of the Midwest. The city’s population is about 2.9 million, while the surrounding suburbs are home to about 6 million people. We’re proud to be the birthplace of the skyscraper, the home of Da Bears and Da Bulls. Plus … the Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, you name it! We love our food unconditionally, and may very well debate with you over the best pizza and 'dogs in America. Here are our favorite places, things and loves in Chi City!
Team Chicago: clockwise from front: Ryne, Rowena, Gephine, Ram
Ryne’s Picks:
1. Wrigley Field, Wrigleyville – Home of the world famous Chicago Cubs (OK, I was named after one of their players, so maybe I'm a bit biased). Love 'em or hate 'em, “The Friendly Confines” is the second oldest park in the league and carries that old-school charm.
2. Second City, Old Town – If you have a favorite cast member from “Saturday Night Live” or “The Daily Show,” chances are they're a Second City alumnus. Chicago is the definitive destination for improv comedy, much of that thanks to Second City.
3. Hot Doug's, Avondale – One of Anthony Bourdain's “13 Places to Eat Before You Die,” yet all they serve are sausages (and possibly the best corn dog on the planet). If you get here and have to wait in line for less than an hour, consider yourself lucky.
4. Cloud Gate, Loop – Affectionately known as “The Bean,” Chicago's newest photo-op made a prominent appearance in Kanye West's “Homecoming” music video.
5. Harold's Chicken, Hyde Park (main) – Harold's was frequented by President Obama, and with good reason. The fried chicken is unhealthily delicious, even if it has to be delivered from behind bulletproof glass.
Ram’s Picks:
1. Lake Front Path- This 18-mile long path is my summer sunrise spot. Many days have been spent biking through it on beautiful mornings. Biking from the north side of Chicago to the south loop couldn't be any quicker.
2. Ruby's Fast Food, Albany Park- Feeling up for some Pilipino comfort food? Ruby's Fast Food is the place to go for your favorite classics. From their Longsilog breakfast (Longganisa, Fried Rice, & Eggs) to their amazing Pancit Palabok, Ruby's will surely not disappoint.
3. Java & Mug Coffee House, North Park- In the heart of Koreatown up north, this wonderful coffee house is filled with many college students and friends for rounds of bubble tea shakes everyday.
4. Navy Pier- One of the best views I've ever had of the Chicago skyline was from one of the lunch cruises they offer at the pier. From the Children's Museum to their beautiful ferris wheel, it accommodates many visitors with many different attractions.
5. Giordano's- This longstanding restaurant serves up Chicago’s signature deep-dish pizza. Giordano's has become one of the top competitors of the best deep-dish pizza in Chicago. With its filling toppings, you will leave with either a to-go box or a full stomach.
Gephine's Picks
1. Museum of Science and Industry- From (formerly) housing actual human fetuses, to full-term cadavers, to putting up a Pilipino-themed Christmas tree every year, the Museum of Science and Industry can definitely entertain (and enlighten) everyone. It's located in President Barack Obama's hometown of Hyde Park.
2. The El/Red Line- Besides being the most affordable way to get around Chicago, it's also the most affordable (make that free) way to hear a concert. You can find some amazing and diverse vocal, instrumental, and MC-ing talent performing at the Red Line subway stops.
3. China Chef- THE place to go for Chinese and Pilipino cuisine! Everyone there treats you like family, the food is delicious (ang sarap naman ng manok at Mongolian Beef at ho do tai soup nila!), and it just truly never disappoints. It's located in Morton Grove (Chicago suburb), but the drive is well worth it.
4. Sears/Willis Tower Skydeck - Sit 108 stories on top of Chicago! The Sears/Willis Tower Skydeck is a glass structure that juts out of the building so you can see the streets below. No more leaning your head against the glass Ferris Bueller-style.
5. Home of some celebrities!- The Windy City is/was home to some of entertainment's greatest names, including: Oprah, Vince Vaughn, Jeremy Piven, Gary Sinise, Harrison Ford, Cindy Crawford, Michael Clarke Duncan, Jennifer Hudson, John Malkovich, Kanye West, Mr. T, Robin Williams, and Walt Disney --just to name a few.
Rowena’s Picks
1. Bucktown/Wicker Park shopping district- Unlike the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue, you’ll find local retail shops here, independent owners or budding designers making their mark on the Chicago fashion scene. Start at the intersections of North, Milwaukee and Damen and wander to the record stores, shoe boutiques, Asian American-owned retailer AKIRA or eclectic Una Mae’s.
2. Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park- Built in 1927, this enchanting landmark set in what is known as Chicago’s Front Yard, shoots water 150 feet into the air every hour from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. At night, the fountain produces a fairytale-like light show that is captivating and pretty darn romantic.
3. Wendella Boat Tours, Riverwalk- As Chicagoans, we love our skyscrapers and we love our water. Catch both in a breathtaking way aboard the Wendella Boat Tours’ Combined Lake and River Tour, the only tour that travels the Chicago River, through the lock system, and then out onto Lake Michigan … so you can really see what we mean about our amazing skyline.
4. Original Rainbow Cone, South Side- It is what the name says: a cone layered with all the colors of the rainbow, well, at least the ones that make for delicious ice cream flavors. Rainbow Cone involves sheets, not scoops, of: orange sherbet, pistachio, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnut), strawberry and chocolate, from top to bottom.
5. Holy Name Cathedral, Loop- This is a beautiful piece of architecture, and art, inside and out. People from all over the world visit Holy Name Cathedral, our Bishop Francis George’s home church, to take a peek at the amazing ceiling you will want to stare at for hours.
What about you? What do you like about your Hometown?
*Main Image by M. Christian Selfridge
