Chicago Traveler

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Which Chicago Restaurants Earned Michelin Stars?

It’s no secret that Chicago restaurants boast delicious food, signature drinks and premier customer service. In late 2019, several Chicago restaurants finally got the recognition they deserve. We are pleased to bring you details about Chicago restaurants who earned Michelin stars. Now is the time to reserve your seat for these Chicago hotspots that know how to serve up the best eats in Chicago. 

Alinea

Creativity is one of the many reasons this popular Chicago restaurant has maintained Michelin star status for years. Drawing in foodies with its New American tasting menus, Alinea in Chicago takes creativity to the limit with its presentation and taste. What makes this Chicago restaurant unique is that diners can experience three different experiences. From the Kitchen Table that offers a high-end Chicago dining experience to the Gallery Menu that features a 16-18 course menu and the Salon Menu with 10-12 courses, you can expect to leave Alinea amazed and full.

Oriole

Boasting the need for though-provoking dining experiences, Oriole in Chicago delivers just that. This Michelin star Chicago restaurant in the West Loop takes the Chicago fine dining experience to the next level. With a menu that offers delicious varieties and pairings of royal oestra caviar, sablefish, capellini and mangalica, you can expect to find the Chicago dining experience both high end and scrumptious. 

Smyth

Combining a rustic-chic venue with high-end wine and New American fare pairings, Smyth has gained popularity as “the” Chicago restaurant. This fine-dining Chicago restaurant strives to express ‘farm on a plate’ with three distinct menu options that vary based on daily visits to the farm. 

Blackbird

Located at 619 West Randolph Street, Blackbird is known for its elegant and imaginative midwestern cuisine. It’s no wonder this Chicago restaurant earned a Michelin star with its chef selections that include chanterelle mushroom porridge, dry aged squab and bar harbor mussels. From crumbed skate wing and chicken sausage to whole wheat tortellini and prairie breeze cheddar, prepare to be impressed with the presentation and taste at Blackbird, a fine dining Chicago restaurant.

Yugen

2019 was a first for Yugen, a contemporary Asian, high-end Chicago restaurant, receiving its first Michelin star. Located at 652 W. Randolph Street, Yugen has built a reputation as a fine dining restaurant in Chicagooffering 5- and 10-course tasting menus that include scrumptious dishes such as crab rice, seaweed salad, okara agnolotti and miyazaki wagyu. Make your reservation now at this popular Chicago restaurant to experience the taste of high-end Chicago cuisine. 

The honor of earning one, two or three Michelin stars in Chicago is quite an accomplishment. Most notably is that in 2019, many of the chefs at these high-end Chicago restaurants were locals. You can’t go wrong with many Chicago eateries, but when you want to see the best of the best, stop in at one of these Chicago Michelin star restaurants. Check back often for even more Chicago dining establishments. 

Note: Blackbird and Yugen recently closed their doors, victims of the pandemic. We are sad to see them go.

Best Chicago Date Ideas for Summertime

As the summer sun heats up in Chicago, take advantage of the many city attractions that can heat up your love life, too. A summer date in Chicago affords you and your loved one a chance to rekindle your romance and experience fun in the sun at downtown attractions. Infuse your romance and your adventures with these Chicago summer date ideas.

Get a Close-Up View of Each Other and the Chicago River

One of the most popular Chicago attractions is not just Lake Michigan, but also the Chicago River. Make your way down the Chicago River by spending an afternoon kayaking with that special someone. Plan the romantic kayak ride for early morning as the sun rises or late afternoon when the sun sets. Several Chicago kayak companies, such as Wateriders and Chicago River Canoe and Kayak, offer rentals and guided tours to help you navigate the city’s spectacular views.

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Attend Adler After Dark

Opt for an educational Chicago date idea at the Adler Planetarium. Explore your mutual admiration for all things related to the universe with an afternoon jaunt to the planetarium when the Chicago summer heat is too much to bear. If you time your Chicago date night right, book tickets for the Adler After Dark events on the third Thursday of the month. This event offers sky show viewings and live entertainment. Find the most romantic spot in the city when taking your date to the tip of the peninsula on the planetarium’s campus to snap a selfie with the Chicago skyline in the background.

Dance Away the Night at a Millennium Park Concert

Those windy summer nights in Chicago are perfect for cuddling up at Millennium Park to enjoy some live music. The famous park in Chicago hosts live music performances throughout the summer so you can enjoy a day at the beaches of Lake Michigan and an evening listening to the smooth sounds of a local symphony or rocking out to the up and coming music groups with your date. Check out the lineup of concerts to find just the right date for your interests.

The summer months offer great weather and even better summer Chicago activities to enjoy with that special someone. Whether you choose to profess your love at one of the museums in Chicago or hold that special someone close at a summer concert, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for romantic date ideas in Chicago. Check back often for even more Chicago romantic date ideas.

10 Interesting Facts About Chicago

The Windy City is unique, to say the least. Chicago history showcases well-known facts about Lake Michigan, the Chicago skyline and the booming business industry, but there are many unknown interesting facts about Chicago that need to come to light. If you’re interested in just how unique Chicago is, then keep reading. We have all sorts of interesting tidbits about Chicago for you.

Did you know?

  • Chicago’s namesake translates to the Native American word striped skunk. Interestingly enough, a fun fact about Chicago is that wild onions that commonly grow near the Chicago River are also deemed striped skunk.
  • Chicago was ahead of the game with the evolution of a railway system. Now known as the “L,” the Chicago railway system dates back to 1892.
  • One of the most popular Chicago desserts, the Twinkie, stemmed from Chicago. Inventor Jimmy Dewar, a Chicago native, created the popular Chicago snack in 1930.
  • Chicago hot dog stands are plentiful and not surprisingly outnumber fast-food restaurants, with more than 2,000 Chicago hot dog stands available throughout the year.
  • Although Chicago hot dog stands are popular, the Windy City was actually the first location of McDonald’s, the popular burger joint. The first Chicago McDonald’s restaurant opened in 1955.
  • In 1893, the first Ferris Wheel was invented in Chicago that was the size of a city bus and stretched more than 264 feet tall. The Chicago Ferris Wheel was erected for the World’s Columbian Exhibition. Now, Navy Pier is home to the famous Chicago Ferris Wheel.
  • Western Avenue in Chicago breaks records as the world’s longest continuous street. Chicago’s Western Avenue runs 23.5 miles through the downtown Chicago area.
  • While walking along the Chicago River, you may notice that it is much different from most rivers in the United States. Why? The Chicago River was reversed in the late 19th century and now flows backwards. The decision was made to empty the Chicago River into the Mississippi River versus Lake Michigan, ultimately explaining why the Chicago River runs backward.

While there are plenty of fun things to do in Chicago, there are also many interesting facts about Chicago that make the Windy City that much more special. As you navigate adventures at Chicago’s attractions, keep in mind that Chicago history and significance is viable and unique. Want to learn more interesting facts about Chicago? Stay tuned and check back often for more tidbits about the Windy City.

Best Winter Attractions in Chicago for Kids

While it’s no secret that the winters in the Windy City can be downright cold and brutal, that doesn’t mean you can’t find plenty of fun things to do with the kids in Chicago. Winter activities in Chicago can range from indoor sightseeing to outdoor fun in the snow. If you’re ready to get the kids out of the house and let them explore Chicago winter attractions, then consider these Chicago hotspots to begin your adventures.

Chicago Children’s Museum

Located conveniently on Navy Pier, the Chicago Children’s Museum is a warm place to spend an afternoon and entertain the kids when the temperatures are frigid. This Chicago winter attraction is home to experimentation, creativity and learning for children of all ages. When seeking out fun things to do in Chicago in the winter, treat the kids to a day of exploring science exhibits, crafting centers, dinosaur expeditions, climbing areas and more. Don’t miss out on the storytelling adventures at the Story Hub and the woodworking projects ready for all ages at the Tinkering Lab when visiting this popular Chicago winter attraction for kids.

The Marriott Theater for Young Audiences

Warm up and see your little ones smile when taking in a show at the Marriott Theater for Young Audiences, a popular Chicago winter attraction for kids. From performances, such as “Madagascar,” “The Princess and the Pea” and “Grease,” the lineup at this popular Chicago Theater is designed to keep the kids entertained for hours. Located at 10 Marriott Drive in nearby Lincolnshire, this Chicago Theater is the place to be when it’s too cold to enjoy outdoor Chicago activities.

Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon

Bundle up to enjoy this Chicago winter attraction with the kids. The Maggie Daley Ice Skating Rink opens each year in mid-November typically and offers fun on the ice throughout the winter months. Located in Maggie Daley Park on East Randolph Street, this Chicago ice skating rink gives you and the kids a chance to enjoy a Chicago winter hotspot with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.

Water Tower Place

While little ones do not always get excited about the idea of a Chicago shopping trip, Water Tower Place may change their minds. Get in some retail therapy and let the kids spend their hard-earned allowance money at stores, such as American Girl and Lego outlets. Pick up some handmade chocolates at the specialty stores or splurge on dinner at a Chicago restaurant at Water Tower Place, located on North Michigan Avenue.

Whether you want to treat the kids to shopping in Chicago or twirl around a Chicago ice skating rink, there are plenty of winter activities for kids in Chicago. Make some memories both indoors and outdoors with so many fun things to do in Chicago in the winter. Check back often for even more suggestions of Chicago attractions you won’t want to miss.

Free Things to Do in Chicago During the Winter

Spending time engaging in fun things to do in Chicago doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, there are plenty of free things to do in Chicago during the winter months. From outdoor adventures to indoor visits to Chicago hotspots and Chicago attractions, you can find plenty of excitement and entertainment in the Windy City. Load up the family or grab that special someone to begin exploring the free things to do in Chicago this winter.

Chicago Cultural Center

The Chicago Cultural Center

Take a break from the cold winds of Lake Michigan and soak up Chicago culture at the same time with a stop in at the Chicago Cultural Center. This Chicago attraction features architecture you can admire that includes the world’s largest stained glass Tiffany dome and a breathtaking theater. This Chicago hotspot also hosts art, dance and music events perfect for families. The Chicago Cultural Center is located at 78 East Randolph and is free for all ages.

The Lincoln Park Zoo

Bundle up and enjoy the nostalgia of the Lincoln Park Zoo. This free Chicago winter attraction offers Chicago fall festivals and holiday lights when the weather turns cold so you can get the most out of your visit to this Chicago attraction. There’s plenty of fun and free things to do in Chicago at the Lincoln Park Zoo when you’re surrounded by birds, lions, apes and sloths. Head to this Chicago hotspot during the winter months and you can even ice skate or participate in the zoo workshops available. The Lincoln Park Zoo is located at 2001 North Clark Street.

Smart Museum of Art

Energize your brain muscles and explore the University of Chicago’s Smart Museum of Art. Free and open to the public, this Chicago museum offers art exhibitions showcasing contemporary, modern, European and Asian artwork, as well as short-term exhibitions during the winter months. Sign up for one of the featured programs for families, kids and adults at this popular Chicago museum, located on the University of Chicago campus at 5550 South Greenwood Avenue.

Millennium Park

Although it’s a bit chilly during Chicago winters, there’s no better time to get outdoors and ice skate. Chicago’s Millennium Park is home to the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink that is free to the public. You do, though, have to bring your own ice skates or rent them at the park. This free Chicago winter activity is perfect for all ages and gives you a great view of the Chicago Bean and the Chicago skyline while whirling around the rink.

Finding free things to do in Chicago in the winter is not hard at all. In fact, the Windy City is home to both indoor and outdoor Chicago attractions you can explore all year long. From free ice skating rinks in Chicago to free museums in Chicago, take the opportunity to see the best of the city’s culture and entertainment options. Check back often for even more fun things to do in Chicago.