It is 2:40 a.m. on a Wednesday and I have finally decided to find direction for a blog. As I am sure many failed bloggers have said to themselves before, this blog will be different. I will update it at least three times every week. I will take my own photos and maybe even include some interviews.
And the topic of this hopefully successful blog? Chicago. I have realized that I (without trying to sound vain) generally have knowledge of and participate in more Chicago activities, dine at Chicago restaurants, and bike Chicago’s streets more than the average Chicagoan. So why try to fake an interest in something else, when I can just blog about what I do and recommend (or not recommend) experiences to other people?
Great, so now I’ve got the topic and posting regiment for my blog established. I also really enjoy music of all kinds (especially live music, ESPECIALLY free live music) so every entry title will be the title of a song that fits the mood or experience of the day. Today: The World As I See It by Jason Mraz….’cause everyone knows Mr. A-Z provides great summer music.
And now for my first account of a day (without photos because I didn’t realize I would be writing about this until 10 minutes ago)…
Having the day off from any type of work today allowed me to wake up with a sense of freedom and possibility. I did some great apartment searching via the web for most of the morning and afternoon until I had to leave to meet my friend for coffee. Of course I biked to the coffee shop, Savor The Flavor on the corner of Lincoln, Sheffield & Wrightwood. Lincoln has really become my favorite diagonal street for north or south travel on my trusty bike. Savor The Flavor is such a great place and they really have anything you could want to eat or drink while studying or meeting a friend. Definitely their croissants are my weak spot. BUT upon ordering I found out the coffee shop will close its doors this summer. Ahh! I must bring curses to every new coffee shop I start to frequent (Pick A Cup in Evantson, Cafe Descartes in Lincoln Square)! But yes, good coffee, nice people, heavenly croissants, and an always clean bathroom.
Post coffee, I decided to mill around the area until the evening because I was going to see a FREE PUNCH BROTHERS CONERT at The Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville. The multitude of free events in Chicago ever ceases to amaze me…especially free music I enjoy! So I biked and shopped (because that is what I do with my spare time now..?) in the North & Clybourn area. Through this experience I found my favorite Verizon Wireless store. The battery in my phone is pretty flakey and has recently stopped holding its charge. The store is located at 810 W. North Avenue. And upon entry I was helped right away. The lady helping me seemed happy and we even shared some humor! They also let me charge my phone in the store for as long as I needed while I walked around other stores. Brilliant!
Then I knew I would have to eat dinner, so I met up with two friends and went to Merkle’s for half price everything (minus some beverages…but including draft beers). This half-off deal happens every Tuesday, and it has drawn me in a number of times. The fries are literally the best, they have innovative burgers, and 3 Floyd’s Gumballhead on draft. Who knew not making dinner plans would yield me getting to enjoy a burger with fries and a beer for $7?!
Around 8:30 I made my way one block north to the Cubby Bear. What a great small venue to see a band! Of course the guy checking IDs did a double, maybe triple take to make sure I was in fact the same person on MY license that clearly states I am 22, not 18 as I may appear, but he was nice. The drinks here were expensive, but the energy and talent of the band made up for it. I would definitely suggest attending any free concert Cubby Bear is hosting.
Of course the night ended at Pick Me Up Cafe on Clark between Roscoe and Newport. It is always open late, some days 24-hours, it provides a relaxing atmosphere compared to the busy portion of Wrigleyville just a few blocks north, and while they do have things like cheese fries and milkshakes on the menu, they also serve a mean hummus mania platter and offer vegetarian and vegan options. It looks kind of distressed from the outside, but the inside is eclectic and full of art.
My night finally came to an end when I hopped on my bike and rode back to trusty Albany Park. I believe there is something great about not planning a day and simply allowing it to unfold as it pleases. Especially when it is summer. And especially when you are in Chicago.
chicagohegarty 