For dinner,
Meritage Cafe and Wine Bar (2118 North Damen
Avenue, 773-235-6434) has an inviting atmosphere and an excellent
"new American" menu (try the huckleberry-and-goat-cheese tart).
Dine alfresco, weather permitting. Afterward, for a decadent
interlude,
Hot Chocolate (1747 North Damen Avenue,
773-489-1747) offers sensational chocolate creations and
desserts.
For some after-dinner fun,
Lucky Strike Lanes (322 East
Illinois Street, 312-245-8331) isn't your granddaddy's bowling
alley. It has the old-timey kitsch of a classic alley along with
modern touches like flat-screen TVs, pool tables, a tapas menu that
includes ancho-chile-and-citrus chicken, and a
wine bar with cozy
leather couches and fireplaces.
CHICAGO DAY THREE
Metropolis Coffee (1039 West Granville Avenue, 773-764-0400,
www.metropolis
coffee.net) pours what many consider to be the best cup o' joe in
town. Father-and-son owners Jeff and Tony Dreyfuss import their
beans - try the Redline blend for a kick in the pants. In the
evening hours, help yourself to a decaf and enjoy music and art.
Hop the Brown Line to
Lincoln Square, where
Laurie's
Planet of Sound (4639 North Lincoln Avenue, 773-271-3569) is
the place to stock up on indie CDs. The friendly staff at
Reckless Records (3161 North Broadway, 773-404-5080) will
also help you find just the right tunes.
Less than two hours outside of town,
Lake Geneva
(
www.lakegenevawi.com)
will have you in a completely different state - and state of
mind. Hike around the lake (a strenuous 20.6-mile trek) or
rent a bike at
Pedal & Cup (five minutes north of
the lake at
Springfield's Historic Depot, 1722 Highway 120
North, Springfield, Wisconsin; 262-249-1111).
During the summer, make plans to attend the
Chicago Park Outdoor
Film Festival at Butter Field in
Grant Park (100 South Lake
Shore Drive, 312-744-3315), held Tuesday nights. Thousands turn out
to lie under the stars and watch great flicks.