Mother’s Day brunch is as popular a tradition here in Chicago as it is throughout the United States, so if you wish to include a Mother’s Day brunch in your plans, please check with us for a complete listing of all the wonderful choices Lake View has to offer, many within walking distance of the Inn.  David, your innkeeper, will be happy to assist with reservations and recommendations.

If my mother were in town this weekend, here’s what I would plan for her.  On Saturday after a leisurely morning and continental breakfast at the Inn, we’d take a nice log walk along the lakefront and Lincoln Park.   Then I’d take her for a little pampering at my favorite nail salon, MyNail.com at 3171 N. Clark for the time honored tradition of the “mani/pedi”.  One of my Mom’s favorite restaurants in Lakeview is right down the street, Twist , a tapas café at 3412 N. Sheffield, so that would be the choice for dinner on Saturday, followed by classic cocktails at Room 13 before retiring for the night.

Then Sunday I’d take Mom to brunch at the Southport Grocery & Café, 3552 N. Southport,  before the 2 pm show time of Barnum at the Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport.  Southport Grocery is the perfect choice for my Mom, who delights in all things gourmet.   She’d probably enjoy perusing their shelves after brunch for some goodies to take home, like Chicago’s own Metropolis coffee and some of Southport Grocery’s preserves.   Barnum, an acrobatic musical that tells the story of P.T. Barnum, might make any mother muse about the similarities between raising a family and running a three ring circus.  Click here for info and tickets to Barnum.

Whatever your plans this weekend, we hope all of our guests will enjoy a very Happy Mother’s Day here in Lake View.

Whether you are here for the concert or visiting family in the area, you won’t be able to help notice that on Saturday we will all be Irish.  In our vibrant neighborhood celebrants start early and go late.  Just about every bar and restaurant in the area will have St. Patrick’s Day specials.  If you would like to see the parade downtown Saturday morning, our sister business, Trader Todd’s, will be running a courtesy shuttle all morning for parade goers.  The parade steps off at 12 noon.  For the full downtown experience go early and watch the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers dye the Chicago river a brilliant emerald green at 10 am.

On major holidays, such as St. Patrick’s day, it’s good to allow a little extra time to get around due to increased traffic and pedestrians. Watch for parking restrictions throughout the city and in our area.  I want to remind our guests that Clark St. will have no parking on Saturday, so please avoid parking on Clark as towing will be enforced.  Be sure to carry your ID with you on Saturday – bars and most restaurants will require them for entry.

And, did you remember to pack something green?  If not, the luck of the Irish is still with you, because I am happy to suggest one of our neighborhood favorites for last minute party wear.  Strange Cargo,  a unique vintage clothing and accessory store, is also Chicago’s premier custom T-shirt shop.  Bring your own idea or pick from the several clever suggestions on display and you can walk out with your own customized green St. Patrick’s T-shirt.  What better souvenir to take home?  Be sure to browse the rest of the store while they are lettering your shirt,  as their website says you can find anything from “Converse Chuck Taylors and Whoopee cushions.”  My husband, a self-proclaimed T-shirt poet, and I just love this store; I hope you will too.

If there is anything we can do to make your St. Patrick’s weekend more special just let us know.  And as my grandmother used to say”May the wind be always at your back, and the sun be always on your face.”

But you don’t have to go downtown this year for Christmas markets.  For the first time, Lakeview is host to its own Christmas Market, just a few blocks west of the Old Chicago Inn on Belmont , between Greenview and Ashland.  This market is produced by the folks at Chicago Special Events who bring us many great summer street festivals, so you know there will be plenty of food vendors, libations and good bands.  In addition,  there will be holiday craft vendors, activities for kids and a tree farm. The festival begins tonight and continues through Sunday.  Your innkeeper, David, can provide you with a complete band schedule and event details.

If shopping is your raison d’être for your visit to Chicago this season, you’ll of course be going to the Magnificent Mile, but a stroll through our neighborhood will lead you to lots of unique stores.  To get a taste of area merchants, start at Central Lakeview Merchants holiday “pop-up” store, located at 3309 N. Clark St.   The holiday store, open through December 22, features 20 local merchants all under one roof, and it’s just around the corner from the Inn.

After shopping, take a break and enjoy some hot chocolate in the lobby by the fireplace.  If you need to wrap a gift while you are here we have complimentary wrapping paper, ribbons and bows available for our guests.   So whether you venture far or near during your stay with us this holiday season we hope you’ll enjoy the many Christmas markets in Chicago!

Whether you just like to wander along side streets, rolling through the dried leaves along the curbs or you prefer a serious workout along our lakefront, Lakeview is a great neighborhood for cyclists.   If you plan to bring your bicycle with you please let us know when you make your reservation.  The Old Chicago Inn offers a gated area for bike storage during your stay.  If you decide to rent a bicycle during your visit we are happy to assist you in making those arrangements.   For local travel in our neighborhood, we suggest stopping in to the Central Lakeview Merchants Association (CLMA) office for one of their free bike rentals.  The CLMA bikes are provided by Heritage Bicycles, a local premiere cycle manufacturer.   If you’re looking to venture outside our area, then check out Bike and Roll Chicago.  With locations at North Avenue Beach, Millennium Park and Navy Pier,  Bike and Roll has something for everyone: cruisers, tandems, quad cycles, hand cycles, wagon and child seat attachments.   Bike and Roll also offers a variety of bicycle tours.

The city of Chicago enjoys a reputation for being one of the nation’s best big cities for cyclists.  In the past year, the city has begun installation of protected bike lanes on busy thoroughfares throughout the city.  In fact, Chicago, as the city website declares, boasts over “170 miles of on-street protected, buffered and shared bike lanes” and of course many more miles of lake front and park system paths.   Your innkeeper has complimentary copies of the official Chicago bike map which shows all bike paths from shared lanes to trails.

While you’re out and about be sure to stop in to Heritage Bicycles at 2959 North Lincoln Avenue.  This local shop produces unique handcrafted bicycles, accessories and clothing, as well as a coffee and sandwich counter.  My husband and I like to peddle over there in the morning and grab a cup of coffee and a scone.  If the weather’s nice we’ll sit outside at the bike shop’s picnic tables in the adjacent lot or better yet in the new “people spot” out front.  The parklet, or “people spot,” is one of the first of its kind in the city. Sponsored by the Lakeview Chamber this three space parking area has been designated and converted for pedestrian use, and transformed into a rest stop along the Lincoln Avenue retail corridor.   The People Spot is a small masterpiece of scenery, designed by Patch Landscaping, and definitely a neighborhood gem.

If you brought your bicycle to the city and need a repair, Johnny Sprockets is not too far from the Inn.  Located at 3001 North Broadway, this shop offers complete repair work seven days a week, starting with a free evaluation and estimate.   They accept walk in repairs, but, you may wish to call ahead for an appointment to avoid wait time.  This is the place to go if you’re looking for racing wear and accessories too.

As with every season we hope our guests will enjoy our neighborhood and city this autumn, and maybe even take in a bike ride.  This weekend we will be giving away two complimentary bike rentals for Bike and Roll Chicago.   To enter the drawing, simply sign in at the front desk any time Friday.  The lucky winner will be announced at breakfast on Saturday morning.

One of my favorite dinner spots in Lakeview has been around for forty years.  Le Crêperie at 2845 N. Clark Street is a charming little spot that is family owned and operated.    As the name suggests the menu is centered around crêpes, both savory and sweet,  with a variety of fillings that represent classic French fare such as Coq au Vin,  Boeuf Bourguignon, and of course Crêpes Suzette.  They also have some delicious starters including a sampler of three pates served with cornichons and my husband’s favorite, Soup à L’oignon Gratinée. If the weather is nice ask to sit in their patio.   Not a crêpe person?  Then try the fish or Steak Frites, both are sure to please any French friendly palate.

And finally we invite all our guests to stop by Room 13, the Old Chicago Inn’s speakeasy, as we kick off our weekend this Friday.  We will be featuring wines from France.  On the list this weekend:  a  white Bordeaux from Chateau Grand Jean,  a red Grenache, Esprit du Rhône, from Côte du Rhône, as well as our house favorite, the bubbly St. Hillaire.  I hope to see you there, and raise a glass to say “A votre santé!”

Room 13 is closed for a private event on Saturday, July 14.

Saturday, May 26
12:30 p.m. 2nd Generation Pilots
2:00 p.m. Our Name Is Jonas
4:00 p.m. Stache
5:30 p.m. Dot Dot Dot
8:00 p.m. Wedding Banned

Sunday, May 27
Noon School of Rock
1:30 p.m. A Thousand Julys
3:30 p.m. Your Villain, My Hero
6:00 p.m. Infinity
8:30 p.m. Trippin’ Billies

The main stage is located just up the street from the Old Chicago Inn,  north of the intersection of School Street and Sheffield Avenue.   In addition to the music, the festival offers an assortment of vendors.  There are plenty of local restaurants showcasing their fare this weekend and lots of craft vendors as well.  I’m especially happy to see local business Bottle and Bottega joining the festival this year.  They will have a booth set up where attendees can paint their own 6×6 canvas for just $5.  What a great souvenir for your stay in the city this weekend ~ your own masterpiece painted at a Chicago street festival!

And don’t forget to check out our sister business, Trader Todd’s,  just two doors south of the Inn.   You can also join the fun by taking the Karaoke stage at Trader Todd’s where you can serenade the crowds from their cafe.    Then you will have bragging rights, a la Ferris Bueller, to tell your friends that you sang at a Chicago street festival during your visit.  As usual you will be able to use your meal vouchers at Trader Todd’s over the weekend,  but we recommend arriving early for a table as reservations are not accepted during the festival weekend.

Guests of the Inn are able to come and go as usual and will be provided with courtesy passes for the gate entrances.  Our street will be closed to all but pedestrian traffic from late Friday night to very early Monday morning.  Please be sure to ask your innkeeper David about parking restrictions if you are bringing your vehicle and planning to street park. Please call ahead for assistance at check in if you are arriving over the weekend.

The proceeds from the festival benefit the Central Lakeview Merchants Association which provides a variety of services to our neighborhood including street cleaning and beautification.  For more festival information  click here.

Throughout the summer there a many festivals on any given weekend so if you are interested in experiencing this Chicago tradition please ask your innkeeper for a list of current festivals and their locations. Once again Happy Summer, Happy Festing!

Need a gift for Sunday?  Several retailers in the area are offering discounts for Mother’s Day but here’s one perfect for travelers! The adventurous Mom is sure to enjoy Uncle Dan’s at 3551 N Southport Avenue, one of three locations of this Chicagoland retailer of fine adventure and travel gear.  From clothing and footwear, to camping tools to travel gadgets, there’s sure to be something to catch the active Mom’s eye.  And just mention this post to receive 15% OFF any one single item for MOM! (Now though Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13th, 15% OFF any one single item).

Want to pamper Mom?  Salon Fugu, “an Italian Escape,” at 3853 N. Southport Avenue is offering some great spa packages at nice discounts for Moms.  Take Mom for the Bella Mamma Escape which includes a Fuga Signature Facial and 1 hour Therapeutic Massage.  This package is priced at $150, a great deal which normally goes for $215!   Other packages are available; call 773.880.1280 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

And after her fabulous Italian salon experience, why not take Mom to a great Italian dinner?  Fiorentino’s Cucina at 2901 North Ashland is opening early for Mother’s Day.  This cozy restaurant features rustic Italian fare and has a wine list from “small but distinguished wineries.”  They have a special Mother’s Day menu with offerings such as a Mission Fig & Blue Cheese Salad and Capesante al Porcini e Farro (translation: porcini crusted sea scallop with farro, a wheat type grain, in a white wine sauce with spinach and tomato).  Check out the complete Mother’s Day menu on their website: http://fiorentinoscucina.com/mothers-day .  Plus every mother gets a $25 gift card to use on her return visit ~ what better reason to come back to Chicago!

Make check-in special for Mother’s Day.  We are pleased to offer many add-ons to your stay, including wine or champagne service upon arrival, cheese trays, cookies, balloon bouquets or fresh cut flowers.   Our weekday reservation staff, Sarah and myself, Virginia, will be happy to assist with arrangements for any of these items at reasonable prices.   We can be reached at the Old Chicago Inn, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5pm (cst), by calling 773.472.2278.  Or via email at innkeeper@oldchicagoinn.com .

Special thanks to Central Lakeview Merchants Association and Lakeview Chamber of Commerce for providing us with extensive listings.  Be sure and check them out for great deals in Lakeview all year long.

However you celebrate, we wish all Moms in Lakeview a very Happy Mother’s Day!

True Chicago-style pizza is a deep dish pizza, baked in a buttery round pan which crisps the dough.  The dough is thick and hearty with cornmeal to hold the substantial fillings and usually rises a good half inch or so above the rest of the pie at the edges.   This style of pizza, the story goes, was invented at Pizzeria Uno back in the late 1940′s.  The style was translated by other Chicago pizzerias, a handful of which remain legendary as well today, such as Gino’s East and Lou Mahlnati’s.  In the seventies a pinnacle was reached in deep dish pizza and a new Chicago tradition was born: the stuffed pizza.  We are fortunate to be just a few blocks away from one of the many Giordano’s Pizza restaurant at 1040 W. Belmont.   A large stuffed pizza, which can feed 4- 5 hungry adults,  will run from $20 for a plain chesse to upwards of $30 for one loaded with toppings.  Choices include sausage,spinach, pepperoni, mushroom, shrimp, ground beef, green peppers, fresh tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, onions, black olives, fresh garlic, broccoli, green olives, anchovies, pineapple, and Canadian bacon.   Keep in mind if you fall in love with the stuffed pizza while you are visiting, you don’t necessarily have to wait until your next visit to enjoy some Chicago style pie – Giordano’s ships!

Now while my husband loves to attack the Chicago style pizzas with a fork and knife, I tend to prefer a thin crust pizza known by that other town’s name out east.  But New York isn’t the only place to get a delish thin crust slice of  pie.  In fact, if it’s thin crust you like, you don’t need to even leave our block. Leona’s at 3215 N. Sheffield, a neighborhood staple since 1956 and now a Chicago wide chain, serves one of the best thin crusts around.  Leona’s dishes up a lot more than pizza, in fact they have a menu that reads like a book with choices for carnivores, vegans, and everything in between, but I’ll save that for another post.  I simply love Leona’s thin crust and enjoy a 9″ on my own or as large as a 16″ for myself and three others.  They have an extensive list of specialty thin crust pizzas that include: the Chipotle Chicken, the Mediterranean, and the Italian Meats but of course, like Giordano’s you can create your own from another impressive list of toppings.  At Leona’s roasted garlic, grilled tofu and sun dried tomatoes are also on the list.   In fact, you can even get a gluten free thin crust pizza there.

So whether your a thin or thick crust fan we’ve covered right here in Lakeview.  So mangia, mangia!

If your New Years Plans take you out of the neighborhood, remember to take advantage of the penny rides on Chicago’s public transit system.  According to the Sun-Times “the 1-cent fares on the L and CTA buses start at 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, and end at 4 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1.”

For the ladies staying with us, if you’re still looking for that perfect dress or perhaps just a little bling to add to your outfit check out one of our favorite neighborhood boutiques.  Hubba Hubba, located at 3309 N. Clark Street, has been a neighborhood favorite since 1988.  They offer fashions and accessories, from many unique sources, so you’ll be sure to find something that will stand out in the crowd.  Hubba Hubba is open on New Year’s Eve from 11am to 3pm.

Need an up do for your big night out?  May I suggest a visit to Genacelli Salon and The East Studio? Both are full service hair salons offering everything from simple blow outs to full glamour hairstyles and makeup application, including lash extensions!   “Blow Outs” start at $25 and “Full Glam” styles start at $65.  Makeup can be added to any style service for $45.  Both salons, located just seven blocks south of the Inn, will open on New Year’s Eve at 10 am. If you’d like assistance making an appointment please see your innkeeper.

As usual, all guests staying at the Old Chicago Inn for New Year’s Eve will receive our complimentary “New Year’s Survival Kits” with a few things to help you ease in to 2012 after all the parties have ended, including a nice big bottle of water and a voucher for brunch at our sister business Trader Todd’s on New Year’s day.  Brunch is served until 3pm on New Year’s Day and everyone who stops in will get a side of black eyed peas, a southern tradition to bring you good luck in 2012.

Wishing you a stylish, safe and happy New Year!

             How would you like to take home a customized Monopoly Board Game, featuring local businesses and “el stops” in place of the traditional spots like Park Place and Reading Railroad.  The Central Lakeview Edition Monopoly Board game is FREE, while supplies last, when you spend $200 or more at any of the 250+ Central Lakeview Merchants. So dinner out, a show at a local comedy club, and a gift or two from one of our local boutiques and you could qualify for that Monopoly game. For a full list of participants go to:  www.centrallakview.biz .

             If you want to check out the Central Lakeview Edition Monopoly Board, our innkeeper David will be happy to let you use ours in the lounge.  You’ll find The Old Chicago Inn and our sister business Trader Todd’s featured on the board along with other neighborhood favorites.   So roll high, pass go and don’t forget to collect $200!

 Happy Holidays!