I moved to Illinois from New Jersey a month ago with big plans of starting my young life in Chicago. Almost every day a Chi-town veteran asks me one question, why Chi? You would think that having been so close to New York City I would get sucked into its gravitational pull, but no, I found asweet escape from those filthy streets. Coming from the NYC area few peoplerealize how delightfully overrated NYC truly is. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking my tri-state, but I certainly had a few clear reasons to leave the city that never sleeps for its Midwestern equivalent. Here are my top ten reasons to move to Chicago!
#10 Super Speedy Service – I ordered a sandwich for lunch today and as soon as she handed me my receipt the chef handed me my sandwich. Nice.
#9 Gorgeous and safe parks – No doubt you’ll find a park that fits your recreational needs in the largest park district in the US!
#8 Travelling with the Chicago Grid System – It’s impossible to get lost when the street signs tell you how far you are from your destination. Who needs a GPS when you’ve got the grid?
#7 Reasonable rent – Seriously I pay $550 a month and have a gorgeous room, gigantic closet and excellent roommates. This must be heaven.
#6 Swimming in Lake Michigan! – Clear water, hot beach bods, endless sunshine and waves
#5 Beautiful and clean streets with an amazingly clear skyline – With everything that Chicago has to offer I’m not surprised that it looks like a Winter Wonderland in January and a Shore side Metropolis in July.
#4 The food will make your taste buds dance – There’s no need to be fearful of where your fish came from or how long the veggies have been out. Food here is fresh and delicious, from subs to soups to brie sandwiches, you’re pallet will thank you.
#2 Endless labyrinth of night activities – Besides bar/club hopping, crazy last minute suggestions from friends will lead you to a verysuccessful night
#1 Reason to move to Chicago: The amazing Midwesterners who always seem to have time for a conversation – This is an excellent way to find out what’s going on around the city and make cool new friends.
Having never been to Chicago prior to now I had no idea what to expect of the city, but what I found was something I wasn’t willing to let go of any time soon. Chicago is a gorgeous, clean, whimsical town full of quality entertainment and class A people. Why would you ever leave?
Many who follow me on Twitter & Facebook ask me how I navigated my culinary research and development tour through South East Asia last month so I thought I would feature one of the companies that helped me out in this lil fun video. “Bangkok Food Tours!“ They actually began interacting with me on Twitter long before we met in person just expressing appreciation for the foodporn I tend to share often (haha, see people like it)!
I let them know I was coming through Thailand after Cambodia & Laos, they offered to take me around the local eating scene in Bangkok, and bam- it was awesome- loved it- shared all on my Blog/Twitter/Facebook… And everyone freaked out! Click here if missed pics! Also of interest, this quick video I shot on the fly also reveals that this young dynamic duo, passionate about food & their culture, found inspiration to start their company after a food tour trip they caught in Chicago! Yup, they even took a class in Chicago on how to set up a great food tour company and brought it home to start a Thai phenomenon!
Please share this video celebrating how our worlds connect through social media, food & culture… And get out there and visit them!!! For more info checkout www.BangkokFoodTours.com, and follow them on Twitter & Facebook! Oh, and here’s just an example of some of the dishes at some of the restaurants I tried on a quick but hearty couple hour walking/eating tour with them while in Bangkok last month:
1. Chareon Wieng – Traditional Roasted Duck Served on Rice
2. Muslim Restaurant – Curry on Egg, Beef Satay
3. Café de Laos – freshy stream fish wrapped in betel leat, fried squid stuff with minced pork
4. Yen Ta Po Wat Kak – Authentic Thai Yen Ta Po noodle
5. Kallaprapruk – Original Curry Served on Roti, Thai-Style Coconut Ice-cream
From dung beetles and rotten fish to fertilized duck eggs and brain tacos, we’ve watched Andrew Zimmern freak us out eating unthinkable things we didn’t even know existed on Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods!” But let me tell you from a personal relationship, he is far more than just able to shock & excite. He’s worldly, intelligent, entertaining, magnetic, funny and well versed in all things culinary & culture- and I really think you should meet him while he is in town next week!
So you know, I also am an Andrew fan in part because he is a huge fan of Chicago, calling us “America’s Greatest Food City” when I interviewed him for the olympics, and recently came to chicago to do a show just on us, actually inviting me to join him when eating & filming from chicago’s southside (See video above). Also, how cool of a friend is he to invite a Chicagoan like me to come with him to eat & film in Namibia – will never forget it.
Anyway, I can’t say enough about him, but that you should check him out next Thursday, April 28th, when he’s speaking at Harper College in Palatine, IL. If you can. He’ll be talking about how foods can be key to a culture’s sustainability & more! Click here for tickets & info, or call (847) 925-6100.
I’m back from exploring South East Asia! After so much amazing feedback from my pictures on Twitter & Facebook, I wanted to accommodate requests to share my pics here as well- enjoy! Not only will you see that I returned again to do a tremendous amount of new food research & development, but you will more so feel how blown away I was by the amazing the people, nature, temples, beauty, animals, culture, & experiences!
I encourage you all to please visit that area of the world as soon as possible while some of what moved me most remains relatively untouched. And please share this link, these pictures,.. with your friends & family so they too can see what its all about! Big shoutout to Kipling & Clark for their excellent planning help! Along with all the amazing hotels, accommodations & tours that you will see noted in the pictures below..
And for all those who have missed out on my adventures, and want to be connected with me for all that is to come, click and follow me here: www.facebook.com/BillyDec & www.twitter.com/BillyDec (Also, click on the pics below to see my twitter commentary!)
Thank you all who enjoy & share my passion for Chicago on this site, it means a tremendous amount to me! Recently some have asked for more than what is happening in Chicago right now- like what’s next for me in the future? Haha- who knows?!? I want to know that myself! And unfortunately, I don’t think this would be the place to make a bunch of silly guesses.. Save that for late night at one of my spots after a couple beers. Way more fun.
I will say that all those who “follow me” on Twitter&/or Facebook see that I am constantly exploring & sharing new food, cocktails, events, cultures, experiences… Because I love to live, learn & share, no matter where it takes me. In the last 6 months alone I have shared all of the above from Africa to Canada, NYC to LA, DC to Dallas, Miami to Vegas, and of course, all through the greatest city in the world, Chicago. Next week I plan to continue in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam… And in Hungary & Austria in a couple months! What’s that mean about “what’s next?” Again, no idea! But I invite you to “follow me” on facebook & twitter so that you too can be the first to enjoy all that I can learn & share! Thanks all!
Those of you who follow me on twitter & facebook got to see some amazing pics in real time on my recent African adventure and I appreciate all your raving reviews! For those who didn’t follow me (you really should click and follow now to stop missing out), I included a bunch here as people keep asking for more!
I have always been a big fan of the chicago office of tourism not only because tourism they rightfully & successfully promote our city as one of the best in the world creating international fans and big visitor income for the people of our city, but also because they have become an amazing resource for even life long locals like myself who love to learn new things about this deep, historic, diverse & exciting mix of communities, talents, cultures, backgrounds,.. that make up our great city of chicago!
Most impressive is how developed they have managed to build their site www.explorechicago.org which basically has become the 1st stop for all things chicago for way more than just tourists, offering more exciting things happening than you can possible do in a lifetime (all though that would be really cool to try!). not only have I heard many times from others that their site is an industry leader w/many even outside of the tourism industry using it as a model to follow, word is on may 25th they are improving it even further launching all kinds of expanded content & tools to explore & reveal all the history & character deep within Chicago’s 77 distinct communities… to really get the feel for what we are made of….
Read more…… (do the read more function here…. btw kr, these all below can become future blogs themselves)
In conjunction with the promotion of Chicago’s neighborhoods, the Chicago Office of Tourism will offer a variety of programs, activities, and suggestions for visitors and residents of all ages throughout the summer. Highlights will include:
Chicago Greeter – New Neighborhood Visits, Community Outposts and Greeter for Locals- FREE
The Chicago Greeter service will offer more opportunities to explore Chicago’s neighborhoods this summer than ever before. In addition to over 30 neighborhoods currently being served, Chicago Greeter will offer visits to four more communities beginning May 1: Bridgeport, Albany Park, Norwood Park and Humboldt Park.
The popular Hyde Park Greeter Outpost at the Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell, will return and a new Neighborhood Outpost will open in historic Old Town at Second City, 1616 N. Wells. Neighborhood Outposts will offer free guided neighborhood visits on Saturdays, 10am – 3pm, from May 29 – October 9.
Back by popular demand in June and July will be Chicago Greeter for Locals. For the second year, Chicago residents can take a free Greeter visit and explore Chicago, a perfect way to take a “staycation” in your own city.
Family Adventure Days
June 25 – August 28, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
You can experience a true Chicago adventure with your family on action-packed day trips. A neighborhood expert will be your guide for visits to one of six exciting neighborhoods including Bronzeville, Garfield Park, Hyde Park, Jackson Park, Lincoln Park and Pilsen. Participants will enjoy arts, crafts, and nature activities, play games, and tour museums and cultural attractions. Best for children ages 6+ with an adult. $12 per person; lunch and transportation included. Reservations required. Call 312.742.8497.
Scavenger Hunts Throughout City Neighborhoods – FREE
Fun and challenging scavenger hunts will provide a new way to explore Chicago’s neighborhoods in Andersonville, Albany Park, Chinatown, and Devon Avenue. You will discover hidden gems and fun facts along the way with clues that can be picked up at any of the Chicago Visitor Centers or printed from www.explorechicago.org.
Chicago Neighborhood Week at the Family Fun Festival in Millennium Park – FREE
July 26 – July 31, 10 am – 3 pm
Chicago neighborhoods will come to life in Millennium Park with hands-on activities including piecing together a giant puzzle while learning about the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
Chicago’s Downtown Farmstand – Chicago Neighborhoods
66 E. Randolph St.
Local flavors will abound at Chicago’s Downtown Farmstand throughout the month of July. You can taste your way through Chicago’s neighborhoods and enjoy the Farmstand’s wide range of local offerings through cooking demonstrations, neighborhood vendor trunk shows, and specially featured selections. In addition, the Farmstand team will share their favorite pairings of neighborhood items with summer’s abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. The Farmstand offers food grown or produced within 250 miles of Chicago including fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs in season; a full range of condiments, preserves, seasonings and other dry goods items; locally-produced ethnic foods; baked goods, and other seasonal items when available.
Neighborhood Festivals and Parades
You can discover the many cultures, traditions, and lifestyles of Chicago communities while enjoying the summer air at various festivals and parades throughout the city. Some annual favorites include: the 57th Street Art Fair (June 5-6) in Hyde Park; the Taste of Randolph Street (June 18-20) in the West Loop; the Gay Pride Parade (June 27) in Lakeview; the African-Caribbean International Festival of Life (July 2-5) in Washington Park; the Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy (July 24) in Chinatown; Fiesta del Sol (July 29-August 1) in Pilsen; and the Bud Billiken Parade (August 14) on King Drive and concluding in Washington Park.
Chicago Neighborhood Tours
Half-day bus excursions will let you experience Chicago’s many diverse neighborhoods from an insider’s perspective. Tours this summer will include: Albany Park (July 17); Bucktown, Humboldt Park & Logan Square (July 9); Devon Avenue (June 12); Pilsen & Little Village (June 5); Hyde Park/Kenwood (July 24) and South Chicago (June 26).
Chicago Is a Community Garden – FREE
May 28 – September 19
Chicago Tourism Center Gallery, 72 E. Randolph St,
This exhibition will look at urban gardens, vertical farming in the city, and urban chicken keepers through photographs, architectural drawings, and installations. In conjunction with the exhibition, there will be a series of community garden walks throughout the city on the last Saturday of each month.
Neighborhood Experts at the Visitor Information Centers – FREE
The Visitor Information Centers will be offering a variety of programs featuring neighborhood experts at the Chicago Water Works Visitor Information Center, 163 E. Pearson St., and at the Chicago Cultural Center Visitor Information Center, 77 E. Randolph St. This weekly series will highlight the arts, history and culture of the city’s neighborhoods through lectures, discussions and performances. Guests will be able to browse through maps and brochures about attractions, tours and events and plan itineraries with knowledgeable and friendly visitor representatives.
For more information about Chicago neighborhoods and events and activities throughout the city all summer long, visit www.ExploreChicago.org.
The study of neighborhood tourism assets was made possible by a grant from the 2016 Fund for Chicago Neighborhoods. Contributors to the 2016 Fund for Chicago Neighborhoods include The Boeing Company; The Chicago Community Trust; the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; The Joyce Foundation; McCormick Foundation; Polk Bros. Foundation; Wieboldt Foundation, and one anonymous donor.
ExploreChicago, the City’s Tourism Website
In addition to expanded neighborhood pages, www.ExploreChicago.org provides comprehensive event listings; multi-media content, including audio tours, podcasts and an itinerary builder; a virtual visitor center with downloadable brochures, maps and resources for international travelers; and stunning photographs showcasing the city’s best assets. It also features Life by the Lake, a Flickr photo journal series where Chicago-based photographers explore the city and post their photos, and Insider Profiles of Chicagoans who share their favorite things to see and do in the city.
The Chicago Office of Tourism uses Foursquare, the location-based, social networking application for mobile phones, to encourage visitors and residents to explore the neighborhoods, and to promote restaurants and attractions. After following ExploreChicago at www.foursquare.com/explorechicago, you can “check-in” at over 60 eligible citywide locations to earn up to three Chicago-themed “badges”, all celebrating Chicago traditions.
Other games on ExploreChicago include Picture Yourself in Chicago where you can create your own Chicago postcard by uploading photos and accessorizing your character and Chicago Neighborhood Express which virtually transports you to a randomly selected neighborhood to discover and explore.
Visitors and residents can follow us on twitter at twitter.com/explorechicago or become a fan on Facebook bit.ly/chifacebook to get daily alerts about fun and free things to do in Chicago. A Twitter Concierge Service (@explorechicago), staffed by visitor representatives who answer questions and provide information about events and activities throughout the city, is available daily.
The Chicago Office of Tourism, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, is the official City agency dedicated to promoting Chicago to domestic and international visitors and to providing innovative visitor programs and services. Visitors and Chicagoans planning to entertain out-of-town guests can receive Chicago brochures, reserve hotel accommodations and receive trip-planning assistance by calling toll-free 1.877.CHICAGO (1.877.244.2246) or visiting www.explorechicago.org. Brochures and information on Chicago events and activities are also available at the Visitor Information Centers located at Chicago Water Works, 163 E. Pearson Street at Michigan Avenue and the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street. The TTY toll-free number for the hearing impaired is 1.866.710.0294
Read more section above provided by the chicago office of tourism
I have always been a big fan of the chicago office of tourism not only because tourism they rightfully & successfully promote our city as one of the best in the world creating international fans and big visitor income for the people of our city, but also because they have become an amazing resource for even life long locals like myself who love to learn new things about this deep, historic, diverse & exciting mix of communities, talents, cultures, backgrounds…that make up our great city of chicago!
Most impressive is how developed they have managed to build their site www.explorechicago.org which basically has become the 1st stop for all things chicago for way more than just tourists, offering more exciting things happening than you can possible do in a lifetime (all though that would be really cool to try!). not only have I heard many times from others that their site is an industry leader w/many even outside of the tourism industry using it as a model to follow, word is on may 25th they are improving it even further launching all kinds of expanded content & tools to explore & reveal all the history & character deep within Chicago’s 77 distinct communities… to really get the feel for what we are made of….
