An Italian Escape

Walking in the Cathedral district of River North is an experience all on its own.  Holy Name Cathedral stands as an anachronism pocketed between modern skyscrapers.  Lush trees and gardens line the road.  The street here is always in the shade, as the buildings are so high.  Yet there is still a glare from the blue plate-glass windows of the towers.  This is where wealth lives, dines, and plays.  You can almost smell the money.  Then, you smell the Italian.

On Huron and Wabash, wedged underneath a high-rise of its own, L'Appetito brings the Italian neighborhood feel to the big city.  I've been going to this deli for two years, and it always has me coming back for more.  Once you've walked through the doors into L'Appetito, you are transported into a different, simpler, and more wonderful world filled with Italian paninis, pizza, pasta, and groceries.  What could be better?  If you ask me, e buonissimo!

The Panini Counter

I lived in Rome, Italy for six months last year.  While I was there, I fell in love with everything about it, especially the food.  I have no Italian blood in me, but if my soul had a nationality, it would be 100% Italian.  Whenever I go to L'Appetito, I feel like I'm not only eating a slice of pizza, but indulging in a slice of the country I miss so much.

L'Appetito has a second location right underneath the Hancock building.  However, this store is often flooded with tourists and loses the appeal of a small Italian home-style deli.  Plus, Jamba Juice is right next door, and nothing kills traditional Italian flavors like overpriced organic smoothies.  Don't get me wrong; I have nothing against Jamba Juice.  I just wouldn't put a Mango-a-go-go smoothie with a slice of L'Appetito pizza.

Handmade Desserts

Anyway, lets get back to River North's little Italian gem.  L'Appetito features imported Italian groceries and coffees.  If it's authentic Italian pasta you're looking for, this is the place to find it.  They also sell gift baskets, packed full of treats.  The friendly young Italian men behind the counter make the best panini in town.  You can customize your own or go with one of the pre-made options from their menu.

The Gelato Counter: Resistance is Futile

The small restaurant has an area where customers can sit and eat their purchases, as well as an outdoor patio, to remind us all that we are still  among glass giants in River North.  However, all of their foods can be packaged to go.  When I leave the store and the city rushes back onto me, it's nice to know that I have a little brown sack of Italy in my hand.

Once you've decided on the savory part of your course (which might just take you all day), you absolutely must try something sweet.  The genius minds behind L'Appetito strategically placed their handmade dessert and gelato counter right by the door.  It's easy to ignore on your way in, but stronger souls than I have tried to overlook it on the way out.  I've never left the deli without a couple of cookies at least. The little handmade confections stare at you from behind their glass case, and the shyer girls behind this counter, by nature, induce you to buy something.  The Italians are masters of pastries, and this is a fine example.

The deli was founded on Columbus Day in 1981 by Anthony Spatara, his wife Christine, and their children Anthony (Jr.), and Licia.  Anthony and Christine were born in Italy and wanted to bring the country's spirit to the midwest's largest city.  The location at 30 E. Huron Street was the first, and was so popular that the family decided to expand to the more touristy North Michigan Avenue.

River North

Here we are again, about to explore a neighborhood we all feel might be above us: River North.
Even the sound of the name seems like it makes our wallets feel lighter.  Only those with more money than they know what to do with and an endless supply of energy make it in this sector of the city.  It's an all night party for the rich and famous.  There's a club on every corner.  Besides the Jewel Osco and the el stop, there is nothing to suggest normality.  It's all extremely lavish and seemingly untouchable.  Even the McDonalds has a luxury feel to it, and the town's wealthy patrons buy their groceries at Whole Foods.
Now, I've lived in Rome and Beijing and consider myself pretty sophisticated and worldly.  Yet, when I take my 5'4", not-quite modelesque self down to River North, I feel like one of my Alabama redneck ancestors.  How do we make this upscale downtown neighborhood our own?  How can we make the exquisite life into every day life?

Map

The true beauty of this neighborhood lies in its nooks and crannies.  It's free to walk through and admire the pretty buildings and prettier people, and when it comes down to buying a meal or having a good time, all you need is a little resourcefulness.  It turns out, the best restaurants and venues are the restaurants and venues that are hidden away.  The niches that don't have a continuous inflow of money have retained their character.  They are little breaths of fresh air in a neighborhood that is so "city" and modern that it begs for an escape.

River North's wealth is a product of its location.  It is bound on the East by Michigan Avenue, on the North by Chicago Avenue, and on the West and South by the Chicago River.  Of course a neighborhood made of money would spring up here.  However, you may not have guessed that it started out as skid row.

Chicago real estate developer Albert Friedman is credited with the transformation of the area.  In 1974, Friedman began buying the land and cultivating it into what it is now.  He found many photographers and artists willing to rent out low cost warehouse space as their galleries.  Over time, the space turned into the River North Gallery District, which boasts the largest concentration of art galleries in the United States, second only to Manhattan.  River North also includes the Clark-Ontario nightlife area, Cathedral district, design district, and Kingsbury Park.

McFadden's

We all have a local haunt - a place we love morning, noon, and night.   Sometimes, there's a restaurant or bar that simply speaks to us - whether it be through the ambience, the staff, the menu, or anything else.  In my case, I love my haunt for all of those reasons. Buried in the heart of the Gold Coast at State and Division, McFadden's Chicago Restaurant and Saloon makes its name.  It's just a block from the Leg Room, Shenanigans, and a local favorite late-night eatery, Five Faces.
During the day, McFadden's Chicago is a quiet, classy, residential bar and restaurant.  Its regulars adore it, as they show by constantly holding a seat.  Business people, girlfriends, and older women on their weekly shopping spree all love this place for its wings, wifi, and simple charm.

At night, especially Wednesdays and weekends, the place transforms.  It turns into a wild and crazy, anything-goes, drinks-flying saloon of sorts.  The well dressed male bartenders are replaced by feisty females, all in black.  The in house d.j.s take turns spinning.  The music is way too loud.  There's a whole new crowd of regulars at this hour.
I could get up in the morning, walk the few blocks down to McFadden's, take my seat, and watch the day go by.  I somehow feel as though i fit in with each distinct group of regulars.
Each member of the staff is also quite unique and each, in their own way is important to me.  Nate is a total sweetheart.  My dad uses the phrase, "they're good peoples," to describe a certain breed of people that, without cause or consequence, are just genuine, real, kind individuals.  Nate is good peoples.  Mike might be the craziest one.  Last time I walked in as Mike was starting his shift, he was tossing cups and napkins at the other bartenders.
Then there's Ted, a friend of mine of three years.  He's a good bartender who splits his time between Hamilton's and McFadden's.  He bartends during the day and joins the party at night.  He's the bartender with the regulars who come in to pour their hearts out.  He knows everything from their jobs to their woes, and exactly what kind of drink they came for.
McFadden's is such a gem because of it's ability to host diverse audiences.  While it does cater to a college crowd with enticing deals ($1 drafts every Wednesday), it also has a more professional side.  The McFadden's Chicago comprehensive Web site makes it easy to organize corporate events, private events, birthday parties, and bachelorette parties.
Surprisingly, McFadden's Chicago is the sixth link in a chain across the United States.  The first McFadden's was opened in 1977 in New York City.  The decor is supposed to represent turn of the century New York City with exquisite woodwork integrated into its mile-long bar.  It's one of the few places in Chicago's Gold Coast that boasts a late-night menu and a 4a.m. liquor license.

Sprinkles Cupcakes

Today was one of those days.  It all started last night when I laid in my bed for a few hours without even so much as a yawn.  When 3 a.m. rolled around and I was still awake, I gave up, got up, and did some reading for class.  I am now ahead of schedule on my homework, which is not like me.  Maybe insomnia is healthier than I thought.
My alarm went off at 6:30.  That's less than three hours.  Frankly, I have no idea how I'm functioning still.  After I dragged myself from the grips of REM, I found myself on the shuttle, bound for class.  I am not a morning person, and heading for class that early is not something that necessarily makes me any happier.  A few sodas and one very strong cup of coffee later, I made it to my second class.  I feel quite awful, but honestly, at that point, the lights were off and the projector was on and all I could do to keep my mind awake was to think about the rest of my day.
This was the plan I formulated:
Get another cup of coffee to remain awake on the shuttle;
Get on the shuttle;
Get off the shuttle;
Make it to my room;
Start laundry;
Nap;
Finish laundry;
Nap;
Read;
Continue with traditional college Friday night out.

I haven't napped yet, but I did get my laundry done.  When I returned to my room, two of my roommates were in a frenzy.  I had barely made it through my door when they began quick firing a bevy of words at me.  All I caught was "free" and "cupcake."  I was in.

On the way, they filled me in.  I've been hearing a lot about Sprinkles Cupcakes for the past few weeks from everyone, but especially from my roommates.  I'd been dying to try one, so this opportunity was perfect.  Apparently, twelve minutes before I had walked through the door to my room, my two roommates, Joanna and Taylar, had received something called a whisper from Sprinkles' Facebook page.
Now, I consider myself to be pretty up to date on what's going on in the technological and social media worlds of today, but I had never heard of a whisper before.  Maybe it's because I spent too much time in China without things like cupcakes and Facebook.  Whatever the reason, I'm glad I know now.  Apparently, when you like a company on Facebook such as Sprinkles or More, you're privy to their status changes, which on occasion, will say something witty like today's.

Taylar & Joanna Fighting for a Spot

 "My mother told me to pick the very best one and Sprinkles is it! First 50 to whisper “eeny meeny” at Sprinkles get a free cupcake of choice! "

Happy Girls - Taylar, Elizabeth, and Joanna

We left immediately.  I could feel the tension building as we neared the bakery.  When it was in sight, people began running.  Yes, RUNNING.  There was a group of girls behind us that realized we were heading to the same place they were.  The scene got ugly fast.  "Oh no you don't," I heard from behind us.  Joanna and Taylar started running while their friend Elizabeth and I brought up the rear, laughing.  Inside, the tension rivaled that of Macy's on Black Friday.  Everyone (all girls) stood in line politely, but I feel that if anyone had tried to cut or step out of line, violence might have followed.  Turns out, all you have to do to receive this free cupcake is say "eeny meeny" at the register.  It feels silly, but hey, you get a free cupcake out of it right?
 We left the store victorious.  I would never have guessed how good a cupcake can taste when a) it's free, b) you had to run for it, and c) you're walking in the Gold Coast.

You can find Sprinkle's Facebook page  here.
Sprinkles Cupcakes is one of a currently booming industry.  Candace Nelson founded the first Sprinkles  in Beverly Hills in 2005.  Nelson's food philosophy includes a commitment to excellence and simplicity likely sprung from her grandmother's french culinary history.  She has since been featured as a judge on the popular Food Network show Cupcake Wars.  It seems she has climbed the sugar-lined ladder to dessert bliss.    The company features ambient cafes, as well as a lust for sustainability that becomes more and more common in a green society.
Nelson also seems to understand that cupcakes are a hip, young, and even sophisticated part of every day life.  There are many choices when it comes to flavoring, ranging from basic vanilla and dark chocolate to spiced chai.  Don't know which one you'd like?  There's even an app for that.  The cupcakes are deep, rich, and moist, and the buttercream frosting is a perfect top off.  Sprinkles Cupcakes has even taken to the road with their own food truck, so you can grab one on the go.

Sprinkles is truly an all-encompassing bakery as they cater to weddings and work events.  If you can't make it to the store or the food truck, they also ship their cupcakes out.  You can even buy the batter and make your own at home.
Three years ago, I made my first visit to a cupcake bakery.  Molly's is still very near and dear to my heart.  Sitting at the cupcake bar, I thought this was something very special.  I had never heard of anything like it before.  Since then, the phenomenon has exploded exponentially.  Here I have included a list of most of the cupcake bakeries in Chicago.

The Gold Coast

The saying is "start with what you know."  I know where I live, in the Gold Coast, although I don't know it as well as I would like.  The Gold Coast is like an acquaintance that I've had a ton of classes with, but have never actually introduced myself to.  I know we ware highly compatible - the Gold Coast and I - so it's time we got to know each other.

Map

This neighborhood has its reputation - if you live here, you must be one of three people.  Maybe you're the student - lucky, overprivileged, and living off of daddy's heavy monthly allowance.  If not, then perhaps you are a dirty old man living in the unfortunately named "Viagra Triangle," preying on young girls of the first type, wining and dining them (however underage) at Hugo's and Carmine's.  If you are neither of those, then you are surely a thirty-something overachiever who reached the top of his career level in record time, wears suits instead of jeans, and ages at twice the pace of his peers.
True, wealth makes it's home in this neighborhood.  However, there is so much more than this to the Gold Coast.  There are students and yuppies and old men, but they can't all squeeze into three molds.  Their hangouts can't all be stereotypes.  This week, I'll explore the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago.  I'll find people, places, and things akin to a less wealthy crowd.  Think of it as the "poor man's" Gold Coast - a Gold Coast we can all enjoy in a more creative, innovative way.  You can live, breathe, eat, work, and play in the Gold Coast without being the Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast is a historic district within the Near North neighborhood of Chicago.  It has no concrete bounds, but it is generally accepted to be between North Avenue, Lakeshore Drive, Oak Street, and Clark Street.
Our good friends at Wikipedia (who can't be trusted in depth, but are good for a bit of general information) provide a brief history of the Gold Coast and it's affluent ancestors here.
Come with me this week for a snapshot of the Gold Coast!