Rediscovering Chicago
/Cloud Gate, commonly known as "the Bean," is located in MILLENnIUM Park.
About 15 years ago I rediscovered the charm of my birthplace, Chicago, IL. The city, populated by warm and welcoming Midwesterners, has stunning architecture, a beautiful lakefront skyline, a downtown area that is vibrant, and has a wealth of excellent restaurants. Delis, although not as abundant as in New York or Los Angeles, have a character of their own. During each of my 6 or 7 visits a year I have the opportunity to meet many new friends from all walks of life - business & professional, shopkeepers, students, educators, working people and homeless individuals. And on each visit I am often joined by friends, family and colleagues at Chicago's most popular deli's to enjoy my most favorite deli food - pastrami.
PEOPLE
Stret musicians on the Michigan avenue bridge
Street musician on Michigan Avenue
street musician on lake st.
happy couple on wabash st.
Senior citizens
Bar tender at pizano's pizza & pasta
Bride and groom photo shoot
Mayor Rahm Emanuel at eleven city diner
gelato servers at eataly
Pizza server at eataly
Visitors from denmark
Braving the snow on north wabash st.
Braving the snow and sleet
Man's best friend
PLACES
This was my home from age 7 through age 18.
Â
Â
Excursion boat on the chicago river
chicago river - trump tower on the left and wrigley building ahead
Snowfall
Snowfall - clybourn AVe.
Trees in MILLENNIUM park
The Crown Fountain
Trump Tower
Chicago River - Marina City on the right
PASTRAMI
One of my more recent discoveries is Eleven City Diner, located at 1112 South Wabash Ave. This restaurant has the vibe of both a diner and a deli. On a recent visit I was greeted by Roz Rubin, the proud mother of the owner, Brad Rubin. I have had the opportunity to enjoy a number of their delicious menu offerings including pastrami.
Pastrami sandwich at eleven city diner
Although it is hard to believe, I sometimes order a menu item other than pastrami. Here is an outstanding selection at the Bagel Restaurant and Deli located in the Old Orchard Shopping Center in Skokie, IL. This is "Polish Style Fish" - smoked whitefish stuffed with gefilte fish in a tasty broth smothered with carrots and onions. Outstanding!
"Polish style fish" at the Bagel restaurant & deli
One of my all time favorites in Chicago is Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen , located at 1141 S. Jefferson St. Their food is served cafeteria style and the menu includes a wide selection of deli items, including overstuffed sandwiches accompanied by a potato latke. Manny's is family owned, and diners are often greeted by the owner, Ken Raskin, and his son Dan. A trip to Chicago is incomplete without at least one visit to Manny's.
Preparing a pastrami sandwich at Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen
Pastrami sandwich with a potato latke - Manny's Cafeteria &
delicatessen