Ask Joyce - Home

A Soul Food Thanksgiving

2008-11-07T21:41:00Z

My equestrian riding group – The Zydeco Cowboyz and Cowgirlz – will be participating in the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade on Thanksgiving Day. Can you recommend a good place for us to go have Thanksgiving dinner – preferably soul food?

Thanks, Texas Fred

HI Texas Fred – There are a few places open for a southern style Thanksgiving on Thanksgiving Day. You may want to try -

Valois Cafeteria, 1518 E. 53rd Street, 773-667-0647 A great Hyde Park institution! They will be open 630am – 10pm on Thanksgiving Day. If you would like more information, call earlier in the day.

Pearl’s Place, 3901 South Michigan, 773-285-1700 In a non-descript building in Bronzeville, there is free parking available in the Hotel parking lot that is attached to the restaurant. They will be open 8am-4pm on Thanksgiving Day.

Big Jones, 5347 N. Clark Street, 773-275-5725 This is southern Coastal cuisine of New Orleans, American South with French influence. Seatings are available between 11am – 7pm.

Yumm! Enjoy!

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Bus Parking

2008-11-07T20:54:00Z

Hi – We have a large group coming to Chicago to shop for a couple of days. Is there parking available for a charter bus?

Carolyn

Hi Carolyn – For overnight bus parking, the driver would want to head over to the McCormick Place Marshalling Yard. It is located just south of McCormick Placce. They do not have a website but here are directions:

Take 55North to 41South (Lake Shore Drive) and exit at 31st Street. Take a sharp right, go to stop sign and turn right. Merge on to Moe Drive and go to stop sign, turn left.

McCormick Place Marshalling Yard, 3015 S. Moe Drive, Chicago, IL 60616 312-808-3138

24 Hour Fence Patrolled, $20 per day

If needed, give them a call for additional information.

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Parking? Car Rental?

2008-11-03T17:23:00Z

Hello,

We will be coming to the Chicago area to celebrate my nephews graduation from Navy Basic Training and will be staying at a hotel near the John Hancock building. We will need a car to get up to the town where the graduation is being held but otherwise, will need to find affordable parking for the car for the two days we will be there. We will be in town November 6th and 7th, leaving on the 8th.

Any suggestions for affordable parking?

Many thanks,

~ Cindy Babiak

HI Cindy – Parking in the John Hancock Building area can be anywhere from $40-50 per night plus the cost of rental. Chicago is such an easy city to get around. You can take the EL downtown and transfer or take short taxi ride to the hotel or take the GO Airport Express for either airport. If you come in to Chicago by Amtrak you can take the 151 Sheridan to the John Hancock Building. These options are quite affordable.

How about renting the car for the day needed? You and anyone else is welcome to use the Concierge Preferred CDP number from Hertz – CDP # 1631140 – it offers a corporate discount. Here are some Hertz locations near the John Hancock building.

Westin Michigan Avenue – closest

909 N. Michigan Avenue

Chicago, IL 60611

312-280-5193

Hyatt Regency Chicago

151 E. Wacker Drive

Chicago, Il 60611

312-819-3738

You can also reserve online at Hertz

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Betty Boop Merchandise

2008-10-24T21:11:00Z

Hello, Recently I met a fellow Betty Boop Fan with family in Chicago who was telling me of a store she goes to that is ” The Ultimate” place to shop for Betty Boop stuff. I will be in Chicago next month and would LOVE to Shop at this store. Do you have any idea What the name of this store might be?

Thank you,

Susie

Hi Susie – Here are a few suggestions:

Uncle Fun, 1338 W. Belmont Avenue, 773-477-8223  A great shop with everything fun in the Lakeview neighborhood! They do carry lunchboxes, bobble heads, etc. Expect to spend some time exploring here.

Jumbalia, 1429 N. Wells Street, 312-335-9082  A fun retail shop in Old Town that carries eclectic funky home accessories and some Betty Boop items.

Saieda Party Store, 1379 N. Milwaukee Avenue  Unfortunately, I could not find a phone number here. This shop is located in the Wicker Par neighborhood. The storefront windows displays a large selection of various Betty Boop items.

Happy shopping! Let me know how it goes.

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Holiday Office Party Suggestions

2008-10-21T19:15:00Z

Hi,

I am part of a committee to help plan the Office Holiday party. I need your help. I’m not sure where to even begin looking

Its about 40-50 people. And have about $40 per person. It has to be an after work thing….no earlier than 3 o’clock. Food and drinks and something fun!

Thank You

Grace Serna

Hello Grace – Here are some suggestions:

10pin bowling lounge

Holiday Trolley Tour or Horse drawn carriages and 70’s-80’s themed Reagle Beagle

Howl at the Moon

Dave & Buster’s

Hope this helps!

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Hotels Near Brown Line "EL"

2008-10-21T18:50:00Z

Help- I am going to be going to the Merchandise Mart and need a hotel that is close to the L. I think the brown line and purple line have stops near the Mart. I would prefer not to make transfers. Could you recommend any hotels that are not too expensive and are also close to any L stops that will take me to the mart. I would mind a 30 minute trip.

Kellee W. Peer

Hello Kellee – The Brown Line is very convenient to The Loop and many hotels are located there. The Merchandise Mart is located in River North with several hotels within walking distance.

In the The Loop -

Renaissance Chicago

Silversmith Hotel & Suites

Palmer House Hilton

Club Quarters on Adams

W Hotel Chicago City Center

Hampton Majestic

Hotel Allegro

Hotel Burnham

River North – within walking -

Holiday Inn Mart Plaza

Westin River North

Hotel SAX Chicago

Springhill Suites Chicago Downtown River North/Residence Inn Chicago Downtown River North (same address, shares an entrance)

Amalfi Hotel Chicago

Hampton Inn

Courtyard by Marriott

Comfort Inn

Hilton Garden Inn

The hotels in the River North area are just a bit more reasonable to the budget.

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Activities Downtown - Staying Out by O'Hare Airport

2008-10-17T21:54:00Z

Good Afternoon Joyce,

My boyfriend and I are making our first visit to Chicago this Sunday, 10/19, and leaving on Tuesday, 10/21. The trip is business related, however we have Sunday afternoon and all day Monday to play!

We’d like our trip to include a trip to the Museum of Science & Industry, the Sears Tower, and a hip Jazz Bar (or two!!)

I’ve been scrolling through website after website and can’t seem to find the information I need to make this trip a blast. Below are some of my questions -

I live in West Palm Beach, FL where public transportation is practically non-existent. We will be staying at the Sofitel Chicago Ohare Hotel (near the airport), and won’t have a car. What is the easiest way to get around? (i.e. Tram, bus, cab)

We’re a 20-something couple, and want to explore the night life Chicago has to offer. Our tastes in music and entertainment include Irish pubs, Jazz, Indie-music, and anything different. Is there an area of Chicago where we can easily plan out a pub crawl? I’ve heard rumors of an area near Lake Michigan, do you know if this is so, and what it is called?

Any information you might have would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, I appreciate your help!

Sarah Anne Beebe

Hi Sarah – This sounds like a fun trip business mixed with pleasure. From the Sofitel Chicago O’Hare, you can take the Blue Line downtown. Once downtown, the Sears Tower is within walking distance however the Museum of Science & Industry would involve another bus. The concierge at your hotel will be able to give you directions how to get dowtown or check the CTA.

River North holds a diverse mix of live music. Take in the blues, Irish music, and jazz.

Enjoy!!

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Hotel Advice - On a Budget

2008-10-17T21:07:00Z

HI JOYCE, I HOPE YOU CAN HELP US. MY WIFE AND I WILL BE CELEBRATING OUR 46TH ANNIVERSARY IN NOVEMBER. WE ARE SEMI RETIRED ARTISTS WHO HAVE AIRLINE TICKETS TO CHICAGO FROM NOVEMBER 7TH THROUGH THE 9TH. WE ARRIVE ON FRIDAY AND FLY BACK ON SUNDAY. WE WERE HOPING TO GO TO THE SOFA SHOW AT THE NAVY PIER ON SATURDAY.

I AM IN MY SEVENTIES AND HAVE HAD SIX HEART BI-PASSES. WE ARE LOOKING FOR A DECENT HOTEL CLOSE TO THE NAVY PIER THAT IS REASONABLY PRICE. LIVING IN FLORIDA FOR ALMOST TWENTY YEARS HAS THINNED OUR BLOOD. IF THE WEATHER IS COLD, IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT FOR US TO GET AROUND.

WE ARE ON A LIMITED INCOME AND COULD AFFORD ABOUT $100.00 A NIGHT. IS A HOTEL IN THE VICINITY OF THE NAVY PIER THAT COULD BE IN OUR PRICE RANGE. ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN ADVISE WILL GREATLY BE APPRECIATED.

HOPING TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON…

IRV KUTNO

Hello Irv – Hotel rooms in the downtown area for that weekend range from $200-300 per night. Hotels within your budget will be by O’Hare or Midway Airport. If you are interested in taking public transportation from either airport then getting around downtown is doable. It does get windy and cold by Navy Pier so layering is the key.

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Personal Shopping

2008-10-13T20:27:00Z

Hey, I am looking for some sort of guided shopping experience, ya know with a personal stylist but only for the magnificent mile area. Is there anything like that around there?

Jobba

Hello Jobba –

Urban Shop Guide can take you on a tour of the area or help you with a stylish look.

Macy’s on State has a Personal Shopping Service that is great! Kevin Gorsch has heped me in the past – he can take you through the designer departments and put a look together for you.

Any of the other department stores will also have personal shopping services, as well – Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, and Macy’s at Water Tower Place.

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Restaurant Advice

2008-10-08T19:11:00Z

Visiting Chicago this weekend with wife and granddaughter (13), to visit son (34) and girlfriend. He lives near downtown Chicago, on N. Humboldt (near Logan Square, between Humboldt Park and Lincoln Park). Staying out near O’Hare at Marriott, so intend to come in both Friday night and Saturday/Saturday night.

1. Recommend a casual pizza-type restaurant in the Navy Pier area for Friday night?

2. Recommend a nicer restaurant in the downtown area for Saturday night? I am trying to keep my wife happy with her “white table cloth” wishes, and at the same time not spend excessively. Can this be had inside of $ 250 (max $300) for 5, with drinks? I want to a nice but reasonably priced restaurant, as my son has the propensity for ordering far more than he can eat, especially when I am picking up the tab. Suggestions?

Steve Kramer St. Louis, MO

Hello Steven – You are too funny! I thought I was the only one with a relative like that!

1. Pizza restaurant – there are two not far from Navy Pier. Both are great for Chicago style deep dish pizza or thin crust.

Gino’s East, 162 E. Superior Street (closest), Giordano’s, 730 N. Rush Street

2. White Table Cloth Wishes – There are several great restaurants in the Loop, River North area.

LOOP Park Grill 11 N. Michigan Avenue, Tavern at the Park 130 E. Randolph, Vivere’, 71 W. Monroe, Russian Tea Time, 77 E. Adams Street

RIVER NORTH Devon Seafood Grille, 39 E. Chicago Avenue, Harry Caray’s, 33 W. Kinzie Street, Kiki’s Bistro, 900 N. Franklin, Bistro 110, 110 E. Pearson Street

Enjoy!!

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Transportation to McCormick Place

2008-10-03T15:48:00Z

Is it possible for me to take the free trolley from Union Station on Adams to Mccormick Place? If not please tell me which I bus I would get on from the Art Institute.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

Bunny

Hello Bunny – The Free trolley from Union Station runs on a different schedule from summer hours.

You can take the Green Triangle or Yellow Star trolley downtown from Union Station. Walk over to Michigan Avenue and take the #3 King Drive bus to McCormick Place.

If the trolley times don’t work into your schedule take the #151 Sheridan from Union Station to State Street, walk over to Michigan Avenue and take the #3.

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Back from Vacation

2008-10-03T15:37:00Z

Hi All – Sorry for the long gap in postings. Just got back from a long vacation. Ecuador and Peru were awesome!! We were in Quito, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil, Lima, Cusco, Macchu Picchu, Puno and Lake Titijaja. Besides some seasickness and altitude sickness the sights were the most unbelievable imaginable. From sea level to the top of the world, literally!

Back to blogging about Chicago!

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Labor Day Weekend - Gold Coast

2008-08-20T21:43:00Z

Hi Joyce,

My husband and I are planning a weekend get-away to Chicago for Labor Day. We will be staying at the Hotel Indigo which is a bit North of downtown. We would like to avoid using the car. Where can I get a map of the ‘L’ train stops?

I have seen this Bobby’s Bike hike on-line. Fun or cheesy or both?

Also good restaurant and fun bar suggestions near the hotel or within easy ‘L’ rides would be greatly appreciated! (The address for the hotel is 1244 N. Dearborn Pkwy)

Thank-you!

Lisa

Dear Lisa – You are in a perfect location – not far from many great attractions. A great neighborhood for 19th century architecture, dining, shopping and the lakefront. When you get to the hotel, definitely ask for a copy of our magazine which has a basic transportation map. Before you come to Chicago also take a look at the Chicago Transit Authority, click on URL, click on Train Schedules.

Bike rentals are easy and fun. Bobby’s Bike Hike provides group tours that are family friendly. Bike and Roll provides bike rentals, bicycle and segway tours and in-line skate rentals which makes a great “do at your own pace” kind of day.

One restaurant you must try is Mario’s Gold Coat Ristorante, just down the street from the hotel. It is intimate and neighborly with great Italian food. There are many options in the neighborhood for dining and cocktailing. Be sure to ask the Concierge for his recommendations for the area.

Have fun!!

Joyce, Ask Joyce

Shopping: Other than Michigan Avenue

2008-07-17T14:56:00Z

We are going to be in Chicago through Saturday, and we are die hard shoppers. Things like Michigan Ave are pretty boring to us, since you can get that stuff in any larger city. We like the boutique/designer clothes stores (one owner, designer, etc.). We hear that Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Lincoln Park are kind of the “soho” of Chicago. Is this right?

Thanks, Steve Hankins

Hi Steve – Yes, these areas are hip shopping destinations away from the mainstream. Wicker Park and Bucktown are within very close proximity. Also consider going to Old Town which is next to Lincoln Park. When shopping in Lincoln Park, go to the area bordered by Armitage Avenue and Halsted Street. Your hotel concierge would be able to direct you to those areas.

Happy shopping!!

Joyce Fong

Blues Clubs

2008-07-17T14:46:00Z

My family is arriving in Chicago Friday July 18 for some pre-wedding festivities (the wedding is the following weekend in Danville). Friday is also my eldest daughter’s birthday. Can you recommend a club with live blues that could accommodate about 10 people? A restaurant nearby? We would like to relax after a day of traveling (we’re from Florida) – nothing too fancy, but fun.

Thanks, Judy Hoyer

Hello Judy – there are some great blues clubs in the downtown area.

Blue Chicago – Two locations – River North, Buddy Guy’s Legends – South Loop, B.L.U.E.S. – Lincoln Park, Kingston Mines – Lincoln Park, House of Blues: The Back Porch – River North

I would recommend any of these as fun places to listen to live blues music.

While visiting Chicago, here are a few fun casual places to dine close to the blues clubs -

River North: Harry Caray’s – Italian, Ben Pao – Chinese, House of Blues – Southern American, Weber Grill Restaurant – American, Wildfire – American

South Loop: Eleven Street Diner, Grace O’Malley’s – Irish, Gioco – Italian, Zapatista – Mexican, Tamarind – Asian

Lincoln Park: Café Ba-Ba-Reeba – Tapas, Charlie’s Ale House, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

Have fun!

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce