Equestrian Entertainment on the City's North Side

The Noble Horse Theatre, the country's oldest riding stable is located  at 1410 N. Orleans on

Chicago's north side.  For the past 5 years, my children and I have visited the theatre and have enjoyed each performance.  There are three live matinee and evening shows which run various times of the year - "Quadrille", "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "The Nutcracker Suite". Shows are held year round in the indoor theatre. There are approximately 300 tiered, unobstructed seats, which means every seat is a good one. The theatre features a gift shop, gallery and concession stand.  Meals can be ordered in advance for group matinee and evening performances.

 

 

Shows last approximately 60 minutes for matinee performances and 75 minutes for the evening shows. Dinner is optional for the evening shows (B.Y.O.B.).

The theatre uses a variety of horses for its shows including Andalsians, Lipizzans, Arabians, Quarter horses and Thoroughbreds.       

 

 

The lighting inside the theatre is minimal and can seem a bit dark at times, so be mindful when entering the theatre, especially if you have small children and seniors in your group.  The ambience has a early18th Century feel, which adds to the mystery and excitement of each show.  Be advised, your nose may take a while to adjust to the wonderful fragrance of horse manure (smile), but once it does, the shows are quite enjoyable.  As a side note, don't expect a Medieval Times experience, as the Noble Horse Theatre is a smaller, independent venue and focuses on equestrian showmanship.  Nevertheless, kids and adults of all ages will enjoy seeing horses leap over walls, jump through rings of fire and perform other daring feats. Each show has narrations you can hear through the theatre's state-of-the-art sound system, which helps bring each story to life.  At the conclusion of the show, guests are allowed to take pictures with the horses and performers.

 

 

 

NOTICE: The Noble Horse Theatre is NOT closed, as some websites have reported.  I spoke to the facilities manager yesterday who mentioned renovations are currently underway to update the facade of the historic structure. Shows will resume early November 2013 for the opening of "The Nutcracker Suite"..

OTHER DETAILS - Free Street Parking, Birthday Parties Available, Handicapped Accessible, Family-Friendly.

VISIT NOBLE HORSE THEATRE CHICAGO

Garfield Park Conservatory: Chicago's Best Kept Secret Is Out

I was amazed to discover many Chicagoans  have never visited the Garfield Park Conservatory.  If this is you, let me give you three reasons to visit. To start, the Conservatory is only a 15-minute drive from downtown Chicago, the flora and fauna is absolutely breathtaking and best of all, admission is free!  Yep, FREE!  Still not convinced? Ok, let me share my personal experience.  I've known about the Conservatory for many years, but wasn't sure what to expect.  One day I said to my 13-year-old, "let's visit the Garfield Park Conservatory today".  He gave me the side-eye and reluctantly agreed. I packed a light lunch for us and headed to the venue.  When we arrived, I was very happy to know there was plenty of free parking available on Central Park Avenue and in the adjacent parking lot. 

Upon entering the indoor botanical garden, my mouth hit the floor - slight exaggeration, but you get my point.  My first thought - what has taken me so long to visit?  Not only had I deprived myself of this extraordinarily beautiful garden, but I've deprived my children as well.   My first reaction - I immediately felt a sense of peace and serenity in this lush, green and beautiful haven.

The temperature inside the gardens is a bit warm and humid, as it mimics the tropics. There are faux waterfalls, streams and walkways which guides you through the entire garden.  There are also benches placed throughout the garden which allows you to take in all of its beauty.  However, it doesn't stop there.  The Conservatory offers an outdoor public garden and Demonstration Garden, a beautiful city-lot-sized working garden, to learn about community and organic gardening in Chicago.

 

Additionally, if you're planning a social gathering or special event, you couldn't ask for a more scenic backdrop for entertaining and photo-taking.

If that's not enough, here's the biggest sell.  As you know, Chicago winters can be brutal and downright depressing. A planned visit to the Garfield Park Conservatory can help rid you and your family of wintertime blues. Convinced? I hope so.  Please return to this blog page and share your experience. I'd love to hear about it.

Click on the link below to discover the beauty and wonder of Garfield Park Conservatory.

Other Details: Café and Gift Shop on Site, Kids Play Area, Volunteer Opportunities

 

 

 

VISIT GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY

There's Nothing Buttoned-Up About an Ann Fontaine Button-Down

A few months ago I visited the Anne Fontaine fashion boutique on North Michigan Avenue. Although I frequent several shops and salons along the Magnificent Mile, it's easy to overlook many others. Known for her fashion-forward and interesting designs, Anne Fontaine takes the classic button-down dress shirt to new heights. I was intrigued.

With chic feminine lines and unique embellishments, the black and white shirt has never looked so good.  While browsing through the store, I was amazed at the many ways Anne could make the basic white shirt, well, not so basic.  As many corporate professionals know, the white shirt, is a must-have.  Anne Fontaine offers shirts for every occasion and every personality...something for just about every woman.

For me, I fell in love with the collars.  I had never seen a more elegant way to accessorize an ensemble or dress. The moment I tried one on, I had to have it. I'm hoping she expands her accessories line to include decorative cuffs as well...just a little wishful thinking.  Not only will you find white dress shirts, but skirts, trousers, dresses and a minimal selection of footwear. 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Anne Fontaine Foundation, which aims to raise the awareness of rainforest protection. The Foundation's focus is primarily concentrated in the Brazilian Atlantic forest, also known as the Mata Atlântica, the world's most threatened forest. To help raise funds for the Foundation, the Michigan Avenue store offers fashionable and smart eco-friendly sling totes for only $20 - great for carrying swimwear, beach accessories or as a shopping tote. 

I give Anne Fontaine Fashion Boutique two thumbs up!!

VISIT ANNE FONTAINE ONLINE

 

Head Over to Andersonville for Crepes & Turkish Coffee

 

I have never been a fan of crepes.  Well, let me be fair.  The mention of  the word 'crepe' conjures memories of me receiving less than stellar reviews of my horribly prepared crepes in culinary school.  For some reason I simply could not get the hang of making them and my instructor constantly reminded me of that fact.  It wasn't until my sister and I visited Bistro 110 that I learned to really enjoy and appreciate the preparation of a great crepe. 




A few years ago, I was canvassing the area along North Clark Street, when I happened to see a sign which read, Icosium Kafe, on the corner of Clark & Foster, so I went inside to check things out.

I reviewed the menu and the Icosium Crepe immediately caught my attention, so I ordered it. I wasn't entirely sure if the ingredients - roasted peppers, fresh basil, goat cheese, caramelized onion, fresh roma tomatoes, pine nuts, roasted garlic,  baby spinach - would marry well, but I took my chances.  Once the server brought the meal to my table, I dove right in.  The flavors simply burst in my mouth.  It was the perfect combination of salt, sweet, earthy and nutty.  I was completely taken by surprise. 

 

I also enjoy herbal and aromatic teas, so I ordered a cup of mint tea. The mint tea, prepared with real leaves, was served in a lovely decorative silver tea pot with a side of honey to sweeten the deal.

 

If you're a person drawn to restaurants with a modern or contemporary feel, this is not that place.  It's truly the quintessential neighborhood café serving Middle Eastern fare. No frills, no fancy fixtures...it is what it is.   One draw back - the word on the street is their credit card machine frequently breaks down, as was the case when I visited, so be prepared to bring cash. 

I truly enjoyed my meal, the service was spotty, but I plan on returning to try something else.  I give them 1.5 thumbs, if that's possible.

Other Details: Icosium Kafe offers Turkish coffee, breakfast, entrée, dessert and create-your-own crepes.

REVIEW ICOSIUM KAFE'S MENU

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Chicago, Plus Chicken & Waffles Equals Mmmmm Good!

It has been about 20 years since my sister and I visted Los Angeles.  At the time we were visiting old high school friends in West Covina, CA.  Long before arriving, I'd watched movies where they often mentioned west coast chicken & waffles.  I scratched my head. Ok, I get the combination of chicken and mashed potatoes or waffles and bacon, but fried chicken AND waffles? Served together?  I simply could not imagine, so I declined.  Fast foward 20 years.  My son and I were visiting a church in the Kenwood area and we decided to find a place to have breakfast.   Lo and behold, I could not believe my eyes - Chicago Chicken & Waffles on Martin Luther King Drive.  Over the years, I thought about me not taking advantage of the e opportunity to taste this dish while on the west coast....so, here was my opportunity.  I parked my care and went inside.

The first thing that surprise me was the size of the restaurant, as it seemed a bit on the smalll size.  However, there was a line of people wrapped around the wall waiting to be seated.  I figured, if peoeple were willing to wait, there was obviously something worth waiting for.  Once we were finally seated, the server promptly attented us and made us feel welcome. 

My son ordered the kids plate which consisted of a waffle and a drumstick.  I, on the other hand went all the way, ordering smothered chicken, rice with gravy, collard greens and a single waffle.  Our food arrived piping not, which I prefer.  And the aroma?  It had me at first sniff. The chicken was crisp on the outside, not at all bready, and the meat was cooked to perfection with the perfect balance of seasoning.  The rice and onion gravy was good, as well as the greens.  For me, the real test would be the waffle.  I'm very fussy about my waffles.  Let me just say this - it was OMGoodness!  Lightly crisp around the edges and moist, but not soggy, in the center.  The waffle had the destinct flavor of vanilla, which was pleasing to my palette.

Although we had a long wait for seating, I have to admit, it was worth it.  With that said, I give Chicago Chicken & Waffles two thumbs up!  Best part, they've recently updated and expanded the Chicago location and opened two additional locations in the Chicagoland area - Oak Park and Evanston.

Other details: BYOB (Oak Park location only), Live Jazz Thursday-Saturday Evenings, Reservations Not Accepted, Plenty of Street Parking.

VISIT CHICAGO CHICKEN & WAFFLES

iShop Chicago is dedicated to shining a spotlight on Chicago's restaurants, shops and venues. Our private events offer iShop Chicago members on-location shopping opportunities. Our members enjoy socializing, networking and shopping with Chicago area retailers, private-label and national brands across several shopping categories. All private sales events are designed by iShop Chicago event planners to offer exclusive 1-day-only deals and discounts.

Membership is FREE! Just follow our iShop Chicago blog

South Loops's New Take On Tapas

It was Friday night and I had nothing to do.  I knew I wanted to go into the city, but I wasn't quite sure where.  I headed toward the West Loop hoping I'd find somewhere interesting to plant myself.  Upon arriving, it occurred to me the Randolph Street Festival was underway...no parking...bummer!  I love the Randolph Street Festival, but I wanted to do something different, ...try something new. So, I began driving South on Halsted and veered over to State Street.  As I passed Roosevelt Road, I noticed a sign that read "Tapas", a word that will make me stop cold in my tracks. I simply LOVE tapas.

I slowed down and took a quick peek into the window.  It look like a really nice, contemporary tapas restaurant. So, I whipped a U-turn and parked.  Upon entering, the restaurant's ambience had a warm and inviting feel, very eclectic decor with splashes of eye-popping color, but not overdone.  Since I was flying solo, I decided to take a seat at the wrap-around bar.  Looking around, I noticed the tables were positioned so you'd have room to move around and you didn't feel as if you were listening to your next door neighbor's conversation.  The restrooms were clean, stalls stocked with paper and the sinks did not have that disgusting collection of hand-dripped water on the sinktop...very well attended.  The menu offering were more of a comtemporary twist to your traditional tapas. 

 

I ordered the Queso de Cabra, a warm baked tapas with goat cheese, tomato confit and garlic bread.  It was devine.  For wine, I ordered a glass of the Spanish Quarter and it was exactly as the menu described -   Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, full-bodied, but silky with notes of cherry, blackberry and spice. If I hadn't been driving, I would have ordered the entire bottle. However, I settled for one glass...correction..1-1/2 glass - the wonderful bartender topped me off after drinking only half a glass.  Thank you!

Other Details: Sunday Brunch 10:30 am - 3:00 pm, Patio Seating (Weather Permitting), Valet Parking Available and Reservations Accepted

As you know, I don't give star ratings, only thumbs up or down (in the tradition of Siskel & Ebert).  Tapas Valencia is fantastic for date-night or just hanging with friends after work.  I think this may be our next iShop Chicago member event spot!  Two Thumbs Up!

VISIT TAPAS VALENCIA

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Swinging at Sully's - Sullivan's Steakhouse

Sullivan's Steakhouse Happy Hour at Sullivan's, 415 N. Dearborn St. (312) 527-3510
$6 Martinis, Wine and Half-Priced Bar Entrees, cigar selections and a Jumpin' Jazz Trio.
All night every Thursday & Sunday.

 

iShop Chicago is dedicated to shining a spotlight on Chicago's sometimes obscure, independent restaurants, shops and venues. Our private events offer iShop Chicago members on-location shopping opportunities. Our members enjoy socializing, networking and shopping with Chicago area retailers, private-label and national brands across several shopping categories. All private sales events are designed by iShop Chicago event planners to offer exclusive 1-day-only deals and discounts. Membership is Free, simply follow our blog.


Cheers!

Former Ford Model Helps 'Naturals' Tame Fuzzy Mane

About three months ago, my stylist suggested I push back from the chemically-harsh relaxer (hair straightener) and 'go natural'.  For many women of color, going 'natural' simply means returning to your roots of nature and forgoing chemical processing.  Quite honestly, I've never had a problem relaxing my hair, - no breakage, no dryness, minimal split ends.  So, why stop relaxing?  As you get older (not suggesting I'm old or anything), chemically treated hair tends to weaken and begins thinning. I have always had a deep fondness for my tresses and I wanted to protect them as long as I could. 

About a year ago, my neighbor gave me a product to try, "Little Miss Fuzzy Head - Happy Hair Fusion".  At the time, my hair was still relaxed, so I placed the jar in my hair product bin for future use. Fast foward one year - I searched high and low for a product that would help manage my locks and transition me from relaxed to natural hair, but nothing would satisfy.  Then it dawned on me, "Little Miss Fuzzy Head!".  I whipped out the jar and slathered it on my freshly shampooed hair.  Although I used way too much product, I loved how it made my hair look and feel.  My curls were perfectly coiled with a beautiful, healthy sheen.

Me and my natural hair...Love!

What I love most is Little Miss Fuzzy Head's ingredients list - Agave Plant Extract, Aloe Leaf Juice, Avocado Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Olive Oil, Unrefined Shea Butter, Virgin Coconut Oil and Vitamin E.  This is particularly exciting because I consider myself a pretty health-conscious person, consuming mostly plant-based foods.  Additionally, compared to other natural hairstyling aids, I think the price point is ON point!  You can also purchase product samples just to see if LMF is right for your hair.

I could go on and on about this product, but I invite you to discover Little Miss Fuzzy Head for yourself. 

Read all about LMF's Founder & Product Developer, Tamiya Beathea, a scientist and fomer Ford print and runway model (and personal friend), who also wears the most georgeous shoulder-length, natural coils.   I'm sure you'll LOVE Little Miss Fuzzy Head as much as I do. With that said, I give Little Miss Fuzzy Head two thumbs up!

iShop Chicago is dedicated to shining a spotlight on Chicago's sometimes obscure, independent restaurants, shops and venues. Our private events offer iShop Chicago members on-location shopping opportunities. Our members enjoy socializing, networking and shopping with Chicago area retailers, private-label and national brands across several shopping categories. All private sales events are designed by iShop Chicago event planners to offer exclusive 1-day-only deals and discounts.

Membership is FREE! Just follow our iShop Chicago blog.

Cheers!

Regina

Chicago...A Global Presence

While reading the article "Tourism And The City's Global Image" in Crain's Chicago (June 17, 2013), Mayor Rahm Emanuel shares his vision on expanding Chicago global tourism by focusing on one particular area - McCormick Place.  It seems an expansion is underway which is designed to increase tourism and drive revenue - an attempt to boost McCormick Place's recent sluggish convention business.

While I fully support the mayor's efforts, the City of Chicago should place it's focus on its neighborhoods, which houses smaller, independent retailers.  I agree with Stephanie Izard's (chef-proprietor, Girl & the Goat) assessment of commerce in the City of Chicago and the mayor's plan for increasing global awareness, "...We are so much more than Michigan Avenue.  There are countless neighborhoods with restaurants, vintage shops and markets all on their own."  I couldn't agree more.

This is why iShop Chicago is dedicated to shining a spotlight on Chicago's sometimes obscure, independent restaurants, shops and venues.  Our private events offer iShop Chicago members on-location shopping  opportunities. Our members enjoy socializing, networking and shopping with Chicago area retailers, private-label and national brands across several shopping categories. All private sales events are designed by iShop Chicago event planners to offer exclusive 1-day-only deals and discounts.

Member is FREE!  Just follow our iShop Chicago blog. 

SPOTLIGHT BUSINESS: Takara Boutique, Oak Park, IL > TAKARA