Articles by " kspringer"

Lakeview fights to reduce violent crime

Jul 22, 2011 by     Comments Off    Posted under: Featured, Safety

Last Saturday, a 24-year-old was stabbed around 3 a.m. in Lakeview.  Two suspects are in custody and the victim is in good condition, as reported by the Chicago Tribune, but the fourth stabbing in a month only adds to the community’s growing unrest.

Just over two weeks ago, more than 700 concerned Lakeview residents packed a violence forum to express growing concern about violence in the community. Alderman Tom Tunney said that the department has stepped up night patrol officers in response to the recent violent crimes, according to the Chicago Tribune.

A timeline by WBEZ shows that Boystown has been the location of dozens of assaults, robberies, muggings and batteries since April.  But the attack captured on video by Boystown resident Rob Sall on July 3 finally brought the debate over class and race to a boil.

The community has also turned to social media to voice concerns on pages such as “Take Back Boystown.” The Facebook page, which has at least 3,747 “likes,” says it aims to bring attention to the recent string of violent crimes and act as a venue for suggestions.

Though some have scapegoated the Center on Halsted Youth Program that offers a safe haven for people ages 13-24 who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning their sexuality, police say they’ve found no correlation, as reported by WBEZ.

Read what others are saying about the recent events in Lakeview:

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Chicago museums: Get cultured on a budget

Jul 15, 2011 by     Comments Off    Posted under: free summer

No money? No problem.  Check out our map of Chicago-area museums that offer free admission during “discount days” throughout the summer and fall.  Art museums are marked in pink, history in yellow and the rest in blue.

 

Find the food tour that’s right for you

Jul 8, 2011 by     2 Comments    Posted under: Summer dining

Chicago is a foodie paradise if you know where to look.  Luckily, there are tour guides for that!

 

Photo by tpbrown

1. Taste of Chinatown:

Who: Chicago Food Planet

What: The Chinatown food tour visits five sit-down tasting locations in the historic Chinatown community: Triple Crown, Lao Sze Chuan, Ten Ren Tea & Ginseng Co., Saint Anna Bakery and Lao Beijing.

When: Mondays, April through November, 11 a.m.

Why:  To try Chinese food delicacies from the Canton, Mandarin and Szechuan regions.

How much: $60 adult | $35 adolescent & child. All food tastings are included in the ticket price.

 

 

Photo by bubzillion

 

2. Fork and the Road:

Who: Fork and the Road

What:  If you’re a cyclist, foodie or just want to see the city, this tour is for you. The shortest route is 13 miles and the longest tour is 22 miles, but each has three or four stops.  Everyone can find a tour to fit their taste buds: the Deli-ciousIce-cycleLatin Meat LoversMediterranean CruiseTour of Asia or ‘Wich Way.

When: Weekends through Sept. 26

Why:  To work off all the delicious food you’re eating.

How much: Tours range in price from $50 to $60 a person.

 

 

 

Photo by gtrwndr87

3. Pizza Tour

Who: Second City Pizza Tours

What: Sample pizza from four of Chicago’s greatest pizza venues and decide which to pledge your allegiance to. The tour visits two deep dish and two thin crust restaurants including Gino’s East, Giordano’s, La Madia, Pizzeria via Stato and State Street Pizza.

When: Every weekend

Why:  Because everyone loves pizza.

How much: The tour is $48 for adults, $32 for college students and $24 for children 8-18 years old. Children 7 years or younger are free with the purchase of an adult ticket.

 

Photo by jumbledpile

4.  Bucktown and Wicker Park Food Tour
Who: Chicago Food Planet

What: Discover the unique artists’ colony that has slowly evolved into a hidden foodie paradise as you enjoy delectable food and drink samples from six authentic mom-and-pop restaurants and ethnic eateries in the Bucktown and Wicker Park neighborhoods including George’s Hot DogsHot ChocolateGoddess & GrocerSultan’s MarketPiece and iCream.

When: Tuesday through Saturday, April through November starting at 11:30 am.

Why:  To support  “mom and pop” specialty restaurants and one-of-a-kind local cafés.

How much: Ticket price of $45. All food tastings, enough for lunch included.

 

 

Photo by srqpix

5.  Near North Food Tour

Who: Chicago Food Planet

What: The Near North Food Tour visits seven of Chicagoan’s favorite eateries in the tasty Gold Coast, Old Town and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, including Bacino’s PizzeriaThe Spice HouseDelightful PastriesAshkenaz DeliOld Town OilTea Gschwendner and The Fudge Pot.
When: Seven days a week, March through November starting at 11:30 a.m.

Why:  To see architectural gems, beautiful gardens, historic mansions, backdoor venues, hidden parks and of course, to eat.

How much: $45 adult | $30 adolescent | $15 child. Tasting included.

 

 

Photo by antwerpenR

6.  Coffee & Pastry Tour

Who: Chicago Savvy Tours

What: Chicago Savvy Tours offers an eye opening, sweet fest with our Coffee & Pastry Tour of Andersonville and Little Saigon including three coffee shops and three sweet venues for a delectable balance of sugar and caffeine.  Also includes a visit to the Andersonville Galleria for shopping.

When: Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Why:  Because you’ll stop at Anne Sather‘s Swedish restaurant, where you’ll taste the  best cinnamon roll ever.

How much: $27

 

 

Photo by Kirti Poddar

7.  Chocolate Tour

Who: Chicago Chocolate Tours

What: Enjoy a guided walking and tasting tour to select chocolate shops, bakeries, and cafes, including secret chocolate treasures and famous favorites.

When: At least one tour a day. Times vary.

Why:   Because you’ll learn about the history of chocolate, while eating it.

How much: The tour is $40 per person.

 

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Chicago’s favorite Fourth of July memories

Jul 1, 2011 by     Comments Off    Posted under: 4thofjuly, History

Photo by Panu Tangchalermkul.

 

From the World Fair to last year’s Transformers: Dark of the Moon filming, Chicago has had many a sparkling Independence Day. Check out our timeline on Dipity to learn about Chicago’s quirkiest holiday moments:

What’s your favorite Fourth of July memory?