Chicago, IL, USA

[PJ]

Three Happiness service was horrendous. But then again, they're so busy, they don't need to be nice.

Try Phoenix for dim sum. The food is just as good, and the service was slightly better (could it have anything to do with the fact that I went with more White folks that time? One can only wonder.).

[KJ]

Furama and Happy Chef are pretty good.
As for clubs, Visions is popular, and Vain as well. Soundbar, Buzz, and Transit are nice choices.

[bellamia]

If you have time to sightseeing and love to shop, then Michigan Avenue is a MUST spot to visit. Everything about this area reminds me of New York City, and this is something I did not expect. The only complaint is the horrific weather. Anyone who lives in Chicago, my heart really goes out to you.

Some pictures of Michigan Avenue:

This day happens to be one of the coldest days in Chicago - with tempurure at 4 degree below zero
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Michigan River
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[Lady Zhuge]

Only 4 below? Sounds like you lucked out, bellamia!

[bellamia]

Only 4 below? Sounds like you lucked out, bellamia!

I'd forgot to mention that the wind was blowing at 30 plus mph on this day, driving wind chill readings to as low as 15 + degrees below zero. I’m accustomed to the cold weather since I have lived up North where negative temperatures are the norm. So, I can tolerate the “dry cold” but I cannot endure the winds, and the “windy” city had certainly lived up to its nickname during the time of my visit.

[PJ]

I heard there will be a BIG Chinese Festival in Chicago this year, in celebration of the Olympics. Anyone can speak more to that?

[Sparky]

I maintain that with my personality, I was born to be a New Yorker, but I surprisingly really loved Chicago. Originally I was thinking another stereotypical American city, woohoo, but it's just such a NICE city. The weather is perfect in the summer too. Chicago kind of reminds me of Toronto in a lot of ways (a skyscraper as a major tourist destination, situation by the lake, even population-wise the two cities are very similar) but I'd say while I prefer Toronto's Chinatown, Chicago has a more grandiose feel at times.

And yes, Michigan Ave and the Magnificent Mile is amazing. I actually like it better than Fifth Avenue since it's less crowded (people are getting in line to go to Abercrombie = very sad ), but I think NYC is kinder on taxes. I mean, 10.25%?? Plus NY doesn't even tax apparel.

Anyway some pictures for those of you who don't mind a little lag I'm not much of a photographer and it's hard to shoot steady at night.

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Down the Chicago river

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Navy Pier

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Sunset on the city skyline...or at least what I could grab of it

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This is pointless so I won't actually display it, but the architecture of this pine cone parking lot just made me smile.

I have more (at least 700 more) but I think you've all see enough of my shitty photography skills haha.

One thing I didn't get to do was eat a deep-dish pizza! You have to wait so long! Yes I know there are warnings, but when I'm hungry, I don't wait. Is there anywhere I can get an authentic deep-dish pizza w/o waiting?

Oh and about dim sum, I went to Furama but I wasn't too impressed...I still like my dim sum from Toronto or New York Chinatown.

[PJ]

Now is a GREAT time to visit the beaches of Lake Michigan shore. I was there a few weeks ago and had a wonderful time. Remind me to bring an extra layer--on top of my extra layer--next time! The lake front is simply FREEZING cold even in the summer.

[blueberry]

Did anybody ever been to the Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights? Is it a good supermarket? How about the restaurants inside? Any recommendation/reviews?