List Monday - Chicago

The other day, XRT and the powers that be declared March 2 to be "Chicago Day."  And although I was born in NY and am partial to their version of the pizza pie, I spent the brunt of my lifetime, about 18 years, in the Windy City of Onions.  So, it got me to thinking about what I missed most about my ol' stomping grounds:  the most livable city - 3 months out of the year...

• Well, the wife calls it "the land O' plenty" because of the expansive availability of fine dining establishments, which are not shy of portions.  Some of my favs:  Club Lucky, Gibsons, Twin Anchors and Weiner Circle.  Not to forget Potbelly's.
• The music scene.  Blues galore, where on any given night you can see Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, or Pinetop Perkins.  Also, miss the great local talent of yore:  Elvis Brothers, Bad Examples and of course, Poi Dog Pondering.
• The neighborhoods and street fests.  Nothing like exploring (and eating) your way through Greek Town, China Town, Boys Town, Ukrainian Village, and my favorite - Bucktown/Wicker Park.
• The lakefront.  I used to rollerblade up and down the beautiful lakefront.  Whether to a softball game or a pick-up beach volleyball game.  Or all the way down into the Loop.
• The Art Institute of Chicago.  What a trove.  Wish I had spent more time there.
• A pub on every corner.  Seriously, if there ever was a city built for drinking, I mean hanging out with buds and neighbors.  Miss the Leopard Lounge, Yakzies, Gingerman (where I re-met the bride), Silver Cloud, and again, Club Lucky.
• Cubs and Wrigleyville.  Ahh, nothing like leaving work and el-ing up to a game in that Ivy covered cathedral and hanging at Murphy's Bleachers.  Good times.
• Miss hanging with my Bro's...

What I don't miss:  the weather, the suburbs, the potholes, the traffic, and the weather...