The Blizzard of 2010?

Here comes the blizzard that had been predicted for quite a while now. It makes for some interesting pictures and videos, but it's a mess if you need to be traveling today. Here are some photos from around my neighborhood in the South Loop and a short video of the snow coming down.

Blizzard or not, you still have to walk the dogs.

The entrance to the Glessner House Museum; it might have looked like this in 1886.

The Clarke House, Chicago's oldest home, among the high-rises in the South Loop.

After "The Bishop's Wife" The Wrap Party at Ole' Hardwood

The November 9, 2010 screening of The Bishop's Wife was an enjoyable holiday treat for those in attendance. For many, it was the first time they had seen the perennial Christmas classic. The movie concerns a young bishop and his wife as they try to raise funds to build a new cathedral and the conflicts that ensue.

The "Meet Me at the Movies" crew at Ole' Hardwood

The stars, Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven are in top form. Grant plays Dudley, an angel sent from heaven to assist Young (the bishop's wife) and Niven (the bishop) with the cathedral plans. Dudley also helps them restore their marriage, which has been suffering under the stress of the cathedral building campaign.

The stars of The Bishop's Wife: Grant, Young, and Niven.

After the film, about 15 of us went to Ole' Hardwood at 1351 S. Wabash Ave. Ole' Hardwood opened in late October in the space formerly occupied by Utopia.

Around the South Loop and Chicago

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas all over Chicago. Most of the pictures have a holiday theme; it's hard to resist all the lights and colorful displays around the city. Chicago becomes a winter wonderland this time of year. You don't have to be five years old to get excited, do you?

The tree at the Palmer House Hilton

The doors at Second Presbyterian are all decked out.

The big one is camera shy, but dig the bandanna on the little guy.

Bicycle Station Lofts condo holiday party at Three Peas Art Lounge; Alderman Fioretti stopped by.

The Art Institute Lion is wearing his (lame) holiday solar wreath.

 

Check out the Chicago Hilton and Towers' tree above. It's in the lobby off of Michigan Ave. My only question is where did they put the clock that normally sits in this spot? I thought maybe they just put a hollow tree on top of it, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Does anyone know where the clock went? To see a picture of the clock in this spot, click here. You may have to scroll down a bit, but it's there, I promise.

What's more fun than ice skating during the holidays? Check out all the fun at the Millennium Park skating rink. The video below gives you a taste of what it's like.

Wal-Mart Coming to Lakeview

According to Crain's, Wal-Mart has signed a letter of intent to lease space at 2840 N. Broadway. The other tenants at this location include Bed Bath & Beyond, T. J. Maxx, and Cost Plus World Market.

The size of the space under consideration is about 30,000 square feet, according to Crain's sources. Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart has been looking at locations throughout Chicago. In October, the chain specifically targeted Chicago as a area for growth.

What do you think? Would you shop at a Wal-Mart in Lakeview?

Fine-Dining Coming to the South Loop

Did you attended the November 17 meeting about the planned development of a dog park on S. Wabash Ave., just south of 16th St.? If you did, you may recall a gentleman in attendance announce that he was opening at fine-dining restaurant just south of the proposed dog park. To be exact, the location is 1639 S. Wabash Ave.

Vivere is a popular McCasky restaurant at 71 W. Monroe St.

Today's ChicagoMag.com reported that Ryan McCasky, he of Courtrights, Vivere, and Tizi Melloul fame, to name a few, will be opening a "contemporary classic American" restaurant. We heard this on November 17, but now it's official. McCasky hasn't settled on a name as of yet. Diners won't get off cheap; meals will be between $60 to $70 apiece. Pretty pricey during these tough economic times, but the South Loop has the base to support such an establishment. Plus, if it garners half the fans of any of the other McCasky restaurants, it will be a destination for folks from all over Chicagoland.

What do you think? Will you be trying out this new McCasky restaurant? It should be opening in the late summer or early fall. The dog park may be completed by then as well.

"Chicago Code" Filming at 444 N. Michigan Ave. on Monday

If you're able and interested, Chicago Code, the new Fox TV series starring Jennifer Beals and Jason Clarke, will be filming at 444 N. Michigan Ave. on Monday December 6, 2010. Chicago Code, originally was called Ride-Along and has been filming in and around the city since the summer. Last Wednesday after work,  I caught them filming inside the CTA lobby on Lake St.
 
The new Fox police drama debuts the day after the Super Bowl on February 7, 2011. For a little taste of what's in store, check out the official trailer below. How many Chicago locations can you recognize?

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Chicago...Without Breaking the Bank!

by Cary Mele

One of  the best things about living in Chicago is all of the wonderful restaurants and bars this city has to offer. With so many options, it's really tempting to want to try them all.

But for a girl who's also trying to save money, how is it possible to conquer all of Chicago's bars and restaurants? I certainly wouldn't be able to do it without the help of two really great Chicago resources.

Small Tabs
Many of Chicago's bars and restaurants have some really amazing daily deals, but it can be quite daunting to track them all down. Now you don't need to. Small Tabs has done all the work for you.

The Small Tabs database lists the best daily food and drink specials at over 300 Chicago bars, including two of my South Loop favorites – Kroll's and Grace O'Malley's. You can search by day, by bar name, or by neighborhood to browse the best deals in town. 

Drink Deck
Even when there isn't a great daily special, there's another great way to save on your tab. By purchasing a Drink Deck, you'll get fifty-two $10-off coupons for some great local bars (including South Loop's own Villain's). But, what's even more fun is that the Drink Deck is an actual set of playing cards that you can use for a game of euchre or poker while you enjoy your time at the bar! The actual coupon portion is a perforated corner, keeping your card set intact.

For only $30, you'll  get $520 in savings that never expire!

If that's not enough to convince you to check out these two great resources, this week they've announced a special new partnership just in time for the holiday season! Drink Deck is now offering $5 off each deck if you use the discount “small tabs” when ordering.

So whether you're searching for the perfect holiday gift for that hard-to-shop-for special someone in your life, or you're trying to visit all your favorite local hangouts without breaking the bank, Small Tabs and Drink Deck are the perfect solution.

Cary Mele is a writer, editor, and Chicago native. She loves exploring all the world has to offer and has a special place in her heart for travel, good beer, and anything Irish. Her blog, love.play.travel, chronicles her adventures at home in Chicago, throughout the country, and around the world. 

Cary is a guest blogger.Please check out her Web site, love.play.travel. If you would like to share something with your South Loop Connection neighbors, e-mail me at sreggie@sbcglobal.net.

Meet Us at Ole' Hardwood After "Meet Me at the Movies"

Wrap Party at New South Loop Restaurant
After this month's screening of The Bishop's Wife--Thursday December 9, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at Sherwood Community Music School, Columbia College recital hall, 1312 S. Michigan Ave.--join us for dinner at the South Loop's newest restaurant, Ole' Hardwood.

Ole' Hardwood opened in late October.

Ole' Hardwood is a "Gastro-Smokehouse" located at 1315 S. Wabash Ave. That's just around the block from Sherwood. We'll be ordering off the menu. Mention you're part of the "Meet Me at the Movies" crowd and receive 15% off of your check.

Cary Grant, left, plays an angel named Dudley in The Bishop's Wife.

"Meet Me at the Movies" is sponsored by the PDNA. If you want to RSVP to the movie (recommended) click here.