"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.

Around the South Loop and Chicago

The fountain becomes a Christmas tree at Trevi Square.



The Art Institute lions are decked out for the holidays.




Elvis and Anita are coming to town.



Are folks really sitting outside Eleven City Diner at 1112 S. Wabash Ave.?

South Loop knitters meet with Florence Hardy (second from right) at Three Peas Art Lounge.

We're practically Bedford Falls; we have our own Christmas tree lot!

Look at this beauty I walked past in the West Loop! Looks like a 1967 Cadillac Fleetwood to me.

Trader Joe's: The "Traditional Press" Catches up

What we can to look forward to when Trader Joe's comes to town

If you've been reading this blog or following folks on Twitter or Facebook, you know this is old news, but here it is from Crain's.

Trader Joe's plans new grocery store in South Loop Consumer Crain's Chicago Business

Just Another Sunday in the South Loop During Football Season

Flatbed trucks in place on Wabash Ave. by 16th St. ready to tow cars parked illegally

Flatbeds as far as the eye can see, well, at least until 18th St.

Coffee with Alderman Fioretti at Prairie Avenue Gallery

Marcy Baim, owner/operator of the Prairie Avenue Gallery at 1900 S. Prairie Ave. is hosting a coffee for 2nd Ward Alderman Robert Fioretti, Saturday December 4, 2010 at 10 a.m. The event is billed as a "conversation with Alderman Fioretti."

The Keith House is one of the surviving Prairie Ave. mansions and is the home of the Prairie Avenue Gallery.

Alderman Fioretti is running for reelection to represent the 2nd Ward after deciding not to run for mayor of Chicago. To RSVP for this event or for more information, call 312-907-7909.