Chicago tips

Silver Seaford Is Rarefood and drink

Silver Seafood is not the usual Chinese Restaurant.  My husband heard about it from his former Vietnamese barber, Lan who was married in this restaurant a few years ago.  I'm not sure if the stage is used for such a purpose but it surely could be.  It's at 4829 N. Broadway in the midst of a changing Uptown.  You may notice there's a good sized new Borders and the inevitable Starbucks nearby.

It's a truism that if you're in an ethnic restaurant and most of the patrons themselves are ethnic, you've made a "find".  Definitely most of the customers here are Chinese.  Often there are family groups including small well-behaved children at the large round tables celebrating a mutual event.  For this reason it's good to call ahead for a reservation particularly on weekends so you're sure to be seated.

The food:  we've had beautifully presented shrimp with glazed walnuts, whole bass, Peking Duck (here it's carefully wrapped as you watch in thin pancakes with crisp vegetables and there's an additional portion served on the side), amazing fresh huge oysters, snowfish (smelt to us) and delicious peapod greens.  Lots of other authentic dishes to choose from but we've found the best strategy is to discreetly admire neighbors' orders and inquire if they look tempting.  People are very friendly and eager to be helpful .  Generally westerners aren't too adventuresome so you may need to encourage the staff by indicating you want to try one of their own favorite dishes.

There are many kinds of exotic smoothies which are very filling, so be forewarned.  Or, bring a small child yourself and be a hero.  773.784.0668.

Beads Are Backshopping

The Loop isn't exactly a trendy neighborhood but it has secrets that defy time. You can take the subway and save on parking. International Bead at 111 North Wabash, (7th floor) is definitely a city institution. Founded in 1918 by Samuel Klein, it continues under the stewardship of his son, Ron.  Prices are very reasonable, quality is high and the number of choices is mind-boggling.  No "lessons" here; staff will graciously explain techniques and offer helpful suggestions without charge.

Those tiny Czech glass beads are carried in all colors. There are African trade beads and assorted handmade beads along with many kinds you've never seen elsewhere. Also, you'll find varieties of cords, trims, fringes, sequins, tools, books, buttons from the 50s, chains, charms, etc. Fashion students from the School of the Art Institute love this place and have fashioned fur (rabbit) bikinis in such colors as fuschia and lime green for special events.  This is a swell resource for themed parties; there's Egyptian and cowboy paraphenalia, to name a few. "Hot" merchandise now includes crystal iron on transfers made by Swarovski, and anything rhinestone.   Bead restringing is offered ass well. 312.332.0061.

If you time your visit properly for a snack or lunch you can go down to the end of the hall where you'll discover the original Heaven on Seven (7th Floor, as well) restaurant (see July 5 posting).

Fabrics From Near And Farshopping

Just a stone's throw from the Art Institute there's an unusual fabric store, The Chicago Fabric Company at 64 E. Monroe.  The owner, Buddie Miller finds odd lots  of fabric from a variety of sources.  If you are a determined explorer you'll be rewarded with such finds as silks from China, Italy and India, bolts of vintage (ca 1960s) polyester, and genuine batik from Nigeria.  Batik is hand dyed cotton using a resist wax method.  Twelve yards of 45" batik were just $8.98!  Mudcloth from Mali, also hand dyed in a variety of individual designs is a very reasonable $34 for 1 1/2 yards or $68 for 2 1/2 yards. (Buddie and I both guess that his source must pay a bit more for the larger pieces.) In addition there are designer fabrics of all kinds, scads of different trimmings and appliques and some vintage buttons.  Yarns have been added for knitting enthusiasts.  Merchandise changes constantly.  312.726.5688.

Great Coffee In A Tiny Parkparks; food and drink

There’s a small triangular park called Mariano Plaza where you can loiter with a friend, sip coffee of all kinds and enjoy the passing scene. Smoothies, tea, cookies and muffins are also available.  Gloria Jean's, the small chain has iron tables, chairs and umbrellas all set up for you.  It’s at 1031 N. State at Bellevue where State and Rush converge.  You won’t believe how civilized this place is! A friend told me that on a very wintry day she was waiting for a #36 bus adjoining the park when a young man rushed out of Gloria Jean’s to present her with a charming gift, a cup of hot chai!  Hours are 7AM-11PM every day.  This tip courtesy of Barbara Manning.

Gourmet Picnic In Lincoln Parkfood and drink; parks

You can shop for high quality sustainable produce, meat, bread, plants, flowers, etc at Chicago's Green City Market and enjoy a sumptuous picnic at the same time.  Go to Lincoln Park along Clark Street and stop opposite the Ramada Inn which is just south of the intersection where Lincoln Av begins.  Market days are Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7AM to 1:30PM.

Vella Cafe offers terrific panini (those squished down hot and yummy Italian sandwiches) made in its own special press which is brought along to the park by owners Sara Voden and Melissa Yen. The menu changes weekly. Recent choices included purple asparagus, carmelized onion spread and herbed goat cheese or thyme roasted cremini mushrooms with Rothkase gruyere and mustard mayo both on organic bread from Red Hen Bread.  (You simply must try this bread if you haven't already!) Market producers are used by Vella whenever possible, guaranteeing freshness and fine flavor.  I watched as Sara performed a mind reading act on a polite young man of about 6 who  with obvious relief accepted her offer of an off the menu plain grilled cheese.  Frittatas and crepes are also available so you can choose to breakfast or lunch at the well-situated Green City Market tables that give you a choice of sun or shade.

(Vella is the name of Sara's cat, Greek for Sail.)  Catering is also available.  vellacafe.com or 773.732.3045.

If you're in the mood for pizza, try those made by Lisa and Michael Farrell of Hansel and Gretel's Catering.  Their wood-fired oven makes it all possible.

Other snacks available too.  Just look around.

If you're lucky you may run into Judith Schad (woman at right in adjoining photo) of Capriole, Inc.,maker of prize winning goat cheeses. She and her husband Larry moved from Louisville KY to an 80 acre farm in the rolling hills of southern Indiana in 1978, discovering to their astonishment that the same land had belonged to Larry's great-great grandfather in 1870.  They began making cheeses in 1982 and today, after years of very hard work have a herd of 400 dairy goats, enabling them to produce 500-700 pounds of fresh, ripened and aged cheeses every week!  The cheese is sold at many gourmet locations around the country including a limited selection at Whole Foods in Chicago but it's fun to meet Judith herself, a raconteur extraordinaire.  She'll explain the special qualities of each cheese (they make 8 or 10 different varieties), provide tastes, recipes, storage tips, etc.  Access www.capriolegoatcheese.com and click on "order" to buy direct. The cheeses are very special!

Another midsummer purveyor is Traders Point Creamery from Zionsville Indiana.  They just won the American Cheese Institute's first prize as the best yogurt producer in the whole country!  Their delicious whole milk yogurt is also available locally at Whole Foods, Fox and Obel, Goddess and Grocer in Wicker Park and at Stanley's.  You can access their website at www.tpforganics.com

If you can't park on Clark St. (the turnover is pretty rapid), discount parking for $3.00 is available in the lot at the south end of Lincoln Park.

Bike Toursparks; services

See the city on a two-wheeler! For visitors and residents alike, Bobby’s Bike Hike tours are a perfect way to see a lot at a civilized pace. You miss so much when you drive (too fast) or walk (too slow). You join a small fleet of bright blue new Schwinn Cruisers or you may bring your own. Helmets are provided. Day and evening itineraries vary. Tours begin at Chicago’s Historic Water Tower (NW corner of Michigan and Chicago Ave.) and last three hours, including a break for refreshments. Adults $30, students $24, children (under 12) $18. Jeremy Lewno, the owner of Bobby’s often leads the trip, adding a a friendly presence. Group tours also available. For more info call 312.933.2980 or access www.bobbysbikehike.com

Bike rental by the hour is also available from a string of stands at major sites, such as Millenium Park, Navy Pier and Oak St.Beach. www.bikechicago.com

Bike Repairsservices

If your bike needs a miracle take it right here to this genuine Chicago institution. There’s no one better than Joe Hall, owner of Quick Release Bike Shop for repairs of all kinds.  He’s enormously knowledgeable, fair and honest. A kind of old world European atmosphere prevails. Joe has moved a few times in the over thirty years we’ve known him since he must periodically seek refuge from the rising real estate market. He moved a year or so ago to 1527 N. Ashland just south of North Av. Joe is a one man band, doing all the work personally. He carries a wide assortment of parts and accessories, and Brooks saddles from England are stocked. His customers value older bikes; many own two or three, favoring equipment that is 20 to 30 years old and still works perfectly; older French models are easily repaired here. If you’d like, Joe can find you a new bike, recommending those from the Procycle factory in Canada. Because he also takes trade-ins he has a stock of used bikes for sale. Hours: Monday through Friday noon to 7 and Saturday, 11-5. Closed Sunday. 773.871.3110.

At Last. A Reading Lamp! shopping (home)

Have you looked for one lately?  Not the old fashioned kind with the big shade but something sleek and utilitarian.  Believe me, they're almost non-existent in both fancy lighting stores and everywhere else and we know plenty of people besides those in Oprah's club have returned to reading books.  Chiasso, the Chicago based and revamped catalog and online store www.chiasso.com has a terrific looking stainless one called the "tube lamp" in two versions; the floor lamp is $98 and the table model is $78.

Recycle All Those Plastic Bags!services

It's so easy.  Grocery stores particularly seem to deluge their customers with bags.  Both Jewel  and Cub Foods have recycling bins for clean plastic bags located fairly prominently at their entrances and will accept all bags.  No dirty bags or receipts please.  If you're a Dominicks customer, speak to the manager, perhaps they'll get the idea too.

Big Hairservices

Jim Zanzi, a sculpture professor at the School of the Art Institute suggested a while ago that we try Big Hair, a unisex student hangout in Roscoe Village.  Patty, the proprietress who lives in the neighborhood is warm, friendly and easy going.  The kind of person who (really) shovels the walk for an elderly neighbor, though busy with her own two small children and hair salon.

The shop, a throwback to the 60's is cluttered but clean where it counts and the customers are a mixed group; art types predominate but there are parents with children too.  My husband found us a computer guru there.  The composer who used to cut his hair has wandered off but there are plenty of capable others.  A barber named Lan told him about Silver Seafood,  (see August 15) the Chinese restaurant complete with stage where she got married.  Patty herself is a whiz with scissors and specializes in coloring, normal and crazy tones. Call ahead on Fridays which tend to be busy to see if there will be a long wait.  Very reasonable prices. 2012 W. Roscoe. 773.348.0440.  Appointments are available for hair coloring only.