If you want a unique, historic, and humorous tour, I’ve got the perfect one to go to this summer! Starting on Tuesday, May 22, at 4:30 p.m. (and every Sunday and Tuesday through October 28), the Second City’s Neighborhood Tour is a clever and amusing walking tour of Chicago’s beautiful Old Town neighborhood. This tour entertains and informs while highlighting the architecture, history and development of Old Town.

The Second City’s Neighborhood Tours

The walking tour begins outside The Second City theater on Wells Street and winds its way through the historic Old Town neighborhood. The tour ends inside The Second City and gives guests a chance to view the lobby photo display documenting over 53 years of comedy at The Second City.

What’s even better is that this tour is suitable for all ages, so the kids can get a laugh out, too!

Tickets are $15 per person and may be purchased directly from the Second City Box Office, by phone at 312-337-3992, or online. Tours can have up to fifteen guests and advanced reservations are recommended.

The tours are offered every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. and last from one-and-a-half to two hours. For more information or to request a special reservation for larger groups, call 312-644-4032.

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So the summit is upon us and Chicago is in a collective frenzy. Looking to check out a neighborhood eatery versus staying downtown? My recommendation, the amazing 90 Miles Cuban Cafe. They have two locations (Roscoe Village and Logan Square) and all the right fixins for a great evening out.

With plenty of outdoor patio seating, it’s the perfect time to go. Weather looks good for the week to come, and eating outside is one of the simple pleasures of life in my book. Their decor is unpretentious, and not overly garish, making the focus of the evening good food, good friends, and good drink.

Speaking of good drink, 90 Miles is a BYOB joint, but they take a creative bent on it. Bring your own rum, and for $10, you can get a pitcher of great mojito mix. If you have a bottle of wine on you, they can magically make it sangria! Both of these options are fun, good for groups, and will most certainly heighten your dining experience.

The food at 90 Miles is authentically Cuban. And boy, do I love Cuban food! Start off with their savory Aji Relleno (pepper stuffed with ground meat) or succulent Maduros (once fried plantains). Both of of these items will activate your salivary glands in a jiffy. Moving on to the main courses, you of course can’t go wrong with Ropa Vieja. This traditional Cuban dish which literally means “old clothes” is shredded beef, onions, and peppers braised in a tangy vinegar sauce. I do love latin seafood as well, and they offer a whole fried snapper that is flavorful and juicy.

For dessert, my favorite may not be the most traditional, but they do have Snickers empanadas. And you know what? They are pretty darn good.

So get out of downtown, bring a bottle of rum, and get the party started at either location. You won’t regret it.

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Trump International Hotel & Tower concierge Gwendolyn Ramsey dishes on her top three things to do in Chicago this weekend! From cultural finds at a truly one-of-a-kind store and where to go for some “open-road” gliding around town to a bountiful brunch, it’s all here.

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Are you planning a trip to Navy Pier this weekend? While there, make sure to strike a pose!

Pose for the Pier

Whether you’re into “planking”, “Lion King-ing” or just want to show off your best “Charlie’s Angels”-inspired pose, just upload your photo to our Facebook page for your chance to win.

Navy Pier and Concierge Preferred have teamed up and will be awarding an iPad to one lucky winner a month now through Sept. 3rd. What are you waiting for? Hit us with your best shot!

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Chicago’s Trump International Hotel and Tower will open its stunning, 16th floor outdoor oasis on Wednesday, May 16 at 2:30 p.m.

The Terrace at Trump showcases unobstructed, picturesque views of the Chicago River and its famed bridges, Wrigley Clock Tower, and Lake Michigan, as well as the summer fireworks displays from Navy Pier.

This season, they will embrace a “So Chic” vibe that will influence everything from the décor and staff uniforms to the food and beverage program, created by Executive Chef Michael Fiddler and Executive Pastry Chef Sarah Kosikowski.

The Terrace’s serene atmosphere will be accented by a contemporary décor scheme that includes up-lighting, fire elements, palm trees (and other lush foliage), with the aroma of fresh herbs, such as lavender.

The Terrace at Trump is open daily from 2:30 to 11:30 p.m., and seating is accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.

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To celebrate its 10 year anniversary – and the “Clean Food” culinary theories of the late Chef Michael Altenberg – Lincoln Square’s Bistro Campagne will offer a various special offerings now through May 31, 2012.

Chef Adam Dittmer will offer guests a “best of” selection of the restaurant’s favorites from the past decade, including:

• A special 10 Year Anniversary Menu

• Two selections from Mas de Gourgonnier and Chapoutier, biodynamic wineries that the restaurant has supported over the past 10 years

• Two featured cocktails from the Bistro’s days of yore

• Specially-priced bottles of Tripel Karmeliet, which was Michael Altenberg’s favorite beer and has been on the menu since they opened in 2002. (Belgian ales, after all, remain the preferred beer choice of the typical French dinner.)

• Five dishes hand-picked by the staff and considered personal favorites such as Frog Legs “Bernard Loiseau” and Lamb Tagine

About Bistro Campagne

Since its inception, Bistro Campagne has been at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement and was a pioneer in Chicago’s culinary scene, having been one of the first restaurants to fully-embrace organic sustainability and healthy eating.

Often described by Altenberg as “Clean Food”, the Bistro works closely with local purveyors to supply its product whenever possible, further establishing their signature rustic French cuisine as one of the most seasonal, fresh and appealing to be found in Chicago.

The 10 year anniversary celebration will run from May 10 -31.

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There’s more to Chicago’s legendary Connie’s Pizza then, well, pizza.

Head to this Bridgeport institution on Thursday, May 24, at 6:30 p.m. and indulge in their special four-course wine dinner. Priced at just $40 per person, guests will enjoy the following offerings, complemented by a hand-picked selection from the restaurant’s extensive wine list:

Blackened Beef Appetizer
Sliced blackened beef served with basil and roasted red pepper aioli in a red wine sauce.
Paired with Badia Coltibuono Chianti, Tuscany

Shrimp Salad
Cucumber, arugula, tomatoes, avocado with white wine jalapeño cilantro vinaigrette.
Paired with Hess Select Chardonnay, Monterey

Tomato Gazpacho Soup
Tomato broth, jicama, celery and cucumbers with spicy lime pizza crisps and a splash of red wine.
Paired with Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon, California

Stuffed Chicken
Provolone cheese, prosciutto and roasted red peppers in a white wine roasted garlic cream sauce.
Paired with Due Torri Pinot Grigio, Veneto

Reservations are required and may be made by visiting Connie’s online or calling 312-326-3443.

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Concierge Correspondent Kaitlyn Lawlor of the Wyndham Chicago brings the heat with this week’s video picks. From comedy the whole family can enjoy and Little Italy dining to a beautiful tour in an unexpected place, it’s all here in this short video clip.

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Smack dab in the middle of Wicker Park is one of the most charming bar/lounge/fancy pants places around. The Violet Hour has phenomenal decor, creative and inspiring drinks, and tantalizing snacks to make for the perfect evening warm up or late night cool down.

Though the wait may be long, it is worth it. For creative cocktails, try the Coffee and Cigarettes. This creative concoction combines rum, lime, brown sugar coffee syrup, and tobacco bitters. I’m also partial to Plumb the Soul, which mixes irish whiskey, lemon, honey syrup, and plum brandy. For a seasonal taste, go with the Spring Negroni. This perfect beverage has Tanqueray gin, Cocchi di Torino, bitters, and orange flower water. Each drink will feel special and unique, and make for an exciting conversation piece.

If you’re drinking, you’ll want to nibble, and Violet Hour won’t disappoint. As a huge fan of onion dip from my youth, I love the carmelized onion and creme fraiche dip with chips. Also go for the salt cod croquettes, pungent and delicate all at once.

Any way you cut it, The Violet Hour will be a delightful diversion. Enjoy!

The Violet Hour is located at 1520 N. Damen just south of North Ave.

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We’re getting a new restaurant in town! The Chicago-based team of Mercadito Hospitality (of Mercadito and Tavernita fame), are set to open a new restaurant in the Gold Coast’s Talbott Hotel this fall.

While Mercadito Hospitality completes remodeling and designing of the new restaurant — as well as deciding the restaurant’s name, chef and menu — the team will convert the existing bar and al fresco patio into PT: A Pop-Up Restaurant in the Talbott Hotel, slated to open this week. PT will showcase creative American cuisine by Chef Patricio Sandoval and a spirited beverage program by Tippling Bros.

PT will remain open through the remodeling process with 50 seats indoors and 100 seats outdoors.

The menu will feature starters, salads, sandwiches, plates and sides, as well as raw bar selections. Nightly specials will also be offered and include:

• Mussel Monday – all you can eat for $14.50 per person
• Torta Tuesday – all you can eat mini tortas for $15.50 per person
• Wing Wednesday – all you can eat wings for $12.50 per person
• Taco Thursday – all you can eat tacos for $18.50 per person
• Fried Friday – all you can eat fried chicken for 16.50 per person
• Shrimp Saturday – all you can eat peel & eat shrimp $19.50 per person
• Sausage Sunday – all you can eat sausages and gourmet hot dogs for $16.50 per person

Reservations will be accepted. For hours and more information on PT, please call 312- 640-8135 or visit www.ptpopup.com.

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