Thursday, October 25, 2007

At Last My Love, At Last

I went to Chicago. It was beautiful. The weather was warm, but not hot, clear, and gorgeous.

I had two goals:
1) Take public transportation
2) Eat at Ken's

Sadly, I accomplished neither of those things. I was on a business trip, so I either walked or took cabs (but one of my co-workers, who lived in Chi-town gave me the grand tour from the cab), and I ate a lot of salad, but no Ken's. Stupid co-workers who eat stupid treif.

At any rate, I did walk around a lot. I had a drink at the top of the Hancock building (95th floor) and saw all of Chicago laid out for me in lights. I drank some local beer (and non-local tequila) and heard a great deal about aforementioned co-worker's love life. I also spent a lot of time in hotels, in meetings, and in a business suit (which makes me look like an old lady). This, however, was not Chicago's fault.

I called CJ from my hotel room to let him know that I loved the city. His response: "That's nice. You can love it from New York." LAME.

Don't worry though, I am still gathering a group of friends who will all move to Chicago together in a few years. I actually have 10 people who've committed. We'll see how well it works out, seeing as I can't even get anyone to move to the East side.

Oh well. I can dream.

9 comments:

Jack Steiner said...

Chicagoans will tell you that New York is overrated.

But they still pale compared to the mighty Queen of the Angels.

If you'll excuse me I have to finish getting ready to go to the beach.

Ritmo Re-Animated said...

I know someone myself who'd like to lead a (minor) mass movement of friends to Chicago - not that there aren't already a bunch of us there.

I think it's great. Not too shallow like the West Coast, nor full of people who take themselves way too seriously, like on the East Coast. Just right. Great, down-to-earth, intelligent and practical people, a good sense of design, and a greater appreciation for truly decent and appetizing cuisine of every variety than you'll find in any other major city, especially if you prefer to regularly afford such a thing.

The temperature thing is over-hyped. What really did it for me was how often it gets overcast. Otherwise I might have stayed.

Ritmo Re-Animated said...

And oh, yes. Ken's Diner must truly be experienced to be believed. Too bad you missed out. ;-(

Annie said...

Jack-- I've never been to the West Coast, so I can't speak for it, but I kind of like fall.

MUL- Overcast doesn't bother me so much. We'll see what happens, but I really want to go to Ken's. Desperately.

Anonymous said...

Hmmm, I've been here five years and have never heard of Ken's Diner. Must get out from under my rock.

I was at a Vegas wedding this weekend and everyone EVERYONE was talking about moving to Chicago. And one of my colleagues started a migration of folks from Alabama recently.

Chicago is a fantastic city and I love it here. Anything I can do to be on your Chicago Committee, just let me know!

Tamar said...

You can count me as one of those moving to CHicago in five years people. But by five years, I might mean one.

Wolkin said...

As an ex-employee of Ken's, I'll happily tell you that the place is run by scumbags. The only thing kosher about it is 'technically' the food. It's certainly not conducted with any kind of Jewish values.

Anonymous said...

Tamar- ABSOLUTELY. We can totally be friends in Chicago.

Wolkin- Sadly, that is the case with many kosher establishments. I personally cannot wait for the tzedek heksher.

Anonymous said...

If the suit is black you won't look old. Any other color, and you will. A scarf in the neck, and a thin heel, and you will be fine. If you still look old after all that, work on your hair color.