Join Us In Chicago in 2011!
Chicago is a city of unparalleled sophistication, class and style. Fine dining, world-famous museums, legendary entertainment, shopping, and much more saturate the city. ACR’s Annual Meeting Planning Committee Chair, Joel Block, MD, moved back to Chicago for his residency training at the University of Chicago, and has been a Chicagoan ever since. Dr. Block is currently The Willard L.Wood, MD Professor and Director, Section of Rheumatology at Rush University Medical Center. His all encompassing perspective on Chicago as a visitor, resident, professional, and avid Chicago Cubs fan makes him the consummate host for family, friends and colleagues visiting from around the world. He describes Chicago as “a large, cosmopolitan city with abundant cultural, sporting, and recreational attractions.” “We love the Oriental Institute in Hyde Park, where among its large collection from the dawn of civilization, one can see intact bread and seeds excavated from a Pharaoh’s tomb,” shares Dr. Block.
+ For the Avid Sports Fan
- For the Avid Sports Fan
Chicago's great national franchises like the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, White Sox,and most importantly to Dr. Block, "the Cubs, the Cubs, and, of course, the Cubs"make Chicago an exciting destination for sports fans from around the world every season of the year. The White Sox play home games at U.S. Cellular Field a few minutes south of downtown where Chicago'snewest ballpark features an exploding scoreboard, an old-time façade complete with arches, and more than 40,000 unobstructed-view seats. Legions of fans,including Dr. Block "bleed Cubby blue" in honor of their beloved Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, the second oldest ballpark in the majors. The Chicago Bears, winner of Super Bowl XX, grind it out at SoldierField, which is an extraordinary lakefrontarena. Michael Jordan's statue stands majestically at the entrance of the United Center (the largest arena in the U.S.)which is home to the six time world champion Chicago Bulls and the three time Stanley Cup champion, Chicago Blackhawks.
The city's explosive performance art scene delivers audience thrilling theatre, music and dance in historic venues downtown and throughout neighborhoods which is one of the qualities that Dr. Block loves most about his city. He mentions that all Chicagoans have their favorite theatre and confesses that the Court Theatre is the favorite of his family. "Aside from the fabulous museums, there are great galleries, many clustered in the 'River North' district; among the most vibrant local theatre groups anywhere; of course, the Symphony and the Lyric Opera, but look for the smaller groups performing early music and chamber music all the time" says Dr. Block.
+ For Food Lovers
- For Food Lovers
When you’re ready to recharge, the city’s endless assortment of restaurants and nightlife is ready to match every taste, budgetand mood. Dr. Block declares that “among ‘foodies’ Chicago is recognized as one of the premier restaurant cities, and people who love ‘molecular gastronomy’ have loads of world-class options.” But aside from celebrity-chef and ultra-chic restaurants, there is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to approachable cuisine. Chicago has always been a city of ethnic neighborhoods, and thevariety of cuisines is limitless. Dr. Block shares that his family’s “favorite bistro is Yoshi’s on North Halsted Street (can’t miss; everything’s great).”
Whatever you’re in the mood for, there is something in Chicago for you. “For a beautiful and great nouvelle meal, go to North Pond Café in the middle of the park; Greek Town, just west of the Loop is of course filled with great inexpensive Greek restaurants (we tend to go to Greek Isles); Chinatown just west of McCormick Place Convention Center has mainly Cantonese, but more variety lately and good quality,” he adds.
Dr. Block has a recommendation for virtually every kind of cuisine. “For blocks filled with Indian sub-continent (South Indian vegetarian,Punjabi, etc.) go up to Devon Avenue, or just go to Klay Oven near the Merchandise Mart. There is a huge amount of Central European (Polish, Czech, etc.) cuisine on the northwest side and in the western suburbs and the Vietnamese neighborhood just off the Argyle St. L stop has wonderful and very cheap restaurants. The Randolph Street District has popular and fabulous restaurants and is easy to get to from the Loop, as does Bucktown, which is a farther taxi ride.” Dr. Block encourages diners seeking regional Mexican cuisine to check out either, Frontera /Topolobampo or Adobo Grill and two authentic little Mexican restaurants, El Tapatio at Ashland and Roscoe, and Nuevo Leon at 18th street, east of Ashland are Dr. Block’s recommendation for those seeking something off the beatenpath.
Le Coloniel is Dr. Block’s top pick for Vietnamese/French and for the best fancy haute cuisine, Les Nomades is his restaurant of choice. For other culinary suggestions, check out either the Chicago Reader restaurant guide at chicagoreader.com or metromix.com.
+ Taking in the Sites
- Taking in the Sites
Dr. Block reveals some of Chicago’s many hidden gems known only to the locals. Strolling, jogging, or biking along the picturesque lakefront path, which stretches almost the entire length of the city; the Chicago Architecture Foundation boat tours and walking tours; the Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Lincoln Park Zoo (both free); as well as some of the smaller museums, such as the Newberry Library, are all a treat for visitors.
You will see why Chicago is often called a friendly city when you accept its warm invitation to sample such free attractions as Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the last free zoos in the country and home to more than 1,000 mammals, reptiles and birds; or enjoy the peaceful gardens under glass at Garfield Park Conservatory and Lincoln Park Conservatory. Dr. Block also suggests having a drink at the bar on the 96th floor of the Hancock Building instead of paying to go to the observation deck.
Join Dr. Block in Chicago in 2011 for what will sure to be one of the most exciting annual meetings. GO
+ Top Attractions
- Top Attractions
Navy Pier
With more than 50 acres of parks, shops and restaurants
along the lakefront, Navy Pier’s attractions include the IMAX
Theatre, the Ferris Wheel, the Chicago Children’s Museum
and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Visit one of the last free zoos in the country and view the
exciting African Journey exhibit, experience the newly
renovated Farm-in-the-Zoo, or enjoy a magical ride on the
Ameritech Endangered Species Carousel.
Art Institute of Chicago
A cultural gem that boasts one of the nation’s largest
collections of Impressionist works, the Art Institute offers
an extensive permanent collection of paintings, drawings,
photography and textiles as well as rotating special exhibits.
Museum of Science and Industry
More than 800 interactive exhibits are open to touch, create
and explore at this museum for all ages. The Museum of
Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the
Western hemisphere.
The Field Museum
Learn about different worlds, cultures and environments
through the various permanent exhibits found at The Field
Museum. Discover Sue, the largest and most complete T.Rex
ever found or descend into an Egyptian tomb. Be dazzled
by sparkling gems or come close to the man-eating lions of
Tsavo.
Chicago Skydeck
Enjoy breath-taking 360-degree views from North
America’s tallest building in the Willis Tower (formerly the
Sears Tower). At 103 stories high, the Skydeck offers an
unparalleled view of Chicago and four surrounding states.
Chicago Cultural Center
See the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome at this
architectural showplace for the performing, literary and
visual arts. Here you can enjoy a wealth of exciting, free
exhibits.
Chicago Children’s Museum
Hands-on exhibits and new activities daily make every visit
special for kids and adults.
Millennium Park
This new cultural hot spot
features a spectacular elliptical
sculpture by Anish Kapoor,
the beautifully landscaped
Lurie Garden, the Frank Gehry
designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion,
and a digitally - animated water
fountain created by Jaume
Plensa.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Chicago's acclaimed symphony led by Daniel Baremboim performs more than 200 concerts annually from September through June.
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum
The Adler fuels the imagination of its visitors with all-new exhibits and state-of-the-art computer technology in the world's first Star Rider Theater.
The Hancock Observatory The 94th-floor observatory, more than 1,000 feet above Chicago, features an open-air Skywalk, Sky Tours that take you on a personal audio tour of Chicago, and Soundscope 3-D "talking" telescopes.
Museum of Contemporary Art Known as Chicago's largest museum for contemporary art, the museum highlights today's most innovative and exciting artists.
Chicago History Museum
Visit the oldest cultural institution and keeper of Chicago's memories.
Macy's on State Street
Holding both fashion and historical stature, Macy's on State Street is truly one of Chicago's finest icons. As the world's second largest department store, Macy's on State Street houses 800,000 square feet of couture, ready to wear, and home fashions. Designed by architect Daniel Burnham, the State street store opened in 1852 and in 1979 was listed in the National Register of Historic Places for both its beauty and historical significance. Macy's on State is responsible for many Chicago traditions including: the Walnut Room, Frango® Mint Chocolates, and the ever famous annual holiday windows and Great Tree showcase.
For information on free and discounted attractions,visit www.choosechicago.com. GO
