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Information on Puppet Bike |
This theater is certainly one-of-a-kind! Artist and inventor Jason Trusty built Puppet Bike, a mobile playhouse on a cargo tricycle, four years ago after seeing a puppet show on the back of a trailer. Although the bright, wooden contraption looks like magic, there’s actually a person inside the box!
Eight puppeteers work with Jason, each performing two to four hours at a time just for tips! The puppet cast of 27 includes “Penguin”, “Alligator” and of course, “Big Lion”--their names are pretty simple! But the showstoppers are the two dancing cats “Chock, the pirate kitty” and, “Kitty Kitty”!
Hundreds of passers-by can catch a puppet bike show set to be-bop or zydeco music daily at any given time all throughout the city. It attracts lots of smiles, the occasional strange look, and believe it or not, even groupies!
For more information:
Puppet Bike
www.puppetbike.com
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Information on Hop Haus |
The beef patty has received a makeover thanks to the folks behind the local Leona’s chain! They recently reconcepted their River North outpost and reopened it as Hop Haus! Burgers, beer and sports are now what this spot is all about! And, it’s open ‘till 4am, so it’s the perfect place for a post-party meal after a long night at one of the many clubs in the area.
The ambience is subtley-sportsy with pictures of athletes lining the walls and sports trivia books every table. When it comes to the entrees you’ll find nothing but half-pound burgers here--21 to be exact! They’re all served with a side of coleslaw and these huge, freshly cut “haus” fries. Prices range from about $9 to $13 bucks and they’re divided into 4 categories: ‘cheesy’, which are topped with a variety of cheeses…‘worldly’, burgers with an international flair…‘pseudo’, or sandwiches...and the most popular--‘wildish’, most of which are wild game!
For more information:
Hop Haus
646 North Franklin Avenue
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 280-8832
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Information on Baseball Memorabilla |
Lou Canellis visits Mastro Auctions the largest sports memorabilia auction house in the country. Mastro conducts six on-line auctions a year with proceeds totaling almost $50-million. The firm has sold such famed items as the “Bartman Ball” and a Honus Wagner baseball card.
For more information:
Mastro Auctions
7900 S. Madison St.
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
(630) 472-1200
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Information on Belmont Barbershop |
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This is not your average grandfather barbershop. Lou checked out the Belmont Barbershop has kept some traditional barbershop motif, but have given new meaning to this dieing craft. You can shoot pool or listen to classic rock while you wait on their leather sofa! No foo foo services here just clean cuts and close shaves!
For more information:
Belmont Barbershop
2328 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60655
( 773) 296-0894
www.belmontbarbershop.com
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Information on Park Murals |
If you are a fan of art, then you need to check out the murals that line the hall in several of the Chicago Park Districts. These murals which were created by emerging local artists during the WPA and New Deal era tell stories of this country's great history. For the past three years, 58 murals have gone through an extensive restoration process and are ready to make their debut. So, if you are looking for a place to take your children that is open to the public, then check out the Chicago Park Districts.
For more information:
Chicago Conservation Center
(312) 944-5401
www.chicagoconservation.com
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Information on Mexican Restaurants |
Janet set out for a fiesta at local Mexican restaurants! Authentic Mexican food is a time a dozen here in the city, but Janet has found a couple that give your taste buds a kick! She heated things up at Sol De Mexico with Chef Carlos Tello and mother-in-law Clementina Flores with ten different kinds of moles, or sauces, and mixes things up with fabulous Margaritas at Que Rico in Wrigleyville.
For more information:
Sol De Mexico
3018 N. Cicero Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 282-4119
Que Rico
2814 N. Southport
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 975-7436
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