Tag Archives: old town

Customized, Italian Luxury at Dash’s of Old Town

dashs

Striving for the best quality and tip-top craftsmanship of fine menswear, Dash’s been serving their loyal customers at Old Town for over 30 years.

Equipped with a highly knowledgeable, client-first approach to satisfy customers, Dash’s associates provides not only collections from Italian manufacturers, but also fashion strategies to maximize the wearability of your purchases.

Finding accessories to compliment the pieces your wardrobe is easy breezy here at Dash’s. With over 150 ties in store, Dash’s offers a wide array of unique shades and patterns. For a more luxurious look, try Dash’s handmade ties from Italy or the hand stitched and pressed seven-fold ties.

Shhh… for a more personalized experience, schedule an appointment ahead of time at Dash’s website. Visit the website at dashsofoldtown.com.

Sara Jane’s No Plain Jane

Goodbye to Plain Jane. Sayonara, Farewell, Au revoir! Now say hello to Sara Jane.

It was the fall of 2002 when Sara Jane opened a store bearing her own name in hopes of providing a true boutique experience amongst the slew of chains just blocks nearby on the Magnificent Mile. Nestled in perhaps Chicago’s most charming neighborhood, Old Town, Sara Jane has made her humble splash on the scene. Although a regular in Lucky Magazine and Chicago Magazine, ask your average Chicagoan and they probably have never heard of the place.

But local fashionistas and Old Towners know to turn to Sara Jane for unique finds on adorable dresses, cocktail wear, jeans and accessories. The quick turnover allows for more variety and the small space often times conjures up new friendships and gab sessions (lucky thing there are plenty of pubs and bistros nearby!) A visit when “Sara Jane” herself (a.k.a. Sara Plocker) is there will only prove this neighborhood-gal-pal feel all the more.

Second City is First for Improv

Picture 4Chicago’s Second City alumni list reads like a who’s who of today’s Hollywood comedic hard-hitters: Bill Murray, Jim Belushi, Stephen Colbert, Jeff Garlin, Mike Meyers, Bonnie Hunt, Chris Farley, Tina Fey and oh-so-many more are among those to have once graced the stage (and still do on special occasions). That said, who knows who tomorrow’s stars are, but you’re sure to find at least one of them on the stage at Second City at any given time. This is after all, the best improv-based comedy school and theater in the world.

Always pushing the envelope with witty humor that plays on everything from American politics to the flu, the Second City packs in audiences every day of the week, so buying tickets in advance is always recommended. On top of the stand up gigs, shows with a modern twist, a la Taming of the Flu, are performed on the main stage. Aside from the main stage, shows take place at the Skybox Theater and Chicago E.T.C.

For those who don’t want to stop the experience as a spectator only, classes are available. Who knows, maybe the next star is you?

Seasonal Affective Disorder? Laugh it Off at Zanies

If you think the Second City is the only place to have a good laugh in Old Town, think again. Just a block down from the famous Second City is Zanies Comedy Club where you can find the best stand-up the city has to offer. Comedians from places like Comedy Central, HBO (regular appearances by Jeff Green and Suzie Essman), late night shows and Picture 5of course, hot, new local talent perform on Zanie’s famously small stage. Recently, Zanies partnered with TBS for “A Very Funny Festival,” hosting shows with stars from TBS.

The intimate surroundings of Zanies make for heartier laughs. Here you are likely to get called upon by the comedians and after the two drinks you’re required to consume, you probably won’t care. To be fair, avoiding the two-drink purchase may be done with canned goods donations.

With a calendar full of shows, finding fun themes is oh-so-simple like “Ladies Night,” “Rising Star Challenge,” and “Best of Chicago.”

Insider Tip: Buy tickets to big shows in advance (online) as the big names do sell out and long lines form at the club, even on weeknights.

La Belle Vie at Bistrot Margot

Strolling down Wells Street in Chicago’s Old Town, you’ll pass dozens of charming restaurants emitting delicious smells, but only one will stick out as appearing classic French: C’est Bistrot Margot! Its charming outdoor seating is filled with happy diners being served by attentive black aproned waiters below a classic red and black striped awning.

Inside this family-run restaurant, even more charming decor awaits. So French, so cozy, so magnifique! Any day of the week the slew of regular diners and newcomers alike take advantage of the items du jour from the rotating menu. Of course, a good ol’ Steak Frites is a top pick and rightfully so, but the options of fish, duck and chicken are equally as perfect.

Forget not when at Bistrot Margot that it is a French restaurant and therefore, you’ll want to eat by courses. So don’t overdo it on the first appetizer of tarte au brie, moules or risotto du jour (a must!), because you need to eat every last course, including the cheese! That said: ordering wine is also a must, it helps cut through the rich and decadent food. Bon appetit!