Because every man needs a plan, and some of us need that plan with pretty pictures, we present Where to Take Her: a series that answers a gentleman’s most pressing lifestyle questions and recurs whenever we get around to it. This go-round: where to cool down. Sally forth.
Your Key:
Castaways – North Ave. Beach – Crowded, yes. But nothing a private cabana on the upper deck can’t fix. So gather a few close mates for a perfect view of North Ave. beach. Kick back with some Half Acre brews. And above all else, hit the lake for a swim.
Garden at Celeste – River North – New to River North’s rooftop scene, the garden aerie at Celeste is a Victorian paradise secluded from the street. Reservations highly recommended, as are the frozen drinks. Get the Frozen Phoenician: a pick-me-up of Jameson Black Barrel, cream and Dark Matter iced coffee.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream – Lakeview – Jeni’s does offer sorbets and frozen yogurts, but let’s be real: their ice cream concoctions are stupidly delicious. Amidst the Lakeview shop’s gourmet creams, standbys include a wildflower honey-tinged pistachio and a vanilla made with beans exclusively harvested in Uganda. Two scoops of each, please.
Magritte: The Mystery of the Ordinary – Art Institute of Chicago – Easy way to cool off: the Modern Wing. On display now: the works of surrealist René Magritte. Y’know, big human eye. Locomotive train in the fireplace. Good stuff. Bonus exhibition: Chicagoisms — a survey on the architectural history of Chicago.
Margie’s Candies – Ravenswood – Margie’s is a true mom-and-pop classic. You come here to pay respect. Extra thick malts. Jumbo sundaes served in clam shell dishes. Stuffed animals, which come to think of it, who buys those, anyway? The original Logan locale gets cramped; hit the one on Montrose instead.
Mott Street – Noble Square – From the talented crew behind Ruxbin, this corner spot serves some mean Asian-inspired grub and a few of our favorite summer drinks. Shaved-iced cocktails are the jam, especially if we’re talking braccheto, fernet and mint. Patio is gorgeous and spacious.
Windy City Diving – Burnham Habor – Should both of you sport the credentials, Captain Jim at Windy City Diving can introduce you to Lake Michigan’s shipwrecks. If you don’t dive, learn and get certified. Because this is a side of the lake only a few experience. Sunken ships off the shores of 95th to Evanston. Plus, y’know, she looks good in a wetsuit.
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