Wroblewski the Writer
When I was the circulation director at a community newspaper in Chicago, I occasionally appeared as a guest columnist. It was a good match, as I am a frustrated writer at heart and the columns were done free of charge (saving our cash-strapped company those precious dollars).
I wrote one column about my search for the best fountain Coke in Chicago (that column still hangs in Rex Italian Foods in Norridge, IL). I followed that with a column on the much-maligned superhero Aquaman. I even got a few responses from readers.
My editor Laurie encouraged and allowed me to cover ‘noteworthy’ subjects. I interviewed Roddy Piper and Lanny Poffo for literacy features. I covered fellow distribution specialist Louie Atsaves’ sister’s enshrinement into the DePaul University Hall of Fame. I wrote about a mentoring program at a local high school. Laurie always pushed me to be better and to write more.
Last summer, GT’s publisher Fran Gallagher gave me the opportunity to write a weekly blog here. My shameless plugging of this blog has become legendary (and most likely annoying), but at least it produces a few responses weekly, which has become a running joke with Fran.
A few weeks ago, GT’s editor-in-chief Lisa Matte asked me if I was interested in writing a piece for the magazine. Of course, there is no way I would pass on that. The fact that it was to be about Chicago made it a no-brainer for me.
I’ll spare you the details of the research and writing process. However, I won’t spare you the shameless plug. The article, Destination One: Chicago, can be found in the May issue starting on page 40. It is a 4.5 page journey through the last 20 years of Chicago, including some insight from Mayor Daley.
It was a lot of fun to write and to be writing again. I hope you read it and enjoy it as well.
-John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
May 14th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Lanny Poffo? Other than writing poems about wrestlers, what does Lanny Poffo have to do with literacy?
May 14th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Small newspapers are a great place to get writing experience. They are all usually cash-strapped. Still, valuable education can be gotten through writing for them, especially if you have a god editor, who is willing to teach and help you.
I look forward to reading your story on Chicago, one of my favorite places to visit.
May 14th, 2008 at 11:51 am
I have read your article. I agree with your selections of Costa’s and LaLuce. They are 2 great Chicago restaurants. Gibson’s is excellent, too, but not quite as unique as the other 2.
You did a good job of covering things to do, considering all of the possibilities there are in Chicago. I might have added the House of Blues or Buddy Guy’s Legends for some great Chicago blues music. Chicago is underrated for music and those 2 places are great. Of course, there are also a bunch of lesser known great music spots, like the Vic.
May 14th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
I also read the article. Although you did not mention the hotel where I work, I cannot argue with your 3 choices. You can’t go wrong with any of about 10 hotels in Chicago. So many are first class.
Thank you for continuing to drop off copies here. Our guests love them.
May 14th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
I will be in Chicago for a week in June and I will try the three restaurants you listed. I am always looking for insider tips on good local restaurants. I also plan on going to Navy Pier. I have heard so much about it. It looks like I will have trouble deciding which activity to choose there.
May 14th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I went to school at DePaul and I took full advantage of my time in Chicago. The museums, the restaurants, the sports and the clubs provided an endless supply of entertainment. Now whenever I am back there on business, I try to find new restaurants or clubs to try. I am almost never disappointed. I look forward to reading what you picked for Chicago.
May 14th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Ed Debevic’s, Uno, Ditka’s, Sushi Samba and Trattoria #10 would be some of my favorite Chicago restaurants, although I cannot argue with your 3 choices. There are so many fine places to eat in Chicago.
I like wandering around downtown and finding new places, whenever I am in town.
May 14th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Will GT ever produce a restaurant guide? The GT writing staff does a great job with choosing restaurants (thankfully not just propping advertisers) and I would love to see a full-blown guide or section on this topic.
May 14th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Rex’s in Norridge is a fantastic place. The staff there is so friendly. The portions are big and flavorful. It has a real old world Italian atmosphere. It is so much better than those franchise Italian wanna-be places.
May 14th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
You are correct about the aesthetic changes in Chicago. I have seen the gradual changes over the years as my company sends me there quarterly. The downtown area (south and west especially) are really much nicer than 20 years ago, even 10 years ago.
May 14th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
How is Aquaman maligned? He is the weakest of all Super Heroes.
May 14th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
I love the Hotel Amalfi. It is perfectly located in the heart of everything. I recommend it to all of my firends and associates. It seems to be a well-kept secret.
On the topic of maligned Super Heroes…BatGirl comes to my mind. They make her almost an accessory for Batman. She’d kick Robin’s butt in a heartbeat.
May 14th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
I know I’m a little bias being your sister, but I have always enjoyed reading your articles and this one in GT is just as interesting as the rest. I am waiting for an invite to one of those restaurants mentioned in the column.
May 14th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Nice article. I agree Daley has done a lot to improve the beauty of the city. I hate the Bean, though I do like the rest of the improvements at Millennium Park. The downtown area is no longer simply a business district. It is actually a destination point for a lot of different activities.
I like all 3 hotels you listed. I also liked the Hotel Allegro on Randolph. It has a great bar and funky decor.
May 14th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
The James Hotel on Ontario Street right off of Michigan Avenue gets my vote. Great location. Great staff. Great restaurant.
I am glad you went out on a limb a bit with your restaurant choices. Most places list Uno, Debevics and Harry Caray’s. LaLuce is great!
May 14th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Lanny Poffo wrote a book full of anti-smoking poems. His heart is in the right place. I think he needs a better PR person. A quick Chicago tie-in-Poffo is actually from Downers Grove, just SW of Chicago.
Piper? Now that guy is a loon. He is hilarious.
I like Gibson’s, but the crowd is a turnoff. I don’t like being that close to so many people.
May 14th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
I didn’t realize their was a best fountain Coke. Aren’t they all the same?
I do agree that Aquaman is maligned. He is an afterthought in the world of Super Heroes. Where is the Aquaman movie? Even Thor is supposed to get one.
Oh wait, this was supposed to be about your Chicago article. I haven’t seen it, but from the looks of the responses, it should be pretty good reading.
May 14th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
I picked up a copy of GT at Gibson’s and then I read your review of Gibson’s. I agree with your view of it. I haven’t tried LaLuce or Costa’s, but next time in town I will.
I am staying at the Fairmont and it is quite a nice place. Of course, like a previous responder stated, there are a lot of great hotels in the area.
May 14th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
I like the Hilton on South Michigan. It is less hectic there in general and the hotel is beautiful and the staff is extremely polite. It is a very quick cab ride or better yet, a refreshing walk from the busier parts of the loop area.
As for dining and bars, I like the Taylor Street stretch or Little Italy.
May 15th, 2008 at 6:01 am
I like to stay in Rosemont when in Chicago for business. Shoeless Joe’s, Harry Caray’s and especially Rosewood are excellent choices for dining.
Wow I haven’t heard about good old Leaping Lanny in many years. Wasn’t he Randy Savage’s brother?
May 15th, 2008 at 8:08 am
I always stay at the Intercontinental while in Chicago. The hotel is beautiful and located just north of the river. The bar is great and the staff is helpful. Chicago is my favorite business destination. For dinner, I’ll take Gibson’s every time. I don’t care much for Chicago pizza, so I stick with steakhouses mostly. I will try that Sushi place next time.
May 15th, 2008 at 9:42 am
I always head to Greektown and Costa’s is a great place. Great to see that you did not pick the usual spots, like Debevics.
For hotels, I like the W.
May 15th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Thanks for all of the fine responses.
Jack #1-Leaping Lanny is Randy Savage’s brother and they are both Angelo Poffo’s sons.
Rick-Lanny is very involved in literacy in the school systems, as is Roddy.
Dougie-Don’t get me started on Aqu Man. Let it go. (Thank you Tammy!)
Christy-Yes, Chicago blues is an institution here, but there is only so much one can squeeze into a day.
Everyone-Great hotel and dining suggestions. You can’t go wrong with any of them. Great discussion. Keep it going (I think it drives Fran crazy.)
May 15th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Great topic. I like the older hotels on north Michigan Avenue. I also want to try the new Avenue hotel, formerly the Radisson on Huron.
As for eats, you can’t make a bad choice out of anything already mentioned. I might add Leona’s on the north side. If you happen to be far south, try Heinie’s for great chicken and shrimp, especially barbecued.
May 15th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
The carriage rides in the Mag Mile area are fantastic, although not so much on business trips, unless my wife is with me. Are there any good B&B’s in the Chicago downtown area? I really like the Sheraton Hotel. Great location and many choices for dining. The view of Lake Michigan is incredible.
May 15th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
While in Chicago, pizza is a must. Uno, Duo, Malnati’s or all of them! I am still looking for a great breakfast place. I used to like going to the Berghoff, but that has changed.
I like any of the hotels with a view of the lake. I never have time on the trips to actually go to the lake, so at least I like to see it.
May 16th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
I love visiting Chicago on “business”, because the big company picks up the tab.
May 17th, 2008 at 11:15 am
What? No credit where credit is due?
Check out John’s first “guest” blog here on Aug. 7, 2007, and his two reviews in the Aug. 7 2007 and Aug. 21 2007 editions of eFlyer (eflyer.globaltravelerusa.com).
May 18th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Please pardon my oversight. Credit is due to Mary for giving me my first guest blog and my two reviews. Obviously Mary recognized my massive ego or my incredible hunger to write. Either way, she started my GT writing “career”. So if you are sick of me by now, blame her, but I want to openly thank her for giving me a chance.