If you’ve read my blogs regularly, you know that I have met a lot of celebrities. It has been a hobby of mine for a long time, and I always incorporate it into my work when the opportunity is there.

Over the last couple years, I have started asking more travel-related questions. Not only are the questions relevant to Global Traveler, but I have found that the questions sometimes open the conversations quite well. I think the stars view travel questions as a refreshing change of pace over the usual stuff.

One of the most interesting conversations was with Jon Miller, award-winning announcer for the San Francisco Giants and ESPN. I asked Miller about his favorite city to visit. He gave me a lengthy, thoughtful answer.

Miller loves Bora-Bora, calling it “the most incredible spot ever,” although he doubted there would ever be a baseball club there. I knew the interview was going to be fun at that point.

He then talked about the beauty and culture of Paris. Bringing it to the United States, he cited Seattle (especially in the summer) for the waterfront and Chicago for the shopping, food and theater. Crossing the northern border, Miller raved about Toronto’s transit system and their underrated theater scene. Miller brought us back to the U.S. by talking about San Diego and the wonderful downtown and waterfront area around PetCo Park. I really think Miller could have spent the whole afternoon discussing travel, but his duties called him away.

Miller did not name any specific hotels. Most celebrities don’t, for whatever reasons. Maybe they just don’t want to sound like an endorsement.

Hall of Fame broadcaster (and former ESPN workmate of Miller’s) Peter Gammons was an exception to that general rule. Gammons named San Francisco as his favorite city to visit. Gammons talked about the famous bridge as well as the joy in simply walking around the city. Then he mentioned the Mandarin Oriental as his favorite hotel, citing the elegance, comfort and fabulous views.

Of course, everyone isn’t as willing to discuss travel. Joe Morgan, Hall of Fame player and current broadcaster for ESPN, said he didn’t have a favorite city because he likes them all. That was disappointing. Morgan played in the ’60s through the mid-’80s and in many cities. I am sure he could have added some interesting insight.

I have a lot more stories. Perhaps I will sprinkle them in here if the response is good.

– John Wroblewski, distribution specialist

A while back, I wrote about my niece Sam’s search for the right college. By “right,” I was assuming she meant the right place to go for a winter break. Or the right place to go for great college sports. Or the right place to go for a new destination. I gave her my advice. Iowa, Texas, Wisconsin, Louisville, UCLA, Colorado and Kentucky would have worked, just to name a few.

Last week, she made her decision. She chose Southern Illinois University, home of the Salukis.

I admit SIU would not be my choice . . . I mean for her, of course. However, I know Sam (and her parents) put a lot of thought and research into the decision. I also know that Carbondale is just 342 miles (give or take) away, which translates to a 5.5 hour trip. Not too bad.

I also know that the Salukis have made six NCAA tournament appearances since 2002. Not too bad, either (and better than my DePaul Blue Demons).

I also know that Carbondale is generally several degrees warmer than Chicago. It might not sound like much, but a few degrees is always welcome in the middle of a Chicago winter.

I learned that SIU has a teaching museum (the University Museum) on campus, which houses 60,000 artifacts and hosts traveling shows from artists. SIU also has one of the largest student unions in the country and a huge Student Center, along with a Rec Center and Health Center. There are also a number of popular food franchises on campus, including Chick-fil-A (one of Sam’s favorites).

SIU’s notable alumni include Jim Hart (former star NFL quarterback), Walt Frazier (NBA Hall of Famer), Dennis Franz (actor) and Scott Olofsson (a longtime Global Traveler fan). Unfortunately, Jim Belushi is also an alum, but I digress.

The city of Carbondale also has a lot to offer. The Shawnee National Forest, the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and Giant City State Park are all in the Carbondale area. For the golf enthusiasts (aka our publisher, Fran Gallagher), Golf Digest awarded Hickory Ridge Golf Course a 4-star rating for the past six years.

Reviewing these facts (and Sam’s wishes, of course), I will become a proud supporter (and hopefully occasional visitor) of SIU. Go Salukis!

– John Wroblewski, distribution specialist

In February, the phrase “pitchers and catchers report” signals the start of Spring Training. That’s great news for baseball fans and for hotels in those areas.

According to Jill Skeen, director of sales and marketing at the Hilton Suites Phoenix, “The month of March is historically the busiest month for our hotel, in large part from Spring Training and Spring Fever. Everyone from the cold destinations is looking for an opportunity to warm up after a long winter season.”

Five years ago, I did just that. A few friends and I left the frozen tundra of Chicago and headed for the sunny environs of Mesa to see our beloved Cubs get ready for the season. Of course, five years ago, times were a bit different.

With baseball tickets becoming hot commodities and the economy changing, the demographics of the crowds changed a bit, too. Spring Training isn’t just for the “spring break” crowd.

Top-quality hotels, such as the Hilton, have addressed the situation. Skeen said, “We believe in general that the Spring Training crowd is looking for overall value in a convenient location when they are making their hotel selections. We specifically built our package with this philosophy in mind.” The Hilton package includes an upgrade to a two-room suite, the exclusive Hilton Sunrise breakfast buffet for two each morning and a special “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”-themed welcome basket and complimentary self parking.

I applaud that type of added value, especially considering the shift to a more affluent crowd. I know a couple of people who are headed for Spring Training next week as part of work conferences, and they have both chosen higher quality for their stay, as have their co-workers, because of added-value packages.

As I discussed in last week’s blog, quality is needed in these tough times. There are enough hotels everywhere that I do not have to give a second chance to a bad one. It is important for each hotel to grab the customer and keep the customer.

Considering everything, I wondered how things were this year in the Arizona Spring Training area. Skeen answered that by stating, “We are feeling a significant push in our leisure transient occupancy March 2010 versus March 2009.” Hopefully, the Cubs will also experience that feeling.

– John Wroblewski, distribution specialist

Isn’t it great when you go to a restaurant and everything from beginning to end is great? Last Saturday we had just that experience.

We had been craving goat cheese pizza for a few weeks. I also desperately wanted a good bowl of soup. We knew that Graziano’s would satisfy both needs.

We called on our way there and were put on the wait list. About a minute after we arrived, our “wait” was up and we were seated. Our server was with us quickly, and our big bowls of mushroom soup soon followed. On a damp, cold Chicago evening, few things are as good as a bowl of soup with fresh rolls for dipping.

As we finished our soups, one big goat cheese pizza landed on our table. It also had roasted red peppers (an ingredient added, despite not being on the menu). The pizza was crispy and hot and tasty and just what I needed as a meal for that cold, damp night.

Our server was prompt, attentive and helpful. She was so good we felt compelled to compliment her and the entire experience to Steve Demet, co-owner. Demet was grateful for our words, but not surprised by his server or the meal.

Graziano’s has been one of my favorite places for years (I even reviewed it last year for eFlyer). Places like Graziano’s need to be applauded, especially during these tougher times. They do not scrimp on anything. No corners are cut. The service, the food, the atmosphere and even the prices are as good now as they have been throughout the years.

I believe there is a lot to be said about that idea. If more businesses followed that practice, things would be better. Too many businesses start to cut quality to save costs. This can become a never-ending cycle. Every business needs to watch its costs, but quality must not be taken for granted.

– John Wroblewski, distribution specialist

On Monday, my friend Jim and I had lunch at Paradise Pup in Des Plaines, IL. On one wall was a write-up that Guy Fieri had done for his show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Network. We started to discuss our opinions of Chicago’s best diners, drive-ins and dives. Hey, if Fieri can make a living off of it, I can do a blog on it (and my hair was funky and out of control long before his was).

Superdawg first opened in May of 1948 on the far northwest side of Chicago. It is still there, still a drive-in and still serving hamburgers, hot dogs, shrimp baskets and other such fast food items. They also serve battered and deep-fried mixed vegetables, a rarity for fast food places. The fountain creations such as malts, shakes and blackkows are delicious. Superdawg has been known to cause traffic jams.

Hot Doug’s (the sausage super store and encased meat emporium) is a great dive. Nestled in the gritty northwest side, this simple brick establishment has outstanding and unique sausage dishes. Ribeye steak sausage, blue cheese pork sausage and curry lamb sausage are just a few delights served here. Arrive early and expect a line because the secret is out about Hot Doug’s.

Hienie’s Shrimp House is located on the far southeast side of Chicago. They were one of my childhood favorites and I still make the 30-mile drive for their unbelievable sauce. Their shrimp, chicken and fish are fresh and flavorful, especially when slathered in their original sauce. For an extra treat, get a heaping order of their fresh French fries (also slathered in their sauce).

Another southeast side favorite is the Mexican Inn, home of the tastiest burritos and tacos I have ever found. The Cornejo family opened it in 1961 and still run it. I have been going there almost as long. They are minutes off of the Skyway and from Indiana, but the flavors are pure Mexico.

Hamburger Mary’s is located a couple miles north of Wrigley Field. They have a large selection of appetizers and sandwiches, but their burgers are off the hook (to quote Fieri). The Big Kahuna Hawaiian Burger, served with a slice of grilled pineapple, cheddar and jack cheeses and Mary’s sauce, is my favorite. Of course, I opt for the turkey burger, but chicken breast, black bean burger and buffalo are also available. They offer ever-changing home brews, nightly amusement in “the attic” and relaxation in the “rec room.”

Well folks, that’s it for this edition of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives of Chicago, Johngy style.

– John Wroblewski, distrbution specialist