Blago’s house

One of the most colorful Chicago memories of the last year was when reporters ambushed our former governor on the steps of his own house, just as he walked outside for a jog on a frigid winter’s afternoon. Even the image of him in his black running suit began popping up stenciled all over the city. Blago’s home—at 2934 West Sunnyside in the Ravenswood neighborhood—has become a destination spot for both those who want a tangible, realistic image to go with their own personal concepts of Chicago corruption, as well as those who are just looking for a laugh. “Oh! Those are the steps!” A light chuckle. “Wait. Is that really an American flag on his front porch?”

Best of Chicago 2009

Glenn’s Diner

When Guy Fieri, the Food Network host with reviews as bold as his spiky bleached blond hair, pulls his red convertible up to your restaurant, you know you’re doing something right. On his show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” the road taster showcased a Ravenswood seafood diner that carries sixteen different varieties of fresh fish every day. “First Catch” lunch fish specials at Glenn’s Diner have included a half-pound of pan-fried fish, (tilapia, perch, catfish or brook trout), roasted red potatoes, fresh veggies, soup and side salad. The rolled-back price, $13.95, reflects the place’s spirit. “We’re kind of old school,” says owner Glenn Fahlstrom.

1820 West Montrose
(773)506-1720
glennsdiner.com

Best of Chicago 2009

Threadless

Started with just $1,000 by Jake Nickell and Jacob DeHart in 2000, the online t-shirt company known as Threadless has become an overnight phenomenon with a devoted community that allows members to submit creative t-shirt designs that are voted on with cash prizes for winning designs. In recent years, the company has added wall graphics, artist prints and kids apparel, and expanded to its first retail store.

4043 N. Ravenswood
(773)878-3557
threadless.com

Best of Chicago 2008

Stanley Brown Jewelist

Four years after the Cubs won their last World Series—yes, that long ago—a high-quality neighborhood jeweler opened. Stanley Brown Jewelist repairs watches and sells a unique collection of rings, necklaces and brooches. But the cool thing is that they custom-design jewelry, and will take your dream from sketch to cast to finished piece. They’ll also appraise and engrave your pieces. And if you look friendly, the two resident dogs, German Shepherd Nicky and Belgian Malinois Peanut, may stand up and put their paws on the counter to greet you.

4751 N. Lincoln
(773)561-7229
jewelist.com

Best of Chicago 2008

Pannenkoeken Café

Feast on plate-sized Dutch pancakes that resemble crepes. Bacon and havarti cheese, apple cinnamon and hazelnut and chocolate banana are some of the best combinations that Pannenkoeken Café serves. The delicacies are swimmingly good with syrup, and some come with whipped cream too. Folks have discovered the place, so call ahead for weekend reservations for one of the less than a dozen tables.

4757 N. Western
(773)769-8800
pannenkoekencafe.com

Best of Chicago 2008

Lutz Café and Pastry Shop

Enter Lutz Pastry Shop and look left. There, in the first bakery case, is a heavenly display of individual-sized European tortes. The spongy cake layers come in yellow or chocolate, and are enhanced with fresh mousse, fruit slices, whipped cream and/or buttercream frosting. There are delectably delicious tortes of every type: strawberry, chocolate, pineapple, lemon, Grand Marnier, apricot, tiramisu and sacher.

2458 W. Montrose
(773)478-7785
lutzcafe.com

Best of Chicago 2008