John D Ambrogio

From our dear Maija - For me Wrigleyville equaled sports —  but then I actually got to know the neighborhood. We all know the Wrigley Field, home for the Cubs, but I’m happy to say Wrigleyville is so much more than just that.

Only about 15 minute drive north from the Loop and you’ll reach the Wrigleyville’s restaurant repertory that is out of this world. It includes virtually everything from ”the basic international cuisine” such as Italian, Spanish and Thai food (Cozy Noodle & Rice, definitely worth of a try) to more extreme and unusual choices like Ethiopian cuisine. Pretty diverse, right? In addition to the area’s culinary reputation it is also a neighborhood known for its live music (you might want to try Metro on N Clark St). Walking down the streets of Wrigleyville is an excellent place to hear both indie and jazz – and everything in between. Wrigleyville is not too known for its shopportunities but if you’re looking for something to wear at the game (i.e. anything that says Cubs) it’s the top place to shop.

Due to the large variety of Wrigleyville’s activities (theatres, sports, beaches, clubs…), it’s a place favored by young professionals, many of them with families. The residential area in Wrigleyville reminds me quite a bit of its southern neighbor Lakeview’s housing; pretty tree-lined streets filled with cozy townhouses close to parks and a walking distance to beaches.

Wrigleyville has a huge number of clubs and bars (esp. sport ones) which are packed especially if there’s a big game going. Bars around Wrigley Field are a known place to hang out pre- and post games… If you are looking to experience the real Wrigleyville and its festive repute, hit the bar by Wrigley Field (for example The Cubby Bear) on a game night and feel the spirit.

John D Ambrogio

I just had the privilege of attending the media event for Raging Waves water park - Names best of the midwest by Midwest living Magazine.  It opened a few years ago and now boasts 18 water slides, a wave pool, and a very courteous staff!  It’s located in the far western suburb of Yorkville - a good hour plus from the city, but an easy trip from such transferee destinations as Naperville, Aurora and the Fox Valley neighoborhood. 

Finding something special to do with kids, especially during a relocation, is always important.  This is an easy way for the kids to have a fantastic day while the parents relax in a friendly, safe, fantastic environment.  Believe me, I’ve been to a lot of waterparks, and this one is tops.

The top endorsement came from my seven year old - “It’s really cool, thanks Dad.” 

Who could ask for more?

John D Ambrogio

While speaking some time ago at an international real estate conference in Rome, I reminded myself that  I’ve heard Japanese, Italian, French and Spanish right outside my office while doing holiday shopping on Michigan Avenue. 

While Chicago has always been a draw for tourists, Chicago is still a haven for luxury (and luxury bargain) shoppers from around the world. I hosted a couple from our network affiliates in Valencia, Spain not long ago, Inmobiliaria Rimontgo - it’s a great website by the way, especially since they feature a number of U. S. listings in four languages!). Using my best high school Spanish I learned that my new friend Susana was spending about 50% what she would spend in Valencia for the same (mostly European!) luxury items - clothing, leather, watches, etc! Ralph Lauren, Prada et al are doing OK these days; Hey, if it boosts our economy, more power to them! 

Having lived in the Chicagoland area my entire life, and having spent 15 years downtown every day, most of them on Michigan Avenue, it’s amazing the slow but steady increase in foreigners walking up and down the Mag Mile - a 25% increase this year alone, per the Chicago Office of Tourism! We’ve always known that Michigan Avenue, and especially Oak Street, were the luxury capitals of the Midwest.

Check out Macy’s windows this year - They’re great.

John D Ambrogio

The windy city is host to some great real estate and relocation events next week, beginning with the RELOCATION DIRECTORS COUNCIL all day on Wednesday October 7th, and the EMPLOYEE RELOCATION COUNCIL the 7th through the 9th.  I will have the pleasure of moderating a panel on the dos and donts of social netoworking - Look here next week for a full report.  I am eager to represent Baird and Warner real estate at these events.

John D Ambrogio

Text for a taxi?

With deference to The Hollies, next time you’re out enjoying all the fun things that Chicago neighborhoods have to offer, don’t stand on a corner in the cold and rain trying to hail a little yellow car (or God Forbid, wait for a bus) - Let your fingers to the walking, er, texting!  A new service has rolled out in Chicago - TaxiText!  no matter where you are in the city, text 777222 with your address;  a cab will be dispatched.

No cab after a few minutes?  Text your confirmation back and get an immediate status update!  Learn more here!

John D Ambrogio

Being a devotee of Asian food and cooking, I have heard that Chicago’s Argyle Street offers visitors a taste of Vietnam. So, on a rainy Saturday, I donned my Wellies and headed out. Armed with my recipe for Pork Vermicelli Rice Bowls, I thought that I would pick up my supplies at one of the area’s well known Asian food markets.

My first stop was at Patisserie P., where word on the street is that this bakery’s chocolate croissants will give true Parisian cafes a run for their money! I walked in and was immediately greeted by Peter Yeun, the owner who is a world renowned chef trained here in Chicago at the French Pastry School. I decided to try one of the chocolate croissants, and after indulging, I can say that it was the best that I have ever had!

My next stop was to Tai Nam, an Asian grocery directly across the street. There, I scooped up all my ingredients for dinner which included fresh sugarcane and the exotic Gangala root. After a few hours of exploring the market, I was ready for lunch. I wandered down the street peering in the many gift shop windows and along the way,  I came upon “The Roots of Argyle Mural.” A masterful work of art completed in 2006, this mural chronicles the people and industries that have impacted and shaped the community surrounding Argyle. Strolling further, I ended up at Baile, a French influenced Vietnamese sandwich shop where I was introduced to a pork “Po’boy.” The sandwich is a take on the New Orleans favorite but with the additions of pickled carrots and cilantro. As unconventional as it sounds, I gave it a try and it was outstanding!

After my afternoon on Argyle, I came away with a new perspective. I realized that Chicago has even more to offer than I ever expected-you just need to get out there and explore.