Ethnic Specialty Stores in Chicago

Throughout the Chicago metropolitan region there are enclaves of different ethnicities with retail stores catering to a group's food traditions and fashion preferences. Where once the enclaves were located primarily within Chicago city limits, they can now be found throughout the suburbs.

The storefront pictured here with signs in Spanish and clothing with a Mexican flavor is located in Aurora, Illinois, a suburb 30 miles due west from downtown Chicago.

No need to purchase a plane ticket to have that cross-cultural experience. Pop into an ethnic market and puzzle over labels on cans and dream up a dinner unique enough for Anthony Bourdain to enjoy. Wander down Devon Avenue and touch the silk saris in riotous colors, or sample Kosher baked goods and Pakistani delicacies.

Bon voyage!

PhotoShelter Widget

Thought I'd give the new widget offered by PhotoShelter Collection a trial run. I wanted to place the widget on the sidebar, but only the left half of the photos will show in the display.

Think it's a great concept, but will it make the cash register ring?

Chicago's Hidden Treasures

Hidden between Chicago's Millennium Park and Lake Shore Drive lies a Cancer Survivors Garden with wonderful flowers, benches and an ornate metal open-air structure.

One late summer day I stumbled upon this quiet place of respite and wondered how it had escaped my notice for so long.

For a moment of quiet amid beauty in the midst of big city hustle and bustle, walk due north from Buckingham Fountain through Grant Park or head across the BP Bridge from the Bean sculpture.

Who are the Flowers For?

While waiting for the traffic signal to change on Michigan Avenue, I noticed this young man with the bouquet of flowers staring resolutely ahead and wanted to capture the moment.

I wondered who the flowers were for, what was the occasion and why was he looking so serious? Was he going to pop the question to his girlfriend? Make up after a fight?

Hope it turned out well for him...

Sears Tower through a Fisheye

Finding a new angle or perspective for a frequently photographed landmark building can be challenging. The Sears Tower in Chicago is one such edifice.

One day while out shooting on the west side of the Loop, I pulled my fisheye lens out of the proverbial bag and saw the Sears Tower and surrounding buildings in a new light. Now it appeared that the surrounding skyscrapers were bowing to the mighty giant and the hubbub of Wacker and Jackson Streets could be included.

Photo editors aren't often fond of fisheye lens photos because of the distortion, but the unique perspective can help in recharging the creative batteries - one of my resolutions for 2008.

Magic comes to Chicago each winter in the form of the animated displays in the State Street retail store windows. Children and adults pass from window to window to view an unfolding story whose theme changes from year to year.

For 2007 the theme of "The Nutcracker" is displayed in nine windows of Macy's State Street store in celebration of the Joffrey Ballet's 20th anniversary production. Fortunately Macy's is keeping alive this Marshall Fields tradition ensuring fond memories for another generation of children.

Be sure to bundle up!

Getting Away from it All

Chicago's lakefront sets it apart from so many other large cities in the world and gives it an openness and sense of spaciousness. Time spent gazing at the quasi ocean expanse of Lake Michigan proves relaxing, and a perch on the concrete wall north of the city provides a great view of the downtown melange of skyscrapers and Oak Street Beach.

Head south from the North Avenue Beach along the lakefront path to find your get-away spot.