The Real Chicago

Top Menu

  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

Main Menu

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Sign in / Join

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login
  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

logo

Header Banner

The Real Chicago

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
  • Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

  • New on the scene: Recapping recent restaurant and bar openings in Chicago

  • The Big City Blog: A Chicago summer bucket list

  • Outdoor drinking: A guide to some of our favorite beer gardens and rooftops in Chicago

  • A day at the museum: Exploring the iconic Field Museum in Chicago

Chicago Insider
Home›featured-blogs›Chicago Insider›The Chicago Insider: Luis Torres

The Chicago Insider: Luis Torres

By TheRealChicagoOnline
January 16, 2012
522
0
Share:

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

Ever wish you had an active local’s advice on how to enjoy the city? We have too, so here are some answers

Luis Torres
Concierge at The W Lakeshore

How long you’ve lived here: All of my life. I have friends in all parts of Chicago so I know my way around pretty good.

What you like best about Chicago: The people. I’ve been told by so many out-of-towners that we have the friendliest people. But the main thing about this city is that there is ALWAYS something to do. There are wine tastings, music fests, endless shopping, Broadway shows, not to mention the four major sports teams. So many great restaurants, and one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in the world. It doesn’t matter the time of season, Chicago has so much to offer all year round, so if you’re visiting and you’re bored, it’s not our fault.

Best meal you’ve had recently: At GT Fish & Oyster, the duck & shrimp wonton and the hamachi sashimi were amazing. They also have a great wine selection, all in a modern setting. It’s no wonder why they are always busy. Great food, great service, great ambiance.

Favorite big-name restaurant: When you want great food and impeccable service, look no further than Le Colonial. I’m always impressed with the cuisine, which is so flavorful and fresh. They are attentive to your every need, which makes the entire dining experience truly special.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: I feel like home every time I step foot inside La Scarola. No fancy tablecloths, no chandeliers, just some of the best Italian food I’ve ever had. It’s small, fast-paced and always busy. Armando, one of the owners, has been in the industry for close to 30 years. He is very welcoming and has a great sense of humor. The cuisine is very authentic and straight to the point, but they also can make adjustments to satisfy your needs.

Best sports bar to catch the game: It’s a tie for this one. District and Joe’s on Weed Street. District is one of the newest gastro pubs in downtown. Its plush like feel is a sports lover’s dream. One of my favorite things about District is the hidden private event room that is opened by removing a certain book off their bookshelf, which opens the secret door. Joe’s is one of the most spacious sports bars in Chicago. They also host live music acts and comedy shows. Great food and drink specials too.

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

A great night out with friends usually includes… hopping from place to place enjoying drinks and some of our favorite bartenders. Whether you go to a club, lounge, bar, restaurant, you’re almost certain to run into old friends and make new ones as well.

Favorite store or best shopping area: Bucktown/Wicker Park has a variety of independently-owned stores with things you might not find anywhere else. It’s a local area that is growing by the day and has gained popularity with tourists as well as locals. Some of my favorite stores include Goorin, Future Garb, Akira for Men, St. Alfred and Aldo.

The best way to spend a winter Saturday in the city: Taking a stroll through the Lincoln Park Zoo during “Zoo Lights,” where they decorate the zoo in lights and bright displays. The ice carving demonstrations are pretty unique. You can bring the whole family, as they extend their hours and it’s a great way to celebrate the holiday season.

One thing every visitor must do here: Go to a sporting event. Whether it’s a Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs or White Sox game, Chicago has die-hard sports fans. We support all our teams and show a true dedication to them and our city. It’s a true sports town, and when we celebrate, we celebrate big.

While in Chicago, don’t bother… with the Taste of Chicago. It’s hot and too crowded. I’d rather go to the “Tastes” of local neighborhoods. The Taste of River North and the Taste of Lincoln Avenue are two of my favorites.

Secret Chicago spot: 90 Miles Cuban Café has some of the best Cuban sandwiches and Cuban coffee in town. Latin-influenced and family-owned, 90 Miles serves up a true essence of Cuban culture and cuisine.

Underrated activity in the city: Movies in the Park.

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

Tags90 Miles Cuban CafeAkiraAldoBearsBucktownBullsChicagoCubsDistrict ChicagoFuture GarbGoorinGT Fish & OysterJoe's on WeedLa ScarolaLe ColonialLincoln ParkLuiz TorresMovies in the ParkSt. Alfred ChicagoTaste of ChicagoTaste of LincolnW Chicago LakeshoreWhite SoxWicker Park
Previous Article

The Chicago Insider: Hilary Ward

Next Article

My Chicago: What is something you actually ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • The Local Corner

    The Local Corner: Exploring the Clark & Diversey intersection in Lincoln Park

    May 23, 2013
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • The Local Corner

    The Local Corner: Exploring the Lincoln & Wilson intersection in Lincoln Square

    April 10, 2013
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Chicago’s best burgers: Everyone loves a good burger. Here are some of the city’s top options

    June 7, 2011
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Shop Around the Corner

    Shop Around the Corner: The Colette Collection brings “on-trend” boutique styles to Lakeview

    February 2, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Chicago Insider

    Chicago Insider: Jill Franczyk on five courses at Sepia, a love of Rick Bayless and the best live music venues

    December 28, 2014
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • General Features

    Vintage movement: A bevy of unique, quality thrift stores dominate the landscape in Wicker Park

    April 2, 2018
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Summer’s in season: A Chicago guide to outdoor drinking

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Chicago’s best burgers: Everyone loves a good burger. Here are some of the city’s top options

  • Around TownGeneral FeaturesOther Recent Articles

    Outdoor drinking: A guide to some of our favorite beer gardens and rooftops in Chicago

  • LATEST REVIEWS

  • TOP REVIEWS

Timeline

  • November 11, 2021

    Inside Scoop: Massive FoBAB beer festival returns to Chicago this weekend, Nov. 12-13

  • July 31, 2019

    Chicago Insider Etienne Padin on obscure museums, shopping in Andersonville and dining at Maple & Ash

  • July 30, 2019

    First Look review: CMX CineBistro provides a fun, fresh take on the luxury dine-in theater experience

  • July 28, 2019

    Finger lickin’ good: Six trusted Chicago spots for a stellar barbecue experience

  • July 25, 2019

    The Big City Blog: Four Friday Night Flights beer tastings remain this summer, including July 26 in Ravenswood

Latest Comments

  • The 14 Best Fireplaces in Chicago | UrbanMatter
    on
    October 11, 2017
    […] Photo Credit: The Real Chicago […]

    Cozy on up: We asked active Chicagoans for their favorite spots to warm up in the ...

  • Why You Should Visit a Museum | FreeForAll.org
    on
    January 16, 2017
    […] Photo Credit: Therealchicago   […]

    It’s cold out there: A few spots to warm up this winter

  • Why You Should Visit a Museum – FreeForAll.org
    on
    October 23, 2016
    […] Photo Credit: Therealchicago   […]

    It’s cold out there: A few spots to warm up this winter

  • The Real Chicago – The Big City Blog: A very Chicago night on the town
    on
    May 31, 2016
    […] up was The Redhead Piano Bar for drinks and live music. I’ve said it before ...

    Friendly, unfussy, and serious about music: Hanging with Marshall Nelson from the Redhead Piano Bar

  • Scouting Logan Square: A Renewed Historical Neighborhood - The Annex, a blog by Casamatic
    on
    March 10, 2016
    […] (cover photo via The Real Chicago) […]

    The rise of Logan Square: Why this diverse area has quickly become one of Chicago’s hottest ...

Find us on Facebook

Originally launched in 2006, The Real Chicago — as a glossy entertainment magazine, website and email newsletter — has consistently provided the very best insider information, features and reviews to help both tourists and active locals get the most out of exploring the greatest city on Earth.
  • Latest Posts

  • Inside Scoop: Massive FoBAB beer festival returns to Chicago this weekend, Nov. 12-13

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    November 11, 2021
  • Chicago Insider Etienne Padin on obscure museums, shopping in Andersonville and dining at Maple & ...

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    July 31, 2019
  • First Look review: CMX CineBistro provides a fun, fresh take on the luxury dine-in theater ...

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    July 30, 2019

Photostream

    Follow us

    © Copyright The Real Chicago. All rights reserved.