Loop U

The Chicago Tribune had an interesting article the other day about college students that make up a significant portion of the residents in the Loop.

"A sprawling urban campus has taken hold in the Loop and South Loop, with close to 60,000 students from 20 institutions of higher learning inhabiting a slice of downtown Chicago and making a significant economic impact."

Above is a photo of University Center located at the corner of Congress & State Street. According to it's developer, the building is America’s largest joint residence hall, providing housing for nearly 1,700 students attending Columbia College, DePaul University and Roosevelt University.

Chicago Riverwalk coming along nicely.

The Chicago Tribune reported today on the progress of the river walk: Chicago river walk extension keeps rolling along.

"The latest phase of work to connect existing sections of riverfront pathways is expected to be done in June."

The progress is great news for the neighborhood and our building.

I snapped a couple of photos from my balcony in the west tower:



















This shot is the section from Michigan Ave to Wabash. The area in front of O'Brien's restaurant has been extended further out and extends under the Wabash bridge.



















This photo is the section from Wabash to State St. This construction is not as complete as the previous photo. You can see the earth mover bringing gravel to fill in the area that still has water. The anchored barge and tug boat in the middle and left of the photo make quite a racket when they are running.

Balcony season is just around the corner

I was planning to go to the Chicago Flower & Garden Show to get some inspiration for my balcony garden. I had very good luck with marigolds & morning glories last year, but would like to incorporate more plants. My neighbor successfully grew tomatoes and jalapeno peppers last year. I don’t want to be jealous this year, so I am going to do both the flowers and a number of vegetables.

The Flower & Garden Show runs today through Sunday, March 15 at Navy Pier. Since it is a short cab ride away or a comfortable walk (when not raining), I have no excuse not to visit. Since now through about the first or second week in April starts the Chicago rainy season, it will be therapeutic to get a glimpse of summer in March.

Flower & Garden Show info is:
http://www.chicagoflower.com/

“From the intricately designed lush themed-gardens of the midway, to hands-on demonstrations and in-the-soil workshops, to realistic garden displays that can translate into your own yard or balcony and educate you about sustainable and achievable results, you will find Chicago's first blush with spring to be invigorating”

Dates:
March 7 - 15, 2009

Show Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Tickets:
Weekdays...$12
Weekends...$14
discounts for groups of 15 or more

Navy Pier DISCOUNTED PARKING IS ONLY $14 per vehicle per day!
*Valid from 3/7/09 - 3/15/09 at garages located on-site at Navy Pier or at the Alternate/Overflow garages located at 460 East Illinois or 403 East Grand, located 1 block from Navy Pier. No purchase necessary. May not be combined with any other offer. Subject to availability.

Food

This being my first blog entry for the Joffrey Tower, I wanted to start with my favorite topic. That would be food. I am a frequent patron of Emerald Loop (216 N. Wabash) and Elephant & Castle (185 N. Wabash). I couldn't ask for better bar neighbors. Both have their own twist on bar food and have really established themselves as wonderful neighborhood watering holes.

Emerald Loop is owned by the same group as Mystic Celt and Corcoran's. The food is very good and the service is friendly along with the Irish decorations. The atmosphere is cozy, but does get crowded on Thursday and Friday happy hours. During lunch, the carvery is open with fresh roast beef, corned beef, or turkey sandwiches. Saturday and Sunday mornings offer a great buffet brunch and omelette bar starting at 9am. The outdoor seating during the fare weather days has me planted in a wire mesh seat at least two days a week.

Elephant & Castle is an English pub chain. Standard pub fare along with some wonderful English comfort food rounds out the menu. Many imported English beers are also available. In the winter, the gas fireplace really keeps things warm. The chicken pot pie is really one of the better ones that I have had.