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Livin’ La Vida Local: It’s Time to Dine Outside

Posted on by HabitatCSN

Best Local Al Fresco Dining in Chicago and the Suburbs

Courtesy of rentauskas.com

Courtesy of rentauskas.com

Beautiful weather has finally hit Chicago and the suburbs! Nobody’s complaining — sunny afternoons and warm evenings call for al fresco dining. Try these Best Local spots near our corporate apartments to wine and dine among the elements.

Courtesy of Piccolo Sogno

Courtesy of Piccolo Sogno

The Best Local River North restaurant Piccolo Sogno (464 N. Halsted St.) was voted the best al fresco restaurant by the Chicago Reader’s 2012 poll. Grab upscale, seasonal Italian fare with wine from a list of more than 400, a 9-minute walk from Kingsbury Plaza in River North!

Courtesy of Paris Club

Courtesy of Paris Club

Grab a cocktail on the rooftop of Best Local River North spot Paris Club (59 W. Hubbard St.). Oh, the fresh seafood and modern French cuisine pair well with their buzzworthy drinks. This upscale hotspot is a 3-minute walk from 400 N. LaSalle in River North!

Courtesy of Flight 112

Courtesy of Flight 112

Hear live music every Friday on the patio beer garden at Best Local Elmhurst spot Flight 112 Wine House (112 W. Park Ave.). Voted the best nightlife spot in Elmhurst by Yelp, Flight 112 is known for its craft beers and wine selection. The chocolate paired red wine is a must-try, an 8-minute drive from Elm Creek Apartments in Elmhurst!

Courtesy of Meson Sabika

Courtesy of Meson Sabika

Best Local Naperville restaurant Meson Sabika (1025 Aurora Ave.) is a stunning revamped mansion with a breath-taking patio. Order tapas and sangria for the perfect evening meal outdoors, a 10-minute drive from Lincoln at the Parks in Naperville!

Livin’ La Vida Local: Where to Watch the Bulls

Posted on by HabitatCSN

Bring On the Heat at These Best Local Spots in Chicago and the Chicago Suburbs

Courtesy of Local 10

Courtesy of Local 10

Things are getting hot around here. The NBA Playoffs are the buzzing as the Chicago Bulls take on the Miami Heat. Join Chicago sports lovers in cheering on Da Bulls at Best Local spots in Chicago and the suburbs near our corporate housing locations.

Courtesy of Bull & Bear

Courtesy of Bull & Bear

How appropriate that this Best Local Chicago spot shares the home team’s name. Check out Bull & Bear (413 N. Wells St.) in River North for Playoff action (the Bulls mascot, Benny the Bull, and some Luvabulls dancers did recently). Yelpers love its cocktails and beers, but the Kobe sliders and truffle mac and cheese are not to be missed. Enjoy a trendy vibe without missing a beat of the game with its state-of-the-art surround sound and flat screen TVs. Just a 2-minute walk from 400 N. LaSalle in River North!

Courtesy of Stonewood Ale House

Courtesy of Stonewood Ale House

The food at Best Local Schaumburg spot Stonewood Ale House (601 Mall Drive) makes this bar a suburban stand-out. Start off with nachos, order a juicy burger and end with banana pudding. Or just kick back with a beer from its great selection and watch the Bulls face the Heat on one of Stonewood’s numerous TVs. Just a 5-minute drive from Park Meadows in Schaumburg!

Courtesy of Foursquare

Courtesy of Foursquare

There are tons of big-screens for Bulls action at Lombard Best Local restaurant Roundhead’s Pizza (275 W. Roosevelt Rd.). The pizza is a slam-dunk, and the nightly beer and cocktail specials are an added bonus. Not a pizza lover? This Best Local place has pot roast waffle fry nachos that won’t disappoint. Just a 6-minute drive from City View at the Highlands in Lombard!

Livin’ La Vida Local: Cinco de Mayo

Posted on by HabitatCSN

Best Local Spots in Chicago and the Suburbs with Festive Fun

Courtesy of CSA

Courtesy of CSA

The beginning of May means a few things: Blooming flowers, patio dining and Cinco de Mayo. These Best Local picks in Chicago and its suburbs near our corporate apartment locations will surely deliver Mexican holiday mayhem. ¡Andale!

Courtesy of Ay Chiwowa

Courtesy of Ay Chiwowa

Why limit the holiday to one day? Try Cinco Days de Cinco at Best Local River North hotspot Ay Chiwowa (311 W Chicago Ave.). From May 1-5, this trendy Mexican joint will offer samples of 80+ tequilas, kegged margaritas, DJs, a mariachi band and more. An 11-minute walk from Kingsbury Plaza in River North!

Courtesy of Tokio Pub

Courtesy of Tokio Pub

Celebrate suburbs-style at Tokio Pub’s (1900 E Higgins Rd.) Cinco de Mayo Party in Schaumburg. This event will offer $1 Japanese/Asian tacos from 11:30am-9pm on May 4. An 8-minute drive from Park Meadows in Schaumburg!

Courtesy of Central Standard

Courtesy of Central Standard

Start Cinco de Mayo with an 11am brunch at Central Standard (169 W Kinzie S.) in River North. The Sunday specials at this Best Local spot include ceviche tostadas, mango-habanero guacamole and $8 Texas Palomas. An 8-minute walk from Kingsbury Plaza in River North!

Courtesy of Porkchop

Courtesy of Porkchop

Best Local Porkchop (941 W Randolph St.) in the West Loop has a huge whisky and porkchop selection, late-night bar and 50-seat patio. At 11am on May 5, get all this plus $5 tequila and beer, and $7 starter tacos. A 13-minute walk from Presidential Towers in the West Loop!

Courtesy of Sur La Table

Courtesy of Sur La Table

Get cooking at Date Night: Cinco de Mayo at Sur La Table (55 S Main St.) in Naperville. From 3:30-5:30pm on May 5, learn to whip up simple Mexican dishes with fresh fruits and veggies. Just an 8-minute drive from Lincoln at the Parks in Naperville!

Livin’ La Vida Local: Best Local Brunch Spots

Posted on by HabitatCSN

Start Your Day Off Right with a Chicago-Style Brunch

Courtesy of Daily Candy

Courtesy of Daily Candy

It’s warming up in Chicago and the suburbs, and people are heading outside a little earlier in the day to enjoy the weather. Is there anything better than brunch during Chicago springtime? Try some of these Best Local restaurants near our corporate apartment locations to get a taste of how Chicagoland does brunch.

Courtesy of Illinois Pancakes Blogspot

Courtesy of Illinois Pancakes Blogspot

Get an exciting version of a brunch staple at Pancake Café in Naperville (1292 Rickert Dr. #168). Customers at this family-owned, 19-year-old Best Local spot love the apple, pumpkin and buckwheat pancakes, and the sweet, fruity crepes. Pair your generously portioned meal with strong coffee, and don’t miss the bacon either. It’s a 15-minute drive from Lincoln at the Parks and Iroquois Club in Naperville!

Courtesy of Le Peep Cafe

Courtesy of Le Peep Cafe

Le Peep Café (10 E Northwest Hwy) is the Best Local brunch pick of Mt. Prospect. This local favorite has healthy brunch options, including gluten-free dishes and always-fresh juices. Sweet tooth? You must try Le Peep’s pancakes, cinnamon rolls or French toast. It’s only an 8-minute drive from River 595 Apartments in Des Plaines!

Courtesy of the Residences Chicago

Courtesy of the Residences Chicago

Grab a fancy Gold Coast brunch at Table Fifty-Two (52 W Elm St.). This Southern-inspired Best Local spot has Chef Art Smith at the helm—previously Oprah’s personal chef. Chef Smith’s specialties include fried chicken and waffles, quiche and crab cake benedict. Don’t skip on the mimosas, chaitini or other breakfast cocktails! Take the Grand red line el stop from 400 N. LaSalle in River North to Clark & Division—just a 12-minute ride!

Livin’ La Vida Local: Earth Day 2013

Posted on by HabitatCSN

Celebrate Mother Nature This Saturday in Chicago and the Suburbs

happy earth

Everything you love comes from the Earth. Show some love back. This Monday, April 22 is Earth Day, and Chicago and the suburbs are providing plenty of green events for you to give back to Mother Nature. Step outside your Chicagoland corporate apartment and notice Earth’s beauties.

Courtesy of Fox Valley Homes Online

Courtesy of Fox Valley Homes Online

Give locally cherished Naperville Riverwalk (500 W Jackson Ave) some attention this Saturday morning. Join volunteers for the Riverwalk Spruce-Up Day in downtown Naperville, and get busy picking up trash, weeding and sprucing up this riverside stretch. It’s a 10-minute drive from Iroquois Club and Lincoln at the Parks in Naperville!

Courtesy of Flickriver

Courtesy of Flickriver

Join the Naperville Garden Club at Cantigny Park (1S151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton) for the Wings & Wildflowers Workshop Saturday morning. The morning will begin with discussions and tours involving birds and landscapes. The head of Cantigny’s birding program and an ecological restoration expert will be part of this free educational tour. Plus, you can learn to create your own sustainable backyard. Just a 12-minute drive from  Iroquois Club and Lincoln at the Parks in Naperville! 

Courtesy of Examiner

Courtesy of Examiner

The popular Spring Flower Show at the Best Local Lincoln Park Conservatory (2391 N Stockton Dr.) is back through May 12! Browse the annual showcase of beautiful spring blooms, plus variations of exotic azaleas. The interior of the conservatory is fragrant and breathtaking, but take note of the venue’s gorgeous architecture too. Admission to this expansive greenhouse is free, just a 2-minute walk from The Belden Stratford in Lincoln Park!

Livin’ La Vida Local: Best Local J. Parker Rooftop Bar in Lincoln Park

Posted on by HabitatCSN

HCSN Sales Manager Maureen Callan Guest Blogs About a Best Local Rooftop Bar

Courtesy of Eater Chicago

Courtesy of Eater Chicago

I recently took a trip to the J. Parker rooftop bar (1816 N. Clark St.) on top of the Lincoln Hotel in Chicago‘s Lincoln Park neighborhood. This Best Local spot, perched 13 stories above the ground, is a beautiful, small and cozy indoor bar with all-glass windows overlooking Lincoln Park Zoo and Lake Michigan. My experience at this upscale Best Local bar was great, but I can’t wait to visit during the summer—the outdoor seating against the Chicago skyline would be perfect on a warm night! And the J. Parker has a summer program that features drinks from different Latin countries.

Courtesy of Eater Chicago

Courtesy of Eater Chicago

This spot is great for delicious cocktails like their signature “Wise Fool” and “French Maid,” but it also has a very interesting menu for high-end dining too. My party tried the deconstructed deviled eggs, and the hamburger—super yummy! Each of the dishes from award-winning chef Paul Virant is served with an amazing presentation.

Photo by Eric Kleinberg

Photo by Eric Kleinberg

You can take a 12-minute walk from your Belden Stratford corporate suite to get to this sophisticated Lincoln Park lounge. If you’re staying at a Habitat Corporate Suites apartment in River North, the J. Parker rooftop bar is only about a 20-minute public transit ride away!

Courtesy of Eater Chicago

Courtesy of Eater Chicago

Livin’ La Vida Local: Celebrate National B.L.T. Month

Posted on by HabitatCSN

Enjoy the Beloved Sandwich at Best Local Spots in Chicago and the Suburbs

Courtesy of Contingencies Blog

Courtesy of Contingencies Blog

Who doesn’t love a great B.L.T.? A lot of people do, and that’s why there’s a whole month dedicated to this delicious bacon, lettuce and tomato concoction. Visit these Best Local spots near our corporate apartment locations in Chicago and the suburbs to sink your teeth into a tasty B.L.T.

Courtesy of Katie's Kitchen

Courtesy of Katie’s Kitchen

The suburbs have plenty of great sandwich options. Try Katie’s Kitchen (623 N. Wolf Rd.) in Des Plaines, a classic diner boasting a B.L.T. with very thick bacon. You’ll enjoy this staple menu item in a true suburban Best Local setting—Yelpers love the great service, cozy ambiance and well-cooked, fresh meals. It’s just a 6-minute drive from River 595 Apartments in Des Plaines.

Courtesy of NAHA

Courtesy of NAHA

A B.L.T. isn’t just diner fare. At Michelin-starred NAHA (500 N. Clark St.), you can get a fancier take on this classic dish in a loungey setting. This Mediterranean-influenced B.L.T. is made with lacquered, slow-roasted bacon, watercress and cured tomatoes, and chick pea fried potatoes. This Best Local spot in River North is only a 10-minute walk from Kingsbury Plaza!

Courtesy of Frankie's Deli

Courtesy of Frankie’s Deli

The family-owned Frankie’s Deli (4 Convenience Center) in Yorktown Center in Lombard is a long-time Best Local favorite with an array of Italian sandwiches and subs. The B.L.T. with mayo is just one of many—try the roasted pork, capicola, pastrami and more on some of the freshest bread around. This hidden gem of the suburbs is just a 10-minute drive from City View at the Highlands in Lombard.

Livin’ La Vida Local: Staying at Lincoln at the Parks in Naperville

Posted on by HabitatCSN

Where to Go Around Your Naperville Corporate Apartment

lincolnparx

Not all the magic of the Chicago area is contained in the city: the Chicago suburbs have plenty of treasures of their own. If you’re staying at Lincoln at the Parks or the Iroquois Club in Naperville, your corporate apartment is surrounded by amazing Best Local spots waiting to be discovered by you. So, what’s the hold-up? Step outside your comfy suite and into the superb, suburban Naperville.

Courtesy of Anderson's Bookshop

Courtesy of Anderson’s Bookshop

Get lost inside Best Local favorite Anderson’s Bookshop (123 W. Jefferson Ave.) in Naperville. This family-owned business has been a Naperville gem since its 1875 inception. The store, which offers book clubs, fairs, signings and more, is owned by the great-great grandchildren of the store’s founder. You can even pick up titles by local authors. It’s just an 8-minute drive from Lincoln at the Parks.

Courtesy of Naper Nuts & Sweets

Courtesy of Naper Nuts & Sweets

Treat your need for a sweet treat at Naper Nuts & Sweets (10 W. Jefferson Ave.). This Best Local spot is another long-time, family-owned biz. Here, you can pick up popcorn, fudge, gummies, chocolate, nuts and more. Try the store’s specialty, the Cock Robin English Toffee, made by a local Naperville family. This sweets shop is nearby Anderson’s, just a 7-minute drive from your Lincoln at the Parks suite.

Courtesy of Bella Caley

Courtesy of Bella Caley

Take a few steps from Naper Nuts & Sweets, and stroll into Bella Caley (20 W. Jefferson Ave.) to do some shopping. This locally owned Best Local shop is barely a year old, but it offers plenty of trendy treasures for sophisticated shoppers. Get the latest fashions, from stylish casual wear to formal ensembles. Beyond clothing, you can find great accessories and home décor items at Bella Caley too.

Courtesy of Crosstown Pub & Grill

Courtesy of Crosstown Pub & Grill

End a long day of strolling the streets of Naperville at Crosstown Pub (909 E Ogden Ave.). The food here isn’t just standard bar grub—the wings at this Best Local bar and grill were featured on the Travel Channel as well as Chicago’s Best. Unlike most standard pubs, Crosstown offers healthy and creative menu items (try the pumpkin spice rum wings!), craft beers and wine. It’s the perfect spot to kick back and wind down, just a 7-minute drive from Lincoln at the Parks.

Livin’ La Vida Local: Best Local Spot Vino Cellar in Lombard

Posted on by HabitatCSN

HCSN Sales Manager Maureen Callan Guest Blogs About Her Favorite New Best Local Spot

Courtesy of The Daily Herald

Courtesy of The Daily Herald

Vino Cellar (141 W. St. Charles Rd.) is a new wine bar and wine shop in suburban downtown Lombard. I recently visited this three-month-old spot to hopefully enjoy a relaxing evening with some friends. After such a positive first experience, I would definitely go back.

The husband/wife owners, Cesar and Courtney Pena, are not only very welcoming and friendly, but also very well-versed in wine. Vino Cellar has a unique variety of wines, and they sell it by the bottle for reasonable prices too.

Courtesy of Dave Sobotka

Courtesy of Dave Sobotka

My group tried a Zinfandel and Syrah. Yummy! We also enjoyed chocolates and nuts paired with the wines. The modern and cozy décor make this Best Local spot perfect for a girl’s night, date night or even watching sports. You can kick back at a table, at the bar or in the lounge area with sofas—perfect for the live music Vino Cellar offers on weekends.

Courtesy of Yelp

Courtesy of Yelp

Vino Cellar doesn’t serve food, but there are great Best Local Lombard restaurants nearby to stave off hunger before an evening of discovering new wines with friends. Across the street is Bricks Wood Fired Pizza (130 W. St. Charles Rd.), serving an array of specialty pizzas fresh out of its wood-fire oven. Just a two-minute walk away is Praga Restaurant (229 W. St. Charles Rd.), a more upscale French/European spot with a romantic ambiance.

Courtesy of Bricks Wood Fired Pizza

Courtesy of Bricks Wood Fired Pizza

Stop by Vino Cellar on a Wednesday for Ladies Night and enjoy $5 glass pours and $4 beers, or stop by anytime for the $5 wine tastings. This new Best Local Lombard restaurant is only an 11-minute drive from City View at the Highlands in Lombard and a 15-minute drive from Elm Creek Apartments in Elmhurst. Come see why this wine and beer lounge has 4 out of 5 stars on Yelp!

Livin’ La Vida Local: St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

Posted on by HabitatCSN

It’s Easy Being Green on March 17th

Courtesy of stpattysday2013.com

Courtesy of stpattysday2013.com

No matter what you do to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, it definitely at least means one thing city-wide: a good time. Sip some brews in an Irish pub near your corporate apartment, get out on the sidewalk to enjoy the parades or just get a corned beef sandwich on rye delivered to your temporary suite. It’s easy to be Irish on March 17th in Chicago and the suburbs, and it’s even easier to have a great and green good time.

Get family-friendly fun at the holiday’s downtown staple event on Saturday, March 16 at noon at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The free, three-hour march kicks off at Balbo and Columbus, just after the traditional dyeing green of the Chicago River. There will be plenty of floats, food and fun, but get there early the stake out a good spot. Just a 12-minute walk from Columbus Plaza in Streeterville! Bonus: Staying in the suburbs? The Metra will have extra service on Saturday to accommodate those in the ‘burbs itching to be a part of the excitement.

 Courtesy of Continuum Photography

Courtesy of Continuum Photography

Don’t feel like stepping too far outside your suburban corporate apartment for a green parade? Try the Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade starting at Naperville North High School (899 Mill St.). The parade starts at 10am this Saturday, March 16 and is free admission. Help charity while you’re at it; attendees are encouraged to donate non-perishables to benefit Loaves & Fishes Community Food Pantry. It’s just a 10-minute drive from Lincoln at the Parks in Naperville!

Couresy of Naperville Magazine

Couresy of Naperville Magazine

For a low-key toast to St. Paddy, head to Fado Irish Pub (100 W. Grand Ave.). The doors to this hole-in-the-wall Best Local Irish pub open at 10am just for those eager St. Patrick’s Day revelers. Sip on a handful of local brews and more amid this cozy, friendly setting, just a 4-minute walk from 400 N. LaSalle in River North!

Courtesy of makingchicagohome.com

Courtesy of makingchicagohome.com

Have an authentic Irish evening in Elmhurst this weekend. On Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17, Elmhurst Public House (683 W. St. Charles Rd.) will offer live Irish music along with its regular pub grub and beer selection. Try its staple “Pub Burger” about a 10-minute drive from Elm Creek Apartments.

Courtesy of Elmhurst Public House

Courtesy of Elmhurst Public House

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