Whats in a Neighborhood?

Andersonville, Edgewater, Lakeview, Rogers Park, Albany Park, Wicker Park. The list goes on and on in the City of Chicago. Carved out of the 77 wards in Chicago, the 228 defined neighborhoods might as well be their own village or town, their name alone sounds like it. I often will be talking to a friend and mention I'm in oh say Andersonville, and they think I went out of town for the weekend.

Truth be told, the history of Chicago's neighborhoods has a lot to do with segregation. Chicago was a melting pot of settlers during the great immigration in the early 20th Century. So little settlements within the city were built, catering to the ethnicity of that particular area. To this day we have Chinatown, Little Italy, Ukrainian Village, Little Vietnam, etc. The neighborhood mix may be different today but the neighborhood seems to be keeping their heritage in the forefront.

I bring this up today as I sit in the Starbucks in Andersonville. I have been spending a lot of time in this commercial district lately because it has great restaurants and shops and is near my house, within walking distance at least. Originally a Swedish settlement on Chicago's far north side, Andersonville is this great collection of locally owned restaurants and shops that while some would say is trendy, I feel is more genuine than some of the other "trendy" neighborhoods in the city. There is still a presence of Andersonville's history. The American Swedish Museum has a big location along Clark Street, with their water tower painted as the Swedish Flag. There is a Swedish deli and variety of restaurants that serve the ever popular winter beverage Glogg, a hot mulled wine that I find repulsive but Chicagoans love because it warms and intoxicates at the same time, a much needed feeling during the bitter cold winters here.

And so my neighborhood exploration of Chicago begins in familiar territory. Andersonville is a must stop for those coming to the City that want to see true Chicago. Favorite restaurants include Tapas Las Ramblas, Hama Matsu, Ann Sathers (for their famous delicious, insulin-required cinnamon rolls), Reza's for their authentic presentation of Mediterranean food and the Hopleaf with their vast selection and knowledge of Belgium beer and delicious Belgium food.

There is something for everyone in Andersonville, and on a sunny mild May Sunday it's a good day to explore Clark Street and all that it has to offer.

With you,

C