“Twisted Melodies,” written by Kelvin Roston Jr., is directed by Ron OJ Parson and associate director Alexis J. Roston. The one-man show, which recounts one day in Hathaway’s life, is superbly acted by Roston, who has previously performed this acclaimed show in the Chicago area.
The production does an excellent job at presenting the life of Hathaway, who was tormented by emotional and mental illness, in a compassionate way on stage.
Hathaway’s struggles with paranoid schizophrenia interfered with his work as a musician and his ability to live everyday life but “Twisted Melodies” shows that his music was a place he could retreat into to find a little peace.
Roston’s acting abilities are strong as he displays the torment Hathaway goes through. Roston’s singing voice is excellent as well. Hathaway, who hailed from Chicago died in 1979 after jumping from his room at the Essex House Hotel in New York City.
The show not only features some of Hathaway’s compositions but also talks about his relationship/partnership with singer Roberta Flack.
Announcing the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award nominees, as well as the Impact, Lifetime Achievement, and Humanitarian of the Year Award honorees, for the James Beard Awards®presented by Capital One. Winners will be revealed at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Eliesa Johnson Photography / JBF
Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, the James Beard Awards® is upholding its role as the nation’s foremost culinary honors by evolving its awards structure. The 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards is introducing three new categories: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.As an extension of the James Beard Foundation’s impact work and advocacy policy priorities, we are also proud to inaugurate the Impact Awards, which recognize individuals and/or organizations advancing standards for a more equitable, sustainable, and economically viable restaurant industry and food system. Impact Award honorees will be acknowledged at a ceremony in Chicago on Sunday, June 15, as well as on stage at the Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 16, along with the Lifetime Achievement and Humanitarian of the Year Award honorees.
Tickets for the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards in Chicago can be purchased here beginning at 3 P.M. ET on Wednesday, April 2. The Awards will be broadcast live on Eater. We encourage you to learn more about the James Beard Awards® categories, policies, and procedures here.
Check out the nominees and honorees below!
Christina Nguyen, Hai Hai, Minneapolis, MN. Galdones-Photography.
The 2024 Humanitarian of the Year Award honoree is Chad Houser, founder and CEO of Café Momentum, a Dallas-based nonprofit restaurant with multiple locations nationwide dedicated to equipping justice-involved teens aged 15-19 with skills, education, and employment opportunities in the culinary industry.
Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary season. The Andrew Lloyd Webber hit musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” opened this monumental season and the show continues through March 30.
Courtesy of the Marriott Theatre.
The storyline in “Joseph” relays the biblical story of the young dreamer who is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Joseph is his father’s favorite son and his brothers constantly have it in for him. But by the end of the production the tables are turned with the brothers begging to be forgiven by Joseph. The message in this musical not only revolves around dreams but themes of courage, loyalty and forgiveness.
The strong cast of this production of “Joseph” moves this charming musical along at a swiftly moving pace. The production is a winner with engaging musical numbers and much humor. Songs such as “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door” are highlighted.
Photo courtesy of the Marriott Theatre.
In addition to the show, Marriott Theatre has debuted themed meals for each of the shows this season. The meals will be featured in the property’s Three Embers Restaurant. Currently, the eatery is known as Joseph’s Dream Grill, featuring items such as Nile Red Lentil Soup, Joseph’s Beef Schwarma and Pharoah’s Memphis Style BBQ Pizza. For more information on the restaurant, call 847-634-0100.
FYI: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” continues to March 30 at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
Travel/Food is pleased to welcome guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez who will be contributing frequently to our site. Eloise is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
By Eloise Marie Valadez
One of the world’s esteemed film festivals is currently celebrating a monumental anniversary, The Chicago International Film Festival, marking 60 years in The Windy City, continues to Oct. 27.
The fest, which is the longest-running competitive film festival in North America, features an array of eclectic films spanning various genres.
“Our 60th Festival represents a transformational year, an opportunity for renewal and growth into the next six decades. Just like our viewers and our filmmakers, the Festival itself keeps evolving, with our eyes and our ears forever open to pressing stories of today and new images of our collective tomorrow,” said festival artistic director Mimi Plauche and managing director Vivian Teng, in a statement.
Photo courtesy of the Chicago International Film Festival.
Attendees of the 2024 rendition of the festival will see everything from comedic and dramatic presentations to hard-hitting documentaries, animated contributions and engaging shorts.
On the agenda this year are 122 feature films, 71 shorts, four World Premieres, 19 North American Premieres and 16 U.S. Premieres. Films starring in the fest include international works from more than 60 countries.
Among highlights this year is the closing event featuring the screening of “Here” at The Music Box Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 27. The original film, directed by Robert Zemeckis, stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright in a story with family themes at its core. The closing night program also includes A Tribute to Robert Zemeckis and the presentation of The Founder’s Legacy Award to the director.
Other films on the fest agenda include “Happy Holidays,” “Slice of Life: The American Dream,” “A Photographic Memory,” “Pavements,” “Flow,” “Ghost Trail,” “The Light of Truth: Richard Hunt’s Monument to Ida B. Wells” and others.
Photo courtesy of the Chicago International Film Festival.
Film festival screenings will take place at AMC Newcity 14, Music Box Theatre, Hamilton Park Cultural Center, Gene Siskel Film Center, Chicago History Museum and Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts at The University of Chicago.
Following a banner summer for Chicago’s tourism, hospitality, and events community, the city was honored to be voted the “Best Big City in the U.S.” by Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Award 2024 for a historic eighth consecutive year!
Anchored by the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and other major conventions, as well as events like Lollapalooza and the NASCAR street race, visitors to Chicago filled up a total of 3.4 million hotel room nights over the summer months (June, July, and August 2024) and drove all-time records in summer hotel revenue ($942 million USD). Summer season also welcomed over 671,000 international visitors to Chicago. Looking ahead, Chicago is gearing up for a busy end of 2024, with major events like the launch of Theatre Season, Christkindlmarket, the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, and more set to attract visitors from near and far. Visit ChooseChicago.com for more information and travel inspiration.
Recent Accolades:
Chicago was honored to be voted the “Best Big City in the U.S.” by Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Award 2024 for a historic eighth consecutive year. (Over 575,000 discerning and well-traveled readers participated in this prestigious survey!)
To read more about Chicago in the news, click here.
Winter/Holiday Hotel Offerings:
Beginning November 23, 2024, the Twelve Ways of Festive returns to Four Seasons Hotel Chicago with themed activations and delightful surprises to capture the whimsy of the holiday season. Over six weeks, guests can expect merry moments from tasty chef-created treats and a speakeasy to family-oriented crafts and cookie decorating in the vibrant social spaces.
NoMI at Park Hyatt Chicago will host multiple events throughout the holiday season.
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Viewing Party (November 23, 2024) – Experience the 33rd Annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival like never before at NoMI. Enjoy lavish food stations, festive activities for the kids, and unlimited trips to the hot chocolate buffet. As the parade begins, enjoy front-row, standing-room views of the Lights Festival parade from our prime vantage point.
NoMI Lounge’s Hot Chocolate Experience (November 23, 2024 – January 1, 2025) – Launching just in time for the Lights Festival, pour yourself a cup of rich Valrhona hot chocolate, then indulge in a buffet of housemade toppings from NoMI’s pastry team. For a grown-up twist, choose from a selection of spirits to “spike” your creation.
Thanksgiving Feast (November 28, 2024) – Join us for a memorable Thanksgiving with a modern twist on traditional flavors. Executive Chef Terence Zubieta will present a 4-course prix-fixe menu featuring truffle-sage brined turkey with herb and brown butter cornbread stuffing, citrus-spiced cranberry sauce, and pommes purée. Indulge in NoMI’s decadent dessert buffet, including our signature salted caramel apple tarts, while enjoying stunning views of the Magnificent Mile from our floor-to-ceiling windows.
Cookies & Wishes: A Santa Workshop (December 7, 2024) – Join us for a magical, one-day-only holiday celebration at NoMI Lounge, where festive fun comes to life for the whole family. Take photos with Santa, decorate cookies, craft letters to Santa, and enjoy endless hot chocolate. To our adult guests, feel free to create letters to take home to your friends and family instead!
Christmas Eve Dinner and Christmas Day Brunch (December 24-25, 2024) – Celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day overlooking the twinkling lights of Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile. Enjoy a 4-course prix fixe menu curated by Executive Chef Terence Zubieta, starting with hearty appetizers like pomme dauphines with truffle crème, followed by entrées like Chilean sea bass with littleneck clams, king oyster mushroom, and a creamy white wine and passionfruit broth. Conclude your festive evening with a luxe dessert buffet featuring holiday favorites like bûche de noël.
New Year’s Eve Soirée (December 31, 2024) – Slip into your finest cocktail attire and join us for Park Hyatt Chicago’s Annual New Year’s Eve Soirée – a night of pure opulence at NoMI Kitchen! Start your evening with an exquisite dinner and raw bar, before dancing the night away to live music and a champagne toast at midnight.
Thanksgiving Parade View Room Package: Staypineapple Chicago is offering guests the chance to experience the magic of the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade like never before with its exclusive room package that includes a spectacular view of the parade right from their windows as it winds through the city. Guests who stay at this historic gem housed in a National Historic Landmark building from 1895 and book this package will receive complimentary gourmet popcorn and delicious hot chocolate to enjoy while watching the parade overhead from the comfort of their room. This unique experience combining history, charm, and holiday joy will create a Thanksgiving to remember for guests who choose Staypineapple Chicago for their festive winter getaway.
Theater Season Prix Fixe Menu: Atwood, a premier dining establishment located in Staypineapple Chicago, is offering a special prix fixe menu to celebrate the vibrant theater season inspired by the rich artistic heritage of the city. Just steps away from renowned venues like the Chicago Theatre, Goodman Theatre, and Cadillac Palace Theatre, Atwood invites patrons to indulge in a curated selection of dishes that pay homage to the flavors of Chicago. This exclusive menu features seasonal ingredients to create unique course options such as roasted bone marrow with apple butter mostarda, shrimp in brown butter caper sauce, and pumpkin risotto with pepitas, providing the perfect pre-theater dining experience that sets the stage for an unforgettable evening in the city.
Enjoy the holiday magic of Chicago’s Gold Coast with the Winter Wonderland Suite package at One MICHELIN Key hotel Viceroy Chicago. The festive offer includes accommodations in a one bedroom lakeview suite decorated for the holidays, curated amenities, a hot chocolate kit, cookie plate, holiday ornaments and mugs, plus a holiday coloring book and cookie decorating kit for children. This offer is valid on stays from December 1-25, 2024.
Food and Libations:
James Beard award-winning Chef Johnny Clark will open Anelya in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood on October 24. The restaurant is the most personal project Clark has launched, with the name and background of the restaurant derived from his grandmother, Anelya, and it serves as her 100th birthday gift. A major focus on the culinary program from Clark will be fermentation and seasonal preservations. Chef Clark’s main menu will feature creative takes on staple dishes like Varenyky, which are similar to pierogis or ravioli, with fillings like pumpkin and farmers cheese, or even seasonal fruits like cherries as a sweet and savory application. Anelya will also offer modern takes on dishes like Holubtsi, or stuffed cabbage with sturgeon and buckwheat with caviar and sherry cream sauce. (Neighborhood: Avondale)
The Chicago City Council has approved a lease agreement to bring the flavors of a popular South Side eatery to O’Hare’s expanded and renovated Terminal 5. Bronzeville Bites will feature a signature bar with small plates modeled after Bronzeville Winery in the namesake neighborhood.
Cantina Rosa, a Mexican bar concept from Chef Erick Williams and Jesus Garcia, will open this fall. The menu will feature an expansive Mezcal and tequila program, Mexican-inspired bar bites, and a chic atmosphere with installations from local artists, spacious tables, and cozy seating. (Neighborhood: Hyde Park)
Cebu Chicago is a modern Filipino restaurant that aims to not only highlight Filipino cuisine in Chicago, but also represents Filipino culture in the USA. As a family-owned business, its mission is to showcase the richness of Filipino culinary traditions and create a welcoming environment for people to enjoy the experience. Part cafe and diner, guests will find ube waffles topped with fried chicken and a breakfast sandwich with a purple bun, hash brown medallion, and a chorizo patty. (Neighborhood: Lakeview)
The Dip Inn is an American cocktail bar coming to River North’s vibrant culinary scene in late 2024. The eatery’s drink menu will feature beverage mainstays helmed by Kevin Beary, partner and award-winning beverage director of Lettuce Entertain You’s Three Dots and a Dash and The Bamboo Room. (Neighborhood: River North)
Ēma, the Mediterranean restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, opened its second location in the Glenview neighborhood. Ēma Glenview’s menu, created by chef-partner CJ Jacobson, menu features a selection of mezze, and Mediterranean small plates, with an emphasis on Hummus & Spreads, Raw, Vegetable and Kebabs. Signature dishes include Moroccan Onion Dip, Tahini Caesar Salad, Octopus Carpaccio, and Spicy Brisket Kefta Kebab. (Neighborhood: Glenview)
il Carciofo, the newest restaurant from celebrity Chef Joe Flamm, will open in late fall 2024. Guests can enjoy a seasonal menu of elevated Italian favorites, including prosciutto di parma, crispy carciofo and suppli con ragu antipasti, Roman-style pizzas from a custom wood stone oven, traditional hand-rolled pasta, market-driven main courses and house-spun gelatis and sorbettis, maritozzi and zabaglione for dessert. (Neighborhood: Fulton Market)
KOVAL Distillery will debut its new luxury line, Thresh & Winnow, with a limited edition Gold Medal-winning 10-Year-Old Rye Whiskey and a Best in Class and Double Gold medal-winning Single Malt Whiskey. The distillery’s tasting room will introduce new cocktails in the fall, and its tasting room calendar includes exciting cocktail classes, tours, magic, and more.
La Grande Boucherie is thrilled to announce the appointment of Chef Michael Taus as the new Executive Chef. With over three decades of culinary excellence, Chef Taus brings a wealth of experience and a passion for classic and innovative cuisine. His arrival marks an exciting new chapter for La Grande Boucherie as the team continues to elevate the dining experience with his creative vision and mastery of French-inspired cuisine in a classic steakhouse setting at an excellent value for the price point. La Grande Boucherie and Chef Taus are excited to bring a fresh take on the classic steakhouse experience, blending Midwestern charm with French traditions. Known for its expertly crafted cuts of prime steaks and an offering that balances accessibility with quality, La Grande Boucherie offers something for every steak lover and will expand their steakhouse offerings under Chef Taus’ leadership. Whether guests are savoring a perfectly cooked ribeye or indulging in one of the signature French-inspired dishes, Chef Taus promises an unforgettable dining experience that’s refined yet approachable. With a focus on quality and hospitality, La Grande Boucherie is redefining what it means to dine at a steakhouse in the heart of Chicago.
Nora Restaurant & Bar, a culinary gem that opened this year in Chicago, is excited to announce the arrival of its new Executive Chef, Daniele Sotgiu. With his extensive experience and passion for Mediterranean cuisine, Chef Sotgiu is set to elevate the dining experience at Nora with a unique blend of flavors inspired by his Sardinian roots. Under Chef Sotgiu’s direction, Nora plans to launch new menu items that promise to be a delectable feast for the senses. Guests can look forward to signature dishes such as the boneless branzino served with persillade sauce and vegetable caponatina, the bone-in saffron lamb shank that’s marinated overnight, as well as a rotating selection of homemade pastas. The menu will continue to highlight healthy, vibrant dishes, staying true to Mediterranean culinary culture. Chef Sotgiu emphasizes the importance of seasonal ingredients, planning to update the menu seasonally to incorporate the freshest ingredients available. The new menu aims to offer something new and unique that diners won’t find anywhere else.
Petit Pomeroy is now open in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The sister restaurant to Winnetka’s Pomeroy serves a curated selection of bistro favorites alongside kind, impeccable service. It is a special place where everything looks beautiful and everyone feels comfortable. To dine with friends or drink with colleagues is to enjoy a taste of what makes Paris neighborhoods so special: the charming bistros. And those views—both inside and out—ils sont magnifiques! (Neighborhood: River North)
Pitaki, a quick-service dining spot specializing in Greek street food, is coming to Fulton Market this fall. Avli’s new sister restaurant Pitaki is bringing the rich flavors and vibrant traditions of Greek street food with pita wraps, bowls, savory Greek pies, salads, and desserts. Open for both lunch and dinner, the restaurant concept will feature a convenient counter for walk-up service, along with limited in-house seating and a catering program. (Neighborhood: Fulton Market)
New York pizzeria Prince Street Pizza will arrive in Chicago this fall on Randolph Street’s “Restaurant Row.” Offering square, Sicilian-style slices and original Neapolitan pizzas prepared daily from scratch, diners will get their pick of popular combos like “The Spicy Vodka” with fresh mozzarella, spicy vodka sauce, and pecorino romano and the “Green Machine” with nut-free pesto, shredded mozzarella, ricotta, and black olives, alongside Chicago-exclusive offerings.
Executive Chef Pablo Mexqutitla welcomes fall with a Tortoise Supper Club tradition – The Pheasant Pie – available beginning October 1, 2024. Settle into the authentic Chicago Supper Club experience at Tortoise Supper Club with fresh, from scratch menu including prime rib, prime steaks, and fresh seafood in a swanky jazz-era atmosphere with live jazz on Fridays and Saturdays in the heart of Downtown Chicago showcasing the Pheasant Pie during the month of October. (Neighborhood: River North)
Entries for the 2024 James Beard Book Awards were accepted for all cookbooks and other nonfiction food and beverage books published in the U.S. in 2023. Books from foreign publishers were eligible if they bore a 2023 U.S. copyright date or were distributed in the U.S. during 2023.
This year’s winners, announced tonight at Columbia College, were:
Baking and Desserts Dark Rye and Honey Cake: Festival Baking from Belgium, the Heart of the Low Countries Regula Ysewijn (Weldon Owen)
Beverage with Recipes Slow Drinks: A Field Guide to Foraging and Fermenting Seasonal Sodas, Botanical Cocktails, Homemade Wines, and More Danny Childs (Hardie Grant North America)
Beverage without Recipes Agave Spirits: The Past, Present, and Future of Mezcals Gary Paul Nabhan and David Suro Piñera (W. W. Norton & Company)
Food Issues and Advocacy Resilient Kitchens: American Immigrant Cooking in a Time of Crisis: Essays and Recipes Philip Gleissner and Harry Eli Kashdan (Rutgers University Press)
General Start Here: Instructions for Becoming a Better Cook Sohla El-Waylly (Alfred A. Knopf)
International The World Central Kitchen Cookbook José Andrés and World Central Kitchen with Sam Chapple-Sokol (Clarkson Potter)
Literary Writing The Migrant Chef: The Life and Times of Lalo García Laura Tillman (W. W. Norton & Company)
Reference, History, and Scholarship White Burgers, Black Cash: Fast Food from Black Exclusion to Exploitation Naa Oyo A. Kwate (University of Minnesota Press)
Restaurant and Professional Fish Butchery: Mastering The Catch, Cut, And Craft Josh Niland (Hardie Grant Books)
Single Subject Pasta Every Day: Make It, Shape It, Sauce It, Eat It Meryl Feinstein (Hachette Book Group)
U.S. Foodways Love Japan: Recipes from Our Japanese American Kitchen Aaron Israel and Sawako Okochi with Gabriella Gershenson (Ten Speed Press)
Vegetable-Focused Cooking Tenderheart: A Cookbook About Vegetables and Unbreakable Family Bonds Hetty Lui McKinnon (Alfred A. Knopf)
Visuals The Book of Sichuan Chili Crisp Yudi Echevarria (Ten Speed Press)
Cookbook Hall of Fame
Pierre Thiam
Emerging Voice Mayumu: Filipino American Desserts Remixed Abi Balingit (HarperCollins)
CHOOSE CHICAGO’S TRAVEL SERIES “THE 77: A CITY OF NEIGHBORHOODS” WINS THIRTEEN TELLY AWARDS
Choose Chicago is proud to announce that its new travel series, “The 77: A City of Neighborhoods,” has received multiple honors at the prestigious Telly Awards, a globally-recognized awards platform that honors excellence in television and video across all screens.
Pullman Historic District in the Pullman Neighborhood. Photo courtesy of the Pullman Historic Foundation.
Choose Chicago created this series in partnership with Chicago-based Skalawag Productions to showcase the rich diversity and history of our neighborhoods. “The 77: A City of Neighborhoods” garnered thirteen accolades at the Telly Awards, including five Gold and eight Silver Awards.
The Chicago River flows through several of the city’s neighborhoods including River North. Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago.
Choose Chicago works to position Chicago’s neighborhoods as premier travel destinations by collaborating with local creatives, community leaders, and chambers of commerce, and by supporting community events, infrastructure development, and placemaking projects.
Saints Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church. Ukrainian Village. Photo courtesy of Eric Allix Rogers.
Rich Gamble, Interim President and CEO of Choose Chicago, expressed his excitement about the series’ success: “We are thrilled that ‘The 77: A City of Neighborhoods’ has been recognized with such prestigious awards. This series is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Chicago’s neighborhoods and the talented team behind its creation. We hope these stories inspire viewers to further explore and experience all that our city and its neighborhoods have to offer.”
The Auditorium Theater of Roosevelt University. Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago.
“The 77: A City of Neighborhoods” celebrates the vibrant and distinct communities that make Chicago a world-class destination. The first five episodes of the series have resonated with audiences and judges alike, earning recognition across multiple categories. The awards underscore the series’ exceptional storytelling, cinematography, and creative direction.
“Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, and we took a new marketing approach that acknowledges the realties and complexities of a constantly changing urban landscape,” said Rob Fojtik, Vice President of Neighborhood Strategy at Choose Chicago. “‘The 77: A City of Neighborhoods’ series is part of our organization’s commitment to position the city’s communities as premier cultural destinations and to promote economic activity beyond the central business district.”
Aerial view of Wrigley Field. Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago.
“Working on ‘The 77: A City of Neighborhoods’ with Choose Chicago has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Mark Skala, Founder of Skalawag Productions. “This series allowed us to delve into the heart of Chicago’s neighborhoods and showcase their unique stories. The collaboration with the community and the talented team at Choose Chicago made this project truly special, and we hope it inspires people to explore every corner of this beautiful city.”
Rockefeller Chapel in Chicago’s Hyde Park Neighborhood. Eric Allix Rogers photography.
“It has been wonderful to see Bronzeville featured in ‘The 77: A City of Neighborhoods,’” said Cecilia Cuff, Owner of Bronzville Winery. “This recognition goes beyond just our restaurant; it highlights the legacy and spirit of the Bronzeville community. Through this series, viewers get a glimpse into how the history and culture of our neighborhood are instrumental in revitalizing and fostering a sense of pride and unity. I am proud to be part of this celebration of Chicago’s neighborhoods and look forward to welcoming more visitors to experience all that my community has to offer.”
Legacy Walk in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago.
Gold Awards:
Food & Beverage — Online
Travel & Tourism — Online
History — Online
Documentary — Online
Writing — Online (Humboldt Park)
The Skydeck at Willis Tower. Photo credit Ranvestal Photography.
Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago’s Garfield Park Neighborhood. Adam Alexander Photography.
Funding for production of “The 77: A City of Neighborhoods” was provided by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) as part of a grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The series can be viewed on Choose Chicago’s YouTube channel where visitors can immerse themselves in the unique stories and vibrant cultures of our city’s neighborhoods.
Chicago Skyline along the city’s Magnificent Mile. Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago.
About Choose Chicago
Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city, its residents and our partner business community.
The Bean in Millennium Park in Chicago’s Loop. Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago.
Choose Chicago announced today the upcoming release of a new neighborhood travel show titled “The 77: A City of Neighborhoods.” This new series tells the stories of residents and small business owners in five neighborhoods, taking viewers on a captivating and delicious journey to explore the authentic stories, culinary traditions, and preservation efforts that define these remarkable communities.
Choose Chicago will host a launch event for media and invited guests from the communities featured in the series at the CIBC Theatre this Saturday, April 6. The series is one piece of Choose Chicago’s broad efforts to support community-led neighborhood tourism through traditional and digital marketing, neighborhood guides, the Chicago Alfresco Program, and more. The series will be available on April 6th to stream for free on YouTube and at https://www.choosechicago.com/the77.
“Choose Chicago has produced something very special with ‘The 77: A City of Neighborhoods’,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This is more than just a travel series; it is a journey into the soul of Chicago. By showcasing our diverse neighborhoods, we are not only celebrating our cultural heritage but also inviting visitors and residents alike to discover the people and communities that make this the greatest freaking city in the world!”
“We’re taking a new and creative approach to marketing our city with this series,” said Rich Gamble, Interim President and CEO at Choose Chicago. “As a lifelong Chicagoan, it is especially important to me that we encourage visitors to both explore both our iconic downtown attractions and get off the well-trodden tourist paths and into the heart of our communities. There are exciting cultural and culinary experiences to be had year-round throughout Chicago.”
The series will feature five unique Chicago neighborhoods: Pullman/Roseland, Humboldt Park, Bronzeville, Uptown, and Little Village, with versions of the latter available for streaming in both English and Spanish. Through conversations with residents and local business owners, “The 77: A City of Neighborhoods” uncovers untold stories that that make each neighborhood a one-of-a-kind and indispensable part of Chicago. The half hour episodes will be used to continue attracting locals and visitors to explore Chicago’s unique and vibrant neighborhoods.
“As a long-time community member of the Asia on Argyle corridor in Uptown’s Chicago neighborhood, I am honored and humbled in sharing my story, my community’s story in Choose Chicago’s travel series ‘The 77: A City of Neighborhoods’,” said Hac Tran, co-founder of Celebrate Argyle and Culture and Communications Manager at the Uptown Chamber of Commerce. “Chicago is a mosaic of many cultures, histories, and stories, and Choose Chicago’s effort in shining a light on these narratives truly reveals that Chicago is in fact a city of neighborhoods.”
“Our goal with this project is not just to attract visitors but to challenge misperceptions about Chicago’s neighborhoods,” said Rob Fojtik, Vice President of Neighborhood Strategy at Choose Chicago, who acts as the series’ host. “Each of these five episodes are crafted to share the untold stories and hidden gems that make these communities unique, further enriching the visitor experience. We worked with community-based partners to identify and elevate the voices and stories that define the neighborhoods featured. The series is a great asset for anyone looking for authentic, only-in-Chicago experiences.”
Skalawag Productions, an award-winning Chicago-based film studio, was chosen through an RFP process and became an integral partner in weaving together the neighborhood stories that are presented through beautiful food videography, captivating interviews, and industry-leading graphics.
Andrea D. Reed, Executive Director, Greater Roseland Chamber of Commerce, said, “I am proud to be featured in this powerful series highlighting the people and places that make Pullman, Roseland, and our whole city great. It is so important to tell the stories of our rich history, local entrepreneurs and community leaders who work hard every day to build better lives and create opportunities for their families and their neighbors.”
Following the launch event on April 6, Choose Chicago will also be hosting neighborhood screenings in each of the communities featured in “The 77: A City of Neighborhoods.”
Humboldt Park: Wednesday, April 10 at 6pm | National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture | RSVP
Little Village: Thursday, April 11 at 6pm | Mi Tierra | RSVP
Bronzeville: Tuesday, April 16 at 6pm | Oakwood Center | RSVP
Uptown: Thursday, April 18 at 6pm | Wilson Abbey | RSVP
Pullman/Roseland: Tuesday, April 23 at 6pm | Pullman National Historical Park | RSVP
The project has been made possible thanks to American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds distributed by the City of Chicago to support neighborhood tourism marketing. In addition to this new video series, Choose Chicago works directly with 30 neighborhoods across Chicago to market our communities and position Chicago’s neighborhoods as prime destinations for residents and visitors alike.
About Choose Chicago
Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city, its residents and our partner business community.
Choose Chicago is delighted to announce that Chicago has been selected to host the Democratic National Convention in August 2024. Following last year’s historic seventh consecutive win as Conde Nast Traveler’s “Best Big City,” we know the below tally of exciting new hotels, inventive restaurants, dynamic exhibitions, and eclectic festivals offers just a taste of what’s in store this winter/spring of 2024.
Come and discover big city culture, Midwestern hospitality, and urban adventure; visit ChooseChicago.com for more information.
Recent Accolades:
Chicago and its businesses were honored in multiple categories of USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards:
Two Chicago hotels ranked in the Top 10 of The Best Hotels in the World: 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards by Condé Nast Traveler.The Peninsula Chicago earned the No. 9 spot.
Chicago restaurant Smyth was awarded its third MICHELIN Star.
Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport was named Best Airport in North America by Global Traveler for the 20th consecutive year. The award is voted on by readers in the publication’s GT Tested Reader Survey, which counts more than 20,000 write-in votes.
To read more about Chicago in the news, click here.
