Chicago: Italian Style

When you think of of Little Italy, usually Taylor Street comes to mind. But the neighborhood is so much more!

While Taylor Street does have a vibrant and lively feel full of restaurants, lounges, bars, and shops, the residential areas really do steal the show. The housing stock is beautiful and ornate, the green spaces via parks are large and lush.

We were invited by our newest child’s godparents to partake in a mass celebrating Italy’s Unification as a country and Ascension Thursday at Our Lady of Pompeii Shrine. Father Richard Fragomeni gave a beautiful sermon explaining all the items covered for the day, including a story about how Ascension Thursday is celebrated in Italy, where the cross is elevated from the floor out to through the roof and flowers are thrown down from the roof opening —grandeur, Italian style!

As mass ended, a procession was led through the area by the Italian band to Garibaldi Square—Giuseppe Maria Garibaldi led the efforts to Italian Unification. Commemorative words were spoken by leaders and Father Fragomeni while men dressed like Italian Military held flags of the unified provinces.

The ceremony ended by placing a wreath at the foot of the Garibaldi Statue, the crowd dispersed back to the Shrine. We were able to catch some of the beautiful Italian and Italianate architecture and the lush parks and fountains—filled with statues of noteworthy Italians. Admittedly, we stopped in our tracks several times to admire a few of the buildings, gardens, and parks. Rows and rows of beautiful stone and brick buildings with ornate masonry work and well manicured gardens was so refreshing to see. Our family friend pointed out the that some of the beautiful masonry work was in the style of Medici family symbols on buildings.

The weather this day was perfect, sunny, not too hot, not too cold. When we arrived back at the Shrine, it was pure joy to enjoy an outdoor lunch at the Shrine! We relaxed in the sunshine over lunch with a live DJ and the children even did a little dancing in between blowing bubbles, checking out the Ferraris, and playing tag! Just one of those perfect days!

Stay:
Airbnb: While there are many area options; here’s our favorite spot, a nearby Townhouse with killer views of the Chicago Skyline https://abnb.me/XM0SRyVqHX

Food:
Tufano’s: This family run spot really makes you feel like family when you are there. The food is mouthwatering, fresh and simple—as all Italian food is! Dine inside or out, kid and adult friendly. And they have their very own fountain to fit into the neighborhood. It really is a very Italian style neighborhood after all.
Pompei: Not to be confused with Our Lady of Pompeii Shrine, this fast casual spot (popular before fast casual was popular) serves up italian style square pizza slices that are to die for! Pop in for a slice. If you walked there, splurge on the Italian Chocolate sheet cake that is out of this world.

Leisure:
Jane Addams Hull House: What once was a series of buildings where Addams helped Italians and other ethnic groups establish themselves in America was unfortunately replaced by the University of Illinois at Chicago. What remains is one building that serves as a museum that is open for tours and is frequented by Chicago speciality tours.
National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame: If you love sports, this is the museum for you. Check out exhibits of famous Italian sportsmen. The museum is open for tours daily.
Parks: Garibaldi Square and Arrigo Park are our favorite, sumptuous and emerald green everywhere, broken up by fountains and statues of famous Italians. We loved it and so relaxing. To be in the City and enjoy these large lush spaces is surreal.

We encourage you to explore Chicago and the Chicagoland area with our Law Firm at our Looks Leads Lifestyle events. I think you will be pleasantly surprised to check out the law firm and the spots we explore to help you increase your business!

Children in Pili Carrera, Dot, Ralph Lauren, Mayoral, Catherine Malandrino, Olla Children’s Wear, Janie and Jack.
Adults in Tom James, Tibi, Jimmy Choo, Dolce and Gabanna, Roberto Cavalli, Salvatore Ferragamo.

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