GROWN-UP CHICAGO

The New Chicago

Tuesday, Apr 20, 2010, 12:00 AM | Subscribe to the magazine

Source Article: The New Chicago

Visitors flock to Millennium Park to check out a hit parade of architectural sights, including my favorite, the Nichols Bridgeway, where the view captures some of the city's most famous buildings (Prudential Plaza is straight ahead, and newcomer Aqua is third from the right.) (Nathan Kirkman)
Captain Doug Chyna, of the Chicago Water Taxi fleet, is now a fixture of the Windy City waterfront, ferrying commuters and curious tourists alike. (Nathan Kirkman)
Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate—or "the Bean"—is not just a piece of art placed in a city; the city is actually reflected in the art. (Nathan Kirkman)
Even within Chicago's ever-changing culinary scene, the hot dog holds a special place, somewhere between best friend and royalty. When done right, like this one at the Wieners Circle, it holds its own with any gastronomical creation. (Nathan Kirkman)
I'll always love the classics (Monets and Renoirs) at the Art Institute of Chicago, but I was blown away by the new work in the Modern Wing, namely Charles Ray's casting from a felled redwood, Hinoki. (Nathan Kirkman)
At 35 years old, the Oak Park Farmers' Market may not be new, but it's still my go-to spot to reconnect with my old neighborhood and my father. (Nathan Kirkman)
Oak Park Farmers' Market Donut Stand. (Nathan Kirkman)
That building on the left? When I was a tour guide, it was a block of nearly solid concrete. Recently, the Sun-Times knocked dozens of windows through it—proof that even Chicago's old guard is evolving. (Nathan Kirkman)