Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/732891
GIMME A P! FROM A BURGEONING FOOD SCENE TO THE CITY'S MOST INCREDIBLE STREET ART, PILSEN IS READY FOR ITS CLOSE-UP—WHETHER THE LOCALS LIKE IT OR NOT. 152 MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM PHOTOGRAPHY © AZADEH KHASTOO (NUEVO LEON); COURTESY OF DUSEK'S BOARD & BEER (DUSEK'S); © ADAM ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY (TOP RIGHT, BOTTOM RIGHT AND BOTTOM LEFT MURALS); COURTESY OF THALIA HALL (STAGE); BRUCE LEIGHTY/GETTY IMAGES (CENTER MURAL) CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A Pilsen staple for more than 50 years, restaurant Nuevo Leon was destroyed in a fire last December; the buzzing interior of Dusek's, symbolic of the neighborhood's hip new denizens; a variety of murals throughout the enclave; new live music venue Thalia Hall. Talk about a colorful past: In its 150-year history, the lower west side neighbor- hood of Pilsen has become renowned as an enclave that's welcoming to all: first to Czech and then Latino immigrants, then a Bohemian artist community—and now to a rollicking young community of hipster 20- and 30-something foodies. Here's this wildly eclectic district in a nutshell. Where the action is: 18th Street between Damen and Halsted will give you a taste of the vibrant Latino culture and flavor of the place—plus its fast-changing landscape thanks to newcomers like Dusek's and Bow Truss coffee. Neighborhood treasure: The National Museum of Mexican Art, a true hidden gem that boasts the largest Day of the Dead exhibit in the U S. Mode of transportation: Divvy bikes and the 18 bus. Cravings: Carnitas from Don Pedro for old-school flavor; bone marrow with short rib marmalade and jalapeñ o pesto from Pl-zen to satisfy your inner frou-frou foodie. Retail therapy: Midcentury modern gorgeousness at Modern Cooperative. Tipple of choice: Can't- drink-just-one hibiscus margaritas at neighbor- hood tavern Del Toro. Green means: Lounging on the lawn at lovely Harrison Park. Baby name: Thalia—as in Thalia Hall, the revitalized landmark that's the new hub of the neighborhood. . BLOCK PARTY