Just west of the Kennedy, on Chicago Avenue is one of the best Cuban Restaurants in Chicago.  Habana Libre is a great Cuban BYO in the Noble Square neighborhood.  Although I haven't had anything bad on the menu, my favorite is Arroz con Pollo.  Order it the minute you step in the door as it's made fresh and takes time to prepare.  The massive plate of some of the best Arroz con Pollo is well worth the wait.  the best part is the leftovers that taste just as good the second time around.  One downside of serving tasty and inexpensive food,  is that word gets around.  This place has become very popular and the waits on weekend nights can be up to an hour.  My advice is to make reservations on the weekends and come early.  Or, maybe skip weekends altogether.  Habana Libre - 1440 W. Chicago/ (312)243-3303

Vickie from Houston on the Cheap  gave me the scoop on a tasty family deal.  Bring your kids to the nearest Boston Market for a free kids meal when you make an adult purchase of $6.00 or more.  The deal includes up to two meals for kids 14 and under.  If you're really hungry, or have a large family, you can purchase a family meal and get up to 4 free kids meals.  You don't need a coupon but you do need your kids to be present.  It's a great deal for my family because my kids are 13 and 14 and love Boston Market chicken.  The deal runs through October 31, 2009.

Do you know of a Chicago bargain?  Enter a comment and I'll post the deal!      

Become a facebook fan of the Corner Bakery and tell them what you are doing to stay local this summer and they will send you a coupon for a free sweet.  Post pictures or stories about staying local and you could also be randomly selected to receive a coupon for a free BLT sandwich. this is another sweet deal from Jennifer Maciejewski of Atlanta on the Cheap ...... Thanks Jenn!

Satisfy your sweet tooth for half price in honor of National Cheesecake Day.  On July 30, 2009 the Cheesecake Factory will be offering a 50% discount on cheesecake slices from 11:30 am untill 11:00 pm.  This sweet deal comes from  Jennifer Maciejewski at Atlanta on the Cheap.    

Bring the kids, bring the dog, bring yourselves but please leave your iguana at home.  On Saturday, July 11 and Sunday July 12 the West Town Chamber of Commerce presents West Fest.  West Fest is an annual Chicago neighborhood festival celebrating the eclectic persono of the West Town community.  The focus is on "all things local from the food to the talent".  Beginning at around 12:30pm three stages will feature local artists performing original music and entertainment. The main stage is located on Chicago Ave. and Damon.  There will also be a DJ stage and an Adventure Stage Chicago stage.  For a line up of West Fest entertainment click here.  

You can bring the entire  family to this festival.  The Kidfest at Wolcott and Rice street will feature programming and music for kids on the Adventure Stage Chicago stage.  The kids can also partake in crafts, face painting, pony rides, bounce houses and more.  Don't forget about fido!  Dogs are welcome and you can enjoy Petfest with your pet at Wolcott and Chicago Ave.  where there will be pup scrubs for charity.  This year's Petfest will have information for Chicago pet owners on how to keep their city pet happy, healthy, and safe.  There will be lots of free samples and give aways for pet owners and their pets.

On Sunday, July 12 at 2:00pm there will be a fashion show featuring fashions from Chicago's own Soko Fashion Boutique.  In addition to all of the above fun, over 80 vendors will be offering deals on clothes, food, and cold drinks.  You might want to ride your bike and take advantage of the free bike valet.  A $5.00 donation to the West Town Chamber of Commerce is requested to get into the festival.

     

   

 Would you like to experience another culture, eat exotic food and shop in a souk?  You don't have to travel far and you don't need to break the bank.  Just head down to Daley Plaza at 50 W. Washington Street where you'll find the third annual Chicago Arabesque in full swing.  From Wednsday, June 24 until Saturday, June 27 Daley Plaze will be transformed into a mecca of Arabic culture.  Watch fashion shows of Arabic style, listen to both traditional and modern middle eastern musicians, sample a variety of Arabic cuisine,  and enjoy all kinds of entertainment and artesian demonstrations.  Bring the kids along as well because  activity booths will feature story tellers, a magic show, face painters, henna tatoos, and more.   Imerse yourself in Arabic culture as you peruse the booths in the souk, otherwise known as a bazaar where jewelry, artwork and crafts will be for sale.  The hours are 10:00am till 3:00pm on Wednsday through Friday and 11:00am-7:00pm on Saturday. For a program schedule click here.   This festival is presented by the Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Arab Affairs.

 

My tastebuds are dancing with visions of melt in your mouth ribs, fresh off the barbecue.  I can't wait for the Chicago Ribfest this weekend on the corner of Lincoln Ave., Damen and Irving Park.  The combination of ribs, music, dancing, and family activities adds up to one heck of a party.  What started out as a neighborhood block party is now a fun festival where over 50,000 people are expected to attend and consume over 65,000 pounds of ribs.  Whew that's alot of ribs!  Along with the ribs, there will be two music stages set up so you can shimmy those ribs off your hips.  The music schedule includes around 25 bands playing from 5:00pm-10:00pm on Friday, and 12:00pm - 10:00pm Saturday and Sunday.  The kids are invited to the party as well.  Check out the Kids Square featuring sing alongs, dancers, music, crafts, and more on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.  I'm drooling with anticipation for one of the best parties around.           

It's street fest time in Chicago and this weekend is promising to be the perfect weather to be outside.  Take the family to the Do Division Street Fest for some fun activities, good music, tasty food and funky sidewalk shopping.  The Division street fest takes place in Wicker park over a ten block stretch of Division street from Ashland to Leavitt.  Live music will be sponsered by the Empty Bottle on the Empty Bottle Presents stage.  The music line up includes JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound and Hollywood Holt among other bands.  Take the kids to the family fun fest area where you'll find a family stage featuring kids' music and performances, cookie decoratoing, crafts, face painting, pony rides and more.  What better way to get to know this edgy, hip neighborhood?  The fun runs through Saturday, May 30 through Sunday May 31 from noon until 10:00pm and concures with the Around the Coyote 2009 Spring Arts Festival.   

This Ukranian diamond in the rough serves up Eastern European food like Grandma loved.  Don't be afraid of the gruff look of the bar, nor the fact that the restaurant may be empty when you enter.  Grab a table and prepare yourself for some of the best Eastern European food around.  While billed as Ukranian, my Polish tastebuds didn't know any better and were delighted with the pierogis (a different name on the menu, but still the same), potato pancakes and cabbage roll.  The chicken kiev was also really tasty.  With drinks and despite the fact we ordered an extra entree, the bill was still under $15.00 per person.  Can't go wrong here!  And once your eyes adjust, the bar area seems kind of nice too - where else can you find a jukebox that you can play a song or two and hear it right away?  Ukranian Village Restaurant -2301 W. Chicago Avenue/ Phone (773)278-4445 

How do you show your love for dear old Mom?  Most people have a celebration on Mothers Day. Some people send flowers, cards and chocolates.  Others take her out to brunch or dinner.  However, there are those who aren't satisfied with just one day a year to celebrate Mom.  Some of these people get a permanent tatoo!  What better way to show Mom you love her every day of the year?   The folks at Kentucky Fried Chicken agree! 

KFC is having a daily give away now through Mothers Day for a chance to win a $10.00 gift check for Mom.  The check can be used toward Kentucky Grilled Chicken.  Be one of the first 200 people to register each day between noon and 4:00pm Eastern Time and you'll win a gift check for Mom.  You can also enter a sweepstakes to win a motorcycle or a family vacation for Mom by following this link.   Sending a photo of your tatoo is encouraged, but not required.