Family Fun in Chicago

Wow!

We were taken here by a local friend who spent some time living in Thailand and is hence a little picky about his Thai food. Sticky Rice restaurant has authentic Northern Thai cuisine along with a few Americanized favorites.

The restaurant is somewhat small and doesn't look like much at first glance - but we found the casual, cheerful space to be very comfortable and also kid friendly.

The menu is extensive and features traditional northern Thai dishes sprinkled with some Americanized favorites that most people would recognize. There is a side menu available if you are familiar with authentic Thai cuisine or feeling very adventurous with even more choices, though it contains no descriptions of the dishes.

We started out with some appetizers. Fresh spring rolls with plum sauce, which were delicious and well presented and Fried Banana, which while plainer in appearance was also scrumptious, and a big hit with my 10 year old.

For the main course we each had some sticky rice - which is indeed sticky and served in little bamboo dishes. Our host showed us the traditional way to eat it: using our fingers we balled the rice into a little bite size sphere and then dipped the little ball in some soy or peanut sauce. That was great fun for my 10 year old to be able to eat with his hands!

I had the pineapple fried rice - which is actually served in a hollowed out pineapple containing fried rice with pineapple, shrimp, vegetables and cashews and was enjoyed very much.

My brother in law had an Omelet with vegetables that we all tried a bite of and declared to be delicious right before he told us that one of the ingredients was ant eggs. Oh well - who knew ant eggs could be so yummy!

My 10 year old was not feeling overly adventurous and chose the tempura shrimp and vegetables with sweet and sour sauce. While not nearly a traditional Thai dish, it was still quite tasty - and the accompanying sweet and sour sauce was some of the nicest I've ever tried.

For dessert we all shared a type of rice pudding served with thickened coconut milk and slices of fresh mango and the most wonderfully refreshing coconut milk ice cream. (A must have if you visit!)

The bill for four of us came to about $60. Considering we each had full meals as well as some appetizers and desserts – plus we brought food home! I considered that to be a very fair price for the quality (and quantity) of food and service we received.

Overall I would highly recommend Sticky Rice to anyone who loves adventurous and authentic ethnic cuisine!

visit www.stickyricethai.com for hours, menus and more info.

The Shedd Aquarium is simply one of the most amazing places I have ever been!

We visited in the midst of one of the worst heat waves Chicago has ever experienced, and even though the place was crowded with people trying to beat the heat in an air conditioned place the crowds did not diminish our overall experience one bit.

The Aquarium has a wide variety of informative and beautiful exhibits. And you don't just learn about the animals at the aquarium (which incidentally include aquatic creatures of all types - and even some landlubbers)but also often learned something about the places the animals call home and the cultures they are a part of. Ecology and love of nature are presented in a non preachy, but inspiring way.

It is most certainly worth the extra admission price to see the Oceanarium portion of the Shedd Aquarium. This is where you will find the dolphins, whales, sea otters and more. Show up bit early for the Dolphin Show, which is so much fun the kids barely notice where there is a little bit of education thrown in.

Some of the best exhibit design I've seen in any type of museum or zoo anywhere, fun and interactive exhibits and of course, beautiful sea life make the Shedd Aquarium a must on your Chicago to-do list - especially if you are looking for family friendly fun!

Save yourself the hassle of a long line by purchasing your tickets ahead of time online or purchasing a membership if you are lucky enough to be local.

Hours change seasonally. For current hours, information or to pre-purchase your ticket, visit www.sheddaquarium.org

At 10 years old, it may be that my son will soon be too old to enjoy much of this wonderful museum, but for now he had a fantastic time and this was one of the most fun children's museums we've ever visited.

Located on the famous Navy Pier in Chicago, the Children's Museum is easy to get to by public transportation, a free trolly and even a water taxi that services tourist destinations along the waterfront. Parking is also plentiful in the garage - but at a premium price.

With lots of different activities that appeal to many age groups and interests, the museum is sure to have something to appeal to any child.

On the lower level an art studio offers both guided classes and open studio times for kids and thier parents, and the projects made make a great memento of your trip.

Admission prices are reasonable and you can truly spend all day exploring, playing and even sneak in some learning.

If you're looking for something to do with the kids, the Children's Museum is a great option - especially if you're looking for a rainy day diversion.

Hours are:
Sunday - Wednesday & Friday: 10am-5pm
Thursday & Saturday: 10am-8pm
Target Free First Mondays: 10am-8pm

You can visit for free on the first Monday of each month as well as on Thursday evenings from 5 to 8pm.

Hipsters and Indie Rockers delight.

The Empty Bottle is apparently famous for hosting famous bands - before they were famous. Native Chicagoans seem have lots of "I remember when I saw them at the Empty Bottle way back when" stories.

That's not to say that this is a fancy club. It looks like any other local joint - exposed brick, beat up bar, pool table in the front room and of course Chicago's favourite swill, Old Style Beer. It just happens full of young hipsters and some really good bands.

Monday nights are free and from my experience worth the admission at twice the price (wink, wink)

Other nights there is a cover charge - but if you are really into good new music with an indie rock flair and looking for the hip local place where the kids hang out, don't miss this spot.

Maybe you'll come away with your very own "I remember when I saw them before they were famous" story to tell someday.

For concert calendars, hours and to purchase tickets ahead of time see www.emptybottle.com