Urban Oasis

So I just looked at the ten day forecast and it reads 56 degrees and rainy on day ten.... Not what I was hoping for! I was looking for 70 and sunny, weather.com! It's apparently a Chicago tradition to start saying that the weather is going to get and stay nice when we see the first glipse of sun and warmer temps, which is often on St. Patty's weekend. It's fantastic to have the party weekend of the year in such weather, the problem is that it Lincoln Parkers really can't store their North Faces away until May!!!! If Chicago wasn't the MOST fantastic city on earth May through Mid-October, I would be outta here!

For those of you looking for a brief escape, I have an answer that will last a bit longer than those 10 blissful minutes of relaxation in the tanning bed (which I am no longer participating in since 30 is approaching like it's going out of style and I would rather not have skin looking like a Member's Only leather jacket from 1983) and that is cheaper than a trip to the Bahamas. Grab your girls and head down to 1030 North State and find your tropical oasis!

Located in the heart of the ever famous Viagra Triangle, Trader Vics Chicago ( http://www.tradervicschicago.com/ ), which was once a staple at the Palmer House and has recently re-located and re-opened, is a tropical getaway that will make you feel like you are in the Tahiti for happy hour! Trader Vics Polynesian style interior and 5 page drink menu that boasts beverages sipped out of coconuts (try the Chi-Chi...I love it!!!) and multi colored drinks with parrots sticking out of them, you cannot go wrong! They claim to have invented the Mai Tai, and from the way theirs taste you'd better believe it!

The food is also fantastic! With a Polynesian inspired menu, the taste is definitely unique to Chicago. I love the macadamia nut mahi mahi, seared Hawaiian tuna and the filet of beef. Everything else I have sampled is fabuloso as well! The food is cooked in a woodfire stove, making the tastes a change from the norm and ever so flavorful.

Get out of the cold and let a Mai Tai warm you up!!!! This is no Dick's Last Resort...The cheese factor is definitely not in that ballpark! After all, Hef takes the Girls Next Door there, and who says non-cheesy like the Hef-ster :-)...Good enough for Kendra, good enough for you :-).

Mojito Mondays - $5 Mojitos
Mai Tai Tuesdays - $5 Mai Tais

Check out the reviews:
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/food/1364634,FOO-News-vics07.article
http://www.cheekychicago.com/trader-vics/
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/apr/14/hefner-pals-drop-singers-new-gig/