Biking Adventure #2: Lincoln Square

Alderman: Gene Schulter (47th)

July 13, 2010 - Lincoln & Lawrence

Tuesday, it was a perfect "10" day - so I set out for a favorite outdoor cafe called La Bocca in Lincoln Square, for some authentic Italian food, however . . .

There are a couple of other great spots over here, and I quickly forgot all about Italian food, when I rode by "Selmarie" - right on the square.

Cafe Selmarie

The cafe sits on a shady square, anchored by a bubbling 3-tier fountain, on one end . . .

and a (somewhat smaller) version of an antique Bavarian lamp post at the other . . .

This is about as close as it gets to an authentic Euro Cafe in Chicago . . .

Today's offering was a chilled beet and horseradish soup, followed by fresh salmon fashioned into a burger on a pretzel bun. Our waitress, Christine, who is just starting out in the theater, helped make this an A-1, enjoyable summer lunch experience.

Sidenote: An older gentleman, sitting across the way had just ordered a macaroni and cheese masterpiece, baked like french-onion soup, with cheese melting over the sides of a canoe dish.

Merz Apothecary

Also in Lincoln Square, another must-see is
Merz Apothecary
I can always make a reason to stop by Merz's, where you feel like you're stepping back in time. Circa 1870s-floor-to-ceiling dark, antique shelves, are brimming with every kind of lotion and potion you can imagine. I took a random picture of it, today, as the sun hit it just right, making one of the most interesting photos of the day.

Davis Theater

There is always something to do, once you get to the square. One of the feature attractions is the vintage
Davis Movie Theater, 4614 N Lincoln, which hearkens back to the roaring 20s, and movie matinees are still around $5.50 for first-run shows.

Here's a pic from their website.

Wanna see what 4 shows are there right now?

I just thought this mural was cool over at the Bad Dog Tavern.

. . . The End