My Bike Betty

Greetings fellow adventurers! Since 2014, Betty and I have been traveling the streets of Chicago discovering art and artistic expression along the way. Join in and post your experience here!
My Bike Betty
  • A Two for One and Some Down-time
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  • Category: Eats

    • When Home is Where the Creativity Is

      Posted at 6:25 pm by jan, on October 25, 2016

      Greetings All! This blog entry is inspired by my love of cooking shows and competitions on the Food Network. A favorite, hands down, is Chopped where competitors create a dish within a specific time from a mystery baskets of ingredients. Dishes are judged on creativity, taste, and presentation.

      So I was delighted when my best friend agreed to shop for mystery ingredients for three courses and, when presented, timed me while I got my COOK-ON!

      Thanks mom!

      Thanks mom!

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      1st Round: Appetizer-20 minutes.

      Mystery Basket-Parsnips, Uzu juice, Fennel, Popcorn chips

      Mystery Basket Ingredients-Parsnips, Uzu juice, Fennel, Popcorn chips

      Veggie Spring Rolls with Popcorn Crisp, a Soy Fennel sauce, and Uzu Sake

      Veggie Spring Rolls with Popcorn Crisp, a Soy Fennel sauce, and Uzu Sake

      2nd Round: Entre-30 minutes

      Basket Ingredients-Spaghetti Squash, Rapini, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Cubed Buffalo

      Basket Ingredients-Spaghetti Squash, Rapini, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Cubed Buffalo

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      Roasted Buffalo with Rapini Cream, Spaghetti Hash Cakes and Citrus Cucumber Martinis

      Roasted Buffalo with Rapini Cream, Spaghetti Hash Cakes and Citrus Cucumber Martinis

      Final Round: Dessert-30 minutes

      Ingredients- Mascarpone Cheese, Cranberries, Banana Moon Pies, Jr. Mints

      ingredients Mascarpone Cheese, Cranberries, Banana Moon Pies, Jr. Mints

      Creamed Cranberry-Banana Crumble, Espresso-mint Pie

      Creamed Cranberry-Banana Crumble, Espresso-mint Martini Pie

      Now that was fun! However, for the record, after eating and critiquing my work we were three shades of queasy…HA and EW! Still we’re up for doing this again and loved the creativity and game of it. Thanks again mom!

      So Betty and I are off, hitting the streets for our next adventure and inviting you to do the same! Look for art and artistic expression everywhere and then please, SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!!

       

      Posted in An Extension To All, Eats | 0 Comments | Tagged Chopped, The Cooking Network
    • What Do Art and Beer Have in Common?

      Posted at 5:31 pm by jan, on July 24, 2016

      DRYHOP BREWERS! Activist for Support Local Art, Dryhop (3155 N Broadway) exhibits the acrylic paintings of Chicago artist, Frank Quintero all while serving up delicious micro-brew and scrumptious eats.

      Interested in how his work defines the viewers space, Quintero’s illustrations and abstractions are on display until September 12. IMG_7114

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      Last, I wanted to share a moment everyone should experience during and after an awesome ride…IMG_2797

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      And then there was this…IMG_7076

      I couldn’t be more thankful for these experiences! They fire me up to reach out to you and say, get out there, look for art and artistic expression EVERYWHERE! Along the way post your discoveries here and then SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

       

      Posted in An Extension To All, Eats, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged DryHop Brewers Chicago
    • A Delightful Taste of Folk

      Posted at 4:09 pm by jan, on September 2, 2015
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      Star of Siam 11 E. Illinois Street

      Greetings All! A quick entry to encourage you to visit Star of Siam for a glimpse of tradition. While enjoying delicious Thai food let your mind wonder to far away places as you take in the gallery of Thai Yao Mein Hill Tribe Thailand hats.

       

       

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      Betty’s Response: Pom Pom’s can be cool, who knew?

      So we are off for now but always and always extending to you the invitation to get out there, look for artistic expression EVERYWHERE, and above all, SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

      Posted in An Extension To All, Eats | 0 Comments | Tagged Star of Siam Chicago
    • Oh, the Places We’ve Been

      Posted at 5:20 pm by jan, on August 22, 2015

      In the beginning we traveled HERE…

      Dank Haus German American Cultural Center. 4740 North Western Avenue

      Dank Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 North Western Avenue.

      And because they closed early we only saw this from the street, The Endler Model Train restoration.

      (Store front view of The Endler Model Train restoration)

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      And because they closed early we traveled THERE…

      The Angry Crab, 5665 N. Lincoln Avenue

      The Angry Crab, 5665 N. Lincoln Avenue

      For the best crab legs in town, served by the friendliest staff!

      For the best crab legs in town, served by the friendliest staff!

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      And then we went EVERYWHERE!

      The Art of Dr. Seuss, 835 N. Michigan Avenue

      The Art of Dr. Seuss, Water Tower, 835 N. Michigan Avenue

      Have No Fear! I Will Not Let You Fall

      Have No Fear! I Will Not Let You Fall

      Green Cat with Lights

      Green Cat with Lights

      A Prayer for a Child

      A Prayer for a Child

      Green Cat in Uleaborg, Finland Subway

      Green Cat in Uleaborg, Finland Subway

      Raising Money for the Arts

      Raising Money for the Arts

      Martini Bird

      Martini Bird

      I like Them, Sam-I-Am!

      I like Them, Sam-I-Am!

      Worm Burning Bright in the Forest in the Night

      Worm Burning Bright in the Forest in the Night

      After Dark in the Park

      After Dark in the Park

      Flower Fish

      Flower Fish

      Incidental Music for a New Year's Eve Party

      Incidental Music for a New Year’s Eve Party

      Sawfish with Such a Long Snout

      Sawfish with Such a Long Snout

      Booby Trap

      Booby Trap

      The Stag at Eve

      The Stag at Eve

      The Rather Odd Myopic Woman Riding Piggyback on One of Helen's Many Cats

      The Rather Odd Myopic Woman Riding Piggyback on One of Helen’s Many Cats

      Fooling Nobody

      Fooling Nobody

      Surley Cat Being Ejected

      Surley Cat Being Ejected

      Gosh! Do I Look as Old as That?

      Gosh! Do I Look as Old as That?

      Self Portrait of a Young Man Shaving

      Self Portrait of a Young Man Shaving

      Turtle Tower

      Turtle Tower

      Cat Carnival in West Venice

      Cat Carnival in West Venice

      Stars Upon Thars- Diptych

      Stars Upon Thars– Diptych

      These Things are Good Things-Diptych

      These Things are Good Things-Diptych

      Hop Hop Top-Diptych

      Hop Hop Top–Diptych

      Horton

      Horton

      Wisdom of the Orient Cat

      Wisdom of the Orient Cat

      Oh, the Places We Go…IMG_3666

      Betty’s Response: A gal on a bike is what I like, north, south, east, west is what I like best!

      Posted in An Extension To All, Eats, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged Dank Haus, The Angry Crab, The Art of Dr. Seuss, Water Tower
    • Discover this Adventure

      Posted at 7:11 am by jan, on August 15, 2015

      This week, Adventure Land Works on Paper…

      1513 N. Western Avenue

      1513 N. Western Avenue, 1st Floor, Tuesday-Saturday 11-5pm or by appointment

      Works by Todd Diederich:

      Dark Horse, Edition of 7 2014

      Dark Horse, Edition of 7
      2014

      Star Barn, edition of 5, 2014

      Star Barn, Edition of 5, 2014

      First Time I Met Mother ShaSha, Edition of 3, 2010

      First Time I Met Mother ShaSha, Edition of 3, 2010

      No Love, Edition of 10, 2012

      No Love, Edition of 10, 2012

      Chicago from Across the Cosmos with Lake, Edition of 7, 2014

      Chicago from Across the Cosmos with Lake, Edition of 7, 2014

      And last, when you seek out art EVERYWHERE, remember to have FUN along the way…

      Chicago Hot Dog Fest, Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark Street

      Chicago Hot Dog Fest, Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark Street

      Betty and I can not say enough about our history museum! So! We are out for our next adventure but first we must extend an invitation to all to get out there, explore, look for art and artistic expression EVERYWHERE, and then please SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!

       

       

      Posted in An Extension To All, Eats, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged Adventure Land Works on Paper, Chicago History Museum
    • Bird is the Word

      Posted at 5:08 pm by jan, on August 7, 2015

      Greetings ALL! This week’s entry will feature the last of my friend’s visit and a very special lunch date.

      Marc Chagall's exquisite  American Windows led us to a very special exhibition at The Art Institute of Chicago

      Marc Chagall’s exquisite
      America Windows led us to a very special exhibition at The Art Institute of Chicago

      In collaboration with The Arts Club of Chicago, AI presents the work of Jean-Luc Mylayne. For the last forty years Mylayne and his life partner have been photographing birds in thier environment. Incredible images that reflect time, patience, and intimacy.

      No. 444, April May 2007

      No. 444, April May 2007

      No. 357-358, diptych, December2005 January 2006

      No. 357-358, diptych, December2005 January 2006

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      No. 520, February March April 2007

      No. 295 diptych, March April 2005

      No. 295 diptych, March April 2005

      No. 446, November December 2007

      No. 446, November December 2007

      No. 204, January February 2004

      No. 204, January February 2004

      No. 520, February March April 2007

      No. 520, February March April 2007

      And last a day after my friend left for Florida, I was met by another for lunch at the Spoke & Bird Cafe.IMG_3564

      Betty and I are off but before we go here’s a great big invite to all to get out there, explore, be aware, look for artistic expression EVERYWHERE…IMG_3566

       

      and then, SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

      Posted in An Extension To All, Eats, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged The Art Institute Chicago, The Arts Club of Chicago, The Spoke & Bird Cafe Chicago
    • A Mixed Bag!

      Posted at 5:56 pm by jan, on July 23, 2015

      This week Betty and I explored unknown places spontaneously while looking for artistic expression EVERYWHERE!

      A stop for a cup of jo and at  Elaine's coffee shop on the first floor of the J Parker Hotel.

      A stop for a cup of jo  at Elaine’s coffee shop on the first floor of the J Parker Hotel.

      A bizarre installation of various works line the J Parker's first floor stairs. 1816 N. Clark Street

      A bizarre installation of various works line the J Parker’s first floor stairs.
      1816 N. Clark Street

      Next Betty and I head over to an original speakeasy.

      Established in 1921, The Green Door Tavern not only served the public above ground but also below…shhhhhhhh...

      Established in 1921, The Green Door Tavern not only served the public above ground but also below…shhhhhhhh…

      Betty’s Response: I love a good secret!

      Lots of memorabilia line the Green Door's walls and ceiling.

      Lots of memorabilia line the Green Door’s walls and ceiling.

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      Below the bar I give this bookshelf a knock and wait to be invited in…

      The Drifter

      The Drifter, originally fulfilled thirsty guest during prohibition. 

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      Is that Benny Hill you ask?! YEP! Projected on the curtain of the stage there were also reels taken from prohibition times of gals dancing and whooping it up, a take from Jane Fonda's Barberella along with a string of obscure fun  film.

      Is that Benny Hill you ask?! Yep, projected on the curtain of the stage. There were also reels taken from prohibition times of gals dancing and whooping it up, a take from Jane Fonda’s Barberella, and a string of obscure fun film clips.

      Tarot card drink menus.

      Tarot card drink menus.

      A delicious result.

      A delicious result.

      And entertainment provided by Vour Teque

      And entertainment provided by Vour Teque

      Very very kewl and super fun to check out on a work filled week with little time off.

      Alright friends Betty and I are off for now but as always encouraging you to get out there, explore, and best of all SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!

      Posted in An Extension To All, Eats, Theaters, Festivals, Music, Parades | 0 Comments | Tagged Elaine's Coffee Shop, Green Door Tavern, J Parker Hotel, The Drifter
    • A Superhero, a Bunny, and a Sunset

      Posted at 7:14 pm by jan, on July 15, 2015

      Greetings All!

      First, let me get to some unfinished business. Last week Betty boasted that she knew where the first painting in a series of outdoor murals, a project initiated by The Wabash Arts Corridor, Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA), Vertical Gallery, and The Buckingham, was located. Their ambitious aim is to liven these streets with ART!

      Chi Boy by Hebru Brantley, 1132 S Wabash Ave.

      Chi Boy by Hebru Brantley, 1132 S Wabash Ave.

      Next we’re off to check out the work of Art Paul. IMG_3252

                       Betty’s Response: Who’s that?

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Here’s a couple of hints…IMG_3280

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      He is the Founding Art Director and was a graphic designer of PLAYBOY magazine from 1953-1982. Responsible for the bunny icon and the designs of many magazine covers, the exhibition’s focus is on his personal work since his retirement from PLAYBOY. Above images taken from the documentary film, The Man Behind the Bunny: Art of Playboy, now showing as part of the exhibition, ART PAUL – HARD HEADS, SWEET KNEES, FORKED TONGUE. Exhibition through July 26.

      A few favorites…

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      I Love to Wonder, 2002, Ink and Colored Pencil 

       

       

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      Three-Head Computer/Pencil Series, 2000, Computer Print and Colored Pencils

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      Red Lines Over Lip-Stamp, Undated, Ink

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      Sorry If I’m Laughing Self-Portrait, 1997, Colored Pencil

      And next a few sculptures for UIMA’s permanent collection.

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      Milonadis, Konstantin (b.1926), Untitled, Steel, Gift of Wasyl Kacurovsky

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      Eric Gushee, Untitled, 2013, Cable Ties and Aircraft Cable, gift of artist mother

       

       

       

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      Praire Smoke, Donna Hapac, 2013, Reed, Cedar, Waxed Linen, Wire

      From here we headed southeast…

      On our path to RM Champagne Salon for bubbles. (116 N Green St)

      On our path to RM Champagne Salon for bubbles. 

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      RM Champagne Salon, 116 N Green St

      Betty and my sunset led us to an alley nook where ambiance and a tasty beverage ended our day of adventure.

      Ok, we are off but before we go here’s a giant invitation to all to get out there, explore, look for artistic expression EVERYWHERE and for goodness sake, SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

       

       

      Posted in An Extension To All, Eats, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged Chi-Boy Chicago wall mural, RM Champagne Salon, Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art
    • Birthday Experiences and Beyond

      Posted at 5:31 pm by jan, on June 27, 2015
      Birthday ambiance and FUN!

      Birthday ambiance and FUN!

      Greetings all! This entry (like the past Christmas) will reflect two weeks of experiences instead of my usual one. Here are highlights of adventure, a family visit, and birthday surprises for yours truly…

      Before my family arrived I biked the lake and headed over to my favorite cafe, The Spoke & Bird 205-209 E 18th St, for a delicious cheese plate.

      Before my family arrived I biked the lakefront trail southbound and headed over to my favorite cafe, The Spoke & Bird 205-209 E 18th St, for a delicious cheese plate and tasty local brew…

      …on their lovely patio.

      …on their lovely patio. You must visit this lovely and yummy special place!

      Exploring Pilsen neighborhood...

      Exploring Pilsen neighborhood and a personal favorite discovery of Betty’s.

      Arriving at Casa Michocan 1638 S Blue Island Ave. for the exhibition, Presencia Michoacana 2015. A very touching tribute to Mexican and Latino migrants tells the story of their migration along with their response to the questions, "Why did you decide to migrate?"…"How did you cross the border?"…How did you experience integration into American Society?"…"Was migrating worth it?"

      Arriving at Casa Michocan 1638 S Blue Island Ave. for the exhibition and project of the Chicago Cultural Alliance, Presencia Michoacana 2015. A very touching tribute to Mexican and Latino migrants telling the story of their migration along with their response to the questions, “Why did you decide to migrate?”…”How did you cross the border?”…How did you experience integration into American Society?”…”Was migrating worth it?”

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      To one of the kewlest bars in Chicago, 2015 S. Damen. Thanks Claudia for a most delicious beverage!

      To one of the kewlest bars in Chicago, 2015 S. Damen. Thanks Claudia for a most delicious beverage!

      And let the birthday joys begin!

      Betty’s Response: Geez, it’s like your 5 years old, Happy Birthday!

      Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive

      Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive

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      The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive

      The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive and family in tow.

      Of course there's this...

      Of course there’s this…

      and this...

      and this…

      and absolutely this! But did you know they have this awesome collection?!...

      and absolutely this! But did you know they have an awesome telescope collection?!

      Alvan Clark & Sons refracting telescope, 1865

      Alvan Clark & Sons refracting telescope, 1865

      20 ft Refracting Telescope, 1685

      20 ft Refracting Telescope, 1685

      Assorted delights

      Assorted makes and models from the 17 and 1800’s

      A Cosmological Model displayed in the new Copernican arrangement. Built around 1740

      A Cosmological Model displayed in the new Copernican arrangement. Built around 1740

      What a wonderful day ending in some space love and gratefulness, thanks mom!

      What a wonderful day ending in some space love and gratefulness, thanks mom!

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      Mexican Art Museum, 1852 W, 19th St.

       

      Last of all my friends, get out there and SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW and along the way look for artistic expression EVERYWHERE!!!

      Posted in Eats, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum Chicago, Chicago Cultural Alliance, Lincoln Park Zoo, Presencia Michoacana 2015 Chicago, The Spoke & Bird Cafe Chicago
    • Truckin’

      Posted at 7:41 pm by jan, on June 10, 2015

      Ah Chicago in the spring and summer! After a loooooong winter Chicagoans are like caged animals released into the wild! Celebrating in the incredible neighborhoods across the city we enjoy festival after festival.

      Excited about the Pilsen Food Truck Social, Betty and I headed over to 18th street. Here are some favorites…

      Betty’s response: Tattooed trucks, kewl!

      Aztec Daves

      Aztec Daves

      Haute & Ready Sandwiches

      Haute & Ready Sandwiches

      Fido to Go!

      Fido to Go!

      Bruges Brothers Frites

      Bruges Brothers Frites

      With a very happy belly, Betty and I next visited Loyola University Museum of Art.

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      Recently I read about photographer Richard Rinaldi’s work in process and exhibition, Touching Strangers. For several years Rinaldi has been taking pictures across the U.S. of strangers he pairs together on city streets. Strangers to him and to each other, they are asked to embrace for a photo.

      Technically the work is beautiful however, it is the strangers he selects and the compositions he creates that fill you with hope and a specific kinship that I believe comes from the simplicity of love. Taking pictures of the show weren’t permitted so here’s a teaser from LUMA’s advertisement.

      Touching Strangers: Richard Renaldi May 23-August 2 Loyola University Museum of Art 820 N. Michigan Avenue Tues. 11am-8pm free admission Wed.-Sun. 11am-6pm $8

      Touching Strangers: Richard Renaldi
      May 23-August 2
      Loyola University Museum of Art
      820 N. Michigan Avenue
      Tues. 11am-8pm free admission
      Wed.-Sun. 11am-6pm $8

      Posted in An Extension To All, Eats, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged LUMA, Pilsen Food Truck Social
    ← Older posts
    • Recent Posts

      • Shifting Gears Off the Beaten Path
      • Pilsen Bound
      • A Few of My Favorite Things
      • In My Own Backyard (part II)
      • In My Own Back Yard (part 1)
    • Categories

      • An Extension To All (134)
      • Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers (91)
      • Theaters, Festivals, Music, Parades (34)
      • Eats (32)

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