This week came and went with lots of spring time rain and temperatures that ranged from 45 to 80 HOWEVER, my glorious day off was a perfectly cloudless 65 degrees! Woo! Before our adventure began Betty and I made a quick stop off at the Daly Plaza where the season’s Farmers Market has begun and we’re surprised to find an Asian American Festival was also taking place.
Next, we headed south to check out Mana Contemporary. Our route took us along the lake front bike path, over a bridge just past McCormick Place to 18th Street.
Buckingham Fountain in full force welcoming all to Grant Park!
First new discovery…
The Spoke & Bird, 205 E 18th street. A quick rest and a tasty beverage in their garden courtyard and we’re off to Mana…
Mana Contemporary, 2233 S Throop Street
In the past I had heard of art exhibitions at Mana but after a quick tour the emphasis here is on fine art storage and handling, artist’s studios for rent, and gallery space to rent for events and to stage photography and presentations. Occasionally they have an artist’s studio open house and exhibit but I only learned this from one of the employees (currently no schedule or advertisement on their website).
Last discovery was a wonderful little place a friend suggested I visit, Café Monsivás.
Café Monsivás, 1637 W. 18th St., Sunday thru Thursday:
9AM – Late Afternoon
Friday and Saturday
9AM-Dinner, BYOB, 312-772-8075
A welcoming and cozy environment hosted by co-owners, Jesús Márquez and Katie Schlick Garcia, features good mojo, local art, and a MOST delicious menu.
And then there was this!!!
Roasted Stuffed Pablano Pepper! Created and prepared by Chef Katie.
A million thanks to Katie and Jesús for a wonderful experience, great company, and a very happy belly! See you soon!
Ok all, it’s time for Betty and I to head out but before we go here’s extending to you a great big invitation to get out there and SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW and along the way look for artistic expression EVERYWHERE!
-The residual purpose of art is purposeless play. This play however, is an affirmation of life–Not an attempt to bring order out of chaos nor to suggest improvements in creation, but simply a way of waking up to the very life we’re living, which is so excellent once one gets one’s mind and one’s desires out of its way and lets it act of its own accord. -John Cage
My Bike Betty 