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BEST DATE NEWS
Jan. 4, 2024: Best Date News Volume #56
Good morning and welcome to another edition of Best Date News, Chicago’s most fun and interesting Thursday newsletter. Welcome to 2024! It’s going to be a great year, Chicago!
In today’s newsletter, we dive into Metra’s overhaul, Chicago-style croissants, a Soldier Field concert announcement, Chicago’s annual snowplow naming contest, the big yellow door, restaurant closings, Dry January and more!
Via Food Network
Jan. 4: National Holidays
National Spaghetti Day
National Trivia Day
National Tom Thumb Day
National Free Flower Basket Day
World Hypnotism Day
Chicago News
Metra Overhaul: Forget everything you thought you knew about the Metra in Chicago because the transit agency is making some major changes. Beginning Feb. 1, Metra is implementing big changes including an overhaul to ticket prices, reducing the number of zones from 10 down to four (seen in the above map), eliminating 10-ride passes, closing al of its ticketing windows and more. Get all the details.
Chicago-Style Croissant: Before you click on the upcoming link, what do you envision a Chicago-style croissant looking like? Is it hard to picture? Well, two legendary Chicago institutions, the Wieners Circle and Daisies, have teamed up to create what has to be the most unique pastry that Chicago has seen in a long time. Don’t miss their hilarious hype video for it.
Billy Joel & Stevie Nicks: A special one night only summer concert at Soldier Field was announced this morning by Live Nation. Legendary musicians Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks will perform together on June 21. Get all the info and see when tickets go on sale here.
Snowplow Naming Contest: Want to name a Chicago snowplow for this winter? Yes, really. The city hosts an annual naming contest where each Chicagoan can submit one potential snowplow name. Our favorites from last year were Sears Plower and Sleet Home Chicago. From all the submissions, there will be 50 finalists that you can then vote on, and the top six vote getters will be used on actual snowplows! The submission deadline is Jan. 12. Submit your entry.
Free Museum Days: If there is a museum in Chicago that you have been wanting to visit, this is the month to do it. Not only is it cold outside, but there are so many different days you can go. We highlighted 44 of them!
Via Big Monster Toys
Chicago Closings
The Big Yellow Door: You have likely seen Chicago’s iconic big yellow door on social media. It belongs to the Big Monster Toys company who just recently announced that they have shutdown to all new business and future operations. Does this mean the end is near for one of Chicago’s most unique photo spots?
Restaurant Closings: Two longtime Chicago restaurants have closed to diners as of Jan. 1. Hutch Bistro, a brunch spot in Lakeview, announced they had their last day in business after 10 years. And the original Rosebud flagship restaurant located on Taylor Street in Little Italy closed New Year’s Day as well. However, Rosebud will be reopening as a special events speakeasy.
Just For Fun
Dry January: Not drinking this month? You’re not alone. If you still want to go out this month, but you are not drinking, here is a list of 41 places in Chicago, organized by neighborhood, where you can get great mocktails and other N/A beverages.
Best Pizza: If you are a fan of Neapolitan-style pizza, like they have in Italy, you have to try this awesome Southport Corridor Southern Italian restaurant. We just visited, and we couldn’t stop raving about it!
Hogwarts in Chicago: Did you know that Chicago has a cool building on the University of Chicago campus that you can visit for free and will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Hogwarts? Take a look!
Poll Question of the Week
Do you have a New Year's resolution?If you do, reply with what it is after you vote. |
Poll Results: Last newsletter we asked if you prefer to go out or stay in for New Year’s Eve and 75% of you said that you prefer to stay in.
Today's Sunset in Chicago
The sun will set in Chicago this evening at 4:32pm. Which means the sun sets today six minutes later than it did last week.
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