Monthly Archives: December 2016

News, Taxi App

Ventra: The Must-Have App for Chicago Transit

As a native Chicagoan, it still impresses me to be a part of the second-largest public transportation system in the United States.  The majority of those living in the Chicagoland area learned a long time ago that public transportation is the more affordable and least stressful way to travel. The Ventra app provides a convenient new tool for a traveling public that wants smart apps to simplify fare payment.

With so many apps on the market today one might be surprised to learn how few of them actually meet our most basic needs. However, the new Ventra app in Chicago does not fall into this category. This one is a must-have.

The Ventra app – rolled out in November 2015 – allows riders of the three regional agencies (Chicago Transit Authority, Pace suburban bus operator and Metra commuter rail) to meet their ticketing needs with ease and convenience. Gone are the days of having to remember if your pass has expired or your account balance is low because you can elect to receive account notifications. And you can say goodbye to standing in long lines at a store or station to purchase a ticket or pass at the risk of missing your bus or train.

With an Illinois state law requiring the three regional transit agencies to adopt a universal fare system by 2015, Metra needed a way to transition from a paper-based system and provide its riders who otherwise couldn’t participate in the original Ventra account-based contactless smart card system the ability to do so. However, because Metra is a proof-of-payment system relying on ticket inspection by a conductor, this posed a challenge. CTA, Metra and Pace moved forward with the logical next step to create an app that essentially put Ventra and Metra vending machines in the pockets of customers. Metra customers using the app can now purchase tickets and display them on their mobile phones to conductors. The app has been a resounding success with more than 250,000 downloads within the first two months of launch, and a million rides used on Metra through Metra mobile tickets purchased on the app.

Other features of the app include Ventra account management and real-time transit tracker information for CTA, Metra and Pace – all in one place.

With such positive response, it’s no wonder Chicago leads the way with this multi-purpose app

Review

Savor Bites from Chicago’s Top Chefs at First Bites Bash January 26: TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

It’s the first foodie celebration of the year, and the date is set for Thursday, January 26, 2017. A new location at Navy Pier, a new celeb chef host and 32 new restaurants are on the lineup for this 1-night only tasting party. Start 2017 off with this stylish celebration of the Chicago culinary scene… and do it with a deal: Early Bird tickets have just been posted.

First Bites Bash will take over the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier and bring in over 60 Chicago restaurants all under one roof. Hop from table to table to nosh on small bites both sweet and savory. Chef/Partner Sarah Grueneberg of Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificiowill host the 2017 event, from which a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

First Bites Bash 2016

Did you know?

First Bites Bash is the official kickoff event to Chicago Restaurant Week.

Ticket info

Get a rundown of the event below with a look at First Bites Bash by the numbers, and then get your tickets. Admission is $125 per person (with a limited number of $95 Early Bird tickets for sale!). First Bites Bash tickets are available online now.

A field guide to the event

  • 69 Restaurants
    A total of 69 food stations from Chicago’s top chefs and most beloved restaurants will each preview tasting portions from their respective Chicago Restaurant Week menus. Get the complete list at firstbitesbash.com.
  • 32 New Participants
    The lineup includes several new First Bites Bash participants — Ada St., Bernie’s Lunch & Supper, Coq d’Or, Dos Urban Cantina, Fulton Market Kitchen, Imperial Lamian, River Roast, Steadfast Restaurant and more!
  • 1 Incredible Charity
    A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository, which is a nonprofit food distribution and training center providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community.
  • 3 Hours of Sampling
    The party goes from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. so come hungry!
  • Drink Partners
    Wine and spirits tastings are included, with samples from Terlato Wines and TD Artisan Spirits.
  • 1,500 Guests
    Mix and mingle, dine and dance, with a massive crowd of fellow foodie guests throughout the magnificent Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier.

Keep your calendar open for 14 more days of dining that follow

Chicago Restaurant Week launches the very next day January 27 and runs through February 9. Enjoy dining deals at more than 360 Chicago restaurants featuring prix fixe meals starting at $22. Online reservations will be available beginning mid-December at eatitupchicago.com.

 

First Bites Bash 2016
First Bites Bash 2016
First Bites Bash 2016
News, Review

Here It Is: LeBron James Pays Up His Lost Bet By Wearing A Cubs Uniform

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ James made a bet with the Bulls’ Dwyane Wade for the World Series: If the Cubs won, LeBron would have to don a team uniform. If the Cleveland Indians won, Wade would have to wear Indians gear.

James, an Akron, Ohio, native, is an Indians Superfan who hammed it up in a Cleveland luxury suite during the World Series and flexed his muscles when things looked up for his guys. Wade is a Robbins native and a proud Chicagoan.

News, Review

Top Six Chicago Attractions Today that Excite Locals and Tourists Alike

Chicago is definitely one of those cities where you’ll never run out of places to see and things to do. It has such a rich culture that it always appears right on top of everyone’s list of favorite cities to visit in the US.

The moment you land, book a Universal Taxi right away. From there, rush off to these top Chicago attractions that you should never miss:

  • Millennium Park

There’s just so much to see at Millennium Park that it’s one place around the city that never gets old. You can visit the famed Cloud Gate (more popularly known as The Bean), a sculpture by Anish Kapoor, or walk through the Lurie Garden. Enjoy the Crown Fountain, or the Pritzker Pavilion. If you’re lucky, you may even end up catching an outdoor concert or show.

  • The Art Institute of Chicago

With over 300,000 artworks within its walls, we highly doubt that you’ll get tired of this amazing landmark right away. They house art from all over the world, with creations dating way back to the ancient times all the way to more modern pieces. The place itself is a work of art and is one of the most fabulous pieces of architecture around the city.

  • Adler Planetarium

Once you’ve experienced the Sky Theater at the Adler Planetarium, you can definitely say that you’ve been to space and beyond. It features the best resolution and quality among all space virtual reality trips around the world.

  • 360 Chicago

If you plan on conquering your fear of heights, this is the destination that you should never miss. Previously known as the John Hancock Observatory, it gives you the best views of the entire city and the neighboring areas from 1000 feet above the ground. If you’ve got the guts to do it, you can try the Tilt attraction. It’s a platform that extends from the building, then tilts at a 30° angle to give you that heart-dropping impression that you’re slowly falling off the building.

  • The Navy Pier

If you want excellent views of Lake Michigan, the Navy Pier is the best place to go to. It has a 150-foot high Ferris wheel and an 18-hole mini-golf course. You can also watch movies in its IMAX cinema, or catch a concert or two set on the Family Pavilion Stage.

  • Wrigley Field

Knowing that the Cubs have finally broken the 108-year drought by winning the 2016 World Series, it’s even more important that you visit Wrigley Field. You can enjoy any of the tours offered in and around the stadium, or you can go ice skating just outside the field during the winter season.

These are just 6 attractions, but they’re already enough to wow you and endear you even more to the Windy City. If you want to experience more, just ask your Universal Taxi cabbie for recommendations. For sure, they have a lot of insider knowledge that would help you enjoy the city even more, straight from a legitimate local’s viewpoint.