With Franklin Delano Roosevelt's name being bantered about more these days, what with the comparisons of his New Deal and the current economic stimulus, we thought we would take a look at the 44th Mayor of Chicago, Anton "Tony" Cermak, who died from a gun shot wound 76 years ago today. Had Cermak not taken a bullet intended for the then President-elect, Grandma and Grandpa wouldn't be getting their Social Security checks and we never would have had the chance to watch FDR's delightful fireside chats on television. more ›

There are three Cocina Cocula locations in Chicago. The closest one to us is a short — and, for yesterday, hot — bike ride away where Pilsen blends into Little Village. We've often passed Cocula on our way to our favorite haunts in La Villita, but with the sound of sirens in the air all around yesterday, we figured it would be as good a place as any to cool down and have a nosh.... more ›

We completely forgot to mention that this weekend is the annual Fiesta del Sol in Pilsen. Now in its 35th year, proceeds from Fiesta del Sol benefit the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council. Over the course of the PNCC's history, they've helped in the formation of Benito Juarez High School, Alivio Medical Center, and today is a major lobby for immigration reform and provides college scholarships for deserving students. Fiesta del Sol is the largest non-smoking,... more ›

Another week, another all-you-can-eat Friday Buffet. The photo alone is giving us cravings for some shark meat. - It's National Ice Cream Month. Feeling charitable this afternoon? In the mood for ice cream? Then head over to Atwood Café between 2-4 p.m. and take part in their annual ice cream social to benefit the Fairy Godmother Foundation. Atwood chef Heather Terhune will donate $1 from every ice cream sold (graciously donated by Ciao Bella gelato)... more ›

One of the reasons we feel fortunate living on the south side is when we want to visit a nearby neighborhood, we can do so with relative ease via bicycle. We're a couple minutes away from Pilsen. Bronzeville is a few pedals from the house. Hyde Park is a quick ten minutes via the lakefront bike path. We've even found great West Indian cooking in Englewood en route to Beverly via Damen Avenue and... more ›

The last time Chicagoist tackled eating on the Southwest Side, our map reading skills were called into question. So, knowing that this week's installment of "Cheap Eats" is located in the Heart of Chicago neighborhood, we'll let you debate whether this qualifies as a south side cheap eat, or a west side cheap eat. We're here to tell you about the food, which is worth the trip, with or without a compass. When Chicagoist last... more ›

Lest some of you think that Chicagoist is gonna take it easy after last night - although some of us probably should - today we give you a special Friday version of "South Side Cheap Eats". This one's a doozy, folks. It's been a Pilsen mainstay for as long as we can remember. Steak & Egger has locations dotted along the near western suburbs, but it's their Pilsen location (mere steps from Chicagoist favorite May... more ›

The intersection of Cermak Road and Canal Street is a sort of no-man's land. Warehouses in various stages of occupancy and disrepair dot the landscape; the Chicago River, Amtrak, and Orange Line tracks run parallel for a stretch; bridges allow the intersection to serve as a shortcut into Pilsen, Chinatown, Bridgeport, and downtown. Most of us wouldn't think of this area as a place to get some good fish. Yet that's just what Lawrence's... more ›

Stuart Dybek, Author more ›