The International Museum of Surgical Science sounds a little creepy at first. Don’t get me wrong, there are some items on display that will leave you grateful to be alive in the most recent era of modern medicine. However, the IMSS is actually a beautiful and sophisticated mausoleum for early anatomical illustrations and painting, studies of surgical procedures, and medical inventions–some genius, some terrifying. There is even an original “iron lung” once used to help polio patients breath. One of my favorite features of the museum is a recreation of an old apothecary, like a frontier-age Walgreens Pharmacy, filled with old pill bottles and medicines viles.The artwork surpasses medical illustrations of the Gray’s Anatomy sort (referring to the book, not the show of course). Rather, the IMSS can feel like a exhibition of Body Worlds in the style and craft of Leonardo Da Vinci.
This past spring I was able to go to a show called Flux: Responding to Head & Neck Cancer, which was a multidisciplinary, contemporarty art show commenting on how people deal with the scars of life-saving, but often disfiguring surgeries. Another great collaboration of the IMSS includes regular exhibitions featuring work by graduate students of the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Biomedical Visualization program, which I would describe as a biomedical MFA program.
The museum is located on Lake Shore Drive, overlooking lake Michigan. CTA busses stop right near the museum, and it’s also a quick and picturesque walk from the Red Line Clark/Division stop.
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There are many unique food options to try on their menu like Bylamyk porridge with raspberry jam, Baursak (fried dough bites) or Truffle Mushroom Soup.
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" Old Town Ale House" is one of my favorite spots to enmesh myself in the history, art, and unique company found in Chicago.
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I am always stunned by their appetizers, including "the big salad," which includes seasonal vegetables topped with plenty of pepper and shredded cheese.
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"Argyle Street" is Chicago's first shared street. The concept allows cafes to extend outside their doors and provide spaces for the summer night market...
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"Pasta Bowl" in Chicago boasts about being a laid-back restaurant with fresh dishes, but if you're not in the mood for a bite, they also act as a cool bar.
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The food here is prepared by Moses Sake, chef and co-owner of Tesfa, who learned how to cook from his mother. He runs Tesfa with his brother, Samuel Sake.
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I recommend getting the traditional breakfast combo, a sampler with three dishes, that comes with complimentary warm, crispy bread!
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The star of the show is De Luna's "volcano" taco, made with spicy poblano pepper and melted cheese. It may be one of the best tacos I've eaten in my life!
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Although this street is dominated by Vietnamese eateries, Nhà Hàng is a quieter, no-frills joint as opposed to the touristy, upscale restaurants nearby.
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Here diners sit in the naturally lit patio while enjoying traditional homemade Costa Rican food: sweet plantains, grilled veggies, rice and beans.
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My favorite thing to order here is the vegetarian arepa, which is stuffed with black beans, a generous portion of avocado, and sweet plantains.
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Founded in 1948, "Superdawg" is THE quintessential Chicago hot dog place - they'll bring your order right to your car, like they did in the '50s!
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