What Makes Lacuna Lofts So Special?

What makes Lacuna Lofts so special and worthy of a trip to Chicago in itself? If you appreciate art like I do, allow me to show you.

I first learned about this artistic space following one of my favorite street art talents on Instagram. Wrdsmth, originally from Chicago, crafted several inspiring pieces at Lacuna Lofts. This alone made a trip to Chicago imminent. Hats off to Lanee Lee for stalking this fascinating guy and sharing his world with us (I only wish I had been the stalker) - http://huff.to/1oVdQE8


The moment I spied the structure I was hypnotized, even in the dismal splatters of rain. The rooftop patches of color immediately draw you in, allowing your mind to wonder what awaits you. My feet finally decided to make more progress towards the building, and once inside, I was oohing and aahing like it was the 4th of July. 

Lacuna Lofts is spacious and fetching, offering commercial studio space for rent with oodles of perks. In addition, Lacuna is sought-after for wedding receptions and other events. To learn more, check out their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/LacunaLofts/

Here's a preview of the artsy side -

A typewriter never looked so stylish. Am I right?! 

I look forward to more exploration at Lacuna Lofts, especially the rooftop. Wouldn't it be grand if they rented out apartments?

MOLE DE MAYO FESTIVAL AND MORE!

One of many phenomenal murals in Pilsen

I initiated a weekend in Chicago to attend the Mole de Mayo festival in the Pilsen neighborhood. I was determined to consume as much mole as my stomach could muster. This vegetarian savored a vegan spicy mole flauta, and "entree" that included rice, potatoes, mushrooms and sesame seeds smothered in a mole sauce. 
 

I was also eager to become acquainted with someone for the first time in person. We met online through a neighborhood Facebook page, and started following each other on Instagram. Ang is a brilliant jewelery maker, and I discovered she was going to have a vendor booth at Mole de Mayo. http://etsy.me/1KILCEq

Meet Ang Mir 

If you have never been to this wonderful cultural event, mark your calendar for 2016. Aside from the delicious food, there are vendors, live music, Lucha Libre, a mechanical bull, and more. 

After departing Pilsen, I did a quick check-in at the highly anticipated new hostel called Freehand Chicago. You can read all about my stay here http://bit.ly/1BmZ0qc

Live music at the Landshark Beer Garden at Navy Pier was next on the agenda. Nothing beats dancing under the stars on Lake Michigan, especially Wednesday and Saturday evenings with the addition of fireworks. http://bit.ly/1jxbvIz 

 
Sunday was a day to remember, beginning with an extraordinary meal at a new venue called LYFE Kitchen. I can't say enough good things about this aesthetically pleasing eatery that offers healthy and mouthwatering food.

Quinoa Crunch Wrap

A donut sign caught my eye after leaving LYFE and I quickly kept walking. My love for donuts was stronger than my willpower; therefore, I backtracked to check out the menu at Stan's Donuts. I couldn't resist this little beauty and enjoyed every morsel.

A "blurry" Lemon Pistachio Old-Fashioned

With a satisfied belly, I made tracks to Hopleaf Bar, which is one of the best venues in Chicago to indulge in a remarkable beer selection. They also have good food, and I inhaled an order of mac and cheese before getting a photo.

My friends and I ended the night at one of my beloved bars that I truly miss. Delicious entertainment and 200+ martinis await you at the one and only Kit Kat Lounge. 

Beer and martinis make for a sleepy Megabus ride home, which is a good thing. Until next time Chitown!

Dia de Los Muertos Celebration in Pilsen

Even though I lived in Chicago for seven years, I never attended a Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration in Pilsen. I was itching to be part of the commemoration, and decided 2014 was the year to do it.

Pilsen is a Mexican-American neighborhood alive with culture, and Dia de Los Muertos was an exceptional representation of that. Upon arriving at the Elevarte Community Studio, where the festivities were being held, I immediately spied some incredible art. The talented artist who decorated the stairs introduced himself, and Fernando has a new fan.

Meet Fernando Andrade

I couldn't contain my excitement as I made my way around the building, trying to take in all that was in front of me. It was amazing to watch all the beautiful faces getting ready for the big event. Everyone was extremely friendly, and I have never felt so welcome. I had intended to get my face painted; however, the overwhelming desire to take photos made that a memory.

Then something astounding happened - a woman asked if I wanted to be in the parade. I looked around. Who me? Yes, me!  She handed me a prop and said I was going to be a spirit, walking next to the coffin in the front of the parade. Could things get any better?! They could have been better if I had gotten my face painted, but there was no time now (insert a momentary sad face here).

I wanted to make the most of my day trip since I love the Pilsen neighborhood; therefore, I planned other activities around the celebration. I read about a new cafe and had to check it out. La Catrina Cafe is so marvelous that it will be my go-to coffee shop when traveling to Chicago. I had scrumptious eats in a relaxed, ethnic setting.  http://www.lacatrinacafe.com/

The entire cafe front is a gorgeous mural

 

Mexican hot chocolate and sweet potato empanada

In my humble opinion, Pilsen is the best place in Chicago for unparalleled street art and murals. A good number of paintings are located along 16th St., beginning at Halsted. The following photos are my favorites from this street:

What a unique twist this red bull car added (good timing)

The next few shots are random 

 

18th near La Catrina

Someone's amazing garage door

In between buildings on 18th St. not far from La Catrina

I think this was on W. 19th near Carpenter

A spectacular collection of art at Bonys Grocery Store - 1942 S. Carpenter

Across the street from Bonys

My final destination was Simone's, one of my best-loved restaurants. I succeeded in feeding my face to the fullest. This venue has outstanding food and craft beer/cocktails in a funky atmosphere. It was a tough decision, but I ordered the Quinoa Pizza with toasted quinoa, mozzarella, caramelized red onions, and avocado accompanied by Founder's Dirty Bastard. Highly delectable!  http://simonesbarchicago.com/

Don't you wish you could dig right in?

Beautiful art adorns both sides of Simone's

The Dia de Los Muertos celebration was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I'm already looking forward to 2015. Thank you for an unbelievable day Pilsen!