Summer Heat Blazing The Blues

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I was walking through Chicago and the summer heat was blazing through my skin. I stepped off the bus feeling like I was swarmed in a sauna. I thought this was the windy city? Where is the cool breeze that was oh so nice in my presumptions of the city.

As you may have guessed, yes I was in Chicago. The Chicago Blues Fest was held from June 7th-10. I am roughly a month late, but please sympathize with me because I am new to the site. This is my very first post. I will try my best to make it a good one. As I previously mentioned, the Chicago Blues Festival was that weekend and some great acts played in the show (Mavis Staple, among others). I sat by as some of the greats, as well as some new up and coming acts, performed some of their best versions of authentic blues music. Everything from the swampy musque of the texas blues to the guitar squealing of the native Chicago blues. It was quite the see. Unfortunately, it was hot. I mean really hot.

The average temperature in Chicago that weekend was in the high 90's and boy did it feel like it! I put a whole new meaning to the term coined as "bright as a strawberry." They could have put a new color to my skin, but I did not let that slow me down. The music pumping in through the buildings like train moving along a melodic track kept me in the zone and away from pain. I just through a shirt, a soft shirt, and covered most of my body up. On my trip, I found some pretty quaint little places that helps curb a long walk in the heat and prop your feet up and have a drink or a bite to eat.

First, is the popular Billy Goat Tavern, which is located by the Tribune towers. Walking into the place is like walking into a madhouse of tourists, but don't let that sway your excitement. It is actually a really exciting place.The line starts right at the door and they herd you through like cattle, for a piece of cattle (a burger) or a delicious plump hot dog. The foreign screaming, "You burger? You burger? and the constant attempts at adding to your order, "Double cheese, double cheese!" make for a rather exciting, somewhat hectic at times, atmosphere. If you want a place to have good eats, a good laugh, and a nice cold beverage; This greasy spoon tavern is the place to invest your time in.

Second, is called Fast Foo's Oriental Express which is the next best, quick, food other than Chinatown. It's located right downtown on East Jackson just a short walk from the magnificent mile. Fortunately, it was relatively close to the blues festival. if you want a quick eat in a subway style set-up behind glass, this is the best place to go. There may be a considerable number of homeless people that you may have to dodge in route to this cuisine, but it is worth the gold at the end of that rainbow.

So if you ever find yourself in downtown Chicago at the blues festival and you want to let your feet take a break, check these places out. You will not be disappointed.

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