Preferably, for Obama. But vote.

I find myself extraordinarily nervous today. My guy has the lead in the polls, but how accurate are those things? They certainly have been very convenient for the media… first Obama has a “big” lead, then it narrows, making it a tight race… will this lead in the polls translate to a victory tonight? I’d rather Obama be up than down, but it hasn’t eased my nerves much.

Read a great article on the mood of Obama and his campaign in the dwindling days – hours – of the campaign. Really moving and insightful.

George Will had a great article as well, covering carelessness and finances, and his closing line has stuck with me since I read it.

Callie Shell contributed an amazing photo essay as well.

A few other moments that have stuck with me… of course, the nomination acceptance speech in Denver; the Chicago Tribune endorsement rang true and was momentous in its own way; and, sadly, I still haven’t shook Giuliani and Palin ridiculing – making fun of – community organizers. I was already for Obama, but I lost any respect I had for those characters at that moment.

But I find myself with hope, with a sense of being lifted up, by Obama, and I’m so proud to say I voted for him. Now I’m just hoping my country – from my perspective – doesn’t screw this one up. To not elect Obama would be a wasted opportunity of unbelievable scale, in my opinion.

And there’s no doubt that I’ll feel a whole lot better about bringing a child into the world with Obama as president.

I’m sad, nonetheless, because Studs became intertwined in my love of Chicago. rIAm and I attended his session at the Printer’s Row Book Fair a couple years ago mostly at my insistence (although rIAm heartily agreed), and since then it’s been hard to figure out who is the bigger fan. I will always remember, from that session, Studs answered a question about people living in suburbs instead of cities. “You have to remember,” Studs said, “they [the suburbanites] are people too.”

But it was clear that Terkel was fiercely proud of Chicago, of city life, of the neighborhoods and people who make up the fabric of city, and Chicago life. That pride is one I shared, but Studs’ was contagious. And when I brag about Chicago, one of the reasons I say it’s great is because it’s the home of one Studs Terkel.

Rick Kogan, who was pretty well inseparable from Studs in public appearances lately, has a beautiful obituary published.

This wouldn’t be complete without mention of how and who Studs wrote about. It was the everyman and woman, the ones who aren’t famous – aren’t “important” (Joe the Plumber aside) – but through the voice they are given by Studs become enormously important. One of the finest stage productions I’ve seen in Chicago – indeed, anywhere – was based on Studs’ work Race: What Blacks and Whites Think and Feel About the American Obsession. Some of the books I’m most proud of owning were penned by Studs.

It also broke my heart – and was indeed rIAm’s first utterance after I shared the news of his passing – that Studs will not be around this Tuesday to see the potential election of America’s first black president. But it is in part thanks to Studs and his long legacy that it is even possible for that to happen on Tuesday.

This is the end of an era, and one I’m very sad indeed to see go.

I’ve also discovered that writing for blogTO is very rewarding, and leads to all sorts of cool things. I can get access to great events, make contacts with good people to know and even have a reason to go hang out with a chef for a while so I can do an interview.

Now I’m very excited that rIAm and I have a great apartment in Roncesvalles, a great Toronto neighbourhood. We spent our Canada Day painting, and the place looks really good. We’ve got some nice colours and have overall brightened the place up. With a delivery tonight, we’ll also have a nice mix of vintage furniture and Ikea. But it’s so exciting to be so close to our independent lifestyle again, and to have it in such a vibrant community. Just visiting Roncesvalles excites me about where I’m about to be living and Toronto in general.

Of course I’ve also figured out a few things I miss about Chicago, and perhaps even the States in general. The obvious first thing, other than the fact my family isn’t in Toronto, is that the Mexican food scene is pathetic. I visited a new place that makes their own tortillas, and while the tortillas were great, the tacos were awful. Other spots that come close to good Mexican fare do it either at high prices or mediocre quality, or both, so it’s hard to be all that excited. There just isn’t the population or competition like Chicago has. At least we have found some good sources for a number of Mexican ingredients, and we are even growing our own tomatillos in nonno’s garden.

I also miss the clothing selection and sales and outlet malls of the US. It’s not like I went shopping that often, but I find it difficult to find reasonably priced options to suit my needs and desires. I’m not being cheap – most of the cheap stuff just looks cheap to me now – but I’m also not looking for the most expensive stuff – and there isn’t a heck of a lot in the middle. I think I was spoiled by the outlet malls, and for the first time, I can sort of understand the obsession my in-laws have with the outlet malls.

I also really miss the great public space in Chicago. The parks, paths, incredible architecture and so much more really contributed to an awesome feeling in the city. Although Toronto is a great city, it doesn’t grab at your emotions in the same way at all. Toronto is a city you aren’t blown away with, but slowly come to love and appreciate. You have to make it your own; Chicago asserts itself.

And this leads me to the big thing I have realized I miss about Chicago: enormous pride in your city. Canadians can’t let the name of a famous Canadian go by without annoucning that person is Canadian, but when it comes to Toronto, residents are as apt to blast a new project as anything else. I hear so much complaining about this that or another – much of it for a reason – but in such a way where no credit is given to the good. In Chicago, perhaps this is unique, the love of the city tops all else. Yes, there is disagreement over how to do things or whether something is good or bad, but at the end of the day, Chicagoans love Chicago and you know it. I can’t say the same for Toronto.

The roots of Chicago’s love go a long way back. Perhaps it was galvanized by the 1893 Columbian Exposition, as Daniel Burnham led the city’s efforts to put on one helluva show for the world. That pride has never gone away, and is stronger today than ever.

Perhaps what I also miss is an iconic, benevolent, dictatorial, corrupt (?) mayor. For all of the criticism that Da Mare (Daley) gets, he deserves every re-election he’s had and I thank him for all of his years of service because despite whatever forays into silliness he’s had, Chicago is one helluva city, and he’s a big reason why.

Over here in Toronto the same can’t be said. Trying to introduce more street food vendors is a good example. Street hot dogs are a bit of a staple in this town, but with all the immigrants – Toronto’s multi-culturalism is incredible – there was a plan introduced to expand the street food vendor cart options to better capture Toronto’s many flavours. Well the plan was ready to be implemented when it got mired in beaurocracy about who should own the carts, who should operate the cars, what should be offered and so on and so forth. Now it looks like it will take years to implement what could have – should have! – been already in place.

But then I visit Roncesvalles and get all excited about Toronto again, because there’s a lot of great stuff happening there and all over the city. I’m getting to know the bike routes, and can’t wait to be so close to the Lakefront Trail. I’m also feeling well connected to the local/seasonal food scene, and I’m feeling more and more comfortable being stopped and asked for directions. I can look around and find stuff that could – should – be improved, but I can also see a great city I’m living in.

And more than anything, I can’t wait for Saturday evening, when rIAm and I are left with our nicely painted apartment filled up with all sorts of boxes. There may not be a tree, but waking up Sunday will be like Christmas morning: I won’t know which box to open up first, and can’t wait for the surprise of what’s inside!

Oh, happy day!

It’s taken only 36 hours to hit me. Barack Obama has clinched the Democratic party presidential nomination.

I watched his Minnesota rally speech live two nights ago, and as stirring as his words were, I still couldn’t fully comprehend what I was watching him declare he had all the votes he needed to claim he is the nominee.

It was interesting to watch an interview on ABC World News last night where Obama admitted to Charlie Gibson it hadn’t sunk in for him either. Obama may have just achieved a countless number of things — the first black presidential nominee, knocking Hillary out once and for all — but he was feeling just as human as I was.

As beautiful luck would have it, my husband arrived home with a library book I had put on hold several months. I exclaimed when I saw it was Dreams from my Father by Barack Obama. How neat is that and just six weeks after I had finished his other book, The Audacity of Hope?

As soon as I found my place on the subway car this morning, I dug voraciously into reading the back cover quotes, the dust jacket and then the introduction. Somewhere in the pages of the first chapter, on the dark tracks between Runnymede and High Park, my eyes began to well with tears. I don’t think it was anything in particular I had just read — I honestly couldn’t tell with my blurred eyes. But I felt something stirring I can’t really explain and frankly, don’t care to find an explanation for. I

All I know is I’ve always had hope in Barack Obama, from the moment I heard him speak at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. He captured my attention and has held it ever since. And not just held it, he has affected my spirit with his words, with his actions and with his message of hope.

Am I gushing? Yes! Because I had the audacity to hope and I will continue to, right until the last vote is counted in November.

And I will put it in writing here and now: If Barack Obama is elected president, I am going to do everything in my power to be at his inauguration. Not because he will be the first black president and not because he is a liberal. I will be there because every fiber in me tells me it’s what I need to do. Perhaps it sounds ludicrous to admit how deep one person I don’t know, and who doesn’t know me, affects me. All I know is this guy is the shit, even if he is a politician, and I am not even an American.

Perhaps sometime soon, I will be able to better articulate how Barack Obama has affected and influenced me. For now, I will just enjoy this book of his that I am reading and wish him much luck in the months ahead.

Theriot to DeRosa to Lee may not roll off the tongue like Tinkers to Evers to Chance, and Harry would mangle Kosuke Fukudome every time, but all I can say is…

Go Cubs Go!

March 29. 8pm local time.

Tell your friends. Tell your family. Have an Earth Hour party. Or an Earth Night party.

But turn out for Earth Hour.

This all said, I think this piece over at Alternet, busting some myths about Canadian healthcare, is particularly insightful whether you are Canadian or American, whether you have experienced both systems or just one.

My two cents: spread the word — universal healthcare is something to be proud of, but also something to learn the whole truth about so we can protect it and continue improving it for everyone.

So this post is for Alarik and Jessica, with many thanks for sparking our interest in doing this post. But, of course, it’s ultimately for everybody to use (or not) as much as you like. And please, by all means, add your favorites and thoughts in the comments.

1. One place I found myself continually going back to I believe is called Carniceria Guanajuado at 1436 N. Ashland. It’s possible I have the name wrong, which means the address would be wrong, but it’s not far off. You’re looking for the Mexican supermarket on the west side of the road at roughly that address. The taco and torta counter is inside the market, which has an adjoining parking lot. The food is cheap and quite possibly the best tacos I ever had in Chicago. On weekends the barbacoa is the best barbacoa in town, and the birria de chivo (goat) is the best I’ve had (but, admittedly, I haven’t had this too many places). Other days you can’t go wrong with the steak tacos (carne asada).

2. For some of the best Mexican seafood in town, you can’t go wrong with El Barco Mariscos at 1035 N Ashland Ave. The parillada, or mixed seafood grill, is fantastic (pictured below), served on a sizzling hot plate. The huachinango (red snapper) is also a treat. They’ve got land based meat stuff, but you’re really coming here for the seafood feast. Price? Not the cheapest by any stretch, but not unreasonable for what you get. Expect $15-30 per person, depending on what you order and what you’re drinking.

3. Another treat for all around good food is Nuevo Leon, in Pilsen at 1515 W 18th Street. This cash-only favorite serves up excellent tacos, shrimp in garlic sauce, snapper, queso fundido and just about everything else you go into a Mexican spot for. It’s Nuevo Leon style (that’s a state in Mexico), and that’s fine by me. It’s under $10 per person, easily. Doesn’t serve alcohol, but you can BYOB.

4. Perhaps the gold standard in Mexican cuisine is Rick Bayless’s gems Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, sharing a space at the intersection of Clark and Illinois in River North. Using nothing but the freshest of fresh ingredients, organic and sustainable products whenever possible, and traditional recipes and methods learned in Mexico, you can always count on a fantastic meal. Everything, truly, is superb. The margaritas are the best in town, possibly anywhere. The seafood is superb; it’s a crime to leave without trying a ceviche. It’s nearly impossible for rIAm to pass up whatever the scallop dish is; I find myself ordering duck or the fish more often than not. The sauces are divine, the flavors sensational throughout. And save room for dessert, because it too is about as good as it gets. Or, actually, don’t save room but have it anyway. Once you taste the Kahlua whipped cream you won’t regret it. The restaurants share a kitchen, but Topolo offers the more refined (and expensive) restaurant experience. Frontera is a bit more “earthy,” and less expensive ($15-25 for mains) but not one bit inferior. A representative example of Bayless’s cuisine is this skatewing fillet in mole.

5. There are three outposts of La Pasadita on north Ashland Ave within a block of each other. Try heading for 1141 N. Ashland and if that one’s full, head a little south to 1132 N. Order the steak tacos and let your mouth water while waiting for them, then let your taste buds do a happy dance while eating them. Don’t miss a chile relleno taco either, for some poblano and cheese dream come true of a taco. So, so very good. You can also find burritos roughly the size of small children, and while we’ve not sampled one, they sure are popular.

6. For some darn good tacos, head to a Los Comales. For perhaps the best tongue tacos in town, go to the original outpost at 26th and Kedzie, but you can’t go wrong with any of their locations, mostly around the south and west sides of the city. Each filling is very good, it’s a matter of personal preference as to which is best. I recommend the barbacoa for a nicely flavored tender taco.

7. For some fresh, authentic, delicious Mexican head to La Condesa. They have two or three outposts, and the best location is on south side, something like 63rd and Pulaski (but not exactly there!)on south 59th street, between Kedzie and California. Since it’s easiest to find, and order at, this location if you’re Mexican, we also recommend their north Ashland (1003 N) location. The food is excellent and very fresh, and you simply cannot go wrong with a cecina (cured thin steak), the complimentary salsa or chilaquiles. Simply everything is superb. Note: See Comment #1 for more information.

8. My friend Armando tempted my tastebuds with his descriptions of cochinita pibil, a marinated and slowly cooked pork dish that is elusive on American Mexican menus. So it was with great delight that I found Carnitas al Paisa at 3529 W. Fullerton advertising their cochinita pibil. Granted, the name implies their specialty is carnitas, another form of slow cooked pork, and I wouldn’t dream of discouraging you from trying carnitas at the aptly named establishment. But sampling their cochinita will not disappoint, nor will the barbacoa. You can order your meats by the pound if you like, for take-away or to make your own tacos on site. The rounded older Mexican woman behind the counter gives off the impression — and as it turns out, reality — of this place: they know what they’re doing and they know it tastes darn good.

9. For some top notch Mexican grocery shopping, get yourself over to Casa del Pueblo (1834 S. Blue Island), the best Mexican supermarket we found in Chicago. And we did our best to sample many. The dry goods selection is extensive, but the real winners here are the produce and meat sections. You can find superb poblanos, chiles and assorted seasonal vegetables. Some excellent – and cheap – limes are always on display. Around the corner from that you’ll find yourself tempted by all the delectable Mexican cheeses, and a little bit further down you’ll find yourself face to face with an impressive meat case. You can get all sorts of things, but I suggest you get at least a pound of their house-made chorizo, and then sample whatever else strikes your fancy. Don’t forget your tortillas – often still warm after a delivery from nearby tortilla factories – and then you’re ready to check out. Of course, if you don’t buy items needing refrigeration – or you remember to pack a cooler in the car (or it’s winter!) – head across the parking lot to the taqueria of the same name. Serving up excellent tacos and similar fare, you won’t go hungry here. They make the food and put it into buffet-like serving containers so the people taking your order can make up the tacos right away. Therefore, I recommend you order what all the Mexicans crowded around the counter are ordering – it will be super fresh and super delicious.

10. For a slice of Mexican culture and life you will never forget, make the journey to Mi Tierra (just north of 26th on Kedzie) on a Friday or Saturday night. Don’t arrive before 7:30 or 8pm if you want to see things getting into full swing; whole families will still be waiting for tables until well after 10pm. There will be at least one mariachi roaming the restaurant, often another band to sing as well in this enormous Mexican paradise. The food does not disappoint – try a carne asada tampiquena if you’re having difficulty choosing – but remember that you’re here for ambiance as much as food.

11. If none of these quite tickle your fancy, just roam Ashland Ave, north of Chicago Ave and south of Fullerton. Or Western Ave in roughly the same stretch. Or meander through Pilsen, between Halsted and Ashland on the east and west, around 18th Street (but don’t forget to wander a bit north or south). You also can’t go wrong along Belmont or Fullerton, headed west from Western and not stopping for quite some time! Of course, these are hardly the only stretches good for Mexican, so don’t be afraid to pull into the nearest spot you find and give it a shot.

12. Mexican street vendors around the city offer up some tasty treats. You can find delicious fruit, chicharrones and so much more. The fresh sweet corn in a cup is always a tempting treat, too. If you’re scared to make an order, just point at what the person in front of you got and say you want the same.

Lucky 13. The best Mexican food in town is offered up down near Archer Ave and 55th Street by Armando’s mom. The chile rellenos (pictured below) served to rIAm would more than suffice as an example, but I can still taste those incredible taquitos de olla. You don’t get food that good very often. Unless you live with the kitchen magician that is Armando’s mom. Problem is, Armando’s mom doesn’t cook at any restaurant. Yet. Of course, you can try making friends with Armando hoping to get an invite. You never know when you may get lucky and find yourself sipping some Herradura with la familia Larraga!