Best Blues Bars in Chicago

Blue Chicago
Image: bluechicago.com

Based in Deer Park, Illinois, Larry Soldinger is the managing partner of LJ Soldinger Associates, where he has worked since 1989. In his free time, Larry Soldinger enjoys attending Chicago blues performances, with a preference for Vance Guitar Kelly and his Backstreet Blues Band.

Chicago is known as the home of blues greats including Muddy Waters and Bo Diddley. To this day, Chicago attracts some of the biggest names in blues, and there are many clubs dedicated to the genre.

One especially popular club is Blue Chicago, a world-renowned venue that has been presenting authentic blues artists since 1985. Located in the River North entertainment district, the club promises high-energy performances and has lately focused on female vocalists such as Shirley Johnson and Claudette Miller.

Blues enthusiasts should also visit B.L.U.E.S., which has been voted the best blues club on the city’s North Side. Patrons enjoy good music in an intimate environment that welcomes a roster of mostly local artists, including Vance Guitar Kelly and Pistol Pete.

Other great blues bars in Chicago include Buddy Guy’s Legends, Kingston Mines, and Rosa’s Lounge.

Top Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Europe

Anna Stuben Gourmet Restaurant
Image: gardena.it

Since 1989, Larry Soldinger has served as managing partner of LJ Soldinger Associates, where he works with businesses on tax planning and preparation and other financial considerations. When not working, Larry Soldinger enjoys traveling the world and searching out Michelin-rated restaurants in Europe.

There are many Michelin-starred restaurants from which to choose. The following are three of the best, as selected by Conde Nast.

1. Anna Stuben Gourmet Restaurant at Hotel Gardena Grodnerhof, Trentino: A South Tyrolean lodge, Italy’s Hotel Gardena Grodnerhof offers a stunning menu at the Anna Stuben Gourmet Restaurant, which draws on high-quality local ingredients and pairs them with wines as suggested by expert sommelier Franz Lageder.

2. Largo do Paco Restaurant at Casa da Calcada, Amarante: Located in the center of Amarante, Portugal, Largo do Paco Restaurant offers a menu created by the chef each day, drawing on the freshest ingredients available in the market to highlight a Portuguese style that balances contemporary and traditional.

3. La Magnolia at Hotel Byron, Florence: Offering a constantly evolving menu, La Magnolia restaurant sources fresh, local ingredients to showcase the Tuscan flavors with both creativity and flair.