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How is stating an honest opinion being fake? (I personally love NYC but plenty don't) ....NYC is one of the most important cities in the world...it's certainly not "factually" the most important.
Well NYC and London are the most important city in the world.
Their location. They are both on coasts and being on the Ocean means more immigrants and immigrants lead to more of an exotic feel. Chicago is very pedestrian and homely. You don't feel like you are in a big city when you are in Chicago. Also, Chicago's night life and restaurant scene is pretty lacking for a city that large. I live in Phoenix and I don't really feel like there is anything in Chicago in terms of dining and entertainment than I can't get here but I do feel that way toward cities like NY, LA, SF, Miami and Boston.
Don't get me wrong, I love Chicago for many of those reasons. If it had better weather, I would live there in a heartbeat. I like how it's a large city that still offers great suburbs with great schools and the people in Chicago are my favorite in the world, they are warm and friendly but edgy enough not to be boring.
Their location. They are both on coasts and being on the Ocean means more immigrants and immigrants lead to more of an exotic feel. Chicago is very pedestrian and homely. You don't feel like you are in a big city when you are in Chicago. Also, Chicago's night life and restaurant scene is pretty lacking for a city that large. I live in Phoenix and I don't really feel like there is anything in Chicago in terms of dining and entertainment than I can't get here but I do feel that way toward cities like NY, LA, SF, Miami and Boston.
Don't get me wrong, I love Chicago for many of those reasons. If it had better weather, I would live there in a heartbeat. I like how it's a large city that still offers great suburbs with great schools and the people in Chicago are my favorite in the world, they are warm and friendly but edgy enough not to be boring.
Great post.
That is why I love Chicago as well. It seems to be a very well grounded city. I like how the media and entertainment industries have stayed away from Chicago. It's kept the egos of Chicagoans in check and has allowed the locals to enjoy life without being too worried about status, money, glamour...you know, America's poison.
I'm not sure what parts of Chicago you checked out for entertainment, but most of the cool spots in Chicago are away from the tourist areas. One thing that Chicago does better than ANY other city is House. If you ever check out one of the underground spots around the city you'll see why.
Also, the nightlife is more geared towards the residents. The nightlife here fills a void (a need for entertainment) and isn't used as something just to be "over the top" or attract tourist.
How is being the most important city in the world the same thing as being the city best for everyone or every thing? If it works better for you, you can find analogies in almost anything. Harvard is the best university in the world, but why would you choose it over other institutions for computer science, engineering, dance, film, education, etc. that are actually better in those fields? Michael Jackson might've been a great performer and singer, but how well does he fare among death metal fans?
Their location. They are both on coasts and being on the Ocean means more immigrants and immigrants lead to more of an exotic feel. Chicago is very pedestrian and homely. You don't feel like you are in a big city when you are in Chicago. Also, Chicago's night life and restaurant scene is pretty lacking for a city that large. I live in Phoenix and I don't really feel like there is anything in Chicago in terms of dining and entertainment than I can't get here but I do feel that way toward cities like NY, LA, SF, Miami and Boston.
Don't get me wrong, I love Chicago for many of those reasons. If it had better weather, I would live there in a heartbeat. I like how it's a large city that still offers great suburbs with great schools and the people in Chicago are my favorite in the world, they are warm and friendly but edgy enough not to be boring.
That is an insane statement. Have you ever heard of Charlie Trotter or Grant Achatz? Chicago is home to several of the best restaurants in the world. Blackbird, Publican, Tru, Everest, Avenues, L2O, anything from Rick Bayless? Where have you been? And the nightlife? Please, tell me about a spot in Phoenix that can compare to the Violet Hour in Chicago and I would hop on a plane now. There are massive nightlife districts where you can walk to a ton of different bars and clubs.
If there is anything that is not "overshadowed" by NYC and LA it is dining and nightlife.
This thread is dumb, because yes, NYC and LA overshadow Chicago in certain areas, like media and entertainment. But restaurant scene, nightlife, art scene, architecture, skyline, pro sports, economic power, political power, public transportation, music scene, etc. You can certainly argue NYC or LA is better in any of those areas, but overshadow? No, I don't think so. There are plenty of people willing to argue Chicago is first or second in those areas. And if Chicago is third, overshadow is the wrong word. Chicago is always in contention, and fourth is usually pretty distant.
That is an insane statement. Have you ever heard of Charlie Trotter or Grant Achatz? Chicago is home to several of the best restaurants in the world. Blackbird, Publican, Tru, Everest, Avenues, L2O, anything from Rick Bayless? Where have you been? And the nightlife? Please, tell me about a spot in Phoenix that can compare to the Violet Hour in Chicago and I would hop on a plane now. There are massive nightlife districts where you can walk to a ton of different bars and clubs.
If there is anything that is not "overshadowed" by NYC and LA it is dining and nightlife.
This thread is dumb, because yes, NYC and LA overshadow Chicago in certain areas, like media and entertainment. But restaurant scene, nightlife, art scene, architecture, skyline, pro sports, economic power, political power, public transportation, music scene, etc. You can certainly argue NYC or LA is better in any of those areas, but overshadow? No, I don't think so. There are plenty of people willing to argue Chicago is first or second in those areas. And if Chicago is third, overshadow is the wrong word. Chicago is always in contention, and fourth is usually pretty distant.
I agree. Have to question anyone putting Phoenix or Miami in the same league as Chicago on any measure... I think NYC and Chicago far oveshadow LA as to the urban core.
Last edited by JohnVosilla; 02-19-2010 at 10:36 AM..
Reason: typo
Yeah, definitely not starting a war or anything, but I'm surprised someone would say Chicago doesn't feel like a large city, and that there isn't anything restaurant/dining/entertainment wise that you can't find in Phoenix.
There are literally thousands of bars and restaurants in the city - something for everyone. The only thing I can think of is if you're around the touristy areas downtown, the nightlife (as far as I'm concerned) is lacking. You have to get a few miles away from downtown to really experience the true city life. Nightlife, dining, entertainment out in the areas where millions of people live. Not sterile downtown full of tourists and business people. Not that I don't love downtown, but I never choose it if I'm going out on the town.
If Chicago doesn't feel like a large American city - than what does? (obviously outside New York)
Yeah, definitely not starting a war or anything, but I'm surprised someone would say Chicago doesn't feel like a large city, and that there isn't anything restaurant/dining/entertainment wise that you can't find in Phoenix.
There are literally thousands of bars and restaurants in the city - something for everyone. The only thing I can think of is if you're around the touristy areas downtown, the nightlife (as far as I'm concerned) is lacking. You have to get a few miles away from downtown to really experience the true city life. Nightlife, dining, entertainment out in the areas where millions of people live. Not sterile downtown full of tourists and business people. Not that I don't love downtown, but I never choose it if I'm going out on the town.
If Chicago doesn't feel like a large American city - than what does? (obviously outside New York)
I don't even get the same feel anywhere in NYC like I do in the heart of Chicago. With the gap left by the twin towers neither downtown or midtown has the incredible look and feel of the heart of Chicago at say the river and Michigan Ave. I'd bet there are now more high rises over 90 stories concentrated within a mile of that spot than anywhere else on the planet.
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