Reasons We #ENJOYChicago - #7 The Makers

Chicago is a city of Do’ers. The “City That Works” makes a lot of things–both real and virtual–that we and millions of people around the world love. 

Pictured clockwise from left to right:  Lemonhead candy, Card from The Found, Basecamp, Orbitz, GiveForward, Field Notes Brand notebooks, Chicago Skyline Candle from Crash Candles, Daisy Cutter Pale Ale from Half Acre and a tin of Garrett Popcorn Shops popcorn.

All copyrighted materials or trademarks on this Blog which are not owned by Urban General Store, Inc. are the property of their respective owners, who may or may not be affiliated with, sponsored by, or otherwise connected to ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE or Urban General Store, Inc. 

7 Reasons We #ENJOYChicago

Happy Birthday Chicago!

In celebration of the great city of Chicago, on the occasion of its 178th birthday (actually, its date of  incorporation March 4, 1837), ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE, a specialty gift store at 4723 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood, will be running a social media campaign and photo contest highlighting the 7 Reasons We #ENJOYChicago. The campaign will start on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, and will run for seven weeks, culminating in mid-April 2015, with the #1 Reason (SPOILER ALERT: our neighborhood, Lincoln Square). 

Each week ENJOY will feature Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter posts that highlight why we #ENJOYChicago. Posts will include links to local businesses, events, attractions, organizations and products. A Pinterest Board will feature items, too.

Musician Laura Doherty (as the Chicago Hot Dog)

Customers and followers will be encouraged to share pictures of why they #ENJOYChicago on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. All photos that use the hashtag #ENJOYChicago and are tagged with @ENJOYChicago will be entered into a drawing to win a Chicago Natives Prize Package (valued at over $100). The winner will be announced in early May 2015, and the winner’s photo submission will be shared via ENJOY’s Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts and may be displayed in ENJOY’s shop window. Images tagged with #ENJOYChicago may also be reposted.

Links to products related to the “7 Reasons We #ENJOYChicago” can be found on ENJOY’s online home urbangeneralstore.com.

An in-store display will highlight each of the “7 Reasons We #ENJOY Chicago” every week, and featured “Chicago Natives” (www.urbangeneralstore.com/shop/browse-all/chicagonatives) items will also be on display at ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE (4723 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60625).

2 for Tuesdays: Hot Diggity Dawg

Today we'd like to be a bit of a "homer" and salute our kinda town, Chicago.

The Windy City has been "sweating" a bit having to face the Miami Heat in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.

Whether the Chicago Bulls weather the Miami Heat or not, South Beach, although having a lot of "hot dogs", doesn't have THE Chicago Hot Dog.

It is almost cliched to talk about the Chicago Hot Dog. But it is cliched because it true!

Although not technically a Chicago Hot Dog (we spy some ketchup on it--quelle horreur!) pull your money out of the Hot Dog Yummy Pocket at SuperDawg or Hot Doug's and get the respect that only someone carrying a hot dog coin purse deserves.


Hot Dog Yummy Pocket
$5.00 
Let us be frank, this little pouch looks good enough to eat! 

And here's hoping that the Chicago Bulls, like the venerable Chicago Hot Dog, are big wieners!

Want a wallet that shows your Chicago pride but is a bit more practical? Then we have a wallet with plenty of Rahm for your credit cards, cash and ID's-- The Chicago Flag Men's Wallet.

Chicago Flag Men's Wallet $16.00 A billfold you'll want to carry Daley.

Made from recycled plastic bags from by the non-profit organization CONSERVE, the wallet is tough, colorful and built-to-last. Just like Chicago.
Without the meat.

Speaking of tough, Chicago vegans...
Chicago's very own, Common, has come under some fire of late.
We'd like to take a step back and focus on Common the artist.
We are partial to the smooth "Chi-City".
But for sheer "get us riled up about Chicago" Kanye West's "Homecoming" is it!

Common and Kanye tend to rap about, er, mature topics.
What about your little Chicagoan?

Check out Laura Doherty's ode to encased meat "Hot Dog" from her 2009 album Kids in the City.

With a Laura's excellent musicianship and clever lyrics, not to mention a very catchy chorus, it is a song that kids will love (and parents too).

And, we bet it makes you hungry.

2 For Tuesdays: Cocktailia

Lately, we've been about all things cocktail. Our eCommerce Manager, Stephanie Edwards, has been blogging about the perfect cocktail for her '40's and was featured on the great new daily web talk show, hosted by Dave Holmes, called A Drink With Dave.

We've been testing a lot of cocktails, both classic and new recipes. The debate is never-ending... some say the simple highball is mixed drink perfection, while others think the more ingredients in a cocktail, the better. But there is one thing that everyone can agree on--if you are going to make a drink, mix it up and serve your cocktails in style!

Graffiti Cocktail Shaker

Yes, there is an art to making the perfect drink. And when you're ready to paint the town, grab the Graffiti Cocktail Shaker from Kikkerland. This is great for the hipster, the artist or the oldster who remembers when spray paint was used to paint lawn furniture and tagging was what you did to make someone "it".





 

One Too Many Kit

And while we don't endorse over-imbibing, we know it happens. So does Urban Aid. That's why they created the One Too Many Kit. It contains all the items you need to survive a hangover in a cute little tin. This makes a great little gift for a bachelorette party or for the start of a night out on the town with the girls.







If you are ready for some cocktails, you need the right music--Lounge Music. But to us "lounge" always makes us think about the late, lamented Chicago institution Lounge Ax.

No Depression by Uncle Tupelo

Speaking of lament, a regular band at Lounge Ax was Uncle Tupelo. Their groundbreaking album, "No Depression", was re-released in 2003 with a live, acoustic version of "Whiskey Bottle". We defy you to listen to their sad and brilliant lament and not have a tear in your beer.

Peel by The Coctails

Chicago's own, The Coctails, played Lounge Ax's final show in 2000. We think the sublime pop gem "Miss Maple" is the perfect soundtrack while you're mixing up a Sidecar.

Just add ice, shake, pour and ENJOY.

Happy Chicago Day