chicagoneighborhood

Goodbye Jane's

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I have a soft spot for restaurants that are about to close after decades of serving customers. I think, deep down, I know my parents' restaurant will experience it soon and that I'll need to go through the emotional roller coaster of saying goodbye.

When I heard that Jane's was closing on July 9th, I quickly made a reservation to go. Jane's is a little, cozy, neighborhood spot in Bucktown near the corner of Cortland and Paulina. I must have biked or walked by half a dozen times but never stopped in and I wish I had earlier. 

Most of the customers at Jane's seemed like regulars and seemed to know each other and the waitstaff. The interior of the restaurant had dark wooden panels and a high wooden ceiling. I instantly felt like I was in a small town, pretending for a moment that I wasn't in the middle of a gigantic concrete city. It's places like Jane's that make living in a metropolitan area sometimes bearable. The sudden realization that there is a community around me that is inviting, friendly, and kind.

Exploring the Gold Coast

One of the great things about living in a city is the opportunity to visit different neighborhoods. Luckily, Chicago has a bunch of different neighborhoods that feel genuinely unique. I had the chance to explore Gold Coast yesterday and instantly realized how the neighborhood got its name. Luxurious mansions and single-family homes line the picture perfect streets, and the beach is a short walk away.