Gateway to a New Year and a
New City - Chicago

Welcome to Prime Viste - Chicago!
It's 2007, and what better time to discover new places, spaces and events than at the dawn of a New Year? So, that's why we decided to launch Prime Viste - Chicago, and bring the Windy City the interesting happenings and diversions posted everyday + unique articles that you've come to expect from Prime Viste.

 

 

New Spins on an Old Favorite - Chicago's Greektown Restaurants
While you may already be familiar with Greektown, its "opah"'s and its well-established restaurants, cafes and bars, this area continues to sprout new venues. Greektown, situated on South Halsted Street (from West Monroe to West Van Buren), also includes incredible views of the Chicago skyline.

The photograph above is a wintry view of downtown Chicago from Greektown. The video above was shared on YouTube and captures many of the city's landmarks and cultural venues. Photos to the left are of an entrance dome to Greektown and Old Saint Patrick's Church.

Artopolis Bakery and Café is one of the area's newcomers. Opened just before the new millennium, Artopolis was "created to bring the true European style café to Chicago." Artopolis translates into "town of bread," and features artisan breads, wood fired pizzas, specialty sandwiches, salads, Greek and Mediterannean entrees, desserts (chocolate raspberry truffle, tiramisu, etc.) and gourmet coffees and organic teas in a modern loft-style space with an open air kitchen and balcony.

Also, enjoy fine dining at such favorite neighborhood restaurants as Santorini, whose owner uses a special olive oil produced on his own estate in Greece; Costa's, for delicious traditional and seafood dishes; and Pegasus Restaurant and Taverna, Parthenon, and many more. For an after-dinner nightcap, venture over to Nine Muses for cocktails, a late-night menu, backgammon and Greek pop music and dancing.

Nearby Old Saint Patrick's Church Celebrates 150 Years
Situated at the north end of Greektown at 700 West Adams Street is another Chicago treasure not to be missed. Old Saint Patrick's Church, Chicago's oldest Catholic Church, just reached its 150th Anniversary mark in 2006. A survivor of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the Church was home to mid-19th Century Irish immigrants and is a masterful display of Celtic Art.

Getting to Greektown and Nearby Old St. Pat's: By CTA: Take the Blue Line train to the UIC/Halsted stop; or bus: 8 Halsted; 126 Jackson.