Chicago's diverse culture good fit for NATO summit

The city of Chicago, made up of 77 distinct communities, is filled with history, rich culture and unique landmarks. Chicago is home to people from many countries that have brought their foods, cultures and traditions to the city. From the European Painting and Sculpture collection at the Art Institute to the various restaurants, there are many opportunities for NATO guests to feel right at home in Chicago.

With 28 countries visiting for the NATO summit this month, the city will be able to showcase the array of cultures it has embraced throughout the years and provide its guests from abroad some familiarities from their home countries.

France

We know the French have high standards for food, especially crepes. Luckily for France, La Creperie located at 2845 N. Clark St. fits the bill, offering delicious savory and sweet authentic French crapes. This traditional Western French cuisine is a great light substitute for heavy American food, (just in case France doesn’t approve of Chicago dogs and deep dish pizza).

After the meal, to burn off the calories, French natives will feel right at home with a walk around Buckingham Fountain. The Chicago landmark, located in Grant Park, was inspired by the Latona Fountain, which is near the Grand Canal in France.

Italy

Italians could find pleasure touring our city and still feel right at home with one of Chicago’s riverboat tours. Although it may not be Venice, the riverboat tour presents a one-of-a-kind view of the city and its amazing architecture. After the tour, Italian diplomats can dine at Spiaggia, Chicago’s premier Italian restaurant. Located on the Magnificent Mile, Spiaggia has won countless awards and is considered one of the best Italian restaurants in the country, as well as one of President Obama’s favorite eats.

Spain

Visitors from Spain can stake claim to some of the most prestigious restaurants, breathtaking scenery, and amazing works of art. There isn’t much the country of Spain hasn’t experienced or could be impressed by. Fortunately, Chicago has its own touch of Spain to accommodate the Spaniards in their visit.

One of the world’s most famous artists, Spain’s own Pablo Picasso, graced Chicago with his artistic genius. Picasso donated the 50-foot sculpture that sits out in front of the Richard J. Daley Center, located on the corner of Clark and Washington, to the people of Chicago in 1967.

Spain can also get a taste of Catalonia here in Chicago by visiting Mercat a la Planxa, located at 638 S. Michigan Ave. World-renowned Chef Jose Garces serves up outstanding tapas, steaks and seafood, as well as Spain’s greatest gift to the world, sangria.

Belgium

The country of Belgium should look no further than Lincoln Park to find their 18th century food creation. Baladoche’s Belgian zucker waffles, located at 2905 N. Clark St. offers the traditional Belgian staple. Stack it high with strawberries, bananas and whipped cream and, of course, Belgian chocolate.

England

People from England, which represents one of four countries of the United Kingdom, can appreciate great artwork from an artist who came from their homeland. Indian-born British sculptor Anish Kapoor constructed Chicago’s Cloud Gate, more commonly known as “The Bean.” The sculpture is just another iconic symbol of Chicago and a great testament to British art.

A short cab ride from Millennium Park to Adams Street in the West Loop is Elephant and Castle Pub. This restaurant offers traditional English food and an array of European beers. The fish and chips are said to be excellent, however, English food has a reputation and England might be better served trying out an authentic Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich.

Greece

Greektown, home of the annual Taste of Greece festival, is one of Chicago’s most famous and historic neighborhoods that should make Greece’s NATO visit a little more familiar. The S. Halsted neighborhood west of Downtown provides an authentic Athens experience, with numerous Greek-owned businesses. Many of the businesses there today opened between 1970 and 1990. The language is still spoken in the streets of Greektown and their restaurants are known for really good food for cheap.

Uniquely Chicago

Chicago has some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. However, some tourist attractions may not appeal to the highly intellectual minds of the NATO committee. Here are a few places NATO guests may want to steer clear of.

Sox-Cubs

Along with the convention, the weekend of May 19-20 will showcase Chicago’s “civil war” when the Cubs host the White Sox in the Subway series. Unless political diplomats are interested in 40,000 drunk, belligerent Chicagoans screaming “North Side” and “South Side,” the historic Wrigley Field might not be the most ideal place for the NATO countrymen to visit.

Willis Tower

The Willis Tower, the United States’ tallest building, provides a sky deck for a bird’s-eye view of the city. A must-see for any typical tourist, people from NATO countries may find the ninth tallest building in the world’s view underwhelming. The month of May in Chicago could bring in many clouds to disrupt visibility, plus, surely the view flying into Chicago from each country’s private jet provided an adequate view of the city.

Ferris Wheel

The 443-foot tall London Eye towers over the 150-foot Navy Pier Ferris wheel making it the third largest Ferris wheel in the world. NATO guests can skip Chicago’s seven-minute Ferris wheel ride and enjoy the London Eye’s 30-minute ride.