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As graduation quickly approaches, for some, your time in Chicago may be coming to an end. Before you bid DePaul adieu, make sure you’ve completed The DePaulia’s official senior bucket list.
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INDIAN FOOD on DEVON AVE
Yes, it is far away; you’re going to need to take a train and a bus from the Lincoln Park campus. But you will be rewarded with some of the best Indian (and Pakistani) food in the area. Numerous authentic restaurants line Devon Avenue, although I am partial to both Hema’s Kitchen and Indian Garden. When ordering, don’t be afraid of adventure, or better yet go during an “all-you-can-eat” lunch buffet. My ideal meal (at the moment) would be Samosas, a deep fried puff pastry filled with potatoes and peas, for an appetizer, chicken Tikka Masala, a creamy tomato sauce based dish, garlic Naan, a traditional Indian bread, to dip in the Masala, and finally Gulab Jamun, an absolutely delightful pastry that is soaked in a sweet saffron syrup, for dessert.
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TAKE A SHOT of MALORT
This bitter tasting alcohol originally comes from Sweden, but somewhere along the lines it became the secret Chicago mascot of the bar scene. It’s disgusting and no one you talk to will deny that, but to many it is seen as a right of passage when you come of age in Chicago. So dare to take a shot of this “taste bud assassin” and then order a round the next time your friend from state school comes to visit. But beware, as it says on the label, “It is not possible to forget our two-fisted liquor. The taste just lingers and lasts – seemingly forever. The first shot is hard to swallow! PERSERVERE. Make it past two ‘shock-glasses’ and with the third you could be ours…forever.”
TAKE TINA FEY’S FOOD TOUR
You guys! If you haven’t heard… Tina Fey spent a little time in the Windy City before getting her big break. Lucky for us at DePaul, some of her favorite food joints are within walking distance of Lincoln Park’s campus. First, head to the Athenian Room and get the roasted chicken. It is all too easy to ignore the places right next door, but this chicken is one of Fey’s favorite recipes in the city. For desert, go to the Golden Apple, also not far from campus, and enjoy a slice of chocolate cake.
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CHARTER a SAIL ON LAKE MI
No experience is necessary to enjoy a sail on Lake Michigan, if you take advantage of one of the many chartered sailing companies around the city. Most of them often run Groupons that offer a sailing trip for two, for around $125. Treat yourself and take a trip before graduation in order to see fantastic views of the skyline, spend some time on the water and enjoy a bottle of wine as a guide controls the boat. If you time the trip correctly, and plan well enough in advance, you can be out on the water while sailors from around the world are competing in the Race to Mackinac Island.
CELEBRATE DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
I have been coming to this museum, especially for the Dia De Los Muertos exhibit, since junior year of high school, yet I continue to be awestruck by the amazing exhibit the museum puts on. Those who are unfamiliar with the Mexican holiday will be able to learn about the background of the celebration as well as see fantastic alters that are made to celebrate people from all different walks of life; from children to even criminals. For an added bonus, find a street vendor once you life the museum and order “Mexican corn” which is a mixture of corn, mayonnaise, cheese and spice.