Since we've moved to Chicago, Chinatown is one of the neighborhoods we visit regularly. I was surprised at the large size of the Chinese immigrant community here. It's the second oldest settlement of Chinese in the USA outside of California, although the neighborhood was originally settled by European immigrants working at nearby plants and factories.
Not surprisingly there's a plethora of Asian restaurants. We tend to try new ones on each visit and haven't yet been disappointed. I'm particularly found of stir-fry tofu with red chilies, pot stickers, salt and pepper fish, deep fried Mai-Tou (pastry dough) dipped in condensed milk, and Hong Kong style iced tea.
The homes around the business district are modest. While some neighborhoods have ornamental flowers everywhere in the summer, this area tends to feature practical plantings, like small gardens. Shopping I've found trinkets, small housewares, clothing and specialty groceries. I've bought a Kimono I use as a bathrobe and a Chinese jacket.
The most impressive way to travel to Chinatown during the summer is by water taxi from downtown or Union Station. The official water tour boats tend to be expensive. The skyline views from the water taxi are excellent, and the taxi docks at an attractive park.
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