DESTINATION:
Greektown in Chicago, IL:
“Eventually, I think Chicago will be the last great city left in the world.” — Frank Llyod Wright
I have to reluctantly admit that I had to search high and low to figure out where Michelle and Mark’s story takes place. It wasn’t in my notes lol. So i had to do some good old fashioned detective work. Only to find out that the club, where they share there first kiss has closed down.
A BRIEF OVERVIEW: Greektown was once home to Chicago’s Greek immigrant community. And the culture is still alive and well. You’ll find lively Greek taverns, restaurants, and traditional pastry shops. There’s even the Hellenic Museum that houses over 10,000 books and documents. However, don’t get confused Michelle and Mark were not Greek.
Venus maybe closed as well as a lot of other local talent. But Greektown is far from dead. There are even fun neighborhood tours. If you take this one you may even hit several neighborhoods spotlighted in my book. Try Chicago Motor Coach Tour. You can’t go to Greektown without experiencing the food that would make Michelle’s mouth water. No burgers and fries for her and her son. Greek Islands would be a frequent in this home.
This wasn’t featured in the book, but i have no doubt that Michelle will find herself at the Athenian candle. You will find hand dipped tapered candles, all done in house. Michelle and Mark would definitely get something special for there wedding here. If only in remembrance of her mother.
There is no way that I could have forgotten the place where Mark and Michelle share there final dance. Its also the last place that she see’s her father. I think it will have a permanent place in her heart for both good and bad reasons. So if you’re lucky enough to have an event at The Grand Ballroom, then I envy you.
However, no trip is complete without a bar run. At least for some people. So visit Spectrum Bar while your in Greektown. Its also where Michelle went out with the guys. Only to be ambushed by her father and Darren. Making sure the guys night out quickly turned hostile. So she had to leave early.
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FOOD & DRINK:
Food Credit – Beef Its What’s For Dinner
“First we eat, then we do everything else.” — anonymous
Beef Jerky Trail Mix:
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Sunflower Seeds
- 1/2 Cup Whole Almonds
- 1 Cup Chopped Beef Jerky
- 1/4 Dried Cranberries
Mix all ingredients in medium bowl. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Drink:
Drink Credit – Earth To Jessica
“In life, much like smoothies, you get out what you put in.” — Anonymous
Peachy Cinnamon Smoothie:
Michelle and Mark both are health nuts. So of course there drinks and eats of choice would also be the same. Michelle specifically drank this on more than one occasion when she was getting ready for her last fight.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Frozen or Fresh Peaches
- 1 Cup of Almond Milk
- 1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/3 Cup of Oats
Blend together with some ice and serve.
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Conversation Starters:
Spoilers abound: This series is driven by a person’s hidden dreams. Finding them, living them, and using them as an escape. Maybe that dream is boxing or maybe its really dance.
Boxing was Michelle’s father’s dream. But it also put food on the table for her and her son. (And It did a lot more than that as the book went on) So leaving this cushy job wasn’t as easy as walking away. Add her father’s disappoint. And her managers delusions of grandeur. No wonder Mark had a hard time helping her see the light.
So that raises its own questions.
- If given an opportunity, would you rather pursue your dream job even if it paid less or go with the job that you hate, but pays more?
- As children we’re always asked, what do you want to be when you grow up. Why do you think most people never hold on to those dreams?
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Book Club Guide:
I won’t repeat it here. But you own a print out of the Book Club Discussion questions when you purchase the paperback. That’s right its in the back of the book.
