Elena Smentkowski

Chicago

Editor and Staff Writer at Secret Chicago

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Articles

Sail the Great Lakes From Chicago to Toronto on This New Luxury Cruise

3 days ago | secretchicago.com | Elena Smentkowski

Chicagoans have a brand new way to explore Lake Michigan this summer—and the rest of the Great Lakes, too. On Monday evening, the Victory II cruise liner officially set sail from Navy Pier, embarking on its maiden voyage from the heart of the city. The 300-foot ship is now offering multi-day cruises that sweep across all five Great Lakes. Stops along the journey include scenic coastal towns and historic cities like Escanaba, Mackinac Island, Sault Ste.
This Family-Owned Restaurant is Pope Leo’s Favorite Chicago Pizza Spot

4 days ago | secretchicago.com | Elena Smentkowski

A Chicago restaurant is staking its claim as Pope Leo XIV’s favorite Chicago pizzeria! Aurelio’s Pizza of Homewood is the newly elected pontiff’s unofficial favorite local pizza spot. Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, was born and raised in the nearby town of Dolton Illinois, and spent time in Homewood during his adolescence.
White Castle is Giving Away Free Sliders This Week

4 days ago | secretchicago.com | Elena Smentkowski

“National Slider Day” is Thursday, May 15, and White Castle is celebrating by giving away free sliders all day long. White Castle established the unofficial national holiday in 2015, according to WGN, as a tribute to its iconic burgers. Customers can redeem their free sandwich at any Chicago White Castle location by downloading the White Castle app and entering the code “SLIDERDAY.” Additionally, a digital coupon will be available on White Castle’s website and social media pages.
RHOCHI? Chicago Might Be Getting Its Own Real Housewives Series

1 week ago | secretchicago.com | Elena Smentkowski

Real Housewives fans in Chicago have reason to be cautiously excited—rumors are swirling that a Real Housewives of Chicago series is in the works. Bravo, the network behind the hit reality franchise, hasn’t confirmed anything yet. For now, all buzz remains pure speculation. Still, word has been spreading on social media for weeks that a Chicago-based installment is currently filming around the city.
Experience 360 Chicago Like Never Before with the 2025 CloudWalk Exhibition

1 week ago | secretchicago.com | Elena Smentkowski

Each year, 360 Chicago—the iconic observation deck atop the former Hancock Tower (875 N. Michigan Ave)—selects a local artist to showcase their work on their attached outdoor terrace. This year’s artist has just been announced! 360 Chicago has select local painter and artist Coleman Smoll to exhibit at the observation deck’s CloudWalk terrace, transforming the space into the cities highest art gallery this spring.
Chicago Wants to Know: Is the New Pope a Cubs or a Sox Fan?

1 week ago | secretchicago.com | Elena Smentkowski

The Vatican elected Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, making him the first U.S. and Chicago-born leader of the catholic church. Following the news, Chicagoans took to social media to voice their excitement and ask one important question: is Prevost a Cubs or a Sox fan? While Prevost himself has not commented, early reports seem to indicate the new pope is in fact a Cubs fan.
Chicago City Farmers Markets are Back This Month

1 week ago | secretchicago.com | Elena Smentkowski

Chicago’s city-run farmers markets are back this month, courtesy of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). From May 17 through October 30, Chicagoans can shop locally sourced produce, street food, artisanal goods, and more at five farmers markets across the city. These markets play a key role in expanding food access—especially in historically underserved neighborhoods—while fostering community connection and engagement.
Hold the Ketchup—Devil Dawgs is Opening a New Location in Andersonville

1 week ago | secretchicago.com | Elena Smentkowski

Chicago dog lovers have a reason to celebrate—Devil Dawgs is opening a new outpost in Andersonville! The popular hot dog chain confirmed the news to Block Club Chicago on Wednesday. Devil Dawgs will take over the former Reza’s Restaurant storefront at 5259 N. Clark St. Reza’s, a longstanding Persian restaurant, closed in 2023. Since opening its inaugural hot dog stand in 2010, Devil Dawgs has become a local favorite for Windy City-style fast food.
One of Chicago’s Most Popular Burger Spots Just Closed its Doors—But Not Forever

1 week ago | secretchicago.com | Elena Smentkowski

One of Chicago’s premier burger destinations, Au Cheval, has shuttered its doors. But don’t panic—it’s only temporary! The critically acclaimed restaurant announced the closure on its official website, chalking the move up to a much-needed “refresh.” “We look forward to welcoming you back in late May,” reads a message on the Au Cheval site. The Fulton Market eatery has earned a loyal following since opening over a decade ago, offering elevated diner fare in rustic digs.
The Original Brownie Was Created in a Chicago Hotel Kitchen—Here’s How to Make it At Home

1 week ago | secretchicago.com | Elena Smentkowski

Everybody’s had a brownie at some point in their life, but did you know that the iconic chocolatey treat was invented at a famous Chicago hotel? You read that right, the Palmer House Hilton in the Loop is the birthplace of the brownie. The story goes that Bertha Palmer, wife of hotel owner Potter Palmer, requested that the hotel kitchen create a dessert for women attending the 1893 World’s Columbian Exhibition, also known as the World’s Fair, in Chicago.