ABIERTO HASTA TARDE

Sticking with Chicago for a bit until something better comes along locally. This River North bar and restaurant has a command of Spanish that only goes so far, despite the area’s large Hispanic population.                  

UNA FAMILIA ATERRADORA

 

While working the crowd at the Central West End Halloween party, I came across a colorfully dressed family speaking Spanish to one another. I’m not up on popular culture so maybe a reader can identify the theme. My Spanish isn’t very good so I asked permission for a snap in English. ¡Ciertamente! They were out there to be seen.                   

PHENOMINALLY MEXICANA

More from Heraldo at the improv festival. The show was almost non-stop movement, which helped overcome the language issue. I've been to a half dozen Spanish speaking countries and know a bit about the considerable differences in diction. To my ear, Mexicans speak very quickly, making it harder for me to follow. Costa Rica, the Hispanic country where I've spent the most time, has a more leisurely pace. The cast threw in a few clues in English - one bit was based on the Dancing With Stars TV show. The show proved that for us humans, funny transcends language.         

Soy Amada

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No, not a new Japanese sauce. Soy amada is Spanish for "I am loved." The speaker is feminine. What a great feeling, so why not proclaim it? Shot on Cherokee Street.