Broke after the holidays but in need of a little vacation? For less than $5 round-trip from the Loop on the CTA, you can take a trip to Little India!
Bored with Ben and Brad?
Maybe you caught “Monsoon Wedding” or “Bend it like Beckham,” but Bollywood has so much more to offer. Check out “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (Sometimes Happy Sometimes Sad).” The story about a fractured family is one of Bollywood’s highest-grossing films. Choose from 30,000 titles (most newer releases have English subtitles) at Atlantic Video Rentals. 2541 W. Devon Ave. 773-338-3600.
Glass slippers
If you want to own some shoes that would make Carrie Bradshaw take notice, head to Taj Sari Palace where the $85 bejeweled heels are a steal next to those $450 Manolos. The trendy glass bangles also are a bargain at $6 a dozen. And guys won’t be disappointed–the $39.95 kurtas (Indian shirts) are being knocked off by designers such as Kenneth Cole. 2553 W. Devon Ave. 773-338-0178.
Caviar dreams
One of the oldest Russian delis in Chicago, Three Sisters specializes in Euro foods, with hard-to-find salamis and fresh and smoked fish, including the popular cured herring. 2854 W. Devon Ave. 773-973-1919.
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend
Whether you want to ogle the precious Mogul collection, admire the extensive ranihar (traditional Indian wedding jewelry) selection or are seriously looking to purchase a diamond solitaire, Raj Jewels is a world away from the run-of the-mill mall store. Check out the eye-popping array of gold, watches, diamonds and other precious jewels. 2652 W. Devon Ave. 773-465-8535.
Get baked
The only Georgian bakery in Chicago, Argo bakes up all-natural bread in the brick oven daily in both rounds and loaves. Or break your no-carb diet with a hachapuri, a puff pasty filled with mozzarella, feta and farmer’s cheese. 2812 W. Devon Ave. 773-764-6322.
Sweet stuff
For a quick sugar jolt while shopping, hit the always bustling Tahoora. Try the badam barfi (almond fudge), kaju katli (cashew milk fudge with pistachio paste) or the carrot halwa (tastes like a dense carrot cake). 2326 W. Devon Ave. 773-743-7272.
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Want more?
Turn to Page 26 to get the scoop on the area’s restaurants, then check metromix.com for an expanded tour of Devon Avenue with even more choices, including eyebrow-threading salons and kosher sushi restaurants. Plus, find out more about the Devon Avenue scene in Friday’s City Insider in RedEye.
