Club Lago Open Again

If the giant "We're back!" sign on the side of the building isn't enough of a hint, we'll say it again -- Club Lago (331 West Superior Street) is once again open for business.

We talked about the disaster that befell the venerable eatery in the spring, and it reopened for business in early October.  But this was our first chance to stroll by the place to see how it looks.  Unfortunately, we were there a little early in the day and it wasn't open, but from what we hear, the food is just as good as it's always been.

Iron Maiden at Holy Name Cathedral

No, it's not a roof-fixing fund raiser headlined by the English rockers from last century.  What popped up in the parking lot of Holy Name Cathedral this weekend turned even more heads than the elderly metal heads would.

It was a 33-foot-tall statue of the Virgin Mary.  Specifically, a stainless steel statue called Our Lady of the New Millennium.

Her appearance was enough to stop traffic on State Street and cause people waiting on Superior to miss their green lights staring at the thing.

Apparently, it's been around for almost a decade and has been touring various parishes in the area. We've been in Chicago six years, and this is the first time we've seen it, so it's new to us.

The 8,400-pound Mary was made by Delaware sculptor Charles Parks at the behest of Chicago South Sider Carl Demma.  He commissioned it in 1995 and gave it to the Archdiocese of Chicago to inspire local Catholics.  Carl died on June 25, 2000 -- shortly after his dream was fulfilled.

So keep your eye open.  You never know where she might pop up next.