Articles by Barbara Keer

Bombay Spice Grill & Wine Review – A Great Place to Celebrate Diwali and More

To celebrate Diwali – the Hindu Festival of Lights - the Bombay Spice Grill & Wine Restaurant in River North is offering a festival menu for two from Monday, November 12 to Sunday, November 18 - go

Maharaja: The Splendor of India’s Royal Courts Review – Dazzling

I was absolutely dazzled by all I saw at the Field Museums current exhibition, "Maharaja: The Splendor of India’s Royal Courts". There was so much to see and learn

Tours of Jewish Shanghai Review – A Riveting Tale

Dvir Bar-Gal and his "Tours of Jewish Shanghai" was riveting, in depth and compelling

‘Elektra’ Review – Opening Lyric Opera of Chicago’s 58th Season

The story of "Elektra", Richard Strauss's opera at Lyric Opera of Chicago is so compelling that it is an attention getter even without fantastic music, singing, costuming and staging. But this production has it all

NOCC Teal Lights Celebration & Fundraiser – Illuminating the Chicago Skyline Teal

The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Illinois Chapter hosted a Teal Lights Celebration & Fundraiser on Friday, September 21, 2012 at The Metropolitan Club in Willis Tower as part of their fundraising efforts for ovarian cancer

China National Tea Museum Review – Everything You Want to Know About Tea

The China National Tea Museum, which opened in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province in 1991, is beautifully located with compelling displays on all aspects of tea

Nanjing, China Review – History and Beauty

My opportunity to visit Nanjing, China, a place I have always wanted to see, came about when my husband was invited to present a lecture at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Wuzhen, China Review – Living History

During an extended return visit to Hangzhou where my husband was working with colleagues at Zhejiang University, we had the opportunity to visit one of China’s six most famous water towns, Wuzhen and we were charmed by it

Shaoxing, China Review – Culture, Rice Wine and Canals Delight Visitors

My husband and I were escorted on a visit to Shaoxing, an ancient and cultural city 51.73 km or 32.14 south east of Hangzhou, China where we visited the Orchid Pavilion, ate at The XianHeng Restaurant and explored the compound where writer Lu Xun and his family lived

Longjing Village Review - A Fascinating, Mystical, Unique Tea Experience

My husband and I found our visit to Longjing Village and Dragon Well fascinating and memorable

City Winery Chicago Klezmer Brunch Review – A Chicago Experience You Should Try

City Winery Chicago opened with great fanfare on August 15th with 1,000 guests that included Mayor Rahm Emanuel, but our group came to celebrate an anniversary and enjoy the first Klezmer Brunch

Second Language Review - Time to Take a Second Look

Ronna Wineberg explains that "My stories are inspired by the world around me, often by a phrase or an image or a piece of conversation" as reflected in her short story collection, "Second Language"

No Commitments Review – A Love Story During the Time of the Viet Nam War

No Commitments by Val Sharp, a love story that takes place during the Viet Nam War, is filled with unexpected twists and turns

A Fantastical Garden Find – Southfield, Michigan’s Hidden Treasure

Jeffrey Weinstein is an art teacher and artist in Southfield, Michigan who has a fantastical, whimsical garden - a hidden treasure

A Steady Rain Review – Powerful and Intense

If my good friend who is a regular at Chicago Dramatists had not insisted that I see "A Steady Rain", now playing at Chicago Dramatists, I would have missed an amazing theatrical experience

Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour - Preview

"Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour" will perform at the United Center July 20 and 21, 2012 ONLY

“Crowns” Review – Ten Years of Inspiration

Tthe 10th year celebration of "Crowns", by Goodman Theatre Artistic Associate and “triple threat” Playwright/Director/Actor Regina Taylor women’ hats take on a role that is powerful and all embracing

“No Fortunate Son” Review – A Compelling Story Set in the Sixties

It isn’t often that I find a book I can’t put down and feel a loss when I finish because the characters have become my friends. "No Fortunate Son" is that kind of book

Art and Architecture Against Gravity Review - A Sight to Behold at Museum of Contemporary Art

Chicago is known for its architectural splendor. Its skyscrapers are a site to behold in the exhibition "Skyscraper: Art and Architecture Against Gravity" at the Museum of Contemporary Art

Extreme Mammals Review – They Don’t Look Like Mammals

Currently at the Field Museum, "Extreme Mammals" examines the ancestry and evolution of a vast array of species, living and extinct, and gives a fascinating look into the mammals we know today

Frank Rich and Martha Lavey In Conversation Review - A Unique Perspective

At Steppenwolf Theatre, the onstage discussion between Frank Rich, Writer-at-Large at New York Magazine and former New York Times columnist, and Martha Lavey, Artistic Director and ensemble member of Steppenwolf Theatre offered a unique perspective on culture and world events