Duration: 0:59

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By: fuzzymemories

Description: Here's Part 3 of a neat special called The Best of Chicago on WFLD Channel 32.
It was produced and directed by the multi-talented WFLD veteran Don Shannon, who graciously donated a copy to us. Don, whose name you have undoubtedly seen here before, was involved in producing and directing a variety of shows at WFLD spanning many decades. From Jerry G. Bishop's Svengoolie to PM Magazine and everything in between - Don saw it all.

Hosted by Norman Mark (who also co-produced it with Don), Best of Chicago purports to find just that - the "Best" of everything in the city, through an unscientific survey. A lot of this seems very reminiscent of the later Wild Chicago program, but you could probably say that about a lot of shows.

Part 3 shows us the best mural in the city - Homage to the Chicago School, by Richard Haas - at Division and LaSalle. Then the best landmark - the Water Tower. Best statues - the lions in front of the Art Institute. Next, the best store windows in Chicago (according to Norman Mark) are those of the Fashionette Swimsuit World in the Stevens Building Shopping Center at 16 North Wabash. Then, the best Jukebox at Jukebox Saturday Night - 2151 North Lincoln Avenue, featuring Steve Schussler - Concept Designer. The best place to cuddle? The prehistoric bones room of the Field Museum. Best Romantic Restaurant? The Consort Room at the Westin Hotel featuring violinist Franz Benteler (who sadly passed away March 12th 2010). Next, the best place for dinner among larger crowds is Greek Islands at 200 North Halsted. Finally, the best sing-along bar in Chicago is Joann's at 730 North Wells - featuring co-owner Joann Greakas

This aired on local Chicago TV Wednesday March 30, 1983 during the 7pm to 7:30pm timeframe. (it was also re-run on Sunday, April 3rd 1983 from 6:30-7pm).