Author – PGY3 Manuel Bernal Mejia
Known for it’s rich Latinx culture, Pilsen has plenty to offer including a surplus of local restaurants, music, and art.
I may be biased but when it comes to food, Mexican food is definitely the best, and lucky for me, the Pilsen culinary community has perfected this to a tee. From the street tamale vendors to top taco spots to the authentic Mexican baked goods offered at the many neighborhood panaderias, Pilsen is the place to be for any self-proclaimed “foodie”.
Pilsen also offers a vibrant night life with a variety of late-night bars and music venues. Pictured above is one of my favorite spots, La Vaca which specializes in… you guessed it, Margaritas and tacos! If you are asking for my recommendation, the Passion Fruit margarita is a must!
Perhaps, one of Pilsen’s most noticeable perks is the surplus of art in the community. Not only is it home to the National Museum of Mexican Art, but you’ll quickly notice the huge murals that cover the sides of building or along the railroad tracks. Talent is everywhere!
And, I couldn’t not talk about Pilsen without mentioning the, at times overwhelming, number of street festivals held during the Summer season on an almost weekly basis. From the annual Mole de Mayo festival which features fierce competition in search for the best mole sauce (pronounced mo-le) amongst Chicago food vendors to the largest street festival in Pilsen, Pilsen Fest, summertime is happening in Pilsen.
#TheACMCDifference
There’s no doubt the city or neighborhood you choose to live in while completing your Emergency Medicine training will contribute to your overall wellbeing during residency, but in the end, finding a program that has the right fit for you is what matters the most. The past 2.5-ish years have made it apparent that Christ was the right fit for me. Highlights that come to mind are our one-on-one attending to resident model which allows even the most novice of interns to care for the sickest patients in the department in a safe manner while developing that autonomy in your own practice early on in your training, our high volume and high acuity of patients we care for, and last but not least is the Christ community of residents and faculty. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about what Christ has to offer or if you are in the Pilsen area! Manuel
ACMC Emergency Medicine 