Bob Sirott's One More Thing: President Obama's Trip to Chicago

Chicago - One more thing about President Barack Obama's birthday visit to Chicago.

Remember when the newly elected president went to Manny's on Jefferson for corned beef and cherry pie?

The owner of Manny's, Kenny Raskin, will tell you that they are still experiencing a boom in business--especially for cherry pies-- because of that.

And at the time, with nearby Roosevelt road a mess with construction, Manny's really needed a boost- and they got one.

I'm glad because Manny's is a Chicago treasure, one of those unique Chicago establishments that could never be replaced.

Since Mr. Obama is in town tonight, i'd like to suggest some other establishments in town that we all want to see do well forever and would really reap the benefits of a presidential visit.

I worry about the old Billy Goat underneath Michigan Avenue.

With it's subterreanen ambience, cheeseburger-cheeseburger history, and wall-to-wall Chicago newspaper lore, it is irreplaceable.

If you stumbled into a joint like this in another city you wouldn't be able to stop talking about this unique place you found. We take it for granted around here. Although tourists still pile in during the summer, alot of the reporters who were regulars are gone. The Sun-Times moved out of the neighborhood, and between the layoffs and all the people on the wagon, the Trib isn't represented the way it used to be either.

Even if the president just stopped by for a Coke --no, Pepsi-- it would give the Goat a great shot in the arm.

There aren't many places like Margie's Candies anymore in any city. This spot on Western and Armitage has been making their own candy and ice cream since 1921. Walk inside and it's like going into a time machine set for 1965, the year the Beatles stopped in after playing Comiskey Park.

Business seems to be good here, but an Obama visit could insure that this place will be around for at least another 80 years.

And if you're watching tonight, Mr. President, try the hot fudge. You won't believe how great it is.

Maybe if President Obama had stopped by Edna's the last time he was in town it would have survived the death of owner Edna Stewart.

But the fact is that unless someone with money steps in to save the business, this legendary West Madison Street soul food favorite -- where leaders of the civil right movement including Dr. Martin Luther King met in the 1960's -- will be closed forever.

How about it Mr. President? You know a few fat cats who could help.