The Windy City is indeed a cosmopolitan center of cultural exchange. For the last two centuries, Europeans were coming here for various reasons, bringing with them culinary influence that creates a food stage we all can enjoy today. Let’s dive in and see which European dishes in Chicago are worth your time.

Lamb and Italian potato chips

Meat lovers have a lot to find in Chicago. Especially if they prefer Italian-style lamb chops. They come straight from the Little Italy district. Garnished with garlic and fresh parsley, carefully roasted, and composed with the addition of Italian potato chips. Sounds simple, but it’s sophisticated. Like basically everything from the bluefire menu, where you can find a truckload of European influences. Nevertheless, these lamb chops work especially well with a Negroni before the meal…  and one afterward.

Pizza like no other

Deep-dish pizza is a style of pizza that originated in Chicago and is known for its thick, hearty crust. It is typically baked in a deep, round pan. People sometimes confuse it with a Sicilian pizza style, but that is not the case. The crust is thick and buttery, often resembling a savory pastry. It is usually pressed up the sides of the pan to create a high edge.

Deep-dish pizza from Chicago is assembled upside down, which means the cheese is placed directly on the dough, followed by various toppings like meats and vegetables, and then topped with a chunky tomato sauce. This helps to prevent particular elements from getting burned during the longer baking time. No wonder this is a popular choice for pizza lovers who enjoy a rich and satisfying meal. In Chicago, many restaurants offer their unique takes on this classic dish.

Mussels with a blue cheese

The Italians, the Spanish, the French—they all love mussels. And they know how to appreciate cheese, too. The Chicago culinary scene offers a combination of the two. This is a particularly light dish that provides a sensational experience as long as it is prepared correctly. It should also be paired with a glass of nicely chilled white crisp. This setup is what all European cuisine is about: quality, freshness, and enjoyment of food, which is supposed to be consumed with care. You don’t have to go to Paris to experience this. The Windy City has you covered.

These are only three examples of European-style dishes available in Chicago. The city has much more to offer, including Polish and Irish culinary heritage. But the above is enough to satisfy a demanding foodie visiting the Windy City for a weekend. We definitely recommend trying these dishes!

Instagram isn’t just a photo-sharing app anymore—it’s your direct line to real relationships and potential growth. One underrated gem? DMs. Starting a conversation in someone’s Instagram DMs can feel a bit awkward at first, but with the right strategy, it can become your go-to method for building authentic engagement. And yes, if you’re already using tools like “Buy Instagram Comments” to boost visibility, pairing that with genuine conversations in DMs is a winning combo.

Why Instagram DMs Matter More Than Ever

DMs are where real talk happens. Whether you’re a brand, creator, or just someone looking to connect, Instagram DMs are the place to build community, deepen relationships, and even drive conversions. Unlike public comments or stories, DMs feel personal. They give you a space to talk without the crowd watching—perfect for meaningful conversations.

Step-by-Step: How to Start Meaningful Conversations in Your Instagram DMs

1. Start With Genuine Intent

Before sending that first message, ask yourself: Why am I reaching out?
If your goal is only to sell, you’ll come off as pushy. But if you’re curious, helpful, or simply admire their work—say that.

Examples:

• “Hey, I saw your recent post about sustainable living—loved your tips on reducing plastic use!”
• “I’ve been following your journey for a while. Your growth is inspiring!”

2. Reply to Their Stories Naturally

One of the easiest ways to slide into someone’s DMs is through their stories. It’s casual, non-intrusive, and relevant.

What you can say:

• Drop an emoji response to something funny or relatable.
• Ask a follow-up question based on the story.
• Share a quick tip if they’re asking for advice.

Story replies are short, sweet, and most importantly—timely.

3. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Avoid yes/no questions that kill the flow. Instead, ask things that require a bit more thought and invite conversation.

Examples:

• “What inspired you to start your business?”
• “How did you come up with that idea?”
• “What’s been the most surprising part of your journey?”

Open-ended questions make it easier for the other person to respond and engage.

4. Use Voice Notes for a Personal Touch

This is underrated. Voice notes feel real and human. They carry emotion, tone, and authenticity that text sometimes lacks.

Pro tip: Keep it under 30 seconds and make it relevant.

Example: “Hey, just wanted to say I really appreciate the content you post—it’s helped me tons! Keep it up!”

5. Lead With Value, Not Agenda

The best way to build rapport is by offering something useful—advice, insight, or even just encouragement—without expecting something in return.

Examples:

• Share a relevant article or resource.
• Offer a helpful tip.
• Recommend someone or something they might like.

Over time, these micro-interactions can lead to big relationships.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Instagram DMs

❌ Copy-Paste Messages

People can smell a template from a mile away. It feels robotic and lazy. Personalize every DM—even just a little.

❌ Jumping Into Sales

No one likes being sold to right away. Build a connection first. Once you’ve established trust, then it’s okay to introduce your offer organically.

❌ Being Too Formal

Instagram isn’t LinkedIn. Keep your tone friendly and conversational. Think of it as chatting with a friend, not writing a business email.

Bonus: DM Templates That Actually Work

Here are some DM starters you can tweak for your style:

Networking:
“Hey [Name], I came across your page and just wanted to say your content really stands out! Loved your post on [Topic]. Would love to stay connected.”

• Collaboration:

“Hi [Name], I think our audiences would love something together. Are you open to a collab idea I have in mind?”

Appreciation:
“Hey! Just had to say your recent reel was 🔥. You’ve got such a unique vibe.”

Feedback:

“Hi [Name], I recently checked out your latest product/post and wanted to share some thoughts—hope that’s cool!”

These messages show you’re present, paying attention, and not just out to promote yourself.

Keep the Conversation Going

• Once the ice is broken, keep nurturing the relationship:
• Engage with their content regularly.
• Follow up after a few days.
• Celebrate their wins or milestones.

The more effort you put in, the more you’ll get back. Remember, people respond to consistency and authenticity.

Final Thoughts: Conversations Build Community

The Instagram DM is one of the most powerful tools for connection—and it’s free. Whether you’re building friendships, professional networks, or future customers, DMs allow you to connect deeper than likes and follows ever could.

And don’t worry, not every message will lead to a reply or relationship—and that’s okay. Focus on quality over quantity, be genuine, and show up. Over time, your Instagram DM game will feel like second nature.

Oh, and if you’re wondering what even works these days—honestly, the homie at Buy Followers swears by voice notes and story replies. Weird combo, but it works!

FAQs About Instagram DMs

1. How do I not sound creepy when DMing someone new?
   Keep it light and friendly. Don’t overthink it. Compliment their content or ask a question that’s relevant. Avoid anything overly personal too soon.
2. What’s the best time to send a DM?
   Early evening (6–9 PM) often sees higher engagement. But if they’re active on stories, that’s your green light.
3. Can I use Instagram DMs for business?
   Absolutely. Just don’t lead with a pitch. Build rapport first and then ease into business when appropriate.
4. How often should I follow up if someone doesn’t reply?
   Once or twice max. If there’s no response, respect their space and move on. Forced messages feel desperate.
5. How do I respond if someone replies with just an emoji?
   Take it as a light opener. Ask a playful follow-up question or acknowledge their response with humor or curiosity.
6. Should I automate my Instagram DMs?
   Automation can help with initial responses, but it kills authenticity. Use it carefully—personal DMs still perform best.

Saying farewell to a loved one is never easy, and honoring their memory is extremely personal. Every person’s life is different; hence, their farewell should honor their character, personality, and the influence they had in line with that. Customized farewells have evolved into a necessary component of the grieving process as people look for meaningful ways to honor the death of a loved one. Three ways to honor loved ones with tailored farewells will be discussed in this article so that the celebration of their life is memorable and significant.

1.     Create a Personalized Memorial Service

A memorial ceremony is frequently the most important event at which family and friends gather to honor and celebrate the life of a loved one. To make this occasion genuinely memorable, personalize the service so that it reflects the deceased’s personality, values, and hobbies. One approach to accomplish this is to incorporate things that are meaningful to the individual, such as their favorite music, colors, or traditions. Many people prefer personalized eulogies or speeches, which allow friends and family members to share personal anecdotes and memories that highlight the person’s distinguishing characteristics. Instead of a traditional prayer, someone could deliver a poem or work of literature that had special value for the deceased. Furthermore, displaying photographs, treasured keepsakes, or even a slideshow of significant occasions can make the service feel more personal and related to the individual’s life. Customizing the service to reflect the deceased’s personality ensures that their life is remembered in a way that is meaningful to those who loved them the most.

2.     Craft a Thoughtful Tribute Video or Slideshow

A tribute movie or slideshow is another effective approach to remember a loved one, allowing friends and family to visually reminisce about the events that shaped their lives. This tribute can be personalized by collecting photographs, videos, and comments from loved ones to create a stunning montage of their journey. Many people opt to include photographs of significant events, such as graduations, weddings, and family gatherings, to showcase the individual’s accomplishments and ties. Music is vital in this tribute since a well-chosen song can elicit feelings and memories that words alone cannot. Music provides an extra layer of emotion for the video, whether it’s a favorite song or one that has meaning for the person. A tribute video might also have a meaningful narration or voiceover in which family members offer their personal insights and memories. This homage acts as a lasting reminder of the individual, allowing those who attend the memorial to carry a bit of the deceased’s spirit with them long after the service has over.

3.     Honor Their Legacy with a Meaningful Keepsake

Creating a memento that will be cherished for years to come is sometimes the finest way to honor a loved one. A personalized keepsake can take many different shapes, depending on the individual’s interests, passions, or hobbies. Many families choose to create personalized pieces of jewelry, such as necklaces or bracelets, engraved with the deceased’s initials, a particular date, or a meaningful phrase that represents their life. Planting a tree or establishing a garden in memory of someone who loves nature can be a lovely and long-lasting legacy. This living memorial represents the person’s continued growth and connectedness to the world, ensuring that their memory lives on for future generations. For people considering quality funeral planning services, it is critical to work with specialists who appreciate the value of personalization and can provide alternatives for creating a farewell that is consistent with the individual’s legacy. Some families commission original artwork that depicts the person’s favorite places, pastimes, or ideals, ensuring the memory lives on in a physical way.

Conclusion

Honoring a loved one with a personalized farewell is an important part of the grief process, allowing family and friends to recall and celebrate the life they led. Whether it’s a personalized memorial service, a tribute film, or a meaningful gift, these kind gestures enable you to create a farewell as unique as the person being remembered. By personalizing the farewell to the individual’s life and legacy, the remembrance of their spirit is preserved, providing comfort and healing to those left behind. These individualized farewells allow us to treasure the moments we shared while also ensuring that a loved one’s memory goes on in a meaningful and lasting way.