Category Archives: Uptown

Priscilla Queen of the Desert in January

Pride Films and Plays’ Chicago premiere of the Tony Award-winning musical, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert will open in January as the company’s inaugural production in their two-stage Pride Arts Center. The musical will be performed in The Broadway, the center’s 85-seat theatre at 4139 N. Broadway. Executive Director David Zak will co-direct the production with Artistic Associate Derek Van Barham. Artistic Associate Robert Ollis will be Music Director, Jon Martinez will choreograph and Jeff Award-winner John Nasca is designing the costumes. The trio of performers – two drag queens and a transgender woman – who traverse the Australian Outback in a beaten-up bus nicknamed “Priscilla” will be played by Honey West, Jordan Phelps and Luke Meierdiercks, with Jill Sesso, Tuesdai Perry and Rebecca Coleman as the three Divas and John Cardone as Bob.

 

Performances will begin with previews January 12-14, 2017. The run will continue through February 12, 2017. Tickets are now on sale at www.pridefilmsandplays.com.

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Help Chicago Homeless Start Over

uptown chicago tent city

From Alderman James Cappleman –

I have worked hard to encourage the City of Chicago to adopt a housing first model to reduce the number of people living with homelessness after noticing its success in other parts of the country. This strategy works best when two components are in place: a sufficient amount of subsidized housing coupled with wrap-around services. The most difficult piece to this model is having a dedicated source of funding to make an investment for long-term cost savings. I’m working with Mayor Emanuel to have a steady stream of funds available so that we can remain focused on housing. Some of this funding will be through a 4% surcharge for a new Airbnb Ordinance and there will be some additional funding coming from the Clarendon-Montrose TIF development.

Our pilot program to get 70 people living under the viaducts along Lake Shore Drive directly into housing is now underway. We have had a number of meetings with housing advocates, the folks living under the viaducts, city departments, and other community leaders to create a plan that will work. After all of these individuals without homes are in their new apartments, the Dept. of Family & Support Services (DFSS) will assess what worked well with this project and where improvements can be made. Afterwards, DFSS will select more areas throughout the city where people are living outside in encampments to implement this housing-first strategy.

 

How You Can Help

I’ve asked Inspiration Corporation to help me with a “New Home Starter Kit” drive. This starter kit will provide these 70 individuals going into new apartments with some of the needed supplies to start life in their new homes. To organize this process of purchasing this starter kit, my office has created a registry with Target. If you’re able to help, please click here to go to the registry and purchase needed items that will assist these individuals start their new life in an apartment. Inspiration Corporation will host a day at their Uptown headquarters where you will be invited to help put these starter kits together so that they can be distributed.

A substantial number of people living on the streets have told me that they became homeless right after they were released from Cook County Jail with no employment or disability in place and no family available to help them start over again. Without these necessary supports in place, it’s no wonder why we have such a high recidivism rate in our prisons. Later this month, I will be meeting with Cook County Sheriff Dart’s Office, DFSS, and the Dept. of Public Health to discuss how a more effective transition could be made when people are released from jail.

I am pleased that so much is coming together to help those in need. It’s a very complex process, but lasting solutions require thoughtful planning with everyone working together.

Best,

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Judy and Liza in Chicago

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Pride Films & Plays presents two stars of The Boy From Oz in

“Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli — Once in a Lifetime:

The London Palladium Concert — a Tribute”

Pride Films and Plays will enliven the New Year by bringing back two leading actresses from its recent acclaimed production of the musical The Boy From Oz in a new show entitled Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli — Once in a Lifetime: The London Palladium Concert — a Tribute, featuring Nancy Hays (as Judy Garland) and Michelle Lauto (as Liza Minnelli), with music direction and orchestral arrangements by Robert Ollis (co-producer).  This loving musical tribute recalls the historic concert by these two famous performers at the London Palladium, just as Liza’s singing career was beginning to take off. The Boy from Oz veterans Cameron Turner (choreography) and John Nasca (costume design) will round out the creative team for this dynamic new show.

 

Accompanied by a jazz combo, this lively cabaret show will feature those solos, duets and medleys that are Judy and Liza classics.  This is an opportunity to celebrate the unique  mother/daughter relationship that they shared and to see how Liza learned so much in performance from Judy — the consummate song stylist.

 

Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli — Once in a Lifetime: The London Palladium Concert — a Tribute previews Sunday, January 31st (7:00 p.m.) at Uptown Underground, 4707 N. Broadway, Chicago.   Tickets range between $15 and $25. For ticket information call 773-867-1946 or order online at www.uptownunderground.net, Tickets are not for sale at the regular PFP phone number.

THE STARS!

Nancy Hays (Judy Garland) recently returned to theatre to portray Judy Garland in The Boy from OZ, presented by Pride Films & Plays, after performing for years as an opening act for Tommy Tune, Rita Rudner, Smothers Brothers, George Burns and others. Her country song Come Dance with Me is an international hit, and she was featured in the film The Minnesota Connection. Nancy has also made numerous TV appearances (including one on ABC dancing with Mario Lopez). Nancy has recorded five albums and toured the UK multiple times.

 

Michelle Lauto (Liza Minnelli) is so proud to be playing one of her idols again after an exciting run as Liza in The Boy From Oz with Pride Films & Plays this past summer. Favorite credits include Murder Ballad (Bailiwick Chicago), Next To Normal and Spring Awakening (NY Regional Premiere). Up next for Michelle is the Chicago premiere of 35mm (Circle Theatre), and Xanadu with the American Theater Company. www.michellelauto.com

 

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Get Pampered at SPOIL ME Salon and Spa

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brides grooms pampering salon chicago

Hair and Spa Services  @

SPOIL  ME SALON  in Uptown.

Every couple deserves to look beautiful and feel confident on the most important and memorable day of their lives. There is no better place to pamper yourself than at Spoil Me Salon and Spa in Uptown at 4668 N. Broadway.

Whether some needed pampering for a couple or whole wedding party, Spoil Me offers a wide array of services in a very relaxing environment.

Esthetics, nails, massage, hair and make-up application, that will help you feel and look your very best.

They work with only professional, top of the line products to assure you quality service.

 

lesbian gay salon weddings chicago

EXPERIENCE and quality is what they offer and deliver. With over 20 years experience following and setting contemporary trends in hair, skin and nails. Specialty services include everything from manicures and pedicures to massage and facials. Their creative and innovative team of stylists are experts with all hair textures and their staff is trained with extensions and hair straightening as well.

We have grooms come in  for  pre-pampering and have manicures  and facials, sort of a boys night out, “explains owner Adel, “We have brides come a couple times before the ceremony, some try different hairstyles, some want make-up for the big day, we can do it all.”

It’s nice to have a plan leading up to the big day.  Here are some suggestions to think about….

These wedding preparation tips break down the pre-wedding planning to help you organize what needs to be done and when during the planning process.

6-8 weeks out: Have facial services and consult with your hair and makeup artist. It’s good to do a trial, ask questions and perhaps get inspired for your look.

lesbian gay weddings chicago salons

2 weeks before: Put your mind and body at ease with a massage. Mention this website at get a 20% discount on any massages in the month before the big day!

Week of:  Consider facial services or waxing with your pedicure and manicure service.

Day of: on site hair and make up services available. RELAX and ENJOY your big day, knowing you look great!

facials chicago gay weddingslesbian gay weddings chicago uptown

 

 

spoil me hair salon spa services

Spoil Me Hair Salon and Spa

Engagement party, anniversary, weddings and special occasions are their specialty!
Call them today for a free consultation! 773-564-9483
4668 N. Broadway (Btwn Leland and Clifton) Chicago 60640

Many satisfied clients and stellar reviews on YELP!

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Best Thin Crust Pizza in Chicago

Ask 10 people to name their favorite pizza joint – and you will probably get 10 different answers!
At BoJono’s Pizzeria,
this  popular carry-out neighborhood spot serve’s up fresh and healthy
Italian cuisine. Family-owned and operated since 1994 all their food is
homemade from  the sauces to the sausage. If you are a lover of
NYC-style pizza you’ll  love their cheesy, thin-crust pies. They also
offer appetizers, soups, salads, pasta and delicious desserts.

The owner, Craig  was a former chef of the Chicago Yacht Club and the
Ritz Carlton.  At the urging of his family Craig left the chef world to
open this business.

We moved into the neighborhood at the edge
of Boystown/Buena Park/Uptown discovered BoJono’s about 9 years ago and
have been loyal customers ever since. I swear their Hot Buffalo Chicken Wings are the BEST I have ever had. And we love to order a thin crust Margherita-style pizza with fresh sliced tomotoes, fresh basil or spinach and their chopped spicy cajun chicken!

The pizza is  available  thin crust, pan or stuffed.
They do an awesome Vegetarian Delight Pizza with
Broccoli, Mushrooms, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Onions.

A Mexican-style Taco Pizza with Refried Beans, Tortilla Chips, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion & Ground Beef.

And a tangy BBQ Pizza with Chicken, BBQ Sauce & Onions.

Besides pizza, they also offer soups, sandwiches, salads and a great selection of entrees.

Specialty dishes among our favorites are their Stuffed Shells. Jumbo Shells Stuffed with Spinach & Ricotta Cheese, Baked with Mozzarella & Marina.

 

also BoJono’s Cajun Pasta with Chicken, Red Peppers & Onions in a Special Tangy Cajun Cream Sauce.

Don’t take our word for it – look at what others have to say….

Chopped Chicken Pasta Salad, great amount for a great price.”

“Mostly
however I come here for the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with a side of
steak fries and a extra container of Bleu Cheese dressing. The first for
the sandwich, the second for the fries. This is what it is all about!”

“I
first had Bojono’s about 4 years ago when I had a bite of a friend’s
taco pizza.  It was pretty good.  So the next time that I wanted to
order delivery, my friend suggested Bojono’s but not their pizza.  I
ended up ordering Bojono’s salad and Bojono’s Cajun Touch pasta all on a
recommendation!  Since then, I have probably ordered this 50 times.”

“Bojono’s absolutely has the BEST thin crust pizza I have ever had. It’s fresh, always well made, and I love their sauce!”


If you can’t make it in, have it delivered.

They just launched  an interactive online ordering system. Place your order online and the system will remember you next time! Delivered right to your home or office. 

Order from work and have their delicious cuisine arrive at your door right after you get home!

BoJono’s Pizzeria
OPEN seven days 11 am to 10 pm
4185 N. Clarendon (773) 404-9700     

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TPAN Moves Offices to 5050 N. Broadway in Uptown Chicago

Test Positive Aware Network, (TPAN),  moved from its offices  in Edgewater Beach over the weekend  to an office building at 5050 N.
Broadway, in the Uptown neighborhood. It will reopen at the new location
on Oct. 1, with all groups and services running normally by Oct. 7.
The social services agency  will take over the third floor of the former headquarters of
Combined Insurance—presently a division of AON.
It’s a bigger space and new space and will accommodate more people. If you are going in for services next week, it is recommended you call
in advance to make sure your group or appointment is still scheduled to
meet.  (773) 989-9400   TPAN
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Must See Theatre! Under a Rainbow Flag

UNDER A RAINBOW FLAG 

is Totally entertaining! 


Story, Music, Lyrics, Acting and Direction are spot on! This musical play is destined for greatness!
5 PINK CROWNS!
It is funny, touching and an important piece of our gay history. And I can truly see this playing on Broadway. 
Based on the real-life story of a WWII naval corpsman Jon Phillips (who lives in Evanston, IL) Under A Rainbow Flag is a new musical by Leo Schwartz based on Jon’s experiences and true
story, vivid account of  his gay soldier friends in World War II. And remember, this was a time when everyone had to hide in the closet. Leo has put together an amazing story with music and lyrics, that could play on Broadway or Off Broadway  today!
I am usually not into anything that has to do with old wartime stories. but this is different. This group of young gay soldiers meet on a train and it tells their stories of love and sacrifice. 
ALL of the acting and singing is top-notch. Direction by David Zak.

Running till April
21, 2013  at 4139 N. Broadway. Which is great little theater in Buena Park!

Tickets are just $20-25. And so well worth it. Your support of this fine show  goes to the actors, musicians,
and other artists crafting this beautiful and exciting project. 

Pride Films and Plays, the
producer, is a new organization developing new LGBT works for the stage
and screen. This is our first large musical project, and we need your
support to fully achieve our dreams. 

Ultimately, we hope Under A Rainbow Flag will
have a long life at regional theaters everywhere. Your support now is
the first step to making that happen as we use our rehearsal time to
hone every aspect of the production. 

Discounts available for veterans, students, and seniors.

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New Dinner and Drinking Place in Uptown! Reservoir

Beuna Park/ Uptown has a new local bar and restaurant, located right on Montrose.   Reservoir. 844 W Montrose (west of  Clarendon Ave & East of Sheridan, right off Hazel). 
It’s getting a very nice mixed crowd. On the evening we were there, there were a dozen other LGBT folks. The decor uses lots of  warm dark wood inside with clean lines,a long bar with comfy chairs.  Ample seating and room for groups or just a table for one or two. 
Barely 6 months old and they are doing great. Yelpers are giving them 4 and 5 stars, which is always a great sign!  Tuesday nights are drawing a crowd for their Trivia Contest where players compete for shots and prizes!

They offer  great QUALITY food, an extensive craft beer selection, a nice selection of wines by the glass starting at $7 and great specialty cocktails in a laid-back, casual atmosphere. 

Don’t be fooled, just because it’s a late night bar, it’s NOT bar food. Really nice menu featuring shared plates, some signature sandwiches, and plenty more to please your palette. And all at great neighborhood prices. Hommus or Hot Wings for $8. Tuna Caponata or Calamari $9, an AMAZING braised pork belly  for $11 made with parsnip puree scented with Madagascar vanilla, port wine poached apple, and sumac. Delicious!
There is also a selection of generously sized salads $7-$8.  Flatbreads $8-$9. Some great sandwiches, plus a few  entree’s! But overall, I would suggest sharing. There are lots of ways to mix and match and not cost you a fortune. It’s really good food, priced right. Robert the manager told us they will be changing up the menu in coming weeks.  Adding some new things and taking some things off. 

The 2 guys sitting next to me said, “While I love living in the Buena Park/Uptown area, I’ve always felt  frustrated with the lack of options for food/drinks within walking distance.  We came in here about a month ago and love it.  The food, atmosphere and service is great.  Portions are a good size and drinks are reasonable.  So far, my favorites are the mac and cheese and the Cobb salad.  Reservoir is a great addition to the neighborhood.

Brunch is served on Sundays from 11AM – 3PM. Lots of delicious dishes $8-$12.

This is a great neighborhood addition!

RESERVOIR   844 W. Montrose   (773) 275-4000

M-F 5pm to 2am

Sat 11am to 3am

Sun 11am to 2am

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Razon! Fabulous Dining in Uptown on Marine Drive

RAZON! The reason.

What a great discovery we just found, and it’s in Uptown, just blocks from our house! A hidden gem! This restaurant is the best kept secret! But not for long.

 Located at 4250 N. Marine Dr, RAZON is located  on the Northside of the Imperial Towers high-rises. Razon opened last May and when I looked at reviews online, nearly everybody loves this place!

(photo above -shows part of the dining room—filled with Italian marble and Ferrari-red finishes—the bar itself came from Italy).

So I talked with Nash the general manager and we made plans to come check it out. They actually have a cafe area and a restaurant  area. “What we are trying to do here is follow biorhythm of this wonderful neighborhood,” explained Nash. “We open our cafe at 7am to 10 pm each day. With great artisan coffee & morning pastries selection, Razón cafe is your one stop morning destination. Once morning craziness is over, lunch is served & delivered through Lakeview & Uptown.”

He continues, “Finally, at 5pm we open the door of our restaurant. People have voted and gave us 4 and 5 stars – critics and press were wonderful too. With our great team and  chefs we’ve been working for many years back develop charming menu with delicious options, all with an Italian influence and eclectic approach. Simple Italian architecture, with Miami lounge type music in the background and Midwestern hospitality. Razon means “the reason”. The reason to get together, the reason to dine, the reason to rejoice and be grateful!”

We arrived at 6:00pm thirsty!  The handsome Russian bartender, Alex suggested perhaps a specialty craft
drink. $9! How can you go wrong? We each decided on a martini named
after nearby streets. Mine was the “Montrose,’ made with Grey Goose
l’orange. fresh cut ginger, some cranberry juice and house sour mix. It
was amazing. Looked and tasted like a $15 cocktail I have had at other
places.

Derrick had the “Razon.” Grey Goose Citron with fresh basil, house sour
and soda. Perfection. They were honestly a couple of the best drinks we
have ever had. And we like to drink!

Homemade gourmet food from local ingredients, made for what the owner calls a “casual-to-upscale” dining room, and a coffee shop with grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and bistro boxes for the Lake Shore Drive foot traffic.

For dinner, the staff suggested many great things and we tasted lots. The menu is  big, filled with salads, lots of small plates, several burgers as well as steaks, lots of pastas which you can also have made with their amazing creamy polenta, at least half a dozen pizzas and  some large plates. So there is something for everyone.

Nash explained he gets deliveries daily. “Fresh, fresh, fresh!” he explains, “As a family and as a company in the food business for over 30 years, we have developed many relationships with suppliers who take of us, with the finest selections of seafood and meats. We are constantly getting deliveries and picking things up, so that we can deliver the freshest quality to our customers. We print new menus about every two days because little things are always changing based on what is coming and going, what is fresh and what is seasonal.”

And he does not lie. The calamari was melt in your mouth, served with a nice, not too hot, smoked jalapeno aioli. The brisket sandwich was huge and also tasted great. “Our brisket is slow cooked in its own natural juices. No BBQ sauce added. It is not rushed. We do it old school-slow!”

We sampled a cheese platter with 3 different cheeses, some bread and berries. It was a beautiful presentation and only $15. “This is another great example of how we buy. We try to support as many local businesses as we can. Most of the cheeses come from Pastoral. We source as many local ingredients as we can.”

The polenta was whipped and fluffy! The salmon was fresh and cooked perfectly. We wanted a pizza, but we had no room! Next time! The 2 guys next to us had the Prosciutto di Parma pizza, with prosciutto, 5 cheeses and arugula.  They said it was delicious–the prosciutto especially! And  they come here all the time.

We did try a few desserts however. The cafe has a wonderful selection of gelatos. We tried a couple of those and their Tiramisu, which Nash says is one of the best in Chicago! And I have to agree, it was pretty great.

It’s very easy for 2 diners  to have a couple drinks, share 2-3 small plates, split a large plate, and get out for under $75. With tip.  Another diner told us, “If you’re looking for an upscale date night in Uptown, this is the place to go. It’s downtown chic at much more reasonable prices. Tip included, we pay about  $80 for an appetizer, two drinks and two large entrées — we even usually have some to take home.” And during the weeknights, they offer various specials.

Another diner we talked to said, “This restaurant is the best kept secret! I live right around the corner from the restaurant, and walked by it everyday. I finally decided to come in about 4 months ago, and boy am I glad. They have an excellent menu , and great food. They have everything you need in this restaurant from a great place to have dinner with friends at night, to a little cafe to get your work done during the day, and gelato!!!! The customer service is easily the best service I have received in years. They go above and beyond. I haven’t come across a place like this in a while. I just love it!”

You will find the staff her very passionate about the restaurant and the food! Items are thoroughly explained, right  down to where the meat, chicken and fish are from.

It’s one of those places that makes you feel cool from knowing it, and even more hip when you can recommend it to your friends. I just don’t want EVERYONE to know about it. Is that selfish of me??

RAZON…giving people more than they expect!
4250 N. Marine Dr  773-880-9115

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Pie Hole Joint Pizza Opens Second Location in Uptown

Great news for Uptown/Andersonville!

5001 N. Clark, the storefront that was once home to CLARKS ON CLARK and lately was home to Winston’s Internet Cafe for a while, is being taken over by PIE HOLE JOINT. 
 When
Winston’s closed, it was remodeled and rehabbed.  Rumors had it that Chipotle would be going in, but that didn’t happen, and Uptown Update posted back in November that Pie Hole was a possible new tenant.

They played coy for a while, but now owner Doug Brandt  made it official:

Pie Hole Pizza will be opening its  SECOND  delicious location and have chosen Uptown, at 5001 N Clark Street, at Argyle.  Projected opening date is sometime in April. Possibly April 1, April Fools Day. “We’re shooting for April 1,” Brandt said in another post. “If we miss, we can always claim ‘April Fools!'” says Brandt. 

Last month  Brandt admitted the new second location  was more than a possibility and started a crowdsourcing campaign to bring Pie Hole to the new location.  Must have been a success, because it’s official.

The Uptown expansion is a dream come true for the local small
business owner, who said when he saw the vacant storefront last year he
envisioned “bright neon signs” in his mind that told him it would be a
great spot for his second location.

Brandt said Pie Hole, which offers an an eclectic variety of custom
pizzas with crazy combinations such as marshmallow and sausage, has
always had an “underground, anti-establishment and irreverent vibe.”

“The fact that it is not in the most commercial location is actually a plus for us,” he said.

The new address is in a residential area, but it sits on bustling
North Clark Street at West Argyle Avenue, at “the end of the
Andersonville retail strip that is progressively growing a little
farther and farther south,” Brandt said.

“So, it has a lot of potential in the future.” – And this is interesting….Brandt initially had trouble finding a funding stream to tap that
potential — before $30,000 in loans raised via crowd-funding program LendSquare solved his problem in December. LendSquare asks members of the community for two-year loans that are paid back with interest. What a cool idea!

We are very excited about Pie Hole coming to Uptown/Andersonville and can’t wait to
dig into our first custom slice. 

PIE HOLE ON FACEBOOK
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World Gym DEEP DISCOUNTS Feb 14th

 How is that New Years resolution going? 

PUT DOWN THAT BAG OF CHIPS
 and get to WORLD GYM FEB. 13th!
Unbeatable prices one day only. 

2 for 1 pricing

Half Off memberships

New members get free fitness assessments
All fitness classes are FREE and led by local experts and designed to help all skill levels conquer goals on the path to ultimate fitness glory.
In 1976, it all began here. The iconic celebrity fitness scene. The serious, no-nonsense workout. The commitment to always remain a true gym, not a resort. A place where great shape is an authentic passion. Where you belong among friends. Where everyone’s a star, and you have the power to lift yourself to greatness. This is World Gym.
909 W Montrose Ave 
(773) 348-1212

Tell them you saw it here!

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Best Gay Chicago’s BEST Baseball Kick Off Events

Baseball Kickoff
for Equality is just one week from today!

Tuesday April 3rd –
 Join EQIL at
Sluggers Sports Bar (3540 N. Clark Street) to celebrate Opening Day 2012. Enjoy cocktails,
light bites, and the chance to win door prizes! Baseball tix, anyone?

A $10 donation
includes 2 complimentary cocktails, light bites, and a drawing ticket.
Come meet some new friends and let’s celebrate the beginning of the 2012
baseball season! Get your tickets now for this fun event. 

We look forward to seeing you on April 3 at Sluggers!

THEN  …
Thursday  April 5th!
CREW  opens at 10:00 am of the Cubs home opener.
4804 N. Broadway

Stop by before the game for a complimentary breakfast and drink specials. Come back after to celebrate the Cubs win!

Fun starts  at  10:00 am with drink specials and breakfast. (while it lasts!)
Game time  is  at  1:20

(I never understood those add starting times….does anyone know why?)

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FAT TUESDAY at CREW in Uptown Feb 21

You are not in New Orleans this week?

 No Problem.

Stop by CREW BAR + GRILL!


CREW BAR + GRILL

 
4804 N. Broadway Chicago, IL
 Phone: 773 784
CREW (2739)

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CREW Bar Annual Charity Chilli CookOff Jan 28

NBC 5’S WAYNE JOHNSON RETURNS AS HOST OF CREW’S 2012 CHARITY CHILI COOK OFF

 

Wayne Johnson, food and lifestyle reporter for NBC Chicago, will return as host of Crew Bar + Grill’s Annual Charity Chili Contest on Saturday, January 28th, from 12PM to 2PM.


The annual chili contest lets patrons sample eight different chili recipes for a $10.00 donation to the Edgewater based non-profit, Care for Real. Organized by the Edgewater Community Council, Care for Real is a volunteer operated food pantry and social services group supported by donations from the community. Prizes will be awarded for the best chili recipe, $100 in cash, and the category for best presentation of your chili, the “Nate Berkus award”, which nets a $50 Crew gift card.

 

Crew Bar + Grill

4804 N Broadway

Chicago, IL   60640

Crew Bar + Grill, located at Broadway and Lawrence, is Chicago’s premiere, award winning gay sports bar.  In 2010, Mike Sullivan and Mark Robertson joined the business as co-owners alongside Steve Milford and Brian Wells. Now well into its seventh year, Crew has become a fixture of the Uptown entertainment district with a mix of big games on over 20 HD, flat screen televisions and great food and drinks.

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Crew’s 7th annual Kentucky Derby Party – Saturday May 7th

MY….
WHAT A BIG HAT YOU HAVE!

When it comes to horse racing’s premier event, THE KENTUCKY DERBY, the competition isn’t limited to the track itself.

The Kentucky Derby and its sister event, the Kentucky Oaks, are the only sporting events that are also fashion events.
 
Derby attendees spend as much time and money on their race-day apparel as they do at the betting window — maybe more!  And Derby fashionistas are in a race to see who can be declared best dressed.

JOIN CREW!

Crew’s 7th annual
Kentucky Derby Party

Saturday May 7th
Hosted by Sofia Saffire
 
$4.00 Mint Juleps and
$12.50 Mimosa pitchers

(Photo Nick Adams from Guys and Dolls and  Priscilla)
 
You pick the winning horse and we’ll buy you a drink!
 
Horse selection begins at 4:00 pm.
 
Best Hat Contest
1st place $75, 2nd place $50, 3rd place $25 Crew gift card!

See you at the races!

CREW BAR + GRILL      4804 N. Broadway Chicago, IL Phone: 773 784 CREW (2739)

BestGayChicago.com

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Crew Bar + Grill Hosts Proud to run Race benefit April 10th

Crew Bar + Grill,
Chicago’s award winning gay sports bar, will host a benefit for the 30th Annual Proud to Run Race on Sunday, April 10th, from 1pm to 4pm.

The Proud to Run Race celebrates gay and lesbian pride and is held on the same weekend in June as the Chicago Gay Pride Parade. This year’s race will be Saturday, June 25th.

For a $20 donation, attendees to the benefit at Crew will take part in an all you can drink beer bust and raffle for various prizes, including a Blu-Ray DVD player and two pairs of tickets to an upcoming Chicago Cubs game.
 
“One of the things that attracted us to the Proud to Run event is that it’s not just a race. It’s also a fundraiser to benefit a couple of charities in the Chicago Area,” said Crew co-owner Steve Milford. This year Proud to run will benefit Pride Youth Services, a North Shore Health Service program for LGBT youth, and the Gerber/Hart Library, a non-profit library focused on Chicago LGBT history and archival materials.  “We love doing these kinds of charitable events that benefit the community, and this particular event is also a sporting event, which is right up our alley,” added Mr. Milford.



 
Last year, the race had over 1,100 participants, and organizers hope to boost attendance by almost 20% to 1,300. Holding events and benefits, like the April 10th beer bust at Crew is one way the organizers hope to reach out to more people in the community. “I’ve run the Proud to Run race every year since I moved to Chicago almost a decade ago. It’s a great way to kick off Pride weekend with friends,” said Dave Davila, a manager at Crew Bar + Grill.  “I hope this year to get some more of my co-workers running with me.”
 
Crew Bar + Grill, located at the intersection of Broadway and Lawrence, is Chicago’s premiere gay sports bar.  In 2010, Mike Sullivan and Mark Robertson joined the business as co-owners alongside Steve Milford and Brian Wells. Now well into its sixth year, Crew has become a fixture of the Uptown entertainment district with a mix of big games on over 20 HD, flat screen televisions and great food and drinks. 
 
Crew Bar + Grill     4804 N Broadway     Chicago, IL   60640

PROUD TO RUN race


BestGayChicago.com

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Spring into Fitness with Deals at World Gym Chicago


 ONE DAY ONLY
        UNBEATBALE PRICES!

Only  $1  to enroll for
              ALL  NEW  MEMBERS

Half off memberships

Free months for members who renew

APRIL 6th – One Day Only    

Personal Training Discounts –  Food and Cocktails –

Free Tanning for a year   and   $2 off all Smoothies!


World Gym  Chicago   909 W Montrose St    @ Sheridan    Chicago, Illinois 60613

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Run Off Election Between James Cappleman and Molly Phelan April 5th

For those of us who live in the 46th ward, it was a great relief to see Helen Schiller get off her throne as Alderman.  But it was  a neck in neck race between James Cappleman and Molly Phelan, that ended in a tie, and now there are still a few more weeks ahead until the big decision on April 5th, will crown our new  Alderman.

I have to say, I am a little shocked. We have strongly supported Cappleman since day one. Yet we see a lot of people in the gay community throwing their support behind Phelan…..and that worries me. Did we learn nothing from Schiller?  I hear Molly say that she will work with landlords to ensure that the ward continues to have ENOUGH AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING to maintain cultural diversity.- I think we have ENOUGH.  STOP! She sounds just like Schiller talking and I for one, do not want more of that!

HUD actually says a community needs to offer at least 20% affordable housing. The 46th ward  has  24%  already.

James on the CRITICAL ISSUES:

Economic Development:
1. He will work with the area businesses to assist them with discouraging aggressive panhandling, public drinking and graffiti
2. Will work with social services to hold their clients more accountable for their behavior
3. Will work with community members and businesses to create a Ward Development Master Plan
4. Will overlay this master plan with a retail market survey to identify needed businesses for the area.
5. Will use the $1.3 million dollars in menu funds for improvements including more streetscaping, pedestrian lighting, planters, and public art to attract foot traffic in the area
6. Will promote more street fairs, music festivals, and farmers’ markets in retail areas to bring more consumers to the ward.
 
Public Safety within the Ward:
1. Will immediately respond to any violent incident within the ward and inform the community of plans to address the situation
2. Will collaborate with the police and CTA to reduce the rate of crime around El stations and bus stops
3. Will continue to work with police commanders from 20th & 23rd Districts to assist with coordinating public safety issues that border one another within the 46th Ward
4. Will identify residential buildings with high rates of 911 calls and require their managers to create a plan to address the causes of crime on their property or face serious consequences
5. Will encourage area schools to participate with Explorers, a Police-sponsored program that helps reduce gang activity.
 

Community Input:
1. Will create a committee involving community organizations to vote on development, zoning, and TIF issues. 2. Will have monthly community-wide forums to get community input on controversial matters before a City Council vote.
3. Will have an up-to-date ward website
4. Will hold expanded office hours into the evenings and every weekend
5. Will require City departments to offer random customer service surveys and have the cumulative scores from these surveys made available to the public.


James is an active neighbor and regularly attends Belmont Harbor Neighbors Association, East Lakeview Neighbors, Lakeview Citizens Council, Buena Park Neighbors, and Truman Square Neighbors.
MOLLY IS NOT!

He also has been involved with Clarendon Park Neighborhood Association, Lakeside Neighbors, Magnolia-Malden Neighbors, Beacon Block Club, Fix Wilson Yard, Uptown Neighborhood Council.
MOLLY HAS NOT!

James also is active with the following CAPS Beats 2024, 2311, 2312, 2313, 2322, and 2323.
MOLLY IS NOT!


For the past ten years, James has been on the board of directors for the Uptown Chicago Commission (UCC), a not-for-profit neighborhood organization that seeks to improve the quality of life for all Uptown residents. He just finished serving his second term as the board president. James has helped form block clubs, organize service projects, and create open access to necessary information for residents throughout the 46th Ward.

James’ long-time partner of 18 years, Richard Thale, is chair of the 23rd Police District’s Court Advocacy Committee and a CAPS facilitator for Beat 2312. In response to gang violence within a block of their home, they both organized and attended positive loitering events for 14 straight Fridays in late 2009.

Just this week, Cappleman announced the support of more progressive leaders: State Senator Heather Steans and Alderman Mary Ann Smith!


BOTTOM LINE-  JAMES WANTS TO MOVE THE WARD FORWARD. And it’s time for a change!

Equality Illinois PAC, a political action committee affiliate of Equality Illinois, has announced its endorsement of James Cappleman for 46th Ward Aldeman.

Mark your calendars for the next debate…Thursday, March 24 at 7pm. Location to be announced soon.

If you’d like to know more about James give us a call at 312-725-VOTE (8683)
 or  James for Change.


BestGayChicago.com

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Eat Right Get Fit with the Trainers from World Gym Chicago



Many gay men are obsessed with their body image.

American men spend over-

•$4 billion a year on exercise equipment and health club memberships
•$3 billion on grooming aids and fragrances
•$800 million on hair transplants


•$1 BILLION on male cosmetic surgery procedures, procedures such as pectoral implants, chin surgery, and penis enlargement and procedures such as liposuction and rhinoplasty (nose jobs).

A Playgirl centerfold model of 1976 would need to shed 12 lbs of fat and gain 27 lbs of muscle to be a centerfold of today!   OK- we get –  many of us are obsessed!

But if you have a desire for a great body –  what are you doing about it? And do you know what you are doing?




Are you eating sensible and healthy??

I can’t tell you how many guys I see at the gym, spending as much as 2 hours a pop working out –  then eating garbage food.

Or my favorite, the guy who is on a treadmill with his coffee in one hand and his cell phone in the other!

You have to eat right. It’s about learning to control caloric intake throughout the year, in addition to working out. It is a lifestyle adaption, and many people don’t follow through or don’t  have the knowledge to make the right decisions.

We could write pages and pages of nutritional tips – and that’s what well do in coming months, so this is just the tip of the iceberg. Some of the trainers at World Gym of Chicago  on Montrose shared their thoughts and expertise and a few tips.

I like World Gym because of its comfortable atmosphere. The owner says, “World Gym is not a “health club”, but a gym dedicated to the improvement and maintenance of our members’ health and fitness.

Our philosophy is not to enroll hundreds of new members, induced to sign up by an endless string of “special offers”…but to build a strong base of loyal members and work hard to earn that loyalty in continuum. We have found that this philosophy has created an environment where men and women of all ages, from the “just getting started” to the “top athlete,” all exercise in a comfortable, non-frantic atmosphere. We are a result producing, not stress producing, gym.”

      So here we go –  5 quick tips and pointers –


BASIC RULE #1: Our body weight is determined by the amount of energy that we take in as food and the amount of energy we expend in the activities of our day.


In basic terms, you can not eat more than you expend.  OR you must burn more than eat.  And you have to make healthy choices when you eat. You can’t consume buckets of sugar and fat and expect to get lean and build muscle.

When it comes to Protein;  Drink whey protein 20 minutes before a meal. The Minnesota Applied Research Center in Minneapolis found that the protein consumption caused a much greater loss in body fat than the placebo. The whey protein maintains blood sugar levels, which decreases appetite. And, the protein provides the building blocks your body needs to recover from your exercise program.

You can have TOO MUCH protein. The next time you urinate, take a gander into the toilet bowl. I’m serious.
Now tell me if your urine is bubbly and has a frothy consistency. Like beer.

If you’ve been supplementing your diet with protein in line with a bodybuilding routine, I’m going to bet you that chances are, you have bubbly urine. Now what does bubbly urine imply? proteinuria.

Proteinuria is a medical condition whereby too much protein is ingested for the body to utilize. The kidneys then work overtime to filter out this excess protein, and out it goes through your urine. Excess protein = bubbly urine.



 
2. Go nutty for nuts. Nuts are high in calories and fat – so it might seem strange that they’re a great weight release food. But they are. Researchers from Purdue University found that nuts are high in nutrients and antioxidants, that they help prevent degenerative diseases and that they are linked to reduced body fat. Nuts prevent hunger (consume a handful before going out to eat!), and they take a long time – and lots of energy – to digest. This research is providing new support for the caveman diet – which holds that we should eat nuts, berries, vegetables, lean meats, etc. – just like our ancestors.

3. Green tea is a fat loss miracle. Research from Maastricht University in Holland is making me a green tea believer. Green tea promotes weight release, weight maintenance, improved blood sugar regulation and even decreases abdominal fat! Of course, green tea doesn’t do it alone – you need to combine it with a comprehensive exercise and nutrition program.





 4. SUGAR. Eat foods that are low on the gylcemic index. The glycemic index  measures how fast certain foods increase blood sugars. Foods like white bread are very high on the index, and foods like whole grains are ranked much lower. Those foods that are high on the index seem to trigger fat storage – though researchers aren’t quite sure why. Here’s a list of how some of the most common foods rank .

5. SLEEP. Poor sleep = increased abdominal fat. Researchers from Wake Forest embarked on a multi-year study and found that too little – or too much – sleep led to increased risk of obesity and abdominal fat. 6 – 7 hours a night was found to be ideal.




THANKS  to the trainers  at
World Gym of Chicago

With 7 locations!







Some recommended  reads:



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World Gym Uptown – Ranked Best Gym in North Chicago

The Number One
New Year’s Resolution….

lose weight and/or
get body in better shape!
 

Ok, it’s February. 
What have you done about it?

There is no excuse. If you don’t belong to gym or are considering changing gyms, NOW IS THE TIME.

This is the BEST promotion for fitness you will find in Chicago!


Wednesday February 9th.
Fitness Party Promotion  @  World Gym in Uptown
909 W. Montrose    773-348-1212
5am – 11pm (so don’t say you have to work, and can’t make it!)





World Gym is not a health club, but a gym dedicated to the improvement and maintenance of our members’ health and fitness.

“Our philosophy is not to enroll hundreds of new members, induced to sign up by an endless string of “special offers”…but to build a strong base of loyal members and work hard to earn that loyalty in continuum,” says Al, who opened this gym in 1992, but has been in the business a LIFETIME!


“We have found that this philosophy has created an environment where men and women of all ages, from the “just getting started” to the “top athlete,” all exercise in a comfortable, non-frantic atmosphere. We are a result producing, not stress producing, gym.”

World Gym has been voted one of the BEST GYMS IN CHICAGO!  and THE BEST GYM IN NORTH CHICAGO. I have been a member at World Gym for about 8 years now. I can honestly say, it is super clean and constantly updated with the newest equipment and free classes that are always changing and evolving.

On Wednesday February 9th, ALL DAY, World Gym is offering unbeatable promotions!

* 50% OFF on new enrollments, if you mention this article

* 50% OFF memberships, if you mention this article

* Complimentary food, cocktails, and nutritional supplements

So if you have been thinking about a new gym or maybe you just moved here, WORLD GYM has the best facilities, the best prices, and the best perks in Chicago!

Make sure you tell them we sent you!

And watch for   FITNESS TIPS  coming soon from the trainers of World Gym !


Best Gay Chicago.com


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