Monthly Archives: April 2013

  Boystown, Chicago Information, News and Happenings, Outdoors, Summer Fun

Bike Sharing in Lakeview in Boystown

When I was Paris a couple years ago, I thought their  bike rental program was pretty cool, with rental stations all over the city. Now, Chicago launches DIVVY bike sharing program , that will allow people to use bikes for $75 a year!  By 2014, they want to have 400  stations all over the city. 

Lake View officials and the Chicago Department of Transportation have officially chosen almost all of the locations locals will be able to snag a bike in the city’s new bike share program.
Now dubbed “Divvy” to reflect the nature of bike sharing, the program is launching more than 28 kiosks
where Lake View neighbors can pick up bicycles. The new cycles will
also be painted the iconic “Chicago Blue” to “provide a high level of
visibility on the street,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. Divvy is expected to launch downtown around Bike to Work Day on June 14, with about 75 stations.
How cool is that?!
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  Big Gay Brunch Club, Culture, News and Happenings, Restaurants and Dining

Cinco de Mayo at the BEST MEXICAN Restaurant

3906 N. Broadway Chicago Il. 60640  #773-549-2932

&

3420 N. Broadway Chicago Il 60657  #773-549-7020

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  Benefits, Boystown, Gay Bars, Youth

Illinois Safe Schools Alliance FIERCE and FABULOUS benefit May 4th

FIERCE!   
Fierce & Fabulous Fashion Show with fashions from MODA Boutique and
in partnership with Halsted Vodka, to benefit the  Illinois Safe Schools Alliance.


Saturday, May 4
from 7 – 9pm  @  minibar.

There  will be drawing
for giveaways  that include certificates to MODA Boutique,
Halsted Vodka, along with some Illinois Safe Schools Alliance gift packages as well!  

 Ticket Price $25 – includes 1 drink! 

(21+ Event – ID required)

    At
minibar 3341 N Halsted, Chicago

          Buy your ticket(s)

here.

The Alliance envisions a world in which
youth develop to their fullest potential, learning in safe and nurturing
schools, living in communities that accept and honor differences, where
everyone has the freedom to express their sexual orientation and gender
identity.

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  News and Happenings, Restaurants and Dining

Low Wage Workers STRIKE in Chicago, Asking for a Living Wage

EARLIER THIS MONTH  lower wage workers in New York City striked – today, it was Chicago’s turn.  Workers at McDonalds, Macy’s, Sear’s and Subway took to the picket lines!

WAGES IN OUR COUNTRY truly do suck! And I for one am happy to see people fighting back. It is almost impossible to find a job for $10-$15. And event at $15 an hour, that is barely a livable wage. 

Hundreds of employees from stores
 walked off the job today in Chicago for higher wages, three
weeks after a similar strike by fast-food workers in New York.

The employees marched in the Chicago Loop and near the
Magnificent Mile shopping area, calling for $15-an-hour pay,
82 percent more than the state’s minimum wage, and the right to
form a union without intimidation. The one-day strike was
arranged by the Workers Organizing Committee of Chicago, a group
of retail and food workers, according to a statement yesterday. 

There are more than 2.9 million food preparation and
serving workers in the U.S., including those who work at fast-
food restaurants, according to a report by the Bureau of Labor
Statistics in May. The median wage for those workers is $8.78 an
hour, or about $18,260 a year, the data shows.  MOST BUSINESSES would only have raise the price of items by pennies, to make up for a better wage!
read more  
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  Restaurants and Dining

Roka Akor is Ready For Spring Dining Freshness

SPRING IS IN THE AIR! Finally!
(I think…)
 Restaurants are getting their patios ready, in anticipation of the warmer days ahead!

 Roka Akor downtown is such a beautiful place for after work drinks and bites – or late night on the patio sipping and sharing a punchbowl of Mango Thai Chile Shochu Smash! – By the way, I think this is the only restaurant in Chicago where you can get Shochu.  FUN FACT:  Shochu is Japan’s other indigenous alcoholic beverage, but unlike
sake, shochu is distilled. It is also made from one of several raw
materials. The alcoholic content is usually
25%. Perfect for summertime sipping.

Season change and so drinks. Roka  unveiled a handful of new spring/summer concoctions last week. The Roka Mule served in those wonderful copper mugs with a refreshing blend of vodka, ginger and some fresh berries is perfect on a hot summer evening. or Spring Fashion. Boozy and Bitter made with Gin and bitters.

Libations are great but the real star of the show, I think is the food. Executive Chef Ce Bian has created a brand new Spring collection  bar menu of intriguing dishes, perfect for sharing or nibbling.

Available daily from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again from 9:30 p.m. to close.

Roka Akor Chibi Burger, $4;

May means Softshell Crab!  Softshell Crab Maki(1/2 roll),$6;

Braised Duck Spring Roll with Apple and Grape Fruit, $8;

Sweet Corn Tempura with Truffle Aioli, $8;

Chicken Yakitori (3 pc), $9;

SO REFRESHING AND DELICIOUS – Shrimp and Lobster Tacos with Scallop Ceviche, $9; and or Fried Squid with Lime and Serrano Chili, $7.50;

Waygu Beef & Kimchi Dumplings, $12;

What is decadence without bone marrow?
Robata Grilled Bone Marrow with Sesame Nori Toast , $12;

ROKA AKOR has  voted one of the Top 10 Sushi Spots in the United States by Bon Appétit and Travel & Leisure Magazines, and 2013 Michelin Guide Chicago recommended.

It is a stylish Prime steak and sushi restaurant that features Robata-style “open charcoal” cuisine. It is  a rustic form of grilling from Japan. Translated as “around the fireplace,” robata taps the ancient Japanese custom of cooking in the irori, the traditional charcoal-fired hearth once found in every home.

For Chef Ce Bian’s dining room menu, the freshest fish is flown in daily, and sushi and sashimi are carefully handpicked by region and seasonality. The menu also features a variety of succulent steak cuts including Prime Rib Eye with Wafu Dressing and Prime New York Strip Loin with Truffle Aioli, as well as the highest quality of domestic and Australian Wagyu Beef.

Inside Roka Bar — Roka Akor’s informal, yet sophisticated dining environment — guests can feast on a selection of Japanese small plates, which are designed for sharing and very affordable and won’t totally break your bank.

Roka Akor is opening in San Francisco’s Jackson Square,  summer 2013.

*Insider Scoop – Try Sunday Brunch at Roka Akor!   $9-$15.

**Sunday nights – Industry night! Roka Akor is offering those who work in the hotel, bar, restaurant and
tourism fields 41% off sizzling steak, sushi and sashimi every Sunday evening! Simply present an Industry Card and receive the discount off
your entire bill (excluding bottles of liquor above $150 and limited to
four guests, 20% gratuity of the original check amount will be
included).

Roka Akor 

456 N Clark St  Chicago, IL 60654

(312) 477-7652
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  Boystown, News and Happenings, Restaurants and Dining

Dine at Taverna 750 for Earth Day Weekend

Earth Day is an annual day, celebrated on April 22nd each year on which events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

 The need for trees in our

National Forests is now greater than it has ever been as wildfires, insects, and disease destroy
millions of acres of trees every year. 
Earth Day is now celebrated in more than 192 countries every year and Taverna 750 wants to join in the celebration and protection of plant earth.
Taverna 750 will be celebrating the entire Earth Day weekend from April 19-22nd in collaboration
with the Arbor Day Foundation. 
For each reservation made for Dinner or Brunch April 19-21 Taverna750 will plant a tree in their honor and on Monday April 22nd Taverna 750 will take it one step further by planting a tree in honor of each guest who dines that evening. 
Reservations are encouraged and can be made by visiting our website at www.Taverna750.com. 
Taverna 750 will be serving Dinner Friday and Saturday 6:00-12:00, Late Night Menu Friday and Saturday 11:00-Close, Brunch Sunday 11:00-3:00, and Dinner Sunday and Monday 6:00-10:00.
The concept of Taverna 750 was inspired by Paul D. Cannella’s Grandfather, Paul J. Loverde, and Uncle Chuckie Abruzzini’s restaurant. Grandpa Paul and Uncle Chuckie served up good times, great drinks, and classic Italian food to Chicago’s West Humboldt Park neighborhood between the 1940’s and 1960’s. Their recipes are the basis for several menu items. All of the entrees are small plates, which are meant for sharing with your party. They are served European style, so they will arrive at the table in the order in which they are prepared.
Taverna 750 . 750 W Cornelia Ave. Chicago, IL 60657 . 773-904-7466
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  Benefits, News and Happenings, Non-Profits, Restaurants and Dining, Special Events

Chicago Dining Out For Life 2013

What are YOU doing, Thursday, April 25th?


Hopefully, dining out! At one of your favorite restaurants.
Dine out. Fight AIDS!

Join us to celebrate food, friends and a great cause at our 20th annual Dining Out For Life!
 

This event happens all of the country!

60 HIV/AIDS service organizations benefit
3,000 restaurants will  donate a percentage of sales
250,000 people will be dining out for breakfast, lunch and dinner
$3 million a year for outstanding HIV/AIDS organizations in the US and Canada!

Grab your family and friends (classmates, co-workers, yoga instructor, etc.) and make plans to dine out for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner at a participating restaurant in a city near you. A percentage of sales will benefit an outstanding HIV/AIDS service organization in your community.

Reservations are strongly encouraged at most Dine Out locations. Let your restaurant know that you will be dining with them because of their support for HIV/AIDS services in your community. Dine Out, Fight AIDS!

Last year, Chicago raised over $110,000, which benefits EdgeAlliance, with that money, they will  continue its mission of providing housing with life services to men, women & children living with HIV/AIDS. This year we hope to raise even more! You can help make a difference by joining us along with 60 other cities throughout North America and Nigeria and dine out on Thursday, April 25th!

Dine Out. Fight AIDS.

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  Benefits, HIV, HIV AIDS LEGAL COUNCIL, News and Happenings, Non-Profits

AIDS Legal Council of Chicago 25th Anniversary May 9th

25 years! 


AIDS Legal Council of Chicago Commemorates 25th

Anniversary at Benefit 

on May 9th

                AIDS Legal Council of Chicago (“ALCC”)
is set to host “A Salute to ALCC” on Thursday, May 9 at Kirkland and
Ellis LLP. The benefit will serve to commemorate twenty-five years of
ALCC improving the lives of low-income people and their families
impacted by HIV. The evening will feature innovative food, open bar,
music, and prizes.

               
The event will bring together ALCC supporters from a quarter century of
service: past and present board members, staff, and interns, as well as
individual and corporate supporters.    
“The response from the
community surrounding our 25th anniversary has been tremendous, and we
look forward to a wonderful evening to commemorate the life-saving legal
work that the Council does each day. The HIV epidemic continues to grow
and impact more and more communities. Thanks to the wonderful support
from our community and corporate partners, ALCC will be here as long as
we are needed,” said ALCC Executive Director Ann Hilton Fisher. 

                Over 200 people are anticipated to attend “A Salute to ALCC” on May 9th. Tickets start at just $50 and are available at ONLINE NOW. 


Special thanks to our event sponsors: Kirkland & Ellis,
Sidley Austin, Winston & Strawn, McDermott Will & Emery, Jenner
& Block, DLA Piper, Mayer Brown, Schiff Hardin, Marshall Gerstein
& Borun, Clark Hill, Wintersteen & Dunning, Reed Smith,
Sidetrack, BestGayChicago.com, ChicagoPride.com, The L Stop, and Windy
City Media Group.

               
Incorporated in 1988, AIDS Legal Council of Chicago offers free legal
assistance to people with HIV and their families; educates service
providers, HIV-positive individuals and their families, and the general
public through comprehensive education and training programs; and
advocates statewide and nationally for fair treatment of those with HIV
and their families.  

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  Boystown, Gay Bars, Gay Pride, News and Happenings

Is Boystown Chicago Becoming a Ghost Town?

Boystown 2023?
I sure HOPE NOT!
Boystown is the name of a district within Chicago, Illinois. Situated within the neighborhood of Lakeview. Boystown has carved a niche all its own within the urban fabric of Chicago.

DID you know?? It was the first officially recognized gay village in the United States, as well as the cultural center of one of the largest lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender (LGBT) communities in the nation. 

Boystown is known for its colorful, lively nightlife and inviting atmosphere.  Boystown also includes some of Chicago’s Off-Loop Theater, specialty restaurants, gorgeous greystone and brownstone walk-up buildings and other historic architecture, trendy fashion outlets, wine boutiques, chain stores and independent shops. 

North Halsted Street is the main street of this bustling district. City planners have designated North Halsted an official pedestrian and bike route following a 1998 community project that resulted in the erection of 11 pairs of rainbow-colored abstract Art Deco pylons along the strip. History was made! And we must NOT LET THAT DIE!

There is  a great wiki article, which traces gay life in Chicago.

First, the gay community was first in the River North area around Clark and Hubbard. The Baton Bar is still in this area.

The area we now know as Boystown in the 1970’s was a crime-riddled
neighborhood, but Little Jim’s opened there in 1975 and because gays
were being priced out of the up-and-coming River North area, they moved
further north.

Gays have a way of making their neighborhoods great, and
places where the general population want to be as well. So, soon other
gay bars would move into the area. Sidetracks and the now gone
Christopher St would open. Roscoe’s must have came to be about this same
time. There was even a lesbian bar there named the Ladybug.

These are wrenching times for many historic gay villages, with population shifts, booming development, and a waning sense of belonging that is also being felt in gay enclaves across the nation, from Key West, Fla., to West Hollywood and San Francisco, as they struggle to maintain cultural relevance in the face of gentrification. I GET IT.  I hear people all the time say, “Oh I’m going to Bucktown (or Wicker Park) tonight”.
Variety is fine – and everyone’s choice. But people are deserting our home, our village. Equal rights, equality for all is WHAT WE DESERVE. We deserve to be accepted where ever we choose to live or work. That does not mean we should abandon our roots, abandon our community, and our gay brothers and sisters who have great businesses WE NEED TO SUPPORT.

The New York Times analyzed the shift of the Castro in 2007.
In the Castro, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical
Society held public meetings earlier this year to grapple with such
questions as “Are Gay Neighborhoods Worth Saving?”

“The Castro, and to a lesser extent the West Village, was where you
went to express yourself,” said Don F. Reuter, a New York author who is
researching a book on the rise and fall of gay neighborhoods, or
“gayborhoods.”

“Claiming physical territory was a powerful act,” Mr. Reuter said. “But the gay neighborhood is becoming a past-tense idea.”  – I think it’s a shame. They ARE worth saving.

I think someone like Ian Reisner, from THE OUT NYC, who wants to open his 2nd OUT hotel, in Boystown, means something. He wants to invest $30 million into Boystown and bring over 100 new jobs. The fact that THE ABBEY was sniffing around Boystown, means something. That it is still worth re-investing in!

ZACH STAFFORD did an awesome piece in this week’s RedEye.

He says, “Boystown is my go-to, my very own Cheers, but on a larger scale. I’m
certainly not alone, but as the weather starts to warm and the bar scene
beckons ever more urgently, I keep asking myself: Is this really a good
use of my time in Chicago, a progressive city with so much to do? Do I
need to bust out of Boystown for a change? I’m not so sure.

LGBT people understand what I’m talking about. Boystown is a gay
refuge, rainbow pillars and all. It’s become the place that we, as a
community, have built for ourselves over the years at times when most of
society told us we had no place. And in regards to going out, it’s a
community where many gay folks feel the most safe when tossing back a
few beers.


Sure, society has come a long way in terms of LGBT rights, but things
aren’t really that perfect yet. We, as LGBT people, still have a lot of
things to worry about when thinking of going out for a night on the
town.”

(Please read his full article).

Boystown should not be a place that you only patronize on Gay Pride Day. I don’t care where you live, people fought for us to have this community, and to be here. We need to support it!
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  Boystown, Chicago Information, Hotels

The Best Hotels in Boystown and Lakeview Are Three Hidden Gems

 

It’s funny, we have lived here about 10years and have always known about these three hidden gems. Yet, I talk to people who have lived here their whole life!  And they are not familiar with City Suites, The Majestic and The Willows.

Willows and Majestic are tucked away in quiet neighborhoods, where you can blend right in with the locals. While City Suites is right on Belmont amidst the buzzing energy!

Spring has awoken in Chicago! And that means a slew of LGBTQ events!  Whether you are a local and have friends traveling that will need rooms or you are a traveler reading this – it’s NEVER TO EARLY TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM. The small inventory of rooms in Boystown and Lakeview always sell out.

IMPORTANT DATES TO KNOW:

IML, Grabbys and Bear weekend + Memorial Weekend May 24-27, 2013

Gay PrideFest  June 22-23, 2013
Gay Pride         June  30, 2013

Market Days   August  10-11, 2013
Out in the Park at Six Flags   Sept. 13-15, 2013

(not to mention, every weekend is a great weekend, in Chicago!)

In Boystown/Lakeview you get  small, intimate restaurants and a treasure trove of shopping neighborhoods with unique shops and art galleries! Golf courses, the Lincoln Park Zoo, Wrigleyville and the Cubs Stadium, Old Towne, marinas and harbors, Hollywood gay beach, Andersonville, plus endless waterfront  walking and bike paths, are all very accessible!

 

For years, visitors and locals alike have branded The Majestic Hotel the pre-eminent boutique hotel in Chicago. Offering the atmosphere of a well-appointed, upscale English country estate, this 100 percent, non-smoking Hotel offers the perfect haven of relaxation amidst the  energetic city life found in the  popular Lakeview neighborhood.

 

Broughton Hotels has 3 properties in the area.  The Majestic Hotel, The Willows Hotel & The City Suites – each welcome you with an abundance of personality, style and charm that epitomizes the essence of their environments.

Exuding the charm of historic buildings – circa 1920s – They are a collection of boutique hotels that combine a stylish, unique and alluring atmosphere with a location that is ideal and accessible – just 10 minutes north of downtown Chicago’s business, financial and shopping districts – and brimming with the quintessential qualities of an upscale, city hotel. You can be just steps away  from all of the gay events, in a cool neighborhood!

 All three  properties in  Boystown pride themselves on their personalized care, premier service and exceeding the needs of their discriminating leisure and business travelers. The staff is passionate here and  ensure an enjoyable and memorable stay – something you don’t often see in the big hotels downtown. These properties boast a welcoming “neighborhood” charm yet with all the luxury boutique services and amenities of a full-service hotel.
 
Many packages are available depending on your interests. Everything from theatre and dining to comedy and baseball!

Use CODE BGC When Booking!

CITY SUITES HOTEL

THE WILLOWS

MAJESTIC HOTEL


The Majestic         773.404.3499
The City Suites     773.404.3400
The Willows          773.528.8400

The Best of Gay Chicago

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  Animals and Pets, Community, Retail and Services

Dog Poop in Chicago…The BEST bag ever Invented!

Is there anything worse, then walking down the street, minding your own business, and step in some business! Dog Poop. It stinks and it’s messy, it’s nasty, there is NO REASON for it  and Dog owners need to take responsibility.

 in some cities, people are SO LAZY,
they don’t bother to pick up their dogs poop! And I am so sick of it!
If you own a dog, clean up after it!

The island of Capri (Italy)  is going high-tech to deal with an age-old problem: dog
poop.They have solved the problem and more cities are talking about it.

The mayor of the island, located off the coast of Naples, is determined to
rid Capri of the rather distasteful predicament by using DNA testing.

The small island is a large tourist destination and is home to 7,305 people
owning 1,000 dogs. Unfortunately, some of the residents seem unwilling to scoop
up poop. In order to maintain the pristine setting Capri is famous for, the city
is using technology to track down pet owners who befoul the town by leaving
piles of scat behind.

The mayor plans to take advantage of a law that requires dogs to undergo a
blood test for canine diseases. The city will use the blood to perform DNA tests
on puppy excrement and identify the source of the smelly mess.

Ok – so lets say you ALWAYS pick your dogs poop. You grab one of those “recycle bags” that every store in the world  uses now, right? And you throw it away. But then what? Where does it go?? It gets sent
off somewhere, to live on forever and ever and ever.

You
may not think about it, but chances are if you have a dog you’re creating
excess waste, somewhere. There are approximately 78.2 million owned dogs in the
United States. That’s a lot of poop! 



A brilliant man in Chicago has come up with THE BEST solution, and THE BEST DOG POOP bags ever made!  Biodegradable Poop Bags by PoopBags.com meet the ASTM D6400
specification for biodegradability, compostability, and comply
with California’s compostable product claims.*
FACT  — 20-30% of all pollutants in waterways attributed to dog waste:
Pollutants originating from rainwater run-off via sewer systems, and
dogs pooping near watersheds or beaches. Overall, it is believed dog
waste is third or fourth on the list of contributors to bacteria in
contaminated waters.

Various
plastic bag manufacturers probably use the term “biodegradability” –
shall we say – loosely and lightly. The ASTM D6400 specification puts a
kibosh on all of that. Basically, the specification requires that the
material is fully tested to ensure that it will degrade at a similar
rate as an apple (composting), and that no large plastic fragments
should remain.

More than likely, the loose and light manufacturers’ bags do not meet
biodegradable/compostable standards of any sort, and are just regular
plastic bags. All in all, bag manufacturers – who claim their bags are
biodegradable or compostable but do not meet the ASTM specifications –
are misleading consumers and are acting negligently towards the
environment.

California’s law, SB 1749, maintains that bags should meet the ASTM
D6400 specification for compostable product claims. Several other states
are also instituting policies like California. The Original PoopBags
proudly meet this standard, and our other bags meet national ASTM
certifications as well.

Additional Facts about Poop Bags:
– Made from a combination of corn and other renewable products.

– Shelf stable just like paper plates or paper towels.

– There are no chemical additives to enhance decomposition. The bags
degrade naturally when exposed to the earth’s elements and
micro-organisms in the soil.

– “Breathe” – allowing heat and moisture to escape or evaporate. This
feature reduces bacterial build-up of collected waste, thus reducing
odor.

– Will decompose in a commercial composting environment between 60 and 90 days after use. PoopBags.com strongly urges consumers not to
place feces-filled bags into home composting systems or green bins as
this could lead to E.coli contamination. Basically, dogs eat meat.

– Will decompose in a natural setting at an extended rate comparable
to other naturally compostable materials, such as paper, leaves and food
waste.

If the poop bags are placed in an “open” or “turned” landfill they
will decompose at a rate similar to other biodegradable/compostable
materials in the same setting. 

If the landfill is anaerobic/locked, no
biodegradable/compostable products will degrade – even banana peels.
 

*Please note this statement does not apply to the flushable bags.



BUY the ORIGINAL     BUY THE BEST.

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  Boystown, Gay Bars, News and Happenings

REPLAY to Replace Bucks on Halsted

Boystown lost a piece of Halsted History, but there are exciting new plans in the works for the space that was BUCKS.
“Buck’s has a very strong legacy,” new owner Mark Liberson told ChicagoPride.com. “I’m
really excited that we are now going to be taking over the bar that I
originally fell in love with so long ago.” Mark is also owner of Hydrate Nightclub, Halsted’s Bar & Grill and Elixir. 
The sale was completed Thursday and the business has changed hands. And closed today, Friday, for a private event.   If you want one last look at  “Bucks” there will be Hard Hat Pre-Demolition Party on Saturday and the Final Farewell Party on Sunday. “Then on Monday, demolition begins,” said Sean Kotwa. 

The rendering design shows a brand new bar with arcade games. The space will include over 20 retro arcade
games ranging from Ms. Pac-Man to Galaga, Space Invaders to Donkey
Kong.

 And the  new bar will feature more than 25 craft beers on tap and a cocktail
menu designed by Elixir’s mixologist, Danny Quinn, and a limited food
menu from Halsted’s. (which is right next door!).
New owners say the Bucks patio will remain and WILL NOT connect to the Halsteds Patio.
Watch the opening around Mid May!
Replay   @ 3439 North Halsted
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  Apparel, Beach, News and Happenings, Non-Profits

Chicago House Spring Brunch May 5th

TICKETS  ARE GOING FAST!   This sells out every year!

MB Financial Presents       WONDERLAND

The 2013 Spring Brunch and Fashion Show

 

“If I had a
world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what
it is, because everything would be what it isn’t!

And contrariwise,
what it wouldn’t be, it would. You see?“

When: May 5, 2013     Time: Noon to 3:30p.m.

Where: Harold Washington Library, Winter Garden Ballroom, 400 South State Street

Runway Seating: $300      Garden Seating: $200

For more information or to purchase VIP tickets, call Beth at (773) 248-5200 x303. Space is limited, this event will sell out!   Tickets online now. 

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  Benefits, Celebrity, News and Happenings

VIP Access to GLAAD AWARDS Auction for Chicago House


 VIP  TO GLAAD  AWARDS  on  EBAY!

  Proceeds will benefit  Chicago House!!  
Check this out…..

Exclusive GLAAD Media Awards online charity auction is drawing to a close on Saturday, April 13th!   

 

Proceeds
will benefit Chicago House’s Trans100 efforts, part of our greater
programming which has served Chicago’s LGBT community since 1985.   


Bid here for a VIP Package for TWO to your choice of:

GLAAD Media Awards In Los Angeles at the JW Marriott (4/20) honoring President Bill Clinton

GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco at the Hilton San Francisco (5/11) honoring Adam Lambert

 

Star Studded Package Includes!

*Roundtrip domestic flights for two people to Los Angeles (4/19) or San Francisco (5/10)

·         *One hotel room for two nights (4/19 & 4/20 or 5/10 & 5/11)

·         *2 VIP GLAAD Media Awards Tickets (access to the Private Celebrity Reception
for each guest; as well as entrance to the GLAAD Cocktail Reception
& Silent Auction, Dinner & Show, After-Party, and Gift Bag).

 

The GLAAD Media Awards celebrate the most outstanding images of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in the media at the largest, most visible LGBT gala in the nation, the GLAAD Media Awards! Held in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco with over 5,000 attendees, the GLAAD Media Awards bring celebrities, corporate partners, media professionals, and young adults together in support of GLAAD’s mission to amplify the voice of the LGBT community and achieve full equality!

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  Apparel, Art, Deals, News and Happenings, Retail and Services, Special Events

Get Dosed! At Dose Market Sunday April 14

Get DOSED! on Sunday, April 14th at the River East Art Center, 
435 E. Illinois St., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dose
is a monthly market featuring the finest selection of vendors in one
place: the modern, lofted halls of the River East Art Center. Join us
once a month to celebrate Chicago’s most dynamic gathering of innovative
fashion, artisan food and high design.


 There’s no better way to spend a
Sunday!
$10 gets you in – Free cocktails and food tastings and Fabulous shopping!
Serving up a stunning selection of the finest in food and fashion, join us and 50 Dosers !

You heard it here first: this is the finest drinking vodka on the planet and it wears its Chicago stars with pride. Next Star Vodka make
their DOSE debut with gratis pours of their stellar Chicago mule —
ginger beer, lime juice and their fanatic-inspiring spirit — the perfect
way to get ready for your Très Awesome photoshoot.

You heard us right: this DOSE is your time to shine. Wear your
favorite outfit (or build it at the Market and get plenty of help) and
find yourself on the sweep in front of Chicago’s reigning street-style
maven, Emma Arnold of Très Awesome. With
seriously cool technology, you’ll not only get a great shot, you’ll
have a shot at winning some fantastic Spring accessories.
Your ticket to DOSE always includes the opportunity to try the
finest brews, wines and spirits free of charge if you’re the appropriate
age. We realize, though, different strokes for different folks. You may
now trade in your drink ticket for DOSE h2o!

Dose Market

Check this out!
Need a free ride there??  Have you heard of the SIDE CAR app?

SideCar
CHI will be providing DOSE-goers the opportunity to try the service and
snag a free ride to the Market this Sunday! Just enter the code
ILOVEDOSE for a $15 credit toward your first ride.
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  Benefits, News and Happenings, Restaurants and Dining

Dining Out For Life Chicago 2013

Make reservations NOW for your favorite restaurant!

A dozen restaurants in Lakeview/ Boystown are participating.

2. Halsted’s Bar & Grill
3. HB Home Bistro
4. Hearty
8. Las Mananitas
9. Nookies Tree
12. Wood

By dining  at any of the Dine on North Halsted restaurants
listed above on April 25th, a portion of the proceeds (33% for the most
part)  will go to EdgeAlliance. 

EdgeAlliance was founded 20 years ago to
provide housing and life progress services to assist
individuals/families diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. With donations, they have
constructed a campus in the North Lawndale community consisting of two
family-focused apartment complexes and one for single women and men.

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  Deals, News and Happenings

Sidecar High Tech Hitchhiking Comes to Chicago

How neat is this idea?
SideCar is an interactive technology service and ride-sharing platform, that provides an online
provide exempt rideshare transportation. Essentially, a quick and hassle-free ridesharing
option that offers more safety than casual carpooling and is a completely donation-
based way to get around town!
SideCar is an app, so community drivers can be available for ridesharing
at any time. As our community grows, so do the number of drivers and
area of coverage. It’s brand new in Chicago – so give it some time to grow.  Check
your app anytime for a quick, fun and reliable ride.
SideCar is neither a taxi nor a limo service. It’s a ride-matching app that connects
people who need rides with vetted drivers from the community who are able and willing
to share a ride. All payments are completely voluntary and are handled via a cashless,
donation-based system between smartphones.             
SideCar is a donation-based service. The funds you decide to transfer to your driver
are completely voluntary. To help make the donation system easier, we’ve included a
“suggested donation” in the app, which shows you how much others are paying for rides
of similar durations and distances. The suggested donation is constantly updating to
reflect new donations made in the system. The donation you make can be any amount,
including $0. Just remember to treat your drivers like you would like to be treated!
         SideCar
CHI will be providing DOSE-goers the opportunity to try the service and
snag a free ride to the Market this Sunday! Just enter the code
ILOVEDOSE for a $15 credit toward your first ride.    
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  Boystown, Deals, News and Happenings, Restaurants and Dining

Taverna 750 Best Old School Italian with Contemporary Flair

 Taverna 750, a top rated ZAGAT  hotspot in Chicago’s East Lakeview!
It’s been voted Best Italian Restaurant,
Best Hidden Gem,
Best Date Restaurant,
Best Brunch,
Best Sidewalk Cafe.
And BestGayChicago.com gives them 5 pink crowns!
Taverna 750 is the best of old school Italian with a contemporary flair. Proprietor Paul D. Cannella is bringing back his Grandfather Paul J. Loverde’s and Uncle Chuckie Abruzzini’s classic Italian tried and true family recipes from his restaurant on Grand Avenue in the 50’s.
Chef Christopher Coker has tweaked the recipes to perfection. The tastes and flavors are spot on. There are nightly creative specials and the menu changes seasonally. 

“My passion for food runs very very deep, as it is more than just a collection of ingredients and a means to satisfy ones hunger,” says Chef Coker. “My passion comes from the true power food possesses and its ability to do many things beyond simply nourishment.

The entire process of creating a dish is one of my favorite things to do in life.”
The quality of the reasonably priced dishes really gives the food at the
much pricier downtown places like RPM Italian a run for their money. “Food also has the power to evoke a wide array of emotions and intrigue all of ones senses. That is what I hope to accomplish everyday through my food,” says Chef.  “I want to use fresh seasonal ingredients as a vehicle to share my love for all things cooking, and hopefully have the diner experience that same appreciation. My goal is to sell an experience that tastes delicious and can be remembered far after.”
 We love everything on the menu here. But I am very impressed by attention to detail, service  and presentation. Take the T750 Soup for example, a large ravioli pillow stuffed with chicken, veggies red pepper and olive oil, which is then sliced open tableside and filled with chicken consumme to release aromatic flavors. There’s also comfort food like baked mozzarella sticks, except these apps will be wrapped in phyllo dough, drizzled in a honey-walnut-truffle sauce and sprinkled with crushed walnut. Keep in mind  many items change seasonally.
They don’t refer to themselves as a tapas place, and it is clear that the dishes are quite larger than typical tapas. This a “sharing” place where people are encouraged to share their meals and the dishes are placed in the center of the table. All of Taverna 750’s entrees will be small plates, meant for sharing at the table. For small plates, the portions are generous and their prices are very affordable so you can share several items at one sitting.  Small plates will be served European-style, coming out of the kitchen
as they’re ready, and will be plated for sharing.Which is how I like it.

Brunch, dinner or late night bites, they have a range of items consisting of gourmet dinner, brunch and a full menu of  amazing tasty crafted drinks. There is  also a late night pizza menu for anyone looking for a nightcap and nosh.

Brunch is  very busy at this place (reservations HIGHLY recommended) they are  well known for their $25 Martini brunch, followed then by a liquid brunch over at Scarlet. 
For $25 you get 2 courses  and 2 martinis plus a couple mimosas!  Fruit and polenta is soooo good. It is served as a first course – but I save it for dessert. I LOVE the Chicken Ragu and Biscuit as well.
Behind the bar, there’s a menu of 20 martinis and homemade cellos, such as lemoncello and orangecello, along with sipping liqueurs with flavors like pistachio and chocolate. All of the cellos are made in house. Some take as long as 30 days to make.
“As we near the two year anniversary of Taverna in June, I’ve never felt more confident in the overall product that we are bringing to the city of Chicago.”  says  owner Paul Cannella,  “We’ve learned a lot, and we’ve grown a lot.  The food and beverage menus are by far the best we’ve produced to date.  When you combine that with the staff we’ve worked hard to train, and they’re passion for working at Taverna, I can’t help but smile thinking about how we are going to kick ass, and put a lot of smiles on people’s faces all summer long.”
Reservations are always highly suggested, as this hotspot can be very busy!
Taverna 750        750 W Cornelia Ave  Chicago, IL 60657  ph. 773-904-7466

***INSIDERS SCOOP!!!!
Specials include:
Monday – $10 Italian Dinner
$5 Chef’s Choice Pasta
$5 Quartino’s of Wine
Tuesday – Wine Night
$2 Glasses
$20 Bottles
(Select Varieties)
Wednesday – Midweek Treat
Complimentary Dessert on us with any purchase of Dinner!!!
Thursday/Friday/Saturday – Chef’s Special
Friday/Saturday – 100% Club – Late Night
100% of proceeds off 100% menu go to charity of the month
Sunday – $25 Martini Brunch
2 Courses and 2 Martinis + Champagne for $25
(Saturday Brunch Starts 4/20)

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  Boystown, Gay Bars, Movers and Shakers, News and Happenings, Restaurants and Dining

Benjamin Newby Shakes up Spring Drinking at Taverna 750

Benjamin Newby, a big name in the Chicago restaurant scene, he is one of Chicago’s most celebrated and recognizable operators and mixologists. When it comes to mixology, Ben’s cocktails embody his heartfelt, experience-led concepts. He is known for creating innovative drinks enjoyed by both the connoisseur and the person looking for a great libation.

It’s that eye for creativity and balance in his cocktails that has earned Newby numerous accolades. The UK transplant has lived in Chicago for the past eight years, and currently the Brand Architect for Hennessy Black.
 His latest creations shine at Taverna 750. He developed a  spring cocktail menu and did some tweaking on existing cocktails, to create perfection.  He has launched six seasonal creations available through the end of summer and will roll out a patio beverage menu when the weather FINALLY warms up – that could be any day now!

They are all good. Trust me, I tasted them all!  But I have to say I really like  the tequila-based “Smoky Paloma” is paired with Taverna’s  housemade grapefruitcello, bottled overnight, and served in a smoking glass over a vanilla-bourbon ice cube the size of a softball with a sidecar in a fishbowl of ice, of course.  Can you say FABULOUS?!

“Pisco 750” is a little sweet + a little sour, mixing housemade pistachio liqueur with egg white and frozen pineapple. Very refreshing.

Also you should check out “San Remo“, made with Hennessy Black, Wild Strawberry Tea Syrup, Squeezed Lemon, Apertif, Topped with Wild Strawberry Tea Foam–  the foam topping is awesome!

And the desert drink for me!   “Italian Cream Soda” with Orange Vodka, Lazzaroni Amaretto, Passion Fruit Syrup,  Orange Liqueur, Orange Juice, Topped with Averna Infused Whipped Cream and a cherry. Decadent!
Taverna 750’s original cocktail menu was more martini-centered and tweaked by Charles Joly, who now runs The Aviary. Newby is also rolling out new cocktails also at the  neighboring Scarlet, around the corner on Halsted. 
The best of old school Italian with a contemporary flair.
750 W Cornelia Ave  
(773) 904-7466
Benjamin Newby
Twitter: @benjaminnewby   &    Facebook: benjamin.newby
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  Gay Marriage, Political

Are all Republicans Against Gay Marriage?

Illinois  lawmakers return to Springfield this week from a two-week break. That means Marriage Equality will be back on the table.

NOM IS READY TO FIGHT US! They are THREATENING  Republican officials!

Meanwhile, NOM is rattling its sabre again, reiterating its pledge to spend $250K to defeat GOP legislators who support same-sex marriage:

“Any Republican in Illinois who betrays
the cause of marriage will be casting a career-ending vote and will be
held accountable to their constituents,” said Brian Brown, NOM’s
president. “We will spend whatever it takes—hundreds of thousands of
dollars if necessary—to remove them from office, just as we did three of
the four turncoat Republican state Senators in New York who were
responsible for gay ‘marriage’ passing there. We will not hesitate to
support pro-family Democrats to replace them, as our record in New York
proves.”

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