Best Gay Chicago

El Mariachi - Biggest Tequila Bar, Best Guacomole and Freshest Mexican Food in Boystown Lakeview Chicago

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:39:00 GMT

Established in 1996,
a father and his 2 sons opened a small 10-table restaurant in the Boystown/East Lakeview community. El Mariachi has gradually grown over the years by following a strict policy of only serving top quality, authentic dishes and margaritas. The restaurant steadily grew in popularity with the support of loyal patrons who loved the families recipes of authentic food.

At the newest location, El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill, they offer a much bigger menu, fresh tableside guacamole that is made to order and an extensive selection of over 175 tequilas! (all 100% Blue Agave). This makes it the biggest tequila bar in Chicago!

DID YOU KNOW? There are two basic categories of tequila: mixtos and 100% agave. Mixtos use no less than 51% agave, with other sugars making up the remainder.

When tequila is produced it can go thru many different stages and techniques, just like wines. Some distilleries cook mature agave in huge stone ovens, some may go through steam ovens, and some are allowed to ferment in wood tanks or stainless steel barrels. Each technique can produce different flavors.

Tequila is usually bottled in one of five categories:

Blanco ("white") or plata ("silver"): white spirit, un-aged and bottled or stored immediately after distillation, or aged less than two months in stainless steel or neutral oak barrels;
Joven ("young") or oro ("gold"): is the result of blending Silver Tequila with Reposado and/or Añejo and/or extra Añejo Tequila;
Reposado ("rested"): aged a minimum of two months, but less than a year in oak barrels;
Añejo ("aged" or "vintage"): aged a minimum of one year, but less than three years in oak barrels;
Extra Añejo ("extra aged" or "ultra aged"): aged a minimum of three years in oak barrels.

El Mariachi has tequilas that range from $5 - $120 a shot! 175 selections - the biggest assortment in Chicago!

If you're lucky, on some evenings they pass around samplings to customers. Ask about some "sipping" tequila at the bar, and the staff will quickly educate you and even provide "flights" of tequila to show you the differences between the various grades and brands. A nice way to start off an evening. And of course the selection of Margarita styles and options is huge!

From the start, from the airy crisp fresh home-made tortilla chips to the 2 fresh flavors of salsa, the quality here is evident.

I have dined here probably a dozen times or more since this newest location opened. The food is always good and hot, presented in an appealing way, and most times comes up in a timely manner.

When I dine out, I like to split an entrée and have room to try other things as well. El Mariachi has some great starters that should not be missed. They offer one of the best black bean soups I have ever had and a delicious chipotle and tomato based tortilla soup, which is topped off with avocado and sour cream.

A nice appetizer I enjoy in the summer is their traditional shrimp ceviche. And in the winter I love their Queso Fundido. It is one of the best I have ever had. Just the right texture and not too greasy or oily. They use a very high-quality cheese.

Queso Fundido is billed as a "cheese fondue". And I think many diners order this dish at Mexican restaurants expecting a warm semi-liquid sauce in a pot, to dip in. But it's not. It's more a cheese spread of sorts. It's melted cheese, not a cheese sauce. It traditionally comes with chorizo sausage added, I like mine plain, but I have also ordered it with some chopped shrimp or chopped chicken added to it. And it is served with some flour or corn tortillas to make a little sandwich appetizer or I just like to scoop it onto their delicious chips and top it off with a dab of their salsa!

If you love guacamole, you have to get it here and they make it to order tableside. It's ALWAYS good. Never thinned down like some restaurants will blend in sour cream. Just fresh, pure, quality ingredients. Just recently a new chef came onboard and suggested they add just a few drops of avocado oil to the guacamole which gives it a nice smooth texture and finish.

Entree's range from a big assortment of carnes/meats, mariscos/seafood and pollo/chicken dishes. And all of the traditional Mexican favorites are here as well; Burritos, Flautas, Fajitas, Enchiladas, Tacos and a variety of combinations. People will tell me they don't like Mexican food - I bring them here and they love it. There is something for everyone. Most of food is traditional Mexican but many come with a fresh approach. A variety of sides include Lime Rice and Mexican Corn. There are four Vegetarian dishes as well and many of the traditional fare can be made vegetarian.

The father here created a topping of specialty seasoned shrimp and sauce which he calls "Costena". And it is available on the grilled steak, on the chicken breasts, or on the catfish, which I am told is extremely popular. I LOVE IT on the chicken!

I think most all of the entree's here are generous portions and filling and it's very easy to split an appetizer, share an entree and save room for a dessert. YOU WILL BE FULL!

Fresh made dessert includes traditional Flan (baked custard with light carmel sauce), Banana's Flambéed with Tequila, melt-in-your-mouth Margarita Cheesecake, traditional Sopapillas (fried dough with cinnamon, honey and ice cream) and for the chocolate lover, a moist and rich flourless chocolate cake made with nuts and cherries and some gran marnier! See why I said you need to save some room for dessert?! Most people over eat at their meal and leave no room, and a taste of something sweet with a dash of Mexican coffee, is the perfect finish.

The back garden patio is fantastic in the summer. Unlike so many patios here in Chicago, you are shielded from the noisy street and the busy buses. Secluded with sunlight or shady spots, whatever you want...all tucked into a secret little garden in the back. Summertime heaven. The patio is not open real late at night, out of respect for the neighbors.

Also this summer, the restaurant will be offering some unique spaces on the property which will be available for rent for private parties and events. Then in the fall, the family hope to unveil their newest property; at 3445 Broadway (right by the original location 3420) in the old Triangle Photo Building will be home to their new (yet unnamed) traditional Steakhouse with Mexican flair!

There are lots of specials on various nights -

MONDAYS     1/2 Price Margaritas     $16 Margarita Pitchers
TUESDAYS     1/2 Price Sangrias       $15 Sangria Pitchers
WEDNESDAYS     1/2 Price Margaritas    $16 Margarita Pitchers
THURSDAYS     $4 Cantaritos    $2 off any tequila
SUNDAYS          $18 Rio Grande Margarita (60 oz.)

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS   Special Brunch Menu 11 am-3 pm
$3 mimosas & bellinis      $3 bloody marys

BE THEIR FRIEND/FAN ON FACEBOOK AND GET THE SPECIAL
SCOOP ON PROMOTIONS ONLY FOR THEIR FACEBOOK FANS

Adrian, one of the two brothers who helps run the restaurant has been working with his father since the age of 11! He prides himself on quality management. "We pride ourselves on selecting quality ingredients and not skimping to save a few pennies, like some restaurants might do. And we watch the restaurant very closey and listen to what the customers tell us for feedback. We run reports to see what sells best and we change the menu around as needed. We are going to launch another new menu any day now!"

The El Mariachi restaurants get awarded our FIVE CROWNS!

El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill 3906 N Broadway Ph. 773.549.2932
Mon-Thurs. 5:00pm-11:00, Fri. 5:00pm-12am, Sat. 11:00am-11:00pm, Sun.11:00-10:00pm

El Mariachi Restaurant - Original 3420 N Broadway Ph. 773.549.7020
11:00am-11:00pm 7 days a week

Diva Gay Brunch Returns to THE SPOT Starting April 4th, Easter Sunday

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:30:00 GMT

One year ago,
The Spot at 4437 N Broadway
and The Scooty & JoJo Show
came together for an incredibly successful six-month engagement of Chicago's first "wear your pancake and eat it too" variety brunch extravaganza - DIVA BRUNCH.

Following a football season hiatus, The Spot's main dining room will once again be transformed on Sundays into a gilded glamor den where guests feast on specialty brunch cuisine as Divas and Dames of all genders provide the entertainment.

Two shows every Sunday at 11am and 1pm. Brunch package starts at $35/guest. Package includes live entertainment, a selection from our exclusive brunch menu, unlimited mimosas or bellinis for the duration of the show, and coffee or tea. Reservations for DIVA BRUNCH are highly recommended.

On Easter Sunday, April 4, as well as multiple dates throughout the year, original hosts Scooty and JoJo return to entertain guests with their unique brand of song, smarts, and sass.

New this season will be a revolving roster of diva hosts including Cabaret Haught, co-created by Scooty & JoJo's own little bird Calidonia Olivares, who will be dishing up outrageously delectable diva diversions worthy of flying the coup.

Each Sunday will feature fabulous diva hosts and special guest stars, including cabaret singers, gender-illusionists, stand-up comics, musical groups, and stars of musical theatre, as well as the casts of currently running and upcoming musical productions around Chicago.

And while the Divas perform, The Spot will again be offering a high-end romp of decadent food for the inner diva in all of us. Guests will select their main course from an exclusive DIVA menu, featuring such fabulous brunch fare as "Strip those Eggs" (NY Strip and Eggs!) and "French Quarter Toast" (French Toast meets Bananas Foster - prepared table-side!). See the whole menu!

The package also features unlimited mimosas and
bellinis during the show and coffee or tea.

For reservations call 773-728-8934.

The Best of Gay Chicago

Raquel Welchs Cleavage Sets off Alarms at Chicago's O'hare Airport

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:24:00 GMT

Icon Actress Raquel Welch, in town this week to promote her new book,Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage, found herself in a bit of a squeeze with Transportation Security Administration agents at O'Hare.

She got no special treatment and officials questioned the actress in a glass office in full view of other passengers. Welch's spokeswoman says the metal supports in the actress's Dolce & Gabbana bustier set off the airport metal detectors, subjecting the 69-year-old Welch to a pat-down in front of other passengers.

No weapons found, Welch was allowed to board her return flight to Los Angeles.

"She probably isn't going to fly in a bustier any more," says Miss Welch's spokesman of the incident.

The Best of Gay Chicago

St Patricks Day in Chicago and the Green River

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:13:00 GMT

A modern day miracle occurs each year as part of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebration when the Chicago River turns an incredible shade of Irish green.

For the past 40+ years the Chicago River turns green for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebration. One would ask how this is different from the rest of the year when the river is always a murky shade of green. The difference is both significant and breathtaking because the color green is identical to the greens of Ireland from where it got its name “The Emerald Isle.”

In 1961 Stephen Baily was approached by a plumber who was wearing some white coveralls, they knew this only because they could see some of the original color. These coveralls had been mostly stained or dyed a perfect shade of green, an Irish green to better describe it.

It was when Stephen Bailey asked how the coveralls got this way, that they discovered that the dye used to detect leaks into the river turned green, not just any color green, but the perfect color green. Baily said“Why couldn't we dye the whole river for St. Patrick's Day?”

A green tradition was born in Chicago.

And they actually use an orange dye, not green!

Where and When

10:30 - 10:45am: Saturday March 13th.

This is scheduled around 10:30-10:45, Saturday March 13th and can be best viewed from the East side of the bridge at Columbus Drive or upper and lower Wacker Drive between Columbus and Lake Shore Drive.

Goode Plumbing - Best Plumbers in Chicago

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:41:00 GMT

BEST GAY CHICAGO RECOMMENDS....

A few months ago we needed a plumber ~ UGH, big sigh, we hate having to find contractors for anything... the drama, the unknown expense and the crazy service charges and fees when you don't know the lingo and whether or not you're simply being ripped off.

We needed and wanted a new kitchen sink installed to replace a really old one we hated and timely enough, our aging toilet was acting up and we decided to replace it as well and we were going to be "green" and get a dual-flush, environmentally-friendly low water usage toilet as a replacement.

We were flooded with memories... unfortunately, BAD MEMORIES of plumbers past! About 10 years ago, we had to hire a plumber to replace a hot water tank in our home! The guy had given us "an estimate" that seemed reasonable compared to 2 other plumbing contractors, but afterward, the job then allegedly "took longer" than he thought, so the final bill was $250 more than the original estimate.

Plus he was messy and we are clean freak queens! I had to do some major clean up after he left. Neat and tidy are not two words that are often associated with plumbers, or any contractor for that matter. In fact, many drive trucks up on your driveway leaking oil, leave supply packaging lying around your house, and drag who knows what into your home on their shoes! And can I just say, although it is so stereotypical, most of the time, I really do not care to see a service workers butt crack hanging out of their pants.

Fast forward back to present. Late last summer we had met the Michael J. Goode,the owner from Goode Plumbing at an LGBT Business Expo at The Center on Halsted. Thank goodness we had tossed Mike's business card in one of our business card piles and easily found it!

We remembered Mike and his colleague, Jeff looked real professional in their uniforms (dark blue oxfords with company logo and khaki pants), were extremely friendly and seemed very knowledgeable in the few minutes we had chatted. So we had Goode Plumbing came out to our condo, give us a price quote, not an estimate, and again they seemed very professional and the type of contractors you could trust and were worth hiring. My partner wanted to get a second estimate, just for comparison, and so we did. The Goode Plumbing quote was better, o we hired them to do the work.

Mike Goode says, "We are really committed to providing the highest quality service in the industry. All of our work is done to a standard that we are consistently raising.

We make sure all of our technicians are polite, educated and complete extensive in-house training. Service and quality are so important. I promise to do my absolute best to ensure that a client's experience with us is excellent. We don't just promise you the best - I truly want to deliver that for a client.

Our claim of striving to be the best and to give you the best service in the industry is backed by our commitment to on going training, and by giving the best warranty in the business-if it fails because of the way we installed it, we'll take care of it for as long as the building we put it in is standing.

We will sell and install only excellent quality parts, products and materials.
We believe in the products that we sell by backing them not only by their own warranty , but ours as well: labor is covered too (not just the parts!) and for a minimum of two years."

They treat your home and property as if it were their own, leaving nothing behind but an outstanding plumbing job and your complete satisfaction. They even wear shoe covers/footies in your home.

I can honestly bestow the Best Gay Chicago 5 Pink Crowns Award to Goode Plumbing!

My other concern when hiring "contractors" are that many are no more than "handy-men". They are not specialists or have limited knowledge in specific areas.

Goode Plumbing is not one of these "fix-it" guys who was "handy" and got into plumbing. Owner Mike Goode has 17 years experience and Mike has completed an apprenticeship under a service plumber who owned a plumbing company and had 30 years of experience.

With all the talk about the environment and GREEN, Goode plumbing is a leader in those new technologies and products and Mike is currently going through a state certification process to be licensed as a GREEN plumber here in Illinois.

"At Goode Plumbing, we are continuously working to make our company more ecologically friendly. We have available, and encourage clients to ask about our high efficiency water heaters, on-demand water heaters, on-demand water faucets and dual flush toilets. We now use VOX chemicals, including PVC cement and primer. We recycle all cardboard and plastic packaging and all metals. And, our Sprinter diesel vans and restored Volkswagen Vans (modified with emissions controls!) average 20-25 mpg vs. the typical plumbing truck which averages 8-12 mpg. We continue to make changes to our company that aid in the protection and preservation of the environment.

We offer Rinnai tankless water heaters, Eternal Hybrid water heaters, A.O. Smith Vertex water condensing water heaters, and Bradford White storage water heaters. There are a number of alternatives to large, inefficient units that can save you money, give you more floor space, and cause less damage to the earth. There are also a number of rebates and credits available for the selection of some energy efficient units."

So next time you need a plumber - Don't Panic! Take our advice and call GOODE PLUMBING!
They also have an outstanding history of happy customers, including ourselves with Angies List!

GOODE PLUMBING and GOODE PLUMBING TIPS

Best Gay Chicago

Kaci Battaglia LIVE Friday March 5th at Roscoes

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:29:00 GMT

TONIGHT!

KACI BATTAGLIA will be at
ROSCOES, performing LIVE!

Performing her #1 dance
hit CRAZY/POSSESSIVE.

$5 cover after 11pm.

Be a fan of
Roscoes on FACEBOOK

The Best of Gay Chicago

Gay Queer Chicago's Alternative Scene Chances Dances and Guerrilla Gay Bar

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:56:00 GMT

The Boystown scene is pretty big,
and so is Andersonville.

But there are those who are always seeking something different. Something downtown. Something off the beaten path, something fresh and sexy.....and Chicago offers 2 alternative choices; CHANCES DANCES and GUERRILLA GAY BAR.

Chances Dances are 3 seperate party nights.

The original incarnation is held every third Monday at Subterranean,
2011 W. North Ave. Free Dance party.

Danny’s Tavern hosts "Off Chances" each second Tuesday, 1951 W. Dickens. More laid back, dive-style, dance optional. Free.

The Hideout gays it up every first Saturday, 1354 W. Wabansia. $5 Dance party.

The venues all have one thing in common: Though they are not gay bars, they are all gay-friendly venues, with drinks available on the cheap and a pretension check located just outside the door.

Chances Dances was co-founded in 2004 by Bruce Weist (pictured above, middle) and Latham Zearfross, artists who foresaw a party that would, in the words of the event’s mission, "function to bring together the varied LGBTIQ communities of Chicago."

"Chances was a really inclusive space where a lot of different people could come together and dance to different kinds of music. We have a more relaxed and less flashy way of approaching a dance party, whereas at bigger clubs, people feel the need to dress up, spend lots of money and it’s a kind of competitive atmosphere."

Going into their fifth year, Chance Dances continues to grow. When the parties began to generate a profit, the organizers created the Critical Fierceness Grant in 2008, a twice-yearly micro-grant awarded to queer-identified artists as an "opportunity for personal exploration, community development and radical change through art."

"We saw a lot of people around us creating queer art and we wanted to give these artists an impetus to move their projects along," said Rita Bacon, another Chances organizer, of the grant.

The next Chances party is at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, on Saturday March 6, featuring DJ sets from John Twatters and Nina Ramone and an interactive performance from Anthony Romero. $5 cover. GET THERE EARLY! IT FILLS TO CAPACITY!

Another group of gays in Chicago's South Loop wanted an alternative to heading North to Boystown. Since there are virtually no gay bars left downtown they started the roving monthly Guerrilla Gay Bar parties a little over 1 year ago.

Guerrilla Gay Bar: South Loop Chicago is a group dedicated to bring a fun bar atmosphere to the South Loop area of Chicago. Beyond this the goals are open to members and they expect them to be edited, like a wiki.

The Guerrilla Gay Bar concept has been around for about 10 years, in cities all over the US. In Chicago, a different location is chosen each month. It's always in a straight, but gay-friendly establishment.

Events are announced about a week out. They don't want to overwhelm an establishment or be met with an anti-gay slap in the face. "and we don't want to promote it too heavily..." says Scott Feldman, one of the organizers. "part of the charm is mixing in the regular crowd and exposing people who normally wouldn't be exposed to our community." If it's promoted too much in advance, regulars might stay away.

Their next event -

GGB @ Franklin Tap

9:00PM Friday, March 12th, 325 South Franklin Street

Events happen the second weekend of each month.
Follow them on Facebook for more details and upcoming events!

The Best of Gay Chicago

Chicago Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Annual Chili Cook Off

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:34:00 GMT

11th Annual Chili Cook-Off
where you are the judge.

Spend your afternoon tasting more than 15 chilies from restaurants and caterers around the Chicagoland area. You will see awesome table displays, chilies with all the fixings and much much more. This annual event is always filled with great food, people and fun.

Saturday, March 6th 2010

2pm to 6pm
Sidetrack 3349 N. Halsted

$10 to benefit Chicago Gay
and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

The Best of Gay Chicago

Chicago Filmmaker Yony Leyser Premieres Burroughs Film at CIMM FEST March 4th!

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 23:03:00 GMT

WE ARE SO EXCITED!

We just got news today,
that YONY LEYSER'S
BURROUGHS FILM
WILL PREMIERE IN
CHICAGO THIS WEEK
at the CIMM FESTIVAL!

We were just talking at
CIMM Fest the other day!

And Yony's much talked-about, highly-anticipated film about William S. Burroughs premiered at SLAMDANCE last month.

Thursday March 4th, see it in Chicago!
Opening Night at CIMM Fest!

7-9pm
Naked Lunch from Austria
(live band to weird experimental film)

9-11 William S. Burroughs:
A Man Within and Q&A
with Yony!

But wait - there's more~!

11-11:30 Warhol superstar     Penny Arcade

11:30 Thee Majesty!

Don't miss this!    Free beer with $20 admission - buy tickets in advance - this is sure to sell out!
Included with your ticket price is a one-year subscription to Time Out Chicago.

St. Paul Cultural Center      2215 W. North Ave.        Chicago, IL 60647

FYI - PENNY ARCADE will also be making an appearance at QUIMBYS, on March 3rd.
Quimby's Bookstore, 1854 W. North Ave., Chicago

The Best of Gay Chicago

Hollywood Gay Beach Chicago Gets Long Overdue Makeover - New Toilets, Showers and Concession

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 18:36:00 GMT

It's been talked about for over 2 years now - now it's a reality for 2010!

Hollywood / Osterman (gay) Beach in Chicago gets a long overdue makeover.

Late last summer, the Chicago Planning Commission approved plans for a new beach house and landscaping at Osterman Beach. The new facility will open by Memorial Day, and will include showers and changing areas for lifeguards.(?)

What does this mean? Who knows. Ground has been broken and we have placed a call to the Planning Commission and have not got an answer back yet.

We were told last year, the new building would include new toilets. A concession stand. And a lockerroom and showere area for the lifeguards.

Foster Beach and Montrose Beach got nice makeovers over the last couple years. It is unclear yet, how the Osterman project will compare. This image was online at PBC Chicago. They are calling it a comfort station. You will notice, there are no gays in the rendering!

In 2009, we saw A LOT more straight people and families coming to the "gay beach". What else is new? The straights always come to where the gay are.

We also saw an increase of police activity last year. The Hollywood / Osterman beach sometimes enforces rules - and sometimes does not. It is unclear what the rules are exactly.

We have looked high and low, from Bryn Mawr to Hollywood, and we have seen no rules or restriction signs, of any kind. We had heard, there was NO SMOKING, NO PETS, and NO BOTTLES/GLASS/ALCOHOL, and that MOST TOYS are NOT ALLOWED on the beach itself. However, when I called the Alderman Mary Ann Smith's office, even they were not totally sure about pets. Only no smoking and no glass bottles / alcohol. And the lifeguards will clearly tell you NO BALLS IN THE WATER!! They directed my questions to the Chicago Park Districts, and as of this publishing, no one has returned my calls yet.

So we will see what 2010 brings. I think with this new building, will come with new rules and regulations and/or more enforcement. In the past, lifeguards (and Police) would usually turn their head to smokers and drinkers. However in 2009, there were an increase in the number of tickets at the beach. - It will be nice to have new, clean toilets and a concession area!

Best of Gay Chicago

Felony Hate Crime Charges in Chicago Anti-Gay Attack

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:22:00 GMT

The Sun-Times reports: "On Jan. 10, 2010, Sean Little, Benjamin Eder and Kevin McAndrew were riding the CTA Red Line train when Little allegedly began verbally harassing and shoving a gay youth.

Daniel Hauff, of Rogers Park, came to the youth's aid, at which point Little allegedly began directing anti-gay slurs at Hauff and pushed him. Eder and McAndrew, who had been watching before, allegedly joined in the assault, calling Hauff a 'stupid fa***t,' and all three men began punching and bloodying Hauff's face in front of train passengers, according to a release from Hauff's attorney."

Hauff said he escaped by wiping some of his blood on the attackers and telling them he was HIV-positive.

Yesterday, the misdemeanor batteries against the three men involved in the attack were dropped in court, but they got a bit of a surprise as they were leaving the courtroom...

"As the three men left the courtroom, they were immediately re-arrested and charged with felony hate crimes as a result of a review of the case by the State's Attorney and the Chicago Police Department."

Maybe there will be justice after all!

Best Gay Chicago

Chicago Takes Off - Male and Female Dancers for TPAN Charity

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:29:00 GMT

Chicago Takes Off is the annual burlesque revue-style show where talented male and female dancers donate their time and energy to strut their stuff in support of TPAN. Colorful and energetic choreographed performances and entertainment engage audiences in this sexy celebration of life.

Chicago Takes Off: TV Land Outside the Box will expose the finest assets of Chicago's dance community. As the title signifies, this years theme,TV Land Outside the Box, will showcase burlesque, theatrical and variety acts using classic TV shows as inspiration.

The two shows, sponsored by TPAN, a charity, will be held on Saturday, March 6th at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. at the Park West (322 W. Armitage).

Chicago Takes Off Table Captain Kickoff Party on Sunday, January 17 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Scarlet Bar
(3320 N. Halsted) with a special preview performance.

Only tables will be sold on Sunday. Individual tickets can be purchased beginning Monday, January 18.

Purchase tickets to the 7:30 PM show

Purchase tickets to the 10:00 PM show

Chicago Takes Off Video Clip

The Best of Gay Chicago

Chicago T2 - TEAM TO END AIDS

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 01:03:00 GMT

FEEL GREAT and
GET LUCKY

when you participate in the
AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s
new endurance training program:

TEAM TO END AIDS (T2)!

T2 is our new and exciting program to train YOU to complete a marathon, half marathon or triathlon and raise money to help us triumph over AIDS. We offer comprehensive training programs for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and the Chicago Half Marathon. And, we are thrilled to add to the line-up this year a training program for the Chicago Triathlon through TriMonster and Fitness Formula Clubs.

Here’s where you get lucky!
As an incentive to find out more AND register with us, we have two “GET LUCKY” raffles you will be included in:

We will draw 20 names from everyone registered for T2 by Noon this Tuesday, 2/23, to win one of 20
T2 slots in the sold-out Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle,
the world’s largest 8K race of over 36,000 runners; and

We will draw one name from the first 250 registered T2 participants to win two $500
tickets to AFC’s 25th Anniversary Gala on May 1st and featuring The Bangles (a $1,000 value).

So, the time to register is NOW!
Visit the T2 website, get more information, and REGISTER for the challenge of your choice.

P.S. We also invite you to become a fan of T2 on our Facebook page.
And, coming soon: an exclusive T2 Facebook Application for registered participants only!

The Best of Gay Chicago

SISSYBOY Comes to CIMM Fest 2010

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:29:00 GMT

The Chicago International Movies and Music Festival, CIMM FEST, celebrated its inaugural year with huge press coverage, special guests from all over the globe, an opening night party that included Lech Kowalski's world premiere event Camera War, photographer Richard Bellia's first show in the US and much much more. If there were any reservations the staff had leading up to the opening weekend last year, 15,000 attendees ended that pretty quickly. Chicago wanted this thing from the start with the Department of Cultural affairs as presenting sponsor and many other fantastic sponsors like Earhole Studios, Reckless Records, and Starbucks helping the first year to be much more than could have ever been expected.

As a film festival created by filmmakers and musicians, CIMMfest showcases visionaries and innovative works that unify us in ways that only movies and music can. Cimm Fest 2010 takes place March 4 - 7th.

A couple of artists will be of interest to the LGBT community. SISSYBOY.
"Provocative, political, and often in poor taste, Portland's unclassifiable Sissyboy drag troupe raised eyebrows and hackles for three years before disbanding, its members scattering across the country. No topic, from abortion to Matthew Shepard, was off-limits, and first-time filmmaker Katie Turinski followed them through their last year together, documenting the troupe's tour of the West Coast. This is not your father's drag show."

SISSYBOY has been around since July of 2004. SISSYBOY is a punk rock, back-hand slap in the face, explosive reaction to the ever prevalent need to bend gender roles until they break. Taking the torch from our sisters before us, SISSYBOY has transcended traditional drag by welcoming all gender queer and radical thinkers into a world where anything and everything goes. No longer hiding their complex sexual identities behind the make-up; SISSYBOYs radiate their energy as vulnerable men, fierce women and sadistic shamans, working out our demons on stage.

Theatrically, SISSYBOY is a monthly drag experience of hairspray, duct tape, eyelash adhesive, and stage vomit--all safety-pinned into an unforgetably glamorous show. Tied together by common threads, SISSYBOYs are a progressive drag ensemble, who are at the forefront of the current cultural revolution--entertaining and enlightening their audience while bridging the gap between conventional and unconventional gender roles. They are basically gay white trash who don't fit into the "normal" gay stereotypes!

Watch the SISSYBOY movie trailer.
Sissyboy will be at BERLIN March 5th, 954 W. Belmont
Movie Showing: Sat. March 6th, 4:30pm, St Paul's Cultural Center
2215 W. North Ave., Chicago BUY TICKETS ONLINE

Thee Majesty featuring Genesis Breyer P-Orridge (formerly of Throbbing Gristle) is another of gay interest. "Thee Majesty began in 1998 as a spoken word project, originally founded by Genesis Breyer P-Orridge of Psychic TV and Bryin Dall of 4th Sign of the Apocalypse, A Murder of Angels and Dream Into Dust. Featuring P-Orridge, Thee Majesty is made up of a revolving group of members including Morrison Edley of PTV3 and The Toilet Boys. Thee Majesty’s music is a mix of spoken word performance art against Dall’s free-flowing guitar rhythms.

LIVE PERFORMANCES by Thee Majesty are uncommon, but CIMMfest will be host to a special OPENING NIGHT presentation, following the Chicago premiere of as yet to be disclosed documentary, featuring Genesis Breyer P-Orridge, who also appears in conjunction with Marie Losier's screening of Papal Broken-Dance."

Thursday March 4, 7:00pm
St Paul's Cultural Center BUY TICKETS ONLINE

THE BEST OF GAY CHICAGO

Hope Takes Action - HIV Vaccine Trial in Chicago!

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:54:00 GMT

Every 10 minutes, someone in the United States is infected with HIV. A preventive vaccine against HIV offers the best long-term hope to end this worldwide epidemic. Finding a safe and effective HIV vaccine that will protect people is a huge task. We cannot do it without your help.

We are currently seeking 1350 men who have sex with men to participate in a vaccine trial. You cannot become infected with HIV from the vaccines.
The study will take place in several cities in the United States.

Participants must be:

Men who have sex with men
18-45 years old
HIV-negative
Circumcised

Safety is a primary goal of the vaccine trial. This is a Phase II study, designed to yield limited information on the effectiveness of the vaccine. The research vaccines have been found to be safe in animals and hundreds of humans in previous trials. One of the vaccines is made from an inactivated cold virus known as an adenovirus. The vaccines do NOT contain the HIV virus, and CANNOT cause HIV infection. Since these vaccines are still being researched, we urge all of our participants to practice safe sex.

The HIV vaccine trial is a collaboration between the HIV Vaccine Trials Network, the Division of AIDS, NIAID and the Vaccine Research Center, NIAID.

For Chicago - contact   Project WISH / University of Illinois at Chicago
840 S. Wood St, Room B39      Chicago, IL 60612          312 413-5897

The Best   of Gay Chicago

Whitney Cummings OUTS a Tv Anchor on WGN? WTF?

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 01:36:00 GMT

If you watch E!s "Chelsea Lately"
you may have seen Whitney Cummings
on the show before.

She was in town recently at Zanies and made at stop at WGN. Some, found her hilarious on the Morning News show, as she pulled Paul Konrad out of his weather closet!

Is GAY that funny?

Apparently.

Brian Drabik of Chicago sent WGN the following letter -

To the Editor:

This morning I turned on WGN Morning News and Whitney Cummings was on.

While on air, she was sitting at Paul Konrad’s spot at the desk and she updated his Facebook status because he had left his computer logged on. She updated it to say “Paul Konrad is gay.”

People in the studio laughed and Robin remarked, while laughing, “I think he’s posted that before.”

This wasn’t enough. You then later re-aired this clip, with the newscasters laughing and then having Paul remark about how many Facebook comments he recieved in response to the status update.

Is it funny to be gay? Am I missing some comedic gem here? I’m shocked that this was allowed and encouraged. Do you know what it’s like to grow up being gay and teased and humiliated for being different than everyone else?

I don’t understand why it’s okay to use a sexual orientation as a joke, on a news broadcast nonetheless. If the “comedian” said “Paul Konrad is black” or “Paul Konrad is a woman,” Asian or Latino, would that be as funny?

And while I know you aren’t responsible for the comments of your guests, I would expect you to have your newscasters keep their bigoted jokes to themselves. Most of all, I am really upset that it was re-aired, put the video online and you Tweeted about it! So clearly no one there understood that this was just out and out wrong.

I never write letters like this complaining, but I had to today, I am personally offended and truly saddened. I can’t watch your show anymore. I certainly don’t want to watch a station that thinks my sexual orientation is laughable.

I know you sit on the float at the Gay Pride Parade every year to show your support, but now I’ll just wonder if you’re there just to laugh at us.

I would appreciate an apology.

– BRIAN DRABIK, CHICAGO

To which WGN responded -

Dear Brian:

Thank you for writing to the WGN Morning News. We always appreciate getting feedback from our viewers.

Our anchors did laugh at the comedian for posting a false message about Paul live on Facebook.

Paul got caught leaving his Facebook page open, and the comedian was able to hijack it for all to see.

It’s unfortunate that what started as an attempt at a joke, ended up as offensive to our viewers.

I agree that as the morning progressed, the “joke” took on a life of its own with little regard for the feelings of our audience.

That was wrong and I sincerely apologize for it.

Your e-mail is an important reminder to us that we need to be vigilant against allowing or encouraging feeble attempts at “humor” that display a lack of respect for others.

I’m also sorry that, as a viewer, we let you down.

It is our goal every morning to provide our viewers with the best news, weather, traffic and entertainment in the morning.

I hope one day you will choose to watch us again, so that we may regain your trust.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.

– GREG CAPUTO, NEWS DIRECTOR, WGN-TV

Where do we draw the line? What if it had been a Jew Joke? Paul Konrad is married. Why didn't Whitney say "Paul's out banging his mistress this morning!" - instead of PAUL IS GAY?

Watch the video clip on Chicago Now.

Roscoe's Invite You to an ABSOLUT Berri Acai Party!

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:34:00 GMT

Roscoe's

is proud to host the
GLBT Industry Launch Party
for Absolut's newest flavor,
Absolut Berri Acai!

*Açaí grows on palm trees in South America, blueberries are mainly native to North America and Europe, and pomegranate is a delicacy from south-west Asia.

The variant is the 12th flavour
extension in the Absolut portfolio.

Please join us on

Monday, February 15th @ 9pm
for a night to remember...

Absolut Berri Acai hosted bar from 9-Midnight

Tribal Beats & Dancers
from Circuit Mom Productions

And Much, Much More...

Please RSVP to
events@roscoes.com

ROSCOES 3356 N. Halsted Chicago

Freedom To Marry - Reception February 18th!

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:03:00 GMT

LAMBDA LEGAL
and its partner and sponsor organizations
cordially invite you
to a FREE event:

The 9th Annual
Freedom to Marry Reception

Educate. Advocate. Celebrate.

Thursday, February 18, 2010
6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

The National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W. 19th Street, Chicago
(Three blocks from the 18th Street stop on the Pink Line.)

Music by DJ Harry T, Cake-Cutting, Hors d’Oeuvres, Open Bar & much, much more!

Also, a special performance of “Let Them Eat Cake,” created by Holly Hughes and Megan Carney with Maureen Angelos and an ensemble of Chicago’s finest artists & activists. ASL interpretation provided.

BE PART OF A MOVEMENT!
Join us as we honor the commitment of local same-sex couples and continue the fight for marriage equality.

RSVP preferred: Lambda Legal Events
Lauren Hernandez or Simon Aronoff @ lhernandez@lambdalegal.org
(312) 663-4413 x327

The Best of Gay Chicago

Lesbian Comic Vickie Shaw in Chicago for Laugh Out Loud Fridays at Circuit Nightclub

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:21:00 GMT

V I C K I E

Lesbian comic VICKIE SHAW
will be doing a show this Friday, February 12th
at Circuit Nighclub. 3641 North Halsted Street.

The evening is part of the Circuit Girl / Laugh Out Loud Fridays.

Seating begins @ 8pm. Show at 9pm.
$10 admission ($5 for members) and hosted by TAMALE!

She looks like the woman next door ... All-American with blond hair, lipstick and polished nails. Once she opens her mouth, you'll know she was born and raised in Texas and you'll never stop laughing.

Vickie has performed in almost every state in the US over the last five years and has headlined in various venues including: Michigan Womyn's Festival, National Women's Music Festival, Monterrey Beach Women's Festival; and the Dinah & Lina Shore Golf Tournament in Palm Springs.

She can also be seen in The Outlaugh Festival on Wisecrack, The Complete Series
and in her DVD Vickie Shaw: You Can Take The Girl Out of Texas .

The Best of Gay Chicago

Blake Lewis at Borderline Music February 13th

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:24:00 GMT

Singer-songwriter and beatboxer BLAKE LEWIS who was the runner-up on the sixth season of American Idol, will be in town spinning music at Borderline Music.

Saturday, February 13th 2:00pm
at the Boystown store, 3333 N. Broadway.

His second album HEARTBREAK ON VINYL was released this past October. You can come hear some of his favorite music and he will be signing autographs!

The Best of Gay Chicago