Monthly Archives: March 2010
Chicago History Museum Steps Out – OUT AT CHM April 15
Chicago History Museum Steps Out
Think you have a solid understanding of the Civil Rights Movement? During a special April 15 program at Chicago History Museum, Kevin Mumford will make a case for putting sexuality at the center of the movement that may persuade you to reconsider.
Mumford is an award-winning historian known for his compelling revisions of standard history. His April 15 discussion on “Sexuality and Civil Rights: Rethinking the Sixties” is part of the museum’s landmark Out at CHM series, now in its seventh year. Previous Out at CHM discussions have explored how city space is reshaped for queer communities and how art and political change have intersected over the last 25 years, among other topics.
Cocktails will be served at 5:30 PM, and the program begins at 6:30.
Get complete details online, and plan now to attend this intriguing event.
Cost: $12; $10 members and students.
Best of Gay Chicago
Chicago History Museum Steps Out – OUT AT CHM April 15
Chicago History Museum Steps Out
Think you have a solid understanding of the Civil Rights Movement? During a special April 15 program at Chicago History Museum, Kevin Mumford will make a case for putting sexuality at the center of the movement that may persuade you to reconsider.
Mumford is an award-winning historian known for his compelling revisions of standard history. His April 15 discussion on “Sexuality and Civil Rights: Rethinking the Sixties” is part of the museum’s landmark Out at CHM series, now in its seventh year. Previous Out at CHM discussions have explored how city space is reshaped for queer communities and how art and political change have intersected over the last 25 years, among other topics.
Cocktails will be served at 5:30 PM, and the program begins at 6:30.
Get complete details online, and plan now to attend this intriguing event.
Cost: $12; $10 members and students.
Best of Gay Chicago
BestGay Chicago Recommends ZED451 – Best Gourmet Dinner Experience in Downtown Chicago
Last week we told you about an amazing wine tasting experience we enjoyed downtown at ZED451.
We had to get back there for dinner! So a few nights ago we did just that.
WOW! What amazing food and what a fantastic dining experience! ZED 451, while based on the concept of the Brazilian Steak Houses, takes dining to a new level. They pay the utmost attention to their ever changing menu’s fresh and seasonal food flavors and ingredients, as well as customer care and comfort. When dining at ZED451, expect a relaxed atmosphere where you are not rushed through your meal at all, matter of fact, quite the opposite. This restaurant is not concerned about how many times it can turn a table in an evening. They are concerned, however, that you stay and have an amazingly good time! What other restaurant do you know of that does that?! And if you make arrangements ahead of time, ZED451 will even drive to your Chicago location and pick you up in their private shuttle! And take you to your final destination when you are finished!
ZED451 started right here in Chicago two years ago. They opened in the suburbs first but the concept was not what suburbanites were looking for. So they brought the concept to downtown Chicago and the urban foodies LOVE IT! They have since opened in Boca Raton and are preparing a site in Boston for later this year.
ZED451 is a revolutionary restaurant concept featuring original cuisine and delivery, service intelligence and unprecedented design. The name, ZED451, is simply the end and the beginning. ZED, the last letter of the British alphabet, represents the culmination of all our restaurant experiences (the end) and 451, the degrees Fahrenheit that fire starts, represents the beginning.
Interior designer Julia Roth and Architect Chris Smith from CMS Design in New York took the original restaurant space which is over 125 years old (and actually still has a speakeasy window in it!), and kept much of the original steel and brick to keep an old, rustic Chicago look. Natural elements and lots of wood were used throughout the restaurant to provide a rich, organic, comfortable feel. From the design of the floors to the design of the menus, no detail has went overlooked. Soaring ceilings, dark wooden floors, glass walls and an eclectic mix of music give ZED451 a relaxing lounge feel. Even the restrooms have state-of-the-art Dyson bladeless super-fast hand dryers!
Before the meal experience even starts, you may want to try a seasonal sangria or mojito on the secluded rooftop when open! Or maybe a wine flight at the wine bar. Every juice used is fresh squeezed. If you order a drink “up”, expect to get freshly chipped, triple-filtered ice in your drink. House-Infused Spirits are available. Every detail is thought about here. Take your time and savor the comfortable surroundings! It’s all about dining in the same comfort you feel in a friend’s home. But with the full service, culinary offerings and ambiance of a fine dining restaurant.
THE CONCEPT is all about FRESH and SEASONAL. $44 for a full dinner. At the fresh harvest tables you find things like seasonal soups, well over 15 composed salads like Strawberry Rhubarb and Spinach Salad, Roasted Pineapple “Madagascar” with Orange Yogurt Dressing, and Sautéed Wild Mushrooms with Feta Dressing.
Plus an assortment of hummus,cured meats, marinated vegetables, olives, peppers, pepperoni, prosciutto, various artisan cheeses and breads. EVERYTHING is hand picked and hand selected by the staff. And it changes all the time. Feel free to graze and try as much as you want…but don’t forget, dinner is still to come!
Once you are ready to begin your main courses, the chefs are alerted and start to bring you their nightly offerings. Modern upscale grilling of fire grilled steaks, ribs, poultry, seafoods, wild game, served along your choice of comfort foods like smoked gouda mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, roasted corn with bacon or cheddar jalapeno potatoes.
Imagine being on the set of the Food Network and you want to try EVERYTHING! Everything smells and looks amazing. So just take a taste, a bite of everything, so that you don’t find yourself overeating and can taste as many flavors as possible~then go back for more of your personal favorites!
Unlike many Brazilian steak houses, it’s not all about the meat at ZED451. There are plenty of seafoods and other things to try as well. The evening we were dining, there was a delicious salmon entrée and a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth Mahi-Mahi dish.
You MUST save room for dessert. FAMOUS for their Butterscotch Bread Pudding and S’mores Pie. WOW! Not to mention Chocolate Strawberry Soufflé Cake and Vanilla Malted Creme Brulee’.
Tired of the same old brunch with Omelette’s and Eggs Benedict? This is the BEST BRUNCH IN CHICAGO and only $24! In typical Z fashion, a lavish gourmet brunch is presented every Sunday. Lavish abundance.
Chefs offer a variety of traditional and exotic dishes tableside while the Harvest Tables are transformed into a sea of fresh fruits, seasonal desserts and specialty items. Corned Beef Hash and Spinach and Egg, Italian Panettone French Toast with lemon curd, vanilla whipped cream and Vermont maple syrup. And of course, fresh fired meats and delicious fish. Their Maple Cajun Bacon is THE BEST!
This will be a fabulous place to spend Easter Sunday! And what about Mothers Day May 9th. MOM’s DINE FREE! That’s right! ZED451 believes mom should be treated like a queen and therefore should not have to pay on her special day!
This restaurant has it all. Whether you want to dine alone as a party of 1 or bring a group of 101, the restaurant has many floor plans and options for everyone to create the most memorable gourmet dining experience.
Pre-theatre drinks and snacks (like amazing $6 beer batter pearl onions and Lumpy Crabmeat Cajun sliders you won’t believe!); Rooftop cocktails; Romantic dinner for 2; After-Work networking event for 20; Sunday Wedding for 100. Tell them what you want and they will deliver. EVEN YOU! I mentioned earlier, call ahead and they will even pick up and deliver you! How is that for service?
INSIDERS NOTE: For those foodies who want to be close to the grilling action, there is a chefs seating area / counter in the grilling area that accommodates about 8 people. Reserve ahead if you wish to sit there.
* Best Gourmet Dining Experience in downtown Chicago
* Best Brunch in downtown Chicago
* Best Pick up and Delivery Service in Chicago
* Best Space to plan a party in downtown Chicago
* Best Wine and Cheese Tastings in downtown Chicago
Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 266-6691 We pick up and deliver!
The Best of Gay Chicago
BestGay Chicago Recommends ZED451 – Best Gourmet Dinner Experience in Downtown Chicago
Last week we told you about an amazing wine tasting experience we enjoyed downtown at ZED451.
We had to get back there for dinner! So a few nights ago we did just that.
WOW! What amazing food and what a fantastic dining experience! ZED 451, while based on the concept of the Brazilian Steak Houses, takes dining to a new level. They pay the utmost attention to their ever changing menu’s fresh and seasonal food flavors and ingredients, as well as customer care and comfort. When dining at ZED451, expect a relaxed atmosphere where you are not rushed through your meal at all, matter of fact, quite the opposite. This restaurant is not concerned about how many times it can turn a table in an evening. They are concerned, however, that you stay and have an amazingly good time! What other restaurant do you know of that does that?! And if you make arrangements ahead of time, ZED451 will even drive to your Chicago location and pick you up in their private shuttle! And take you to your final destination when you are finished!
ZED451 started right here in Chicago two years ago. They opened in the suburbs first but the concept was not what suburbanites were looking for. So they brought the concept to downtown Chicago and the urban foodies LOVE IT! They have since opened in Boca Raton and are preparing a site in Boston for later this year.
ZED451 is a revolutionary restaurant concept featuring original cuisine and delivery, service intelligence and unprecedented design. The name, ZED451, is simply the end and the beginning. ZED, the last letter of the British alphabet, represents the culmination of all our restaurant experiences (the end) and 451, the degrees Fahrenheit that fire starts, represents the beginning.
Interior designer Julia Roth and Architect Chris Smith from CMS Design in New York took the original restaurant space which is over 125 years old (and actually still has a speakeasy window in it!), and kept much of the original steel and brick to keep an old, rustic Chicago look. Natural elements and lots of wood were used throughout the restaurant to provide a rich, organic, comfortable feel. From the design of the floors to the design of the menus, no detail has went overlooked. Soaring ceilings, dark wooden floors, glass walls and an eclectic mix of music give ZED451 a relaxing lounge feel. Even the restrooms have state-of-the-art Dyson bladeless super-fast hand dryers!
Before the meal experience even starts, you may want to try a seasonal sangria or mojito on the secluded rooftop when open! Or maybe a wine flight at the wine bar. Every juice used is fresh squeezed. If you order a drink “up”, expect to get freshly chipped, triple-filtered ice in your drink. House-Infused Spirits are available. Every detail is thought about here. Take your time and savor the comfortable surroundings! It’s all about dining in the same comfort you feel in a friend’s home. But with the full service, culinary offerings and ambiance of a fine dining restaurant.
THE CONCEPT is all about FRESH and SEASONAL. $44 for a full dinner. At the fresh harvest tables you find things like seasonal soups, well over 15 composed salads like Strawberry Rhubarb and Spinach Salad, Roasted Pineapple “Madagascar” with Orange Yogurt Dressing, and Sautéed Wild Mushrooms with Feta Dressing.
Plus an assortment of hummus,cured meats, marinated vegetables, olives, peppers, pepperoni, prosciutto, various artisan cheeses and breads. EVERYTHING is hand picked and hand selected by the staff. And it changes all the time. Feel free to graze and try as much as you want…but don’t forget, dinner is still to come!
Once you are ready to begin your main courses, the chefs are alerted and start to bring you their nightly offerings. Modern upscale grilling of fire grilled steaks, ribs, poultry, seafoods, wild game, served along your choice of comfort foods like smoked gouda mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, roasted corn with bacon or cheddar jalapeno potatoes.
Imagine being on the set of the Food Network and you want to try EVERYTHING! Everything smells and looks amazing. So just take a taste, a bite of everything, so that you don’t find yourself overeating and can taste as many flavors as possible~then go back for more of your personal favorites!
Unlike many Brazilian steak houses, it’s not all about the meat at ZED451. There are plenty of seafoods and other things to try as well. The evening we were dining, there was a delicious salmon entrée and a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth Mahi-Mahi dish.
You MUST save room for dessert. FAMOUS for their Butterscotch Bread Pudding and S’mores Pie. WOW! Not to mention Chocolate Strawberry Soufflé Cake and Vanilla Malted Creme Brulee’.
Tired of the same old brunch with Omelette’s and Eggs Benedict? This is the BEST BRUNCH IN CHICAGO and only $24! In typical Z fashion, a lavish gourmet brunch is presented every Sunday. Lavish abundance.
Chefs offer a variety of traditional and exotic dishes tableside while the Harvest Tables are transformed into a sea of fresh fruits, seasonal desserts and specialty items. Corned Beef Hash and Spinach and Egg, Italian Panettone French Toast with lemon curd, vanilla whipped cream and Vermont maple syrup. And of course, fresh fired meats and delicious fish. Their Maple Cajun Bacon is THE BEST!
This will be a fabulous place to spend Easter Sunday! And what about Mothers Day May 9th. MOM’s DINE FREE! That’s right! ZED451 believes mom should be treated like a queen and therefore should not have to pay on her special day!
This restaurant has it all. Whether you want to dine alone as a party of 1 or bring a group of 101, the restaurant has many floor plans and options for everyone to create the most memorable gourmet dining experience.
Pre-theatre drinks and snacks (like amazing $6 beer batter pearl onions and Lumpy Crabmeat Cajun sliders you won’t believe!); Rooftop cocktails; Romantic dinner for 2; After-Work networking event for 20; Sunday Wedding for 100. Tell them what you want and they will deliver. EVEN YOU! I mentioned earlier, call ahead and they will even pick up and deliver you! How is that for service?
INSIDERS NOTE: For those foodies who want to be close to the grilling action, there is a chefs seating area / counter in the grilling area that accommodates about 8 people. Reserve ahead if you wish to sit there.
* Best Gourmet Dining Experience in downtown Chicago
* Best Brunch in downtown Chicago
* Best Pick up and Delivery Service in Chicago
* Best Space to plan a party in downtown Chicago
* Best Wine and Cheese Tastings in downtown Chicago
Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 266-6691 We pick up and deliver!
The Best of Gay Chicago
Gay Men Fight in Chicago’s Public Aid Office – Then Vogue
ALWAYS WELCOME!
Where am I? New York City?
No darling, you are in Chicago at the Welfare Office. A brawl broke out downtown and ended with a fierce attempt at Vouging!
Security guards were helpless to stop them.
Shocked onlookers began clearing the way as the two wielded chairs as weapons and used the floor space like a boxing ring as they engaged in a nearly minute-long battle.
But horrified gasps turned into bursts of laughter when the apparent winner of the fight began voguing to celebrate his victory. He even danced his way out of the building and blew kisses to the onlookers!
Best of Gay Chicago
Gay Men Fight in Chicago’s Public Aid Office – Then Vogue
ALWAYS WELCOME!
Where am I? New York City?
No darling, you are in Chicago at the Welfare Office. A brawl broke out downtown and ended with a fierce attempt at Vouging!
Security guards were helpless to stop them.
Shocked onlookers began clearing the way as the two wielded chairs as weapons and used the floor space like a boxing ring as they engaged in a nearly minute-long battle.
But horrified gasps turned into bursts of laughter when the apparent winner of the fight began voguing to celebrate his victory. He even danced his way out of the building and blew kisses to the onlookers!
Best of Gay Chicago
ILLINOIS #1 HATER OF GAYs – Naperville’s Peter LaBarbera
the man behind Americans for Truth About Homosexuality, AFTAH, is the #1 HATER OF GAY PEOPLE in Illinois!
Peter LaBarbera not only opposes equal rights for Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender people (LGBT), but has spent literally decades fighting against equal rights.
After years of vilifying gays as disease-prone child molesters, the website of the Naperville-based anti-gay organization Americans For Truth About Homosexuality (AFTAH) recently became listed as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
The Chicago-based Gay Liberation Network (GLN) lobbied the Law Center to list AFTAH as a hate group so that its lies against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people could be exposed to public scrutiny and condemnation. The listing appeared in the most recent issue of the Law Center’s quarterly publication, The Intelligence Report.
The criteria that the Law Center historically has used to determine whether or not an organization is a hate group is not merely that it opposes legal equality for gays or others, but whether or not they intentionally utilize discredited and slanderous propaganda to spread lies about a group of people. By repeatedly using the phoney “research” of defrocked psychologist Paul Cameron, who is roundly condemned by every major professional psychological association, AFTAH’s website apparently met the Law Center’s definition of a hate group.
“Getting LaBarbera’s website labeled a ‘hate group’ is important because it helps assist the political marginalization of a man who has dedicated his career to denying others legal equality,” said Bob Schwartz of the Gay Liberation Network. “Through demonstrating against LaBarbera and his organizations over the years, GLN and others have made LaBarbera gain the reputation of being a bigot, and thus radioactive in many ‘respectable’ circles. This most recent victory, getting the Southern Poverty Law Center stamp of disapproval for LaBarbera’s website, makes it less possible for him to garner support for future anti-gay legislation and initiatives.”
GET INVOLVED WITH GLN!Wednesday, April 7 – Monthly organizing meeting of the Gay Liberation Network. Meeting starts
promptly at 7 PM (we recommend that people arrive at 6:45 PM) at a NEW LOCATION — Berger Park Cultural Center — 6205 N. Sheridan Road (corner of Granville Street & Sheridan Road). For more information call 773.209.1187
Friday, April 9 – Gay Liberation Network live call-in show on CAN TV, 6:30-6:55 PM on Cable Channel 21 in Chicago. You can watch past shows on GLN’s new YouTube Channel. Just go to: YouTube.
Best Gay Chicago
ILLINOIS #1 HATER OF GAYs – Naperville’s Peter LaBarbera
the man behind Americans for Truth About Homosexuality, AFTAH, is the #1 HATER OF GAY PEOPLE in Illinois!
Peter LaBarbera not only opposes equal rights for Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender people (LGBT), but has spent literally decades fighting against equal rights.
After years of vilifying gays as disease-prone child molesters, the website of the Naperville-based anti-gay organization Americans For Truth About Homosexuality (AFTAH) recently became listed as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
The Chicago-based Gay Liberation Network (GLN) lobbied the Law Center to list AFTAH as a hate group so that its lies against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people could be exposed to public scrutiny and condemnation. The listing appeared in the most recent issue of the Law Center’s quarterly publication, The Intelligence Report.
The criteria that the Law Center historically has used to determine whether or not an organization is a hate group is not merely that it opposes legal equality for gays or others, but whether or not they intentionally utilize discredited and slanderous propaganda to spread lies about a group of people. By repeatedly using the phoney “research” of defrocked psychologist Paul Cameron, who is roundly condemned by every major professional psychological association, AFTAH’s website apparently met the Law Center’s definition of a hate group.
“Getting LaBarbera’s website labeled a ‘hate group’ is important because it helps assist the political marginalization of a man who has dedicated his career to denying others legal equality,” said Bob Schwartz of the Gay Liberation Network. “Through demonstrating against LaBarbera and his organizations over the years, GLN and others have made LaBarbera gain the reputation of being a bigot, and thus radioactive in many ‘respectable’ circles. This most recent victory, getting the Southern Poverty Law Center stamp of disapproval for LaBarbera’s website, makes it less possible for him to garner support for future anti-gay legislation and initiatives.”
GET INVOLVED WITH GLN!Wednesday, April 7 – Monthly organizing meeting of the Gay Liberation Network. Meeting starts
promptly at 7 PM (we recommend that people arrive at 6:45 PM) at a NEW LOCATION — Berger Park Cultural Center — 6205 N. Sheridan Road (corner of Granville Street & Sheridan Road). For more information call 773.209.1187
Friday, April 9 – Gay Liberation Network live call-in show on CAN TV, 6:30-6:55 PM on Cable Channel 21 in Chicago. You can watch past shows on GLN’s new YouTube Channel. Just go to: YouTube.
Best Gay Chicago
Gay Chicago Hottie Ronnie Kroell Goes Full Frontal Nude for Playgirl
Social Media has created
a new world of celebrities.
The exposure that a TV show and your Facebook fan page can give someone, affords people the ability to reach new heights. Welcome to the 21st Century!
Chicagoan Ronnie Kroell was the only gay contestant on the first year of Make Me A Super Model. Ronnie was a full-time student at the University of Illinois at Chicago had plans to take home the top prize. He came very close! He came in second place but the exposure has been HUGE for him and his career.
Cocktails to Couture. From pouring drinks at MiniBar onward and upward to SuperModel, Ronnie has had a couple very busy years!
He has been in the news a lot lately with the buzz around his Playgirl photo shoot!
A couple months ago, Daniel Nardicio of Playgirl secured Ronnie for photo shoot. The Levi Johnston shoot created quite a stir, but Ronnie will go FULL FRONTAL, all the way! The shoot happened this past week.
I spoke to Daniel last night. He called me from New York. “Ronnie Kroell is shot and DONE! He was shot by Lope Navo Wednesday at The Grace Hotel. And I have to say, it’s going to be groundbreaking for Playgirl. The shots are amazing, and Ronnie is yes, hard and full frontal. You will GAG!”
Ronnie revealed, “The theme of the shoot was to celebrate fashion and one’s ability to express themselves, but also throughout the shoot, being able to see beyond the clothing labels and beyond the labels that society puts on us to reveal something we all have – the human body, fragile, vulnerable and beautiful.”
And he added, “I am VERY happy to have worked with a truly talented creative team on this PLAYGIRL COVER SHOOT. Stay tuned for pictures to be released on or before MAY 15th and to get your own copy of the SUMMER 2010 issue of PLAYGIRL on JUNE 15th!!”
Daniel is very excited as well. He told me, “I’m convinced that the Ronnie Kroell shoot will bring Playgirl up to a whole new level.
The entire crew made for an exciting day for Playgirl, and a next step in our evolution as a magazine. I trust readers are going to love it.
IT WAS GREAT! Honestly, it could not have gone better!”
Best Gay Chicago
Gay Chicago Hottie Ronnie Kroell Goes Full Frontal Nude for Playgirl
Social Media has created
a new world of celebrities.
The exposure that a TV show and your Facebook fan page can give someone, affords people the ability to reach new heights. Welcome to the 21st Century!
Chicagoan Ronnie Kroell was the only gay contestant on the first year of Make Me A Super Model. Ronnie was a full-time student at the University of Illinois at Chicago had plans to take home the top prize. He came very close! He came in second place but the exposure has been HUGE for him and his career.
Cocktails to Couture. From pouring drinks at MiniBar onward and upward to SuperModel, Ronnie has had a couple very busy years!
He has been in the news a lot lately with the buzz around his Playgirl photo shoot!
A couple months ago, Daniel Nardicio of Playgirl secured Ronnie for photo shoot. The Levi Johnston shoot created quite a stir, but Ronnie will go FULL FRONTAL, all the way! The shoot happened this past week.
I spoke to Daniel last night. He called me from New York. “Ronnie Kroell is shot and DONE! He was shot by Lope Navo Wednesday at The Grace Hotel. And I have to say, it’s going to be groundbreaking for Playgirl. The shots are amazing, and Ronnie is yes, hard and full frontal. You will GAG!”
Ronnie revealed, “The theme of the shoot was to celebrate fashion and one’s ability to express themselves, but also throughout the shoot, being able to see beyond the clothing labels and beyond the labels that society puts on us to reveal something we all have – the human body, fragile, vulnerable and beautiful.”
And he added, “I am VERY happy to have worked with a truly talented creative team on this PLAYGIRL COVER SHOOT. Stay tuned for pictures to be released on or before MAY 15th and to get your own copy of the SUMMER 2010 issue of PLAYGIRL on JUNE 15th!!”
Daniel is very excited as well. He told me, “I’m convinced that the Ronnie Kroell shoot will bring Playgirl up to a whole new level.
The entire crew made for an exciting day for Playgirl, and a next step in our evolution as a magazine. I trust readers are going to love it.
IT WAS GREAT! Honestly, it could not have gone better!”
Best Gay Chicago
Equality Illinois and Civil Union Lobby Day in Springfield
This FREE event is sponsored by Equality Illinois.
SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, April 22nd!
CIVIL UNION LOBBY DAY IN SPRINGFIELD
Join us at the Illinois State House as we lobby our legislators
for passage of SB 1716 – the Civil Union bill.
Free Buses will depart at 7am from:
Chicago @ The Equality Illinois office – 3318 N. Halsted Street
Oak Park @ Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church – 405 S. Euclid Avenue
(the bus will make a brief stop in Bolingbrook from 7:30-8am at
Denny’s Restaurant – 126 East North Frontage Road – Exit 267 off of I-55 South (Stevenson)
Carbondale @ Church of the Good Shepherd – 515 S. Orchard Drive
(this bus will make a brief stop in Belleville from 8:45-9:15am at
St. Paul’s United Church of Christ – 115 West B St.
Please note that the pick up/drop off point will be at the corner of 2nd & C Streets.
All buses will drop off attendees at The Hoogland Center for the Arts 420 South 6th Street, Springfield, Illinois at approximately 11am. Anyone taking alternate transportation should meet us there.
Lunch will be held from 11am-12:30pm, during which we will discuss effective talking points and lobbying your legislators.
Attendees will have a chance to meet with their legislators from 1-3:30pm at the State House.
A debrief, reception and dinner will be held from 3:30-5:30pm
All buses depart Springfield at 5:30pm
Civil Union supporters from the entire state are welcome and encouraged to join us in Springfield!
ALL ATTENDEES MUST RSVP –
including those arriving in Springfield via alternative means of transportation.
Reserve your space for Civil Union Lobby Day!
The Best of Gay Chicago
Equality Illinois and Civil Union Lobby Day in Springfield
This FREE event is sponsored by Equality Illinois.
SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, April 22nd!
CIVIL UNION LOBBY DAY IN SPRINGFIELD
Join us at the Illinois State House as we lobby our legislators
for passage of SB 1716 – the Civil Union bill.
Free Buses will depart at 7am from:
Chicago @ The Equality Illinois office – 3318 N. Halsted Street
Oak Park @ Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church – 405 S. Euclid Avenue
(the bus will make a brief stop in Bolingbrook from 7:30-8am at
Denny’s Restaurant – 126 East North Frontage Road – Exit 267 off of I-55 South (Stevenson)
Carbondale @ Church of the Good Shepherd – 515 S. Orchard Drive
(this bus will make a brief stop in Belleville from 8:45-9:15am at
St. Paul’s United Church of Christ – 115 West B St.
Please note that the pick up/drop off point will be at the corner of 2nd & C Streets.
All buses will drop off attendees at The Hoogland Center for the Arts 420 South 6th Street, Springfield, Illinois at approximately 11am. Anyone taking alternate transportation should meet us there.
Lunch will be held from 11am-12:30pm, during which we will discuss effective talking points and lobbying your legislators.
Attendees will have a chance to meet with their legislators from 1-3:30pm at the State House.
A debrief, reception and dinner will be held from 3:30-5:30pm
All buses depart Springfield at 5:30pm
Civil Union supporters from the entire state are welcome and encouraged to join us in Springfield!
ALL ATTENDEES MUST RSVP –
including those arriving in Springfield via alternative means of transportation.
Reserve your space for Civil Union Lobby Day!
The Best of Gay Chicago
Frenchie Davis Helps Roscoes Celebrate 23rd Anniversary in Chicago April 1st, 2010
And this year, for the 23rd celebration, Jim Ludwig and the staff of Roscoe’s are pulling out all of the stops! FRENCHIE DAVIS, American Idol Diva, Grammy Nominee and Broadway Star will be in the house to help celebrate!
In November 2009 famed DJ/Remixer Tony Moran released Frenchie’s second dance single called “You Are” as a Cd single.
Last month, Frenchie in the #5 position on the Billboard Charts with this SMASH hit song that features remixes from over 10 different DJ’s.
Frenchie is also in the process of starting to record her “debut” Cd, which will be a combination of the “classics,” “broadway” and a few new “original” songs to be out later this year!
THURSDAY, APRIL 1ST • 9PM
Roscoes will be THE PLACE to be!
sponsored by
Frenchie Davis Helps Roscoes Celebrate 23rd Anniversary in Chicago April 1st, 2010
And this year, for the 23rd celebration, Jim Ludwig and the staff of Roscoe’s are pulling out all of the stops! FRENCHIE DAVIS, American Idol Diva, Grammy Nominee and Broadway Star will be in the house to help celebrate!
In November 2009 famed DJ/Remixer Tony Moran released Frenchie’s second dance single called “You Are” as a Cd single.
Last month, Frenchie in the #5 position on the Billboard Charts with this SMASH hit song that features remixes from over 10 different DJ’s.
Frenchie is also in the process of starting to record her “debut” Cd, which will be a combination of the “classics,” “broadway” and a few new “original” songs to be out later this year!
THURSDAY, APRIL 1ST • 9PM
Roscoes will be THE PLACE to be!
sponsored by
Tommy Hensel Presents Invisible Armor – Protecting Personal Energy
Do you ever feel drained after being around a certain person or in a particular place?
Is there someone in your life who has decided that you are their personal doormat?
Ever feel ‘just plain bad’ for no discernible reason?
If the answer to any of these questions was “YES,” then you are in need of “Invisible Armor.” With simple yet powerful techniques created by author Tommy Hensel, you will learn how to block the negative energies around you, pull in the positive and to manifest those things you need to live your life more joyfully.
Invisible Armor: Protecting Your Personal Energy helps you develop the skills to identify your personal energy, focus and direct that energy, clarify your personal boundaries, create energetic protection, enforce your new boundaries . . . and much more!
The original book and CD were created and published in 1999. Now, author Tommy Hensel has taken a decade of working with clients and used that experience to refine, revise and expand the original text.
The downloadable e-book version of “Invisible Armor: Protecting Your Personal Energy” and for a limited time, copies of the CD “Creating Your Personal Energy,” are now available.
Tommy Hensel, author of “Invisible Armor: Protecting Your Personal Energy” is available for bothindividual coaching and group training in the techniques from the book and CD. Working one-on-one with the client, Tommy will help them assess the state of their personal energy. Together, they will then develop a focused, practical plan to cleanse, shield and protect their energy.
A current resident of Chicago, Tommy Hensel was formerly a 10-year resident of the Seacoast region of New Hampshire. He originally hails from South Carolina and has spent time as a resident of Florida, North Carolina, DC, Pennsylvania and Maine.
Tommy works as an actor, director, singer and cabaret artist as well as a spiritual coach and counselor, Feng Shui consultant and hands-on healer. He has worked with hundreds of people both privately and in workshops to transform their lives using the techniques described in his book Invisible Armor: Protecting Your Personal Energy. He is also one of the creators and teachers of the Wei Chi Healing™ system of hands-on healing.
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Tommy Hensel Presents Invisible Armor – Protecting Personal Energy
Do you ever feel drained after being around a certain person or in a particular place?
Is there someone in your life who has decided that you are their personal doormat?
Ever feel ‘just plain bad’ for no discernible reason?
If the answer to any of these questions was “YES,” then you are in need of “Invisible Armor.” With simple yet powerful techniques created by author Tommy Hensel, you will learn how to block the negative energies around you, pull in the positive and to manifest those things you need to live your life more joyfully.
Invisible Armor: Protecting Your Personal Energy helps you develop the skills to identify your personal energy, focus and direct that energy, clarify your personal boundaries, create energetic protection, enforce your new boundaries . . . and much more!
The original book and CD were created and published in 1999. Now, author Tommy Hensel has taken a decade of working with clients and used that experience to refine, revise and expand the original text.
The downloadable e-book version of “Invisible Armor: Protecting Your Personal Energy” and for a limited time, copies of the CD “Creating Your Personal Energy,” are now available.
Tommy Hensel, author of “Invisible Armor: Protecting Your Personal Energy” is available for bothindividual coaching and group training in the techniques from the book and CD. Working one-on-one with the client, Tommy will help them assess the state of their personal energy. Together, they will then develop a focused, practical plan to cleanse, shield and protect their energy.
A current resident of Chicago, Tommy Hensel was formerly a 10-year resident of the Seacoast region of New Hampshire. He originally hails from South Carolina and has spent time as a resident of Florida, North Carolina, DC, Pennsylvania and Maine.
Tommy works as an actor, director, singer and cabaret artist as well as a spiritual coach and counselor, Feng Shui consultant and hands-on healer. He has worked with hundreds of people both privately and in workshops to transform their lives using the techniques described in his book Invisible Armor: Protecting Your Personal Energy. He is also one of the creators and teachers of the Wei Chi Healing™ system of hands-on healing.
Join the Facebook FanPage
Visit Invisible Armor
Chicago Colori Paint Store and HGTV Color Splash with David Bromstad
Michelle’s dream of bringing C2 paint into the fashion lover’s repertoire became a reality in May of 2006 when she launched Colori Eco Paint Boutique. Since its opening, the feisty “Queen of Color” has single handedly redefined the way people experience color when shopping for paint. In addition to owning and operating her store, Quaranta stays busy serving as a self-proclaimed Color Therapist providing color consulting for interior designers, architects and homeowners alike. In 2009 Michelle was accepted as a member into the prestigious Color Marketing Group.
This past weekend, Michelle and Colori Paint hosted an in-store appearance with David Bromstad, host of HGTV’s Color Splash, More than 500 people entered the Colori contest to get one of 120 seats available at the Chicago event! David talked about paint and took questions from audience. He is even more charming in person than you can imagine and has this infectious happy energy!
Handsome hottie Bromstad, winner of HGTV’s first “Design Star” reality show four years ago, announced he has brought the show to Miami for the new season, which is filming now and will air in July. The new season will have bigger budgets and draw off many of Miami’s local artisans and design resources. And he said we’ll be seeing more of him him sculpting and designing pieces. He is very happy and very excited to be filming in his city where he lives with his partner of 6 years and their French Bulldog!
“I think Miami is a city that is absolutely inspiring; from the old and new architecture, to the mass amount of artisans and craftsmen, and of course the undeniable weather and overwhelming sexiness. Miami is unique with its international influences, especially from South America. This makes it the only city of its kind in America. I call it the American Riviera.”
“Design in South Florida will absolutely be different than what viewers say in San Francisco. Because Miami has a very specific look of being clean, sleek and sexy my homeowners will definitely want that brought into their homes. Homeowners in San Francisco have a different aesthetic, more of a comfortable, contemporary and traditional feel. The designs in Miami will push the boundaries of design, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to do so!
David is really an artist and not really an interior designer. He has an exuberance, passion and decorating savvy when transforming tired rooms into vibrant spaces! “Color is the root of great design,” says David. “I like to blend styles that incorporate realism and fantasy. Walt Disney really inspired and motivated me. And I love Philippe Starck – he has such an innovative way of creating.”
David recently partnered with Mythic Paints. “This paint is amazing! Amazing coverage, low oder, very natural and non-toxic. My color line encompasses both timeless and innovative colors. Many people suffer from what I call COLORPHOBIA and are afraid to step out of their comfort zone. With my line, you can mix and match across the palette and discover combinations that speak to YOU. Cure your colorphobia and embrace your color-fabulous you! Don’t be afraid of color!”
So what is David’s home like?
“My place is a little quirky. It’s very happy. Lot’s a greys and whites with an eclectic mix. I like big, bold pieces. I love color, but I prefer white or grey walls and pops of color in the furniture, artwork, and accessories. Right now my home has white and gray walls with pops of acid yellow, lime green and red.
“I think it’s important to create an environment not just a room. I like to use murals and custom-built furniture to create a 3-d world that will transport you into another reality.”
David is so nice and so personable and so down to earth, you can’t help but love him! “To me I’m just a regular guy who has a really cool job. I never intended on being in the public eye, therefore I never craved the attention. Now that I’m getting it, I can’t complain. I think I am the luckiest guy in the world to be blessed with what God has given me. I owe my parents and family everything. They taught me honest values that transcend fame.
I really like to help out any charities that help out the gay community and HIV/AIDS. Going to the GLAAD awards in San Francisco and presenting was one of the best memories ever.”
Before he jetted off back to Miami to resume filming he said, “I am so excited for Color Splash in Miami. It is going to be a very different show; a whole new cast. New city. New and exciting experiences. I really want to feature local artisans and craftsmen here in the Miami area. The talent here is so beyond anywhere else I have ever been, and I want to show America how fabulous Miami is. I am also going to show everyone that I’m not just a designer and painter, but I also build sculptures and create art and architectural installations myself. It should be a fabulous adventure!”
David also said more of his art will become available for purchase this on his site!
VISIT DAVID BROMSTAD ONLINE
and Colori Paint Chicago where you can buy David’s MYTHIC paints.
Best Gay Chicago
Best Gay Chicago Best Wine Tasting Experience in the City!
Last week a dear friend calls us and asks if we want to “come over to his place for a wine tasting experience?”
Sure! We love wine, why not?! There was three of us, plus our friend, who was playing host. We all get to his house at a designated time and I don’t see any wine! He said “Don’t take off your coat, we’re taking right off.”
What the heck? We all go down his lobby and there is cute little shuttle bus waiting for us! We’re asking all kinds of questions and he is stiff-lipped. “It’s a surprise,” he says!
We get on Lake Shore Drive and leave Boystown and end up downtown at Clark and Superior in front of ZED 451! I had never been there, but heard it was quite fabulous!
So we go inside and check our coats and the walk us into this glass enclosed wine room. 4 bottles of wine are set out with a beautiful tray of cheeses and crackers. Patrick, one of the chef’s comes in to greet us. He explains our four different wines. Then he gives these amazing description and stories about the cheeses. Every cheese was selected for a reason to not only pair with the wine, but the cheese itself was selected for the restaurant based on taste and quality. It was very clear, a LOT OF THOUGHT went into this restaurant.
So after the chef was done, he leaves the room and we all sample wines and cheeses and chat about things, just as if you were at home in someone’s living room! It was just delightful! It was laid back, it was relaxing and just an amazing time. We were there about 90 minutes.
A private wine and cheese pairing in the wine room can be reserved at any time. ZED 451 can set up a four or five flight wine and cheese pairing for guests, or guests are welcome to select their own bottles of wine from the extensive international wine list. With either arrangement, the only cost to guests is for the bottles of wine they drink. All of the cheese, fruit and nut pairings are complementary as part of the “wine room experience”. That means guests can choose to open a $32 bottle of wine or a $300 bottle of wine and get the same personal custom experience! PLUS, the restaurant will gladly shuttle you down to the restaurant and back home on the Zed 451 complimentary shuttle. Even if you want to have dinner with them! Just plan and call ahead and save $40 in cab fares!
4 bottles of wine at ZED 451: $169.00
Complimentary cheese pairings: FREE
Complimentary shuttle service: FREE
Zed 451 Wine and Cheese Tasting Experience with Friends: PRICELESS!
Zed451 739 N. Clark St. Chicago 312.266.6691
Best Gay Chicago Best Wine Tasting Experience in the City!
Last week a dear friend calls us and asks if we want to “come over to his place for a wine tasting experience?”
Sure! We love wine, why not?! There was three of us, plus our friend, who was playing host. We all get to his house at a designated time and I don’t see any wine! He said “Don’t take off your coat, we’re taking right off.”
What the heck? We all go down his lobby and there is cute little shuttle bus waiting for us! We’re asking all kinds of questions and he is stiff-lipped. “It’s a surprise,” he says!
We get on Lake Shore Drive and leave Boystown and end up downtown at Clark and Superior in front of ZED 451! I had never been there, but heard it was quite fabulous!
So we go inside and check our coats and the walk us into this glass enclosed wine room. 4 bottles of wine are set out with a beautiful tray of cheeses and crackers. Patrick, one of the chef’s comes in to greet us. He explains our four different wines. Then he gives these amazing description and stories about the cheeses. Every cheese was selected for a reason to not only pair with the wine, but the cheese itself was selected for the restaurant based on taste and quality. It was very clear, a LOT OF THOUGHT went into this restaurant.
So after the chef was done, he leaves the room and we all sample wines and cheeses and chat about things, just as if you were at home in someone’s living room! It was just delightful! It was laid back, it was relaxing and just an amazing time. We were there about 90 minutes.
A private wine and cheese pairing in the wine room can be reserved at any time. ZED 451 can set up a four or five flight wine and cheese pairing for guests, or guests are welcome to select their own bottles of wine from the extensive international wine list. With either arrangement, the only cost to guests is for the bottles of wine they drink. All of the cheese, fruit and nut pairings are complementary as part of the “wine room experience”. That means guests can choose to open a $32 bottle of wine or a $300 bottle of wine and get the same personal custom experience! PLUS, the restaurant will gladly shuttle you down to the restaurant and back home on the Zed 451 complimentary shuttle. Even if you want to have dinner with them! Just plan and call ahead and save $40 in cab fares!
4 bottles of wine at ZED 451: $169.00
Complimentary cheese pairings: FREE
Complimentary shuttle service: FREE
Zed 451 Wine and Cheese Tasting Experience with Friends: PRICELESS!
Zed451 739 N. Clark St. Chicago 312.266.6691
From Acrobatic Cats to Barbra Streisand, Skokie Theatre Entertains
AND UNIQUE THIS WEEKEND?
HOW ABOUT ACROBATIC CATS?!
Samantha Martin and The Amazing Acro-Cats and the Rock-Cats come to Skokie Theatre, Saturday March 20th at 12:00 and 2:00pm.
See the Amazing Acro-Cats Live and in Purr-son perform over 30 tricks and feats of agility. Audiences are astounded as they watch these fantastic felines push carts, ride skateboards, roll barrels, ring bells, turn on lights, walk tight ropes, jump through hoops and much more!
The Amazing Acro-Cats are part of Amazing Animals by Samantha, a private educational zoo owned and operated by Samantha Martin, a Chicago-based animal trainer and feline specialist. Her animal troupe have appeared on numerous national television shows, including TMZ, The Tonight Show and Animal Planet, as well as films, commercials and print advertising campaigns.
Ok, so you missed One Night Only: Barbra Streisand & Quartet at VILLAGE VANGUARD in New York City. The dvd will be out in a few weeks. Until then, there is BAB FAB!
Celebrate the birthday of the legendary Barbra Streisand with the third annual “Bab Fab: The Barbra Streisand Birthday Celebration”. THREE NIGHTS!
It kicks off on April 23rd with a Streisand connoisseur Matt Howe, and then continues with two great performances of Streisand’s work on April 24th and 25th. All performances can be found at the Skokie Theatre Music Foundation.
Spend an evening with Barbra Streisand activist Matt Howe on April 23rd, 2010 at 8pm. Matt’s passion for the life and career of Barbra Streisand has not only inspired him to create one of the most thorough informational websites on Barbra but has gained the respect and admiration of several of Barbra’s creative associates and top people in the entertainment industry.
“Bab Fab” will continue on April 24th at 8pm and April 25th at 2pm with A Barbra Streisand Musical Celebration. This performance will cover Streisand’s fantastic musical career, from her early days in Greenwich Village to her incredible rise to super stardom. Rob Dorn escorts audiences through a Streisand musical timeline assisted by some of Chicago’s leading cabaret and musical theater talent, including Amy Cole, Elizabeth Dowling, Hilary Ann Feldman, Laura Freeman, Scott Gryder, Beckie Menzie, Tom Michael, Marianne Murphy Orland, Jason Paul Smith and more!
Skokie Theatre Music Foundation, 7924 N. Lincoln Avenue, Skokie, Illinois 60077.
order tickets by calling 847-677-7761 or onlie at Skokie Theatre.
Best of Gay Chicago
