Author Archives: Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel
Let My Private Chef Help You with your Holiday Party
Getting ready for holiday entertaining? Chef Tong will prepare: Crab, Coconut and Coriander Soup; Maple Soy glazed Salmon and Edamame. Watch Chef Chris prepare these wonderful recipes. There will be time for questions and answers about shopping, ingredients and preparation and then share in tasting the delicious results! For more information about this free Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store event, contact James Bordoshuk at 630.974.4377. NOVEMBER, 29, 2011 The popular appearances of Chef Christopher Tong of the upscale private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef, continue with some wonderful menu ideas emphasizing healthy eating so essential for Gilda’s Club members and their families. People living with cancer know that healthy eating is important for the body and the spirit. The meals in this cooking series are designed to inspire people living with cancer to eat well, serve beautiful food and stay healthy. For more information about this event, contact Gildaʼs Club Chicago at 312.464.9900 or visit Gildasclubchicago.org
Looking for some new cooking ideas for fall?
Let My Private Chef Help!
My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining services.
Need help during the holidays with your holiday cooking? Impress your friends with a dinner spread by Chef Tong and My Private Chef!
Trained in European-style fine cuisine, Chef Tong established his reputation at fine restaurants and hotels in Florida, California, and Chicago. Now he has adapted his impressive skills to the world of private entertaining. My Private Chef offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.
This month, Join Chef Tong
at Bloomingdale’s Home and Furniture Store
in Oakbrook, IL and Gilda’s Club Chicago
NOVEMBER 5, 2011
MY PRIVATE CHEF SHARES SOME DELICIOUS RECIPES FOR FALL ENTERTAINING AT BLOOMINGDALE’S HOME & FURNITURE STORE IN OAKBROOK CENTER
I know you will certainly enjoy attending the cooking demonstration by Chef Christopher Tong. He has been invited back to present some delicious recipes perfect for Fall entertaining. He will conduct the cooking demonstration on Saturday, November 5 at 1pm at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store in Oakbrook Center. 4 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL, Demo Kitchen on the 2nd Floor.
JOIN CHEF TONG FOR A HEALTHY MENU AT GILDA’S CLUB CHICAGO
Mark your calendar for this fun and infirmative event. This healthy cooking demonstration is on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 6pm at Gilda’s Club Chicago. The club is located at 537 North Wells Street, Chicago.
Gilda’s Club provides a place where men, women and children with cancer, and families and friends, join with others to build social and emotional support
in addition to medical care. Gilda’s Club is named in honor of the late comedian Gilda Radner.
My Private Chef has been a strong supporter of Gilda’s Club by providing this series of cooking demonstrations and conversations with Chef Tong.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.981.8131
or visit our web site: Myprivatechef.net
BAR lesque IV – Let the Stripper Fundraising Begin
During the month of November, contestants representing 15 community
businesses vie for the title of “Chicago’s Sexiest” to raise money for Test
Positive Aware Network (TPAN) in its month-long, online strip-a-thon
fundraiser “Barlesque IV”.
As people visit the Barlesque Web site and donate money, the contestants
appear in various stages of undress. Over the course of 5 donation levels,
contestants go from fully dressed to “nature’s best.”
The Barlesque competition officially runs through Wednesday, November 30,
11:59:00 p.m. Donations received beyond that time will not be counted toward the
winner of the Barlesque competition, but will be posted on the Bar-lesque Web
site. All money
raised through Barlesque goes directly to the work of TPAN.
Barlesque is part of TPAN’s annual burlesque event, Chicago Takes Off, which
will take place March 3, 2012, at the Park West. WHICH IS AN AMAZING MUST-SEE SHOW! Last year was a sell-out!
Beyond the 30 day online fundraising, most all the competing “strippers” will be hosting fundraising parties all over the city. Many feature entertainment, some will have open bars, etc. Check out this list of cool fundraising events!
NOV 11th Mini Bar Party – Art Auction
NOV 16th Debonair Social Club $20 donation/ 2 hour hosted bar
NOV 16th Lucky Horseshow
NOV 17th ELIXER & DS Tequila
NOV 18th North End $5 donation, prizes, and lube wrestling
NOV 20th Y BAR 8pm-2am. 5 djs, Fantasy Philanthropy Fetish Party
MEET THE CONTESTANTS ONLINE and follow their fundraising efforts and make donations.
LAST NIGHT the contestants gave us a little strip show!
Check out BEST GAY CHICAGO on FACEBOOK and LIKE US to see all the hot photos!!
TPAN
BAR-LESQUE
Annual World of Chocolate benefit Returns Dec. 1
Chocolate lovers can satisfy their sweet tooth and commemorate World AIDS Day at World of Chocolate, AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) 10th annual winter soiree to be held on Dec. 1 at the Hilton Chicago.
At the one-of-a-kind event, guests are invited to indulge on sweet and savory morsels from more than 30 of Chicago’s finest chocolatiers, restaurants and caterers, while raising funds for the fight against HIV/AIDS.
This annual holiday fundraising event, is
The most anticipated holiday event of the year!
Thursday, December 1 – VIP Reception, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.; General Admission, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Hilton Chicago – 720 S. Michigan Avenue – International Ballroom –
Cocktail Attire/Business Casual
Ticket Information
Tickets range from $100 to $1,500. Click here for ticket details and pricing.
Guests will also enjoy a light buffet, specialty cocktails, a raffle with lavish prizes and music.
AND CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE AND MORE CHOCOLATE!
Tickets purchased on or before Nov. 11 will be mailed;
all other tickets will be held at will-call at the event.
For tickets and more information, please visit A World of Chocolate online at Aidschicago.org/chocolate.
Chocolatiers…
You’ll sample unique chocolate savories and sweets created by chefs and chocolatiers from Chicago’s finest, including:
Argo Tea
Blommer Chocolate Store
Canady de Chocolatier
Confection Diva
Das Foods LLC
Ghirardelli Chocolate Company
The Hearty Boys
Hilton Chicago
Illinois Nut & Candy
Just Like U Like It Catering
Kay’s Candies
Kendall College School of Culinary Arts
La Parisianne du Chocolat Company
La Taberna Tapas
Macy’s Culinary Council
Palmer House Hilton
The Peninsula Chicago
Renee’s Raw Chocolate
Sixteen at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
Sterling Tea
Terry’s Toffee
University Club Chicago
Wow Bao–Hot Asian buns
To mark the 30th year of the AIDS epidemic, a memorial wall will provide guests with the opportunity to honor and support loved ones diagnosed with the disease.
Best Food and Wine Chicago
Best Gay Chicago.com
Michael Leppen to Host Benefit Nov. 14th
Monday, November 14 · 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Michael A. Leppen Hosts A Benefit for Pride Films and Plays That Is
SIMPLY SENSATIONAL!
Pride Films and Plays is pleased to announce that Michael A. Leppen is hosting a benefit on November 14, 2011, featuring the best talent in Chicago in music, dance, comedy, and theater!
Tickets for the evening – which includes appetizers, a complimentary beer and wine bar, desserts, and the program – are $50 for VIP, and $25 for General Admission.
VIP tickets include reserved seats, program recognition, and one ticket to PFP’s current comedy Love Sucks! (running through November 26). Tickets may be purchased online at Brown Paper Tickets or calling 1 800 838 3006.
The evening begins with cocktails and appetizers from 6:30 to 7:30, when the performance begins.
Desserts will be featured at intermission.
Performers for the evening include singers Tom Michael, Natalie Myre, and Honey West, comedy from ThoraBurch, opera from Daina Fisher, dance from the Crush Dance Collective, performances by Pride Films and Plays Artistic Ensemble, and a scene from Rob Mersola’s Love Sucks! For the most complete line-up, visit our Facebook Page.
Michael A. Leppen is a philanthropist, fund-raiser, and he has provided leadership and financial support for a large variety of nonprofit organizations in the Chicago area and elsewhere, many of them serving sexual-minority communities with regard to concerns such as HIV/AIDS, lesbian health, youth work and mass media. For years, Michael has given leadership and financial support to a large variety of non-profit organizations in the Chicago area and elsewhere, many of them serving sexual-minority communities. His contributions have been made unselfishly, without regard to faction, and with a focus on the positive effects of actual work being done.
——————————————————————————–
Location Hoover-Leppen Theater of Center on Halsted
3656 N Halsted Chicago, IL
Pride Films and Plays, based in Chicago, links an international network of writers with professionals working in film and theater.
PFP fosters excellent writing for the stage and screen that speaks not only to the LGBT community, but is essential viewing for our friends, family, and co-workers. Using stories with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender characters or themes, Pride Films and Plays develops human stories that become a cultural bridge to understanding.
Through readings, contests, classes, screenings, and full theater productions, PFP engages artists and audiences in the full developmental process needed to make great artistic experiences.
For more information visit Pridefilmsandplays.com.
IN THE JUNGLE – A very cool Play in the Round at Brown Elephant in Andersonville
In the Jungle
is a play about a fight between two men, George Garga and C Shlink.
Edward Eberwine III plays George Garga. Written in Germany in 1921 but set in Chicago, 1912, In the Jungle portrays the arbitrary duel of a lumber merchant and a poor book clerk. It takes place in the form of a boxing match, with each scene representing one round. Shlink is a wealthy lumber merchant at the start of the play and Garga is only a clerk in a book lending library.
The setting was partially inspired by Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle, but contains Brecht’s unique imagination and mistaken assumptions about America. Among the many themes of the play are communism, capitalism, animalism, love, hate and human isolation. It is a dense, nihilistic portrayal of the human condition.
The show is currently in rehearsals and will open at the Brown Elephant Thrift Store in Andersonville on November 17th, 2011.
How cool is that?!
Wakadoo Productions and the Howard Brown Health Organization are pleased to present Wallace Dirge’s adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s In the Jungle of Cities, directed by Emmy-nominee Keaton Wooden. As part of an ongoing mission of Wakadoo Productions to use Art to serve the community in tangible ways, half of all ticket proceeds will go to the Howard Brown Health Organization to help promote sexual wellness in Chicago for the LGBT community.
Dirges’ In the Jungle, an adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s In the Jungle of Cities, is an allegorical story of the epic battle between a wealthy businessman and a poor bookseller in 1912 Chicago. The production will run from Nov. 17th-20th and Nov. 30th-Dec. 18th (16 shows) at Brown Elephant, 5404 N Clark, at the site of the historic Calo Theatre in Andersonville. Each evening the thrift store will be transformed into a 1912 makeshift boxing ring, with set designed by the talented Shaun Renfro.
“We want to make a powerful, memorable event that will not only affect Chicago emotionally, but also physically,” explains director Wooden. “This piece is a tale of the senseless power of hatred, its devilish intimacy and its ultimate destruction, how easily we resort to it and how painful the results are. The danger and perhaps even the draw of this story is its acknowledgment that we all have thought to resort to the vulgar actions made by these characters. I am thrilled to bring this haunting story to the Chicago community.”
Tickets for $30 are on sale to the public and may be
purchased by visiting Brownpapertickets.com/event/207296.
For more information, please visit InTheJungleChicago.com
and facebook.com/inthejunglechicago
Matthew Harvat and Circuit Mom Productions 4th Installment Revolution Parties was AMAZING
(Top photos Chadwick Cipiti – see more on Picassa)
WOW!
Amazing, Awesome, Beautiful, Spectacular, Eye-Popping, Rad, First Rate, Remarkable, Wonderful….these were just some of the adjectives people were saying last Saturday at House of Blues.
Matthew Harvat and Circuit Mom Productions did their 4th and final installment of Revolution for 2011 with ZOMBIE REVOLUTION. Amazing costumes, staging, production numbers and music – THE BAR HAS BEEN RAISED, Chicago. The Saturday night Main Event we all miss, IS BACK!
(Photos Above by Michael Snell – LIKE BestGayChicago on Facebook – and see more!)
Over 700 attendees – A cast on stage of 20+, 2 djs, Lasers, LEDs, professional choreography and staging – For $40, this is like nothing Chicago has ever seen.
Sergio Ceron is responsible for the 4 custom Zombie mask creations. Plaster molds of faces (and Matthews whole head) were made, then he poured silicon, let it cure and carved out the detail work which he detailed out by hand painting. It is the same techniques used for special effects in movies. The Zombie dancers makeup were done by the team of 3 from Kryolan Theatrical Makeup company and their new Chicago boutique located at 2034 N. Halsted. WOW. WOW. WOW.
REVOLUTION will return in 2012. With parties for Gay Prise and Market Days already set. And probably 2 more TBA. If you missed this year, go see what everyone is talking about, next year!
Circuit Mom Productions
30% OFF Hotel Deals in Boystown for Fall
The smell of Fall is in the air!
And the holiday season is right around the corner! And many of us have friends and family that come to Chicago for holiday shopping and fun!
Boystown, Lakeview and North Halsted areas all have lots going on, PLUS there are 3 great choices to pick for accommodations, that are conveniently located near everything!
City Suites , The Majestic and the The Willows .
The historic City Suites Hotel in Chicago offers the upscale traveler an unmatched degree of service with upgraded premier amenities to compliment its beautiful Art Deco interior. Accenting the architecture details of this 1920’s “Roaring Twenties” gem, the City Suites Hotel exudes a sleek Art Deco architecture style, great ambiance and striking visual detail.
The Majestic Hotel often leaves behind an enduring impression on many guests and visitors. Built in the style of an English Manor Estate, this breathtaking boutique hotel combines the majestic allure of a Victorian boutique hotel with a welcoming ambiance. The luxurious Majestic Hotel in Chicago is set in the picturesque and famous Chicago neighborhood of Lakeview and Wrigley Ville just minutes away from downtown and a block from the scenic Lake Michigan.
Inspired by 19th century French Victorian décor, the Willows Hotel in Chicago is the epitome of modern day elegance. Built during Chicago’s “Roaring Twenties”, a rich historical past surrounds the Willows Hotel located in Chicago’s most exclusive and famed Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhood area. In 2005, the Willows Hotel was officially recognized as a historic Chicago landmark building.
NOVEMBER a chill is in the air, the leaves are off the trees, and Chicago gears up for the upcoming holiday season. THANKSGIVING is the kick off of the holiday shopping season, but many locals and tourists start their shopping earlier, as merchants start displaying all of their offerings earlier. Who wants to wait to the last minute and get stuck with limited selections? If you are in town for Thanksgiving, make your reservations early! All the best spots fill up quickly, as many people dine out this day. Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry and the official lighting and holiday parade downtown is November 19. And of course, there is also a Thanksgiving Day Parade downtown.
DECEMBER of course, the whole month is a peak time – full of shoppers and holidays parties, and holiday walks. Christkindlmarket is in full swing downtown, Michigan Avenue bustles with shoppers, and the Lincoln Park Zoo Lights are on every evening. North Halsted and Boystown and Lakeview are full of retail sales and specials and there are lots of holiday events which will posted on Best Gay Chicago , as December gets closer. But every weekend is a busy weekend in December.
The City Inns Collection of Hotels 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 services and amenities of a full-service hotel. Many packages are available depending on your interests.
BOOK TODAY FOR YOUR HOLIDAY IN CHICAGO
ALL 3 PROPERTIES ARE OFFERING 30% OFF FOR FALL!
City Suites , The Majestic and the The Willows .
Best Gay Chicago
Zombie REVOLUTION Oct. 29
Chicago’s biggest and best party promoter returns Saturday, October 29th!
In June of 2011, Matthew Harvat, owner of Circuit Mom Productions, Inc. launched a new 4 part series of high end, large production gay dance parties called “REVOLUTION” at Chicago’s famed House Of Blues.
ZOMBIE REVOLUTION happens this weekend!
This Halloween event will feature a spectacular laser show to accompany the amazing talents of Grammy nominated producer/DJ/remixer Tony Moran, who’s gold record roster includes some of the biggest names in music. Cher, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Sting, Luther Vandross and Deborah Cox are but a few of Tony’s masterful success stories.
Pair this DJ’s brilliance with the set design, laser show, costuming and production numbers produced by Matthew Harvat featuring dancers from Chicago’s internationally successful dancers from the Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Company and Gus Giordano with choreography by Todd M. Kiech, and you have a night of Halloween Zombie madness you will not soon forget.
Chicago superstar DJ Phil DaBeatz has also come on board to bring his own tribal magic to this amazing party. A jam packed event of visual and aural pleasure in true Halloween and Circuit MOM fashion.
Avoid online fees – Tickets at CRAM now.
3329 N. Broadway
Tickets online now at clubtix.com
Occupy Chicago to Occupy City Hall Today!
RAHM EMANUEL
is making no friends this week.
Peace and social justice activists upset at Chicago police harassment of Occupy Chicago and verbal threats against those planning to protest the May 2012 G8/NATO summits will launch a non-violent action dubbed “Occupy City Hall” beginning at 1:30 PM, Wednesday, October 26 at the intersection of LaSalle and Jackson. The action will include a march on City Hall.
In light of the City’s arrests of peaceful Occupy Chicago protesters exercising their 1st Amendment rights last Saturday night and the Saturday before that, activists will be demanding that the City drop all the charges against the protesters. During and after the arrests, senior CPD officers and other city officials repeatedly remarked that the City’s arrests of over 300 were a dry run for crackdowns on anti-G8/NATO protesters next May.
In addition to dropping the charges against Occupy Chicago participants, we will also be demanding that the City allow a permanent 1st Amendment encampment for the Occupy movement, just as many other major cities now do.
SOFA Chicago Art and Design Show Nov. 4-6
THE ART FAIR COMPANY PRESENTS One Ticket Admits Patrons To Both Fairs
18TH ANNUAL SOFA CHICAGO 2011
+ THE INTUIT SHOW OF FOLK & OUTSIDER ART
SIDE-BY-SIDE IN NAVY PIER’S FESTIVAL HALL NOV. 4 – 6
And Related Lecture Series,
Special Exhibits And Events
Opening Night VIP and
Public Preview Thursday, Nov. 3
SOFA CHICAGO 2011, the critically acclaimed International Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair, will share the Pier’s Festival Hall with The Intuit Show of Folk & Outsider Art. SOFA CHICAGO, now in its 18th year, enjoys the prestigious position of being the largest and longest continually running art fair in Chicago, a mainstay of the city’s cultural and social calendar.
The Chicago Sun-Times hails SOFA CHICAGO as “amazing,” and Bradley Lincoln of Chicago Home + Garden raves, “This is one of my favorite art shows in Chicago – I guarantee you will see some flashy, jaw dropping works of…genius.” The SOFA CHICAGO and Intuit Show’s joint Opening Night Preview on Thursday, Nov. 3 will be open to the public from 7 – 9 p.m. with ticket purchase.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit sofaexpo.com.
THE Chicago Halloween Party NOT To Miss! Oct. 29th
In the spirit of giving back and sharing their successes, CircuitMOM Productions, Inc. has partnered with The StandUP Foundation, Inc, to stop the bullying of not only LGBT kids, but any child or person worldwide. A portion of each ticket sold goes directly to The StandUP Foundation, Inc, which in turn supports organizations that help combat this universal problem and keep kids safe, strong and builds self confidence.
Chicago’s biggest and best party promoter returns Saturday, October 29th!
In June of 2011, Matthew Harvat, owner of Circuit Mom Productions, Inc. launched a new 4 part series of high end, large production gay dance parties called “REVOLUTION” at Chicago’s famed House Of Blues.
With the audiences growing larger and stronger at each event, the fourth and final party, “ZOMBIE REVOLUTION” being held on Saturday, October 29, 2011 will not only end the eight year absence of a major Saturday night Halloween dance party for the gay community, but also cap off a spectacular first year of new events and only build excitement for the 2012 REVOLUTION series kicking off during next years Gay Pride.
This Halloween event will feature a spectacular laser show to accompany the amazing talents of Grammy nominated producer/DJ/remixer Tony Moran, who’s gold record roster includes some of the biggest names in music. Cher, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Sting, Luther Vandross and Deborah Cox are but a few of Tony’s masterful success stories.
Pair this DJ’s brilliance with the set design, laser show, costuming and production numbers produced by Matthew Harvat featuring dancers from Chicago’s internationally successful dancers from the Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Company and Gus Giordano with choreography by Todd M. Kiech, and you have a night of Halloween Zombie madness you will not soon forget.
Chicago superstar DJ Phil DaBeatz has also come on board to bring his own tribal magic to this amazing party. A jam packed event of visual and aural pleasure in true Halloween and Circuit MOM fashion.
We are keeping ticket prices very low in comparison to other events of this magnitude. We want to make the event more accessible to the masses, especially in the current economy.
Avoid online fees – Tickets at CRAM now.
3329 N. Broadway
Tickets online now at clubtix.com
CHECK OUT THE ZOMBIE Opera Box giveaway today on Circuitmom.com ! It’s only running for a week!
Rahm is Proposing to Do Away With LGBT Council
Though an influential group of 200 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Chicagoans stood up behind Mayor Rahm Emanuel and endorsed his candidacy earlier this year, many LGBT activists in the Windy City expressed alarmed at the new mayor’s latest move: a proposed budget that eviscerates their community’s city-sponsored advisory council. At the latest meeting of the city’s Advisory Council on LGBT Issues, the Windy City Times reports that many council members are hoping to “go down fighting” against their council being combined with the city’s Women’s Issues Advisory Council under a new name: the advisory council on Gender and Sexuality. Some council members object both that the words “lesbian,” “gay,” “bisexual” and “transgender” have been removed from the council’s title and that they were not consulted with concerning the change. In a previous story addressing the cuts, the Windy City Times reported that the council’s director, Bill Greaves, will lose his job as of January 1. The council’s chair Beth Kelly said the change “sends a message that Chicago does not care about this community.” Kit Duffy, the first-ever LGBT liaison to the mayor, added that the change “signals a lack of recognition, and I think it signals an ignorance of impact.”
READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON HUFFINGTON POST
OCCUPY CHICAGO resumes tonight 10-22-2011
At Occupy Chicago we understand this as a gross violation of our First Amendment right to peacefully assemble. Free speech and assembly is a 24 hour right. It does not magically disappear at the park’s Curfew. In a world that continues to have its public space privatized, indeed that continues to have all things public stolen from us, it is essential that we reclaim and build a public space to bulwark ourselves against the oncoming tide ofcorporate greed. We are trying erect a public space, one that is not owned or sponsored, where ideas, democracy, and the resistance against the ever increasing cuts that affect all us, can be fostered.
Saturday
Ambra Salon and European Spa Voted Best in Chicago!
Isn’t 40 the new 30?! Most gay men are vain. Admit it. You know who you are. We are obsessed with body image, good looks and a youthful appearance. Luckily my mother always preached Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize! And I did. Plus I worked in Skin Care for Neiman Marcus for 2 years, so I know there are many products out there that can in fact slow down the hands of time. The attitude that skin care is a feminine pursuit has changed. More and more men are becoming concerned with good grooming and health on appearance. Straight men included. Men need to care for their skin no less than women do. They tend to work under harsher conditions and to get greater exposure to pollution. I have one word for you….PREVENTION. I am not a novice when it comes to facials and skincare. I’ve been diligent in taking care of myself for more than 10 years. I am glad when people comment on how clear, luminous and smooth my complexion is. When it comes to skincare, I don’t go for a bargain. I go for quality. I learned that in this country, bargain and quality almost never coincide. So, for me, when I pay for quality, I am making an investment that is going to translate into great value later on. When I go for a facial, I look for precision in removing all of the junk out of my face in a manner that is clean and gentle. What matters is that my skin remains clear of blemishes, luminous, well hydrated and firm. When I leave my facial, I want to be able to go about my business without being red from inflammation. A few months ago I discovered Ambra Salon and European Spa downtown. 8000 sq. ft. facility with 7 spa treatment rooms, 1 couples treatment room, 14 styling stations, 9 manicure stations, 6 pedicure stations and a spray tan room. “Thirteen years ago I had a special plan in mind—to provide clients with a refuge from stresses of everyday life.” says owner Marie Bartkova, who is originally from Prague. “We opened in 1998 on N. Rush St. with 2 manicure stations, 3 facial rooms, 2 massage rooms and 2 portable pedicure stations. In October 2008, during a tough economy, we were growing and needed to expand to accommodate Ambra’s overwhelming demand. We moved to 1 W. Superior St above Roy’s restaurant. The move allowed us to expand our service menu by incorporating a full hair salon and total spa department.” -Ambra currently offers a full service menu for salon and spa treatments including specialty treatments such as:Different types of Massages, Laser Hair Removal, Hair Extensions, Full Salon Services, Waxing, manicures, pedicures, and Facials. -Designed to naturally improve the condition of the skin and enhance its appearance. Each skin type is treated individually according to personalized needs and desires.Including 24K Gold and Caviar Facials. -Medical cosmetics such as Botox and Juvederm are available. -Ambra carries exclusive product lines such as: Biodroga, Pevonia, Rene Furterer, Prive, Schwarzkopf, Goldwell and Biosculpture. “We provide a full menu of body treatments, hair styling, nail services and basic chiropractic care. Both men and women can opt for single treatments or a daylong pampering session featuring massage, nail care, facial and a catered lunch.” says Marie. Everyone is SO friendly here. The atmosphere is very pleasant, with a very modern decor and it has a nice calm vibe. The space is immaculate, ALL OF THE TIME! Tabatha Coffey would be proud!
40. There!
I said it.
I turned 40, so what?!
“My staff and I are dedicated to bringing you back to balance with our expertise in hair care and spa services. So whether you’re looking for a quick “pick me up” over lunch or a full day of self indulgence, I invite you to experience Ambra Salon & European Spa.”
“There are moments when the mind surrenders to the soul, when time stands still and the body travels into a state of relaxation and well being. In today’s fast-paced world these moments are difficult to discover.”
At Ambra Salon and European Spa, these moments happen every day. Come see why their clients say they are the best in Chicago!
VOTED 5 PINK CROWNS!
Chicago Poetry Foundation
The Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry magazine, is an independent literary Upon receipt of a major gift from philanthropist Ruth Lilly, the Poetry Foundation was established in 2003, evolving from the Modern Poetry Association, which was founded in 1941. The Poetry Foundation is one of the largest literary foundations in the world. The Poetry Foundation works to raise poetry to a more visible and influential position in American culture. Rather than celebrating the status quo, the Foundation seeks to be a leader in shaping a receptive climate for poetry by developing new audiences, creating new avenues for delivery, and encouraging new kinds of poetry. In the long term, the Foundation aspires to alter the perception that poetry is a marginal art, and to make it directly relevant to the American public. Building Hours: 11AM – 4PM Garden Hours: 9AM – 5PM Library Hours: See library information for details
organization committed to a vigorous presence for poetry in our culture. It exists to discover and celebrate the best poetry and to place it before the largest possible audience.
Celebrating nearly 100 YEARS!! When Harriet Monroe founded Poetry magazine in 1912, she wrote that her publication was “a modest effort to give to poetry her own place.” Now, nearly one hundred years later, poetry quite literally has that place. Opened to the public in June 2011, the building houses a public garden, a 30,000-volume library, an exhibition gallery, the Poetry Foundation’s programming offices—including the offices of Poetry magazine—and provides new space for the Foundation’s extensive roster of public programs and events. – Their building on Superior is a MUST SEE.
61 West Superior Street Chicago, IL 60654
$20 Champagne Brunch at El Mariachi Tequila Bar and Restaurant
BRUNCH at El Mariachi just got even better! This week they introduce the $20 Champagne Brunch with free flowing Mimosas.
Saturdays & Sundays are great for brunch at EL Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill. Their superb Champagne Mimosa Brunch has an extensive Brunch menu which includes chilaquiles, skillets, omelettes, tortas and lots of Mexican favorites. The food here is always EXCELLENT!
All Breakfast items are made to order and freshly prepared.
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. Everything is fresh and made to order. “
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.
The $20 Champagne Brunch is offered Saturdays and Sundays, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
EL Mariachi’s custom roasted coffee and an entree from our brunch menu are included. And unlimited Mimosas.
El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill’s is simply perfect for any occasion. It’s the perfect setting for big get togethers or a casual afternoon between friends!
El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill 3906 N Broadway Ph. 773.549.2932
Night of 100 Drag Queens Oct 25-26
VIP Reception & Show Includes early admission for a VIP Reception beginning at 7:00p.m. Doors open for General Admission at 8:00pm Door tickets: $25.00 per person General Admission Show Doors open for General Admission at 8:00pm Door tickets: $15.00 per person (IF AVAILABLE)
Advance tickets as low as $10! This event is sure to sell out.
GraveYard Glamour Ball Oct. 28
Civil Rights Agenda
Halloween Fundraiser
Graveyard Glamour Ball and will be held on Friday, October 28 in the Industrial Ballroom of the Ravenswood Event Center.
4011 N Ravenswood Ave
I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love Halloween and I cannot wait to join other LGBT civil rights supporters and dance as DJ Bern and DJ Curley spin all night.
The event begins at 8pm and ends at midnight, and for $55 you receive a hosted bar for all four hours, as well as light food.
We will be raffling off amazing prizes and Jayson and I will also be judging a costume contest with prizes, so get your Graveyard Glamour on and join us on the red carpet!
Tickets are $65 at the door, so make sure you purchase your tickets online. See you there!!
