Category Archives: News and Happenings
Sidecar High Tech Hitchhiking Comes to Chicago
provide exempt rideshare transportation. Essentially, a quick and hassle-free ridesharing
option that offers more safety than casual carpooling and is a completely donation-
based way to get around town!
at any time. As our community grows, so do the number of drivers and
area of coverage. It’s brand new in Chicago – so give it some time to grow. Check
your app anytime for a quick, fun and reliable ride.
people who need rides with vetted drivers from the community who are able and willing
to share a ride. All payments are completely voluntary and are handled via a cashless,
donation-based system between smartphones.
are completely voluntary. To help make the donation system easier, we’ve included a
“suggested donation” in the app, which shows you how much others are paying for rides
of similar durations and distances. The suggested donation is constantly updating to
reflect new donations made in the system. The donation you make can be any amount,
including $0. Just remember to treat your drivers like you would like to be treated!
CHI will be providing DOSE-goers the opportunity to try the service and
snag a free ride to the Market this Sunday! Just enter the code
ILOVEDOSE for a $15 credit toward your first ride.
Taverna 750 Best Old School Italian with Contemporary Flair
Best Hidden Gem,
Best Date Restaurant,
Best Brunch,
Best Sidewalk Cafe.
And BestGayChicago.com gives them 5 pink crowns!
“My passion for food runs very very deep, as it is more than just a collection of ingredients and a means to satisfy ones hunger,” says Chef Coker. “My passion comes from the true power food possesses and its ability to do many things beyond simply nourishment.
much pricier downtown places like RPM Italian a run for their money. “Food also has the power to evoke a wide array of emotions and intrigue all of ones senses. That is what I hope to accomplish everyday through my food,” says Chef. “I want to use fresh seasonal ingredients as a vehicle to share my love for all things cooking, and hopefully have the diner experience that same appreciation. My goal is to sell an experience that tastes delicious and can be remembered far after.”
as they’re ready, and will be plated for sharing.Which is how I like it.
Brunch, dinner or late night bites, they have a range of items consisting of gourmet dinner, brunch and a full menu of amazing tasty crafted drinks. There is also a late night pizza menu for anyone looking for a nightcap and nosh.
Taverna 750 750 W Cornelia Ave Chicago, IL 60657 ph. 773-904-7466
Benjamin Newby Shakes up Spring Drinking at Taverna 750
Benjamin Newby, a big name in the Chicago restaurant scene, he is one of Chicago’s most celebrated and recognizable operators and mixologists. When it comes to mixology, Ben’s cocktails embody his heartfelt, experience-led concepts. He is known for creating innovative drinks enjoyed by both the connoisseur and the person looking for a great libation.
They are all good. Trust me, I tasted them all! But I have to say I really like the tequila-based “Smoky Paloma” is paired with Taverna’s housemade grapefruitcello, bottled overnight, and served in a smoking glass over a vanilla-bourbon ice cube the size of a softball with a sidecar in a fishbowl of ice, of course. Can you say FABULOUS?!
Also you should check out “San Remo“, made with Hennessy Black, Wild Strawberry Tea Syrup, Squeezed Lemon, Apertif, Topped with Wild Strawberry Tea Foam– the foam topping is awesome!
The OUT NYC planning to open OUT CHICAGO Hotel in Boystown
complex, serving as a travel and entertainment destination for visitors
and locals alike.
rooms, 3 outdoor courtyards, The Spa at the OUT NYC, a glass-covered
atrium, jacuzzis, steam room, sauna, 24-hour fitness center, XL
Nightclub, KTCHN Restaurant, and conference facilities available for
special events and catering.
SIDETRACK & Minibar and across the street from Roscoe’s (the 3 top
grossing gay bars in Chicago); this is in the epicenter of Chicago’s
‘gayborhood’ appropriately called “Boystown”. This 4 star Urban Resort
complex will include..….
– ±112 boutique hotel rooms (including Shared Luxury Accommodations & Extended Stay Suites)
– 1500SF full service Spa, Gym & Wellness Center – “The Spa @ THE OUT”
– 2500SF of Conference/Meeting/Event Space
– 3000SF Fully Enclosed Glass Atrium Courtyard – 1500 SF Enclosed
Rooftop Bar & Lounge with spectacular views of downtown Chicago
– “KTCHN Art” Restaurant (consultation and possible partnership with Celebrity Chef Art Smith)
– 2000 SF “XL Minibar” with Dance/Cabaret Space (acquisition and
partnership and/or management contract is currently in negotiations with
Minibar)
– Marketing Partnership with Sidetrack Bar and access to their 15,000 sf bar complex from the THE OUT CHICAGO Lobby.
– BOUTIQUE lobby shop.
About us…..
http://theoutnyc.com/media-
FODORS TOP 100: Our “Straight-friendly” Urban Resort (THE OUT NYC)
surrounding our XL Nightclub was named one of this year’s top 100 hotels
in the world by Fodors featured in the “Trendsetter” category and
featured on CNN.com and we are #3 on TripAdvisor (of 156 Specialty
Hotels in NYC).
THEOUTNYC.com (4 star resort + & $99 Euro style luxury hostel pods)
Xlnightclub.com (#1 night club in NYC)
Xlcabaret.com (major performance acts)
KTCHNnyc.com (Zagat favorite new restaurant)
Theoutnycspa.com (full service Spa&/gym)
The ManifestOUT.com (Cultural & Event Blog)
THEOUThousenyc.com (Private Membership Social Club like Soho House)
KTCHN: Zagat –
Thttp://blog.zagat.com/2012/
NY Times Article – “To be a Hotel and Gay in NYu” http://travel.nytimes.com/
TIME Magazine Article – “I Had a Gay Old Time” http://www.time.com/time/
It could mean big things for Lake View and Boystown. A study of the community
has long identified it seriously lacks hotels, a part of the reason why
the Ricketts Family now plan to open one near Wrigley Field.
One was also planned in the Addison Park on Clark development, but the developer behind that project recently announced the hotel deal fell through.
Officials with Ald. Tom Tunney’s office say a hotel in Boystown, however, might be just what the community needs.
“I actually followed up and saw the product, and it’s great,” said
Chief of Staff Bennett Lawson. “It’s very boutique. Our master plan
identifies we need more hotels in the area, so if the space could work
with the right kind of anchor tenants, height and zoning, we’re on
board.”
the 19th District Police Station Community Room. Everyone should
definitely attend and support this project. Chicago is very lucky to
have been chosen for their 2nd hotel location!!
Illinois New Furnace Law could Cost you Big $$$
URGENT NEWS to home
2013 Federal Furnace Efficiency Law
On 5/1/2013 the minimum efficiency requirement for furnaces in Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin will be 90% AFUE.
- Any furnace replacement and/or installation after 5/1/2013 will require a 90%+ AFUE furnace. NOTHING LOWER CAN BE SOLD TO HOMEOWNERS.
- 90%+ furnaces are condensing units, meaning they emit water vapor
along with carbon dioxide in the flue gases which will rust the sheet
metal piping that 80% furnaces are exhausted with. Due to the corrosion
90%+ furnaces require a new PVC flue to be installed. - Depending on the location of the new 90%+ furnace; the PVC flue may
be exposed in the interior of buildings and may require remodeling
following the installation. - A chimney liner may also be required at the time of the 90+ furnace installation for existing atmospheric venting water heating
for more info, go to the web address below:
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/pdfs/cacfurn_dfr_confirmation.pdf
SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN EXACTLY??? If your furnace is located in the basement or near an outside wall, your cost will not be greatly affected, probably a few hundred dollars more.
However, my unit is in a closet, in the center of my home. The new furnace would require new piping to go up through 2 OF MY NEIGHBORS CLOSETS and UP TO THE ROOF!! Do you know what the added cost would be? Another $2000+ !!!!
So for me, it makes sense RIGHT NOW! Um Mom, I think I need a small loan….
You until 5/1/2013 to replace your older furnace with a new 80% furnace and SAVE NOW!
Fresh Flavors of Spring with My Private Chef at Bloomingdales April 13th
Enjoy Fresh Flavors of Spring with
My Private Chef at
Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store, Medinah Temple
for some fresh Spring menu ideas? If so, you will enjoy attending the
cooking demonstration hosted by popular Chef Christopher Tong, of the
upscale Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef. He has been invited back to present a delicious Spring-inspired menu.
cooking demonstration will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2013 from
2-4 p.m. at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah
Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago. Demo Kitchen on 1.
Chef’s Tong menu features:
Fresh Pea Soup with Mint and Crème Fraiche
Strawberry, Brie Cheese, Honey and Basil Crostini
Maple-Soy Glazed Baked Salmon with Spring Radish and Pea Sprout Salad
People who are casual cooks or lovers of gourmet food get to ask
questions, discuss preparation, and come away with fabulous recipes that
you can try at home. Chef Tong will give tips on shopping, ingredients,
and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
For more information about this Bloomingdale’s event, contact 312.324.7678.
Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite
private dining services. 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.
Chef
Chris says: “I love conducting cooking demonstrations where I get the
feeling the audience members will go home and try some new dishes!”
For information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our website at www.myprivatechef.net
We hope to see you there!
Out at Wrigley Gay Day August 3rd, 2013
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
largest annual LGBT sporting event in the country.
which pits the Chicago Cubs vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sat., Aug.
3rd, offers 150 fans the opportunity to purchase VIP Budweiser Patio
seats for $130.00 and an additional 300 seats in right field terrace for
$54.00.
organizer Bill Gubrud. “A finalist will receive a recording contract and
we will hold our very first induction ceremony for the National Gay and
Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame. It is becoming an Out at Wrigley Weekend.”
National Anthem Contest!
Have you ever thought what it would be like to sing the national
Anthem in front of 40,000 people and in front of millions on tv?
Well, here is your chance! Out at Wrigley will be holding a
competition for one lucky and talented person to sing the national
Anthem on Saturday August 3rd at Wrigley Field.
Out at Wrigley will have at least four prelim event dates for you to
choose from to compete. There can be multiple winners at each prelim
event that will advance to the semi-finals. We will have a list of
competition dates for you to choose from!
For more information e-mail info@mtmchicago.com
and the newly formed non-profit National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of
Fame.
Chicago Cabaret Project May 3rd
When the sun sets and you need a place where you can escape—
come to the cabaret!
A place where fantasy, music and comedy collide; life in the cabaret is something you have to experience!
Provocative
and beautiful, the Project strives to revitalize the art of cabaret by
attracting and captivating audiences with stellar voices, handsome
presentations and raw sexual appeal!
stimulating audiences at various venues throughout the city of Chicago.
In each of the company’s first two years they produced only one show
each year. In 2009 the company expanded to extended, regular runs, and
produced nine shows from June to December of that year. This momentum
marked a significant presence for the ensemble among the theatre and
entertainment professionals of Chicago, garnering praise and admiration
for their beautiful vocal styling and provocative, sexy presentations.
In 2012, The Chicago Cabaret Project was granted not-for-profit status
and was reincorporated as The Cabaret Project.
Charity Bingo at Hamburger Marys April 8th
adoptable animals destroyed every year in the Chicago land area. Her goal is to Chicago a NO KILL city.
| 5400 N Clark St Chicago |
Must See Theatre! Under a Rainbow Flag
UNDER A RAINBOW FLAG
5 PINK CROWNS!
story, vivid account of his gay soldier friends in World War II. And remember, this was a time when everyone had to hide in the closet. Leo has put together an amazing story with music and lyrics, that could play on Broadway or Off Broadway today!
Running till April
21, 2013 at 4139 N. Broadway. Which is great little theater in Buena Park!
Tickets are just $20-25. And so well worth it. Your support of this fine show goes to the actors, musicians,
and other artists crafting this beautiful and exciting project.
Pride Films and Plays, the
producer, is a new organization developing new LGBT works for the stage
and screen. This is our first large musical project, and we need your
support to fully achieve our dreams.
Ultimately, we hope Under A Rainbow Flag will
have a long life at regional theaters everywhere. Your support now is
the first step to making that happen as we use our rehearsal time to
hone every aspect of the production.
Speaking in Tongues at the WIT thru March 24th
SPEAKING IN TONGUES.
SPEAKING IN TONGUES is
a masterfully written polyphony about the mistakes we make, the
emotional scars we inflict on those we pretend to love and the
consequences of actions with which we’re left to grapple. Four actors
portray nine characters caught in a destructive web of coincidence,
betrayal, desire and obsession. Skeletons are exhumed, lonely marriages
are unveiled, a wife goes missing, contracts are broken by intimates and
tenuous bonds are formed between strangers. The haunting SPEAKING IN TONGUES will have you piecing together exactly what happened long after you leave the theatre.
SPEAKING IN TONGUES has
toured the world to great acclaim since it was first produced at
Sydney’s Griffin Theatre Company in 1996. It made its U.S. premiere in
2001 at the Roundabout Theatre Company in New York, where it was hailed
as “Clever, Provocative and Resonant!” by The New York Times, “Evocative and Hypnotic!” by USA Today and, “A play of shimmering, iridescent beauty,” by the Financial Times.
Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 3 pm
Tickets: $25
AIDS Foundation Chicago Gala with Paula Poundstone April 18th
A One Woman Show: An Evening with Paula Poundstone
Enjoy a cocktail reception, dinner and a keynote speaker all to
benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. The Annual Dinner is an elegant
evening where we award last year’s most important individual allies,
toast to our evolving work to end the AIDS epidemic and enjoy the
remarks from the guest of honor. Buy Tickets!
This year’s Spring Dinner will host Paula Poundstone who is currently a panelist on Chicago’s own Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me! Ms. Poundstone has been passionate about HIV/AIDS awareness and outreach throughout her comedy career.
| Pre-reception: 5:30-6:15 p.m. | Dinner: 6:30-8:30 p.m. | VIP Reception: 8:30-9:30 p.m. |
Marriage Equality March in Chicago and 50 States
DOMA and Proposition 8.
challenge the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
and California’s Proposition 8 – are fundamentally about whether LGBT
Americans can enjoy the same freedoms and opportunities as everyone
else.
presence and that of your friends and others will make a difference in
the continuing national struggle for equality for all. Join us as we
rally next to the Federal Court in Chicago’s Federal Plaza, corner of
Adams and Dearborn Streets, at 5:30 p.m. on March 25, 2013.
will be followed a candlelight march from Federal Plaza to Pioneer Plaza
(By the Tribune Tower). Please remember to bring a candle. Please
spread the word and add your friends to this invite. Tell the SCOTUS we
demand Marriage EquALLity Now!
Civil Rights Agenda (TCRA) and Gay Liberation Network (GLN) are
supporting organizations. Check FACEBOOK for additional details and
supporters.
FREE Films March 20th – LGBT History
The 1920s saw a revolution in technology, the advent of the recording
industry, that created the first class of African-American women to sing
their way to fame and fortune. Blues divas such as Bessie Smith, Ma
Rainey, and Alberta Hunter created and promoted a working-class vision
of blues life that provided an alternative to the Victorian gentility of
middle-class manners. In their lives and music, blues women presented
themselves as strong, independent women who lived hard lives and were
unapologetic about their unconventional choices in clothes, recreational
activities, and bed partners. Blues singers disseminated a Black
feminism that celebrated emotional resilience and sexual pleasure, no
matter the source.
American lesbian, recounts her life. As a lesbian academic interviewed
in the documentary puts it, “Ruth is a gift to us” as she is able to
tell what it was like to suffer “triple oppression, being a woman, being
black, and being a lesbian.” Ellis tells about discovering her
sexuality some 80 years ago, and when discussing her romantic
involvements (which included one relationship lasting 35 years), she is
utterly honest.
had sex, and she replies it was when she was 95, adding with a laugh,
“that was a one-night stand.” A businesswoman, Ellis lived openly as a
lesbian and often played host for an active social circle of gays and
lesbians in Detroit at a time when mainstream America scarcely
acknowledged the existence of the community. The film is illustrated
with vintage photographs of Ellis, her family, lovers, and friends, and
footage shot in the present day shows her at dance class, having fun at
her favorite bowling alley, and shooting pool with friends. This is an
engaging look at a special character, a woman who was always true to
herself.
Menz Room Anniversary Fashion and Hair Show Benefit at Hydrate
Downtown Bar Friday Night Parties b-low
St Patricks Day at Downtown Bar March 16th
VanderPump Rules at Hydrate! Sheana Marie and Jax Taylor Live MARCH 16th
If you have bitten by the VanderPump bug – you don’t want to miss this!!
VanderPump Rules at Hydrate! Sheana Marie and Jax Taylor Live
You’ve seen them on the show…
now you can see them live!
Come see SCHEANA MARIE perform her hit single….”WHAT I LIKE!” live at
Hydrate! Stick around after the show and get to ask the questions you
want the full T on!
Scheana and Jax (the ever so hot and sexy bartender) are going to be dishing about what happened on and off the screen!
Advance General Admission tickets are only $15.
VIP Meet and Greet tickets along with a special VIP Gift bag are only $25!!!
HYDRATE
Wanna arrive in style for this star studded event, we’ll help you out with that too! Download the UBER Black Car service app on your smart phone and use promo code UBERHYDRATE and get $10 off your first ride in this amazing on demand VIP car service!
Wonka Ball April 26th, GRAB EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW
About Face Theatre celebrates its 17th year with a three-ring party of colossal entertainment and excessive elegance at WONKA BALL 2013: CIRCUS MAXIMUS on Friday, April 26, 2013 at 8 pm (Ringmaster’s VIP Cocktail Party at 7 pm). AFT’s premier fundraiser combines the surprising delights of the big top with the inspired grandeur of this year’s venue, Chicago’s Architectural Artifacts, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.
WONKA BALL 2013: CIRCUS MAXIMUS offers
a night of dazzling performances, decadent revelry and dancing, and
sumptuous dining and drink. The annual gala includes a tempting silent
auction, the presentation of the prestigious 2013 Leppen Leadership
Awards and the About Face Youth Theatre MVP Award. Tickets are currently available at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or 773-784-8565.
About Face Theatre’s VIP supporters will be special guests at the exclusive Ringmaster’s VIP Cocktail Party beginning
at 7 pm and hosted by AFT board members Drew Kent and Rob Abernathy.
VIP guests will enjoy early access to the venue with an exclusive
cocktail party, sumptuous culinary treats, special “sideshow”
entertainments, the opportunity for early bidding at the silent auction
and intimate access to the About Face leadership
and artists. VIP supporters will also enjoy prime viewing of
center-ring performances from the lavish Ringmaster’s Lounge exclusively
reserved from 7 – 9 pm.
Proceeds from the WONKA BALL support About Face Theatre programming including its groundbreaking Youth Theatre, which creates critically acclaimed new work by and about LGBTQA youth and their allies. The
Youth Theatre has performed on major stages across the country, and,
through its outreach tour, changes the lives of thousands of young
people each year. AFT also boasts its annual, award-winning main stage season and the ambitious XYZ Festival of New Works.
Named for About Face Youth Theatre supporter Michael Leppen, the annual Leppen Leadership Awards recognize
those whose efforts on behalf of About Face Theatre and the LGBTQA
community empower youth leaders to take action and encourage LGBTQA
adults and youth to create intergenerational dialogue and understanding.
Event: WONKA BALL 2013: CIRCUS MAXIMUS
Date: Friday, April 26 at 8 pm; Ringmaster’s VIP Cocktail Party at 7 pm
Location: Architectural Artifacts, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave. in Chicago
Details: Featuring a silent auction, open bar, delicious food, music, dancing and performances.
Tickets: $135 general admission. Ringmaster’s VIP Cocktail Party: $135 event ticket + $100 tax deductible donation. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For tickets, visit www.aboutfacetheatre.com
EARLY BIRD PRICING EXPIRE THIS WEEKEND!
This post is sponsored by:
